SINCE opening in April 2023, the new £21m Morpeth Sport and Leisure Centre has become a cornerstone of the community in the town. Continuing its huge success, it has been shortlisted for not one, but two construction industry awards. A sophisticated example of how well-designed facilities can strengthen social cohesion
This result contributes to promoting a more sustainable approach to resource management Prysmian, leader in the energy transition and digital transformation, announces results of new and rigorous long-term ageing testing on the Sirocco family of cables, proving expected lifetime of more than 50 years, allowing operators to calculate the life
Henley Stone Specialists, BCM GRC and Smart Crosby International (SCI) have joined forces to launch a single source solution for the full design, manufacture, supply, and installation of GRC wall cladding systems. Construction firm Henley Stone Specialists, the UK’s leading installer of high-grade Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete, BCM GRC Ltd, leading
Aggregate Industries has opened a brand new asphalt plant to serve Staffordshire and the surrounding areas as part of a £9m investment. The Cauldon plant in the Staffordshire Moorlands is based next to the company’s existing Cauldon Low Quarry, which will serve the plant with materials. The investment is the
Nine in 10 project managers working in the construction sector are confident the UK government will meet its 2050 net zero target, according to a new survey by the Association for Project Management (APM), the chartered membership organisation for the project profession. But 70% highlighted concerns over the profession’s pipeline
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has expressed its support for the government to build more homes on brownfield land. However, the Institute warns that new urban brownfield schemes must be closely monitored to ensure residents are not landed with poor quality homes or poorly planned developments that people wouldn’t
Renowned life safety leader, Hochiki Europe, is gearing up to display its comprehensive fire safety solutions at the Fire Safety Event 2024, taking place at the NEC Birmingham from the 30th April to the 2nd May 2024. The event brings together industry professionals dedicated to raising the bar on fire
Whenever you decide to construct a new office, you need to make sure that everything is feasible and that it aligns with your long-term goals. If you don’t feel as though yours does then here are some of the top things you might be overlooking. Financing and BudgetingOne of the
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects, has commenced a multimillion pound upgrade to the iPort Rail inland port just outside Doncaster. Works are due to be handed over to new client –
Newly-released drone footage, images and timelapse show progress of National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) due to open in 2025. Construction of the first NHS National Rehabilitation Centre – a 70-bed purpose-built facility near Loughborough – continues to progress, with the concrete frame of the building almost complete. The £105million NRC project
SINCE opening in April 2023, the new £21m Morpeth Sport and Leisure Centre has become a cornerstone of the community in the town. Continuing its huge success, it has been shortlisted for not one, but two construction industry awards. A sophisticated example of how well-designed facilities can strengthen social cohesion and inclusion in an aesthetically pleasing hub, the centre has been shortlisted in the Public Sector Project and Community Benefit Project categories of this year’s RICS North East Awards. Commissioned and funded by Northumberland County Council and Advance Northumberland, this project was designed by leading firm GT3 Architects and constructed by Willmott Dixon. Located at the edge of the town centre conservation area and sitting beside the River Wansbeck in Gas House Lane, the new facility acts as an exciting bookend to the existing high street. Along with the sporting facilities – including a six-lane swimming pool and spectator gallery, learner pool, spa and fitness suites, studio and multi-use sports hall – the centre incorporates a new community services hub. This includes a double-height community library, a customer service centre, a café and soft play with connections to a poetry garden and outdoor terraces, plus a brand-new adult learning facility with classrooms for a number of courses. Since opening, the new centre has enjoyed a 200 to 260 per cent increase in swim, gym and class visits and a 165 per cent increase in community members. Paul Reed, director and sport and leisure lead at GT3 Architects, commented: “We knew from the very first discussions about revitalising Morpeth’s leisure centre that there was a huge opportunity to design a new typology of public building – one which embraced social cohesion, community, and wellbeing, just as much as sporting excellence. “Naturally, as architects, we are keen to ensure our buildings fit their context and can be considered visually as great designs, however a more important driver is that people enjoy and interact with the spaces. Our design team worked hard to create a flexible and inclusive destination, which better supported the various community and sporting groups within the area, whilst also offering new users a reason to visit. “We’re incredibly proud of the story the numbers tell about the resulting impact on the local community and delighted that the centre has been recognised by RICS. We hope Morpeth Leisure Centre will continue to deliver tangible and enduring social value for the region, offering a new model for cohesive leisure and community delivery.” The GT3 Architects design team also focused on carbon reduction and sustainability by introducing a large-scale photovoltaic roof array to provide reliable energy source and CO2 savings. They also included a series of building-wide heating and cooling solutions to minimise waste energy. Paul continued: “Our sustainability strategy for Morpeth was built on three core pillars – social, environmental, and economic. There’s little point in designing the most environmentally sustainable facility if no one wants to be there. As well as more than doubling the use of the sport facilities, the council has been able to generate additional income while consolidating its overheads and feeding into social fabric of the town.” Northumberland County Councillor Jeff Watson, Cabinet Member for Promoting Health Lives, said: “The design of the centre is truly spectacular. It is bright, spacious and takes advantage of the beautiful views of the River Wansbeck. It is an incredible building, and a vibrant community space offering the facilities and activities that the local community want. This has been backed up by the record attendance figures since it opened a year ago.” Jo Robison, director at DPP planning, said: “The building is an amazing success and has already become the heart of the community. “The site was a complex one in planning, heritage and flood risk terms but through careful engagement and clever design responses, the team has created a public building that brings people together for good and we are incredibly proud to have played a part in that.” The shortlisted projects for the 2024 RICS North East Awards will be judged in the coming months, with a number of judge’s recommendations put forward as finalists for the national awards later in the year. For further information, please visit www.gt3architects.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
This result contributes to promoting a more sustainable approach to resource management Prysmian, leader in the energy transition and digital transformation, announces results of new and rigorous long-term ageing testing on the Sirocco family of cables, proving expected lifetime of more than 50 years, allowing operators to calculate the life cycle analysis of their networks over an extended period. Optical cables have now been deployed for decades, with fibre and cable technology continually evolving, and telecom networks are expected to be robust to environmental stresses over a lifetime of many decades with protection provided to the optical fibres at the heart of the network reliability. Besides providing mechanical protection, the optical coatings and cable materials must themselves remain stable across the cable’s deployment lifetime, whatever the environmental conditions. As part of the continuing industry leadership in cable design and reliability, Prysmian has performed long-term aging and lifetime certification of SiroccoHD and SiroccoEXTREME microduct cables and the fibres contained therein in order to simulate a cable lifetime of at least 50 years under dry and wet aging conditions. The data demonstrates that after lifetime simulation, optical fibre attenuation as well as cable performance and material properties remain unchanged and can meet industry specifications set for newly manufactured cables. “Prysmian’s Sirocco HD and Extreme cables are already well known as highly sustainable and extremely efficient solutions. Due to their extra-compact size and extreme fibre density, they’re easily deployable, make the most of limited duct space, require fewer raw materials and reduce transportation costs.” states Ian Griffiths, Global R&D VP, Digital Solutions at Prysmian. “Now, after optimisation of the optical fibre and materials, and rigorous testing, Sirocco cables have an expected lifetime of more than 50 years, without any compromise on performance during that time.” “With the completion of this testing, it is now possible for operators to calculate the lifecycle analysis of their networks over a much longer period of time – more than 50 years.” adds Frederick Persson, Executive Vice President Digital Solutions at Prysmian. “This contributes to minimizing waste and promoting a more sustainable approach to resource management, and will be critical for creating the long-lasting, high-performing networks of the future.” To access the white paper and test report click on this link. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Henley Stone Specialists, BCM GRC and Smart Crosby International (SCI) have joined forces to launch a single source solution for the full design, manufacture, supply, and installation of GRC wall cladding systems. Construction firm Henley Stone Specialists, the UK’s leading installer of high-grade Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete, BCM GRC Ltd, leading UK GRC manufacturer, and top engineering design specialists Smart Crosby International (SCI), have launched a comprehensive single source solution for the design, manufacture, and installation of Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete (GRC). This collaboration signifies a landmark moment for the UK GRC market, making the entire process more time-efficient and cost-effective for the end client. With over 90 years of combined experience within the UK GRC market and as long-standing members of the GRCA, this formidable trio already have a comprehensive track record of successfully and collaboratively delivering high-volume, top-quality, prestigious GRC cladding projects from design through to installation. With all aspects of the process provided by UK factories and offices, each company is an expert in their discipline aiming to offer clients an unrivaled package for GRC cladding requirements. The benefits of the collaboration are significant, providing more durability and minimal project maintenance, alongside a reduced construction phase and efficient delivery programme. In addition to this, GRC is a more sustainable solution for the environment, by significantly reducing carbon footprint due to a streamlined process. Shaun Henley, Founder and Managing Director of Henley Stone Specialists, commented: “We are delighted to be working alongside our partners BCM and SCI, this collaboration could be a landmark moment in the UK GRC construction sector. It is the first time a single-point solution for GRC has been offered to the UK market. With Henley Construction Management Group having recently launched our HZS stainless steel division the timing of the new venture is perfect. Our new division gives us the capability to produce our own, in-house stainless-steel brackets and fixings for all GRC projects. With our manufacturing capabilities and expertise in GRC installation, this joint venture will be sure to create more efficiencies and accuracy for our valued clients.” Darin Ballington, Director at BCM GRC Ltd added: “We’ve got a long-standing history of collaborating on projects with Henley Stone Specialists, so it seemed a natural fit to formally launch a new collaborative offering to the market – we’re excited to see what the future brings and to work on the highest of quality projects together.” John Dunthorne, Managing Director at SCI said: “We’re proud to be part of this new offering and the benefits it will bring clients across the industry. We will, of course, continue to work with other partners across the industry, but this collaboration will allow us to streamline specific joint projects and make them more cost-effective and efficient.” Significant collaboration projects between Henley Construction Management Group, BCM, and SCI include the supply, design, and installation of GRC on the Halo Project – a 7-story 116,000 sq ft Grade A office in Bristol that received a BREEAM Outstanding rating, in addition to The Charterhouse, a 206,000sq ft office and retail development in Farringdon, and Brentford Block D, a mixed-use project which provided 102 new homes in central Brentford. For more information on this comprehensive solution for GRC and to view a full list of services, benefits, and case studies, call Henley Group on 01924 472277 or email info@henleystone.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Aggregate Industries has opened a brand new asphalt plant to serve Staffordshire and the surrounding areas as part of a £9m investment. The Cauldon plant in the Staffordshire Moorlands is based next to the company’s existing Cauldon Low Quarry, which will serve the plant with materials. The investment is the first new asphalt plant to be built by the company since 2013 and it will provide asphalt for ongoing road maintenance and infrastructure projects across Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Cheshire and the M6 corridor. Specialist plant supplier Ammann was commissioned to install its Ammann ABP 240 Universal Asphalt-Mixing Plant which can produce 240 tonnes of asphalt an hour. It is hoped once at full capacity the plant will be capable of producing more than 250,000 tonnes a year. As well as the mixing plant and control room, the site has four bitumen tanks and a range of open and covered materials storage bays with a direct feed into the plant via conveyors. An on-site laboratory is under construction and will provide technical support and testing facilities for products. The new plant also has the ability to accommodate high volumes of RAP (Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement) which can be reused into new products and supply of stone from the adjacent quarry will reduce lorry movements and carbon emissions. Importantly, the inbuilt systems and processes are highly energy efficient resulting in a 30 per cent reduction in carbon emissions when compared to a traditional asphalt plant, and the latest technology is in place to reduce noise, dust and odours. Thomas Edgcumbe, Managing Director for Aggregate Industries’ Surfacing Solutions division, said: “We’re really proud to be investing in this brand new facility to serve our customers with a range of base, binder and surface course products across Staffordshire and the surrounding areas. “It will be a real asset to the many projects in that region whether they be National Highways or local authority led. “The benefits of a new plant and state-of-the-art equipment are immediately evident and very much centred on reliability and efficiency. From surety of supply from our adjacent quarry, which also means less incoming deliveries, to reduced carbon emissions due to the technology utilised and the high volume of RAP we can accommodate going forward, it all adds up to a more efficient and effective operation which will benefit our customers. “We are also looking forward to being part of the wider community and have a number of projects we will be contributing towards to support local good causes.” The facility has completed its final testing and commissioning phase and is now fully open for business. For more information on Aggregate Industries visit: www.aggregate.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Nine in 10 project managers working in the construction sector are confident the UK government will meet its 2050 net zero target, according to a new survey by the Association for Project Management (APM), the chartered membership organisation for the project profession. But 70% highlighted concerns over the profession’s pipeline talent to sustain the delivery of net zero projects – adding to growing calls for urgent action to tackle the skills gap across the sector. It comes after new figures showed UK emissions fell 5.7% in 2023 to its lowest level since 1879, according to analysis based on preliminary government energy data by the website Carbon Brief. Its analysis showed emissions fell to 383 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) last year. Barring the general strike of 1926, emissions haven’t fallen below 400 million tonnes of CO2e since the Victorian era. It also means the UK is now more than halfway to net zero by 2050, despite the UK economy growing 82% in the past 33 years. It was also announced earlier this month that the Government has committed to support the building of new gas power stations to “maintain a safe and reliable energy source for days when the weather forecast doesn’t power up renewables”. A poll of 1,000 project management professionals, carried out by national research company Censuswide, found 93% of the construction sector respondents were confident overall that the UK government will achieve its 2050 net zero target that is enshrined in law. Some 29% were very confident and 64% were somewhat confident. The top reasons for their confidence were action being taken by their sector and UK Government measures/legislation – both chosen by 50% of respondents. In recent years, the Government has called on businesses to reduce their carbon emissions. Recommended action has included switching to low-emission lightbulbs, adjusting heating and cooling systems, installing smart meters, insulating buildings, and fleet electrification. In 2020, businesses accounted for 18% of all UK greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the Government’s 2023 Net Zero Growth Plan aims to scale up technologies to decarbonise homes, power, industry and transport. But in September 2023, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak controversially scaled back on green policies affecting electric vehicles and gas boilers, drawing criticism from the climate watchdog. Meanwhile, 70% do not believe there are enough project professionals in the talent pipeline to sustain the future delivery of net zero projects in the construction sector. Of these, 20% strongly agreed and 50% somewhat agreed with the statement. Another 14% neither agreed nor disagreed. Andrew Baldwin, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at APM, said: “With the UK striving to become a global leader in combating climate change, project managers working across the construction sector are playing a pivotal role in driving the transition to net zero. “As the experts on the frontline, they are embracing responsibilities ranging from strategic planning to resource management, addressing complex challenges such as stakeholder engagement and technology adoption, and leading the way towards a better sustainable future. “That’s why it’s very encouraging to learn from our latest survey that a significant majority – over 90% – of construction project managers believe the UK will achieve its flagship 2050 net zero target. “But our profession is not naïve. We know there is more to do, which is why ahead of the Spring Budget, APM calledon the Government to factor in greater clarity and commitment to levelling up and net zero projects. Certainty, consistency, and confidence are key to future investments in projects and project delivery. “And the warning about the talent shortage affecting the future delivery of net zero projects must not be ignored. As the only chartered membership organisation for the project profession, APM will continue to ensure our concerns are listened to and acted upon.” Case study: Jacobs Professional services firm Jacobs won the Sustainability Award at the recent APM Awards 2023 for its approach to embedding sustainability into every project. Jacobs provides professional services including consulting, technical, scientific and project delivery for the government and private sector and places sustainability at the core of its operations. It achieves this by implementing its global sustainability approach, PlanBeyond® into client solutions, ensuring each project becomes a climate response opportunity. Will Masters, Sales Leadership for Sustainability at Jacobs, said: “Aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, PlanBeyond is Jacobs’ approach to integrating sustainability throughout our operations and our solutions, enabling us to help our clients plan beyond today for a more sustainable future for everyone. “Sustainability is foundational to who we are, how we operate and to the end-to-end solutions we co-create with our clients that support energy transition, decarbonization, adaptation and resilience, through to regenerative and nature-based climate solutions.” The Climate Change Act 2008 (2050 Target Amendment) Order 2019 commits the UK government by law to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 100% of 1990 levels (net zero) by 2050. Businesses and project professionals seeking to improve the standards of their project management are encouraged to view APM’s project management qualifications which lead to Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) status. To learn more, visit APM’s qualifications and training page. APM will also be addressing issues affecting the project profession at its summer conference on 5-6 June including identifying future solutions to address skills shortages and data driven performance and AI. Visit apm.org.uk for details. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has expressed its support for the government to build more homes on brownfield land. However, the Institute warns that new urban brownfield schemes must be closely monitored to ensure residents are not landed with poor quality homes or poorly planned developments that people wouldn’t want to live in. In its consultation response, the RTPI has emphasised the importance of ensuring that new market housing does not displace commercial, industrial, and logistics uses for brownfield sites that are critical for local economic growth. The Institute further stresses that brownfield and previously developed land can be more difficult to develop, and the government should take more proactive steps to help councils encourage this development. To facilitate this process, the RTPI has suggested that scaled-up Homes England funding for brownfield development, and support for local authorities to review and update their brownfield land registers could be instrumental in strengthening development pipelines quickly. The Institute also recommends that stronger mechanisms for strategic planning and public service provision could help make previously developed land better serve their communities in the long term. Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the RTPI, said: “We welcome the government’s drive to deliver more homes on brownfield land. However, it is crucial that new developments are well-planned and of high quality, and that they do not displace important commercial and industrial uses that play an important role in supporting sustainable mixed-use places including local economies. “With the right support and funding, we can ensure that brownfield sites are brought back into use in a way that benefits local communities and contributes to economic growth.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Renowned life safety leader, Hochiki Europe, is gearing up to display its comprehensive fire safety solutions at the Fire Safety Event 2024, taking place at the NEC Birmingham from the 30th April to the 2nd May 2024. The event brings together industry professionals dedicated to raising the bar on fire safety, and visitors to Hall 5, stand E35 will experience firsthand Hochiki Europe’s commitment to innovative technology and unparalleled life safety systems and devices. “The Fire Safety Event is an invaluable platform for us to connect with industry leaders and demonstrate our unwavering dedication to life safety,” said Nathan Hudson, Sales and Marketing Director, at Hochiki Europe. “We’re thrilled to showcase our most advanced fire safety solutions yet at The Fire Safety Event 2024. These comprehensive offerings will equip businesses and organisations with next-level fire protection.” Interactive Demonstrations and Expert Guidance: At the Hochiki Europe stand, attendees can engage with interactive demonstrations showcasing the company’s industry-leading product portfolio. The expert team will be readily available to answer questions and provide in-depth insights regarding: Latitude Life Safety Platform: Using a modular approach to life safety control and indication equipment, this innovative solution enables complete flexibility when it comes to panel and network capacity and functionality, for enhanced safety management. Ekho Hybrid Wireless Fire Detection: Witness the future of wireless technology with the Ekho hybrid range. This second-generation system offers superior flexibility, exceptional reliability, and effortless installation, perfect for a wide variety of building types. FIREscape Nepto: Step into the future of emergency lighting with FIREscape Nepto. This intelligent, self-testing, and self-monitoring system ensures optimal performance and reliability and compliance in critical moments. ESP Intelligent Range: Explore the established ESP platform, renowned for its reliability and comprehensive fire detection solutions. This versatile system seamlessly integrates with other Hochiki Europe offerings for a unified life safety approach. CDX Conventional Detection: Discover cost-effective fire protection with the CDX conventional detection range. Ideal for straightforward applications, CDX delivers dependable performance without compromising on safety. Specialist Detection: Explore Hochiki Europe’s portfolio of specialist detectors, designed to address unique fire hazards in challenging environments. Beyond product demonstrations, Hochiki Europe welcomes visitors to the stand to exchange knowledge and to collaborate on critical themes effecting the fire safety industry. Topics such as the latest fire safety regulations and best practices, how installers can optimise fire safety solutions for different building types and the power of integrated life safety platforms. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Whenever you decide to construct a new office, you need to make sure that everything is feasible and that it aligns with your long-term goals. If you don’t feel as though yours does then here are some of the top things you might be overlooking. Financing and BudgetingOne of the main things that you are probably overlooking is budgeting and financing. Constructing a new office can be expensive and it is so important that you give your budget some thought, along with your financing options. You have to work with a financial advisor if you can and you also need to hire a real estate consultant. If you can do this then they will be able to help you with your funding options and they can also help you to determine what is feasible for your organization as a whole. You need to give some thought to the smaller aspects of your construction too, such as your stair rails and safety precautions. It’s easy to overlook expenses such as this, so make sure that you give that some thought. Zoning and Locations The location of your office building is so important. This is for several reasons. You have visibility and you also have zoning regulations. Before you even think about construction, you need to evaluate factors such as public transport as well as parking availability. You also need to give some thought to the surrounding neighborhood. Be sure to check zoning laws and building codes too as you may find that your new project doesn’t comply with any of the local regulations. Depending on your location, you may also have to seek approval from some local government agencies. Design and Functionality The design and the general functionality of your office will impact a great deal. You need to think about working with an architect and you also need to develop a plan that is going to meet the needs of your organization. If possible you need to try and consider acts such as natural ventilation, light and insulation. Make sure that your design plans incorporate sustainability and that you also put energy efficiency at the forefront of what you are trying to do. If you can do this, as well as give thought to things like solar panels and roofs then you will soon find that you can make a major difference overall. Timeline Management Constructing a new office building can be a complex process and you do need to put in the work when it comes to project management. If you don’t then you may find that it becomes harder for you to move to and from each project phase. At the end of the day, things like weather as well as supply chain disruptions and even building permits have to be considered. If you don’t then you may find that you end up struggling to get the result you want and that it becomes a bit harder for you to get everything done on time and under budget.
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects, has commenced a multimillion pound upgrade to the iPort Rail inland port just outside Doncaster. Works are due to be handed over to new client – pan-European logistics real estate specialist Verdion – in autumn 2025. iPort Rail sits within iPort, the UK’s most advanced multimodal logistics hub, offering 6 million sq ft of logistics and industrial space on an 800 acre site at the heart of the UK’s rail network and within 5 minutes of the M18. The terminal extension works will double its current size and storage capacity and increase number of trains that the terminal can accommodate each day, increasing the long distance, low carbon movement of goods. They have been commissioned following agreement with MSC-subsidiary MEDLOG to take over operations of the terminal, which commenced earlier this year. A specialist, robust reinforced concrete mix has been designed, comprising 45kg/m3 of 3D 55-60 steel fibres. It has the capacity to hold the weight of five stacked containers and is robust enough to withstand the regular movement of reach stackers while limiting both tyre wear and ongoing maintenance. The extension works will also comprise the installation of drainage and services, the construction of a new welfare unit, gatehouse and landscaping. All activity has been planned to minimise disruption to the facility’s existing customers, which includes businesses based at iPort as well as others across the region. Rob Cook, Winvic’s Director of Civils and Infrastructure, said: “We’re delighted that our credentials in constructing Strategic Rail Freight Interchanges and our expertise in pouring robust, reinforced concrete slabs has resulted in Verdion putting their trust in us to complete these works. We look forward to working closely with the team over the next few months as we deliver the scheme safely and swiftly.” John Clements, Executive Director of Verdion, said: “There is significant untapped potential here at iPort to increase rail freight provision and support national and international supply chains. Our agreement with MEDLOG creates a strong platform for future growth and we are pleased to be making good progress with the appointment of Winvic and its start on site.” RLB is advising on Project Management, Cost Management and Quality Control. For more information on Winvic, the company’s latest project news and job vacancies please visit www.winvic.co.uk. Join Winvic on social media – visit X (formerly Twitter) @WinvicLtd – and LinkedIn. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Newly-released drone footage, images and timelapse show progress of National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) due to open in 2025. Construction of the first NHS National Rehabilitation Centre – a 70-bed purpose-built facility near Loughborough – continues to progress, with the concrete frame of the building almost complete. The £105million NRC project aims to transform rehabilitation care, research, and training in the UK, and is due to open to patients next year. This specialist facility combines NHS care with research and innovation from our two academic partners – the University of Nottingham and Loughborough University – and is part of the Government’s New Hospital Programme. The Stanford Hall Rehabilitation Estate near Loughborough, already home to the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre which opened in 2018, was carefully selected as the site for the NRC to bring together these two centres of excellence and drive rehabilitation standards both nationally and internationally. The construction is being carried out by IHP, a joint venture between VINCI Building and Sir Robert McAlpine. Ryan McCormack, Project Director for the Construction for the NRC programme, explained that an impressive amount of progress had been made in first six months of the build. He said: “A huge amount of work over recent years has gone into the design, development and construction of the NRC, and the difference between where we were in September when we had just started the build, and where we are today is exciting. Our vision of the NRC is really taking shape. “The build hasn’t been without its challenges – it’s always difficult trying to continue construction throughout the winter months. “Inclement weather has impacted work due to high winds, excessive rain, and freezing temperatures, resulting in the rescheduling of concrete pours and preventing the use of cranes in these conditions, both of which are vital in the progress of construction of the main NRC frame. “However, IHP continued to adapt their plans during the poor weather, and I’m pleased that we are on track to complete construction in Spring 2025.” Drone footage shows the five main pavilions of the ground floor of the NRC – Facilities Management, the café and staff area, the innovation and education pavilion, patient zone and research pavilion, and the main gym and therapy space. The latest footage also shows the progress of the first and second floors which are nearing completion – these will house the south-facing patient bedrooms overlooking the Leicestershire countryside, as well as some treatment spaces. In addition, the onsite energy centre frame is almost complete and will be the first part of the NRC design to be built. The design of the NRC uses modern methods of construction and will be highly energy efficient, with plans for the building to be carbon neutral to support the NHS ambition to be Carbon Net Zero by 2045. Work continues to integrate the Smart Hospital design to make the NRC as digitally advanced as possible, with the capability to incorporate additional cutting-edge technology in the future. Find out more about the construction of the NRC on our NRC website. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals