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,
Arco chairman Thomas Martin has been honoured with a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising his ‘exceptional contribution to the safety and health industry over almost four decades’. He was bestowed with the award at Wednesday’s [MAY 1] Safety and Health Excellence Awards, part of the three-day Health & Safety Event, where
Nationwide Platforms, the UK’s leading provider of powered access for working at height, has recently announced its new game-changing tracking service, HireTracker. HireTracker allows a customer to track their hire through every stage of the rental process, with a live tracking link that remains active from the moment the order
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
Arco chairman Thomas Martin has been honoured with a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising his ‘exceptional contribution to the safety and health industry over almost four decades’. He was bestowed with the award at Wednesday’s [MAY 1] Safety and Health Excellence Awards, part of the three-day Health & Safety Event, where Arco, the UK’s leading safety company, has made its return for 2024, coinciding with the celebration of its 140th anniversary. Also on the night, Arco was commended in the Distributor of the Year award, with judges recognising the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction and its joined-up approach to safety products and services. Thomas said he was honoured to accept the Lifetime Achievement Award. He said: “I’ve always surrounded myself with experts, and this has enabled me to make an impact on our industry. Market leaders earn the right to comment, and career learnings ensure this is done responsibly. The award celebrates the first 36 years, and there’s plenty more to do; I’d better get on with it.” As the fourth-generation leader of the family business, Thomas started his journey in a London advertising agency before joining Arco in 1988. With a clear passion for the business, Thomas assumed pivotal roles within Arco, including Trading Director (Safety) in 1993, Supply Chain Director in 1998, and Joint Managing Director in 2002, before taking the helm as Chairman in April 2017. Presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award, host Dara Ó Briain said during Thomas’s time as Joint Managing Director and now Chairman, he had helped shape Arco into one of the ‘premier businesses in health and safety, by both scale and impact’. Testament to this, Arco has led the industry on responses to global emergencies and best practice, pushing for regulatory changes and championing expertise and corporate responsibility. In 2007, Arco joined the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) an alliance of companies, trade unions and non-profit organisations that aims to promote respect for the rights of workers worldwide. Arco is the first and only safety distributor to join the ETI. During the Ebola outbreak in 2015, Arco was the leading PPE partner in the UK’s humanitarian response, supporting government agencies with advice on the correct products needed to keep volunteers safe but also in procuring and supplying the products to the front line. Most recently, during the Covid-19 pandemic, Arco stepped up to secure additional PPE for frontline workers, while advising government bodies on PPE regulations and standard. Following the crisis, Thomas gave evidence to the Public Accounts Committee on how the Government response could be improved for the future. Arco Also Commended in Distributor of The Year Award Read more about Arco here: www.arco.co.uk/about. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Nationwide Platforms, the UK’s leading provider of powered access for working at height, has recently announced its new game-changing tracking service, HireTracker. HireTracker allows a customer to track their hire through every stage of the rental process, with a live tracking link that remains active from the moment the order is placed all the way up until the machine has been collected at the end of its hire period. The customer can check in on the delivery at any time by clicking on the link, which will direct them to a screen displaying real-time updates on the progress of the hire. The new tracking system is something that Nationwide Platforms’ customers have requested via customer feedback in the past. Many clients reported that more accurate delivery timings would enable them to plan projects more efficiently, which in turn would boost productivity across the industry as a whole. Customers who already have a machine out on hire when HireTracker goes live needn’t worry about missing out. Even orders that are midway through being prepared will begin to receive HireTracker updates as soon as the system is online. With HireTracker, there is a guaranteed three-hour delivery window. As with other courier systems, once the hire is out for delivery, customers can see the driver’s location in real-time. In addition, the tracking system informs the customer when they are the next stop away, as well as when the delivery has been made and the machine is ready to be used. HireTracker works on collections too, meaning a customer can also use the same system to ensure their machine has been picked up by the courier. Daniel Smith, Chief Operating Officer at Nationwide Platforms, said: “We make every effort to take on board customer feedback, and HireTracker is a direct answer to many customer requests. “Knowing the precise arrival time of a machine enables you to plan your day more efficiently. You’re no longer left waiting around all day, nor are you forced to rearrange your schedule for a vague delivery window. Instead, through real-time updates and accurate delivery estimates, HireTracker empowers you to make informed decisions about how to best manage your time and resources. Whether your machine is being dispatched or only a few doors away, you’ll be the first to know.” For more information on Nationwide Platforms, please visit: https://www.nationwideplatforms.co.uk/en-gb Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
