More than £16 million has been invested in community and business projects bordering HS2’s route, helping to drive the local economy, enhance the environment and boost wellbeing. New figures show that £2.56m was allocated via the HS2 community and business funds programme over the last 12 months – taking the
Glenigan’s May Index finds increasing pockets of Growth amidst overall slowdown. Today, Glenigan, one of the construction industry’s leading insight experts, releases the May 2024 edition of its Construction Index.The Index focuses on the three months to the end of April 2024, covering all underlying projects, with a total value
Award-winning housebuilder, The Hill Group has launched Canalside Quarter, its highly-anticipated collection of new homes in Oxford North. The inaugural phase will deliver beautiful and contemporary homes that will place residents in the centre of the innovative new district; offering savvy buyers an exciting opportunity to become part of a
Reynaers Aluminium has launched two new online tools to provide fabricators and installers with real-time comprehensive product and technical information, as well as its hardware selection and comparator. In line with its digitalisation strategy both software solutions are now accessible through Reynaers Customer Portal. Docu Portal brings together the equivalent
The first opening road bridge across the River Clyde has been hailed as ‘a gamechanger’ as politicians visited the site in Renfrewshire last Friday 3rd May. GRAHAM and Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson welcomed UK Government Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Lord Cameron to see the first section of the
A Northumberland-based housing developer has announced plans to double its turnover to £80m and further increase its workforce. Having recently grown from 40 to now 70 employees it now has ambitions to take this to over 100 employees within the next year. To hit its targets, Ascent Homes will add
The Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) has announced the winners of their 2024 National Site Awards, which recognise the highest performing construction sites in the UK and Ireland. Out of over 5,500 eligible sites, five (5) construction projects stood out at the absolute peak of performance and received the highest possible
Doka, a renowned provider of formwork and scaffolding solutions, has introduced its cutting-edge Xsafe Catch Fan system to the UK! 🌟 This innovative solution helps redefine benchmarks for construction site safety, making work environments safer and more efficient. Let’s dive into the details: Enhanced Safety: Falling materials, tools, and debris
In a move aimed at progressing the development of a new £65 million university campus, a council has initiated a compulsory purchase order to acquire necessary land, paving the way for ambitious construction plans. Blackpool Council has previously granted approval for the demolition of 59 residential properties within the designated
John F Hunt has been employed directly by Belgian developer Ghelamco to undertake demolition, enabling works and the construction of ‘The HiLight’, a new 24-storey structure on the site of the former 1830s Price’s Candle Factory in Battersea. This includes the demolition of the existing steel showroom, which sits above podium level,
More than £16 million has been invested in community and business projects bordering HS2’s route, helping to drive the local economy, enhance the environment and boost wellbeing. New figures show that £2.56m was allocated via the HS2 community and business funds programme over the last 12 months – taking the total above £16m since they were launched seven years ago. The investment has been made in 285 separate projects to date, including upgrades to community buildings, improved sporting and play facilities, activities for young people, wildlife enhancements and the creation of community gardens. The total has been swelled by a further £55m-worth of matched funding, including volunteer time and cash resources, underlining the extent to which the funds act as a catalyst to drive community projects. The latest figures were revealed in an annual report published by Groundwork UK, independent administrators of the funds, on behalf of HS2 Ltd. According to the report, funding over the last 12 months has been concentrated on “priority” geographical areas to ensure that all communities along the line of route receive a fair share of the funding. The report sets out how investments will further pivot over the coming year, with funds continuing to be concentrated on priority areas as well as schemes that support local economies and deliver environmental and biodiversity enhancements. Two funding streams – the Community and Environment Fund (CEF) and the Business and Local Economy Fund (BLEF) – were launched in 2017 to aid communities affected by construction of the new high-speed line. This is over and above other statutory compensation to individuals, businesses and local economies facing direct disruption as a result of Britain’s biggest infrastructure programme. In the last year, 49 awards have been made in total, including: Cathy Elliott, Independent Chair of the HS2 funds, said: “We’re delighted to report that support for communities along HS2’s route has now exceeded £16m, with some outstanding examples of the tangible benefits enjoyed by locally-led projects. “In the last year we have invested in vital schemes to improve local people’s health and wellbeing, support children and young people, enhance the environment, and improve buildings and facilities – bringing communities together across rural and urban areas.” Graham Duxbury, Groundwork’s UK Chief Executive, said: “During a turbulent year for the HS2 project, it’s fantastic that communities have been provided with continuous and stable support through the funds, which are ensuring a rich variety of community assets and activities are being created for those effected by the works.” A £40m funding pot was created when the schemes were launched, covering Phase One from London to the West Midlands. The investment will cover the entire construction timeline of HS2, which is expected to start operating between 2029 and 2033. In addition, a further £5m of funding was made available for Phase 2a between the West Midlands and Crewe when this part of the line was approved by Parliament in early 2021. This closed to applications in November last year following the government decision to cancel the northern legs of HS2. Please visit the funds’ website for more information – including how to apply for funding – here: https://hs2funds.org.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Glenigan’s May Index finds increasing pockets of Growth amidst overall slowdown. Today, Glenigan, one of the construction industry’s leading insight experts, releases the May 2024 edition of its Construction Index.The Index focuses on the three months to the end of April 2024, covering all underlying projects, with a total value of £100m or less (unless otherwise indicated), with all figures seasonally adjusted. It’s a report which provides a detailed and comprehensive analysis of year-on-year construction data, giving built environment professionals a unique insight into sector performance over the last 12 months. The May Index is a mixed bag. Whilst the industry is undoubtedly struggling against strong social, political and economic headwinds, some sector verticals rallied. Hotel & leisure and office starts posted positive results compared to April figures. Whilst the value of underlying work starting on site during the three months to April experienced a 15% decline, and dropped 12% compared to 2023, the downward curve is starting to level out. Since January 2024, whilst performance is lower than the previous year, figures encouragingly remain stable. As Glenigan’s economist, Drilon Baca, says, “Whilst the first month of Q.2 remains weak, there has not been as dramatic a drop as we saw in Q.4 2023. Consumer confidence is gradually returning and the freeze private investment will likely thaw should this trend continue. In the public sector, all eyes will be on a new Government in H.2 2024, with departments often increasing funding for capital projects following a post-election spending review.” Taking a closer look at the sector verticals and the regional outlook… Sector Analysis – Residential Residential construction starts fell by almost a fifth (-18%) compared to 2023, and were down 16% on the preceding three months. Private housing dipped 14% against the previous three months to April, and decreased 17% compared to last year. The Index period was worse for social housing, tumbling 21% and weakening 19% against 2023 levels. Sector Analysis – Non-Residential There were a few reasons to be optimistic within non-residential verticals. The strongest performer in the May Index was hotel & leisure, which increased 11% against the preceding three months and last year. This welcome uptick was closely followed by office starts, which rose 7% during the Index period to finish 8% up on 2023 levels. Performance in some verticals was mixed. Whilst education saw the value of starts increase 9% against the preceding three months, it remained 7% lower than a year ago. In contrast, health starts decreased by 22% during the Index period, yet rose by the same amount compared to last year. This latter boost on 2023 can be attributed to the £80m development of a hospital ambulatory diagnostic centre at West Middlesex University Hospital, Isleworth, London. Even more impressive, despite decreasing 25% against the preceding three months, community and amenity starts were up a massive 46% on the previous year. Again, retail decreased 9% during the Index period, but demonstrated renewed strength when measured against 2023 activity, posting a 27% jump in performance levels. Despite showing a far more encouraging set of results compared to recent editions of the Index, some verticals remained in the doldrums. Industrial project starts experienced a poor period, with the value of starts on site slashed by 27% during the three months to April, down 43% compared to 2023. Civils plummeted by a third (-32%) during the Index period and dipped a modest 4% on 2023 levels. This was reflected in the infrastructure and utilities sub-verticals, which were down 31% and 32% against the preceding three months, and 4% and 3% below 2023 levels, respectively. Regional Outlook Performance was inconsistent across UK regions, however there were a few bright spots of activity. Northern Ireland fared particularly well, increasing 20% against the preceding three months to stand 33% up on the previous year. This can be partly attributed to a sharp boost in hotel & leisure-related activity, continuing the region’s recent growth streak. Elsewhere, it was an inconsistent picture, the North East saw the value of starts decrease by 2%, yet increase by 38% against 2023 figures. Whilst the value of starts in the South West declined 9% on last year, it was up 12% during the Index period. The North West stumbled 1% against the previous year and saw a modest increase of 2% in the three months to the end of April. Elsewhere, it was nothing but decline. Wales registered the worst performance of all, seeing the value of starts compared to 2023 almost halved (-44%) and over a third (-37%) against the preceding three months. It was a similar story in the East Midlands, which registered a dismal 43% drop on last year’s figures to slump by exactly a third (-33%) when matched against the three months to April. To varying degrees, London, South East, West Midlands, East of England, Yorkshire & Humber and Scotland, all posted declines during the Index period and compared to 2023 levels. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Award-winning housebuilder, The Hill Group has launched Canalside Quarter, its highly-anticipated collection of new homes in Oxford North. The inaugural phase will deliver beautiful and contemporary homes that will place residents in the centre of the innovative new district; offering savvy buyers an exciting opportunity to become part of a transformative destination within a world-class city. Designed by visionary architects Pollard Thomas Edwards, this impressive collection of 207 sustainable homes ranges from one to three-bedroom apartments to five-bedroom family homes set within eight acres of open green space. Confident and striking, the streetscape at Canalside Quarter represents a new era of building style and a distinct departure from earlier 21st century architecture. Canalside Quarter is part of Oxford North, a revolutionary new district built on 64 acres of prime land within the city. Connecting invention and investment to create opportunity, this stimulating extension to one of the word’s most famous cities will become a flagship destination. Providing an estimated 4,500 new jobs with incredible workspaces, state-of-the-art laboratories, cafes, bars, a hotel, a nursery, green space and cultural amenities, Oxford North will also prioritise sustainability, smart technology and diverse natural habitats. Canalside Quarter residents will benefit from this remarkable and unique environment, with all the essential elements to foster an exceptional lifestyle. Rebecca Littler, Group Sales and Marketing Director at The Hill Group comments: “At Canalside Quarter, you will be able to connect to one of the world’s greatest cities, while also being immersed within a revitalising green space that promotes a healthy lifestyle and community. Boldly modern in design, the architectural aesthetic and the inspiring new neighbourhood set a fresh standard for modern living. Hill is very excited to be a part of the evolution of this new district and vibrant setting.” Defined by exemplary natural surroundings and luxury contemporary design, the new homes have been thoughtfully crafted to the signature quality that Hill has become known for. Embracing a modern way of living, the homes feature warm brick detailing and large expanses of glass that invite breathtaking vistas and flood interiors with an abundance of natural light. Continuing this focus on the natural world, every residence has been designed to place emphasis on outdoor living and offers captivating views. Each apartment has been positioned to ensure that all balconies face onto the Neighbourhood Square, the development’s central hub, giving each home a view of the central green space. Every opportunity to connect with the natural environment has been maximised, from porches, gardens, patios, balconies and roof terraces to living spaces that open directly to private outdoor spaces. Advanced insulation, energy-efficient appliances, water-saving technology and electric car charging points across the development also promote green living. Crafted to promote walking and cycling, lush verdant parks, historic woodlands, scenic canalside walks, leafy streets and eye-catching pavement planting bring nature to Canalside Quarter and create a restorative environment. The Neighbourhood Square will be a landscaped park with beautiful views where the community can come together and thrive. Play areas for children to explore and learn, and meadow grasslands where residents can relax, will also be incorporated into this remarkable new neighbourhood. Located close to the scenic Oxford Canal and Canalside Park, the area will be a dynamic new gateway to Oxford. At just under a 15-minute cycle ride away from the iconic spires, residents will be able to embrace this mode of transport and many other opportunities to have an active lifestyle in Oxford North and beyond. The city offers excellent sports facilities and open green spaces that are ideal for running and walking, including Christ Church Meadow which is in the heart of the city and the Botanic Gardens, which feature rare and exotic plants. In addition, the River Thames and the River Cherwell are home to days spent kayaking, paddleboarding, and of course, punting. The historic city of Oxford is lined with magnificent, mediaeval architecture and is well-known for its rich culture. Residents of Canalside Quarter will be able to access first-class theatre in venues such as the Oxford Playhouse and New Theatre Oxford and experience impressive live music throughout the year at The O2 Academy and more intimate classical concerts at the Town Hall and University of Oxford colleges. The city also hosts several festivals throughout the year, such as the Oxford Literary Festival, the Foodie Festival and the Oxford Bike Festival, to name just a few. For more information, please visit www.hill.co.uk/canalside-quarter Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Reynaers Aluminium has launched two new online tools to provide fabricators and installers with real-time comprehensive product and technical information, as well as its hardware selection and comparator. In line with its digitalisation strategy both software solutions are now accessible through Reynaers Customer Portal. Docu Portal brings together the equivalent of 20,000 catalogue pages and is the latest in a number of online tools from the aluminium systems specialist that have been designed to provide real time information to make it easier to design, order, fabricate and install the latest window, door and curtain walling solutions. Through Docu Portal, Reynaers’ customers will be able to quickly and easily access in-depth, technical guidance for the fabrication and installation of its systems. Through a personalised login, customers will also have the ability to save favourites. They will then receive specific notifications of any relevant updates. Within the Docu Portal system, a Hardware Configurator has also been created to offer rapid analysis of the best suited hardware for a project. Drawing on all available Reynaers’ products and compatible components, the hardware configurator provides an overview that allows products to be easily compared to identify the best solution. Martin Boland, Technical Support Manager at Reynaers Aluminium UK, said: “Developed specifically to address the challenge in accessing and searching through the vast amount of information available, Docu Portal has been designed to make life easier for fabricators and installers. “As well as easy navigation of over 20,000 documents, the customer can also compare and select a number of hardware solutions. Coming soon will be the ability to set up tailored mini manuals to access offline. Docu Portal is a real step forward in the journey to complete digitalisation. “Ultimately we want to make life as easy as possible for our customers and by offering an up-to-date online solution to navigate our vast product range and technical support documentation, we aim to add real value to the support and products we provide.” Reynaers has introduced a number of digital innovations to help offer a seamless customer experience. These include a customer portal that links to a download centre containing technical information and allows deliveries to be tracked, while ReynaPro offers accurate pricing, generates order lists, production schedules, provides assembly instructions – and links to an electronic ordering system. Reynaers is also in the process of adding ‘digital passports’ to all systems that will provide electronic data associated with each individual product. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The first opening road bridge across the River Clyde has been hailed as ‘a gamechanger’ as politicians visited the site in Renfrewshire last Friday 3rd May. GRAHAM and Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson welcomed UK Government Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Lord Cameron to see the first section of the road bridge which was installed last week. Working on behalf of our client Renfrewshire Council the new bridge is part of the £117million Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project, funded as part of the £1.13billion Glasgow City Region City Deal. Since construction has commenced, GRAHAM has supported more than 950 jobs and generated hundreds of subcontract and supplier opportunities, many of which were taken up by local Renfrewshire businesses. The new Renfrew Bridge will connect Renfrew with Clydebank and Yoker and open up work, health, education and leisure opportunities on both sides of the Clyde – with the potential for thousands of additional jobs, fresh investment and new developments brought to the riverside. In addition to the new bridge, the project will create additional connecting roads, cycling and walking routes which will link Inchinnan Road in Renfrew with Yoker Railway Station, using the new Renfrew North Development Road. It will also see improved access for businesses and suppliers to the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS), which is Scotland’s home of manufacturing innovation AMIDS and is being developed by the Council in collaboration with Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise. The south section of the 184-metre cable-stayed twin-leaf bridge has been installed on the Renfrew side of the river at Meadowside Street with the second section of the bridge due to arrive later this month, to be fixed into place at Dock Street in Clydebank – bringing a direct link across the Clyde between the two towns for the first time. Jim Armour, GRAHAM Contracts Manager said: “The project brings many opportunities for Renfrewshire and the Glasgow City region – opening doors on both sides of the river with the construction of the new bridge, connecting roads and active travel routes. The team have worked incredibly hard to reach this significant milestone and now focus on the second section of the bridge arriving later this month.” Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: “This project is going to be a gamechanger not only for the two towns, but for wider Renfrewshire and the Glasgow City Region. “The investment of £117million into Renfrewshire through this project outlines this council’s continued ability to deliver nationally significant projects successfully – with the renovation of Paisley Town Hall into one of Scotland’s top entertainment venues, the creation of the Paisley Learning and Cultural Hub, and the ongoing transformation of Paisley Museum into a world-class visitor destination further proof of positive capital investment we are bringing to the area. “The new bridge, and its new connecting roads and active travel routes, will offer opportunities on both sides of the river – not only for connectivity and leisure, but for access to new homes, developments and highly skilled jobs within the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) based at Netherton next to Glasgow Airport.” The bridge is due to be completed ahead of schedule and be fully operational for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists in Autumn 2024. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A Northumberland-based housing developer has announced plans to double its turnover to £80m and further increase its workforce. Having recently grown from 40 to now 70 employees it now has ambitions to take this to over 100 employees within the next year. To hit its targets, Ascent Homes will add four new sites across the North East. This expansion will bring the developer’s portfolio of sites to 14 by 2027, equalling approx. 1,300 homes – a significant milestone in the organisation’s growth journey. Paul Errington, Director at Ascent Homes, said: “With our homes being in the stunning county of Northumberland, we have seen people across the UK showing an increased interest in our beautifully located developments, especially since the pandemic. “This has fuelled our ambitions for sustainable expansion, not just in Northumberland but across the wider region. Our growth is supported by newly secured land opportunities, which will enable us to introduce new and affordable housing solutions to more communities across the region.” “Our turnover was circa £30m last year, and we are confident that we can double that in the next few years.” Ascent Homes is the housebuilding arm of Advance Northumberland. It is an agile Northumberland-based housing developer dedicated to delivering developments that have a genuinely positive impact on those who live in and around them. Ascent Homes has built 600 properties in the North East, including over 100 affordable homes, making it a significant contributor to the regional economy, creating jobs and strengthening local supply chains. Current developments are located in Alnwick, Blyth, Choppington, Ellington and Wooler, with plans to develop more in Berwick-upon-Tweed, Bellingham and Hadston this year. Paul continued: “A key part of our growth plan is focused on the expansion of our skilled team. By the end of the year, we’re aiming to increase our headcount to over 100 employees. “It’s a very exciting time for Ascent Homes. Our next chapter presents lots of opportunities for locals, buyers, suppliers, and landowners. As we continue to grow, we remain dedicated to providing the right housing, in the right areas, at the right price for the people of the North East.” To find out more about Ascent Homes, visit: www.ascent-homes.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) has announced the winners of their 2024 National Site Awards, which recognise the highest performing construction sites in the UK and Ireland. Out of over 5,500 eligible sites, five (5) construction projects stood out at the absolute peak of performance and received the highest possible accolade given by the Scheme, the Most Considerate Site of 2024 Award. We are proud to share that these are: During this year’s edition, the Scheme also recognised 522 Bronze, 121 Silver and 66 Gold Awards winners. A full list of all winners is available on the CCS website. The National Site Awards recognise site performance against the Scheme’s Code of Considerate Practice, independently evaluated by our Monitors, who audit and score how considerate a site is towards their local community, the environment and their workforce. In the awarding process, sites are divided in project value bands to ensure fair competition. The Awards have been reintroduced in 2024 by popular demand after a four-year break and they recognise site performance recorded during 2023. At the Awards, CCS also recognised the outstanding commitment made by a small number of construction projects that chose to become Ultra Sites, the Scheme’s highest and most demanding level of registration, representing the pinnacle of considerate construction. The Awards were presented over six ceremonies in Manchester, Edinburgh and London to an attending public of nearly 2000 guests across all venues, who gathered to receive their Awards and cheer their teams on stage. Celebrations were opened by a special recorded message to the industry from the Rt. Hon. Lee Rowley MP, Minister of State for Housing & Planning. Each ceremony was presented by an influential organisation in the construction landscape: the Royal Town Planning Institute, SCAPE Procure, the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education, and the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland. Amit Oberoi, CCS Executive Chairman commented: “We are absolutely delighted to have brought back the National Site Awards format for 2024. These Awards are much loved by the construction industry, and we received an overwhelming show of support for their return. “Winning a CCS National Site Award is the mark of the highest levels of performance in the three areas of our Code of Considerate Practice: Respect the Community, Care for the Environment, Value the Workforce. “Our Awards are very selective, and the bar was set extremely high. Only the top performing sites of the UK have been receiving an Award. “On behalf of the CCS, I would like to congratulate all our National Site Awards winners, with extra special congratulations to the winners of the Most Considerate Site of 2024.” This year’s edition of the National Site Awards was sponsored by Build-Zone Insurance, Procure Pro and TCM Capital. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Doka, a renowned provider of formwork and scaffolding solutions, has introduced its cutting-edge Xsafe Catch Fan system to the UK! 🌟 This innovative solution helps redefine benchmarks for construction site safety, making work environments safer and more efficient. Let’s dive into the details: Enhanced Safety: Falling materials, tools, and debris pose significant risks on construction sites. The Xsafe Catch Fan provides a safe, high-quality catch system that can be quickly deployed and repositioned with ease. Minimise unnecessary hazards! Efficiency Boost: The Xsafe Catch Fan minimises the workforce needed for assembly and application. Clever mechanisms, including an easy-lock system and quick-folding net, streamline installation. Plus, it reduces the need for multiple workers on different levels during repositioning and cleaning. All-Round Winner: Doka designed the vertical extensions of the Xsafe Catch Fan to meet customer needs. Square tubes simplify installation without requiring hole alignment for securing with bolts. And guess what? No adjustments are needed when moving it from floor to floor! Corner Solution: Since early 2024, the Xsafe Catch Fan also features a unique foldable and EN 1263-compliant corner solution. It’s perfect for those tricky areas that are sometimes hard to cover. Few additional parts, maximum protection! 🔗 Learn more about Xsafe Catch Fan here:https://www.doka.com/uk/system-groups/doka-safety-systems/xsafe-catch-fan/xsafe-catch-fan 🚀 #ConstructionSafety #Innovation #DokaXsafeCatchFan
In a move aimed at progressing the development of a new £65 million university campus, a council has initiated a compulsory purchase order to acquire necessary land, paving the way for ambitious construction plans. Blackpool Council has previously granted approval for the demolition of 59 residential properties within the designated area, endorsing an outline proposal for the erection of three substantial buildings on the site. The envisioned campus, dubbed University Centre Blackpool, is poised to play a transformative role in the locality’s educational landscape. Residents impacted by the compulsory purchase order have until 24th May to lodge any objections, as the council proceeds with its ambitious £350 million Talbot Gateway rejuvenation initiative. This collaborative effort between Blackpool and the Fylde College, alongside Lancaster University, signifies a significant leap forward in educational infrastructure. Acknowledging the upheaval caused by the project, Alan Cavill, the council’s director of regeneration, affirmed their commitment to supporting affected residents. He stated, “We continue to support any residents who have to move as a result, and nobody will be asked to move out without reasonable warning and support to find somewhere else suitable to live.” In a bid to ensure transparency and accessibility, the council has established an independent advice service for affected residents, offering assistance and guidance throughout the transition period. Emphasizing the site’s strategic significance, authorities underscored the area’s suitability for the campus due to its robust transport links. Interested parties can review the details of the order at the Bickerstaffe House council offices in Talbot Road or at the Town Hall, as the council remains steadfast in its commitment to community engagement and consultation. A previous public consultation in 2021 revealed overwhelming support for the project, with 86% of respondents expressing positivity towards the proposed scheme. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
John F Hunt has been employed directly by Belgian developer Ghelamco to undertake demolition, enabling works and the construction of ‘The HiLight’, a new 24-storey structure on the site of the former 1830s Price’s Candle Factory in Battersea. This includes the demolition of the existing steel showroom, which sits above podium level, followed by the excavation of a single-story basement, complicated owing to the presence of an existing Thames Water sewer which bisects the site. Following demolition, enabling works will commence by installing a combination of sheet and secant piling followed by the bearing piles to create a large basement box. The RC structure will then be carefully built back to ground level in a sequential manner, around and above the Thames Water sewer. Basement completed, John F Hunt will build the 24-storey RC frame, starting with the core using the slip form method, following on with the RC slabs. Hunt will then hand over to Ghelmaco’s in-house construction team, ready for the next phase in the creation of The HiLight’s luxury waterfront apartments. John F Hunt’s Head of Civils and Structures, Lance Wimble, said, “We are delighted to have been given the opportunity to work with Ghelamco on this high-profile historic building. However, it does have its complications, as the site is on a busy bus route and has a significant sewer running underneath it.” The 250,500 sqft ‘The HiLight’ development will transform the site into 113 landmark luxury waterfront homes with amenities that are heavily focused on health and wellbeing, views of the Thames and easy access to London’s transport links. ‘The HiLight’ will also meet the gold standard in sustainability with credentials such as EDGE Certification as well as being carbon neutral. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals