Keystone Lintels is delighted to launch Keyfab, a new cutting-edge structural steel design and fabrication service that will bring the most creative and ambitious residential and specialised projects to life. Whatever the nature of your build, contractors and their projects can be supported every step of the way by Keystone’s
A multi-million-pound contract to improve social homes across the north east of England will be delivered by a new strategic partnership that has been created to maximise its impact on the region. believe housing will make significant internal and external improvements to around 5,600 of its homes over the next
£31.5M, 37-acre project serves as a pivotal new workplace, logistics and warehouse commercial gateway to Luton and set to elevate the town onto a national platform. Glencar, a leading UK construction company that was recently ranked amongst Europe’s fastest growing businesses, has broken ground with long-term and valued client Wrenbridge
£45m investment and jobs boost for sustainability industry in East of England Assan Panel, a major affiliate of Kibar Holding, a renowned name in Turkey’s industrial sector, has confirmed its plans to locate its first UK manufacturing facility at Gateway 14, part of Freeport East. The firm produces sustainable building
St George, in partnership with SEGRO, celebrated a significant achievement at Grand Union in Alperton, as a groundbreaking multi-storey industrial development, known as SEGRO V-Park Grand Union, was officially inaugurated. This highly sustainable six-storey building offers 134,500 sq ft of premium floorspace from just a 1.7-acre site footprint, aligning with
The rejuvenation of urban areas is a delicate balance between honouring history and embracing progress. As cities evolve, once-overlooked areas can transform into vibrant hubs of activity, but this transformation demands meticulous planning and execution. In London, the successful transformation (now complete) of King’s Cross serves as a beacon of
The first opening road bridge across the River Clyde is a step closer to completion as the first section of the Renfrew Bridge has arrived in Renfrewshire. Working on behalf of Renfrewshire Council, the £117 million Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project will see the new bridge connect Renfrew with
An £80 million scheme to revitalize the heart of Telford is set to take the spotlight at a significant national development and investment event. Telford & Wrekin Council’s ambitious plan to rejuvenate the core of Telford – by establishing a dynamic new residential, educational, and business community, complete with an
Propertymark, the leading membership body for property agents has written to London Mayor candidates highlighting proposals to tackle the unique housing challenges that the capital experiences. Londoners go to the polls on Thursday 2 May 2024 to elect a Mayor and 25 Assembly Members, with housing policies featuring in most
Leading building and civil engineering contractor Farrans Construction has completed a new £37m Keynsham Recycling Hub for client Bath & North East Somerset Council, on time and on budget. The significant project involved the development of a modern facility offering a range of services that have made it easier for
Keystone Lintels is delighted to launch Keyfab, a new cutting-edge structural steel design and fabrication service that will bring the most creative and ambitious residential and specialised projects to life. Whatever the nature of your build, contractors and their projects can be supported every step of the way by Keystone’s industry-renowned technical team. By making Keystone Lintels a one-stop shop for steel lintels and structural steelwork, Keyfab brings industry knowledge and leading technical expertise in order to deliver a full design, fabrication and builder support package, bespoke to your project. “When dealing with structural steel, the construction industry faces numerous challenges in effectively communicating project dimensions and layouts to clients and stakeholders,” said David Allison at Keystone Lintels. “At Keystone, we recognise this challenge and are addressing it head-on with Keyfab. By leveraging clear and concise drawings, Keyfab bridges the gap between the design phase and on-site construction, ensuring that everyone involved understands the project requirements and objectives.” Keyfab provides a complete package of design, pricing, and fabrication services, ensuring a seamless experience for our customers. Keyfab from Keystone Lintels goes beyond just delivering steelwork by offering on-site builder support to enable projects to progress smoothly. With Keyfab, customers can access confirmation drawings to provide a clear visual representation of the final product. All steelwork is CE marked to EN1090 Execution Class 2, meeting the highest industry standards for quality and safety. Keystone’s fast and efficient countrywide delivery service is renowned throughout the construction industry, ensuring that builders can access the steelwork solutions they need, when they need them, to keep their projects on schedule and within budget. To provide additional peace of mind, Keyfab offer full product indemnity insurance, protecting you against any unforeseen circumstances. With industry-leading technical knowledge, Keystone is able to deliver exceptional solutions for a customer’s construction needs. Discover Keyfab and look out for our brand new and soon-to-be launched Keyfab CPD! Register your interest now at info@keystonelintels.co.uk and our technical team will be in touch to take you through Keyfab’s product accreditations and certifications, plus the whole design and fabrication service. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A multi-million-pound contract to improve social homes across the north east of England will be delivered by a new strategic partnership that has been created to maximise its impact on the region. believe housing will make significant internal and external improvements to around 5,600 of its homes over the next four years, in a contract worth up to £62.4m (gross). To deliver the works, from April 2024, five North East organisations have established the be:ONE strategic partnership. Led by believe housing, the partnership includes Buston & Maughan Group, RE:GEN Group, Sendrig Construction Limited and Sunter Limited. Thanks to the long-term contract and this new collaborative approach, instead of competing the businesses will work together to improve customer experience, achieve significant savings, and maximise the impact of social value in communities. There is a strong focus on supporting the local economy and employment, with a commitment to create new jobs and apprenticeships and allowing business growth. And they aim to cut carbon emissions, reduce waste, and increase recycling. Ruth Dent, Director of Assets and Compliance at believe housing, said: “We’re passionate about providing healthy homes that are fit for the future and, while this investment will improve the homes of thousands of our customers, we want its impact to go much further. “All too often in the sector, contractors are not given the visibility they need to be able to upskill and invest. We want to change this, and by doing so we can all achieve more. “At believe housing we are proud to have had real successes by taking a more collaborative approach and by being open and transparent with our partners. “This new be:ONE partnership will continue this by bringing contractors together with a common goal. Working as one team we can exchange best practices, streamline operations, drive performance and innovation, and amplify our social value offer. “It will improve outcomes for customers, and help the businesses to support one another’s growth and, ultimately, support the north east housing and construction sector. “We’re desperately keen to make sure the pounds we spend stay local, so the people who live and work in our homes and communities feel the full benefit of believe housing’s investment.” Procurement consultancy Prosper, which specialises in the delivery of bespoke end-to-end procurement solutions, facilitated the unique partnership. Rod Brasington, CEO of Prosper, said: “Our team of procurement experts worked with believe housing to understand their desired objectives and outcomes and then facilitated the formation of the new partnership through our contractor framework – providing them with a compliant, cost-efficient and effective procurement solution. “We were able to bring all three delivery partners to the partnership who, despite offering similar services, have come together to share a common goal and purpose of helping our client to achieve their goals and desired outcomes for their residents.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
£31.5M, 37-acre project serves as a pivotal new workplace, logistics and warehouse commercial gateway to Luton and set to elevate the town onto a national platform. Glencar, a leading UK construction company that was recently ranked amongst Europe’s fastest growing businesses, has broken ground with long-term and valued client Wrenbridge on the development of a new 213,874 sq ft logistics and industrial unit at their new landmark ‘Junction’ gateway development in Luton. To mark the occasion a special ceremony was held on site attended by representatives from Wrenbridge, Glencar and the full project team. The building forms part of a new business and logistics focussed masterplan that features a broader mix of uses, including flexible workplace, research and development, and distribution. Junction is set to create 2,500 jobs and contribute around £160 million every year to Luton’s economy. As part of the appointment Glencar will be carrying out the design and construction of an extensive earthworks package, remodelling the entire 4.46 hectare development plot, which is divided by Newlands Road. The project then involves the design and construction of Unit 1, a new 213,874 sq ft gateway industrial and logistics unit, with a clear height to underside of haunch of 18M. Glencar will also implement Cat A office fit out, new and varied retaining structures, new underground drainage and services, associated external works including external soft landscaping. The scheme also includes new utility connections, and 278 Highways works to facilitate access to the new development from the adjacent M1 Motorway and New Airport Way. Steels are now rising on the development and construction is expected take 63 weeks to complete with PC expected by Mid-February 2025. In commenting on the project Pete Goodman, Glencar Regional Managing Director said: “We are very happy to once again be working with our much valued and repeat customer Wrenbridge on this fantastic new gateway development which is set to be truly transformational for Luton. Glencar are committed to delivering a scheme that draws on the context and history of Luton and can be admired as people travel into the town. Environmental considerations are also central to our approach for this development, in line with this we are aiming to ensure that ‘Junction’ is one of the most sustainable logistics developments in the UK – a reputation for which Glencar is becoming increasingly recognised as a leading contractor in this space. This project serves as the fifth undertaking we have implemented to date with Wrenbridge over the past few years with us also being onsite currently in Basingstoke, building a 209,461 sq ft speculative industrial unit for Wrenbridge just south of the A339. Glencar and Wrenbridge have forged a very close and successful working partnership together and we look forward to working again with the full project team on this job and delivering an outstanding solution” Also commenting Richard Arnold from Wrenbridge Land, said: “We are excited to be onsite delivering this high-quality development that will create over 2,500 new jobs for the town. We are committed to delivering a highly sustainable development that exceeds planning policy requirements. These state-of-the-art business units will contribute positively to the growing local demand for industrial, warehouse and logistics space combined with extensive, ancillary offices.” Junction is situated on the edge of Luton, adjacent to the M1 and A1081. The site has been identified within the Luton Local Plan as a key employment area. The site has been designated as a ‘Category A’ Employment Site, and is allocated for new development and protected for business uses in the local plan. To visit the development website click https://junction-logistics.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
£45m investment and jobs boost for sustainability industry in East of England Assan Panel, a major affiliate of Kibar Holding, a renowned name in Turkey’s industrial sector, has confirmed its plans to locate its first UK manufacturing facility at Gateway 14, part of Freeport East. The firm produces sustainable building materials and is one of the world’s market leaders in this sector. The move to Gateway 14 will create around 100 highly skilled jobs in Stowmarket and bring an investment of up to £45m. The announcement comes at a time when the UK and Turkey are discussing an enhanced Free Trade Agreement. Both Freeport East and Assan Panel are keen to ensure the investment acts as a positive signal to other companies looking to strengthen trade connections between the two countries. Contingent upon securing required approvals, İhsan Tolga Akar, Managing Director of Assan Panel, mentioned that the goal is to have the new plant operational by Autumn 2025. As part of its investment, Assan Panel, which exports to 85 countries from Turkey, is planning to establish a new office in Ipswich to cater the UK market. A skilled workforce will be required at the new multi-million-pound facility, which will manufacture sandwich panels filled with Polyisocyanurate (PIR), mineral wool, or polyurethane – critical components in constructing sustainable and eco-friendly buildings. Steve Beel, Chief Executive of Freeport East, comments: “This announcement represents a real milestone in strengthening the presence of green industry in and around the Stowmarket and wider Freeport East area. As well as direct job creation, the investment will provide opportunities to build strong local R&D relationships with universities and drive the development of the skills and innovation cluster at Gateway 14. “With close proximity to the Port of Felixstowe and the flexibility of the freeport customs model, locating in Freeport East provides Assan Panel with the ideal base from which to serve both UK and European markets. We are confident this is a model that will encourage other international manufacturers to consider Freeport East as a future strategic location.” Haluk Kayabaşı, CEO of Kibar Holding, made a statement regarding the new facility investment: “Kibar Holding, one of the leading groups of the Turkish industry, under which Assan Panel operates, is taking firm steps forward on its globalization journey with its unabated investment moves. We aim to further strengthen our presence in the European market with the new facility investment of Assan Panel in the UK, which has previously increased its presence abroad with the investments it has realized in Jordan and Azerbaijan. By making a difference with the innovative, pioneering, sustainable, energy-efficient products we offer, we serve for the transition in European sandwich panel market for sustainable solutions, and now with more concentration in the UK.” Minister for Investment in the Department for Business and Trade, Lord Dominic Johnson, said: “Assan Panel’s investment underscores Freeport East’s outstanding offer to businesses operating in green industries, and will create new, skilled jobs in the region. UK Freeports are perfect places for businesses to innovate, collaborate and grow. This news highlights Freeport East’s exceptional opportunities which underpin their vision of a global hub for trade and investment into advanced manufacturing and green energy.” The Minister for Levelling Up, Jacob Young, said: “This significant commitment by Assan Panel, made possible by the government’s Freeports programme, not only brings high-skilled jobs and investment to the east of England but also strengthens the UK’s important trading relationship with Turkey.” Councillor Richard Smith MVO, Suffolk County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Skills, Transport Strategy and Waste, said: “It is excellent news that Assan Panel will manufacture its panels here in Suffolk. This is a substantial investment which will create many new local jobs and be a significant boost for Suffolk’s manufacturing sector, and I would like to commend the joint inward investment and Freeport East teams for their important role in securing it.” Gateway 14, led by Mid Suffolk District Council-owned Gateway 14 Ltd with development partner, Jaynic, is next to the A14 at Stowmarket. It is East Anglia’s largest business park, providing 2.36 million sq. ft. of accommodation and as part of Freeport East, the site offers tax reliefs and simplified customs arrangements and is fast becoming a hub for manufacturing, logistics, and R&D firms. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
St George, in partnership with SEGRO, celebrated a significant achievement at Grand Union in Alperton, as a groundbreaking multi-storey industrial development, known as SEGRO V-Park Grand Union, was officially inaugurated. This highly sustainable six-storey building offers 134,500 sq ft of premium floorspace from just a 1.7-acre site footprint, aligning with the new London Plan’s objective to intensify industrial land. Once fully leased, the building is anticipated to support up to 250 jobs and apprenticeships, contributing to a total of 650 new jobs across the wider Grand Union neighbourhood. Situated on the southern tip of the expansive 22-acre Grand Union regeneration site, where St George is revitalising a once derelict brownfield industrial site into a vibrant, mixed-use neighbourhood with 3,350 homes, 35% of which will be affordable, alongside a variety of green open spaces and public amenities. ‘A New Benchmark in Modern Industrial Space’ SEGRO V-Park Grand Union spans six storeys and is equipped with cargo lifts. The two lower levels offer loading bay space and parking facilities, while the four upper levels feature units of varying sizes. Each customer will occupy a self-contained industrial unit and enjoy exceptional communal amenities that foster a modern, inclusive, and enjoyable working environment, a feature not commonly found in traditional industrial spaces. These amenities include dedicated social and workspaces, from break-out areas and bookable meeting rooms to a roof terrace designed to facilitate team collaboration. Additionally, a dedicated reception service is available to provide support as needed. The development incorporates cutting-edge energy-saving measures throughout its construction and lifecycle, designed to assist customers in reducing their carbon footprints and achieving sustainability targets. The building targets a BREEAM Excellent rating and includes 20 charging points for electric cars and vans, as well as photovoltaic cells and an internal green wall. ‘Working in Partnership’ Councillor Shama Tatler, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning, and Growth at Brent Council, commented: “The Grand Union development is transforming under-utilised industrial land into a thriving neighbourhood bursting with opportunity. Today, we are delighted to mark the completion of SEGRO V-Park Grand Union, which will provide high-quality industrial space and create up to 250 jobs for local people.” Claire Hammond, Land Director at St George Plc, added: “Grand Union is an impressive example of collaborative work between public and private partners. Our ambition across the St George portfolio is to create successful places where communities thrive. Grand Union exemplifies that with more than 400 residents enjoying its prime location next to the Grand Union Canal, access to high-quality amenities, and a varied programme of community events.” Bonnie Minshull, Head of London at SEGRO, noted: “Innovative, sustainable, high-quality co-location schemes like SEGRO V-Park Grand Union are vital for intensifying land use and driving regeneration. We look forward to converting initial interest into completed leases, enabling job creation and economic prosperity.” ‘A Vibrant Canalside Neighbourhood’ Grand Union is poised to become a comprehensive canalside neighbourhood, offering a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom homes. Several amenities, including a piazza, Community Hub, Anytime Fitness gym, and Crepes+Coffee café operating from the development’s narrowboat PAVO, have already launched, with a Co-op store and nursery set to open later this year. St George’s broader plans for the new community include 11 acres of green space, restaurants, coffee shops, and a medical centre. For more information on SEGRO V-Park Grand Union, click here. For further information on Grand Union or the homes available, click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The rejuvenation of urban areas is a delicate balance between honouring history and embracing progress. As cities evolve, once-overlooked areas can transform into vibrant hubs of activity, but this transformation demands meticulous planning and execution. In London, the successful transformation (now complete) of King’s Cross serves as a beacon of regeneration, offering valuable insights for neighbouring districts like Euston. Euston, akin to King’s Cross, boasts a rich historical tapestry and holds tremendous potential for regeneration. As a pivotal transport hub in London and home to iconic landmarks such as Euston Station, the area has long been earmarked as a prime candidate for large-scale rejuvenation. The eagerly anticipated development of Euston is poised to draw inspiration from the achievements of its neighbouring King’s Cross. With Lendlease leading the charge, it’s noteworthy that Euston’s engagement with the local community is beginning to take centre stage. Much like the transformation of King’s Cross, which saw significant input from thousands of local residents and businesses throughout the Knowledge Quarter, this collaborative approach ensures that the regeneration aligns with the community’s needs and aspirations, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in the area’s revival. Moreover, King’s Cross underscores the importance of preserving and repurposing existing infrastructure. While Euston may lack the luxury of retaining historic buildings to the same extent as King’s Cross, where around 20 buildings were preserved, breathing new life into Victorian-era structures, preserving the area’s architectural legacy, and infusing character and authenticity into the regenerated space. Transport connectivity is pivotal to the success of King’s Cross regeneration, and Euston stands to benefit from significant enhancements with the eventual arrival of HS2, laying the groundwork for substantial economic and employment growth in the capital. King’s Cross is renowned for its emphasis on expansive, green, open spaces. Euston has the opportunity to build on this legacy by creating an environment that prioritises sustainability and offers a welcoming atmosphere for residents and commuters alike, transcending the current transient experience. Additionally, under the guidance of Argent, King’s Cross exemplifies the value of mixed-use development in cultivating vibrant, inclusive communities. By seamlessly blending affordable, private, and student accommodation with commercial and cultural spaces, King’s Cross caters to a diverse range of residents, fostering a lively and dynamic neighbourhood. Euston is poised to replicate this approach, diversifying its urban landscape and providing opportunities for people to live, work, and socialise within the area. Euston will evolve into a new London destination, rather than merely a thoroughfare for travellers. Although the revitalisation of Euston, particularly in light of the proposed and delayed arrival of HS2, has been a lengthy process spanning 15 years, it pales in comparison to the journey of King’s Cross. While initial schemes for Euston in the late 1980s and throughout the 90s failed to materialise, the delivery of King’s Cross’s vision over nearly a quarter of a century has elevated London’s status. The timeline of Euston’s regeneration may feel like a marathon at present, but once realised, the triumvirate of King’s Cross, St Pancras, and Euston will fortify London’s global presence. There is much anticipation for the future of Euston. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The first opening road bridge across the River Clyde is a step closer to completion as the first section of the Renfrew Bridge has arrived in Renfrewshire. Working on behalf of Renfrewshire Council, the £117 million Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project will see the new bridge connect Renfrew with Yoker and Clydebank and open up work, health, education, and leisure opportunities on both sides of the Clyde – bringing thousands of additional jobs, investment, and developments to the riverside. The south section of the 184-metre cable-stayed twin-leaf bridge has arrived on the River Clyde after travelling for seven days on a barge across the North Sea, English Channel and Irish sea having been fabricated in the Netherlands. The team will install the first section on the Renfrew side of the river at Meadowside Street, ahead of the north section of the bridge arriving next month, where it will be fixed into place at Dock Street in Yoker. Jim Armour, GRAHAM Contracts Manager said: “The arrival of the first section of the bridge marks a significant milestone on the project- a fantastic achievement by the team. Over the next few weeks, the team will be working hard to prepare for the north section of the bridge to arrive, where it will be fixed into place. The new bridge is a vital piece of infrastructure that demonstrates civil engineering excellence, driving economic growth on either side of the Clyde”. Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: “It’s fantastic to see the first section of the bridge arrive in Renfrew and the project take a significant step forward as this is going to be transformational for the local area, wider Renfrewshire, and the City Region. “The opportunities that the new bridge, and its new connecting roads and active travel routes, will offer communities and businesses are exponential and the project as a whole will provide a substantial boost to the economy and attract more jobs to the area – in addition to more than 950 already created during the construction phase. “With this project linking into the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) at Netherton next to Glasgow Airport, it is an exciting time for Renfrewshire and outlines the council’s continued ability to deliver nationally significant infrastructure projects successfully.” 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 Scotland’s home of manufacturing innovation AMIDS, which is being developed by the Council in collaboration with Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise. For more information on the project, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/citydeal Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
An £80 million scheme to revitalize the heart of Telford is set to take the spotlight at a significant national development and investment event. Telford & Wrekin Council’s ambitious plan to rejuvenate the core of Telford – by establishing a dynamic new residential, educational, and business community, complete with an academic campus focused on digital skills and enterprise – will be featured at UKREiiF next month. This three-day event, held in Leeds, brings together key figures from the public sector alongside government officials, developers, housebuilders, international investors, and funders. The investment and potential of the borough’s flagship Station Quarter development will be explored by a panel of decision-makers and industry leaders on May 22 as part of the Midlands Engine pavilion, showcasing a £42 billion investment portfolio. Panel members will include Telford & Wrekin Council leader and LGA Chair Cllr Shaun Davies, Harper Adams University Pro-Vice-Chancellor Dr. Simone Clarke, Stuart Penn, regional managing director for leading housebuilder Lovells, and Anette Simpson, director of development and partnerships from Legal and General. During the session, attention will be given to how Telford has embraced the opportunities of the technological revolution to establish a cutting-edge education hub, fostering new partnerships between the public sector, further and higher education, and the business community. Councillor Davies stated: “Our transformation of Station Quarter will pioneer a new model of inter-generational town centre living alongside an innovative, easily accessible academic campus anchored by The Quad, offering learning pathways to individuals of all ages, from school to higher education, with a focus on digital skills. “This ambitious and dynamic transformation will establish a truly integrated residential, educational, and business community, providing a vibrant and connected lifestyle that will serve as the foundation of the town’s future.” The panel, chaired by Amy Bould, managing director of Newport-based strategic communications consultancy Be Bold Media, will also delve into the opportunities presented by The Quad – a unique collaboration between the council, Harper Adams University, Telford College, and others, aimed at creating a state-of-the-art digital skills and enterprise hub. Councillor Davies added: “The Quad will redefine education, business innovation, and digital skills provision in this region. It will equip individuals with the skills necessary for the digital era, offering start-up and incubation space to nurture great ideas into successful businesses. “Modern, sustainable housing, high-quality commercial premises, and green spaces will all contribute to building a thriving community that embodies the future of our youthful town. “We believe this development model could benefit many other towns and cities across the country and also presents a significant opportunity to attract further investment into the borough. “By showcasing the scheme at UKREiiF, we aim to highlight both the opportunities offered by our plans and the broader approach to regeneration, education, training, and business partnerships we are adopting to create an innovative and dynamic borough.” The Quad is scheduled to open in September 2024 and is expected to accommodate over 300 students annually. Further phases of the Station Quarter have already received planning approval, and de-risked by phase 1 infrastructure investment, they offer immediate opportunities for residential, leisure, and commercial development. UKREiiF will take place from May 21-23 and is anticipated to draw over 10,000 attendees, including 1,500 investors, 250 local authorities, and 1,500 developers. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Propertymark, the leading membership body for property agents has written to London Mayor candidates highlighting proposals to tackle the unique housing challenges that the capital experiences. Londoners go to the polls on Thursday 2 May 2024 to elect a Mayor and 25 Assembly Members, with housing policies featuring in most candidates manifesto pledges. Propertymark’s plan includes expanding the Mayor’s Energy for Londoners programme to support landlords and homeowners to decarbonise their properties, releasing land held by public bodies for housing development, encouraging the capital’s employers to support workers housing needs and tackling short-term lets thorough greater enforcement. The professional body’s plan for London welcomes candidate pledges for an increase in affordable social housing. However, Propertymark recognise that demand for private rented sector accommodation is not keeping up with supply and more must be done by the Mayor to incentivise landlords – with rent controls must albe avoided. To boost the supply of new homes there must be a greater focus on speeding up planning process and building on land under the Mayor’s control. This will ultimately allow more properties to be built and help make housing in London more affordable. The Greater London Authority, Transport for London and the National Health Service should also release land for residential development and ensure that any development works alongside local needs – including provision for families and older people. Propertymark has also called for the successful Mayor to have greater devolutionary powers to tackle the challenges that the Capital faces. Commenting, Propertymark’s Policy and Campaigns Officer, Tim Thomas, said: “With a population of over nine million, the highest house sales and rental values in the country and challenges with the supply of all housing tenures, the next Mayor of London needs to use all powers at their disposal to tackle problems the Capital faces. London is facing a housing crisis and more must be done to boost supply across all tenures, work with councils to deliver more homes more quickly, utilise land under the Mayor’s control and provide more support to existing homeowners and landlords to make energy efficiency improvements to their property.” For further details, please click HERE Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading building and civil engineering contractor Farrans Construction has completed a new £37m Keynsham Recycling Hub for client Bath & North East Somerset Council, on time and on budget. The significant project involved the development of a modern facility offering a range of services that have made it easier for residents to recycle and help reduce general waste and operational costs. The four-hectare site includes a reuse shop for people to donate pre-loved items for resale and an MOT and Servicing Centre. While the Reuse and Recycling Centre opened to the public in April 2023, Phase 2 of the project continued throughout the year with the demolition of the old Pixash Recycling Centre. Additional construction works in this phase included the development of new operational infrastructure for waste and recycling collections and bulk transfer to processing or treatment sites and a significant installation of sorting and baling equipment for recyclables. Phase 2 was completed in January this year. Clare Taylor, contracts manager at Farrans Construction, said: “Our team has been proud to deliver Keynsham Recycling Hub, a state-of-the-art facility which offers its visitors a truly sustainable experience by encouraging reuse and recycling in line with the council’s Climate and Ecological Emergency policy aims. With its own onsite power generation capabilities, this hub is an example of what can be created with innovation and collaboration. “We have worked with local partners in Keynsham and the wider B&NES region to provide employment and training opportunities, engage in educational and community initiatives and support the local economy throughout the project. We worked with local supply chain, led construction workshops for 1,295 school children and donated over £4,000 to charities in this area. We have had a growing presence in the Bath and Bristol region over the last decade and we are continuing our work here on site at a large public transport hub at Bristol Airport with our JV partner Alun Griffiths.” Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services, said: “The investment in construction of the purpose-built, modern Keynsham Recycling Hub and the consolidation of collections, disposal and recycling processing operations will help to reduce general waste and operational costs and ensure the service can meet current pressure and future demand from an increasing population.” Information on the new reuse and recycling centre can be found on the council website including directions and a layout of the new site. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals