Monkwearmouth Development Ltd “MDL”(a Joint Venture between Sir Robert McAlpine Capital Ventures Limited “SRMCV”, and Argon Property Development Solutions Limited “APDS”), with funding from Railpen, proudly handed over its first development to NTW Solutions Ltd at Monkwearmouth Hospital in Sunderland last month. Located within the grounds of the existing hospital,
The Sheffield Property Association, which is the City’s collective voice for property, has announced the appointment of a new director, Rebecca Knight, who has joined the board of the organisation. Rebecca, who is managing director at OVO Spaces has 32 years of experience in the property industry. She joins The
Rohlig SUUS Logistics, the largest Polish logistics operator, will open its first warehouse in Hungary with an area of 7,000 sqm in mid-summer at the state-of-the-art logistics park near the Budapest International Airport. HelloParks Maglód’s 45,000 sqm MG3 facility will support tenants’ operations with flexible green features, efficient and cost-effective
New legislation and an increased focus on best practice are leading to heavier workloads and excess pressure on property and facilities managers, according to a new report from health, safety and property compliance firm William Martin. When compiling its first annual property compliance report, the firm examined data from 20,000
Yesterday the Bank of England (BoE) has announced its decision to hold interest rates at 5.25% for the sixth time, remaining at the highest level for 16 years. This decision, although expected, will have significant implications for the construction industry. No indication was given that rates are set to be
Opportunity Mid Sussex, the inward investment platform of Mid Sussex District Council, will promote 70 hectares of employment space at one of the UK’s premier real estate, investment, and infrastructure shows. Representatives from Mid Sussex District Council will attend UKREiiF in Leeds from 21-23 May 2024 to promote and showcase
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
Monkwearmouth Development Ltd “MDL”(a Joint Venture between Sir Robert McAlpine Capital Ventures Limited “SRMCV”, and Argon Property Development Solutions Limited “APDS”), with funding from Railpen, proudly handed over its first development to NTW Solutions Ltd at Monkwearmouth Hospital in Sunderland last month. Located within the grounds of the existing hospital, the new modern fit for purpose building provides a welcoming, level and accessible front entrance to the main outpatient facilities. In addition to the new entrance and reception area, the new accommodation includes meeting rooms, flexible open-plan workspaces and breakout areas, and consultants’ offices on upper floors along with areas for their support teams to work in. The new building has created the perfect office environment for employees at the site and encourages collaborative working and support; all of which service users should benefit from. The building also houses a Changing Places facility, and the new ‘Café Bede’ community café is open to the general public, visitors, staff and service users across the Hospital. The new café includes areas for inside and outside dining and is home to a time capsule that was placed in the ground during the construction works; telling the story of the build, the history of the site and the previous building for people to read in years to come. Sir Robert McAlpine completed the construction of the 3,287 sq. m, three-storey building for MDL over 19 months with the facility achieving a Design stage BREEAM Excellent standard. In addition to a replacement tree lined staff car park, the development delivers level access and a beautifully landscaped piazza area including seating and extensive planting, along with a memorial garden. The external works have transformed the previous parking area that fronts onto Newcastle Road and creates better connectivity within the estate for hospital users, staff and visitors. MDL worked with NTW Solutions Limited, a limited company established by Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, to provide premises that will enable NTW Solutions to deliver improved facilities and a range of important services to the Trust. Cumbria Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest mental health and disability Trusts in England. Monkwearmouth Development Ltd is a Joint Venture between Sir Robert McAlpine Capital Ventures Limited and Argon Property Development Solutions Limited. It was appointed to this work through SRMCV’s place on the Pagabo Developer Led Framework, a nationwide procurement framework available for public sector organisations that focuses on delivering social value for each development. David Peck from Monkwearmouth Development LTD, said, “We could not be more delighted with the outcome, that has been a true collaboration between all the parties involved, who have created a building that is streets ahead of the one it replaced and that will make a significant difference to patients that rely on it for their care and the people that use it as their place of work.” David Hosken, Project Director at SRMCV, said, “We are immensely proud of delivering a unique facility using an innovative development solution, helping NTW Solutions Limited renew their estate with a quality building designed for modern ways of working. This fantastic project allows us to continue to build on our successes working alongside NHS Trusts to deliver developments with positive outcomes for the people who will use them.” Richard Wilks from Argon Property Development Solutions Ltd, said, “It has been a pleasure working with NTW Solutions, the Trust and the team on the ground who made this happen. Knowing that what we have delivered is already making such a positive difference to the staff, clinicians and service users is testament to everyone’s efforts to make this happen. We are so pleased to have been able to play our part in improving mental health services and the positive impact this development will have across the region.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Sheffield Property Association, which is the City’s collective voice for property, has announced the appointment of a new director, Rebecca Knight, who has joined the board of the organisation. Rebecca, who is managing director at OVO Spaces has 32 years of experience in the property industry. She joins The Sheffield Property Association’s (S-PA) passionate and committed team of four directors who all share a vision of improving Sheffield’s built environment, driving investment, and fostering strong relationships with stakeholders and partners. Having grown up locally and now living within the city region, Rebecca presents a passion for all aspects of property, having worked in residential, commercial, leisure, and industry sectors. Rebecca said: “I am looking forward to bringing something a little bit different to the S-PA. This is a new challenge for me, and I’m excited to add value where I can utilise my industry experience. “Working in Sheffield is so different to other cities. People are the heart of everything we do, and the shared collaborative spirit is what makes us unique. I believe the city is in the early beginnings of something bigger, and I want to be part of this resurgence. “My goal is to help make Sheffield an even better place and to bring a different energy to the role. I am particularly excited to get involved with all of the priority groups and help them work more cohesively within the S-PA.” Rob Darrington, director of the S-PA said: “Since we established the Sheffield Property Association in 2017, it has been extremely rewarding to watch the growth of our board and member network. “We are delighted to welcome Rebecca to our team. Her experience will be invaluable as we continue to ensure sustainable development in Sheffield, further driving our plans, member leadership, and city representation.” The Sheffield Property Association (S-PA) is an active group of businesses dedicated to revitalising Sheffield’s built environment. Since 2017, they have been actively investing, generating opportunities, and promoting prosperity in the city. Through research and collaborative efforts, they influence decision-making processes to benefit local communities while fostering strong relationships between land-owning and development businesses, stakeholders, and partners. For more information about the Sheffield Property Association, please visit www.sheffieldpropertyassociation.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Rohlig SUUS Logistics, the largest Polish logistics operator, will open its first warehouse in Hungary with an area of 7,000 sqm in mid-summer at the state-of-the-art logistics park near the Budapest International Airport. HelloParks Maglód’s 45,000 sqm MG3 facility will support tenants’ operations with flexible green features, efficient and cost-effective building management, and market-leading technical solutions. SUUS, a leading logistics service provider in Central and Eastern Europe, will be the new tenant of HelloParks Maglód’s MG3 building. Under a long-term lease agreement with the Hungarian-based industrial property developer HelloParks, the Polish company, which specialises in integrated logistics solutions, will lease 7,000 sqm of space for its new Hungarian operation. The facility will serve as a multi-purpose logistics centre, encompassing a logistics warehouse with 3,000 pallet places and a handling terminal as well. The Maglód site will be a strategically important location for the company’s growing network of domestic partners. SUUS’s services in the region extend beyond warehousing to encompass full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) road transport; rail, sea and air freight; as well as project cargo. The company also places a strong emphasis on the development of customs services. Laszló Molnár, Managing Director at Rohlig SUUS Logistics Hungary Kft., said: “The modern hub greatly enhances our competencies in Hungary. Contract logistics, including storage, order picking and value-added services such as co-packing and labelling, have been added to our portfolio. Our new investment can serve as a warehouse for raw materials and finished goods as well as a distribution center.” He added: “Its strategic positioning, nestled near the intersection of the M0 motorway, the vital M4 section of European route E60, and the busy Budapest Airport, positions it as a crucial junction in the supply networks of both local businesses and international corporations. This includes prominent players in the automotive sector, a cornerstone of the Hungarian economy.” Besides its convenient location near Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport and numerous major transport hubs, another pivotal factor for the Polish tenant was the capacity to effectively facilitate its expanding network of domestic partners from its central hub in Maglód. Here, they can access adaptable and scalable warehouse and office facilities to meet their evolving needs. HelloParks concluded the agreement with the professional support of CBRE. With this lease deal, 27,300 sqm, or more than 60 per cent of the space in the Maglód MG3 facility, has already been taken by tenants, including major companies such as Aeroplex, Loginvent and WellPack. The numerous modern technologies used in the logistics park, as well as the pro-environmental and pro-social solutions, such as a relaxation zone for drivers in the warehouse, were also important considerations for SUUS in its decision-making process. The 45,000 sqm MG3 warehouse, the second phase of HelloParks Maglód, was the first industrial property in Hungary to be awarded the highest BREEAM rating of Outstanding in the New Construction category. In addition to the completed building, the New Construction category assesses the entire design, construction and project management process, from the sourcing and supply of raw materials to waste management and the technologies installed and used. The company was previously the first in Hungary to achieve an Excellent rating in the Industrial Property category — with its now fully occupied MG1 hall of the Maglód megapark. From 2023, it has been the only company to build all its new facilities to the most stringent Outstanding criteria. “We have completed a complex and lengthy negotiation process with our new client —everyone in the team working hard to contribute to the transaction’s success. Our latest achievement in the Budapest International Airport’s area makes us proud and strengthens our ambition to make HelloParks Maglód the strongest player in this submarket. In addition to its convenient location, sustainability and flexible, efficient operations are the most important factors for our tenants, and we provide them with state-of-the-art facilities to meet their needs,” said András Bodahelyi, Senior Business Development Manager of HelloParks. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New legislation and an increased focus on best practice are leading to heavier workloads and excess pressure on property and facilities managers, according to a new report from health, safety and property compliance firm William Martin. When compiling its first annual property compliance report, the firm examined data from 20,000 risk assessments and survey reports that were uploaded to its compliance management software, Meridian, between April 2023 and March 2024. Figures showed almost 327,000 health and safety actions were raised across all disciplines, a 22% increase on the previous year. Commenting on the increase, Phil Jones, Managing Director at William Martin said: “The property and facilities management industry shoulders a huge responsibility when it comes to upholding the highest standards of health and safety. Alongside the introduction of recent laws such as the Building Safety Act 2022, we’re undoubtedly seeing a far greater focus from organisations on ensuring best practice and continuous improvement, rather than just compliance. “I’ve always believed that abiding by legislation should be the minimum benchmark rather than the final goal, so this positive step towards safer working environments is something I welcome. However, the downside is the extra pressure this is putting on those responsible for health and safety, due in no small part to the increased reporting that’s required to demonstrate high performance. But because abandoning best practice is not an option, this is something the industry needs to find a way to deal with.” Beyond this headline increase, the report identifies 10 key health and safety trends, which include: Phil Jones added: “Workload burdens are undoubtedly contributing to some of the more worrying trends identified in our report, such as the unacceptable length of time it’s taking to address Priority 1 actions, and poor record-keeping around lift safety. “Tech and AI can form part of the solution, by reducing the scope for human error, and reducing the chances of risks being missed or reports being misfiled. Using tech to work smarter rather than harder also frees up time to focus on the activities that will actually drive change and reduce risk. “The key trends and insights contained in this report will hopefully inform property and facilities management professionals on what should be the key focus areas within their own businesses. We are already planning to publish this data annually, which will enable longer term industry trends to be identified.” The full report is available to download from the William Martin website here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Yesterday the Bank of England (BoE) has announced its decision to hold interest rates at 5.25% for the sixth time, remaining at the highest level for 16 years. This decision, although expected, will have significant implications for the construction industry. No indication was given that rates are set to be cut later in the year, although the BoE Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) said it would ‘consider forthcoming data release and keep under review how long Bank Rate should be maintained at its current level.’ Richard Beresford, CEO of the NFB commented, “The decision by the Bank of England to maintain interest rates continues to hinder productivity and economic recovery. Due to the size and nature of works, the construction industry relies on borrowing and financing for projects, and high interest rates can hamper its ability to secure strong pipelines of work and invest in growth. This announcement comes at a time when construction already faces considerable challenges in material inflation, planning delays, and energy costs. We, therefore, urge the Government to deliver greater strategic reform in planning, procurement, and regulation to ease these difficulties and create a favourable environment that allows our sector to drive investment, growth, and UK productivity. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Opportunity Mid Sussex, the inward investment platform of Mid Sussex District Council, will promote 70 hectares of employment space at one of the UK’s premier real estate, investment, and infrastructure shows. Representatives from Mid Sussex District Council will attend UKREiiF in Leeds from 21-23 May 2024 to promote and showcase the area to investors, building on the many strengths of the district and the significant growth being delivered. The expert team will join industry leaders to talk about the opportunities for development in the district, take part in debates and network to effect positive change and generate further investment. Opportunity Mid Sussex is looking forward to letting investors and the Government know that Mid Sussex is open for business, that this is a council focused on positive change and delivering results. Mid Sussex is an ideal location for businesses to grow and flourish, with new employment space planned, fantastic landscapes in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and National Park, and excellent transport links by rail, road, and air. This event will further put Mid Sussex on the map and showcase the huge potential for investment and growth that the region has to offer. With a cluster of businesses offering highly skilled work in sectors such as engineering and advanced manufacturing, MedTech, life sciences, Agri-tech, computer games development, multi-media software development, as well as e-commerce, financial and professional services, this is a fantastic opportunity for developers to create spaces for businesses to grow. In addition, a further 40,000m2 of employment space is now available at Panattoni Park Burgess Hill and ready for tenant fit-out, much of which is available for high value technology-led businesses. Panattoni, the largest logistics developer in the UK and Europe, said demand for the high-quality commercial space has already been strong and will be promoting the space at UKREiiF. David McGougan, Panattoni’s development director in the South East, said: “Our core business plan at Panattoni is to go into regions which are undersupplied with commercial property, especially in the South East. We saw there was an opportunity for us to speculatively develop this site to deliver much needed employment and space for businesses to grow. “Mid Sussex already has an existing industrial base and a very strong demographic in terms of availability of labour and excellent access to motorways. “It’s a great place to live and work. It’s close to both the seaside and the countryside, you’ve got the universities, plus cities and towns nearby to visit including London and Brighton which are both easily accessible by train. It has huge potential to grow.” Opportunity Mid Sussex will champion a total of 22 housing sites and seven employment sites, across the district, many of which are already in development and the allocation for a new Science and Technology Park when they attend UKREiiF. Businesses already based in the area include Swiss multinational healthcare company Roche Diagnostics, multinational engineering company Continental AG, which develops Advanced Driver Assistance Systems from its hub in Burgess Hill and Universal Quantum the groundbreaking quantum computing start-up that has chosen Haywards Heath as its HQ. Working in partnership with Homes England, the £1bn+ Burgess Hill Strategic Growth Programme in the heart of Mid Sussex is expected to deliver 5,000 homes and 15,000 jobs as well as major infrastructure improvements. It includes 25,000m2 of employment space, a Science and Technology Park in Burgess Hill, which will cost £250m to develop, providing 100,000m2 of employment space and 2,500 new jobs. The UK’s Real Estate, Investment, and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) will take place in Leeds in May 2024. Opportunity Mid Sussex (OMS) will exhibit at the event, which draws over 10,000 attendees and 150 exhibitors, to highlight and promote the district. For more information, please visit: https://www.opportunitymidsussex.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
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