The Association for Project Safety has launched its Micro Manifesto ahead of the UK General Election setting out priorities. It regards these as critical for the built environment not only to raise badly needed awareness of important issues, but to reset the construction industry’s safety relationship with government. APS wants to
Robertson Construction Tayside has awarded a contract worth over £2m to fitout specialists Deanestor, for the new Monifieth Learning Campus in Angus. This brings Deanestor’s FF&E work for Robertson in Scotland to 15 contracts, totalling around £17m. Part of the national Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP), this new Learning Campus
Derby-based housebuilder Casamia Homes has moved into new offices on Pride Park. Casamia Homes was set up by a number of ex-shareholders, directors and employees from Radleigh Homes, following its sale and acquisition by Redrow in 2017. The move follows a period of growth and development for the privately-owned business.
The main contractor, Balfour Beatty, approached Aquaspira with a request to provide a proposal for an efficient, low carbon solution for a Network Rail culvert alongside a rail embankment at Hook in Hampshire. Sub-contractor DDL installed a dam at each end of the fast-flowing river below the rail line at
CIBSE is excited to announce the launch of the CIBSE Flush Challenge, a unique educational game designed to engage pupils aged 9 to 11 in the fascinating world of building services engineering. The CIBSE Flush Challenge is part of CIBSE’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of engineers and addressing
Clowes together with their Lead contractor, Roe Developments have achieved practical completion at plot 10B and 3A at Dove Valley Park, Foston as part of the multi-million-pound property deal with Hines. Dove Valley Park’s site owners, Clowes Developments instructed Roe Developments to build 10B (152,466sq ft) and 3B (110,292sq ft)
80% of environmental professionals have concerns around the credibility and transparency of carbon credit offsetting schemes Businesses across the UK have expressed concern at the credibility and transparency of carbon credit offsetting schemes. In a report presenting the outcomes of the National Environmental Services Survey[1] – run in association with
Family-owned housebuilder City & Country is pleased to announce their recent acquisition of 177 acres of land in the Stansted area. The newly purchased site, currently used for farming, is to be promoted by City & Country’s planning team through the Council’s local plan review process. The land is situated
UK ground engineering specialist Mainmark has been shortlisted for a major industry accolade. Mainmark has been shortlisted for the “UK Project with a Geotechnical Value of up to £500K’’ category which recognises leading projects with a focus on innovation, quality, sustainability, health and safety and value engineering. The annual Ground
Following the announcement of the General Election for July 2024, the Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) has launched their manifesto, A Blueprint for Better Construction. The document focuses on how policy can support better procurement and contracting, and help to improve investment in skills, innovation and net zero. Throughout the
The Association for Project Safety has launched its Micro Manifesto ahead of the UK General Election setting out priorities. It regards these as critical for the built environment not only to raise badly needed awareness of important issues, but to reset the construction industry’s safety relationship with government. APS wants to further build on a partnership with the next government that continues to empower the built environment to play a full role in tackling challenges particularly around in areas around building safety and mitigating risk within the building and construction industry. Although APS’s ‘key asks’ are neither especially new nor innovative, the fact is they remain its primary messages for the 650 new Westminster parliamentarians to be elected on 4 July. APS has identified Five ‘Asks’. They are . 1. Training and Skills Development Issue: There is a significant shortage of skilled workers to meet the housing targets set in all the main party manifestoes, but especially in the Tory or Labour ones, both now launched. More info here. Solution: Invest in comprehensive training programmes, and real, meaningful apprenticeships to build a skilled workforce capable of safely constructing the planned 1.5+ million homes likely to be needed over the next five years. APS Ask: Immediate allocation of funds and resources to training centres, and educational institutions – with enforceable output targets. 2. Planned and Selective Immigration (Short Term) Issue: Our members tell us that the current domestic workforce is insufficient to meet critical housing targets in the short term. Solution: Implement a planned and selective immigration policy to attract skilled workers from abroad similar to the Australian model. This would be a short-term tactic for five years. APS Ask: Fast-track visa processes for skilled immigrants with proven experience and identifiable, ‘provable’ skills in the construction sector. 3. Long-Term Construction Workforce Development Issue: Many UK college/university training programmes are simply insufficient to meet the demand for skilled workers. Solution: Enhance and expand apprenticeship programmes to ensure a steady pipeline of skilled workers for future projects. APS Ask: Partner with industry leaders and educational institutions to design and implement effective programmes relevant to modern methods of construction and developing technologies. 4. Environmental Protection in Planning Issue: Proposed fast-track planning on brownfield sites and abandonment of nutrient neutrality pose environmental risks. Solution: Ensure all planning and construction projects adhere to strict environmental protection standards to prevent uncontrolled pollutants in sensitive environments. APS Ask: Implement rigorous environmental impact assessments for all new construction projects. Some pioneering local authorities are showing this can be done; think how much more with government backing. 5. Retrofitting Existing Buildings Issue: The focus on new builds overlooks the potential of retrofitting existing structures to meet modern housing needs and environmental goals. Solution: Develop a robust and realistic retrofit programme to improve existing buildings’ energy efficiency and safety APS Ask: Allocate funding and incentivise homeowners and businesses to retrofit their properties. In summary, APS urges the next UK Government to prioritise the development of a skilled workforce through improved domestic training programmes and selective immigration (visa) incentives. It is crucial to balance the push for new housing with environmental protections and retrofitting initiatives to ensure sustainable growth. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Robertson Construction Tayside has awarded a contract worth over £2m to fitout specialists Deanestor, for the new Monifieth Learning Campus in Angus. This brings Deanestor’s FF&E work for Robertson in Scotland to 15 contracts, totalling around £17m. Part of the national Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP), this new Learning Campus for Angus Council is delivered through the Procurement Hub Major Projects Framework 2 (MPF2) and will accommodate around 1,200 pupils. Due to open in August 2025 and to be fully completed by summer 2026, the facility is designed by architects NORR to meet Passivhaus standards and will combine energy efficiency with a high level of user comfort. Deanestor will fit out 379 spaces across the three-storey campus and will design and manufacture or procure more than 13,000 items of fitted and loose furniture and equipment for the project. These will include dining tables, chairs and seating, lockers, storage solutions, shelving, teaching walls, mobile cabinets, sports equipment, changing benches, musical instrument racks, and kitchens for life skills and home education. According to Ramsay McDonald, Managing Director of Deanestor in Scotland, “This will be a wonderful school to engage young people in learning and to contribute to local, regional and national economic growth.” “We are delighted to be working with Robertson once again – a longstanding Deanestor contractor client – and on our first education project for Angus Council. The high quality standards we work to and our consistent on-time delivery of major and complex school fitout contracts across Scotland and for neighbouring councils including Aberdeenshire and Dundee meant we were well placed to be awarded this latest contract. We look forward to starting on site early next year.” Councillor Beth Whiteside, Leader of Angus Council, said, “This new learning campus will have a hugely positive impact on the education of young people. Monifieth High School has high aspirations for all of its young people, and now it will soon have a building to match this ambition.” The building’s construction and fitout will take place in a live school environment as the current Monifieth High School will remain operational until the new learning campus is built and ready for occupation. The existing school will then be demolished to make way for all-weather and grass sports pitches. The 13,800m2 high school campus will feature a central atrium with a social stairs, a learning plaza around the dining hall, classrooms arranged over three storeys, an early learning and childcare facility, swimming pool and access for out-of-hours community use. The Monifieth Learning Campus will have a low energy design in line with Passivhaus standards. This will include super insulation, stringent levels of air tightness, a large solar array on the rooftop and heating from air source heat pumps. Deanestor specialises in the design and project management of large campus fitout projects and award-winning school architecture. It manufactures and installs robust and flexible loose and fixed furniture solutions for early years, primary, SEN, and secondary education, fitting out areas such as classrooms, science laboratories, ICT, design and technology, atria, social dining spaces, break-out areas, sports facilities, and changing rooms. For further information, visit www.deanestor.co.uk/education, call 01623 420041 or email enquiries@deanestor.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Derby-based housebuilder Casamia Homes has moved into new offices on Pride Park. Casamia Homes was set up by a number of ex-shareholders, directors and employees from Radleigh Homes, following its sale and acquisition by Redrow in 2017. The move follows a period of growth and development for the privately-owned business. Tom Finnegan, previous MD of Radleigh Homes and Redrow East Midlands, said: “Casamia’s focus has always been on delivering bespoke developments in the East Midlands. We have brought together a team that possess a wealth of industry experience that is reflected in our developed house types and ensures that our build quality is delivered to the high standards that customers rightly demand.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The main contractor, Balfour Beatty, approached Aquaspira with a request to provide a proposal for an efficient, low carbon solution for a Network Rail culvert alongside a rail embankment at Hook in Hampshire. Sub-contractor DDL installed a dam at each end of the fast-flowing river below the rail line at Hook in Hampshire. This created a 40-metre-long channel to facilitate the delivery of a new 26-metre buried culvert. Needing to overcome the challenge of an incredibly confined space, two lines of Aquaspira 1,650mm composite steel reinforced (CSR) pipe was laid once the water had been pumped out and a metre of silt removed from the riverbed. These were finished with a new 4.8 metre, 350m-wide headwall. The pipes were then backfilled and built up to existing ground line and an access road was installed to provide Network Rail plant access to the above railway line. With Aquaspira CSR pipe, the embodied factory gate and transport carbon was reduced by 48% (12.4T CO₂e¹) when compared to a traditional rigid pipe solution. The lightweight pipes also increased site safety and reduced site installation time. The steel reinforced pipes were designed to withstand the weight of trains, so Aquaspira is delighted to have been selected to deliver the ideal solution for this challenging job. Gareth Green, Aquaspira’s project manager, explained: “The existing open culvert was relatively narrow, so maximising the capacity of the new piped culvert within the available width was crucial. “Aquaspira CSR pipes were specified as, with their 43mm thick wall, the pipe’s footprint width was less than 3.8m and, as each pipe weighs less than 250 kgs, they could be handled and installed with small site machines. This, coupled with the push-fit joints and integral seals enabled quick and simple joining of them within a limited working space, dramatically shortening the programme time.” Josh Moore, DDLWorks Manager, added: “The Aquaspira service and product was excellent. The 1650mm OD pipes were the largest I have installed, and it was made so simple through their design and self-explanatory installation guide provided, along with assistance via phone call at any moment required. I would 100 per cent recommend you to any client or customer and look forward to working alongside again in the future.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
CIBSE is excited to announce the launch of the CIBSE Flush Challenge, a unique educational game designed to engage pupils aged 9 to 11 in the fascinating world of building services engineering. The CIBSE Flush Challenge is part of CIBSE’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of engineers and addressing the skills gap in the industry. As part of this initiative, which is partly sponsored by CIBSE Patrons, CIBSE STEM Ambassadors will utilise this innovative game during their educational outreach activities at schools, aiming to spark interest and curiosity about building services engineering among young minds. Each participating team of pupils will receive a specially curated kit, featuring a 3D-printed model of toilet and pipes. The challenge involves assembling a functional flush system that efficiently uses water to flush a small raisin down the toilet. This engaging activity not only introduces children to the fundamental concepts of building services engineering but also instils the importance of water conservation and environmental responsibility. Key features of the CIBSE Flush Challenge: Dan Costelloe, CIBSE Chair of the Talent Pipeline and Apprenticeships Panel, expressed his enthusiasm about the CIBSE Flush Challenge, saying, “During the creation of the Flush Challenge we wanted to come up with an activity what would combine building services engineering, sustainability and teamwork. We believe that by making learning fun and interactive, we can capture the imagination of young individuals and show them the exciting possibilities within the world of building services engineering, maybe even inspiring some of them to become our engineers of the future. The CIBSE Flush Challenge not only nurtures essential skills but also infuses a sense of environmental responsibility.” CIBSE encourages schools and educators to participate in this initiative, providing students with a unique and enjoyable introduction to the world of engineering. For more information about the CIBSE Flush Challenge and how to get involved, visit CIBSE Flush Challenge. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Clowes together with their Lead contractor, Roe Developments have achieved practical completion at plot 10B and 3A at Dove Valley Park, Foston as part of the multi-million-pound property deal with Hines. Dove Valley Park’s site owners, Clowes Developments instructed Roe Developments to build 10B (152,466sq ft) and 3B (110,292sq ft) stand-alone units as part of the 1.36 million sq ft portfolio with global real estate investment, development and property manager, Hines. 10B unit sits on the southern side of the business park whilst 3A is located on the northern side next to GXO. Dove Valley Park which is conveniently located just off the A50 between Derby and Stoke on Trent, providing great access to both the East and West Midlands markets. The brand-new commercial units were designed by IMA architects and comprises of single storey warehouse with office and welfare space split over two floors at the front of the building. The unit benefits from a large secure yard with level-access loading bays and docks. Both plots have considerable onsite parking facilities with disabled bays EV charging stations. Warehouse roofs were designed to carry photo voltaic panels subject to the occupier’s requirements. Additionally, these unit boast floor to ceiling double glazed in the warehouse area and 10% roof lights, creating a brighter environment for warehouse workers. You can watch a detailed time lapse of the construction of both units here: https://www.clowes-dvp.co.uk/ Marc Freeman, Director at Clowes Developments (UK) Ltd added, “Clowes are pleased to deliver the last two units for Hines’ growing portfolio in the East Midlands and now look forward to delivering the ‘final phase’ of development at Dove Valley Park. Clowes together with IMA Architects have recently submitted a planning application to South Derbyshire District Council for the 35.29-acre site creating over half a million square feet of employment space for B2, B8, with ancillary E(g) use. Four units of varying sizes will be created to meet market demand for quality industrial space, along with the necessary associated hard and soft landscaping, car parking and infrastructure. In addition, a new Innovation Centre will be created that will serve as a central hub for all businesses in the local vicinity. The aim is to draw people together and provide spaces for gatherings, along with informal meeting space and access to external areas. The Innovation Centre will also serve as a space for start-up businesses to begin and has been developed in consultation with The University of Derby.” For more information design and build opportunities at Dove Valley Park, please contact the site’s agents, Tim Gilbertson, FHP Property Consultants on tim@fhp.co.uk or Nick Waddington, Carter Jonas on nick.waddington@carterjonas.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
80% of environmental professionals have concerns around the credibility and transparency of carbon credit offsetting schemes Businesses across the UK have expressed concern at the credibility and transparency of carbon credit offsetting schemes. In a report presenting the outcomes of the National Environmental Services Survey[1] – run in association with the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM), The Environmental Services Association (ESA), Groundwork, and ESS Expo (Environmental Services and Solutions Expo) – 80% of respondents stated that they had serious concerns around the integrity of carbon credit offsetting schemes. While almost a third of those questioned (33%) believed carbon offsetting is a viable strategy for achieving net-zero emissions, just 37% have employed it as a strategy to reduce their businesses’ environmental impact. The full report and survey findings can be downloaded here. Greenwashing also remains a major concern among industry insiders, with 94% of respondents believing it is prevalent in the UK. In 2023, a quarter (25%) of respondents to the same survey stated that greenwashing was the one thing they would change about the environmental sector as Rob Mowat, Managing Director of ESS Expo, explains: “It is alarming to hear that so many sustainability experts believe carbon offsetting schemes are actually failing the environment. While there are some businesses entering into highly certified programmes, there are concerns from many across the industry that these schemes are simply another form of greenwashing and can, in some instances, cause more harm to the environment than good.” Overall, perhaps unsurprisingly, climate change and global warming (32%) were cited as the biggest issues within the environment and sustainability today, followed by environmental policy and governance (15%) and waste management and the circular economy (13%). Crucially, as we head into a general election, 37% of those asked believe current government policies are unsupportive when it comes to achieving net zero goals, with just under a third (32%) stating that they are one of the biggest barriers to their organisation achieving net-zero, surpassed only by financial constraints (44%). Worryingly, only 3% of those interviewed said their organisation was currently at net zero. Achieving net zero When it comes to achieving net zero emissions across sectors, collaboration and partnerships are key, with 85% of respondents reporting that working together is either essential or very important. Further, nearly all respondents (99%) believe innovation and technology will play a role in accelerating the pathway to net zero emissions, with almost everyone (87%) agreeing it will play a significant part. The five biggest focusses will lie in the expansion of the circular economy (20%), advancements in clean energy technologies (16%), public awareness and engagement in sustainability (15%), followed by strengthening policy and regulation and green infrastructure at 14% and 9%, respectively. Lee Marshall, Director of Innovation and Technical Services at the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM), said: “It is always valuable to get insights from those who work in the sector. The concerns about off setting show that resources and waste professionals want to do the right thing and take meaningful steps to support climate mitigation. The UK has made good progress, but it is no surprise that people feel policies on net zero and circular economy are not strong enough. “We need policies that will accelerate the transition to a more resource resilient and circular economy capable of meeting future material demands and supporting the battle against climate change, and this is something CIWM is calling for in our ten policy recommendations for the new government.” Head of Climate and Energy Policy at The Environmental Services Association (ESA), Charlotte Rule, said: “Clearly, from these alarming survey results, there remains significant work to be done across the business community to demonstrate credibility and build trust in efforts to reduce carbon emissions, mitigate climate change, and achieve net-zero targets. “Achieving net-zero must be a collaborative exercise, which is what the ESA has sought to achieve through its Net-Zero strategy – aligning organisations across our sector through a shared roadmap; speaking with a unified voice to Government to achieve a supportive policy environment and being mutually accountable to each other as a membership body.” The survey gathered data from 1,498 professionals from across the environmental services industry from April-May 2024. Download the full report for free on the ESS Expo website here. To register to attend ESS Expo 2024 from 11-12 September at the NEC, Birmingham, visit the website here. [1] The survey gathered data from over 1,498 professionals from across the environmental survey industry from April – May 2024. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Family-owned housebuilder City & Country is pleased to announce their recent acquisition of 177 acres of land in the Stansted area. The newly purchased site, currently used for farming, is to be promoted by City & Country’s planning team through the Council’s local plan review process. The land is situated within a sustainable location with close access to existing transport links and has the potential to be suitable for residential, commercial, and leisure opportunities. Located in the Essex area, City & Country’s newly acquired Stansted site is part of the housebuilder’s commitment to its medium- and long-term development plans. On the new acquisition, City & Country’s Land and Property Director, Simon Marner commented: “The newly purchased Stansted land holds significant potential, and this acquisition aligns with our medium to long-term strategies to grow our residential and commercial development activities. We look forward to discussing our ideas for sensitive and sustainable development with the local community as we look towards the next steps for our plans for growth in Stansted and for the business more generally.” Wayne Douglas, MD at City & Country, adds: “Our specialist land and planning teams are constantly striving and seeking to invest in sustainable sites in desirable locations. This new land acquisition is a significant milestone for City & Country as we look to unlock a full range of planning and development opportunities in the Essex area.” For further information about City & Country, please visit https://www.cityandcountry.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
UK ground engineering specialist Mainmark has been shortlisted for a major industry accolade. Mainmark has been shortlisted for the “UK Project with a Geotechnical Value of up to £500K’’ category which recognises leading projects with a focus on innovation, quality, sustainability, health and safety and value engineering. The annual Ground Engineering Awards brings together leaders in the industry to celebrate major achievements. This year’s awards will be held at a prestigious event on 19 June at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London. Mainmark’s shortlisted project highlights its work on the construction of the 43-storey tower, Arena Point in Leeds, set to be the world’s tallest purpose-built student accommodation. The £95m project on Merrion Way features over 700 bedrooms, with a mix of studio apartments and shared cluster flats, replacing a previously underutilised office block. The construction was halted due to unstable ground, and was only able to progress thanks to the expertise of Mainmark who successfully strengthened the ground prior to excavation using its innovative Teretek® geopolymer resin injection technology. Mainmark’s Teretek engineered resin injection technology solution was chosen to strengthen the ground in a controlled and timely manner. With the proximity of nearby buildings, infrastructure and the restricted site traditional piling and ground anchor techniques were unsuitable for the specific challenge. Teretek® technology, developed by Mainmark, was injected at high-density levels to fill any voids, compact the ground and bind together large cobbles and brick fragments. It was completed in just 10 days, without the need for heavy plant, allowing the construction to continue as scheduled. Tom Kavanagh, General Manager at Mainmark UK, comments: “We’re thrilled to have been shortlisted for this award, it showcases the passion, skill and expertise that our team puts into developing new solutions, allowing the sector to better tackle site specific challenges. “We take great pride in not just meeting but exceeding our clients’ expectations and enabling the Arena Point construction to progress as planned is just one great example of where are dedication to formulating new solutions has been a success.” Mainmark has previously been recognised for its work with the post-earthquake resurrection of the Christchurch Art Gallery which won International Project of the Year. Chosen from seven high calibre of finalists, the re-levelling of the gallery was a landmark project for Mainmark and the industry, setting a new benchmark in the earthquake remediation for large scale buildings. Mainmark Ground Engineering (UK) Ltd is a subsidiary of the Mainmark group of companies established in 2016, with its headquarters located in Milton Keynes. For over three decades, Mainmark has established itself as a pioneering force in the industry, leading the way in developing and delivering cutting-edge ground improvement solutions. With an impressive track record of over 200,000 successful projects across Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the UK, Mainmark has earned international recognition as an award-winning and leading ground engineer. https://mainmark.com/uk/ @mainmark(UnitedKingdom) Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Following the announcement of the General Election for July 2024, the Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) has launched their manifesto, A Blueprint for Better Construction. The document focuses on how policy can support better procurement and contracting, and help to improve investment in skills, innovation and net zero. Throughout the manifesto’s development, FIS leaned heavily into research completed with Professor Stuart Green of Reading University and AMA Research in 2023. It has also consulted with its membership and externally to help further refine and ensure it does not cut across and is consistent with other construction lobby groups. FIS CEO, Iain McIlwee emphasised the manifesto’s goals, stating it presents “well-reasoned practical, targeted and specific” recommendations building on previous industry work. He added that the FIS has shared this document with other representative groups in construction to support their efforts, inviting further comments to refine and develop the proposals. “Beyond this we’ll be using our network and opportunities to ensure as FIS we carry forward the message that construction is a key enabling industry, but there are key policy levers that can be pulled to unleash the full potential of the sector,” he said. FIS will be taking this message forward with Ministers, MPs, Regulators and Civil Servants and at the same time is recommending its members use the document to target their candidates locally. “Consistency is key to change,” he added. “It is important to remember that the election deadline isn’t the critical one, it is being ready in the Autumn to deliver a consistent message from construction to the new Government (whatever colour) and give them a plan to ensure construction is well placed to support their vision for our future.” FIS is urging all members to contact their local candidates (you can find their details here) and challenge them on how their party will support a sector that enables growth, delivers sustainability and provides employment for one in 10 people in the UK. You can download a copy of the FIS Manifesto, A Blueprint for Better Construction here Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
