David Johnson, UK Pre-construction Director at Volumetric Building Companies, shares his thoughts on the future of offsite construction in the UK and the urgent need for change. The UK Government has made no secret of the need for faster, higher quality, and more predictable construction solutions in every sector –
Bespoke interiors and fitout company Konstruct has completed works on the striking new flagship store for contemporary fashion label RIXO on London’s King’s Road. The 5,000 square foot store opened its doors this week to unveil a stunning, vibrant interior with features including a coffee kiosk, cocktail bar and
The London based recycling and waste management company has been measuring its Scope 1 and 2 emissions since 2020. It has set this net zero target, relative to a 2021 baseline, with interim goals of a 20% reduction in 2023, 35% by 2026 and 50% by 2030. The commitment has
Property and construction consultancy Ridge and Partners LLP (Ridge) has appointed Phil Kelly as Partner to head up its Net Zero Carbon and Circularity (NZ+C) expertise. A sustainability leader, Phil brings over 15 years of experience in building services and sustainability and is recognised internationally as a thought leader in
CBRE’s Liverpool Office Agency team has been instructed as sole letting agents by Wirral Borough Council to market 2 Grade A new build offices totalling 147,767 sq ft in Birkenhead. Currently on site, the scheme is earmarked for completion in Autumn 2023, the only new build offices completing in the
The VELUX Group and partners open the doors to Living Places Copenhagen – seven prototypes that show how we can develop sustainable buildings with a three times lower CO2 footprint and a first-class indoor climate. Living Places concept holds the lowest CO2 emissions in Denmark, demonstrating that we do not
We all know what happens whenever our AC conks out in the middle of the biggest heatwave in the summer, or the heater stops working on the coldest night of the year. The result is, it sucks, it really sucks, and then we have to wait a long time and
Significant project will be built at the Harwell Science and Innovation campus and encompass a new research, development and manufacturing facility Glencar, a leading UK construction company that was recently ranked amongst Europe’s fastest growing businesses, has today announced that it has been appointed by Harwell Campus, the world-renowned science
The regeneration of Perry Barr in Birmingham took another step forwards today as it was confirmed that construction is now complete on the first phase of the Perry Barr Residential Scheme. Almost 1,000 much-needed new homes are now available for rent or sale on a former university campus in the
Leicester architectural firm promotes both Joe Travers and Jack Mellor. IMA Architects (IMA), an award-winning architectural firm based on Lutterworth Road in Blaby, Leicester, is pleased to announce two promotions. Joe Travers has been promoted to Associate Director and Jack Mellor has been promoted to Associate. Joe and Jack have
David Johnson, UK Pre-construction Director at Volumetric Building Companies, shares his thoughts on the future of offsite construction in the UK and the urgent need for change. The UK Government has made no secret of the need for faster, higher quality, and more predictable construction solutions in every sector – from schools and hospitals to housing. And there is a considerable drive for a unified platform design and a greater level of standardisation across the modular industry. In recent years, there have been multiple attempts to drive standards in offsite construction with the use of specialist MMC procurement frameworks developed by the Department for Education, Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Justice. Whilst these client-led attempts to introduce standardisation have been very welcome, they just haven’t gone far enough. Too many requirements have been left open to interpretation, leading to the introduction of a host of similar but different types of building solutions. To exacerbate the problem, as each scheme percolates through the various stages of procurement, the sustained tinkering by building designers, cost consultants and local authority planners and building control, combine to completely erode the strategic ambition for an increased level of standardisation to improve the efficiency and quality of project delivery. Traditional in-situ methods of construction have to adhere to standardisation through compliance with Building Regulations. This gives clients the vital confidence that the contractor will deliver the project to the required standard – and if not, that it will be rectified. The offsite sector absolutely MUST come together to agree a truly universal standard against which compliance can be measured and assured. Many modular manufacturers are simply selling their own ‘platform solutions’ in an attempt to ‘capture the zeitgeist’, when in fact they are promoting their own system completely independently and calling it a platform. A genuine platform solution has to embrace and represent the whole MMC sector. How to Foster Greater Confidence in Modular Technology With the unfortunate demise of some big industry names in recent months, the time for pride and individual business trailblazing has passed. We need to come together as an industry and provide a unified solution that will foster a much great level of confidence in modular technology and in the built solutions. And if we don’t achieve this? The UK Government will lose faith and volumetric MMC as a viable building solution will be set back 20 years. Let’s be honest, what we do is not rocket science. We do not use space age materials or really cutting-edge technology. What we do is apply well-managed processes and robust control systems to the historically chaotic and continually bespoke world of construction. Eroding Strategic Ambition There are many other intrinsic benefits of modular solutions that provide really persuasive arguments for its use over traditional in-situ building methods – from reduced material waste, improved safety on site, consistent delivery on time and budget, shorter build programmes to less disruption and enhanced thermal performance. However none of these advantages are dependent on the need to protect new or innovative technology. Beyond the box, it really doesn’t matter what happens inside. Does the colour of the seat fabric or the quality of an in-car entertainment system affect the legal compliance or reliability of a new car? Is it really worth the effort of protecting a particular modular solution that is only a slight variation on a theme? Our industry has to pool its expertise and collaboratively develop a regulatory compliant genuine ‘white box’ standard that we can all support, promote and take to Government as a truly game changing platform design solution. Without that, we risk remaining a niche specialism rather than a universally adopted construction standard. www.vbc.co/uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bespoke interiors and fitout company Konstruct has completed works on the striking new flagship store for contemporary fashion label RIXO on London’s King’s Road. The 5,000 square foot store opened its doors this week to unveil a stunning, vibrant interior with features including a coffee kiosk, cocktail bar and bridal suite, alongside RIXO’s full range of ready-to-wear, bridal and accessories. The brand has existing standalone stores on King’s Road, Marylebone and Carnaby Street. Delivered in partnership with Gemma McCloskey of CÚPLA Studio, Konstruct oversaw the design, construction and fit-out of the RIXO project, completed within just six months. RIXO has made a bold mark in the fashion industry since its establishment in 2015. Owned by Henrietta Rix and Orlagh McCloskey, the brand’s signature hand-painted prints and exquisite dresses have taken the contemporary fashion scene by storm across the globe. The team at RIXO appointed Konstruct to lead on the development of the King’s Road store due to their expertise and experience in high quality commercial fitouts as well as their excellence in interior design. Led by partners Martin Kernan and Columb Gribbin, Konstruct originated in County Armagh, with bases in London and Dundalk, County Louth. The company has grown significantly since its inception five years ago, driven by notable projects within its commercial, hospitality and luxury residential portfolio across the UK and Ireland. Speaking about this latest project completion, Managing Director of Konstruct Martin Kernan said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to work with RIXO on the creation of their incredible new flagship store on King’s Road. “Henrietta and Orlagh had a clear vision for the store, which sought to really capture the essence of the RIXO brand. From day one we were focused on creating a fun, versatile, colourful space to be in with standout features such as the flooring made using leftover marble – and with additions like the bar and coffee shop, RIXO have really enhanced the customer experience. “Working with Gemma from CÚPLA Studio has been an enjoyable and effective creative partnership, resulting in a real synergy between visual design and fitout. This has been a relatively short project in terms of timeframe so our whole team has worked incredibly hard to ensure the store was perfect for its first visitors to step into this spring. “We’re very proud to have been part of that and we congratulate Henrietta, Orlagh and everyone at RIXO on this significant milestone for the business.” Henrietta Rix, Co-Founder of RIXO said: “Seeing our flagship store on King’s Road be brought to life and now open its doors has been a joy. This store has been part of our plan from the beginning. We wanted to create a beautiful space that reflects the RIXO style and also encourages our customers to relax and spend time with us. Konstruct were the perfect partners to turn that into reality. “Working closely with Orlagh’s twin sister Gemma, Konstruct were able to create a store that is welcoming, playful, inviting – and the perfect backdrop to explore our collection. This opening marks a very important chapter in the RIXO story.”Amongst several major residential projects, Konstruct is now working on the development of a premium orangery venue in the Cotswolds and a high-end restaurant fitout in London. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The London based recycling and waste management company has been measuring its Scope 1 and 2 emissions since 2020. It has set this net zero target, relative to a 2021 baseline, with interim goals of a 20% reduction in 2023, 35% by 2026 and 50% by 2030. The commitment has been registered with SME Climate Hub so as to count towards the UN Race to Net Zero. Liam Kearney, Managing Director, Powerday says: “We fully recognise the climate emergency and the urgent need for climate action. We believe that achieving net zero as quickly as possible is essential for our business, and want to ensure that our target and roadmap are robust yet ambitious. We have been working with external consultants to support our sustainability team to ensure that we build the requisite skills in-house to credibly deliver against our commitments and accurately measure our achievements.” Powerday has already undertaken significant carbon reduction measures including switching to a renewable electricity tariff for five of its six sites, ensuring the company is well on its way to meeting its first interim target for 2023. Over the next three years, the focus will be on Scope 1, and on developing a fleet and plant strategy to significantly reduce these emissions. John Kelly, Transport General Manager, Powerday says: “We know that one of our biggest challenges is going to be decarbonising our fleet. We have long been exploring alternative technologies and have run a number of insightful trials this last year, including of electric skip and dustcart vehicles. We are focused on putting ourselves in the strongest position to be able to switch our fleet and reduce these emissions as soon as is viable.” As well as continuing to take steps to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions, Powerday is starting to collate data on Scope 3 emissions this year with a view to making an equally robust net zero target for these as soon as the company can credibly do so. Powerday set out its plans to establish this net zero target for Scope 1 and 2 emissions by the end of last year in its Sustainability Manifesto 2022. The annual report, published each spring, outlines the company’s targets for the year, and reports on progress for the previous year, under five sustainability pillars: employees, community, carbon management, clients, and procurement. Powerday plans to set out its net zero roadmap in the 2023 Manifesto due out in April. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Property and construction consultancy Ridge and Partners LLP (Ridge) has appointed Phil Kelly as Partner to head up its Net Zero Carbon and Circularity (NZ+C) expertise. A sustainability leader, Phil brings over 15 years of experience in building services and sustainability and is recognised internationally as a thought leader in sustainable design and strategies. Phil has led the energy and sustainability strategies for some of the most innovative and complex projects across UK commercial, education, science, and healthcare sectors. He has also led international research projects on decarbonisation and the circular economy. Based in Birmingham, Phil will deliver a cross-discipline, cross-market NZ+C offer for clients, working closely with design and engineering disciplines, sustainability teams, and social value specialists to maximise sustainable outcomes on projects. Speaking of his appointment, Phil said: “Ridge delivers market-leading sustainability strategies that touch every stage of a building’s design and operation. I’m excited to be working across the organisation to share knowledge, boost collaboration, and build a national team that will help clients meet present – and future – climate and legislative challenges. Graham Blackburn, Partner at Ridge, said: “Further strengthening our world-class expertise in sustainability and social value, we welcome Phil, another highly regarded industry professional who joins us from senior positions in Ramboll and Hoare Lea. “Phil will lead integration with our multidisciplinary professionals so we can show the way to a holistic approach that delivers sustainable growth for our clients.” Phil joins Ridge from Ramboll, where he launched its Sustainable Solutions department in 2020.
CBRE’s Liverpool Office Agency team has been instructed as sole letting agents by Wirral Borough Council to market 2 Grade A new build offices totalling 147,767 sq ft in Birkenhead. Currently on site, the scheme is earmarked for completion in Autumn 2023, the only new build offices completing in the Liverpool City region this year with some of the highest ESG and EPC credentials. The scheme, being developed through the Wirral Growth Company, a 50:50 partnership between Wirral Borough Council and Muse will deliver 2 Grade A, BREEAM Excellent office buildings extending to a total of 147,767 sq ft. Wirral Borough Council will be occupying 65,447 sq ft of Building One, leaving part ground and whole of the 1st floor available extending to 24,144 sq ft. Building Two, comprising 58,176 sq ft of office space is also available. The assets are being built to the highest specification and will provide column free floorplates from 12,500-19,400 sq ft and include VRF air conditioning, metal tiled suspended ceiling, LED lighting, full access raised floor, floor to ceiling glazed elevations, 2.8m floor to ceiling heights, feature reception, showers and cycle hub facilities and will also achieve an EPC ‘A’ rating. Neil Kirkham, Senior Director at CBRE commented “CBRE is delighted to market this truly high quality asset on behalf of Wirral Borough Council. The scheme will be the only new build office completing in the Liverpool City region this year and will provide the quality of product that is missing and in high demand in the market currently. “These are exciting times for Birkenhead, following developments at Wirral Waters, together with the numerous projects Wirral Borough Council is delivering within its Birkenhead 2040 vision including Dock Branch Park, Hind Street Urban Garden Village and further commercial district development such as a new ‘repositioned’ Birkenhead Market. “Not only will the new offices benefit from the highest quality finishes and amenities, they will also achieve some of the highest ESG credentials including BREEAM Excellent, EPC A, Well Gold and Wired Score Gold. From an occupier perspective, this development offers all the key attributes employers and employees are currently seeking, with high quality national retailers and F&B offerings in the adjacent Grange Shopping Precinct and Pyramids Shopping Centre, together with unrivalled transport connectivity, The adjacent bus terminus, Conway Park and Birkenhead Central train stations also provide a two stop service to Liverpool with direct access to the wider Borough and Chester, together with 3 multi-storey car parks within 200m. “Birkenhead has not seen a speculative office scheme in the town centre for 20 years and we are therefore fully anticipating these buildings are going to satisfy a lot of pent up demand for space in the market.” David Hughes, Director or Regeneration and Place for Wirral Council said: “This scheme represents an exciting opportunity for businesses looking for modern, sustainable, first-rate office space in the Liverpool City Region. “These buildings will make a positive contribution to the regeneration of Birkenhead, which is currently undergoing significant transformation through a range of other projects. This development is a testament to our commitment to delivering high-quality assets that meet the needs of businesses and the wider community. “I look forward to working closely with CBRE to bring these buildings to market and to welcoming new tenants to this vibrant and dynamic area of Wirral.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The VELUX Group and partners open the doors to Living Places Copenhagen – seven prototypes that show how we can develop sustainable buildings with a three times lower CO2 footprint and a first-class indoor climate. Living Places concept holds the lowest CO2 emissions in Denmark, demonstrating that we do not have to wait for future technology to build more sustainably. The building industry accounts for 34% of the global energy consumption and 37% of the global CO2 emissions, and in the latest report from the UN’s climate panel, it is clear that low carbon solutions must be scaled and implemented – also in the building industry. One of those solutions can be experienced in Copenhagen from today. With the groundbreaking project Living Places Copenhagen, the VELUX Group and its partners, demonstrate how to build homes with a CO2 footprint of 3.8 kg/CO2/m2/year – three times lower than the current Danish legislation of 12 kg CO2/m2/year – and to a price that matches the market price for a one-family house or rowhouses at scale. Furthermore, Living Places Copenhagen is designed with a strong focus on creating a healthy indoor climate using daylight and fresh air and it delivers best in class indoor climate. “As part of an industry that accounts for a large part of the global CO2 emissions, we wish to take responsibility for finding ways to build more sustainably. With this project, we show how it can be done already today. I’m very proud of the results we have created with Living Places Copenhagen together with our partners. This project is a good example of how building more sustainable, healthy homes can both address climate challenges within our industry and improve peoples’ health. After all, we spend 90% of our time indoors, so a healthy indoor climate in our home is crucial,” says Tina Mayn, Executive Vice President for Products at the VELUX Group. Living Places Copenhagen is the first prototype showcasing the overall concept – Living Places – which was initiated by the VELUX Group, EFFEKT and Artelia. The vision is to lead the way within the building industry and show how rethinking buildings can help solve some of the global climate and health challenges. The concept is based on five key principles: homes should be healthy, affordable, simple, shared over time and scalable. These principles can be applied to new or existing buildings and communities. The materials, solutions and knowledge are already here As a part of The Living Places Copenhagen project, the VELUX Group, EFFEKT, Artelia and Enemærke & Petersen, have carried out a complete Life Cycle Assessment. This means that each material, design and building technique has been carefully considered and mapped in terms of the emissions they project compared to a typical Danish household. Based on this, the partnership have built prototypes, showing that we do not have to wait for future technology to build homes that benefit both people and the planet. “The monitoring and thorough assessment of every product and process has been crucial to reach the results that we are able to present with this project. The fact that we have been able to reach these record results with Living Places Copenhagen is proof that we don’t have to wait for future technologies to build more sustainable buildings. The materials, solutions, and knowledge are already here – we just need to enable and scale them. I hope that we can inspire the building industry to follow,” says Lone Feifer, Director of Sustainable Building at the VELUX Group. Living Places Copenhagen showcases a total of seven prototypes – five open pavilions and two completed full-scale homes which open to the public on Earth Day on the 22nd April. As an official partner to the UIA World Congress of Architects in Copenhagen, Living Places Copenhagen will host a programme of debates and activities designed to drive and accelerate change in the building industry. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
We all know what happens whenever our AC conks out in the middle of the biggest heatwave in the summer, or the heater stops working on the coldest night of the year. The result is, it sucks, it really sucks, and then we have to wait a long time and pay through the nose to fix it! However, when the air conditioner has big problems, that often means that there were plenty of smaller issues that could have been fixed months ago to mitigate this. So whenever you detect some of these early warning signs, you need to focus on calling maintenance and getting your AC unit checked out. It will cost you some money and time, but at least you will have a fully working AC system all year round! A Little Air Flows Out Of The Vents If you turn your air conditioner on and notice that a lot of air is starting to flow through the vents, then your AC system is probably fine. However, if a very weak airflow comes from the vents, then you might want to call some Memphis HVAC experts such as Conway Services to take a look at fixing it. A weak airflow is going to be too weak to effectively cool down a room, and by making the air conditioner work harder to compensate, you will effectively be damaging the parts that make your air conditioner work effectively. In order to prevent your unit from getting damaged and your electrical bills from shooting up, you need to contact a professional so they can inspect the unit. Your Other Senses Get Involved Typically you will feel cold air coming from your AC unit, and that is about all you need to feel. However, if you notice your other senses getting involved when you turn on your AC unit, you might be getting a signal of some trouble. For example, if you hear the sounds of grinding, squealing, scraping, or other loud noises coming from your AC unit, then that likely means that something is out of place and is also causing damage to the other parts of your unit. Additionally, if you notice a strong burning smell or a moldy odor coming from your unit after you turn it on it could be a signal something is wrong. While some burning smells can occur if you have turned on an older unit after a period of time (as dust is being burnt off) if the smells keep on occurring then you might have a burned out wire inside of the unit or some mold. In either case, you need to have the unit professionally checked out. Water Leaks Around Your AC Your air conditioning unit shouldn’t be leaking any moisture at all, and if you find that the area around the air conditioning unit is leaking, then that means you have an issue with it. You should contact a professional if Freon is leaking out of the unit because that substance can be very poisonous. However, water can also leak out of your AC, and you could have a broken or blocked tube as well, especially if you see ice forming inside or around your unit. In either case, you need to contact a professional to make sure that the leak is repaired. Be Attentive About These Early Warning Signs Don’t be afraid to check your AC unit several times a year to make sure that these early warning signs are caught and fixed, because they will save you quite a lot of time and money! Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Significant project will be built at the Harwell Science and Innovation campus and encompass a new research, development and manufacturing facility Glencar, a leading UK construction company that was recently ranked amongst Europe’s fastest growing businesses, has today announced that it has been appointed by Harwell Campus, the world-renowned science and innovation campus to build a new £150M Moderna Innovation and Technology Centre (MITC) at the Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire. The MITC development will encompass a research, development and manufacturing facility, providing the UK public with access to cutting-edge mRNA vaccines for a wide range of respiratory diseases, pending regulatory assessment and license. The new facility will also include a clinical biomarker laboratory, a prefabricated modular laboratory constructed in Northumberland which will then be installed on the campus. Construction will begin this year, with the facility expected to become operational in 2025, subject to planning and regulatory approvals. The investment will create hundreds of jobs across Oxfordshire and the UK and it will cement Harwell Campus as a national health tech hub for the pioneering research and development of mRNA and other nucleic acid therapeutics. Commenting on the project Eddie McGillycuddy, CEO said: “Having successfully delivered a large pharmaceutical project in the region and established an office within the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, we are absolutely delighted to now be delivering this pioneering research and development facility. Life science and pharmaceutical projects are complex, controlled environments that require significant design and engineering ability to ensure they are delivered correctly. We have expanded our specialist team to push forward and make these facilities a cornerstone of our continued growth in the coming years. We very much look forward to working with the team at Harwell, Moderna and Merit to develop this important new facility and further expand the thriving health tech cluster at Harwell”. Also Commenting on the announcement Darius Hughes, UK General Manager at Moderna, said: “We are delighted to reach this important milestone with Harwell and our lab build partners, Merit and building contractors Glencar. We look forward to joining the Harwell Campus health tech cluster and contributing to the UK’s science and innovation community through investments in R&D. When constructed, our facility at Harwell will harness mRNA science to develop and deliver tailored, innovative vaccines to the UK public that address particular threats from respiratory viruses facing our population.” Stuart Grant, Chief Executive of Harwell Campus said: “mRNA technology has the capability to transform how we treat a variety of diseases and enhance UK resilience against future pandemics. I’m delighted to welcome Moderna to Harwell Campus, and our thriving health tech cluster. We’re entering a new era of medicine so it’s important that we deliver and build cutting edge facilities to reflect this and spaces that promote innovation and encourage collaboration.” Dr Barbara Ghinelli, Director of Innovation Clusters and Harwell Campus at UKRI-STFC, said: “The Harwell Health Tech cluster’s multidisciplinary ecosystem allows researchers and industry professionals to easily share expertise and skills, creating impactful innovation across the entire life sciences sector. From accelerating the discovery and development of new vaccines and advanced medicines, to leading the way with next generation imaging technologies and diagnostics, the cluster is enabling ground-breaking progress against global health challenges.” Moderna is the latest organisation to join Harwell’s thriving Health Tech cluster which has grown to over 70 life science organisations since it launched in 2016. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The regeneration of Perry Barr in Birmingham took another step forwards today as it was confirmed that construction is now complete on the first phase of the Perry Barr Residential Scheme. Almost 1,000 much-needed new homes are now available for rent or sale on a former university campus in the north of the city. Completion of the new homes was announced at the same time that Lendlease, the principal contractor for the scheme on behalf of Birmingham City Council, revealed the project has beaten a number of targets it was set in order to help support the local economy and bring wider community benefits. More than 650 new jobs have been created for local people throughout the construction, including almost 100 apprenticeships, and more than 1,350 people have been upskilled on the site. Highlights included a Women in Construction course, which promotes opportunities for women in the construction industry across the UK, funded through the Home Builders Federation. Participants received advice and guidance, as well as training in various areas of construction, and two weeks’ work experience. Lendlease also worked with Solihull College to deliver English for Construction courses for people who have English as a second language, a key tool for increasing safety through better communication on a site which at its peak had 26 different nationalities of workers on the project. Participants who completed the course were rewarded with a Level 1 Health and Safety in Construction qualification. Over the course of the £326m contract, £267m has been spent by Lendlease with local businesses, and workers have devoted 2,679 hours to volunteering in the local area – the equivalent of four months of continuous work, and nearly three times the target they were set. This included working with Eden Boys School and Welford Primary School to build and maintain outdoor learning areas, as well as collecting for local food banks. Designs created by students from Birmingham Metropolitan College were exhibited on site hoardings visible near the site to raise awareness of Single Use Plastics (SUP). This was inspired by the SUP Ambassadors programme, a project developed with students from Eden Boys’ School, that aimed to raise awareness of SUP and its impact on the environment, people and wildlife. Lendlease, together with construction partners, also sponsored the production of a new book aimed at educating primary school children on avoiding single use plastics, which was launched at Calshot Primary School, and was distributed to primary schools across Birmingham. The new homes at Perry Barr consist of a mix of homes for rent and sale, surrounded by accessible green space. The tallest building on the scheme tops out at fifteen storeys and the first residents are expected to move in later this year. The scheme is part of a wider £700million-plus regeneration of Perry Barr in the north-west of the city, including improved leisure and community facilities along with upgraded transport infrastructure, all of which is underpinned by the Perry Barr 2040 Masterplan, developed by the Council in partnership with local residents and stakeholders. Lendlease are the Management Contractor for this first phase of the Perry Barr Residential Scheme, working with Kier, Willmott Dixon, PJ Careys and Vinci UK to deliver the project. Quote attributable to Anna Evans, Project director for the Perry Barr Residential Scheme, Lendlease: “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved at the end of this project. Despite the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, the team responded quickly to adapt to new ways of working and tirelessly devoted themselves to completing the project. Not only that, everybody went above and beyond to truly create a lasting legacy for Perry Barr, with new jobs, skills and sustainability initiatives. I want to thank everybody involved for their hard work and I look forward to seeing the first residents moving in and enjoying this vibrant new neighbourhood.” Quote attributable to Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council: “Perry Barr is being transformed and the completion of these much-needed homes is another major milestone in the ongoing regeneration of an area that has long been deserving of investment. “We’re determined that neighbourhoods across the city will reap the rewards of this golden decade of opportunity, and with major improvements to transport infrastructure, the redevelopment of the Alexander Stadium into a world-class sporting facility and the Perry Barr 2040 Masterplan, it’s clear that north west Birmingham is already benefitting. “Success for Birmingham must mean success for the people and communities of Birmingham, so it is especially pleasing that we have partnered with contractors who have a clear commitment to ensuring that existing residents and communities benefit from their work.” Find out more about the Perry Parr regeneration scheme at https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/50253/perry_barr_regeneration Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leicester architectural firm promotes both Joe Travers and Jack Mellor. IMA Architects (IMA), an award-winning architectural firm based on Lutterworth Road in Blaby, Leicester, is pleased to announce two promotions. Joe Travers has been promoted to Associate Director and Jack Mellor has been promoted to Associate. Joe and Jack have both been with IMA since 2011 and have amassed considerable experience across a range of UK wide construction projects during this time. Joe has increasingly specialised within the commercial and industrial sectors and has worked on a number of high-profile projects including the Marks and Spencer Distribution Centre in Castle Donnington, the Co-op Distribution centre in Sutton and Ashfield and the Redrow Homes East Midlands Office, also in Castle Donnington. In 2015, he achieved Chartered Membership status with the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists and was promoted to Associate in 2017. Working on projects for companies including Clowes Developments, Jessup Partnerships, Vaillant UK, Modus Partnerships, Avant Homes and Venture Properties amongst others, Jack has worked on schemes across the residential, commercial and industrial sectors in the Midlands. He achieved associate status with the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists in 2016. Commenting on the promotions Anthony Day, IMA Managing Director said: “Both Jack and Joe have demonstrated continued excellence across our client projects in the 12 years they have been with IMA. They have both more than earned their promotions. They have built excellent working relationships with our clients which leads to the successful delivery of schemes, and this had led to the continued growth of our business over recent years.” Joe Travers comments: “It is an exciting time for IMA and I am looking forward to working with Jack and us both playing an important role in the future development of the company.” Jack Mellor comments: “I am delighted to have been promoted and that both Joe and I have the continued support of the IMA directors who have all been instrumental in our career development over the past 12 years. I am looking forward to getting started in my new role.” IMA is an award-winning firm of architects based in Blaby, Leicestershire. The firm has grown from a two-person team to now employ 20 members of staff and work with a range of FTSE 100 companies, such as Marks and Spencer, and global brands including an international discount retailer. The company is a proud Community Partner of Leicester City Football Club and a sponsorship partner of both Leicester Tigers RFC and Leicestershire County Cricket Club. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals