Costa Clyde on a sunny Saturday was the setting for the Five Ferries Challenge, a 52-mile-long cycle ride undertaken by a team of East Kilbride-based engineers on behalf of the Beatson Cancer Charity. The team, made up of ten cyclists and two support crew, from Dougall Baillie Associates, one of
Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, is progressing works on the new Barwell Medical Centre in Leicestershire. The new two-storey doctor’s surgery, located off High Street, Barwell, will replace the existing centre on Jersey Way, which is at capacity and unable to meet the growing demand for its services from the
McLaughlin & Harvey is delighted to have handed over United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority’s (UKAEA)’s newest office building at Culham Campus. The new facility provides expanded office capacity with agile working space, new shared meeting amenities and collaborative breakout areas. In addition, it also features a new staff canteen and
TODAY Greater Manchester is taking its first step towards offering a property check to renters across the city region, empowering those who feel trapped in substandard housing. This morning, in Moss Side, the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham announced a £600,000 package of measures to support tenants and clamp
Affordable housing provider SO Resi has recently launched its newest Shared Ownership scheme in the capital, with 37 homes at its SO Resi Canning Town development in Newham. Eager buyers are invited to find out more at two launch events at The Crowne Plaza Hotel Docklands from 10am – 4pm
Orbit, one of the UK’s foremost not-for-profit housing groups, has published its 2030 Corporate Strategy, outlining its ambitions for the next six years, including investing a significant amount in its customer journey, building and regenerating over 5,700 homes, and becoming Net Zero Carbon in its own operations. The Strategy sets
Pennyfarthing Homes has created a partnership with VIVID to construct 106 affordable homes within its development in Fordingbridge, Hampshire. Covering nearly seven acres of land, this deal signifies a step towards addressing housing needs in the local community, allowing VIVID to make an impact on affordable housing provision. This deal
Invest Gatwick Diamond will exhibit at the UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in Leeds next week. In a collaborative effort between local and regional authorities alongside private sector partners, The Gatwick Diamond Initiative and London Gatwick have pioneered the establishment of the region’s inaugural delegation, ‘Invest Gatwick
The UK has, earlier than expected, completed its key step required for joining CPTPP, Minister for Trade Policy Greg Hands will tell fellow members of the group during a meeting in Arequipa, Peru. Joining CPTPP – which will account for 15% of global GDP with the UK included – means
Birmingham City Council unveiled an ambitious masterplan proposal for the regeneration of Druids Heath to the community this week at a launch event at Manningford Hall. The masterplan was developed after two years of work, talking with and listening to the community to create a plan that can meet the
Costa Clyde on a sunny Saturday was the setting for the Five Ferries Challenge, a 52-mile-long cycle ride undertaken by a team of East Kilbride-based engineers on behalf of the Beatson Cancer Charity. The team, made up of ten cyclists and two support crew, from Dougall Baillie Associates, one of the largest independent engineering consultancy firms in Scotland, tackled the demanding uphill and down dale cycle on Saturday 11 May. The challenge, which gets under way from Ardrossan, then takes the ferry to Brodick on Arran, then a ferry from Lochranza, Arran, to Clonaig in Kintyre, another ferry from Tarbert on Kintyre to Portavadie on the Cowal Peninsula, a fourth ferry from Colintraive on Cowal to the Isle of Bute, then a final ferry from Bute to Wemyss Bay and the nearest public house for a well-deserved refreshment. Fergus Adams, Managing Director of Dougall Baillie Associates, said: “I didn’t realise there were quite so many hills on the route, but we supported each other all the way, made the most of our recovery times on the ferries and got back to Wemyss Bay pretty much on the timetable we set ourselves. “And happily, all five ferries were running smoothly and dropped us off us where we needed to be when we needed to be there. “It was great also to be able to undertake the challenge on a beautiful, sunny day since the team had been training throughout the late winter and early spring in some pretty appalling weather conditions. “We’ve been training hard with a weekly cycle club taking place plus some extra regular weekend cycles also. The team also looked the part with our DBA-branded cycling tops. “The upshot is that we have raised £4500 so far for one of Scotland’s most worthy charities and we would like to thank our many colleagues, clients, suppliers, families and friends who have contributed to this magnificent sum.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, is progressing works on the new Barwell Medical Centre in Leicestershire. The new two-storey doctor’s surgery, located off High Street, Barwell, will replace the existing centre on Jersey Way, which is at capacity and unable to meet the growing demand for its services from the local community. Due for completion in June 2024, the new medical centre will provide modern healthcare facilities to many more local people, with demand expected to grow from its current 6,400 to 11,000 users over the next five to ten years. The additional space at the new centre will allow it to provide a greater range of much-needed health services, including physiotherapy and mental health support. The new L-shaped building will consist of 12 consulting rooms, a space for minor surgical procedures with recovery facilities, a health promotion area, as well as 52 car parking spaces and six cycle racks. The centre will be constructed to BREEAM Excellent standards, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the new Medical Centre. Demolition works at the unused brownfield site have already taken place which saw the removal of a former vehicle workshop and warehouse. Adrian Grocock, Group Managing Director at G F Tomlinson, said: “To be delivering this new contemporary medical facility which will enable more local people to access vital medical care, as well as its expanding specialist services, is a privilege. “G F Tomlinson is vastly experienced in the delivery of healthcare schemes and understand the incredibly important role they play in the local community. The team and I are looking forward to seeing this significant facility progress over the coming months.” Dr Mark Findlay, GP Partner at Barwell and Hollycroft Medical Centres said: “We are excited that after 17 years of planning, we will be moving into a purpose built, modern medical centre later this year. Over the last 10 years our practice list has increased by 50% to 14,600 patients across our two sites, and we have desperately needed a new building at Barwell. “After a challenging process obtaining NHS agreement and issues with planning and funding, we are relieved that we are close to providing the building our patients and staff deserve. The new medical centre is less than 500 metres from the existing site, closer to the local pharmacy and more accessible – being situated on the High Street, on the local bus route and having 52 parking spaces. “We have been delighted by our choice of contractor, GF Tomlinson, who have been incredibly supportive and professional throughout as well as being very considerate to our neighbours. Going above and beyond, they have been supporting the local community with food bank donations, Christmas tree collection and wood recycling.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
McLaughlin & Harvey is delighted to have handed over United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority’s (UKAEA)’s newest office building at Culham Campus. The new facility provides expanded office capacity with agile working space, new shared meeting amenities and collaborative breakout areas. In addition, it also features a new staff canteen and coffee bar, external plaza space, and car parking provision located at the site entrance. Works included the construction of a four-storey office building arranged in an L-shape to provide two dual aspect office wings to the east and south, wrapping around a centralised core and atrium. The design ethos of the new office building is based around efficiency, adaptability and flexibility, identity, wellness, innovation, and sustainability. The building has achieved this vision, providing a flexible office environment that can be easily modified according to future needs and conditions. The central shared atrium space promotes wellbeing for its occupants and encourages innovation through collaboration. UKAEA’s Culham Campus is central to UKAEA’s mission to develop fusion energy. UKAEA believes that meeting the challenges of fusion requires collaboration across multiple industries and disciplines. UKAEA’s vision is for its facilities, such as the new office building, to support Culham Campus becoming a destination to inspire and grow the fusion community. External works also included the construction of an associated car park, the installation of incoming utilities, and the creation of a central landscape square and ‘garden’ spaces for staff and visitors. McLaughlin & Harvey has been identified as a supplier by UKAEA under the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Framework Construction Works & Associated Services. This was the third UKAEA scheme awarded to us through the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Framework Construction Works & Associated Services. Michael Kieran, McLaughlin & Harvey Construction Director, said, “We have enjoyed working in collaboration with our Client UKAEA to successfully complete their new office building. This is the third project we have completed for UKAEA under the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Framework. We look forward to continuing to deliver excellent results for UKAEA in the future.” Tim Bestwick, Deputy CEO at UKAEA commented, “The expansion and redevelopment of Culham Campus is an important part of UKAEA’s objectives – it is becoming an international centre of innovation, scientific advancement and excellence, fostering collaboration in pursuit of a more sustainable future.” Simon Peck, Interim Head of Campus and Property Development said “We aim to create an attractive and sustainable working environment as we strive to realise our goals for Culham Campus’ development and growth. The new office building embodies these objectives and has been built to a BREEAM Excellent standard.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
TODAY Greater Manchester is taking its first step towards offering a property check to renters across the city region, empowering those who feel trapped in substandard housing. This morning, in Moss Side, the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham announced a £600,000 package of measures to support tenants and clamp down on rogue landlords, as part of a plan to rewire the rental system so it works for people, not against them. The Good Landlord Charter, set to be rolled out later this year, will work with landlords who are willing to improve the standard of the properties they rent out. The first in the UK, the Charter scheme will cover social and private rented sector housing and set out clear, practical, and accessible standards to drive up the quality of renting in Greater Manchester. For tenants whose landlords are not willing to work with us voluntarily, we will be launching a Property Check scheme – another UK first. This will help those who feel trapped by their housing situation by giving them the right to request a property check, carried out by local teams and followed up with enforcement action where necessary. Data shows that, throughout Greater Manchester, around 23 per cent (56,000) of private rented homes and just under 17 per cent (82,000) of all rented homes do not meet the legal Decent Homes Standard. But since many tenants feel unable to raise complaints for fear of eviction, it’s thought the true number of substandard rentals may be as high as 40 per cent. Our recent survey of private tenants in Greater Manchester found that in the past year: Greater Manchester is investing £150,000 in a pilot with Salford City Council and central government to explore how these checks can be used effectively and proactively and help identify properties that fall short of the Decent Homes Standard – a legal requirement when the Renters (Reform) Bill comes into law later this year. The Mayor will be asking the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service to support the delivery of Property Checks. Our fire crews already visit around 30,000 homes a year, providing fire safety checks and work is under way to explore how they could deploy Property Checks as part of their work with our communities. To drive forward Greater Manchester’s plans to tackle the housing crisis, the Mayor has announced two more new pilot projects that will come into effect in the next 12 months, supporting the implementation of the Good Landlord Charter and the vision to become the UK’s first Housing First city-region: Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “Today we drive forward the next phase of Greater Manchester’s mission to tackle the housing crisis and get serious about housing standards. “Everyone across our city-region deserves a good, safe, and secure home. It should be the starting point for a good life. It should not damage your health or be a source of concern and anxiety. “Sadly, too many people in Greater Manchester still find themselves in those situations, trapped in poorly maintained properties and in fear of unlawful eviction. But the days of bad landlords renting out unsafe and unfit homes are coming to an end. This new right to a property check for all residents, backed up with new measures to protect renters and take action against rogue landlords, will empower people across Greater Manchester and put us on course to become the UK’s only Housing First city-region.” The three pilot programmes, currently in development, support Greater Manchester’s plan to make sure every resident in our city-region can live in a good, safe home. Galvanising this plan will be the creation of a multi-agency Greater Manchester Housing First unit within the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, which will develop a strategy to drive up standards and bolster enforcement capacity across the board. The Mayor announced the package of measures today (Thursday 16 May) on a visit to a housing estate in Moss Side, Manchester. He was joined by Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council Executive Member for Housing and Development. Manchester City Council is currently consulting on proposals for new selective licensing schemes, which require private landlords or their managing agents to obtain a license before renting out a property. Their proposals would see the total number of private rented sector properties in the borough covered by selective licensing schemes rise from 2,000 to just under 4,000. For further information please contact the Communications and Engagement team on: news@greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk. Find us on social media @greatermcr. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Affordable housing provider SO Resi has recently launched its newest Shared Ownership scheme in the capital, with 37 homes at its SO Resi Canning Town development in Newham. Eager buyers are invited to find out more at two launch events at The Crowne Plaza Hotel Docklands from 10am – 4pm on 18th & 25th May, strictly by appointment only. The apartments at SO Resi Canning Town have all been stylishly designed with comfort in mind, offering low maintenance modern living. All homes come with Koncept kitchens and integrated Zanussi appliances, whilst the wider development offers landscaped communal areas and gardens. Offering an accessible pathway onto the property ladder, SO Resi Canning Town presents an opportunity for individuals and families to own a stake in vibrant London living. The development will introduce 37 Shared Ownership homes, with a range of one to three-bedroom apartments and is set to hit the property market off-plan this May, with a show home following shortly in June with prices from £96,875 for a 25% share (full market value £387,500). Shared Ownership offers lower deposit requirements and the flexibility to gradually increase ownership over time. Prospective buyers can secure a share of their desired property, ranging from 25% to 75% of its market value at SO Resi Canning Town, while benefitting from below-market rent on the remaining portion. As such, the launch of SO Resi’s new development marks a significant step towards addressing the need for affordable options in London, particularly in sought-after locations like Canning Town. Kevin Sims, Director of Sales at SO Resi, commented: “With Newham Council’s £3.7 billion regeneration project for Canning Town, the area is quickly becoming a sought-after area of London. The unpredictability of the housing market coupled with high pricing has been putting aspiring homeowners at a major disadvantage compared to previous generations of home buyers. At SO Resi, we aim to level the playing field by offering more opportunities for Shared Ownership solutions. “Our properties at our Canning Town development are the perfect example of this aim. Proposed plans from Newham Council means the new town centre is set to be home to a new community hub, cinema, shops, office spaces, as well as brand new Shared Ownership homes, underscoring the increased popularity of Shared Ownership as an option for prospective homeowners[1]. By choosing from our 37 Shared Ownership properties available at our SO Resi Canning Town development, prospective homeowners are set to gain a foothold in London’s property market alongside becoming a part of a vibrant and emerging community.[2]” Canning Town is an up-and-coming area of London with excellent transport links. Canning Town Station serves both the DLR and Jubilee Line. On the DLR, residents can access Tower Gateway to the east in 15 minutes and Gallions Reach to the east within 12 minutes. On the Jubilee Line, residents can commute to Canary Wharf within five minutes and London Bridge within 10 minutes. Canning Town is also in striking distance of London City Airport for locations further afield. Plus, regular bus services connect Canning Town to destinations like Trafalgar Square, Bethnal Green, Newham Hospital, Aldgate, Walthamstow Central and Romford Market. Canning Town also boasts a diverse range of restaurants, cafes and grocery options, excellent for adventurous foodies looking to find a new home. SO Resi Canning Town is expected to launch off-plan in May, with properties ready for occupancy by the end of 2024. Prospective buyers are invited to the launch events on May 18th & 25th from the Crowne Plaza Hotel Docklands from 10am-4pm strictly by appointment only. To register your interest for this event, please visit: https://soresi.co.uk/find-a-property/so-resi-canning-town [1] https://www.newham.gov.uk/regeneration-1/canning-town-custom-house [2] https://www.newham.gov.uk/regeneration-1/canning-town-custom-house Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Orbit, one of the UK’s foremost not-for-profit housing groups, has published its 2030 Corporate Strategy, outlining its ambitions for the next six years, including investing a significant amount in its customer journey, building and regenerating over 5,700 homes, and becoming Net Zero Carbon in its own operations. The Strategy sets out how Orbit plans to continue to provide safe, sustainable, and affordable homes that its customers are proud to live in, by delivering and regenerating 5,700 new homes sustainably, investing in the safety, quality, and energy efficiency of its homes, and ensuring a laser-sharp focus on its customers’ priorities. Developed in collaboration with customers and colleagues, Orbit’s 2030 Strategy will also see a significant amount invested in its customer journey, to further improve its customer experience and ensure it delivers the services its customers value the most. Orbit will also focus on building on its commitment set out in its Sustainability Strategy to deliver £100million worth of Social Value by 2025, by optimising efficiencies and value for money, to enable it to do more for its customers and society, as well as deliver more new affordable homes. Phil Andrew, Chief Executive of Orbit Group, commented: “We are at an exciting and pivotal point in Orbit’s journey. Our 2030 Strategy is a valuable opportunity to renew our strategic approach and realise our ambition of striving to provide amongst the best customer experience of any housing association in the country. We’ll look to achieve this by building and maintaining safe, quality homes that our customers love, both sustainably and at scale, all supported by excellent customer service. “We have a lot to do within a complex and ever-changing external environment. However, as a socially-driven, not-for-profit organisation, with a growing reputation as a quality developer, we are confident that we will be able to sharpen our operational focus through the lens of our customers, as well as play our part in tackling the UK’s housing crisis through the delivery of 5,700 new homes.” Orbit’s 2030 Strategy focuses delivery in two phases with a stage gate in 2026 to check progress and adapt if necessary: “Our 2030 Strategy reshapes our approach to create a more sustainable and resilient business model in the long-term.” Phil continues. “By implementing a stage gate to both review progress and take stock of the external environment in which we are operating, it will allow us to further increase the positive impact we can make now and in the future.” Orbit’s 2030 Corporate Strategy is also supported by its Sustainability Strategy which sets out how it will ensure everything it does maximises its positive social and environmental impacts from becoming Net Zero Carbon and delivering on its 30×30 biodiversity target, to improving energy affordability for customers today, whilst also providing energy efficient homes that meet the needs of the future. To read Orbit’s 2030 Strategy visit: https://orbitgroup.org.uk/about-us/our-2030-strategy/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Pennyfarthing Homes has created a partnership with VIVID to construct 106 affordable homes within its development in Fordingbridge, Hampshire. Covering nearly seven acres of land, this deal signifies a step towards addressing housing needs in the local community, allowing VIVID to make an impact on affordable housing provision. This deal strengthens an ongoing relationship between Pennyfarthing Homes and VIVID, following the sale of 14 affordable homes in its Whitsbury Green development. Matt Dukes, Managing Director of Pennyfarthing Homes, comments: “This housing transaction is poised to start a new chapter of affordable, high-quality homes for Fordingbridge, promising lasting benefits for the town and its neighbouring areas. Working in collaboration with VIVID, we are committed to building residences that epitomise the high standards of any Pennyfarthing home, ensuring that the VIVID customers enjoy quality and comfort. We look forward to working with VIVID on this development and hope we can continue to work closely with this leading housing provider in Hampshire.” Construction of the affordable homes will commence in November this year preceded by groundworks starting in June. VIVID will take delivery of a mixed-tenure development which will include market housing, shared ownership and affordable rent options. The scheme will include a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments, two-, three- and four-bedroom houses and two- and three-bedroom bungalows, appealing to a wide customer profile. Surrounded by open space, including an area of play and a natural recreational green space, residents will enjoy easy access to walking and cycling paths across the community connecting to the town centre and schools safely. Each property will come with allocated parking, with larger homes boasting a garage or carport, while every house or bungalow will include a private rear garden. Tristan Samuels, Group Development and New Business Director of VIVID, comments: “We are really pleased to be working in partnership with Pennyfarthing Homes on this project. We firmly believe that everyone deserves a safe and secure place to call home and this investment is a step towards addressing the shortage of affordable homes in the south. We are committed to making a positive impact on communities by providing accessible housing solutions that enhance lives and creating communities to thrive in”. This phase of new homes in Fordingbridge will also include six First Homes which will be available directly from Pennyfarthing Homes. The Government’s initiative supports home ownership for local first-time buyers and key workers living and working in the New Forest area. Completions are expected from Autumn 2025. This development sits alongside Pennyfarthing’s current scheme at Whitsbury Green. These interlinking phases in Fordingbridge ensure there is something for the whole community to enjoy, with expansive outside space on the doorstep, including a trail play area, comprising an obstacle course to promote fitness and outdoor activity for young people. This is combined with extensive accessible countryside alongside footpaths with beautiful vistas and attractive walkways for strolling to the village. With 140 miles of cycle tracks and footpaths close by residents will have no shortage of options for enjoying all the New Forest has to offer. For more details on the homes available from Pennyfarthing please visit https://www.pennyfarthinghomes.co.uk/developments/ or call 01425 541818. For more details on VIVID visit VIVID | Leading providers of affordable housing (vividhomes.co.uk) Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Invest Gatwick Diamond will exhibit at the UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in Leeds next week. In a collaborative effort between local and regional authorities alongside private sector partners, The Gatwick Diamond Initiative and London Gatwick have pioneered the establishment of the region’s inaugural delegation, ‘Invest Gatwick Diamond’. This delegation will present the region’s offerings to over 10,000 attendees. Representatives from Sussex, Surrey, West Kent, and South London, including Crawley Borough Council, Reigate and Banstead Borough Council, Croydon Council, Develop Croydon, Invest West Kent, SHW, and Oander, comprise the delegation, supported by The Gatwick Diamond Initiative and London Gatwick. Located in the UKREiiF exhibition hall, the stand will provide a premier platform for engagement with investors, developers, occupiers, and local authorities throughout the three-day event. The Invest Gatwick Diamond stand will also play host to a Sparkling Wine Tasting event on 21 May and Wednesday 22 May at 3:30pm, sponsored by Birketts. The event will offer participants the opportunity to learn about the region’s unique viticulture, whilst sampling award-winning sparkling wines from the renowned Ridgeview Wine Estate. Brett North, Chairman and Chief Executive of the Gatwick Diamond Initiative, expressed anticipation, stating, “We are delighted to bring the region’s unique selling points and investment potential to UKREiiF, recognising the significance of positioning our region to the UK’s real estate, infrastructure, and inward investment professionals.” Alison Addy, Head of External Engagement and Policy at London Gatwick, underscored the importance of promoting the region for inward investment. She added, “As the UK’s second largest airport, a vital piece of infrastructure that helps drive the national economy, and as the region’s economic anchor, London Gatwick is proud to be a partner and advocate for a thriving and resilient local economy. It is important that we promote the region to drive inward investment and position it as an attractive place to live, work and invest. So, we’re looking forward to doing just that in partnership with the local authorities and major stakeholders in the region at UKREiiF in May.” Keith Griffiths, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of UKREiiF, said: “We’re pleased that Gatwick Diamond will be joining us at UKREiiF 2024. Their commitment to economic growth and regional development perfectly aligns with the spirit of collaboration and innovation that defines our event.” Organised by Built Environment Networking and supported by prominent UK property and infrastructure companies, the third annual UKREiiF event is set to take place in Leeds from 21-23 May 2024. The forum aims to foster inward investment, stimulate economic growth, and champion sustainability and inclusivity within the property and construction industries. For further details, please visit: https://investgatwickdiamond.co.uk/ukreiif-2024/ For interview or meeting opportunities with our delegation, please contact Amy Crawford acrawford@wlcreative.org.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The UK has, earlier than expected, completed its key step required for joining CPTPP, Minister for Trade Policy Greg Hands will tell fellow members of the group during a meeting in Arequipa, Peru. Joining CPTPP – which will account for 15% of global GDP with the UK included – means over 99% of current UK goods exports to CPTPP members will be eligible for tariff-free trade. Encompassing 500 million consumers in some of the world’s largest current and future economies, the potential for increased trade is huge. Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch signed the deal last July to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a modern, ambitious trade pact spanning 12 economies across Asia, the Pacific, and now Europe. Being part of CPTPP will support jobs and economic growth across the country, with every nation and region expected to benefit. Only six economies, in addition to the UK, need to ratify by October for the deal to enter into force by the end of the year. Singapore, Japan, and Chile have already ratified, with other countries in the works. During a two-day visit which kicks off today [17 May], Minister Hands will also welcome the conclusion of negotiations on a Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) which will protect businesses from being taxed twice – once in Peru and again in the UK, or vice versa. Reducing costs and providing certainty, it is a major win for businesses in both countries and will provide opportunities for substantial increases in bilateral trade and investment. Minister for Trade Policy Greg Hands said: “The UK has been racing to get our ratification done because we know how much CPTPP will benefit British businesses, whether through access to new markets or cutting red tape on existing exports. “I’m delighted we were able to bring this forward, ahead of our original July forecast, so we can get the countdown to Entry into Force going as soon as possible.” The UK intends to be an influential member of CPTPP, making its voice heard on all key matters, and is already involved in meetings and discussions with CPTPP Parties on the future of the agreement. Peru, a member of the bloc, is a longstanding trading partner for the UK, with bilateral trade worth £1.8 billion last year. For the construction services sector, including consultancy, design, and project management, joining CPTPP could mean a boost of £119 million to the annual output of the sector in the long run. British construction companies will benefit from flexible rules of origin that allow for UK business to use inputs from CPTPP countries in their exports and still qualify for preferential treatment. Mott MacDonald is an employee-owned engineering, management and development consultancy headquartered in the UK and operating globally, including in all countries covered by the CPTPP. It is a trusted partner on the multi-billion-dollar Sydney Metro rail programme, as well as Singapore’s critical North/South Corridor. Mott MacDonald’s Executive Board Director Ian Galbraith said: “Mott MacDonald is strongly supportive of UK accession to the CPTPP and proud to have been part of the technical board advising the British negotiating team. “The Partnership’s ambitious services and procurement chapters pave the way for greater recognition of professional competence in engineering and architecture and establish open, fair and transparent competition rules in government procurement, allowing world-leading British services firms like Mott MacDonald to win and service new contracts across the many countries covered by the CPTPP”. William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “There are few multi-national trade agreements like this one. The UK’s addition to this bloc will open up new opportunities for both inward and outward investment. “Trade rules will be more favourable for manufacturers looking to sell products to other member countries and data transfers for firms in the services sector will also be more straightforward. “Crucially, it will also give the UK a say in the bloc’s future development, making it a deal that will work for our traders both now and in the future.” Further benefits for the construction industry: · Tariffs will be eliminated on UK exports of all building materials and construction machinery (including diggers, bulldozers, and fork-lifts) to Malaysia. · Tariffs will be eliminated sooner on UK exports of building materials (including bricks and tiles) to Vietnam compared with under the existing UK-Vietnam trade deal . · Simple customs procedures will make trade efficient, consistent, transparent, and predictable. · Companies could benefit from flexible rules of origin that allow for UK business to use inputs from CPTPP countries in their exports and still qualify for preferential treatment. · Modern rules for digital trade mean we can deliver existing construction services better and offer new services that are built on digital foundations. · The procurement chapter in the deal provides greater access to opportunities in government procurement markets in areas like architecture, engineering, and infrastructure. It will create entirely new access for infrastructure opportunities in Brunei and Malaysia. · Commitments on business travel will make it easier for highly skilled business persons in the construction industry to supply services in another CPTPP country. For example, professionals, including engineers, will be able to stay for up to 6 months in Peru and Vietnam to supply specialised services. Background · The UK is announcing ratification of the terms of our agreement to join the CPTPP. · This follows depositing our instrument of accession with New Zealand as depositary earlier this week to accept our Accession Protocol signed last year; the treaty that sets out the terms and conditions of accession of the UK to the CPTPP. · This step follows the Trade (CPTPP) Act receiving Royal Assent in March. Entry into force is expected later this year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Birmingham City Council unveiled an ambitious masterplan proposal for the regeneration of Druids Heath to the community this week at a launch event at Manningford Hall. The masterplan was developed after two years of work, talking with and listening to the community to create a plan that can meet the needs of the people who live and work in Druids Heath. Staff were at the launch event to answer questions and receive the feedback from the community about the plans, with more events planned over the next few days. An extensive consultation on the plans will begin in the coming months before approval for the plans will be sought next year. The proposed regeneration aims to make Druids Heath a more sustainable and greener place to live in the long term. New high-quality, energy-efficient homes will be built alongside excellent green spaces. The commercial and community spaces in Druids Heath will also be revitalised as part of the plan. Councillor Jayne Francis, cabinet member for housing and homelessness, said: “The masterplan marks the beginning of a new chapter for the regeneration of Druids Heath. “This new plan shows how Druids Heath will be transformed into a healthier, more sustainable area by building on its key strengths – community spirit and abundance of green space. “This regeneration scheme will build the types of homes we need to tackle climate change, reduce fuel bills, and contribute to the city’s net zero ambitions. It will also bring much-needed provisions for older residents so they can live healthy, independent lives for longer. New greenways will be built to better connect the estate within the community and the estate to the surrounding city. “The scheme goes beyond delivering new homes; the regeneration will create a sustainable, healthy community that will allow anyone who lives there to thrive. “While the masterplan is a big step forward for the scheme, much more work remains, and there will be more decisions to be made with the local community about the scheme. With that in mind, an independent steering group representing residents, stakeholders, and businesses is being established to help influence future decisions regarding the regeneration. “We also understand residents’ concerns about being priced out of the area. For this reason, the council is looking at how we can use different financial models to give residents an opportunity to remain on the estate. We will let residents know more about these models as soon as we are able. It is really important to the council that everyone who wants to stay in Druids Heath can do so. “Regenerating an area is always a lengthy process. For this reason, the council will bolster services for tenants on the estate by installing more CCTV, implementing a specific repairs service for Druids Heath, and increasing cleaning provision to tackle fly-tipping.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
