The North of England contractor has been appointed across all lots tendered which includes infrastructure, treatment and environmental schemes. Northumbrian Water has named Esh Construction as an ‘ecosystem partner’ for a new framework that will support the delivery of the AMP8 capital investment programme. Esh Construction has been appointed to
A star of the BBC’s DIY SOS programme will be joining one of the Actis team and other industry specialists at an open day to mark the 50th anniversary of timber frame company Scandia-Hus later this month. Electrician Billy Byrne, who has featured in the popular TV show since its
Former and current military personnel are being encouraged to embark on a career in sustainable home refurbishments as the Ministry of Defence (MOD) offer credits for courses from the UK’s driving force in retrofit skills and knowledge. Funding for accredited retrofit training and qualifications from The Retrofit Academy has been
The Chichester depot of Covers Timber & Builders Merchants is continuing its sponsorship of the city’s vibrant and inclusive Pride event for the third consecutive year. Taking place on Saturday 25th May, Chichester Pride promises to be a celebration of love and diversity, welcoming the LGBTQ+ community and allies for
Protecting your business from workplace fires starts with you. As a business owner or manager, the onus is on you to understand the fire risks your company faces. If you do not know where to start with this mammoth task, guided fire safety resources will help you come up with
Sisk has been selected by Moderna as its preferred bidder for the fit-out of its new UK drug substance and manufacturing facility at the Moderna Innovation and Technology Centre (MITC), located on the Harwell Science Campus in Oxfordshire. The MITC development will encompass a research, development and manufacturing facility, providing
Popeyes UK, the beloved chicken brand originating from New Orleans, recently unveiled its newest delivery kitchen in Leeds on Monday this week. The launch marks an exciting milestone for chicken enthusiasts in the city, as they can now indulge in the famed Chicken Sandwich that has taken the internet by
Sustainable technology firm, Recycl8, has completed its first commercial project with Port of Aberdeen. The Aberdeenshire-based company in conjunction with Inverurie Pre-cast was responsible for manufacturing concrete blocks for defence at the South Breakwater of the North Harbour as well as slipway repairs for the port. The Aberdeenshire- headquartered firm
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects has been awarded a contract to design and construct the first industrial facility at SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton for end user Yusen Logistics. Winvic, SEGRO and
Barnet Council has announced the appointment of Russell Curtis as chair of the borough’s first-ever Quality Review Panel. The Quality Review Panel will test the fundamental design principles of planning proposals, playing a major role in the council’s commitment to exemplary, high-quality developments. Comprising 28 experts drawn from across the
The North of England contractor has been appointed across all lots tendered which includes infrastructure, treatment and environmental schemes. Northumbrian Water has named Esh Construction as an ‘ecosystem partner’ for a new framework that will support the delivery of the AMP8 capital investment programme. Esh Construction has been appointed to deliver across three lots within the ecosystem framework known as Infrastructure Civil Engineering, Treatment and Civils, and Civil and Environmental Engineering. The framework agreement, which runs for up to 12 years, will involve planned rehabilitation work and capital projects worth up to £5 million across Northumbrian Water’s water and wastewater network. The estimated value of the lots range from £0-£5 million to £20m-£40 million per annum. David Pratt, Divisional Director at Esh Construction, said: “Securing a place on the ecosystem framework builds on many years of successfully delivering repair and maintenance, planned rehabilitation and capital infrastructure projects on past and present Northumbrian Water frameworks. It is testament to the hard work of everyone involved that we can continue this collaboration and strengthen our pipeline of work by circa £25 million each year.” The introduction of the framework’s environmental lot for the first time provides an opportunity for Esh Construction to bring experience to the fore from similar projects in line with delivery requirements. A specialist drainage solutions division, launched in 2022, also bolsters Esh’s offering of CCTV and cleansing services as well as trenchless rehabilitation techniques, ranging from small diameter LED cured liners, to larger, structural UV cured liners. “Our proven ability to manage and coordinate these works has been strengthened significantly by our in-house team of specialist drainage operatives and bespoke vehicles which allows us to provide a complete approach to sewer rehabilitation alongside established delivery partners,” said Esh’s Frameworks Director, Norman Barnett. As a regional contractor committed to creating opportunities for new entrants to join the construction industry, Esh plans to grow its team of apprentices within the drainage sector following the latest award. After recruiting 12 last year, this year Esh’s focus will be to recruit Drainage Network Operatives, a brand-new apprenticeship specifically designed for working on the wastewater network. Barnett added: “Esh Construction is a regional contractor and this long-term framework will provide job security and career opportunities within our local communities, as well as investment with our local supply chain. We look forward to getting started.” The latest announcement concludes NWG’s procurement in preparation for its £3.6bn AMP8 capital investment programme. Earlier this year, Esh Construction’s joint venture with Stantec was named as a partner for the Living Water Enterprise which will deliver long cycle and higher complexity programmes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A star of the BBC’s DIY SOS programme will be joining one of the Actis team and other industry specialists at an open day to mark the 50th anniversary of timber frame company Scandia-Hus later this month. Electrician Billy Byrne, who has featured in the popular TV show since its inception, will address a lunchtime champagne reception for around 250 guests at the Scandia-Hus show centre in East Grinstead on Saturday May 18. As well as having the chance to see a TV personality in the flesh, visitors will be able to discuss their projects and ask advice from the Scandia-Hus team and specialist suppliers whose products and expertise is used in the company’s various designs – including Actis South East and South London area sales manager Liane Bayliss. Scandia-Hus has used the Actis Hybrid range in all four of its show homes, with the grand opening of its latest design – a single storey 1,915 sq ft property, the Lodge – taking place at the event, with guided tours on offer throughout the afternoon. The three other Actis-insulated show homes will house materials suppliers and experts, with Liane on hand to chat to would-be Scandia-Hus customers and builders from the first floor of The Mulberry, where she will be stationed overlooking the dramatic double height sitting room. Find out more information about the open day here. Find out more about the latest Actis-insulated Scandia-Hus show home here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Former and current military personnel are being encouraged to embark on a career in sustainable home refurbishments as the Ministry of Defence (MOD) offer credits for courses from the UK’s driving force in retrofit skills and knowledge. Funding for accredited retrofit training and qualifications from The Retrofit Academy has been made available through the MOD’s Enhanced Learning Credits Administration Service (ELCAS) scheme. Ex-service and military personnel who are eligible for the scheme can apply for funding towards The Retrofit Academy’s full suite of training courses and qualifications, ranging from levels three to five, including the following: With over 400,000 retrofitters required to upgrade 27 million homes across the UK by 2050, this opportunity to start a career path as a qualified Retrofit Advisor, Assessor, or Coordinator is more accessible. Using skills learned from these courses, newly qualified retrofitters will be equipped to provide the knowledge that local authorities, social housing providers or their appointed contractors need to make the right decarbonisation upgrades to their building stock. This urgency to fill the growing number of green roles has accelerated following the government’s announcement of over £1.8bn in funding through the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) and Home Upgrade Grant (HUG). With local authorities, housing associations and contractors receiving the capital injection to drive forward with retrofit programmes, ELCAS applicants can use funding to become qualified retrofitters and contribute to these projects. Once graduated from their course, they will also have access to the Retrofit Academy Careers Hub, a platform that brings new retrofitters together with the key employers across the UK. Here, the ELCAS graduates can access information about and connect with prospective employers, look for job vacancies and access knowledge resources and training opportunities. David Pierpoint, CEO of The Retrofit Academy, said: “With the growth of retrofit projects comes a need to address the acute skills gap and fill roles required to deliver success at scale. We are the Workforce Development Partner working with local authorities, housing associations and contractors, addressing the practical retrofit skills gap across the sector by determining how many new people are required to enter the industry to deliver successful retrofit at scale. “Being able to make our courses available through the ELCAS Scheme is one way we are working to bring more qualified retrofitters into the industry to develop a workforce capable of delivering high quality retrofit at scale. For eligible military personnel, there is no better time to join the retrofit industry as more and more job vacancies open up.” Ex-service and military personnel must first contact their MOD authorising personnel, or Single Service Representative for all out-of-service applicants, to establish their eligibility for ECL funding. This is unique to the individual and depends on factors such as their previous use of funding and length of service. For more information about The Retrofit Academy and their educational courses, please click here Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Chichester depot of Covers Timber & Builders Merchants is continuing its sponsorship of the city’s vibrant and inclusive Pride event for the third consecutive year. Taking place on Saturday 25th May, Chichester Pride promises to be a celebration of love and diversity, welcoming the LGBTQ+ community and allies for a day of live entertainment, food and drink, stalls, and family-friendly activities. New for 2024 is the introduction of the Chichester Pride Parade through the city centre which will officially open the festivities and promote the event’s core values of inclusivity, individuality, respect, and unity. Jonny Clines, Sponsorship Coordinator for Chichester Pride, commented: “The backing of local businesses like Covers Timber & Builders Merchants is crucial in ensuring the success and sustainability of Chichester Pride. Their continued commitment demonstrates a shared vision of creating a community where everyone feels valued and accepted. Building on the success of Chichester Pride 2023, we anticipate an even more remarkable celebration this year.” Henry Green, Managing Director of Covers, added: “Covers has long been committed to supporting local events and initiatives that enrich the lives of residents. Our sponsorship of Chichester Pride underscores our dedication to encouraging positive change and making a meaningful impact on the communities we serve. Our Chichester depot will be actively promoting what promises to be an unforgettable day of celebration and inclusivity.” Further information about Chichester Pride can be found on its website – https://www.chichesterpride.co.uk/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Protecting your business from workplace fires starts with you. As a business owner or manager, the onus is on you to understand the fire risks your company faces. If you do not know where to start with this mammoth task, guided fire safety resources will help you come up with a fire preparedness plan. The best way to come up with a plan that works is to include tools, equipment, fire detection systems, and pre-and post-fire strategies. As we all know, prevention is better than cure. So, to start on your journey, you must learn how to stop fires from breaking out at your office or factory. Below are ten ways to help prevent fires in your workplace: 1. Hazardous Waste Hazardous waste must be properly stored and disposed of to prevent fires. Examples of hazardous waste materials can include oils and chemicals – and these must be disposed of in a metal container with a lid. All industries are different, and the fire requirements will vary from one to the next, so there are no universal laws for fire safety that can be applied across the board. Always keep hazardous waste separate from non-hazardous waste like paper or food. Use designated bins and containers and label them clearly. Be sure to empty these containers frequently and always avoid overfilling them. 2. Equipment Fire protection equipment such as extinguishers, hoses, and control panels must be easily accessible for every employee. All fire equipment must always be clean and dust or debris-free. Fire extinguishers are essential and must be positioned on escape routes and near all identified higher-risk areas. For kitchen and canteen areas, be sure to include fire blankets in your arsenal of fire equipment. Fire alarms and sirens provide early warning of potential fires, giving everyone enough time to escape before the fire spreads too far. 3. Frequent Maintenance All workplace fire protection equipment must be maintained and serviced regularly, keeping it up to code. Maintenance schedules must apply to all workplace equipment and machinery and not just fire protection equipment. Properly maintained machinery can prevent fire-related risks such as overheating and sparking. 4. Housekeeping Offices and storerooms must be kept clean and tidy. Where there is clutter, there are fire hazards. Paper, overflowing rubbish bins, and empty boxes are all flammable materials and will allow a fire to spread faster. Untidy offices can also result in blocked exits and tripping hazards in the event of an emergency. Keep your workplace clean and free from clutter. 5. Fire Shutters For some businesses, deciding to install a fire shutter can make all the difference in containing a fire and getting enough time to evacuate people from a building in an emergency. Fire shutters are a type of roller door that provides compartmentalisation to stop fires from spreading. Shutters can provide an extra 30 minutes to evacuate the building or factory, and that time is often the difference between life and severe injuries or even death. A fire shutter addition can save lives. 6. Safety Demonstrations Fire safety demonstrations are critical for teaching your employees the importance of fire safety. Demonstrations teach people how to respond or react to a fire, how to use an extinguisher and other necessary fire safety tips. The most crucial thing for employees to do if they spot a fire is to prevent it from spreading, but they first should be able to identify the risks involved before attempting to extinguish it. 7. Assign Roles If your organisation has not already assigned fire safety roles to ideal candidates in the workplace, that must be made a top priority. Your business should find someone to serve as a fire warden. The number of fire wardens a business needs will depend on how big the workplace is and the likelihood of a fire starting. The appointed fire wardens must have a clear understanding of what could cause a workplace fire, such as poor pallet racking, and conduct regular walkthroughs to assess fire hazards – among other tasks. 8. Smoking Areas Legally, a company does not have to provide a designated smoking area. If your organization chooses to do so anyway, the boundaries of such an area must be defined clearly. Designated smoking areas are often sheltered from the elements and as much as they may not seem like much, they must comply with planning guidelines and building regulations. Ensure all fire safety protocols are followed in the smoking area and provide ashtrays for safe cigarette disposal. 9. Evacuation Plans Emergency and evacuation plans are an absolute must-have. Every employee must know what to do in the event of a fire, who to call for help, and what to do next. It is easy for people to get scared and panic, but you must train your staff to remain calm and follow the fire protocols and processes. Fire prevention strategies are essential to stop fires from spreading, leading to untold amounts of damage and potentially injuring people. 10. Identify Risks There are safety regulations and laws put in place to prevent fires in the workplace. Both the NFPA and OSHA offer guidance for helping organizations plan their fire safety and protection strategies. Businesses must follow these guidelines and ensure that they comply with all fire standards and laws. Businesses need to train their employees to identify the most common causes of fires in the workplace. Some of these risks include cooking appliances, electrical equipment, and space heaters. To End By ensuring that your business has training, supplies, and equipment addressing workplace fires and hazards, you will have already taken the first step in protecting your employees and your buildings. These ten tips above will help to prevent a fire from breaking out or spreading in your workplace. No one knows precisely when a fire will spark, but having a plan ready for when it does can mean everything at the end of the day. Following these tips above will help to create a safer work environment for everyone in the building.
Sisk has been selected by Moderna as its preferred bidder for the fit-out of its new UK drug substance and manufacturing facility at the Moderna Innovation and Technology Centre (MITC), located on the Harwell Science Campus in Oxfordshire. The MITC development will encompass a research, development and manufacturing facility, providing the UK public with access to mRNA vaccines for COVID-19 and potentially other emerging respiratory health threats. When complete the facility will have capacity to produce up to 250 million vaccines per year in the event of a pandemic, bolstering the UK’s future pandemic resilience strategy. Construction on site has already begun with the facility expected to become operational in 2025, subject to planning and regulatory approvals. This win cements Sisk’s Life Sciences & Technology team in the heart of the UK’s biopharma-rich ‘golden triangle’ between London, Oxford and Cambridge. Harwell is the UK’s leading science and innovation campus, where government, academia and industry work together to solve the critical problems facing our planet. The campus is home to £3bn national facilities and 6,000 colleagues committed to scientific discovery and understanding. Donal McCarthy, COO, Life Sciences, Data & Tech, Sisk said: “Sisk is pleased to announce that we have won our first major life sciences project in the UK. We have a demonstrable track record of working with key US blue chip clients in Ireland and across Europe. After some key appointments internally, we now have the capability to bring this skillset to the UK. We look forward to delivering a world class facility for Moderna and growing our Life Sciences offering across the UK.” Nicolas Chornet, Senior Vice President for Resilience Operations and MITC Site Head at Moderna, said: “Construction of the MITC is well underway and we are delighted to collaborate with Sisk on this vital phase of the project. Upon completion, the facility will leverage cutting-edge mRNA technology to develop innovative vaccines for the UK public and we look forward to contributing to the UK’s dynamic life science sector through the onshoring of mRNA vaccines and therapeutics.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Popeyes UK, the beloved chicken brand originating from New Orleans, recently unveiled its newest delivery kitchen in Leeds on Monday this week. The launch marks an exciting milestone for chicken enthusiasts in the city, as they can now indulge in the famed Chicken Sandwich that has taken the internet by storm. Located on Wortley Moor Road, the new Popeyes® UK delivery kitchen is the brand’s latest addition, marking its fourth opening in 2024 and the 48th location since its UK inception in November 2021. Leeds residents can now savour a delectable array of New Orleans-style offerings, including the iconic Popeyes® Chicken Sandwich, renowned for its succulent 12-hour marinated chicken and accompanied by the original Southern biscuits and gravy. This expansion comes on the heels of Popeyes’ strategic plans to fortify its presence across the UK. Earlier this year, the US chicken chain announced its intention to open 30 new stores nationwide, nearly doubling its current footprint. The forthcoming locations, spanning various regions in Scotland, England, and Wales, underscore Popeyes’ commitment to catering to diverse communities and meeting growing consumer demand. Behind Popeyes UK’s ambitious growth trajectory is private equity firm TDR Capital, which recently acquired a controlling stake in the company. With a £50 million investment last year and increased shareholding, TDR Capital has positioned itself as a key player in driving Popeyes UK’s expansion efforts. Tom Mitchell, managing partner at TDR Capital, expressed confidence in the brand’s performance and growth potential, aligning with the firm’s broader strategic objectives in the sector. Popeyes UK’s success story extends beyond its financial backing, with innovative ventures like a UK-wide wedding catering service and the launch of its first drive-through restaurant in Rotherham. These initiatives, coupled with the brand’s signature menu offerings, have solidified its position as a leading player in the UK’s fast-food landscape. As Popeyes UK continues to make strides in its expansion journey, supported by TDR Capital’s backing and a dedicated team, the brand remains committed to delivering exceptional dining experiences and spreading the joy of authentic New Orleans flavours to communities nationwide. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sustainable technology firm, Recycl8, has completed its first commercial project with Port of Aberdeen. The Aberdeenshire-based company in conjunction with Inverurie Pre-cast was responsible for manufacturing concrete blocks for defence at the South Breakwater of the North Harbour as well as slipway repairs for the port. The Aberdeenshire- headquartered firm was chosen for the project due to its strong commitment to environmental sustainability – a key priority for Port of Aberdeen as they strive to be the UK’s first net zero port by 2040. Recycl8 partnered with construction materials specialists, Breedon Group, to supply their patented solution of sustainable, lower carbon R8 Mix concrete for the project which is the latest in a series of successful pours carried out this year by Recycl8 across a number of sectors including industrial and housing, as well as their first marine project with the Port of Ardersier earlier this month. Working with Port of Aberdeen marks another significant achievement for Recycl8; gaining a new client affirms the growing recognition within the marketplace of the necessity for sustainable concrete solutions. Mark Gillespie, CEO of Recycl8, said: “We are thrilled to have carried out our first small-scale marine project with Port of Aberdeen and to be able to offer a solution which contributes to their environmental sustainability goals. We believe that our R8 Mix is the future of sustainable construction. “It is fantastic for Recycl8 to be involved in such an infrastructure development in Aberdeen and we look forward to continuing our relationship with Port of Aberdeen and supporting them in future marine projects.” Head of Engineering at Port of Aberdeen, John Wilson, added: “Our vision is to become the UK’s first net zero port by 2040 and that requires new and innovative ways of working. We are investing heavily in becoming a leading exemplar in environmental stewardship and sustainability, and Recycl8’s work slipway repair work supports that ambition.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects has been awarded a contract to design and construct the first industrial facility at SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton for end user Yusen Logistics. Winvic, SEGRO and Yusen Logistics celebrated the start of the 1.2 million sq ft project with a Japanese Kagami Biraki ceremony. The Kagami Biraki ceremony – or saki barrel breaking ceremony – is to bestow wishes for success and prosperity upon the new development; representatives from SEGRO and Yusen Logistics each hit the lid of a sake barrel with mallets and ladled out the sake into sake cups for the guests to enjoy. The ground was then officially broken, and attendees were given a guided tour of SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton. The unit comprises 1,144,000 sq ft ground floor warehouse space and a 333,251 sq ft mezzanine; Winvic will also construct and fit out the 35,810 sq ft three-storey main office, which also has a roof terrace, and a single-storey hub office. It is designed to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating which will reduce carbon to net zero during the construction. An array of PV panels will be installed across the entire roof space of the warehouse and EV charging units will also be made available onsite to power Yusen Logistics UK’s all electric company car fleet. At almost 1.2 million sq ft, the single storey warehouse will be Yusen Logistics’ largest global facility when completed in March 2025. The facility sits immediately adjacent to the 35-acre Strategic Rail Freight Terminal constructed by Winvic, enabling Yusen Logistics to provide their customers with rail freight solutions providing CO2 savings on inbound transport. The facility has a haunch of 18 metres, 85 HGV docks and 10 HGV level access doors. Externally, Winvic will undertake all hardstandings and landscaping for the scheme including parking for 924 cars, 163 HGVs, 230 cycles and 34 motorcycles; of these, 185 will be for electric vehicles. The warehouse will also have its own security gatehouse, fuel island and lorry wash, a pallet storage area and waste/recycling area. Winvic has been on site at the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) in Northampton since January 2021 undertaking enabling earthworks, creating the infrastructure to prepare the site for the 5 million sq ft of warehousing and logistics space and constructing the 35-acre Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI). Winvic has also delivered major upgrades to Junctions 15 and 15a on the M1, the construction of a bypass around Roade village and a new bridge over the West Coast Mainline, and improvements to the A45 and safer junctions along the A508. Danny Nelson, Winvic’s Head of Industrial, Distribution and Logistics, commented: “We are delighted to have been selected by SEGRO to construct the first industrial facility at SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton. When it’s completed, we’ll have worked on the site for a total of four years, so I’d like to thank the SEGRO team for continuing to put their trust in us, as they did when creating SEGRO Logistics Park East Midlands Gateway. “Winvic previously constructed a facility in nearby Wellingborough for Yusen Logistics as the tenant, so we’re looking forward to working with them again and to illustrating our high standards. I have the utmost confidence in our experienced team to deliver the project safely and on time.” Dan Holford, Head of National Markets at SEGRO, said: “We are incredibly proud to have attracted a world class warehouse and distribution operator like Yusen Logistics to SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton as the development’s first pre-let customer, where we will be working together to deliver 1.2 million sq ft of highly sustainable space. “What makes this development truly special is how it will support customers to achieve their sustainability goals and net-zero ambitions, particularly through the delivery of sustainable buildings, a country park and the strategic rail freight terminal. Yusen Logistics’ decision to locate here is testament to this and we look forward to continuing our partnership with this exciting project.” David Goldsborough, Managing Director from Yusen Logistics, added: “This new facility, sets a new logistics industry benchmark and emphasizes Yusen Logistics’ commitment to providing sustainable logistics services by 2030. We are proud to share our organisations Japanese heritage at the recent groundbreaking event and are excited to be a part of this project, which will help us to achieve our sustainability goals.” Cllr Adam Brown, Deputy Leader of West Northamptonshire Council and Cabinet Member for Housing, Culture and Leisure, said: “It’s fantastic to see this high-quality development break ground, as it will be an incredible asset to the area creating highly skilled and well-paid jobs for local people. The robotics, engineering and automotive skills needed are the epitome of the logistics strengths we boast in this area as the connected heart of the UK. “It’s great to see the development coming to life, utilising local contractor Winvic and the impressive Rail Freight Terminal from Maritime. Even more so because of the sustainability measures implemented to ensure this development aligns with our local net zero ambitions. We are dedicated to doing all we can to support the revolution of the logistics industry which will continue to create quality opportunities for our local residents.” SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton will deliver up to 5 million sq ft of modern distribution space and is adjacent to Junction 15 of the M1, close to Northampton. The site includes a 235-acre community park, footpaths, cycle routes new woodlands and wetlands, 20km of hedgerows and the planting of 60,000 new trees. For more information on Winvic, the company’s latest project news and job vacancies please visit www.winvic.co.uk. Join Winvic on social media – visit X (formerly Twitter) @WinvicLtd – and LinkedIn. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Barnet Council has announced the appointment of Russell Curtis as chair of the borough’s first-ever Quality Review Panel. The Quality Review Panel will test the fundamental design principles of planning proposals, playing a major role in the council’s commitment to exemplary, high-quality developments. Comprising 28 experts drawn from across the planning and design sectors, the independent panel will ensure design issues can be discussed at the early stages of the planning process. Its formation fulfils a key commitment of the council’s corporate plan. Russell Curtis is a well-known local architect and founding director of London-based firm RCKa, which specialises in innovative residential, community and commercial projects. Vice-chair Selina Mason, another local resident, is director of masterplanning and strategic design at Lendlease, focusing on urban regeneration masterplans. The chair and vice-chair will work with a talented team of independent experts tasked with ensuring new developments in the borough are built to high standards, with sustainable credentials. Cllr Ross Houston, Deputy Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Homes & Regeneration, said: “I’m delighted that Barnet’s first-ever Quality Review Panel has now been formed, fulfilling a key pledge of the council’s plan for Barnet. The team of experts will help to deliver our commitment to high-quality development that complements the existing townscapes of our borough. “At the same time, we’re strengthening our planning policies to focus on building communities, not just homes, to ensure that developments integrate well with surrounding areas, and to align with our ambitious environmental goals.” Barnet Council aims to concentrate development in the borough’s town centres and around transport links, to consolidate growth and help build sustainable communities. It is committed to high-quality design that responds to its context and improves the lives of residents. With these aims in mind, the council’s Cabinet has approved a series of changes to its Local Plan – the fundamental planning framework that shapes development in the borough. These modifications include strengthening policies to encourage high-quality design, improve street safety and amenity, and promote active travel. The updated policies aim to ensure that the public realm forms an integral part of the design process, and to enhance the connection between publicly accessible space and the built environment. They also encourage developers to address crime prevention and fire safety in pre-application discussions. Revisions have been also made to environmental policies, in line with the council’s commitments on combating climate change and enhancing green and open spaces. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
