Maidstone-based Golding Homes (Golding) has finalised the transfer of 180 affordable homes to NewArch Homes, a registered provider of social housing owned by a fund managed by Octopus Real Estate, a leading UK specialist real estate investor and lender. Located in Bexley, Dartford, Sevenoaks, and Wealden, the mix of 111
Building Better, the National Housing Federation-supported group of housing associations and councils working to increase the use of modern methods of construction (MMC), has added a new manufacturer to its MMC Category 1 framework. Building Better and Procurement for Housing (PfH) have signed up ZED PODS to their volumetric framework,
The approved employment scheme will open up half a kilometre of waterfront to the public for the first time in the site’s history; transforming the current Chatham Docks Industrial Estate into a purpose-built employment campus, which will triple the number of jobs on site and offer new opportunities for economic growth.
High specification formwork, from Doka, along with its innovative hydraulic climbing system, ensured the safe, speedy delivery of a specialist concrete core for a standout new office building in central London. The City of London’s urban planners were given the green light to Edenica, a 12-floor, 60-metre-high building for developer
Celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, Big Green Coach continues to lead the way in providing carbon-neutral transportation services nationwide. Already established as the UK’s largest events travel company, Big Green Coach continues to grow its Transport Solutions business within the BDC sector, prioritising sustainability and efficiency in its operations.
Digital Construction Week is an annual event focusing on the future of the built environment – this year taking place from 5th to 6th of June. To mark the occasion, Smart Construction’s Deputy General Manager, Richard Clement, takes a deep dive into five of the biggest changes he predicts for
Balfour Beatty today announces that it has been selected by Rolls-Royce as its non-fissile construction partner to help deliver the expansion of its Raynesway site. In June last year, it was announced that Rolls-Royce would be doubling the size of its Submarines site in Derby to meet the growth in
Shaftesbury Capital has reported “strong” retail and hospitality leasing demand across its London portfolio so far in 2024. From 1 January to 3 May 2024, the real estate investment trust (REIT) welcomed 23 new brands and concepts to its West End estate. Highlights from the REIT’s portfolio include the expansion
INDUSTRIES and businesses which fail to embrace the safe deployment of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence to improve their operations may face a similar fate as those who shunned other major technological opportunities such as the Industrial Revolution or the internet. That was the view shared at a major industry conference
Siemens Healthineers has announced a new facility in North Oxfordshire that will design and manufacture superconducting magnets used in healthcare facilities globally for MRI patient scans. With an investment of £250 million, the site will be home to novel technology that minimises the use of helium, making scanners lighter, easier
Maidstone-based Golding Homes (Golding) has finalised the transfer of 180 affordable homes to NewArch Homes, a registered provider of social housing owned by a fund managed by Octopus Real Estate, a leading UK specialist real estate investor and lender. Located in Bexley, Dartford, Sevenoaks, and Wealden, the mix of 111 affordable rent, 68 shared ownership and 1 leasehold houses and flats are all between 2 and 6 years old. Housing management services will now be delivered by Southern Housing. Today’s news is the first major deployment by the Octopus Affordable Housing Strategy, which aims to accelerate the much-needed delivery of quality, affordable homes in the UK. By both funding the construction of new housing and making strategic acquisitions of high-quality existing stock, the strategy works to increase the total capital available for the supply of affordable housing. With the capital raised through its first close in December now committed and a significant element now fully invested, the strategy has demonstrated its ability to deploy funds efficiently and quickly, into high-quality homes with reputable partners, to help address a key societal challenge. Peter Merchant, Investment Director at Octopus Real Estate, said: “We’re delighted to have acquired these modern, high-quality affordable homes. At Octopus Real Estate our aim is to work with housing providers and local authorities to accelerate the delivery of affordable homes, and we’re pleased this transfer will allow Golding Homes to reinvest funds to further increase the supply of affordable housing in the local community.” Tom Casey, Director of Development and Strategic Asset Management at Golding Homes said: “The sale and transfer of these homes located outside of our core operational area, has been a strategic objective. This transfer enables us to strengthen our commitment to customers in and around the Borough of Maidstone where we’re based and deliver on our ambition to be visible, local and listening.” A key example of this strong local commitment can be seen in recent weeks, with Golding starting work on a major investment project in Shepway, Maidstone. This will see the development of 236 new, energy-efficient, affordable homes and a modern shopping area with improved landscaping and community facilities. Golding has also launched a £60million investment programme for improvements to existing homes, to be delivered over the next three years.Tom Casey continued: “As a local landlord, it’s important customers remain at the heart of all we do. We’re pleased to have worked collaboratively with NewArch Homes and their managing partner Southern Housing, to ensure this transition is smooth, and customers continue to receive a high-quality service.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Building Better, the National Housing Federation-supported group of housing associations and councils working to increase the use of modern methods of construction (MMC), has added a new manufacturer to its MMC Category 1 framework. Building Better and Procurement for Housing (PfH) have signed up ZED PODS to their volumetric framework, which is worth up to £400m over four years. Social housing organisations can procure pre-manufactured 3D construction systems for both houses and apartments from ZED PODS through the deal. ZEDPODS have been appointed to the framework on a direct award basis so housing associations and local authorities won’t need to go through any additional tender process to procure from them. Streamlining MMC contracting in this way saves around £15,000 in procurement costs for each housing organisation. The framework also enables very early engagement with ZED PODS, in a compliant way. When social housing organisations meet with manufacturers right at the start of a project and tap into their design experience to create plans that are right for all parties, this commonly leads to more successful schemes. Founded in 2016, ZED PODS design and build zero-operational-carbon social housing and specialise in delivering turnkey housing solutions using volumetric MMC. ZED PODS’ build system can be used on traditional sites and also constrained brownfield locations such as derelict garage sites, carparks, and flood zones. ZED PODS have delivered award-winning housing schemes for both local authorities and housing associations. They are presently working with 28 public sector organisations to plan and design MMC schemes, and they are currently onsite building zero-operational-carbon social homes in Sheffield, Ashford, Bristol, and across Wales and Devon. All MMC homes procured under the Building Better framework take a fabric-first approach (prioritising insulation ahead of add-ons like solar panels), they meet nationally described space standards (NDSS) and have the option to be wheelchair accessible. They are certified by the Buildoffsite Property Assurance Scheme (BOPAS) and assessed and accepted by building warranty provider ICW Insurance Services. Tony Woods, Technical Manager for Construction & Sustainability at Procurement for Housing (PfH) said: “The quality of ZED PODS’ homes really set them apart in the tender process, as well as their management team and financial position. They manufacture high performance, low carbon houses and flats that exceed the proposed Future Home Standards and the Welsh Development Quality Requirements 2021. But it was also the way they involve residents that impressed us. ZED PODS take a proactive approach to engaging early with local communities ahead of construction on site. Tom Northway, Chairman of ZED PODS, said: “We are delighted to have been selected for the Building Better framework and look forward to working with the team and its members to deliver our net zero carbon housing solutions.” In addition to the MMC Category 1 framework, Building Better and PfH also run a dynamic purchasing system (DPS) for MMC Category 2 construction systems. Through this DPS, social housing organisations can procure 2D panelised systems, assembled on-site, from over 20 pre-approved manufacturers. For further information about Building Better’s MMC Category 1 framework visit: https://buildingbetter.org.uk/procurement-route/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The approved employment scheme will open up half a kilometre of waterfront to the public for the first time in the site’s history; transforming the current Chatham Docks Industrial Estate into a purpose-built employment campus, which will triple the number of jobs on site and offer new opportunities for economic growth. Medway Council’s Planning Committee have approved plans this week to transform an 18acre Industrial Estate in Gillingham, Medway into a high-spec employment and enterprise campus called Basin3. The approved plans were submitted by waterside regeneration specialists Peel Waters who are the landowners of the site. Peel’s approved plans will transform the existing brownfield land into circa 31,000m² of adaptable workspace, bringing with it the opportunity to create hundreds of new jobs and apprenticeships in Medway. The high-quality, sustainable and versatile waterfront space that will be delivered as part of the Basin3 campus will actively promote job creation by catering to businesses aligned with the council’s target growth sectors. These sectors encompass creative, manufacturing and technology; life sciences; IT and digital along with dedicated spaces and workshops for start-ups and smaller independent businesses. Located next to Medway’s university cluster, the new Basin3 employment and enterprise campus will act as a catalyst for innovation and collaboration; helping retain talent and knowledge in Medway, by creating new opportunities for graduates. Future-proofing the site against climate change has also been at the forefront of the approved plans. Peel will raise the land to improve flood resilience and all the new buildings will utilise green technology and be at the cutting edge of energy efficiency. Enhanced connectivity and improved sustainable transport options have also been key to Peel’s vision for Basin3. The approved development will see the creation of a new waterside footpath and cycle way stretching over half a kilometre, connecting existing residential communities as well as safely opening up part of the Medway waterfront to the public for the first time in its history. The approved Basin3 development aligned with all the relevant policies in Medway’s statutory development plan and the National Planning Policy Framework and received no objections from the statutory consultees. James Whittaker, Managing Director, Peel Waters said: “We are very pleased planning has been approved for Basin3. Our vision for Basin3 will create a dynamic, employment enterprise destination that integrates with existing communities whilst attracting new employers and business to the area, offering much needed, high-quality, new employment spaces for already established Medway businesses, and bolstering Medway’s economic growth. “Receiving outline planning permission for Basin3 will help attract significant inward investment into Medway. We look forward to helping build an exciting new future and legacy for this employment site in Medway.” Peel Waters has a strong track record of waterside regeneration across the UK, with sites in Liverpool, Wirral, Greater Manchester and Glasgow. Their Chatham Waters development which neighbours the Basin3 site is their largest regeneration project in the south. To date, Peel has invested over £125million into their Chatham Waters scheme, delivered significant infrastructure improvements including over £7million of highway improvements, flood defence and land remediation. They have created 750 new jobs, built 237 affordable homes, another 391 homes for rent and sale, a large ASDA Superstore, a Marston’s family pub and restaurant, retail units, The Waterfront University Technical College offering on-site stem-focussed education specialising in construction and engineering; and an elderly/care development is soon to start construction. More information can be found about Basin3 at: basin3.co.uk Find out more about Peel Waters here: www.peelwaters.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
High specification formwork, from Doka, along with its innovative hydraulic climbing system, ensured the safe, speedy delivery of a specialist concrete core for a standout new office building in central London. The City of London’s urban planners were given the green light to Edenica, a 12-floor, 60-metre-high building for developer BREO Hundred. The new development is situated on the same site as the public house formerly known as the “Mucky Duck”, which was a prominent destination for sports journalists when the UK’s national newspaper publications were based in neighbouring Fleet Street. This building occupies a 140,000 ft2 site in Fetter Lane, with a pedestrian route and a sunken garden forming part of the development along with additional space for a new pub, more recently named “The White Swan”. Chair of the Planning and Transportation Committee at the City of London Corporation, Alastair Moss, said the scheme in Fetter Lane “represented strong ongoing developer confidence in the future of the City as a leading location” and an area to “spend time with friends, family and colleagues”. Main contractor Mace, is overseeing Edenica’s development, with the building’s core being formed and completed by specialist concrete sub-contractor Keltbray. It was achieve using Doka’s Top 50 wall formwork, supporting the need for a special high class architectural finish, and the Doka Framax systemised wall panels for the core’s primary solution. The large-area Top 50 formwork allowed for the design and pre-assembly of bespoke shuttering, which was essential to achieving the architect’s specialist wall pattern finish for the Edenica building, in good time and to the highest standard. Edenica’s central London location restricted the use of cranage due to strict site boundary limits being imposed to protect the surrounding live, public environment. It called for a hydraulic climbing system, which is where the Doka SKE50 plus system overcame the challenges presented by the serious lack of operational space. Firstly, the crane-independent SKE50 plus proved ideal for providing a coordinated anchor pattern around the form ties to facilitate the core’s external design pattern. Thanks to pre-project design capabilities from the Doka team, the anchors were concealed within the raised floor zones to avoid disrupting the finished wall’s aesthetic. The SKE50 plus’ strength and all-hydraulic performance was also key to its other vital function as part of the Edenica project. The new steel frame building contained a separate unsupported riser. It meant an innovative approach was needed to install temporary diagonal support struts at each floor to give the main core the structural strength to incorporate the non-standard element of the building’s design. Due to limited crane access, a winch was attached to the SKE50 plus’ platforms, enabling the struts to be lifted from a minus two level platform – designed by Doka – and affixed to the concrete core. The Edenica programme showcases how the Doka specialist formwork, paired with design expertise, effectively enabled the meeting of complex and demanding project challenges to ensure the safe erection of its concrete core within the clients’ seven-month timeframe. Furthermore, Doka’s formwork expert’s site visits ensured its pre-assembled platforms’ correct implementation. Along with the company’s productive consultations with Keltbray, it offered a fine demonstration of Doka’s all-round service delivery and commitment to a successful project outcome. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, Big Green Coach continues to lead the way in providing carbon-neutral transportation services nationwide. Already established as the UK’s largest events travel company, Big Green Coach continues to grow its Transport Solutions business within the BDC sector, prioritising sustainability and efficiency in its operations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Big Green Coach demonstrated agility by pivoting its services to meet the pressing need for safe transportation of essential workers. This move not only showcased its adaptability but also spurred growth in its staff transport business, which continues to expand post-pandemic. Working with Laing O’Rourke, Eiffage, Kier Group, East West Rail, Volker Rail, Murphy Group, Matiere and other key industry-leading businesses has underscored the growing demand for sustainable transport options within the BDC sector. Big Green Coach’s tailored solutions address the specific needs of these clients, whether it’s streamlining logistics for large-scale projects or facilitating daily commutes for workforce teams, while remaining committed to its carbon-neutral ethos. The experienced travel company can source a diverse range of vehicles, including cutting-edge electric minivans and environmentally friendly Euro VI coaches. All vehicles are Chapter 8 compliant and come with fully registered and certified drivers. The trusted and professional service also comes with a 24/7 transport manager, ensuring that there is always a single point of contact to deal with any difficult situations. Paul Johnson, Business Development Manager at Big Green Coach, expressed his enthusiasm about the ongoing growth of the company’s Transport Solutions department: “We are delighted to continue our longstanding relationships with companies such as EKFB, while also embracing new partnerships within the BDC sector. Leveraging our extensive experience in event travel, we continue to offer robust staff transport solutions. This ongoing growth enables us to expand our services while actively contributing to a sustainable future.” As Big Green Coach looks to the future, it remains steadfast in its commitment to environmental responsibility and client satisfaction, driving positive change within the transportation industry. Companies looking to find sustainable solutions to their transport needs can request a free consultation with Big Green Coach. The initial call will endeavour to help the sustainable transport experts at Big Green Coach understand the requirements and set out the next steps to achieve the company’s goals. Request a free one-to-one call with a dedicated member of the Big Green Coach Transport Solutions team and sign up for its Business Travel Newsletter here Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Digital Construction Week is an annual event focusing on the future of the built environment – this year taking place from 5th to 6th of June. To mark the occasion, Smart Construction’s Deputy General Manager, Richard Clement, takes a deep dive into five of the biggest changes he predicts for the industry, from AI and robotics to automation and green construction. Sustainable and green construction Industry experts predict that the industry will be seeing an increase in green, eco-friendly building materials over the next decade like recycled steel, bamboo, and sustainable concrete. This is a trend that has recently begun to emerge with bamboo and recycled glass on the rise in construction. We will see a rise in energy-efficient buildings with an enhanced focus on reducing energy consumption and integrating renewable energy sources. With the Future Homes Standard coming into effect next year, we will definitely be seeing an enhanced focus on this in the coming years. We will also see stricter regulations and goals for reducing carbon footprints come into place, leading to innovations in construction methods and materials that lower greenhouse gas emissions. Advanced construction technologies The sector will continue progressing its adoption of technology – something that will continue to advance in the coming years. Richard goes on to add: “We have already seen great progression in the industry due to different technological advancements, something that will continue to improve the industry. “In particular, I think construction will see a rise in drone usage for site surveys, inspections, and monitoring to improve accuracy and safety.” This year Smart Construction will be rolling out an innovative Edge 2 solution that offers highly effective drone surveying which is used to rapidly process high quality and precise data from the job site, providing the construction workforce with a way of calculating job site progress quickly and identifying any challenges or unforeseen considerations. “The industry will also see a rise in automation over the next decade, an innovation that we are already seeing a lot more of. This will be essential in alleviating time consuming tasks from the workforce, such as admin, and freeing up their time for more important tasks.’’ Data-driven decision making Data analytics and insights will be essential in the industry to inform and guide various aspects of construction projects. Richard explains this can include using historical project data to identify trends and patterns, employing real-time data from sensors and monitoring systems to make proactive decisions, and leveraging predictive analytics to forecast potential issues or outcomes. He adds: “By harnessing data, construction companies can optimise project planning, resource allocation, and risk management. For example, data-driven decision-making can help in scheduling tasks more efficiently, identifying areas for cost savings, and improving overall project performance. Additionally, data analysis can be used to enhance safety measures and quality control on construction sites.” Smart Construction’s Remote allows users to send new design data to machines in the field, or remotely support operators, without travelling to the jobsite – saving time and fuel. Smart Construction’s Remote in action Major construction companies working on the HS2 project in the UK have been satisfied customers of Smart Construction since 2021 when it began using Remote to support the construction of the railway. In total, major contractors saved more than 176 commuting hours which consequently saved more than 1,059 litres of fuel by using Remote to alleviate travel in May 2023-2024. This equated to more than eight tonnes of CO2 avoided. Richard commented on the personal safety benefits of using Remote on the HS2 site, explaining: “HS2 workers no longer have to use stilts or climb on machines, and can send design data so much quicker and safer than before. Non-operators working on the line are no longer allowed to enter the machine cabin for safety reasons. Smart Construction’s Remote means that this safety regulation doesn’t affect speed or productivity.’’ Enhanced safety measures Richard predicts the industry will utilise wearable technology to monitor workers’ health and safety in real-time. This allows real-time health and hazard monitoring such as heart rate, enhanced communication between the worker and wider team, injury prevention, and GPS tracking. “Mobile phones and Augmented Reality will also become a key player in utility works. The workforce is taking 3D imagery of their work so that the next team, months or years later, can see what is below the footpath prior to starting the job. This gives visual confirmation as these 3D images are geolocated, just like drone imagery for Smart Construction Dashboard users.” Workforce development and upskilling Nurturing the workforce is the most valuable asset for a construction company, Richard emphasises. Providing opportunities for upskilling and career progression is crucial for maintaining a strong and capable team. “By investing in the development of the existing workforce, not only can recruitment costs be reduced, but it also alleviates stress on managers who can rely on a skilled and adaptable team. With advancing technology, upskilling becomes even more essential to ensure the team is prepared for the future.” To find out more about digital solutions, visit: smartconstruction.io Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Balfour Beatty today announces that it has been selected by Rolls-Royce as its non-fissile construction partner to help deliver the expansion of its Raynesway site. In June last year, it was announced that Rolls-Royce would be doubling the size of its Submarines site in Derby to meet the growth in demand from the Royal Navy, and as a result of last year’s AUKUS announcement. In March this year it was confirmed that Australia has committed £2.4 billion over ten years to the UK SSN-AUKUS programme, representing a proportionate contribution to both the uplift of Rolls-Royce Submarines infrastructure, as well as a fair contribution to costs associated with boat design. The increase in demand will see Balfour Beatty build new manufacturing and office facilities as well as the adjoining site infrastructure. The increase in work from the MOD will create 1,170 skilled roles at Rolls-Royce, across a range of disciplines including manufacturing and engineering. Leo Quinn, Balfour Beatty’s Group Chief Executive, said: “Today’s announcement marks an important step forward in ensuring Rolls-Royce has the infrastructure in place to support the strategic requirements of the MOD and the AUKUS programmes. “I’m delighted Balfour Beatty has been chosen to support this critical work for a project that will see us unite our unique multi-disciplinary expertise and experience in delivering large scale complex projects within live, operational nuclear environments.” Rolls-Royce Submarines Infrastructure Director Terry Meighan said: “We cannot deliver against our commitments to the MOD and the AUKUS programme on our own. It will require a strong and reliable supply chain bringing their expertise to enhance and enable the critical work we do. The selection of Balfour Beatty as our expansion construction partner is a prime example of that. “Their experience in delivering major infrastructure, as well as their long history of complex project delivery in secure environments, were important factors in our decision. This is an exciting milestone as we grow our site and our business to meet the enhanced demand for our expertise.” This announcement follows confirmation that leading multi-disciplinary professional services consultancy WSP had been selected as its non-fissile design partner. Balfour Beatty and WSP will work closely over the next decade to bring the Raynesway site expansion plans to life. Rolls-Royce is currently supporting the existing Astute and Dreadnought boat build programmes through the delivery of reactor plant and associated components. Additionally, it provides frontline support across the world for reactor plant equipment from its Operations Centre in Derby and supports the submarines when in the Barrow-in-Furness shipyard and the naval bases at Devonport and Faslane. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Shaftesbury Capital has reported “strong” retail and hospitality leasing demand across its London portfolio so far in 2024. From 1 January to 3 May 2024, the real estate investment trust (REIT) welcomed 23 new brands and concepts to its West End estate. Highlights from the REIT’s portfolio include the expansion of Charlotte Tilbury to a new flagship store, following the success of its James Street location. Seven Dials has seen the addition of athleisure brand Alo at the entrance of Neal Street, while British wellness brand ELEMIS will open its debut London store on Monmouth Street, joining recent openings Odd Muse and Missoma. Footwear brand Axel Arigato is currently fitting out its flagship store on Earlham Street, marking its second location in Shaftesbury Capital’s portfolio. Additionally, Greek boutique hotel ERGON House will open in a newly refurbished heritage-listed building, anchoring King Street next year. The REIT has also enhanced its Soho estate, introducing hospitality concepts The Counter and The Little Violet Door to Kingly Street, joining Two Floors. Carnaby Street has welcomed global lifestyle brand PANGAIA for its first UK standalone store, while SanHao will debut a new restaurant in Chinatown, offering hand-pulled noodles and soups. Since the merger of Shaftesbury and Capco, Shaftesbury Capital has completed £212.6 million in asset disposals, with £82.9 million reinvested in target acquisitions. Ian Hawksworth, chief executive of Shaftesbury Capital, said: “It’s been a positive start to the year. Our West End estates are busy and vibrant with high footfall, customer sales growth, and increasing levels of international tourism. There is continued strong leasing demand across all uses, with 147 transactions completed in the period, at rents on average 7 per cent ahead of December 2023 ERV and an excellent leasing pipeline, reflecting the appeal of our exceptional portfolio. “We have completed £213 million of asset sales since the merger, at a premium to valuation, reinvesting over £80 million in target acquisitions. Backed by our strong balance sheet and talented team, Shaftesbury Capital is well-positioned to deliver growth in line with our medium-term targets as the leading central London mixed-use REIT.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
INDUSTRIES and businesses which fail to embrace the safe deployment of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence to improve their operations may face a similar fate as those who shunned other major technological opportunities such as the Industrial Revolution or the internet. That was the view shared at a major industry conference – “Harnessing Robotics and Artificial Intelligence in Challenging Environments” – which attracted almost 300 delegates and exhibitors to the event at Energus, Workington, Cumbria on Tuesday (May 21). Attendees heard how embracing robotics and AI can help meet the two global challenges of climate change and energy security. Delegates heard RAICo, a collaboration between UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), Sellafield Ltd and the University of Manchester, plays a vital role, aiding collaboration and bringing the greatest minds together – including end-users, problem-holders and researchers – to find solutions to shared nuclear decommissioning and fusion engineering challenges. The deployment of robotics and AI was described as being key to accelerating nuclear decommissioning and fusion engineering in a way which delivers missions safer, faster and more cost effectively. Keynote speakers from the nuclear sector, including Professor Sir Ian Chapman, CEO of the UKAEA; Mr David Peattie, CEO of the NDA; Mr Roddy Miller, Nuclear Operations Director at Sellafield Ltd, and Francis Livens, Professor of Radiochemistry at The University of Manchester, shared with delegates their visions for the safe deployment of the latest technologies. David Peattie said: “I’m passionate about creating opportunities for collaboration across the NDA group, the wider sector, academia and the supply chain and particularly inspiring young people to engage in the work we are doing and develop innovative solutions. “We are proud to be part of RAICo and committed to exploring how we can utilise technology and innovation to create a safer working environment for our employees, deliver more effectively and efficiently, to leave a more sustainable legacy for generations to come.” Roddy Miller said: “Harnessing the power of robotics and AI is not just about technological advancement; it’s about creating a sustainable and safer environment for future generations. This event highlighted the incredible potential of these technologies and the important role Cumbria plays in this transformative journey.” During a panel session hosted by Professor Rob Buckingham, Executive Director of the UKAEA, in which keynote speakers were asked their views on risk, Ian Chapman highlighted that, while safety of operations was paramount, it was also important to consider the risk of industry and businesses failing to adopt technologies which help them achieve some tasks safer, faster and more cost effectively. He said: “I also consider aggregate risk in conversations like this. The biggest risk for the nuclear sector is that it will cease to exist. Just go back to the Industrial Revolution, or the internet, those (businesses) who decided not to engage, those companies do not exist.” Engaging with supply chain companies was also highlighted as vital for industries to fully embrace robotics and AI. The Industrial Solutions Hub (iSH) announced the launch of the Cumbria Robotics Cluster at the event. This cluster brings together organisations with a shared vision to elevate Cumbria as a globally recognised centre of excellence in the field of robotics engineering. RAICo is a founding member of the cluster which is set to play a crucial role in developing advanced robotics technologies and skills that address industrial challenges, particularly in the nuclear industry and other challenging environments. Dr Kirsty Hewitson, Director of RAICo, said: “This cluster represents a significant opportunity for synergy and innovation amongst Cumbria’s robotics experts and industries. Through this collaborative effort, we are set to map out and expand the capabilities of robotics in the region, driving forward our joint goals of technological advancement and capacity building.” Kirsty added: “The supply chain is absolutely crucial to RAICo’s success and that broader success across both Sellafield, the wider NDA estate but also the UK Atomic Energy Authority. “They (the supply chain) absolutely possess those unique skill sets, technologies that they have developed over many years which we should be tapping into and harnessing and working collaboratively with them. “It was great to see a number of those large and small companies come to the event and join in the discussions taking place across the room.” Organised by FIS360 on behalf of RAICo and its partners, the event also highlighted the social impact of robotics and AI in Cumbria and beyond. Adopting robotics and AI provides opportunities to upskill workforces, create new higher skilled jobs, and offer exciting careers for young people and graduates. Eleven students aged 16 to 18 from West Lakes Academy and the Energy Coast University Technical College (UTC) who took part in a four-week sprint programme set by RAICo and iSH, to develop a small robot that could move a mock nuclear barrel around a track, shared their learnings and experiences at the event. Mr Richard Christensen, Senior Mechanical Design Engineer at RAICo, said: “What has been achieved by these talented students in such a short time is incredibly impressive, and watching them speak so confidently (at the event) about their findings was fantastic. “At RAICo, we want to champion the next generation of innovators within the robotics and AI industry, providing students and young professionals with opportunities to help them get a foot in the door for a rewarding career.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Siemens Healthineers has announced a new facility in North Oxfordshire that will design and manufacture superconducting magnets used in healthcare facilities globally for MRI patient scans. With an investment of £250 million, the site will be home to novel technology that minimises the use of helium, making scanners lighter, easier to install and more sustainable. Construction has begun on the 56,000m2 site, which will support more than 1,300 skilled jobs. It will be the UK’s first major production site for new so-called DryCool technology, which reduces the amount of helium required in an MRI scanner from 1,500 litres to under a single litre. The new facility, which will be operationally carbon-neutral, will provide a range of financial, infrastructure and environmental benefits to the local economy from its planned opening in 2026, underlining the company’s decades-long commitment to manufacturing in the Oxford area. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “I am delighted Siemens Healthineers has chosen Oxfordshire for its new facility, supporting over 1,300 skilled jobs in the area, and reinforcing the region’s status as a vanguard in healthcare and R&D. But as well as the incredible local benefits this will bring, this cutting-edge facility also presents an opportunity to enhance patient care globally – which means British innovation is saving lives around the world.” Chief executive of Siemens Healthineers Bernd Montag said: “MRI technology plays a vital role in diagnosing disease, helping patients to get healthy and stay healthy. As a world leader in medical imaging, we are very proud to open the next chapter of our history here in Oxford. This factory will be the global centre for our innovative low-helium magnet technology, meaning we consume far less of a scarce natural resource and enable access to MRIs for many more patients.” With high-end manufacturing automation technology in place, Siemens Healthineers will provide vital additional capacity to help satisfy rising global demand for MRI products as populations age and chronic diseases become more prevalent. The new factory will include a research and development hub responsible for new technologies such as designing and manufacturing some of the world’s smallest and most lightweight whole-body scanners. As one of six current and future Siemens Healthineers manufacturing sites in the UK, the new facility underscores the company’s significant high-tech footprint across the country. The new site is set to support over 1,300 jobs when fully operational, including the retention of over 600 Oxfordshire-based jobs currently at an existing Siemens Healthineers facility in Eynsham. Many of the roles are for highly skilled workers such as physicists, engineers, technicians and specialised support staff. These are in addition to workers who will be employed during the site’s construction. The phased transition is estimated to be completed by 2030, subject to variable demand for the products developed at the site. With support from developer Tritax Symmetry, the building is designed to be carbon-neutral in operation, with careful consideration for the community and environment, and strategies aimed at reducing energy demand and increasing health and wellbeing. Beyond employment, public benefits include financial investment in the local economy along with improvements to the local highway network, and environmental benefits in terms of biodiversity net gain. This is in addition to support for local services such as bus routes, footpaths and cycleways. As part of its expansion plans in Oxfordshire, Siemens Healthineers Magnet Technology will be renewing its education commitments to the local community. This includes the provision of mentoring services to students in nearby schools, in addition to increasing apprenticeship intake by a quarter over a three-year programme. The company is also a main sponsor of the Oxford Science and Ideas Festival, inspiring young people to find out more about science, technology, engineering and mathematics in the area.
