The Pride in the Job 2024 Quality Award winners have been announced today by NHBC. The awards celebrate the best UK site managers and their dedication to raising standards in house building. Now in its 44th year and widely considered the ‘Oscars’ of the house-building industry, Pride in the Job
WORK has officially started on a much-needed £13 million high quality build-to-rent residential scheme set to transform Nottingham’s Grade II listed former British Waterways building on the canal side area at Castle Wharf. The project, which is being developed in partnership with The Canal & River Trust (CRT), H2Ourban –
A report by Public First, commissioned by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), revealed that planning reform and increased housing development could miss out on over £70 billion in additional value by not investing in planning. Leaders of the UK’s political parties have outlined ambitious housing targets. The RTPI has
The Fire Standards Board (FSB) has announced the launch of the seventeenth professional Fire Standard; Internal Governance and Assurance. The Internal Governance and Assurance Fire Standard focuses on ensuring that fire and rescue services have internal governance structures and business planning processes which enable senior leaders to maintain comprehensive oversight of
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)
The Pride in the Job 2024 Quality Award winners have been announced today by NHBC. The awards celebrate the best UK site managers and their dedication to raising standards in house building. Now in its 44th year and widely considered the ‘Oscars’ of the house-building industry, Pride in the Job has become the benchmark for exceptional site managers. Judging is rigorous, with assessment across six key areas: consistency, attention to detail, leadership, interpretation of drawings and specifications, technical expertise and health and safety. Thousands of inspections, with meticulous scoring and detailed verifications, have taken place to determine the 449 winners from a field of more than 8,000 sites, representing the top 5% of UK site managers. Commenting on the awards, Steve Wood, CEO at NHBC said: “For more than four decades, Pride in the Job has underpinned NHBC’s purpose of raising standards in house building. The competition recognises the UK’s top site managers, showcasing best practice and rewarding excellence. “Winning site managers demonstrate dedication, passion and leadership to ensure new homes are delivered to exacting construction quality standards. While house building is a team effort, we believe the greatest influence on the quality of a finished home is the calibre of the site manager and the way they inspire their team. Congratulations to all the winners.” Pride in the Job has five categories: small, medium and large builders, plus multi-storey for projects up to seven storeys and high-rise for projects more than seven storeys. The Quality Award winners will now go on to compete for Seal of Excellence and Regional Awards in the autumn, with the national Supreme Award winners unveiled in January 2025. For a full list of the Pride in the Job 2024 Quality Award winners, please click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
WORK has officially started on a much-needed £13 million high quality build-to-rent residential scheme set to transform Nottingham’s Grade II listed former British Waterways building on the canal side area at Castle Wharf. The project, which is being developed in partnership with The Canal & River Trust (CRT), H2Ourban – the joint venture between bloc Group and CRT – and Citra Living, part of Lloyds Banking Group, will see the building converted to provide 95 residential units including 12 studios, 42 one-bedroom apartments and 41 two-bedroom flats, this includes a rooftop extension housing eight apartments. The scheme, which will help bridge the gap in Nottingham’s rental market, is set to breathe new life into the west of the city – helping to enhance a destination well known for its historic buildings. Richard Thomas, CEO for H2O, said: “H2O is committed to delivering high quality developments that go beyond providing much needed housing, creating thriving communities and promoting health and happy lifestyles as well. This project is the latest in our pipeline and follows this ethos to its core. “Working with our project partners, we’re revitalising an area of Nottingham with a brand new and modern offering, while maintaining and protecting enough of its character that we don’t lose its rich history. “The H2O partnership goes back two decades and specialises in creating exemplary waterside developments that provide both economic and social value, and this latest project certainly does that.” Located in the Canal Conservation Area, the six-storey former warehouse dates back to 1919 and was originally built to help move goods along the Nottingham and Beeston Canal. Ground floor amenity space for residents will also be included. Designed by Franklin Ellis Architects, it is being constructed by Jessops Construction Limited and completion is due in March 2025. Speaking about the project Andy Hutchinson, CEO of Citra Living, said: “Bringing disused buildings back in to use and regenerating areas into new communities is central to what Citra is about. Regenerating the warehouse at Castle Wharf will bring much needed homes to the area, allowing more people to live in the type of quality homes they want in the areas that give them access to the facilities and amenities they want.” Land receipts and profits gift aided from H20 play an important part in helping the Canal and River Trust fund the care and upkeep of the nation’s historic canals and rivers. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A report by Public First, commissioned by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), revealed that planning reform and increased housing development could miss out on over £70 billion in additional value by not investing in planning. Leaders of the UK’s political parties have outlined ambitious housing targets. The RTPI has stated that well-resourced planning can help achieve these targets while positively impacting the economic, social, and environmental needs of the UK’s towns, cities and countryside. But previous research by the RTPI shows that public sector planning is in a dire state, with a 16% reduction in public spending on planning since 2009. Planners are overworked and understaffed as a result. Last year, the Institute reported that from 2013 to 2020, a quarter of planners left the public sector. The report indicates that, if the profession continues to be underinvested, there could be missed opportunities for a “planning premium.” This premium refers to the characteristics that contribute to the development of vibrant and safe communities, and it could provide an additional value of just under £50 billion over a ten-year period. The report states that utilising the power of planning to deliver new housing could lead to productivity growth worth £23 billion over ten years. This could bring the total potential loss to over £70 billion if not utilised and invested in responsibly. Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the RTPI, said: “This report comes at a time when home-building needs to accelerate rapidly to address the housing affordability crisis. It shows us the true value of planning when done well, and how it can deliver not just the housing the UK desperately needs, but provide value for money and quality of life to communities.” Ed Dorrell, Partner at Public First said: “This report demonstrates that there is nothing wrong with planning. Far from it. Used strategically, planning and planners can help the country build new places – and new homes – at a volume and at a quality that people need and want. “Planners, when they are emboldened and enabled, can support the delivery of the kind of dense, mixed use, well-connected communities that people will want to live in, and, in-so-doing, also drive up productivity in the way that the country so desperately needs. “Our work demonstrates that far from being part of the problem, planners can be part of the solution.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Fire Standards Board (FSB) has announced the launch of the seventeenth professional Fire Standard; Internal Governance and Assurance. The Internal Governance and Assurance Fire Standard focuses on ensuring that fire and rescue services have internal governance structures and business planning processes which enable senior leaders to maintain comprehensive oversight of internal activities, assuring them that the service is operating effectively. One of the desired outcomes of the Fire Standard is that services’ internal change and improvement projects are managed through robust development, approval and initiation processes. This will ensure that such projects are aligned to the vision and strategic objectives of the service, and that delivery and organisational development plans are clear and understood by all within the service. An expected benefit of achieving the Internal Governance and Assurance Fire Standard is that fire and rescue services will improve governance, internal culture and increase transparency. As with all Fire Standards, there’s a corresponding Fire Standards Implementation Tool to support services with the implementation. The tool was designed to support services understanding how well they meet the standard; helping them to embed the standard into existing and new action plans and address any gaps. Chair of the Fire Standards Board, Suzanne McCarthy said: “The Board welcomes the launch of the new Internal Governance and Assurance Fire Standard and recognises the contribution it will bring to fire and rescue services and the communities they serve. “The standard builds on our portfolio of comprehensive and professional Fire Standards which ultimately help support the safety, health and well-being of the public via English fire and rescue services.” Sabrina Cohen-Hatton, CFO of West Sussex FRS and Chair of NFCC’s Improvement Committee, said: “I’m proud to have led the development of this new Fire Standard which will support all fire and rescue services to follow a consistent and robust process when developing internal governance and assurance procedures. “I also hope that working towards achieving this standard will create internal cultures and a positive working environments that are open to learning, self-evaluation and receiving feedback, creating a more productive, motivated and efficient workforce.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
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
