ARB’s architecture education reforms took a step closer to implementation today, following the publication of a consultation report and the announcement of a new Commission to consider the requirements for practical experience as part of the education process In February 2023, following over two years of research and development, ARB
Thames Water has awarded civil engineering and infrastructure specialist Barhale a £16.8M contract to upgrade an important water trunk main running through the London Boroughs of Barnet and Enfield. The work, which forms part of Thames Water’s AMP7 Conditional Allowance Trunk Main Schemes, will protect future water supply in the
The Wates Group is set to expand its presence in London with the appointment of its Living Space business to deliver Brent Council’s Major Works programme across its social housing portfolio. The £35m Major Works contract will commence in July this year and will run for 80 weeks with works
Twenty buildings and fourteen furniture projects have been shortlisted for this year’s Wood Awards – which celebrate excellence and innovation in timber architecture and design. From over two hundred projects entered, this shortlist of thirty-four entries celebrates the diversity and creativity of buildings and furniture made using the world’s foremost
With just a month to go until the doors open, UK Construction Week Birmingham will feature a dedicated focus to the sector on its very doorstep – the West Midlands. From 3rd-5th October, visitors to the NEC can expect to see the West Midlands’ finest construction and manufacturing companies, not
Daniel May of Consort reviews the integration of access control systems in healthcare settings, outlining the benefits and key considerations decision makers must make throughout product specification. From patient safety and traversal to the protection of sensitive data and pharmaceuticals, today’s healthcare environments are faced with several operational challenges. And
GMI Construction Group has been appointed to the Procure Partnerships Framework in both Yorkshire and the East Midlands for projects exceeding £30m. The contractors’ framework provides public sector buyers the reassurance that those selected have been pre-assessed and approved for their commercial robustness. It also features a series of pre-agreed
In a move to prioritise the well-being and comfort of its employees, Blackwell Earthmoving has enlisted the services of Roadshow Promotions. The promotional bus specialists have provided a fleet of single and double-decker buses for site welfare for Blackwell’s major earthwork projects. Roadshow Promotions, the UK’s leading provider of promotional buses,
Cole Waterhouse and Taurus Investment Holdings have now achieved completion at ‘Eda’, Erie Dock Apartments, the landmark 290-bedroom Build-to-Rent (BTR) scheme at Salford Quays. At 29-storeys the BTR building is the highest residential tower on the Salford Quays skyline and has been completed on budget and three months ahead of
COWI, a leading international engineering consulting group, has been awarded a contract by renewable energy company Drax. COWI, in collaboration with the Owner’s Engineer, Studio Pietrangeli, will provide consultancy services to support works in advance of the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) of the expansion of Drax’s existing pumped storage hydro-electric
ARB’s architecture education reforms took a step closer to implementation today, following the publication of a consultation report and the announcement of a new Commission to consider the requirements for practical experience as part of the education process In February 2023, following over two years of research and development, ARB consulted on proposals for a new regulatory approach to how architects are trained and educated. The Board’s proposals aimed to modernise the competencies required of architects to face emerging and future challenges, including the climate emergency, and improve the flexibility and innovation for universities and other types of learning providers. ARB also wanted the reforms to remove regulatory barriers, making its approach to quality assurance more proportionate and creating the flexibility for new routes to registration as an architect in the UK. The consultation, which closed in May, received 672 responses from a wide range of organisations and individuals in education and in practice. ARB paid close attention to the range and detail of the feedback received. The consultation report details the key themes raised, and the Board’s decisions as a result, which are summarised below. A full report on the results is available on ARB’s website: https://arb.org.uk/consultations/results/education-consultation-results. Alan Kershaw, Chair of the Architects Registration Board, said: “Today we take an important and positive step forward in modernising the way architects are trained and educated. We’re grateful to everyone who responded to our consultation: their views and expertise have helped to inform some significant modifications to our regulatory framework, which can only strengthen its implementation. It’s important now that the Board builds on the compelling feedback to further improve the proposals, which is why we’re establishing an independent Commission to review ARB’s practical professional experience requirements and develop new recommendations. The year-long Commission is a response to, and acknowledgement of, the key challenges of professional practice experience as identified through the consultation.” Hugh Simpson, Chief Executive and Registrar, said: “The most important thing we’ve learned through this consultation is that our new competencies are a fitting update to the old criteria. The competencies received the highest level of support from respondents, so ARB can be confident that we’ve accurately described the role of the architect of the future, equipping future architects with the skills and knowledge they need to design safe buildings and environments and help to tackle the climate emergency.” Competency outcomes: Accrediting qualifications: New regulatory framework: Professional Practical Experience: Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Thames Water has awarded civil engineering and infrastructure specialist Barhale a £16.8M contract to upgrade an important water trunk main running through the London Boroughs of Barnet and Enfield. The work, which forms part of Thames Water’s AMP7 Conditional Allowance Trunk Main Schemes, will protect future water supply in the area. Just over 2.3 kilometres of pipe will be replaced by Barhale along a new route running north west from Pert Close, Barnet to the southern end of Cannon Hill, Enfield. The new pipeline will be laid through the Friern Barnet retail park, and within: Station Road; Inverforth Road; Upper Park Road; Palmers Road; Bowes Road; Brookdale; Arnos Park; and Arnos Grove. Sections of the route will be tunnelled beneath the A406 North Circular Road, the East Coast Main Line and Pymmes Brook, eliminating disruption at these critical infrastructure crossings. Barhale will replace the existing 24” steel pipe with a combination of ductile iron or steel and high-density polyethylene pipe laid using open cut trenches and micro-tunnelling. Shafts will be excavated either side of each tunnel section to serve as launch and reception chambers for the tunnelling works, which will make up 250 metres of the total length. Shane Gorman, Barhale’s Water Director – Southern Region, said: “Now is this right time to upgrade this aging main pipe. Installing a new trunk main will ensure this section of the water network is in optimum condition for the future. “This is a significant mains upgrade programme in a busy part of London and we have worked closely with Thames Water to ensure that the design maximises value while minimising potential disruption.” The works are expected to be completed by December 2024. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Wates Group is set to expand its presence in London with the appointment of its Living Space business to deliver Brent Council’s Major Works programme across its social housing portfolio. The £35m Major Works contract will commence in July this year and will run for 80 weeks with works including new windows, lift refurbishments, and the installation of new kitchens and bathrooms. Wates will also undertake work to support Brent Council’s fire safety and compliance, including the installation of new sprinkler systems alongside full mechanical and electrical upgrades. External wall insulation will also be installed, forming part of Brent Council’s investment to increase the energy efficiency of its homes as part of its wider social housing retrofit strategy. The new Major Works contract builds on Wates’ existing work on behalf of the council, which includes the refurbishment of four high rise blocks to install external wall insulation, heating and lift refurbishments. Work for Brent Council also includes a range of retrofit installations to increase home efficiency following Wates’ successful retrofit pilot, which reached completion at the end of 2021. The project saw the Wates Retrofit team install energy efficiency measures in void properties, taking them from an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E to B, exceeding the Government’s 2030 target for social housing. James Gregg, Managing Director of the Wates’ southern planned maintenance division, commented: “Having worked with Brent Council over the past eight years, we understand their needs and what they want to achieve for their residents. This places us as an ideal repairs and maintenance partner and will enable a smooth and efficient mobilisation in the coming weeks and months. “There are many strands to social housing repairs and maintenance, all of which are important, not least fire safety compliance and energy efficiency retrofit. Delivering these aspects concurrently, as we will be for Brent Council, is a very effective way of ensuring that all repairs and maintenance needs are prioritised and delivered with real value for money.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Twenty buildings and fourteen furniture projects have been shortlisted for this year’s Wood Awards – which celebrate excellence and innovation in timber architecture and design. From over two hundred projects entered, this shortlist of thirty-four entries celebrates the diversity and creativity of buildings and furniture made using the world’s foremost sustainable and renewable material – wood. A seafront visitor centre, a concert hall, and an office complex are among the shortlisted buildings for the 2023 Wood Awards, while lathe-turned lamps, a table-cum-musical instrument and a community-built table set are among the furniture and product projects. The Awards are split into two main categories, Furniture & Product and Buildings. Buildings are split into: Commercial & Leisure, Education & Public Sector, Interior, Private Sector, Small Project, and Restoration & Reuse. Within Furniture & Product, there are three subcategories: Bespoke, Production Made and Student Designer. Spanning significant public spaces, forward-thinking offices, and unique private homes, the twenty shortlisted structures, listed below, provide a snapshot of exemplary and progressive timber architecture. Shortlisted projects for the Building Categories of the Wood Awards 2023 are: Jim Greaves, Head of the Building Judges says: “Selected from over ninety entries, this impressive shortlist reveals the best use of timber in construction today and demonstrates that wood truly is a material of continuous change and innovation. “Our panel of judges will now visit each shortlisted building to determine this year’s winners – and select a stand-out project to receive the prestigious Gold Award. “This rigorous process is one of the things that makes the Wood Awards the highest accolade in the UK timber industry.” The fourteen shortlisted furniture and product items, listed below, reveal an accomplished array of materially engaged designs. Incorporating endangered heritage techniques, community-led production, innovative problem solving and poetic exploration, each of the entries tells its own story about how wood can transform and enhance our surroundings. Shortlisted projects for the Furniture and Product Categories of the Wood Awards 2023 are: Corinne Julius, Head of the Furniture and Products Judges says: “Wood is a wonderful and often underrated, sustainable material. It’s a taken-for-granted material that deserves more respect. “The Wood Awards are intended to showcase to the public the beauty and versatility of wood and highlight its ability to connect us to the natural world. “They also aim to inspire the industry, designers, makers, and students to gain a better understanding of wood in its myriad forms in order to create beautiful, intelligent products for an increasingly discriminating public.” The Wood Awards shortlist will be on display from 20 – 23 September at Gallery@Oxo in partnership with the Material Matters Exhibition during the London Design Festival. The winners of the Wood Awards will be announced on 22 November during an Evening Ceremony at Carpenter’s Hall. As a not-for-profit competition, the Wood Awards can only happen with collaborative industry sponsorship. A huge thank you for continued support from Carpenters Company, American Hardwood Export Council and Timber Development UK. You can find out more information about the shortlist here. Previous winners of the Wood Awards can be found at www.woodawards.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
With just a month to go until the doors open, UK Construction Week Birmingham will feature a dedicated focus to the sector on its very doorstep – the West Midlands. From 3rd-5th October, visitors to the NEC can expect to see the West Midlands’ finest construction and manufacturing companies, not only exhibiting but hosting networking events, holding demonstrations and staging seminars. Nathan Garnett, show director commented: “We want to be able to give visitors and exhibitors as much access to education, resources and innovation as possible. The great thing about the Birmingham show is we have so many incredible businesses and professionals in the West Midlands, that we are able to shine a real spotlight on local authorities in the construction and manufacturing industries.” FinditinBirmingham are one of this year’s show partners; an online search engine that connects global organisations to local businesses allowing them to engage with the local supply chain. This year they will host two networking events that take place before doors open to UKCW Birmingham itself, allowing visitors and exhibitors to meet local contractors and specialists. The first event takes place on Wednesday 5th October in collaboration with Lendlease; a global construction and real estate company. The second event will take place on Thursday 6th October with West Midlands Housing. Both networking events will be held between 8-10am. Register your interest on the FinditinBirmingham website. The MTC (Manufacturing Technology Center), based in Coventry, will be holding live demonstrations of the work it has done with large-scale ground-penetrating radar (GPR). This yellow, wedged shaped object assists with infrastructure asset management and scanning structures such as bridges and rail tunnels to inspect for subsurface defects with the help of the automation of data processing. This aims to improve quality, speed, and safety of inspection which provides greater objective insight into asset conditions and reduces time spent by examiner in hazardous environments. In the Offsite Alliance Hub, Birmingham Housing Week will be launching the city-wide MOBIE Schools Challenge with TV presenter and architect, George Clarke. To coincide with this, they will be running Hackathon workshops across the day to get their creative thinking started. Professionals and students will work with each group to help them collate and present their ideas in short, group thinking and design workshops. They will be asking the city’s young people, as future designers and creators of Birmingham’s next generation of housing, ‘What do you want from the future homes and communities in Birmingham?’ and exploring a range of topics and questions including: UKCW has also announced an extensive seminar and speaker programme to take place over its six stages. Keynote speakers include Andy Street, Mayor of West Midlands, who is due to take the Main Stage on 5th October to discuss The West Midlands and Manchester devolution and rebirth, the devolved future for the respective regions and the impacts on the built environment. Also on the Main Stage will be Deborah Cadman OBE, Chief Executive of Birmingham City Council, discussing the local authority’s collaboration with Birmingham Housing Week as she is interviewed by George Clarke about housing plans for the city. This will take place on opening day, Tuesday 3rd October. Coventry University will also be in attendance at UKCW Birmingham, offering visitors the chance to try their state-of-the-art training simulator. Here you can experience a virtual reality simulation of a real-life construction site, which can offer a range of scenarios to prepare future construction workers before entering the workforce. You will also find Midlands based exhibitors such as: Register for UKCW for free now UKCW Birmingham Registrations Follow us on social media @uk_cw #UKCW2023 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Daniel May of Consort reviews the integration of access control systems in healthcare settings, outlining the benefits and key considerations decision makers must make throughout product specification. From patient safety and traversal to the protection of sensitive data and pharmaceuticals, today’s healthcare environments are faced with several operational challenges. And where security remains at the forefront of decision making, modern access control systems may often hold the answers. Hospitals in particular have developed into multi-faceted spaces that house hundreds to thousands of patients, staff and visitors at any one time. In England for example, research has found in the three months leading to June 2023, an average of 44,626 people visited major hospital A&E departments each day, with over 16 million attendances typically recorded over the course of a year – not to mention an additional 9 million logged at other minor units. For any building, this level of sustained footfall can invite severe security tests. With that, the need to deploy effective physical security systems in healthcare is clear. And so, as access control continues to become more readily adopted and new products enter the market, decision makers are reminded to consider the requirements of their building, ensuring they select the solutions most suited to their settings and budget. Security controlled Patient safety will always remain top priority in healthcare settings, and where matters of health and social care come into question, a diverse set of professional regulatory bodies are tasked with setting and maintaining high standards. When it comes to healthcare premises specifically, patient security and perimeter security often come hand in hand and are amongst the most pressing of challenges that decision makers must face. To help address operational planning and potential design concerns in the NHS, the Health Building Note (HBN), provides general design guidance for healthcare buildings under HBN 00-01 – citing the use of access control measures as a way of maintaining security and protecting the safety of patients, staff and visitors. Hospital buildings for example, must control varied levels of access for a number of operational and security purposes. Routine scenarios exist where vulnerable patients are under monitoring and thus refrained from exiting the premises for their own safety, while at the same time, permitted staff must be able to reach their patients and medicines when required. For this, the use of access control is key. Equally, access credentials can also help management teams keep track of those who may be entering or exiting rooms with equipment and pharmaceutical supplies, deterring any unwanted visitors and opportunists in the process. On a similar note, regulations have set a minimum standard for how personal data should be stored and managed in healthcare environments, giving decision makers an added responsibility to regulate staff-controlled areas with patient medical records. While instances of personal data breaches are rare, healthcare facilities and professionals are at legal risk should confidential data be found misused or missing. As such, the incorporation of access control systems has become essential in keeping data storage areas secure, with intuitive online systems capable of permitting access to staff with the correct credentials while simultaneously tracking who has requested clearance at digital entry points. To function effectively, healthcare facilities must always be perceived as a safe place by the people who reside within them. Besides, efficient residential management systems also play a crucial role in ensuring organized care within these specialized environments like group homes for people with developmental disabilities. Such systems integrate various features, including patient monitoring and access control, simplifying the complex web of responsibilities faced by care providers. To function effectively, healthcare facilities must always be perceived as a safe place by the people who reside within them. Besides, efficient residential management systems also play a crucial role in ensuring organized care within these specialized environments like group homes for people with developmental disabilities. Such systems integrate various features, including patient monitoring and access control, simplifying the complex web of responsibilities faced by care providers and as HBN guidance implies, a unified physical security system can help address key safety and security concerns while enhancing patient and staff experience. Opportunely, today’s access control systems are more accessible and adaptable than ever and combine several technologies such as mechanical locks and automatic doors with electronic access credentials in the form of smartphone apps, badge readers and biometric scanners. By integrating these systems into the building’s existing infrastructure, healthcare professionals are better equipped to control the sheer volume of people entering and exiting the premises without impairing the general flow of movement and coordination around the facility. Better by design Despite the clear benefits offered to healthcare facilities, there are a number of considerations to be mindful of when choosing an access control solution. Poorly implemented systems can have an adverse effect on security and functionality – quickly costing healthcare organisations time and budget to rectify and replace the inadequate products that don’t meet the building’s requirements. For that reason, decision makers and design teams are reminded that there is no single solution that fits all healthcare buildings. As such, it’s crucial for decision makers to understand the systems that are being put in place throughout each of the touchpoints in their facility. Clear collaboration is required during periods of specification, where together, teams can ensure the selected product works on all angles, from meeting fire safety and sustainability standards to aesthetics and scalability. Frequently overlooked, scalability is a key area that decision makers must review when selecting access control systems. Such is their diverse nature; healthcare facilities can often change and develop as years go by, and by selecting a system that facilitates growth – such as a cloud-based solution – security and efficiency is long-established. While modern access control products are known for seamless integration, there are some systems that may restrict the ability to use different vendors throughout the remainder of the building’s infrastructure. This, in effect, causes a monopolisation of products throughout the estate, which can have an adverse effect
GMI Construction Group has been appointed to the Procure Partnerships Framework in both Yorkshire and the East Midlands for projects exceeding £30m. The contractors’ framework provides public sector buyers the reassurance that those selected have been pre-assessed and approved for their commercial robustness. It also features a series of pre-agreed terms and conditions including fixed overhead and profit percentages together with social value targets. GMI’s inclusion in the Procure Partnerships Framework underlines its commitment to excellence, innovation and growth across the regions, together with its ability to support public bodies in delivering their strategic targets. One of the largest independent construction companies in the North of England and the Midlands, GMI has a growing portfolio of public and commercial clients in multiple sectors – with projects ranging from the award-winning Stadium at Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, which has become a community focal point and hub for SMEs as well as home to Sheffield Eagles Rugby League Club, and the construction of 259 build-to-rent apartments in Derby, which forms part of the Becketwell regeneration scheme. Keith Rayner, GMI’s Framework Director, said: “We are thrilled to have joined the Procure Partnerships Framework, a significant milestone that reflects our dedication to excellence. It provides GMI with a platform to showcase its capabilities, engage in meaningful partnerships, and contribute to levelling up through the delivery of exceptional public sector construction projects that will leave a lasting positive impact across each region. “The framework streamlines the procurement process and offers clients confidence in the quality of the work, backed by a series of benchmarks concerning delivery and costs, allowing them to manage and mitigate the risks involved with large-scale projects.” In April, GMI secured a place on Pagabo’s national £1bn medium works framework, which allows it to be considered for medium-sized public sector construction projects valued up to £10m, and in June it joined the framework of the North East Purchasing Organisation (NEPO). Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
In a move to prioritise the well-being and comfort of its employees, Blackwell Earthmoving has enlisted the services of Roadshow Promotions. The promotional bus specialists have provided a fleet of single and double-decker buses for site welfare for Blackwell’s major earthwork projects. Roadshow Promotions, the UK’s leading provider of promotional buses, worked alongside the earthworks contractor to deliver well-being buses to their sites. The buses will serve as multipurpose facilities, accommodating offices, canteens, rest areas, and changing rooms. The buses are being used to enhance working conditions, allowing colleagues to enjoy meals, take breaks, and rest in a comfortable and convenient environment. Recognising the importance of providing adequate facilities for their workforce, Blackwell Earthmoving made a significant investment in this initiative. Blackwell’s Construction Manager Nick Drage expressed his satisfaction with Roadshow Promotions, particularly highlighting the assistance provided by Stuart Greenley who has over 30 years of experience in running promotional bus tours. Nick said: “Stuart’s efficiency and responsiveness ensured a smooth collaboration, with the first bus delivered to the site within a remarkable five working days from the initial contact.” In response to the challenging weather conditions at the time, Roadshow worked closely with Blackwell Earthmoving to create a bespoke drying unit in a standalone static vehicle. This innovative solution proved invaluable for what was one of the wettest summers on record. The buses are providing an effective use of resources as work progresses along the site and they are able to move, providing a dynamic and ecofriendly solution. The arrival of the buses on-site has generated enthusiasm among the Blackwell Earthmoving team. The enhanced welfare facilities not only promote a more comfortable work environment but also foster a sense of camaraderie and teamwork among colleagues. Natasha Greenley, Director of Roadshow Promotions, commended the initiative, saying: “With this forward-thinking approach to employee welfare, Blackwell Earthmoving continues to set a positive example for the construction industry. By prioritising the needs and well-being of their workforce, they aim to increase productivity and job satisfaction, ultimately leading to successful project outcomes. We’re delighted to support them and look forward to working together to ensure the comfort and welfare of the site’s employees across their sites.” Specialising in earthworks contracting, consultancy and restoration services, Blackwell Earthmoving has worked on a number of the country’s significant infrastructure projects. The company provides a range of earthworks services including site clearance and preparation, bulk earthmoving, excavation, landfill engineering and soil stabilisation. Blackwells has a large and modern fleet of plant and equipment as well as experienced and qualified staff. Companies can get a quote for a bus tour in under a minute here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Cole Waterhouse and Taurus Investment Holdings have now achieved completion at ‘Eda’, Erie Dock Apartments, the landmark 290-bedroom Build-to-Rent (BTR) scheme at Salford Quays. At 29-storeys the BTR building is the highest residential tower on the Salford Quays skyline and has been completed on budget and three months ahead of schedule by contractor Domis Construction. Last month the team secured the first letting for the building with numerous units also now under offer having received over 500 enquiries in the first four days of marketing. Designed by Chapman Taylor architects, Eda is a 250,640 sq ft, L-shaped residential building comprising one, two and three-bedroom apartments which are now available to let. Three show apartments, designed and furnished by Project FF&E, are open for walk-in viewings throughout September. A series of curated events for residents and prospective occupiers is also planned through the autumn with partnerships from local retail and leisure operators. Commenting on the partnership with Taurus and achieving early completion of Eda, Simon Gallanders, Managing Director of Cole Waterhouse Residential, said: “We’ve worked in close partnership with our joint venture partner Taurus and our contractor Domis to achieve this milestone, taking a highly collaborative approach from start to finish which has had a significant impact on the speed and quality of delivery. We have some exciting collaborations planned with local food and drink establishments, leisure, retail and transport operators to provide discounts and exclusive deals for our new residents who are looking forward to moving into the building this month.” “The delivery of Eda really has been a great example of a best-in-class partnership working together to achieve a superb sustainable project,” stated Nick Jacobs, Managing Director of Taurus UK. “We started this programme in Covid and despite the continued economic turbulence and the associated supply and skills issues Domis has completed a remarkable job to be able to achieve such an early handover of the building.” “I am grateful for the incredible efforts and execution of all our partners who have helped to bring to life our unique and distinctive vision for Eda.” He added: “We are already working on our second joint venture partnership with Cole Waterhouse at Upper Trinity Street in Digbeth, Birmingham and look forward to bringing the first phase forwards in 2024.” Lee McCarren, Managing Director of Domis Construction, added: “We’re proud to have completed the tallest tower in Salford Quays well ahead of time and that achievement is down to the dedication and commitment of our superb team working in close collaboration with Cole Waterhouse and Taurus. “The team developed an incredible bond during the delivery of this prestigious scheme, taking a real partnership approach, with flexibility and trust shown on all sides. This is our second highly successful project with Cole Waterhouse and Eda will be a fantastic addition to the residential offer in Salford.” Eda is Cole Waterhouse and Taurus’ first joint BTR targeted development in the UK. The entire project team celebrated the delivery and handover of the building with an on-site event on 31st August which saw the unveiling of a specially commissioned plaque to celebrate the roles of all the project partners. Eda residents will benefit from access to biodiverse green spaces, including two landscaped terrace gardens on the mezzanine and level 19, plus private terraces for each rooftop penthouse apartment. Built with integrated energy-efficient design principles in mind, Eda uses high grade insulation for a thermally efficient construction with low air permeability, energy-efficient appliances, LED lighting to minimise energy consumption and reduce utility costs for residents, as well as MVHR systems to reduce heating loads. The development is close to Anchorage Metrolink station and local bus routes to encourage public transport use. Bicycle storage and EV chargers are also available to residents. At ground level there is 4,000 sq ft of commercial space already pre-let to Co-op Food, as well as extensive areas of internal amenity including a co-working space, residents’ lounges, cinema room, bookable private dining and entertaining facilities along with a fully equipped gym and a dedicated on-site concierge and management team. The Eda delivery team also includes Jon Matthews Architects as delivery architect, WSP Planning, structural engineers Renaissance, M&E consultants Novo, landscape architects Exterior Architecture, project managers/quantity surveying services by Henry Riley, Project Four Safety Solutions providing CDM and Principal Designer services with legal advice from Ward Hadaway. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
COWI, a leading international engineering consulting group, has been awarded a contract by renewable energy company Drax. COWI, in collaboration with the Owner’s Engineer, Studio Pietrangeli, will provide consultancy services to support works in advance of the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) of the expansion of Drax’s existing pumped storage hydro-electric generation station located beneath Ben Cruachan in Argyll, Scotland. The expansion of Cruachan (known as Cruachan 2) is set to play a crucial role in strengthening UK energy security by offering long-term, large-scale energy storage to the UK’s electricity system, helping to reduce costs and prepare for a renewable-led future. Cruachan 2 is set to be built within a new, hollowed-out cavern which would be large enough to fit Big Ben on its side, to the east of Drax’s existing 440 megawatt (MW) pumped storage hydro station. The project will bring an additional 600 MW of power – increasing the site’s total capacity to over 1 gigawatt (GW). The new plant could be operational as soon as 2030, with almost 900 jobs created and supported during construction both directly and indirectly across the supply chain. Drawing upon its local expertise in Scotland as well as its UK-wide proficiency, COWI will play an important role in providing technical advice for the geotechnical, jetty / marine structures and tunnelling elements of the project. COWI’s involvement in the project will also extend beyond the power station to the wider Cruachan area by tapping into its extensive experience in rail to support considerations made for the railway line beneath which the new access and tailrace tunnels will run. Cruachan 2 will help support the UK goal of 30 GW of energy storage by 2030. As the UK integrates more renewable energy sources into the grid, storage facilities like this will be vital for balancing supply and demand and providing key services to stabilise the Grid. Andy Sloan, Managing Director at COWI UK comments: “We are delighted to have been selected to support Drax with this project. Scotland is undergoing a hydro-pumped storage renaissance. There’s a profound opportunity for hydroelectric developments in the UK, particularly in Scotland, which will not only address our need for long-term storage in the UK energy market but support our journey to net-zero by 2045.” Steve Marshall, Drax’s Development Manager, said: “Pumped storage hydro plants play a critical role in stabilising the electricity system, helping to balance supply and demand through storing excess power from the national grid. When Scotland’s wind turbines are generating more power than we need, Cruachan steps in to store the renewable electricity so it doesn’t go to waste. With the right support from the UK Government, Drax is ready to invest around £500m to more than double Cruachan’s generating capacity and support almost 900 jobs across the supply chain during construction.” Spanning a period of six years, a comprehensive construction program is expected to start in 2025 with ambitions to complete the project by 2030. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals