Balfour Beatty VINCI has completed the excavation of the 22 metre deep west portal for HS2, marking a leap forward on work to build the 3.5 mile Bromford Tunnel bringing high speed trains into Birmingham. The portal at Washwood Heath has been finished in readiness for the two 1,600 tonne
The UK’s leading doorset manufacturer, JELD-WEN, has enhanced its product portfolio with a new, high quality bespoke interior doorset range by Swedoor. Forming part of the global JELD-WEN group, Swedoor is well known across Europe for its high quality craftsmanship, with a dedicated project factory in Denmark. The bespoke interior
A long-established housing developer has launched a new range of house types at one of its most popular developments. Russell Armer Homes has introduced 11 new house types to the market for the first time as it announces the release of the second phase of homes for sale at its
The Security Event (TSE) 2024 was a landmark occasion for CIE Group who marked its 60th year in business with an impressive display of innovative security products and a champagne drinks reception on the first two days of the show. Long established for its unique and value-added distribution model in
Robert Palmer – General Manager, EMR Reusable Steels… Businesses across the construction industry have embarked on a shared mission to embed sustainable practices and ensure the resilience of this vital sector. This is inspiring innovation on multiple fronts, but material selection has emerged as a pivotal tool for architects, engineers,
Balfour Beatty, the UK’s largest infrastructure company, in partnership with National Highways, reopened the M25 over seven hours ahead of schedule, following the second full weekend closure. The M25 between Junction 9 and 10, was closed at 9pm on Friday 10 May until approximately 11pm on Sunday 12 May, to allow
With the demand for purposed-built student accommodation (PBSA) predicted to soar, a new report from the British Association of Reinforcement (BAR) explains ‘Why Reinforced Concrete Makes the Grade for Student Accommodation’. The latest student population data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) show that for the 2021/22 academic year
Falls from height remain the leading cause of workplace fatalities and injuries in the UK, accounting for an alarming 30% of all deaths in 2022/2023¹. In order to gather more comprehensive data on the underlying causes and circumstances of falls from height, the No Falls Foundation, the first and only
Half of tenants vacating a property last year had to do so because their landlord wanted to sell their property, according to a new survey. In the latest Rental Confidence Index report, published by PayProp – an automated rental payment and client accounting platform, ‘Landlords selling the property’ was cited
A £4 million scheme to revamp the main high street in Anfield, creating a greener and safer experience for residents and visitors, is to be the focus of a public consultation. Liverpool City Council is to launch the consultation next week (Wednesday, 22nd May) with a hat-trick of public events
Balfour Beatty VINCI has completed the excavation of the 22 metre deep west portal for HS2, marking a leap forward on work to build the 3.5 mile Bromford Tunnel bringing high speed trains into Birmingham. The portal at Washwood Heath has been finished in readiness for the two 1,600 tonne tunnel boring machines (TBMs) building the twin-bore tunnel to complete their journeys from Water Orton in North Warwickshire. The huge earthworks operation has taken a team of 130 people from Balfour Beatty VINCI nine months to complete. Groundwork specialists from Coventry-based Duo Group supported Balfour Beatty VINCI with the complex excavation programme to extract 53,400m3 of earth from the ground. The spoil has been transported on specially built haul roads to support construction of the Delta Junction – a triangular section of 13 viaducts in North Warwickshire. The Washwood Heath portal is the deepest of four tunnel portals on the Midlands section of the HS2 route. A two-year programme of ground reinforcement works, delivered by the Bachy Soletanche and Balfour Beatty Ground Engineering joint venture (SB3), began in November 2021 to prepare for the portal’s excavation. The portal is at the start of a 750-metre-long cut and cover structure, which is currently being excavated and built by SB3. This is where HS2 trains will emerge from the tunnel and travel below ground level, before raising up onto a series of viaducts into Birmingham’s Curzon Street Station. ‘Mary Ann’, the first TBM to launch from Water Orton in 2023, is expected to break through the portal wall at Washwood Heath by the end of 2024, with the second TBM ‘Elizabeth’ set to finish her drive by Autumn 2025. At 65 hectares – the equivalent of 100 football pitches – Washwood Heath is one of HS2’s largest construction sites. Next to the tunnel portal, HS2’s Depot and Network Integrated Control Centre will also be built – acting the nerve centre of the high-speed rail network. From this site, trains will be serviced and stored and the real time operation of the railway will be controlled. The site has also spurred the development of a 24 hectare brownfield site which will unlock land for commercial use and logistics space, creating opportunities for employers and the community, and more than 1,000 new jobs for local people. Tim Cook, Project Manager at Balfour Beatty VINCI said: “The Bromford Tunnel portal at Washwood Heath will act as the gateway that will take HS2 trains in and out of Birmingham city centre. At a depth of 22 metres, completing this huge excavation operation is a significant moment for the project, and for the region. “The team is now focussed on the next challenge on this vast site – a 750-metre-long cut and cover structure next to the portal, where HS2 trains will emerge from the tunnel and travel below ground level, before heading into Birmingham.” Alvin Pedzai, HS2 Project Manager responsible for main works civils delivery at Washwood Heath said: “With two tunnel boring machines in the ground and excavation of the Birmingham tunnel portal complete, the complex feat of engineering required to bring HS2 trains into central Birmingham is well and truly underway. “Local businesses have played a huge role in this two-year programme of work, which has been taking shape alongside our plans to build the new network control centre and maintenance depot – the beating heart of HS2’s operation here in Washwood Heath.” On the wider 65 hectare site, over one million cubic metres of earth has been excavated, with the recycled material cleaned and reused to level the ground, paving the way for detailed design and construction of the new maintenance depot and control centre to start next year. By recycling and reusing material on the site, Balfour Beatty VINCI have eliminated the need to import aggregate, a strategy which has avoided over 50,000 lorry movements on local roads, minimising the impact of HS2’s work on nearby communities. Balfour Beatty VINCI have also diverted Wash Brook, which ran north to south through the site. The brook, which connects to the River Tame, is just one of the environmental design features planned for the site to provide local wildlife habitats and enhance its aesthetic appeal. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The UK’s leading doorset manufacturer, JELD-WEN, has enhanced its product portfolio with a new, high quality bespoke interior doorset range by Swedoor. Forming part of the global JELD-WEN group, Swedoor is well known across Europe for its high quality craftsmanship, with a dedicated project factory in Denmark. The bespoke interior doorset range is now available to the UK commercial market with lead times from seven weeks, ideally suited for a range of commercial applications, including education, leisure and healthcare projects. Upholding JELD-WEN’s commitment to compliance, the Swedoor doorset range has been tested and certified to UK standards, with a fire rating of either FD30S or FD60S. Additional third-party IFC Certification gives customers complete assurance that the doors will perform beyond industry requirements for smoke and fire protection. Alongside a variety of configurations and the choice of a painted, laminated or veneer finish, customers can specify the addition of glass screens and partitions as required, allowing for a fully bespoke and multifunctional design. The glass partitions are independently tested and certified to EN standards in conjunction with the doorset, and offers up to 30 – 60 minute integrity and partial insulation protection (EW30-EW60). Providing enhanced acoustic performance, the doorsets carry noise-reducing benefits with an acoustic rating available up to Rw38dB, depending on the thickness of the door. Suited to both public and private areas, this insulating design ensures quieter spaces can be created without compromising the aesthetic of the building’s interior. Further customisation is offered through various door edge options, to improve durability and ensure it is fit for purpose; built-in finger protection, which helps to prevent fingers from becoming trapped in hinges and frames; and a wide range of ironmongery can be catered for, offering protection in high traffic areas, such as healthcare and education settings. The interior doorsets are also available as sliding doors, an ideal space-saving solution for connecting or adjoining rooms. Kate Painter, UK Marketing Manager at JELD-WEN, said: “Backed by our European brand expertise, the craftsmanship offered by Swedoor’s dedicated production facility in Denmark is showcased through the premium quality of every doorset. “With market-leading customisation options and a durable finish pairing aesthetics with functionality, we’re confident that this exceptional interior doorset range will improve the experience for our UK customers, providing them with even greater choice and design capabilities for their projects. “Every JELD-WEN product also carries independent certification to offer the ultimate assurance of compliance, further meeting the unique requirements of modern build projects.” As well as an industry-leading product range, customers can benefit from JELD-WEN’s sector knowledge and technical expertise, as well as dedicated, UK-based sales and customer service teams to provide support and solutions at every stage of a project. For more information about JELD-WEN’s Swedoor interior doorset range, visit www.jeld-wen.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A long-established housing developer has launched a new range of house types at one of its most popular developments. Russell Armer Homes has introduced 11 new house types to the market for the first time as it announces the release of the second phase of homes for sale at its Bowland Fold development in the Lancashire village of Halton. With just a handful of properties left in the initial phase, the new home builder is releasing a total of 22 three to four bedroom homes. The new phase of properties will be created at an elevated position on the site to give stunning views out towards Morecambe Bay, the city of Lancaster and the Forest of Bowland. The first of the new properties available for sale include the four-bedroom detached Howgill and Sanderling houses, and the three-bedroom detached Middleton home. Nicky Gordon, the Managing Director of Russell Armer Homes, said: “Launching brand new house types which have never been on the market before is a significant milestone for the company, and the team is really excited to see the reaction to the new homes. “Our houses at Bowland Fold have been an instant hit because of the high quality of build and energy efficiency levels, coupled with its location in the desirable village of Halton and its close proximity to the city of Lancaster. “The new homes we are rolling out guarantee the same excellent level of workmanship and will provide customers with modern features and extra comfort throughout the property. This is an extremely exciting development in Russell Armer’s long history.” In addition to its development at Halton, Russell Armer Homes has homes available at its Meadow Rigg development in the Lake District town of Kendal and is soon to launch new homes as part of the second phase of sales at Lunesdale Rise, in Kirkby Lonsdale. The company was founded in 1961 and is now owned by Penrith-based Genesis Homes following an acquisition deal in 2021. Find out more about the new developments at Bowland Fold in Halton by visiting www.russell-armer.co.uk/developments/bowland-fold. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Security Event (TSE) 2024 was a landmark occasion for CIE Group who marked its 60th year in business with an impressive display of innovative security products and a champagne drinks reception on the first two days of the show. Long established for its unique and value-added distribution model in the audiovisual industry, CIE is now making a significant impact in the security sector. Consequently, TSE 2024 served as a powerful platform to unveil the company’s latest brand offerings and solidify its position as an emerging distribution frontrunner in the security field. The CIE stand became a busy hub for security professionals to experience the future of access control firsthand. Partnering with industry leaders like 2N, Akuvox, Volo, Stid, Freevolt S-Key, and Safr, CIE presented a comprehensive overview of each brand’s most recent advances in access control systems, intercom technology, video surveillance solutions, and mobile credentialing. “This was our fourth year exhibiting at TSE and our return to the show really felt significant,” commented Chris Edwards, Marketing Director, CIE-Group. “We had an excellent product line-up that proved to be of great interest to many of the show delegates, and we also got to celebrate our 60th anniversary in style – what more could you ask from a show! Following this success we’re now looking forward to being part of the vanguard of new product innovation in the security sector.” TSE 2024 also witnessed the exciting new partnership between Freevolt S-Key, the next generation of fingerprint-activated access control. Unlike traditional systems, S-Key integrates the biometric scanner directly into individual RFID cards, offering unparalleled user convenience and enhanced security. CIE’s partnership with Real Network’s SAFR Scan also offered a glimpse into a future without physical keys or cards. Its high-speed, high-security facial recognition technology eliminates the need for traditional access credentials, providing a truly keyless and streamlined access control solution. While CIE may be a relative newcomer to the security industry, its 60-year heritage in distribution translates into a deep understanding of market dynamics and a commitment to innovation. This spirit of progress is echoed in further words from Chris Edwards: “Rather than 60 years old, we prefer to view ourselves as 60 years young in the security industry. We’re tremendously enthusiastic about introducing next-generation products to the security industry and shaping the future of access control and related areas.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Robert Palmer – General Manager, EMR Reusable Steels… Businesses across the construction industry have embarked on a shared mission to embed sustainable practices and ensure the resilience of this vital sector. This is inspiring innovation on multiple fronts, but material selection has emerged as a pivotal tool for architects, engineers, and developers to reduce environmental impact as it can be a relatively quick win, with readily available options. Along with concrete, plastic, and fertiliser; steel is one of the four supporting pillars of today’s society, and a fundamental component of contemporary construction. In response to this sector-wide mission, steelmakers, stockholders, and metal recyclers are all adapting and evolving their offerings to include more sustainable methods of steel production. If this industry transformation is to be successful, everyone needs to understand the benefits and practical applications of each approach. There are currently three main approaches for procuring steel for use in construction projects, each with their own distinct advantages, uses and carbon impacts: 1. REUSABLE STEEL Arguably the best option in terms of carbon and circularity performance, reusable steel is a previously fabricated and installed material which has been harvested from an existing structure and has experienced what can be termed as a “loaded life.” Reusable Steel extends the lifecycle of steel components within their highest level of utility. This post-consumer material boasts an extremely low carbon intensity, as it avoids the energy intensity of the melting processes associated with the production of new steel products. The Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for EMR’s Reusable Steels reports a carbon intensity of 47 KgCO2e/t, which is 97.5% lower than an average new or surplus steel product. 2. NEW STEEL New steel is produced through either a Blast Furnace-Basic Oxygen Furnace (BF-BOF), or an Electric Arc Furnace (EAF). Both processes can use recycled metal as an input, with the EAF process capable of using up to 100% recycled metal. The addition of recycled metal not only helps to lower the carbon intensity of new steel production, but it also prevents the need to extract primary metals for manufacture. This provides further practical benefits as it is much easier to decarbonise electricity through renewable generation, than it is to capture and sequester carbon from BF-BOF. Depending on the new steel production method and the level of recycled metal input, new steel carbon intensity can range from approximately 2300 KgCO2e/t to 350 KgCO2e/t with a global average of 1910 kgCO2e/t. 3. SURPLUS STEEL Surplus steel includes steel sections which have either been procured for a project, or are no longer suitable stock for stockholders, but have never been used in a structure. Common reasons for surplus steel include project over-ordering, design changes, loss of certification or traceability, minor damage, and project cancellations. The use of these materials is highly resource efficient, presenting an opportunity to avoid buying new production materials. However, as these materials have never been used, they fall into the category of “pre-consumer” and their carbon intensity is the same as new steels i.e. between ~ 2300 KgCO2e/t to 350 KgCO2e/t. The construction industry will need to utilise each of these different steel products as it transitions towards its net-zero targets. It’s important to be clear about, and account for, the relative benefits and carbon intensity of each material, so that the true environmental impact of a project can be calculated. The actual carbon intensity for a specific steel product can be defined by its EPD, providing confidence and clarity for the end user. Integrating all three approaches into construction practices maximises the environmental benefits available to new projects. Reusable steel provides an unparalleled advantage in carbon efficiency. New steel – and particularly new steel with a high recycled content – delivers both carbon savings and efficiency, whilst surplus steel aids in waste reduction. By strategically blending these alternative materials, companies can achieve a balanced approach that aligns cost-effectiveness, resource efficiency and environmental responsibility. Understanding the distinctions between these approaches, especially in terms of carbon, is crucial for making informed decisions in construction projects. Transitioning to lower carbon construction will require a multifaceted approach and collaboration between stakeholders. By leveraging the advantages of each method, we can pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future for the construction industry. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Balfour Beatty, the UK’s largest infrastructure company, in partnership with National Highways, reopened the M25 over seven hours ahead of schedule, following the second full weekend closure. The M25 between Junction 9 and 10, was closed at 9pm on Friday 10 May until approximately 11pm on Sunday 12 May, to allow for the installation of 72 beams which will form part of the M25 East Bridge as well as a new gantry, spanning the entire width of the M25 carriageway. Specialist lifting gear was needed to move the beams into place, some of which weighed 40 tonnes each. The closure marks the second of five intentional motorway closures planned and builds on the success of the first closure during which Balfour Beatty successfully demolished the Clearmount bridleway bridge and installed a large gantry weighing in at 128 tonnes and spanning 63 metres. Howard Williams, Balfour Beatty Project Director, said: “We are pleased that we have been able to complete this essential and complex work early and reopen the M25 to the travelling public ahead of schedule. “Works are progressing well on this critical scheme, and we remain on track to complete in Summer 2025. On completion, the project will significantly improve traffic congestion in the local area whilst also making journeys safer.” The M25 Junction 10 improvement scheme will increase the number of lanes to make journeys safer and to improve traffic flow; in turn, reducing the pollution caused by traffic build up. Balfour Beatty and National Highways will also install the UK’s first ever heathland bridge, connecting Ockham and Wisley commons and providing a safe, natural corridor for local wildlife. For more information about the scheme visit the National Highways website Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
With the demand for purposed-built student accommodation (PBSA) predicted to soar, a new report from the British Association of Reinforcement (BAR) explains ‘Why Reinforced Concrete Makes the Grade for Student Accommodation’. The latest student population data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) show that for the 2021/22 academic year the number of full-time students rose by 4%, to over 2.26 million. Meanwhile, the number of international students from India and China has more than offset the fall in EU students in the wake of Brexit as the UK continues to be one of the key global destinations for students looking to study abroad. Between 2019/20 and 2021/22, the number of full-time international students rose by 117,500. The increase in student applications and numbers is set against a growing shortage in student accommodation. This shortage is being exacerbated by the falling supply of Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) resulting from landlord regulation and tax changes. Since 2017 there have been over 300,00 buy-to-let mortgage redemptions which has reduced the number of 5-plus bedroom rental properties by 31% since 2019. The reduced supply of private landlord HMO’s is increasing the demand for PBSA particularly from overseas students. To address the disparity between supply and demand more PBSA needs to be constructed. Reinforced concrete offers a wide range of inherent and free performance benefits that are particularly suited to building student accommodation. These include built-in fire resistance, significant noise and vibration reduction, thermal mass for energy efficiency and long-term robust finishes. Steve Elliott BAR Chairman explained: “Reinforced concrete offers a number of unrivalled performance benefits that means it should be awarded a 1st class degree with honours for the construction of PBSA. These concrete benefits are inherent and built-in. There is no need for any additional products, finishes or chemical preservatives. This significantly reduces both initial capital and the ongoing maintenance costs.” With regards to long-term sustainability reinforced concrete again gets top marks. The issue of sustainability is important for PBSAs. Students are some of the most motivated in tackling climate change reducing CO2 emissions. Elliott said: “Admittedly, the use of concrete construction raises questions concerning the level of construction embodied CO2 when compared to other structural materials such as timber. However, if you have to mechanical ventilate and cool a lightweight timber or steel building then the resulting operational CO2 emissions, over the lifetime of the building, will far outweigh any initial construction embodied CO2 savings.” He continued: “Similarly, concrete does need additional fire proofing, sound insulation, wall finishes, flood resilient materials. All of these additional materials have an additional CO2 impact for their manufacture and installation. With concrete construction all of the above performance benefits are provided without any further environmental or financial cost”. He added that all the reinforcement made in the UK is made from recycled scrap steel using the Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) process which consumes only a third of the embodied energy, emits one sixth of the CO2 and produces approximately half the amount of co-products (waste) compared with the traditional BOS blast furnace steelmaking process. Reinforcing steel can be recovered, recycled and re-used at the end of a building or structure’s service life. To download a copy of ‘Why Reinforced Concrete Makes the Grade for Student Accommodation’ visit: www.uk-bar.org/publications Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Falls from height remain the leading cause of workplace fatalities and injuries in the UK, accounting for an alarming 30% of all deaths in 2022/2023¹. In order to gather more comprehensive data on the underlying causes and circumstances of falls from height, the No Falls Foundation, the first and only UK-based charity devoted exclusively to the work at height sector, is embarking on the largest study of its kind in the UK to date. Released to coincide with the charity’s safe work at height campaign, No Falls Week, the UK falls from height research study is aimed at anyone who has experienced, witnessed, or investigated falls from height. Year on year, falls from height statistics show little improvement, with up to 425,000 non-fatal falls estimated to have occurred over the past decade, according to the Labour Force Survey. And behind every statistic is a human story. No Falls Foundation ambassadors Jason Anker MBE, Paul Blanchard and Dylan Skelhorn’s stories serve as stark reminders of the long-term and life-changing consequences of a fall from height; mental health problems, financial worries and long-term care needs. While ‘Abbi’s Story’ highlights the wider reaching implications of loved ones. The effects for all can last a lifetime. Along with the lives, families and businesses affected by these accidents, up to 992,000 working days were lost through non-fatal falls from height in Great Britain last year alone². Not only that, the total cost of falls from height in 2022/23 is estimated to be over £847 million³, made up of costs to the employer and the individual, government tax losses and benefit payments. Despite statistics provided by the Health and Safety Executive and a call from industry to introduce a simplified system of reporting to more accurately reflect the cause of workplace accidents, there is still a lack of data available surrounding falls from height at work and at home. Hannah Williams, Charity Manager at the No Falls Foundation said, “Current reporting focusses on the type of incident, as opposed to what caused it in the first place. We want to gain insight into the root cause which will inform future research projects and focus resources to prevent falls from height. “We encourage anyone who has experienced, witnessed, or investigated a fall from height to participate in this important research survey to help us ensure everyone who works at height comes down safely.” Take part in the UK falls from height research study: https://nofallsfoundation.org/index.php/research/study/ Sources ¹ RIDDOR – Kind of accident statistic in Great Britain, 2023 ² Labour Force Survey ³ Labour Force Survey Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Half of tenants vacating a property last year had to do so because their landlord wanted to sell their property, according to a new survey. In the latest Rental Confidence Index report, published by PayProp – an automated rental payment and client accounting platform, ‘Landlords selling the property’ was cited by 50% of property professionals surveyed as the primary reason for tenants moving. By contrast, eviction was cited by just 11.3% of those surveyed. Tenant rights organisation Generation Rent has warned about the major impact of landlords selling up on homelessness. Sold properties lost to the PRS The survey also found that more than 54.5% of landlords were in the process of selling properties last year at the time of the survey. PayProp UK managing director Neil Cobbold said: “We know from our survey that the majority of homes sold by landlords (66.7%) are purchased by first time buyers. So, every time a landlord puts a house up for sale, it will generally be permanently lost to the Private Rented Sector (PRS). “These buyers are generally also the more well-off tenants who are best equipped to deal with the steep PRS price increases we are seeing. That loss of stock and well-financed tenants puts the PRS under pressure, with fewer homes to rent and lots of pent-up demand from less well-off tenants, which in turn can lead to higher rental prices as they compete for the remaining properties. “The question we should be asking is ‘Why are so many landlords selling properties?’” Feeling squeezed? “One reason may be the age of the average landlord, which according to the latest English Private Landlord Survey was 58 in 2021. By now, they may be thinking about retirement and taking the money they have invested in property as an annuity. “However, in other cases, a lack of profitability will be an issue. A number of factors – an absence of tax reform to address mortgage costs; higher buy-to-let mortgage rates; increased regulation: and the headlines around the abolition of Section 21 evictions – have all combined to make life uncomfortable for many landlords. “If this trend towards fewer PRS properties is going to be reversed, the Government has to find a way to keep landlords in the PRS and encourage more investors to join the sector. If not, supply will remain under pressure and rents will continue to rise, making life more difficult for tenants who are already feeling squeezed.” The government heralded their Renters (Reform) Bill as the most radical reform of the PRS in a generation, and it has dominated coverage in the trade press. Among its proposals are: After passing its Third Commons Reading last month, the proposed legislation has now progressed to the House of Lords. Expertise on hand from agents Given the scope of these changes to the PRS, it is not surprising that the vast majority of respondents (97.6%) were aware of them. There was also a significant drop in very negative sentiment about the current state of the industry (down 13.1% on 2022), perhaps because of the amendments to address the Bill’s perceived imbalance between the rights of the tenant and those of the landlord to gain repossession of their property. The largest group expressed a ‘neutral’ view (46.8%). However, with the upcoming changes to the Renters (Reform) Bill, the survey found that property professionals were a little more optimistic about the future of the PRS than in 2022. More than half (51.6%) felt either positive or very positive about the rental industry’s prospects. Even so, fewer respondents could see themselves working in the sector in five years’ time with 12.9% saying it was ‘unlikely’ or ‘very unlikely’. PayProp’s full Rental Confidence Index 2024 can be read here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A £4 million scheme to revamp the main high street in Anfield, creating a greener and safer experience for residents and visitors, is to be the focus of a public consultation. Liverpool City Council is to launch the consultation next week (Wednesday, 22nd May) with a hat-trick of public events showcasing how the main road – and connecting streets – leading to Liverpool FC’s iconic stadium is to be upgraded. This project is the latest element in a £300m investment programme in the Anfield area, which first began in 2014. Over the past decade this has led to the creation of more than 600 new and 500 refurbished homes, a revitalised Stanley Park, new shops, environmental street works, improved community facilities and upgrades to the stadium itself. For the new High Street scheme, the Council is working in partnership with AECOM whose brief has been to design a visually more appealing and healthier public street scene with a priority to improve pedestrian movement and safety. The focus will be on highway and public realm upgrades along Walton Breck Road, Oakfield Road, Pulford Street, Back Rockfield Road and Gilman Street. As part of the initial design stage, the current proposals aim to improve walking routes, create wider footpaths, install new landscaping and public realm features, as well provide new trees and new underground bins. A key proposal is a suggested reduction in speed limit on Walton Breck Road from 30mph to 20mph, between the junctions of Blessington Road, and Kemp Avenue to improve safety for pedestrians. The highways element will also include new improved carriageways and crossings, as well as providing new on-street and resident parking bays with a focus on rationalising car parking, bus stops and taxi ranks. And there’s a proposal to close access to Back Rockfield Road from Pulford Street, including a safe area for vehicles to turn around. The outline designs will be on display at a trio of public drop-in events, at The Liverpool Lighthouse, Oakfield Road, L4 0U, on: The online consultation also goes live on 22 May and will be open for feedback until Friday, 14 June. Feedback will help shaped the outline designs and a report to the Council’s cabinet will be submitted in the Autumn with a view to appointing a contractor to begin delivering the scheme next Spring. Feedback from the public consultation about the future for Anfield Square, and a planned way forward will be publicised in the summer. REACTION Councillor Dan Barrington, Cabinet Member for Transport and Connectivity said: “The redevelopment of Anfield stadium has understandably received global attention, but the works to improve the surrounding community are more important in many ways. “Creating a healthier, greener, safer and more visually appealing high street will have a major impact on the day-to-day quality of life of our residents in this community, who have already seen a lot of improvements over the past decade. “I hope everyone in the neighbourhood gets to visit our public consultation events and gives their feedback. Their views are vital to ensuring this scheme works and delivers long-lasting improvements to living in, working in and visiting Anfield.” Councillor Nick Small, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Growth, said: “Enhancing the public spaces along Oakfield Road and Walton Breck Road is a vital aspect and a longstanding goal of the Anfield regeneration programme. “Importantly, these proposed improvements to the high street will connect various regeneration projects in the surrounding area. “This investment will also provide a boost to the existing businesses and those looking to invest and grow here, and there’s more improvements to come once plans for Anfield Square are formalised.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals