Krispy Kreme has opened at Manchester Arndale, joining a number of other food and beverage operators who have recently signed at the scheme. Taking a 3,700 sq ft unit on a 15-year lease, the doughnut and coffee chain will also feature a click-and-collect service. The new store continues the brand’s
HS2’s construction is helping to keep over 2,000 UK businesses afloat as they continue to tackle difficult economic conditions. Latest figures from HS2 show that tier two subcontracts totalling £7.9bn have been awarded to over 2,000 UK-based companies, with SMEs securing £3.6bn worth of orders – a 45% share. Businesses
Office blocks across London and beyond could hold one of the keys to helping manage energy costs and enable decarbonisation. In a pioneering new scheme run by UK Power Networks, a building in Central London is helping to reduce demand on the electricity network at peak times, by adjusting its
The Grenfell Tower Inquiry (Phase 1) identified numerous failings including compromised escape routes and fire doors that did not, through damage and/or disrepair, act in the way that they should to prevent smoke and gases from spreading. As such, the Inquiry recommended (Recommendations 33.29 (a) and (b)) that the owner
British Gypsum, a leading manufacturer of high-performance drylining solutions, has renewed its membership with the Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) for another year. The renewal reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to upholding the highest standards in the construction industry, as well as its contributions to several key projects with the
A plethora of world-class seminars, CPD sessions and presentations – as well as a newly-created Culture Change Hub – are all in store for visitors heading to UK Construction Week London (UKCW London), which returns to London’s ExCeL from 2nd to 4th May 2023. Organisers of the UK’s largest event
A late rebound to contracts awarded and a boost in planning approvals have rounded off a difficult first quarter for the construction industry. In a time of continued volatility in the sector, the latest monthly figures from construction intelligence provider Barbour ABI show that there is still work to be
The redevelopment and conversion of an iconic Liverpool Fire and Police station into an affordable housing development required a modern method of construction that offered buildability, speed of construction and cost certainty. Smartroof’s offsite manufactured modular ‘room in roof’ system met the challenge, playing a significant part in the creation
Award-winning construction and property consultancy, Summers-Inman, has been appointed to two major regeneration projects in Sheffield, both of which form part of the city’s ongoing redevelopment. In both cases, the developer behind the projects is York-based Grantside – well known for its hugely successful Quorum Business Park in Newcastle and
Innovation, decarbonisation and growth: These are the three key topics of this year’s Railtex, the UK’s leading trade event for the entire railway sector. Taking place from 9 – 11 May 2023 at the NEC in Birmingham, Railtex 2023 will once again provide a unique opportunity to source and explore
Krispy Kreme has opened at Manchester Arndale, joining a number of other food and beverage operators who have recently signed at the scheme. Taking a 3,700 sq ft unit on a 15-year lease, the doughnut and coffee chain will also feature a click-and-collect service. The new store continues the brand’s UK expansion with Krispy Kreme now operating 1,200 stores and outlets nationwide. Food and beverage retailers the Manchester scheme has recently welcomed include Slim Chickens, Kokoro, Tim Hortons, and Pizza Luxe. The shopping centre has also welcomed retailers such as Sports Direct, Tommy Hilfiger, and Kick Game, as well as leisure operators Urban Playground and Roxy Ballroom. Colin Flinn, spokesperson for Manchester Arndale, said: “Experiential retail is becoming increasingly important for centres like Manchester Arndale as retailers introduce new approaches aimed at encouraging shoppers to visit in-store as opposed to shopping online. “Two of our key retailers, Sports Direct and Superdrug, have recently opened larger spaces within the centre to upgrade their offers and create innovative and immersive environments which appeal to those who enjoy the hybrid approach of online and experiential in-store retail.” Metis Real Estate and Time Retail Partners are the retained letting agents for Manchester Arndale. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HS2’s construction is helping to keep over 2,000 UK businesses afloat as they continue to tackle difficult economic conditions. Latest figures from HS2 show that tier two subcontracts totalling £7.9bn have been awarded to over 2,000 UK-based companies, with SMEs securing £3.6bn worth of orders – a 45% share. Businesses in every UK region have won work supporting HS2’s construction, with the East of England, West Midlands, Greater London and the South East each amassing over £1bn worth of contracts. Firms of all sizes have stepped up to deliver – £1.9bn worth of work has been awarded to medium sized businesses (50-250 employees), £677million to small businesses (11-49 employees) and just over £1billion to micro businesses (1-10 employees). Rail Minister Huw Merriman said: “These figures demonstrate the significant opportunities HS2 offers to UK businesses and supply chains. Not only is it transforming services on our railways, but it’s creating new opportunities for growth and supporting thousands of high-skilled jobs right across the country. “The benefits of HS2 will be felt for generations to come, creating extra capacity on our rail network and providing a sustainable option for travel, while boosting a skilled construction workforce in the process.” HS2’s supply chain is working at pace to provide a vast range of services including groundworks, archaeology, technology systems, and the manufacturing of parts, components and personal protective equipment. Many suppliers have gone on to win repeat business, and with two decades of construction to go, HS2 is providing a lifeline to companies seeking to recover and expand. Ruth Todd, Chief Commercial Officer at HS2 Ltd, said: “We’re working with specialist businesses and suppliers from across the UK to deliver Britain’s new high speed, low carbon railway. These firms are providing world-leading consultancy services, engineering solutions and products, with many going on to secure multiple contracts. Given the size and longevity of HS2, we’re able to provide businesses with a lasting pipeline of work, which is boosting confidence and prompting investment despite the challenging economic climate. “It’s fantastic to see the impact partnering with HS2 is having on businesses in our supply chain, supporting and creating thousands of highly-skilled jobs for employees in communities in every corner of the UK.” Karen Woolley, Development Manager at Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said: “Procurement is an essential lever through which to support small business growth and innovation and, therefore, to enhance the productivity and the wider competitiveness of the economy. It is encouraging to see in black and white HS2’s level of spend with SMEs, which demonstrates the much-needed levelling of the playing field that the FSB has been calling for. “At a time when trading conditions are quite possibly at the most challenging they have been for many years, smaller firms having the opportunity of accessing contracts with such an important infrastructure project as HS2 can provide that much needed boost to a company’s economic productivity, whilst also securing jobs and providing for economic stability.” At the centre of the high speed network, West Midlands-based businesses have been quick to seize opportunities. When major civils works began in 2020, the breadth of contract opportunities grew and firms with expertise in delivering complex engineering solutions came to the forefront. Mark Pickard, Managing Director of Walsall-based firm Altrad RMD Kwikform, said: “Working on HS2 has given our business a timely boost, allowing us to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic and giving us the impetus to invest in our people and hire more staff. “We’ve worked on various parts of the project, securing multiple contracts over the last few years on sites in London, the Colne Valley and now in Birmingham, where we’re helping to construct the viaduct that will bring high speed trains into the city centre. With years of construction still to go, we’re confident that our work on HS2 will continue to bring stability, prosperity and growth to the business.” The Government’s announcement on 9 March 2023 confirmed that all phases of HS2 from Manchester to London Euston will go ahead. The first operational phase of HS2, between Old Oak Common and Birmingham Curzon Street, has been prioritised. Contract opportunities with HS2’s construction partners to support this programme of work are advertised on the CompeteFor platform and can be found on HS2’s website. HS2 has published details of over 900 contracts awarded to its Tier 2 suppliers, and businesses are encouraged to reach out directly to discuss the opportunities this could present for them. Companies of all sizes are encouraged to register their interest in winning work with HS2 and its contractors by registering their details on CompeteFor. For information and advice about becoming an HS2 supplier, read HS2’s Supplier Guide.
Office blocks across London and beyond could hold one of the keys to helping manage energy costs and enable decarbonisation. In a pioneering new scheme run by UK Power Networks, a building in Central London is helping to reduce demand on the electricity network at peak times, by adjusting its temperature throughout the day. A typical office block needs to be kept at 21-22 degrees centigrade. By simply changing the times of the day at which the aircon is running and avoiding running at full power during the peak period, buildings can help reduce demand on the network. The minor change in temperature is imperceptible to most workers, and offices can earn revenue from the electricity network. Taking a smarter approach to using capacity on the network frees up space for more low carbon technologies like electric vehicle chargers and heat pumps to connect more quickly and at lower cost. In a partnership with BankEnergi and supported by Oaktree Power Limited, UK Power Networks can now call on Bracken House in Central London to provide flexibility services to the electricity network. UK Power Networks has since had interest from several companies offering similar solutions in London and beyond. The project builds on the Greater London Authority’s pioneering Flex London project, which set out to demonstrate how buildings could help manage peaks in demand on the network. Flex London concluded that flexibility could become London’s “greatest energy decarbonisation asset” – with potential for up to 1GW of flexibility by 2050 – which would free up capacity for almost 500,000 electric vehicles. Shirley Rodrigues, Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy said: “Buildings are responsible for nearly 70 per cent of the capital’s carbon emissions, so it’s important we manage their energy demand intelligently to help us reach net zero by 2030. It’s great to see UK Power Networks building on the Flex London project to help bring energy bills down and deliver a more flexible, lower carbon energy system for all. It’s also a great example of how a relatively small change can help make London a greener and healthier city for all Londoners.” Sotiris Georgiopoulos, Distribution System Operator Director at UK Power Networks said: “Flex London paved the way for buildings to help us decarbonise the network and now this partnership is demonstrating it can become a reality. Particularly in cities like London, making tiny changes to the way buildings operate can lead to tremendous benefits for customers, saving money and helping us connect more green technology.” BankEnergi CEO, Rajvant Nijjhar said: “We are pleased to be supporting UK Power Networks in providing demand side response services to a landmark London building. The building’s owners will benefit from lower costs and carbon emissions, without the occupants noticing a difference in comfort levels. We see this as the future in balancing grid supply and demand issues and providing vital services to DNOs like UK Power Networks. We are now looking forward to rolling out our solution across multiple buildings in London and across the UK.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Grenfell Tower Inquiry (Phase 1) identified numerous failings including compromised escape routes and fire doors that did not, through damage and/or disrepair, act in the way that they should to prevent smoke and gases from spreading. As such, the Inquiry recommended (Recommendations 33.29 (a) and (b)) that the owner and manager of every residential building containing separate dwellings carry out an urgent inspection of all fire doors to ensure compliance with current legislative standards and that regular (no less than every three months) checks be carried out to ensure all fire doors are fitted with an effective self-closing device which is in working order. The Inquiry also recommended (Recommendation 33.30) that all those who have responsibility for the condition of the entrance doors to individual flats in high-rise residential buildings (with unsafe cladding) be required by law to ensure these doors comply with current standards. As a direct result, Article 24 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 introduces enhanced fire safety regulations. The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 were published on 6 December 2022 and came into effect in England from 23 January 2023. The regulations introduced changes with regards to fire doors which have an impact for the Responsible Person. They require responsible persons in multi-occupied residential buildings which are classed as high-rise buildings, (defined in The Fire Safety (England) Regulations as a building at least 18 metres in height or at least seven storeys), and also those above 11 metres in height in an identical use of multi-occupation residencies where communal areas and escape routes exist, to provide new additional safety measures with regards to the periodic and ongoing inspection of fire resisting doorsets. Quarterly inspectionsIt is now a legal requirement in high-rise buildings and multi-occupied residential buildings more than 11 metres in height to undertake quarterly inspections of fire resisting doorsets (including their self-closing devices) in the common areas, as these doors are subject to considerable use and subsequent failings or damage. This includes (but is not limited to) cross-corridor fire doors, staircase enclosure fire doors, and fire doors of protected lobbies and higher risk rooms such as plant rooms, riser shafts, and storage areas. Annual inspectionsThe new Fire Safety Regulations also state that it is now a legal requirement to carry out annual checks of fire resisting entrance doorsets to apartments or flats on a ‘best endeavours’ basis, with a procedure identical to the above, identifying and recording findings and actioning any remedial works required to return the door to a compliant nature. Information for residentsThe Responsible Person must also now provide residents with information relating to the significance of fire doors to a building’s fire safety, highlighting the importance of not removing or disconnecting self-closing devices, keeping fire doors closed, and immediately reporting any faults or damage to doors. This needs to be documented to ensure all residents are provided with the directive to protect the entire building and its occupants. Residents must receive this information when they move into a multi-occupied residential building, and on an annual basis thereafter. As a fire risk assessor inspecting such premises, there exists a requirement to evidence these practices, to identify failings, and make suitable and sufficient recommendations in the remedy of such failings. Fire risk assessmentsThe Fire Safety Act 2021 also states that ‘the effect of the Act will be to require fire risk assessments of buildings with two or more sets of domestic premises to be updated to take account of doors, if they have not already done so.’ This is detailed in section 9 as affecting ‘all doors between the domestic premises and the common parts (e.g. entrance doors to individual flats which open to common parts).’ This means that the Responsible Person should regularly review the fire risk assessment of their building(s) to ensure compliance, particularly if there is reason to believe it is no longer valid, or if significant change in the matters to which it relates has taken place. If these measures have already been considered within the existing current fire risk assessment, it is not necessary to have another fire risk assessment carried out whilst it remains compliant with this directive. Fire door inspection surveysWhilst a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment typically involves a review of the condition of existing fire doorsets, it is unlikely that it will extensively cover all fire doors and frames so a fire door inspection survey may be required. At the FPA, our fire door inspectors conduct comprehensive, non-destructive fire door surveys and deliver detailed reports on the condition of the entire doorset. Find out more about the FPA’s fire door inspection survey service. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
British Gypsum, a leading manufacturer of high-performance drylining solutions, has renewed its membership with the Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) for another year. The renewal reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to upholding the highest standards in the construction industry, as well as its contributions to several key projects with the FIS aimed at improving and standardising safety, quality and performance. One of British Gypsum’s significant contributions has been to the creation of the new British Standard, BS 8000-8, which has replaced BS 8212 after years of development. This new standard covers an additional area of drylining and is set to raise the bar for the industry. The company’s ongoing dedication to best practice has also been reflected through its contribution to the FIS Drylining Guides, which launched in March 2023. The guides serve as a reference point for regulations on safety, fire performance and standards and are designed to help those working in the industry to make more informed decisions. David Robinson, Head of Technical Support at British Gypsum, said: ‘It is important that we demonstrate our unwavering commitment to upholding standards within the industry. Our ongoing FIS membership and contribution to the new British Standard are just some of the ways we are able to display our technical expertise, the values we advocate and our commitment to the sector. It is also a further example of how we reassure our customers and construction partners that they can trust our guidance to build a better future for people and the planet.’ Membership in the FIS is contingent on strict adherence to a code of conduct that requires careful vetting of applicants to improve quality and raise standards within the finishes and interior sector. British Gypsum’s technical proficiency has made it an important contributor to the FIS’s initiatives, as it seeks to benefit the construction industry in the long term. To learn more about British Gypsum, please visit www.british-gypsum.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A plethora of world-class seminars, CPD sessions and presentations – as well as a newly-created Culture Change Hub – are all in store for visitors heading to UK Construction Week London (UKCW London), which returns to London’s ExCeL from 2nd to 4th May 2023. Organisers of the UK’s largest event for the built environment have announced that the packed programme of seminars will focus on a myriad of important industry topics, complemented by 150 hours of dedicated CPD opportunities over the three-day show. Themes up for debate and discussion across the show’s seven dedicated stages include: Net Zero; business and innovation; building safety and regulation; mental health and wellbeing; quality control; digitalisation in the industry; women in construction; developments in timber and concrete; supply chain and procurement; updates on major infrastructure projects such as HS2 and more! The line-up of speakers for this year’s education programme feature industry leaders from Building People, BuildOffsite, Offsite Alliance, HS2 Ltd, BSI, Future Homes Hub, Federation of Master Builders, Waterman Group, CEMEX UK, The Building Safety Regulator, Women in Property, Miller Homes, Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) and the UK Government. UKCW London 2023 has an even stronger emphasis on future development in the industry, with the continued theme of Celebrating Culture Change in Construction present in all elements of the show. The organisers have also announced a dedicated Culture Change Hub that will deliver daily programmes by The National Federation of Builders, Building People and The Women in Construction Awards, on topics that focus on improving inclusivity within the built environment, wellbeing and mental health, and professional development. Rebecca Lovelace, Founder at Building People said: “Building People’s involvement at UKCW each year is a huge part of our calendar. We’re taking over the Culture Hub to deliver ‘how to’ expertise in cultural inclusion, in building diverse teams and in embedding equity, diversity and inclusion actions into meaningful procurement. UKCW is a fantastic opportunity to meet the organisations in our network that have the reach into the under-represented groups our sector needs, and we absolutely look forward to bringing people, needs and opportunities – and driving change – together at UKCW.” Michaela Wain, Managing Director at Design and Build UK, said: “Design and Build UK are so excited to be taking over the culture hub stage talking to industry experts about all topics around EDIB in construction. We do not focus on the people within our industry enough, we jump through hoops for all kinds of regulations but no one is regulating our people. It’s time we started talking about how we can improve the lives and careers of everyone in construction. How we can plug the skill gap, where we should look for new talent, how to up-skill and attract people with transferable skills and hear from the people who are working on site everyday. UKCW has given us a space to discuss not just the problems the industry has but the solutions which have been tried and tested and need to be rolled out. Anyone in construction should check out the panels we have on throughout the day, everyone will learn something.” UKCW London is expecting around 25,000 attendees and is co-located with Concrete Expo, The Offsite Show as well as the UK’s premier event for the self-build sector, Grand Designs Live. It is the must-attend construction event with over 10,000 products on display from over 300 exciting exhibitors from as far afield as Australia, China, India, Norway, Turkey and the UAE. Visitors will be able to find sections dedicated to Digital Construction, Infrastructure, Offsite, Surfaces, Net Zero including Renewables, HVAC, Energy Management; Build Show including Roofing, Cladding and Insulation; Tools; Health & Safety; Fire Prevention; Future Lab; and a Careers Trail. Register for UKCW London for free at ukcw-london-2023.reg.buzz/cab-campaign-pr Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A late rebound to contracts awarded and a boost in planning approvals have rounded off a difficult first quarter for the construction industry. In a time of continued volatility in the sector, the latest monthly figures from construction intelligence provider Barbour ABI show that there is still work to be had. “At the end of Q1 it’s broadly good news with new activity being brought forward in the face of uncertainty and ongoing constraints,” explained Tom Hall, chief economist at Barbour ABI. “And, while activity is very volatile at the moment the smoothed trend shows that the pipeline is looking solid going forward too, albeit at slightly lower levels compared to the recent past.” However, performance varies across sectors. While the majority are at or above their average year-on-year levels, both the residential and commercial sectors are continuing to struggle. Compared with the end of last year, the commercial sector is down by nearly a third when it comes to contract awards and new planning applications for residential are weak. Tom added: “Residential has finished the quarter with a solid performance after two weak months. However, it is a sector that is expected to struggle this year. We’re seeing the lowest level of new planning applications since May 2020, when the country was in the first Covid-related lockdown. “This is common in the face of wider economic uncertainty but is going to cause issues when it comes to supply in the market and the wider trend around property values and pricing. It could be a rocky period as the sector finds a new level of consistency.” The data was published as part of Barbour ABI’s monthly Snap Analysis Report which reviews activity in the residential, infrastructure, commercial, hotel and leisure, industrial, healthcare and education sectors. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The redevelopment and conversion of an iconic Liverpool Fire and Police station into an affordable housing development required a modern method of construction that offered buildability, speed of construction and cost certainty. Smartroof’s offsite manufactured modular ‘room in roof’ system met the challenge, playing a significant part in the creation of this greener, more sustainable building scheme. Immortalised in the Beatles’ song Penny Lane, Allerton Fire and Police Station has been redeveloped by contractor HMS with the former Fire Station being transformed into two 3-bedroom and three 4-bedroom townhouses, two 3-bedroom semi-detached homes, all of which are available via shared ownership. The Torus owned development will also see the conversion of the former police station into a 40-unit independent living scheme for over 55s, with all apartments available via affordable rent. A key design feature is the mansard roof which required an offsite manufactured ‘room in roof’ solution with the contractor specifying Smartroof as the company able to deliver and meet their requirements. Whilst a Smartroof system typically averages 100m2 in size, the contractor HMS required a roof 25 times larger at 2,500m2. Initially this raised concerns for the Smartroof team in terms of logistics of the roof within the scale of the project. The old police station was refurb and new build, which added challenges for the Smartroof team due to different slab levels throughout the building. The team also had to work with the existing structure of the building, such as steel that was not previously considered. This resulted in a numerous site visits to reconfigure the design to make it possible. Smartroof’s nationwide contracts managers are site based and work closely with Site/Project Managers.The advantage of the Smartroof system is that everything is produced in a factory control environment so the challenges experienced at this redevelopment can be overcome in the factory, instead of operatives working at height when a roof is being built. Commenting, Tom Wright, Design & Technical Director at Smartroof said “We worked very closely with the HMS team and also developed a great working relationship with the architect and engineers in order to overcome these design challenges. Such was the success of the system and our involvement, our Smartroof solution saved 16 weeks compared to if HMS used traditional methods of construction.”The Smartroof system is a complete roof solution, designed to offer housebuilders and developers a way to exploit a new home’s full potential by creating rooms in roofs. Comprising a series of factory produced panels incorporating insulated roof panels, spandrel wall panels, dormers, roof windows, decorative chimneys, soffit and fascia, it is delivered to site and craned into place. The system has many benefits – less waste, better control of quality, safer to install – and meets the industry’s demand for solutions that allow us to build better quality homes, more efficiently.The controlled environment of the Smartroof offsite fabrication facility meant the technical team could achieve the mansard roof design with millimetre precision both in terms of cutting and fabrication.Manufactured at the Smartroof factory in Derbyshire, the prefabricated ‘room in roof’ systems were then delivered to the Allerton site, craned into place and installed by the Smartroof team. At a time when housebuilders need to embrace new and faster methods of construction as well as comply with more stringent energy efficiency demands, the offsite fabrication of the roofs at the Allerton Police Station redevelopment offered huge benefits in terms of health and safety, speed of construction and quality control.John Barrow, Construction Director at HMS said: “Allerton is the second large-scale refurb and new build project HMS has undertaken and as a team, we were keen to implement learnings from previous developments in order to progress the build quickly, yet efficiently. Smartroof and their team offered a complete solution that not only saved us time but embedded greener technologies into the heart of our development programme and one which is now leading the way for how we use innovative build techniques going forward.”Smartroof has fabricated and installed a complex and high-performance roofing system which has enabled the developer Torus to reduce costs and build times as well as health and safety risks on site. The room in roof system has also ensured this iconic police station development remains on track for completion in the spring of 2023.To find out more download the Smartroof brochure or contact info@smartroof.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Award-winning construction and property consultancy, Summers-Inman, has been appointed to two major regeneration projects in Sheffield, both of which form part of the city’s ongoing redevelopment. In both cases, the developer behind the projects is York-based Grantside – well known for its hugely successful Quorum Business Park in Newcastle and the Bonding Warehouse, York. At The Hive, Kelham Island – widely considered to be the coolest place to live, work and socialise in the city – the first Carbon Net Zero building will be developed, and Summers-Inman will be responsible for cost consultancy and project management. Located on Bowling Green Street, The Hive includes 100 co-living studios, spread over five floors and is designed with a focus on a curated community living style. It will offer residents facilities such as communal kitchens, roof top allotments, laundry/café facilities and dedicated working and rest zones, whilst at ground floor level, commercial units will provide space for start-ups, independent traders and entrepreneurs looking for creative and inspirational space to grow their businesses. The second project, known as 190 Norfolk Street and located on the corner of Charles and Norfolk Street, is also a Net Carbon Zero scheme. Seen as an architectural exemplar of design for Sheffield, it will overlook the award-winning public space, Peace Gardens. Summers-Inman has an expanded brief on this project, also taking on the role of principal designer. Grantside’s proposals for this six-storey office development were approved by Sheffield City Council’s Planning Committee in November 2022. This mixed-use office development, which is set to become a new landmark location in the heart of Sheffield’s commercial district, has again been designed with wellbeing and sustainability at its core. It will include around 2,200 sqft of retail and active space on the ground floor, with 19,500 sqft of flexible office space above. Designed for multi or single occupancy, the building benefits from excellent natural daylight, local controllable ventilation and terraces at each floor level giving access to outdoor space and will be completed to shell and core standard for fit-out by the incoming tenant(s). Summers-Inman was appointed to both projects following the submission of a competitive fee bid. Speaking about the firm’s appointment, North-East based John Harvey, Associate Director of Summers-Inman, is delighted to be working with Grantside’s Steve Davis again after a break of some years. He said: “We last worked on a project with Steve about ten years ago. Since then, as a construction consultancy, we have greatly increased our capacity and developed our expertise on inner city projects, making us perfectly placed for this appointment, which we hope is the first of many for Grantside. “We are just about to embark on detailed designs for both schemes and then we can go out to tender. I expect that construction will begin at The Hive in Bowling Green Lane first, later this year. “As a Net Carbon Zero building, the conservation of energy will be a key aspect of the final design. In seeking a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating for both buildings, every opportunity will be taken to reduce their carbon footprint with the use of recycled materials, cross-laminated timber, rainwater harvesting and the incorporation of planting with bee-friendly flowers and foliage.” Steve Davis, Managing Director of Grantside Developments, added: “As a developer we always adopt a ‘people first’ approach to design, embracing wellness, the environment and technology. The human interfaces of our projects are always our starting point and I believe that both of these projects demonstrate our philosophy well. “We have taken the utmost care in designing the buildings to ensure they achieve the highest quality standards and we are very much looking forward to beginning the process of collaborating with Summers-Inman and the rest of the design team to take our plans to the next stage.” It is hoped the two-stage tender for The Hive will be launched before the end of April with construction likely to start around 20 weeks later, allowing for work on the detailed building design with the chosen contractor. Summers-Inman operates nationally with a staff of over 130 employed in seven offices throughout the UK in Edinburgh, Newcastle, Teesside, Manchester, Leeds, Leicester, Birmingham and London. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Innovation, decarbonisation and growth: These are the three key topics of this year’s Railtex, the UK’s leading trade event for the entire railway sector. Taking place from 9 – 11 May 2023 at the NEC in Birmingham, Railtex 2023 will once again provide a unique opportunity to source and explore the latest products and services aimed at improving the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of rail transport. The show features a strong line-up of national and international suppliers, the popular On-Track Display area, and a three-day supporting programme packed with expert talks and special activities. Just a few weeks to go until leaders, innovators and trailblazers of the rail industry will come together at Railtex 2023 in Birmingham to discuss, present and source the latest technologies and solutions addressing some of the rail sector’s challenges. With continued growth and investment expected for the coming years, current goals are centred around improving the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of the sector, while also enhancing the passenger experience and connectivity between different modes of transport, as well as supporting economic growth. “Digitalisation, automation, and electrification are just some of the key developments that have opened up new possibilities for the rail industry in the years to come,” says Olaf Freier, the Transport Portfolio Director, on behalf of show organiser RX. “Railtex offers the ideal platform for industry professionals, policymakers and other stakeholders in the rail sector to connect with manufacturers, suppliers, service providers, and peers. There is plenty of opportunity to explore the latest products and innovations and learn about new projects, policies and initiatives. The whole event is geared towards networking, knowledge sharing and technology sourcing to help attendees grow their business or career in the rail industry.” Supporting programme with high-profile speakers and networking A three-day conference and activity programme, organised by the main show partner, the Railway Industry Association (RIA), provides exclusive insights into the latest developments and projects in the rail sector, exploring how rail companies can successfully innovate and change to meet future industry challenges. Participants will also benefit from excellent networking opportunities with suppliers and peers. The Future Focus Conference & Young Rail Professional Conference The Future Focus Conference features an exciting agenda of keynotes, presentations and panel discussions by leading industry experts and thought leaders, covering key aspects of sustainability, safety and policy. This year’s topics will touch on rail supply chain issues ahead of CP7 (Control Period 7), the decarbonisation of rail, and international opportunities for the sector. Speakers include representatives from the Great British Railways Transition Team (GBRTT), Great Western Railway, Network Rail, the Railway Industry Association, Siemens, Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB), and Midlands Connect. The Young Rail Professional Conference on day three is dedicated to the new generation in rail. The Conference Zone is located at Stand U11. The drop-in sessions are free to attend and CPD certified. Updates on the programme and speakers are published on the official event website. Innovation Village RIA’s Innovation Village, built at the centre of Railtex, provides a collaboration platform between technology suppliers and rail clients to help create game-changing solutions. Each day features a different client with pioneering solutions developed in collaboration with suppliers, offering a great opportunity to learn from delivered projects. Innovation village “mayors” include the Network Rail R&D Portfolio, the Transport for Wales Lab, and the Train Operating Companies (TOC) Innovation Community. The Innovation Village is part of the “Unlocking Innovation” programme, a multi-award-winning initiative by RIA designed to accelerate innovation. Top suppliers and newcomers from across the entire rail supply chain Attendees can expect an excellent cross-section of technologies and services that facilitate the safe, efficient, and sustainable operation of rail transport. Exhibits cover rolling stock technology, track, and infrastructure, signalling and communications, vehicle maintenance, fare collection systems, cable technology, and many other rail-related products and services across the entire rail supply chain. Attendees are invited to use the Railtex Exhibitor List Tool and Online Show Preview to explore exhibitors and products that are of particular interest to them. Venue, tickets, and opening times Railtex 2023 will take place from 9 – 11 May 2023 at the NEC Birmingham, UK, right in the heart of the Midlands region. International flight connections and the excellent local infrastructure make the venue easily accessible. For further travel information please visit our Travel Hub. Visitors can register online and order free tickets ahead of the event. During the show, tickets are available on a purchase basis via the online ticket shop or on-site. For fast and easy access, visitors are advised to print out their e-ticket or download their mobile ticket prior to the show. Show opening hours are from 10:00 AM to 17:00 PM on Tuesday, 9 May, and Wednesday, 10 May 2023, and from 10:00 AM to 16:00 PM on Thursday, 11 May 2023. For further information please visit: www.railtex.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals