A significant milestone in the construction of the first NHS National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) was cause for celebration this week for the project partners committed to making the facility a reality. IHP, a joint venture between VINCI Building and Sir Robert McAlpine, hosted the formal ‘Topping Out Ceremony’ at the
National property consultancy, Carter Jonas, acting on behalf of a private landowner client, has completed the sale of a residential development site at King’s Lynn to Barratt Homes. This follows Carter Jonas having obtained planning consent on behalf of the developer in November 2023. The 38.2 hectares (94.39 acres) site,
Commercial property investment volumes across the UK reached approximately £8 billion in the first quarter of 2024, according to Savills. In its latest Market in Minutes report, the international real estate advisor says that, subject to upward revision, at this trend rate the remainder of 2024 would deliver approximately a
The National Federation of Builders (NFB) put the spotlight on skills yesterday, when it hosted its members at the Houses of Parliament for a reception focused on ensuring the provision of quality support and improving access to training and talent are identified as top policy priorities. In a room full of
Future skills strategy launched following sector-wide collaboration. A new five-year plan has been launched today, 17 April, to help tackle Scotland’s heritage skills gaps. The skills strategy is a collaborative framework to create collective solutions that support the future of our historic environment and the communities across Scotland that rely
Sentry Fire Safety Group, the UK’s leading manufacturer of bespoke, certified fire safety doorsets, is proud to have been recognised as one of the nation’s fastest-growing investment-backed businesses. This prestigious accolade comes from a landmark report commissioned by BDO LLP to analyse value creation and understand supercharged growth within UK
Today, Glenigan, one of the construction industry’s leading insight and intelligence experts, releases the April 2024 edition of its Construction Review. The Review focuses on the three months to the end of March 2024, covering all major (>£100m) and underlying (<£100m) projects, with all underlying figures seasonally adjusted. It’s a
The UK’s largest logistics development has reached a significant milestone with the appointment of an operator for its strategic rail freight interchange (SRFI) on the West Coast Mainline. Maritime Transport has inked a deal for the West Midlands Interchange (WMI) contract with Oxford Properties Group and developer Logistics Capital Partners.
RED Construction Group, the specialist main contractor, is celebrating a major milestone in the creation of the £22m voco Zeal Exeter Science Park, one of the UK’s first full life cycle net zero carbon hotels. Being delivered by RED Construction’s South West team, it is being constructed with half the
OCS, the global facilities management company, has clinched a seven-year contract (with options for clients to extend for up to another two years) to deliver total facilities management services to the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), encompassing a combined 74
A significant milestone in the construction of the first NHS National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) was cause for celebration this week for the project partners committed to making the facility a reality. IHP, a joint venture between VINCI Building and Sir Robert McAlpine, hosted the formal ‘Topping Out Ceremony’ at the Stanford Hall Rehabilitation Estate near Loughborough yesterday afternoon. The event began with a piper leading guests onto the roof of the brand-new three-storey NRC, before key individuals were invited to cement their involvement in the programme by signing their names in concrete. Topping out is a common tradition within the construction sector, which marks a building reaching its highest level. For the NRC, this also means the completion of the building’s frame, symbolising another important milestone in the journey of this pioneering rehabilitation centre. The £105million NRC programme is building a 70-bed, state-of-the-art and highly energy efficient new facility, run by Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and part of the Government’s New Hospital Programme. Research, innovation and training will be led by academic partners Loughborough University and the University of Nottingham. The NRC is due to open in 2025 and aims to transform clinical treatment for patients in the East Midlands, and set a new standard for research and innovation, and education and training in rehabilitation for the whole of the UK. The celebration was attended by key stakeholders including Sir Andrew McAlpine – partner at Sir Robert McAlpine on behalf of IHP, the Black Stork Charity, University of Nottingham, Loughborough University, and the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, located on the same estate. Following the formalities, guests from the wide range of organisations enjoyed refreshments – courtesy of IHP – in the spring sunshine. Miriam Duffy, NRC Director, said: “We began this journey almost eight years ago in 2016, and so today’s milestone is testament to the teamwork and perseverance that have brought us to this point, which is another step towards opening our doors to patients in need of rehabilitation. “The NRC will not only serve as a centre rehabilitation excellence, but also as a symbol of hope for countless individuals and families across the country. We look forward to welcoming patients next year so we can help them start their own journey towards a better future with as much independence as possible.” Nick Carver, Chairman of Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “I continue to be proud that NUH has been chosen to develop and run the UK’s first dedicated NHS rehabilitation centre, and it’s inspiring to see it taking shape here in the beautiful countryside. “I’d like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who has been involved in this project to date – without whom we wouldn’t be able to mark this milestone. This celebration is really the culmination of months of hard work, dedication and collaboration of a huge range of partners and organisations.” General Sir Timothy Granville-Chapman, DNRC Programme Director, said: “The DNRC Programme has always been about improving the way we do clinical rehabilitation in this country. It is about ‘repairing’ more people after serious injury or illness, about creating better outcomes and, where possible, returning people to life and work. “From the outset in 2010, this is what the late 6th Duke of Westminster, with the ongoing support of the Grosvenor family, set out to achieve. The NRC, as the national hub, is the first vital step on the national rehabilitation journey.” Mark Bessey, Sector Director, IHP, said: “This topping out ceremony provides an opportunity to celebrate the exemplary collaboration and the technical excellence of the project team. “IHP is proud to be working with Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust on delivering this flagship facility for the New Hospital Programme. The NRC sets new standards in terms of healthcare innovation and sustainability, providing world class rehabilitation for patients and outstanding facilities for ongoing research and development.” National property and construction consultancy EDGE is providing project management and NEC supervision services for the delivery of the NRC scheme, with key project team members joining the event to mark the occasion. Joanne Hardwicke, Project Manager and Associate Director at EDGE, said: “We’re really pleased to see such an important milestone being reached on the NRC scheme this week, and it was excellent to come together with our delivery partners to celebrate the progress being made on site. “EDGE is delighted to play its part in bringing together patient care, research, training and education under one roof through this high-quality bespoke treatment facility to positively contribute to patient wellbeing.” Pip Logan, Professor of Rehabilitation Research and Occupational Therapist at the School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, said: “The University of Nottingham’s partnership with the National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) represents an essential part of our commitment to uplifting – through our world-leading experience in rehabilitation research and education – the health of the people in our region and across the UK. “It’s a pleasure to celebrate this great milestone in construction of the NRC and we look forward to utilising this fantastic new integrated facility. “Embedding our training courses in rehabilitation, alongside our research in robotics, physiology, mental health, rehab technology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, rehab medicine and rehab nursing, with patients, families, clinical professionals, and industry is vital for our institution and for developing world-class rehabilitation patient services.” Professor Mark Lewis, Loughborough University’s NRC lead and Dean of the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, said: “It is fantastic to see the progress being made on the construction of the National Rehabilitation Centre. “Loughborough University is proud to be a core partner for this state-of-the-art facility. We look forward to using our expert knowledge in research and innovation to help transform treatment and outcomes for patients, and to developing education and training programmes in rehabilitation that are truly world leading.” Recently, a timelapse of the first six months of the build and drone footage were released to give the public an insight into the ongoing development of the project. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The
National property consultancy, Carter Jonas, acting on behalf of a private landowner client, has completed the sale of a residential development site at King’s Lynn to Barratt Homes. This follows Carter Jonas having obtained planning consent on behalf of the developer in November 2023. The 38.2 hectares (94.39 acres) site, known as Knight’s Hill, will feature both the Barratt and David Wilson Homes brands in eight distinct character areas and will provide 574 homes, of which 108 are allocated as affordable housing. Over 30% of the land will be retained as public open space, featuring woodland, allotments, play areas, a football pitch and wildflower meadows, whilst a further 10% will be retained as ecological mitigation zones. The new development will encourage active travel through the provision of cycle and pedestrian links throughout. Toby Lambert, Head of Residential Development (East) and a Partner in Carter Jonas’ Cambridge office, commented: “We are extremely pleased to have completed the sale of this site to enable the new community to go ahead. It is a scheme with which Carter Jonas has been closely involved – gaining the original allocation in the Site Allocations and Development Plan in 2015, achieving outline consent at Inquiry in July 2020, and full planning consent in November 2023 – and now culminating in this successful sale. We look forward to seeing Knight’s Hill emerge as an attractive, sustainable community, one which will go some way to addressing the housing shortage in this part of west Norfolk.” A spokesperson for Barratt and David Wilson Homes Cambridgeshire, said: “We would like to thank Carter Jonas for it’s support in the planning of the Knight’s Hill development. We’re very much looking forward to delivering a range of homes to the area, as well as supporting the local economy.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Commercial property investment volumes across the UK reached approximately £8 billion in the first quarter of 2024, according to Savills. In its latest Market in Minutes report, the international real estate advisor says that, subject to upward revision, at this trend rate the remainder of 2024 would deliver approximately a 12% increase on the £28.4bn total recorded for the whole of 2023. Savills says that a major driver of increased investment volumes this year could be the regional office market as the sector’s prime yield currently sits higher than that of the retail and industrial, despite them historically sitting in-line, reflecting specific post-pandemic concerns about the sector, with the yield gap between London offices and the rest of the UK also at its highest point in 32 years, at 2.6%. “With rental levels for top quality offices in regional cities increasing and the yield gap to other prime markets being the largest this century, wider UK offices provide a very interesting opportunity for investors”, comments Richard Merryweather, joint head of UK commercial investment at Savills. He continues: “The yield gap between London and regional offices is at its widest since 1991, so despite there being some headwinds still to dissipate, there is a real opportunity for buyers to take advantage of the difference now, while many geared buyers are finding the cost of debt for this sector prohibitively high.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The National Federation of Builders (NFB) put the spotlight on skills yesterday, when it hosted its members at the Houses of Parliament for a reception focused on ensuring the provision of quality support and improving access to training and talent are identified as top policy priorities. In a room full of a experts from all corners of the industry, from housebuilders and contractors to scaffolders and trainers, members were addressed by the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, the Rt Hon Gillian Keegan, MP. She commented, “I know that the construction industry has serious skills challenges and I know how important it is to educate people who take an out of date, short term, view about the careers offered by your sector. I understand that it (construction) offers great opportunities here and around the world. We need to make sure it is showcased in schools so that young people can see what’s available to them. I welcome the work that the NASC and NFB are doing to highlight how dynamic and rewarding construction can be.” This reception was held as part of a joint initiative with the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC). Mark Wakeford, incoming Chair of the NFB, stated, “The reception highlighted the need for more skilled people within our two essential and allied sectors, and allowed us to make our case for a coordinated approach across Government to work with industry to enable access to our sector and to support professionalisation. We are confident that there are friends across Government and industry who will work together to help solve this national skills crisis.” In respect of ensuring learners have employment security, Richard Beresford, Chief Executive of the NFB added: “Effective planning and procurement reform is also key to securing a strong pipeline of work so that employers can train and retain a new generation of learners and upskilled workers.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Future skills strategy launched following sector-wide collaboration. A new five-year plan has been launched today, 17 April, to help tackle Scotland’s heritage skills gaps. The skills strategy is a collaborative framework to create collective solutions that support the future of our historic environment and the communities across Scotland that rely on it. The Skills Investment Plan (SIP) identifies priority actions to build a healthy and sustainable skills system which supports paid staff, volunteers, sole traders, and organisations of all sizes spanning this diverse sector. Over its lifespan, the plan will focus on three priority themes: to grow provision and build capacity; attract future talent and improve access to the workforce; and foster innovation. Historic Environment Scotland (HES) and 15 sector partners coordinated extensive research with 160 organisations and 340 individuals to support the development of the refreshed plan, including sector partners, employers, volunteers, professional bodies, skills bodies and educational institutions. Together, these groups identified the priority areas for action to continue to build on the roadmap set out in 2019 in the sector’s first dedicated skills strategy. The first five-year plan saw progress in key areas including the creation of employability programmes in traditional building skills, developing a new training programme in energy efficiency, and reaching nearly 15,000 young people through campaigns like Creative Careers Week, Build Your Future, and Defend the Castle to attract new talent. The landscape has changed since the first plan was published and the sector continues to face challenges in attracting and retaining talent post-Brexit, as well as the additional work required to bring operations back to pre-pandemic levels. The refreshed plan will be launched at the Engine Shed, Scotland’s national conservation centre, to over 100 representatives involved in skills planning and delivery, leading heritage organisations, and funders, and will feature an address from Kaukab Stewart, Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development. Culture Minister Kaukab Stewart said: “The launch of the refreshed Skills Investment Plan for the Historic Environment represents a significant step forward in our collective efforts to safeguard and celebrate our historic environment. But it is only the beginning and I call upon those involved to actively engage in the delivery of the Skills Investment Plan over the next five years and face the challenges head-on together, with confidence and innovation. “Through this refreshed Skills Investment Plan, and through collaboration across the country, we aim to build an accessible skills system for the historic environment sector that will provide a fairer and more sustainable future for everyone.” Alison Turnbull, Director of External Relations and Partnerships at HES, said: “The partnership and collaboration involved in developing this strategy demonstrates how we will work together as a sector and with our partners to build a skills system that works for the sector, that supports us to address challenges and seize opportunities collectively. We have learned from recent global challenges and their impact on the delivery of the SIP. Therefore, it’s important that we work together as a sector and we remain committed to cooperation and collaboration. The themes and priority actions in the refreshed plan move us closer to our collective goal of helping to address the skills challenges constraining the operation and growth of the historic environment. “A sustainable and successful heritage sector is also vital in meeting Scotland’s net zero target. This plan helps pave the way for us to attract and retain the skills and talent we need for a fairer, greener future. The plan recognises that a skilled workforce is crucial for the sector to continue to deliver for Scotland’s economy and to manage, protect and conserve our historic environment for generations to come.” The Skills Investment Plan supports the delivery of Our Past, Our Future, Scotland’s strategy for the historic environment. Under this strategy organisations across the country are working together to sustain and enhance the benefits of Scotland’s historic environment which, pre-covid, contributed £4.2 billion to Scotland’s economy. The plan responds to one of its key principles to help nurture and grow an inclusive, diverse and skilled workforce. Cara Jones, Sector Skills Manager at The Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA), said: “Being part of the Skills Investment Plan (SIP) has supported Scottish archaeology to further develop a strategic approach for skill development initiatives. It has enabled fresh conversations within our sector and beyond, and supported us to explore shared challenges, barriers and potential solutions. This includes maintaining the role that our sector plays in the active delivery of Our Past, Our Future and ‘Scotland’s Archaeology Strategy’. The sub-sector collaboration, enabled by being part of the Skills Investment Plan helps save time, resource and enables us to share expertise and learning experiences. “CIfA has been pleased to contribute to the development of the refreshed SIP which will support the delivery of our own strategic objectives to ensure that our standards for accrediting competence, education, training and qualification standards are applicable and appropriate across all specialisms and roles. This work will not only help shape and promote archaeology as an attractive, rewarding and worthwhile career with parity of esteem with other professions, it will also support the development and promotion of non-traditional, diverse pathways to and through a career in Scottish archaeology. “We are delighted to see the refreshed Skills Investment Plan launch today and look forward to supporting the future delivery of the strategy.” The refreshed plan is available to download on the HES website. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sentry Fire Safety Group, the UK’s leading manufacturer of bespoke, certified fire safety doorsets, is proud to have been recognised as one of the nation’s fastest-growing investment-backed businesses. This prestigious accolade comes from a landmark report commissioned by BDO LLP to analyse value creation and understand supercharged growth within UK businesses. Sentry Doors, which is owned by Cairngorm Capital, is a trusted partner for fire safety compliance across a diverse range of sectors, including social housing, education, healthcare, leisure, and commercial. From their Birmingham and Doncaster sites, they manufacture a comprehensive range of fire safety and security doorsets that meet the most stringent building regulations. The company works closely with social housing providers to replace unsafe fire doors, a critical area of focus following the Grenfell tragedy. The inaugural Private Equity Value Report written by Real Deals, on behalf of BDO, revealed that the 435 qualifying companies achieved an average combined EBITDA and Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) exceeding 100% between the 2020 and 2022 financial years. Sentry has demonstrably surpassed these impressive benchmarks. Within Yorkshire, Sentry stood out as a regional leader, ranking a remarkable number 15 among the 38 fastest-growing businesses. This recognition underscores Sentry’s exceptional performance in areas like EBITDA growth and job creation over the last three years. Moreover, Sentry secured the number 3 position within the Yorkshire manufacturing sector, further solidifying its position as a leader within the regional manufacturing landscape. 100% increase in turnover and profits Since Cairngorm Capital acquired Sentry Doors in 2019, the company has witnessed remarkable growth. A £3 million investment has equipped them with state-of-the-art machinery and a new ERP system which has helped to optimise efficiency. This significant investment was followed by the strategic acquisition of E. & S. W. Knowles & Company Limited (Knowles) in August 2022, which solidified Sentry’s position as the UK leader in fire safety and security doorsets, and expanded their footprint across two sites. The Cairngorm Capital investment, coupled with the Knowles acquisition, has more than doubled Sentry’s production capacity, and their product ranges have expanded to include the specialist finishes used by the health, education and private sectors. This combined investment and acquisition strategy has not only enabled them to cater to new markets through Knowles’ expertise, but also positioned them to meet the growing demands arising from new fire safety legislation. As a result, these efforts have yielded a remarkable 100% increase in both turnover and profits, along with a 36% increase in EBITDA between 2020-2022. This growth has translated into significant job creation, with employee numbers jumping from 28 in 2019 to a current workforce of 200 across both the Doncaster and Birmingham sites. As a leading, local employer, Sentry prioritises employee development and invests in its people through dedicated training programmes, ensuring a skilled and knowledgeable team. Over the years, Sentry has cultivated a supportive, family-oriented company culture that attracts and retains top talent. They also support the local economy by continuing to utilise trusted, local supply chain partners. Sustainable manufacturing practices As well as following an impressive growth trajectory, Sentry has also begun its journey towards a more sustainable future, and the company recently hosted Ed Miliband, Shadow Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, who wanted to find out more about Sentry’s sustainability roadmap. They have already adopted a number of eco-friendly manufacturing practices including recycling waste sawdust and using an innovative heat generation system within their warehouse. The Birmingham facility boasts ISO 14001 certification and FSC® Chain of Custody certification, reflecting a commitment to environmentally responsible practices. Sentry’s support for initiatives like Trees for Cities further demonstrates a dedication to sustainability. Ty Aziz, CEO at Sentry Doors, commented: “It’s fantastic to be named alongside so many impressive businesses and is testament to the support of our investors and the hard work of our team. It’s important to shine a light on the positive impact that external investment can have on business’ ambitions and their contribution to their industries and the economy.” “Our decision to partner with Cairngorm Capital in 2019 has proven instrumental to our success. Our initial growth plan aimed to double revenue and triple EBITDA. Today, we’ve surpassed those goals, achieving a fivefold increase across all criteria – revenue, EBIDTA, profit and production figures – since 2019. This signifies the remarkable impact of our strategic partnership.” “We are passionate about delivering exceptional fire safety solutions, prioritising social responsibility, and investing in a sustainable future. While achieving significant growth, we remain committed to our core principles – a strong focus on family values and fostering a positive company culture.” Nick Millward, Director at BDO LLP, added: “Despite the challenges of the past three years, this research demonstrates PE-backed businesses are a resilient and dynamic segment of the UK economy. There’s often a focus on the level of deal activity and headlines around exits but we should also celebrate the value created by investors and management teams working hard to deliver against their growth plans.” To read the full Real Deals report, visit https://www.bdo.co.uk/en-gb/insights/industries/private-equity/private-equity-value-report. Find out more about Sentry Doors by visiting https://sentrydoors.co.uk/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Today, Glenigan, one of the construction industry’s leading insight and intelligence experts, releases the April 2024 edition of its Construction Review. The Review focuses on the three months to the end of March 2024, covering all major (>£100m) and underlying (<£100m) projects, with all underlying 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 April Review highlights consistently weak construction-start performance over Q.1 2024, as the industry navigates its way through a persistent economic downturn. Averaging £7,215 million per month, work commencing on-site fell 3% against the preceding three months, to finish 28% lower than the same time last year. This can be attributed to significant decreases in both major and underlying works commencing on site. Major project-starts fell 26% against the preceding three months and declined by 41% compared with the previous year. It was an equally gloomy outlook for underlying work, dropping 22% during Q.1 to stand 21% down on the previous year. Main contract awards also stalled, remaining flat during the three months to March and 32% down on 2023 figures. Detailed planning approvals also failed to increase, falling back 18% against the preceding quarter with no movement either way compared to last year. Commenting on the figures, Glenigan’s Economic Director, Allan Wilen says, “Sluggish performance in Q.1 2024 is unsurprising as economic uncertainty continues to deter private sector investment. However, there are some small glimmers of hope to be found within some verticals, which experienced modest growth during the Review period. Particularly education, health and community & amenity. This indicates a small boost in the public sector pipeline however, with a General Election approaching, any short-term improvement needs to be considered with a degree of cautious optimism.” The sector-specific and regional index follows. Measuring underlying project performance, it paints an overall picture of decline across most sector verticals. Sector Analysis – Residential Residential starts-on-site fell during Q.1, dropping 27% in the three months to the end of March, standing 27% lower than a year ago. Private housing was also down 22% on the preceding three months, with performance weakened by 24% compared with the previous year. Social housing also posted poor results, with work commencing on-site falling 43% against the preceding three months and plummeting by 40% against last year’s figures. Sector Analysis – Non-Residential Performance in non-residential sectors was mixed. Community & amenity project-starts experienced an impressive growth period, increasing by 36% against the previous three months to stand 19% up on a year ago. A boost to the vertical was partially delivered by a £79 million prison extension project in Shaftsbury, Dorset. It was the only vertical to experience growth against both periods. Health starts experienced a fall of 13% against the preceding three months, but advanced 26% on the same period last year. Similarly, retail project-starts declined 13% during Q.1 but enjoyed a modest 1% lift against the previous year. Vice-versa, education was up 3% compared with the last quarter but down 17% on a year ago. Industrial project-start performance was poor, with project-starts weakening 15% during Q.1 to stand 22% lower than a year ago. It was a similar story for hotel & leisure, with the value of project-starts falling back 19% against the preceding three months and 15% against the previous year. Likewise for offices, where the value of underlying project-starts fell back 22% during Q.1 to stand 23% down on a year ago. Civil works fared particularly poorly, with the value of project-starts declining 34% against the preceding three months, to stand 26% lower than a year ago. A significant driver for the decline was poor performance in infrastructure, which remained 42% behind 2023 levels, with work starting on-site also slipping back 43% against the last quarter. However, on a more positive note, utility starts experienced a slight uptick against 2023, growing 2% despite falling back 21% against the preceding three months. Regional Performance Northern Ireland was the strongest-performing region in the UK, with project-starts increasing 44% against the preceding quarter, to stand 28% up on this time last year. Here, growth was accelerated by the £44 million development of the Hamilton Dock Hotel in Belfast. The outlook for the East of England was also sunny. It was the only other region to experience growth against both periods, up 13% on the preceding three months, as well as 25% on the previous year. Growth in the region was supported by the commencement of a £74 million 246-unit residential development in Maldon, Essex. London experienced a 23% decrease against the preceding three months and remained 18% down against the previous year. The West Midlands experienced particularly poor performance, with the value of project-starts falling 56% against the preceding three months and by 45% compared with the same time last year. This was the steepest decline of any region. Work starting on site in the East Midlands (-49%), Wales (-33%), and Scotland (-25%) all remained distinctly behind 2023 figures. Every other region of the UK experienced a weakening in project-starts against both the previous quarter and the year before. To find out more about Glenigan and its construction intelligence services click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The UK’s largest logistics development has reached a significant milestone with the appointment of an operator for its strategic rail freight interchange (SRFI) on the West Coast Mainline. Maritime Transport has inked a deal for the West Midlands Interchange (WMI) contract with Oxford Properties Group and developer Logistics Capital Partners. This joint venture acquired the 734-acre site in 2021 and is spearheading the largest rail-served logistics development in the UK. With a workforce of 3,000 spread across 40 sites and rail terminals, Maritime stands as the largest privately owned intermodal (road/rail) logistics operator in the UK, boasting an annual turnover of £400 million. The company will oversee the SRFI, which will complement 8 million square feet of prime warehouse facilities at the £1 billion WMI project. Additionally, Maritime has submitted a planning application for its site offices. Maritime reports a significant increase in container movements by rail, rising from 6% in 2019 to over 24% in 2023, and is gearing up for the introduction of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs). Site work has commenced, encompassing substantial earthworks, highways construction, water installation, and the establishment of two new community parks. Phase 1 of the WMI will entail the construction of six logistics units, totaling a combined 2.7 million square feet of space. James Boadle, Senior Vice President at Oxford Properties, remarked, “This next step to create the leading intermodal logistics facility in the UK’s Golden Triangle is a significant one. Maritime are the leaders in their field, and WMI is the leading logistics development in the country – the two coming together will deliver a significant boost to the regional and national Economy.” “Demand for best-in-class logistics space that’s sustainable and well connected continues to significantly outstrip supply,” Boadle continued. “With WMI poised to reduce up to 50 million kilometres of HGV traffic annually, today marks yet another milestone for a project that exemplifies both Oxford’s conviction in UK logistics, and our commitment to ESG.” James Markby, Managing Partner at LCP, added, “Our agreement with Maritime, securing them as the long-term SRFI operator, demonstrates great confidence in the strategic success of West Midlands Interchange. The project is key to decarbonising UK logistics, with rail freight producing up to 70% less CO2 emissions compared to road freight, and a leading operator like Maritime will ensure it lives up to its potential.” John Williams, Group Executive Chairman of Maritime, expressed, “As the leading road and rail freight logistics provider in the UK, West Midlands Interchange is the obvious next addition to our rail network.” “Being the long-term operator of WMI fits exactly with our wider strategy of decarbonising the full load supply chain by moving cargo closer to the end user by rail,” Williams added. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
RED Construction Group, the specialist main contractor, is celebrating a major milestone in the creation of the £22m voco Zeal Exeter Science Park, one of the UK’s first full life cycle net zero carbon hotels. Being delivered by RED Construction’s South West team, it is being constructed with half the embodied carbon of a standard hotel, while generating 100 per cent of its electricity through solar panels, beating 2030 targets for operational energy consumption and in line with the 2050 Paris Agreement requirements. The topping out of the 4-star, 142-bedroom hotel, which achieved BREEAM Outstanding at the design stage, comes just over halfway through the construction programme, with the building on track to complete in December for an opening in January 2025. Zeal has an exclusive agreement with IHG for the 5,000m2 hotel, which will be the first net zero carbon hotel for both companies, and will be managed by Valor Hospitality. Creating a 4* hotel with a target to be a net energy producer of carbon-free electricity was a significant challenge. However, by working with RED Construction Group and other specialist contractors, Zeal has been able to design and deliver this landmark project. Design has focused on reducing energy use and incorporating renewable energy sources on and within the building fabric, enabling the building to every year generate more electricity than it consumes. This energy efficiency is highlighted by its ability to surpass 2050 targets, dramatically outperforming CRREM’s 95kWh/m2/yr Energy Use Intensity aim by keeping below 60kWh/m2/yr. voco Zeal Exeter Science Park will align with UKGBC’s Net Zero Carbon Buildings Framework Definition, and exceed the RIBA 2030 embodied carbon target of less than 750kgCO2e/m2, benefitting from a full life cycle approach that accounts for Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. Simon Lousada, developer and investor in voco Zeal Hotel, Exeter Science Park, said: “Today marks a pivotal moment in the journey towards sustainable hospitality. By harnessing renewable energy sources, implementing energy-efficient designs, and utilising cutting-edge technology, we aim to create a space that not only provides comfort and luxury but also prioritises environmental responsibility. This project represents more than just a building; it symbolises our dedication to sustainable development – we are tracking ahead of future sustainable goals, surpassing the 2030 sustainability target for carbon emissions during construction, and far exceeding the 2050 target for energy use during operation. This hotel is repeatable proof that well designed zero carbon buildings can be built on time and on budget. Finding ways to make this happen profitably is the positive legacy we should be leaving our future generations.” Derek Quinn, Managing Director of RED Construction South West, commented: “We are thrilled to have celebrated the topping out of Zeal’s first-ever net zero carbon hotel, a pioneering development that is paving the way in the hospitality industry. It is a milestone project for RED South West, working within the prestigious Exeter Science Park, and we look forward to completing the Zeal Hotel as part of such a brilliant team.” Dr Sally Basker, Chief Executive of Exeter Science Park Ltd, added: “It has been very exciting to see this ground-breaking project develop over the last few months. We are proud to be the location for the first Zeal/IHG net zero carbon hotel which is compatible with Exeter Science Park’s own net zero ambitions. There are huge potential synergies between the hotel and Exeter Science Park and we anticipate these will benefit Exeter Science Park’s businesses, the hotel’s residents, and the wider Devon community.” Alongside RED Construction South West, Zeal, and IHG, the landmark scheme has been designed and delivered by a collaborative team that includes ECE Westworks, Introba, and Hydrock Bristol, all of whom having worked towards a fabric first approach that has incorporated sustainable energy solutions, low embodied carbon materials, and green technologies at each stage, while not compromising on a quality, 4-star guest experience. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
OCS, the global facilities management company, has clinched a seven-year contract (with options for clients to extend for up to another two years) to deliver total facilities management services to the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), encompassing a combined 74 sites. SCTS serves as an independent body providing administrative support to Scottish Courts, devolved tribunals, and the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG), while COPFS is Scotland’s prosecution service and death investigation authority. This new contract builds on a previous six-year agreement spanning from 2017 to 2023, with an extended term until June 2024. It solidifies OCS’s enduring relationship with SCTS and COPFS, spanning over 13 years. Core services encompass cleaning, maintenance, security, and project management. The latest contract award underscores OCS’s steadfast service delivery. OCS clinched the contract through a competitive tender process, with SCTS and COPFS opting to continue their partnership with OCS, recognising it as the optimal solution for their diverse site requirements. Of the sites managed by SCTS and COPFS, 44% were established before 1960, with 86% predating 1900, categorising them as historically listed sites. OCS faces the challenge of maintaining and future-proofing these sites, enhancing their sustainability while preserving their historical significance. In 2023, OCS completed 15 sustainability projects across their estates and assisted COPFS in securing £10.8 million for retrofitting and decarbonising their buildings. OCS also surpassed its 15% carbon emission reduction target for SCTS, achieving an impressive 27% reduction instead. Under the new contract, OCS will deploy smart building technology to monitor carbon emissions and optimise site productivity. Additionally, they plan to increase the use of cleaning robotics to streamline cleaning processes. In the realm of security, they adopt a “target zero accident” approach, prioritising proactive and de-escalation techniques to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of staff, clients, and the public. In terms of social responsibility, OCS remains committed to supporting Scottish Autism and Women’s Refuge, two charities active in the communities served by this contract. Scottish Autism is the largest provider of autism-specific services in Scotland, while Women’s Refuge is the UK’s largest specialist domestic abuse organisation. Moreover, OCS will back grassroots football teams and introduce annual volunteer days for managers and supervisors. Colin Rushforth, Account Director at OCS, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with SCTS and COPFS for another seven years. Our shared commitment to service excellence, sustainability, and social responsibility has been the cornerstone of our partnership, and we look forward to building upon this legacy in the years to come.” Kate Leer, Director of the Property & Services Unit at Scottish Courts and Tribunals Services, remarked, “Following a competitive tendering process, we have opted to continue our partnership with OCS. Their consistent excellence in service delivery, their innovative approach to sustainability, and their dedication to social responsibility were pivotal in our decision. Our historic sites present a unique challenge, and we are pleased to collaborate with them again to further reduce carbon emissions, building on significant reductions over recent years. We believe OCS will continue to provide the best support for our facilities management needs over the next seven years.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
