The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has responded to the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s 2024 Spring Budget. RIBA President Muyiwa Oki said: “With a General Election on the horizon, it’s no surprise that announcements aim to boost household budgets. But the Government has lost sight of the bigger picture
Tamworth-based trade association, the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF), has urged extreme caution following an incident involving an elderly woman whose clothes became caught in a moving roller door shutter resulting in her being lifted several feet into the air. 71-year-old store cleaner, Anne Hughes’s coat became lodged in the
Barratt David Wilson North Thames contributed £34.6 million to benefit communities across the Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Essex last year, according to its Socio-Economic Footprint report. This includes £28.4m expenditure on physical works included highway and environmental improvements, affordable homes and community facilities in the region. The housebuilder made a further
The continued success of an Early Years’ Talent Scheme is helping a rapidly growing principal contractor bridge a skills gap accelerated by the impact of Brexit. Inco Contracts, which delivers hundreds of industrial and commercial refurbishment schemes across the UK every year, has invested more than £100,000 into a programme
Troy is delighted to announce the acquisition of Scott Direct Ltd to support its UK growth strategy. Scott Direct is a complete supplier to the industrial & trade markets, offering customers a comprehensive range of quality products including hand and power tools, protective clothing, PPE, safety equipment, hygiene and janitorial
Exemplary mixed-use scheme will comprise student units, cultural spaces and community amenities Construction contract value of over £100m… Specialist Design & Build Contractor McAleer & Rushe has been appointed by developer Dominus Real Estate to create a permanent home for London’s Migration Museum, as part of a landmark mixed-use scheme
A pivotal logistics warehouse scheme now completed in Leeds has met and surpassed its net zero carbon construction targets, delivered by McLaren Midlands and North. Successfully achieving an embodied carbon target to practical completion lower than first proposed, ensuring a more sustainable build and reducing the carbon offset payment, McLaren
Kingspan, the global leader in high-performance insulation and building envelope solutions, today launches its fourth annual ‘Planet Passionate’ sustainability report and announces a 65% absolute reduction in its scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions since 2020.[4],[5] In 2023 alone, the company achieved a further 40% absolute reduction in scope 1
On the eve of the Spring Budget, construction industry experts from Birmingham City University (BCU) have called on the Chancellor to kick start the new build homes sector in order to stimulate economic growth and combat the UK’s housing crisis. Mike Leonard, Visiting Professor from the Centre for Future Homes
Shropshire Council’s Planning Committee has voted to approve the first stage of the Smithfield Riverside regeneration project in Shrewsbury, enabling the delivery of a landmark new public park. Led by Shropshire Council and its development manager, RivingtonHark, Smithfield Riverside is the ambitious regeneration project set to transform the area between
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has responded to the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s 2024 Spring Budget. RIBA President Muyiwa Oki said: “With a General Election on the horizon, it’s no surprise that announcements aim to boost household budgets. But the Government has lost sight of the bigger picture and missed a key moment to improve our buildings – especially our homes. A weak economy, housing crisis and climate emergency demand urgent attention. Millions of substandard, ageing homes are leaking energy and money. The government must bring forward a National Retrofit Strategy – a well-funded programme to boost the green economy, cut emissions and lower people’s energy bills. Today’s investment in new housing is welcome, but it’s a drop in the ocean compared to what is needed. Without more support, we will fail to deliver the number of high-quality, sustainable homes and places the country needs. A simplified, well-resourced planning system will not only address housing challenges, but boost sustainable development, grow the economy, and make people healthier and happier. It’s essential and long overdue. We will continue to work with the Government to create a better built environment for everyone.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Tamworth-based trade association, the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF), has urged extreme caution following an incident involving an elderly woman whose clothes became caught in a moving roller door shutter resulting in her being lifted several feet into the air. 71-year-old store cleaner, Anne Hughes’s coat became lodged in the rising shutter outside the Best One off-licence in Pontypridd, South Wales, on Monday. And despite being quickly rescued by store manager, Amed Akram, 44, Ms Hughes was left dangling upside down in an incident that DHF has described as a shocking and unacceptable ‘near-miss-fatality’. In addition, a video of the incident, currently being circulated on several social media platforms, has resulted in a reaction of laughter as opposed to concern. In an article in yesterday’s Mirror, New Reporter Susie Beever states: “A woman’s embarrassing faux pas with some window shutters has left people in hysterics after the hilarious moment was caught on CCTV.” “This incident is far from amusing and could very easily have resulted in tragedy had Anne’s coat fabric failed and she fell onto her head ,” explains DHF’s Training and Compliance Officer, Nick Perkins. “The two glaring issues are that there is a hooking hazard on the door on which Ms Hughes became caught. Additionally, the door was opening automatically and according to the now 24-year-old standard for roller shutter doors, either the hooking hazard should have been removed, or the door should have been operated from a ‘hold-to-run control’ that would only function within sight of the door, or the door should have been torque limited so that it could not lift more than 20kg. “There should not have been any hooking hazards on a shutter that would act in this way and questions should be raised as to why the shutter drive (motor) was so overpowered to be able to lift a person as well as the weight of the shutter? We cannot emphasise enough the seriousness of this situation, and we urge owners and managers, who have a responsibility to all users particularly when on property that is used, accessed or open to the public, to ensure that they are adhering to the legal requirements for these products.”The law relating to placing roller shutter doors on the market in the UK can be referenced here: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2008/1597/contents/made https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2013/1387/introduction/made Similarly, the law affecting the operation of, the owning and/or managing of roller shutter doors in the UK can be refenced here: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1992/3004/contents/made https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1974/37/contents “EN 12453 has been published by BSI in the UK since 2001 and describes in detail the safety measures that must be implemented when a roller shutter door is placed on the market and hence should be in place for a door in service,” concludes Nick. “Further DHF guidance for owners and managers can be found in publication, DHF TS 013-3.” DHF publication DHF TS 013-3 can be downloaded free of charge from the DHF website https://bit.ly/DHFTechnicalSpecifications Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Barratt David Wilson North Thames contributed £34.6 million to benefit communities across the Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Essex last year, according to its Socio-Economic Footprint report. This includes £28.4m expenditure on physical works included highway and environmental improvements, affordable homes and community facilities in the region. The housebuilder made a further £6.2m contribution in support of community and social infrastructure through planning and Government schemes, with the launch of new parks, playgrounds and schools. The annual report highlights the social and economic impact of Barratt David Wilson North Thames on people, places and nature in the areas surrounding its housing developments. Some £79,500 was donated directly to local charities, including foodbanks, community groups and hospitals, with employees contributing over 250 hours volunteering throughout the year. With a commitment to enhancing biodiversity across its developments, Barratt David Wilson North Thames also opened 16.2 hectares of public open space and private gardens – equivalent to 23 football pitches of green space. Over 99% of timber used in construction was certified sustainability sourced and construction waste has been reduced by 37% since its 2015 benchmark. The housebuilder unveiled 710 new homes in the region last year, including 149 affordable homes, with a range of new properties set to be launched in 2024. Marc Woolfe, Sales and Marketing Director at Barratt David Wilson North Thames said: “We are committed to having a significant positive impact on the communities surrounding our homes. Our contribution to local infrastructure, charitable causes and nature in the area underpins all that we do, and we are proud to announce the scale of that contribution in this report. “We look forward to working closely with local councils and worthy causes this year to build on this fantastic work as well as unveiling our latest developments and homes in the region.” Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes are building a range of new homes across Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, and Hertfordshire, in locations such as Leighton Buzzard, Aylesbury, Houghton Regis, Sawbridgeworth and Buckingham. To find out more about Barratt David Wilson North Thames visit www.barratthomes.co.uk or call 0330 057 6000. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The continued success of an Early Years’ Talent Scheme is helping a rapidly growing principal contractor bridge a skills gap accelerated by the impact of Brexit. Inco Contracts, which delivers hundreds of industrial and commercial refurbishment schemes across the UK every year, has invested more than £100,000 into a programme that attracts, recruits, and fast-tracks enthusiastic and high-performing individuals in the construction industry. Launched in 2020, the initiative has so far recruited four people at the firm’s three offices in Stafford, Stevenage and Warrington, with every person progressing quickly into important roles in its contracts teams. They are all appointed with a mentor to oversee their development, 3-monthly training reviews to identify strengths and weaknesses, enhanced responsibility to lead and company-funded education at college or university. “The nature of the industry we work in has presented itself with more challenges than ever before, with Brexit having a huge impact on skilled workers across the UK, in particular blue-collar staff,” explained Sam Norton, Operations Director at Inco Contracts. “Our Early Years’ Talent Scheme has given us an opportunity to bridge the skills gap, but also develop individuals with the unique skills sets needed to fulfil the contracts managers role in our business.” He continued: “This is made easier by having the opportunity to train and develop staff at an early stage of their career, so by the time they have completed the programme and training, they have the skills, mentorship, and confidence to undertake their roles. Importantly, they also live and breathe our culture.” Harry Merrick has made the most of Inco Contracts’ Early Years Talent Scheme, joining as Trainee Contracts Manager in 2020 and progressing to Assistant Contracts Manager in just twelve months. He quickly secured his Level 3 BTEC in Construction and the Built Environment, a host of sector-related qualifications and is currently studying at Birmingham City University for his HNC in Construction Management. “The scheme has given me a clear pathway for progression and over the last four years I’ve been continually improving due to the experience and knowledge sharing of my colleagues and the educational opportunities I’ve been given at college and now University – all funded by the company,” added Harry. “I had a target to work towards from the very start, which is a huge motivating factor that has ultimately enabled me to gain promotion quickly. The support I received internally has ensured I have the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to progress even further.” He continued: “The plan for my future is to qualify from university with my degree in construction management, become a member of the Chartered Institute of Building and finally gain promotion as an independent Contracts Manager with Inco. “My progression in such a short amount of time has been incredible and I recommend anyone thinking about a career in construction to take a look at this initiative.” Inco Contracts has built a strong reputation for delivering more than 2100 industrial and commercial refurbishment schemes across the UK. These often tend to be turnkey in nature and involve the company working alongside architects, designers, and landlords to bring warehouse and commercial office space back to life or to the required modern-day standards. Sam concluded: “Josh Brown is our latest recruit to the Early Year’s Talent Scheme and is already impressing the team. As a business, this programme has given us so much and is now a cornerstone of our recruitment policy going forward.” For further information, please visit www.incocontracts or follow @incocontracts on Twitter. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Troy is delighted to announce the acquisition of Scott Direct Ltd to support its UK growth strategy. Scott Direct is a complete supplier to the industrial & trade markets, offering customers a comprehensive range of quality products including hand and power tools, protective clothing, PPE, safety equipment, hygiene and janitorial supplies, workwear, corporate branded garments, MRO & engineering consumables. Troy, the largest independent network for industrial and engineering supplies in the UK, is headed up by Paul Kilbride, CEO. Paul commented; “ Scott Direct has been a Troy member for many years and there has been a close connection to the family throughout that time. With shared core values, Scott Direct is a great fit for the Troy Invested-in member Group. Troy is a family business that supports family businesses and our vertical integration strategy is just one of the avenues offered as part of the Group to ensure that we support our independent membership and keep the independent marketplace strong. We know how much independent businesses are valued in their communities and by the businesses that trade with them, and our aim Is to help those businesses to grow with investment, without losing the knowledge, passion and levels of customer service that only an independent business can provide.” Chris Taylor, CFO of Troy said, “Scotland is an important region for us and the acquisition of Scott Direct strengthens our position as a supplier to the industrial and trade markets. Scott Direct have built a leading business and the acquisition is a natural fit with the Troy group – providing complementary product portfolios and markets along with an excellent team.” The Troy Group has invested in 18 businesses throughout the UK over the last 5 years, serving a wide and diverse customer base across many sectors, providing broad-line industrial consumables and PPE, Precision Cutting Tools and state of the art VMI and supply chain management solutions. It received a £15.5 million investment from BGF in 2023 to support its ambitious growth plans. Norman Scott, shareholder for Scott Direct said, “I am delighted we have concluded the sale of Scott Direct to the Troy Group. This deal will drive further growth for Scott Direct and build on the successes achieved by our experienced team who all stay in position to take the business forward. I wish them every future success.” Rob Sayles, Managing Director of Scott Direct said, “Joining forces with the Troy Group will allow Scott Direct to continue building on our past success and provide a strong foundation to fuel our future ambitions for the business.” Financial advisors to this deal were Dains (Rob Wilson, Trystan Shaw) with legal advice from Gateley Legal (Mark Rutherford, Sophie Cahalin, Anna Mayfield, Alicia Bradburn), Shawbrook Bank (Andy Sutton, Steve Armstrong), Freeths (James Dyson), Gunnercooke (Rob Fawkes), Gillespie Macandrew (Kenneth Irons, Arlene Taylor) and BTO (Emma Barclay). Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Exemplary mixed-use scheme will comprise student units, cultural spaces and community amenities Construction contract value of over £100m… Specialist Design & Build Contractor McAleer & Rushe has been appointed by developer Dominus Real Estate to create a permanent home for London’s Migration Museum, as part of a landmark mixed-use scheme in the heart of the City of London worth a construction contract value of over £100m. The 65 Crutched Friars development, which is due to complete in Summer 2027, will include new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), to provide over 700 student homes in a 21-storey building. The student units will be complemented by green spaces open to the public, such as a new pocket park and public roof terrace, for the benefit of the local community. Located on the eastern edge of the City of London, the scheme has been designed to be sustainable in both construction and operation, targeting a BREEAM Outstanding rating as well as utilising offsite manufacturing, including prefabricated bathroom pods, a precast and unitised façade and both blue and green biodiverse roofs. While demolition works have commenced, the major transformation of the former office block is due to begin in Spring 2024 with the accommodation ready for the 2027/28 student intake. Enhancing student living in London, Crutched Friars will help to meet the growing need for student accommodation within the City with an abundance of social and study spaces, including private dining rooms, gym and wellness zones, a TV lounge and entertainment spaces. The development also secures the future of London’s Migration Museum with a purpose-built, three-floor 30,000 sq ft space, which will be free-to-enter thanks to a 60-year lease granted by the Ahluwalia family, with no rent or service charge payable, alongside a new pocket park. Commenting on the announcement, Mark Diamond, Senior Director, McAleer & Rushe said, “We’re thrilled to be delivering this prominent mixed-use scheme in the City of London as Construction Partner with Dominus. Our decade-long collaboration, involving several successful projects throughout the UK, is rooted in shared values and a commitment to delivering positive social value impact and community outreach. Crutched Friars is a prime example of our early engagement approach in action and with our experienced teams behind us, we are looking forward to working on this landmark visionary scheme with all stakeholders involved.” Designed by award-winning Danish architectural studio 3XN, the student residences will feature a mix of Premium Studios, Studios, Twodios, Threedios and affordable Cluster bedrooms and contains generous communal spaces, private study areas, gym, laundry facilities and external roof top terraces. Lee Saywack, Executive Director at Dominus, commented, “Partnering with McAleer & Rushe is a great next step in bringing 65 Crutched Friars to life and delivering much needed new student accommodation to the City of London. “The scheme’s central location, proximity to universities, cutting-edge amenity spaces, customer-centric operating method, and the provision of a new and permanent home for the Migration Museum, illustrates our commitment to meaningful regeneration that benefits both people and place.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A pivotal logistics warehouse scheme now completed in Leeds has met and surpassed its net zero carbon construction targets, delivered by McLaren Midlands and North. Successfully achieving an embodied carbon target to practical completion lower than first proposed, ensuring a more sustainable build and reducing the carbon offset payment, McLaren Construction Midlands and North completed works on Sherburn42 – a 660,000 sq. ft. logistics warehousing space located in Sherburn-in-Elmet at the end of November, appointed by commercial real estate investor and developer, Firethorn Trust. The 37-acre Sherburn42 scheme sits adjacent to the Sherburn Enterprise Park in Leeds and comprises the construction of four Grade-A industrial units ranging from 57,750 to 280,000 sq. ft., with industrial warehouse and office space to support core building services. The design concentrated on helping occupiers reach operational sustainability targets and the project will be accredited net-zero carbon in construction by the UK Green Building Council. Set to achieve a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, the logistical hub features EV charging, full PV coverage and LED office lighting, alongside 4MvApower. The Engineering Services Consultancy Ltd (ESC) was appointed by McLaren Construction Midlands and North to undertake a Whole Life Embodied Carbon assessment of the build at as-built RIBA Stage 5. The subsequent report showed that the contractor surpassed its project target of 550 kgCO2e/m2, achieving 458.32 kgCO2e/m2. Net Zero Carbon in construction is a term that refers to the energy used during the manufacturing of materials, combined with the emissions generated throughout the building’s construction, these are then offset through an internationally recognised carbon credit scheme. This was achieved following initial reductions in the embodied carbon, through a focus on material specification. At present, there is no mandatory requirement to report on Whole Life Carbon outside of London. However, the UK Government is committed to achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2050. Gary Cramp, Managing Director of McLaren Construction Midlands & North, said: “We’re proud to announce that our team has surpassed net zero carbon targets for this pivotal Leeds scheme. “Our project team worked hard to ensure the most sustainable materials were specified, liaising closely with our supply chain. While championing sustainability for the build through the reduction of embodied carbon in the project, we’ve also managed to ensure the offset payment is as low as possible for our client, Firethorn, of which we have a fantastic relationship. “Now complete, Sherburn42 will provide incredible opportunities for the region’s workforce, allowing occupiers of all sizes – from multi-national distributors to small and medium-sized enterprises, an attractive, fit-for-purpose, sustainable workspace, providing a head start on achieving their own net zero targets.” Rhiannon Butcher, Sustainability Manager of McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “Firethorn was the first industrial and logistics project in McLaren Construction, to achieve net zero carbon in construction. We were able to reduce the embodied carbon in construction and meet the client’s target in part through a high use of cement replacement. “The project team worked hard to collate all of the data required for this assessment, and it has been a learning process for us. As-built assessments will become more commonplace, especially as McLaren Construction works towards its own net zero carbon in construction goals – of net zero carbon for Scopes 1 & 2 by 2025 and Scope 3 by 2045. “We are creating baseline carbon assessments in this sector to provide ourselves and our clients with more robust estimates of embodied carbon from the early RIBA stages.” Hugo Briars, Development Manager at Firethorn Trust, commented: “It has been a pleasure working in close collaboration with McLaren Construction, whose team clearly shares our passion for sustainability. Their knowledge, professionalism and commitment to quality and innovation has enabled us to exceed our environmental aspirations for Sherburn42, which we have developed on behalf of the site owner, Cain International.” James Sanders, Associate Director at Firethorn Trust, added: “We’re delighted to be bringing this state-of-the-art net-zero scheme into a market that continues to witness an erosion of committed development pipeline. “Sherburn42 benefits from an excellent road network alongside an immediate and plentiful supply of labour. Coupled with its ultra-modern specification, the scheme is ideally positioned for occupiers seeking to upgrade and expand their operations, whilst benefitting from significantly reduced running costs. We’re encouraged by recent levels of occupational demand and look forward to announcing new occupier relationships as we head into the new year!” Sherburn42’s close proximity to junction 42 A1 (M) provides direct connections to Leeds, the M1, M62 and coastal ports of Hull and Grimsby, as well as a number of regional rail stations and airports. For leasing enquiries, please contact the scheme agents, Colliers, Lambert Smith Hampton or Carter Towler. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Kingspan, the global leader in high-performance insulation and building envelope solutions, today launches its fourth annual ‘Planet Passionate’ sustainability report and announces a 65% absolute reduction in its scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions since 2020.[4],[5] In 2023 alone, the company achieved a further 40% absolute reduction in scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions since its base year, accelerated by the introduction of its business-wide internal carbon price in January 2023.[6] The report also shows that 49.6% of all wholly-owned Kingspan sites had solar PV systems installed by year-end, a marked boost to the company’s on-site renewable energy generation capacity. In addition to these operational achievements, in 2023 Kingspan made important headway in its innovation journey to reduce the embodied carbon of its product offering, introducing three lower embodied carbon products – QuadCore LEC insulated panels, RMG600+ raised access floor panels and the Tate Grid LEC structural ceiling solution – to some of its markets. The company also launched its bio-based HemKor range in November 2023, marking the first time a major insulation manufacturer has launched a product made largely of hemp. Other key developments highlighted in the report include: Kingspan’s 10-year Planet Passionate sustainability programme is the driving force behind its efforts to decarbonise its operations, product offering and supply chain, prioritising absolute emissions reductions. The company has committed to challenging science-based targets approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) covering scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions, including achieving a 90% absolute reduction in greenhouse gas emissions within its operations and a 42% absolute reduction in scope 3 GHG emissions from its 2020 base year. These targets are aligned with the IPCC’s goal to limit global temperature rise to 1.5⁰C by the end of this century. The programme also features measurable targets to harvest rainwater, eliminate waste to landfill and increase use of recycled PET as a raw material to help tackle three of today’s biggest global challenges: climate change, circularity and protection of the natural world. Bianca Wong, Global Head of Sustainability at Kingspan Group, said: “We are acutely aware that as the climate crisis intensifies, our mission to help accelerate a net-zero emissions built environment has never been more important. To play our part in keeping global temperature rises within the 1.5°C limit, we committed to absolute emissions reductions and focused on making tangible progress in the short- to medium-term through our Planet Passionate programme. In a business like Kingspan, that is only possible with significant structural and time investment and an unwavering dedication to delivering real results. Our global team of more than 100 people has completed over 300 projects across our business since 2020 to help realise our targets. With the majority of Kingspan’s value chain emissions coming from our upstream supply chain, we are working closely with our key supply partners to reduce the carbon intensity of our key raw materials. This work has enabled us to bring new lower embodied carbon products to market in 2023. We still have a lot of work to do and must continue to refocus and respond as the business grows and evolves, but I am incredibly proud of what our team has achieved in just four years and look forward to further progress towards our targets as Planet Passionate enters its fifth year.” The launch of Kingspan’s 2023 Planet Passionate report follows the recent announcement that the company was included on the globally-recognised CDP Climate Change A List, which recognises environmental leadership through transparency and meaningful climate action. Kingspan was one of just 346 companies to make the 2023 CDP Climate Change A List, of the 21,000 companies scored by CDP. In addition, CDP has also named Kingspan as a 2023 Supplier Engagement Leader in recognition of the company’s effectiveness in engaging with suppliers on climate change. Read the full report here: Kingspan Planet Passionate Report 2023 (ipaper.io) Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
On the eve of the Spring Budget, construction industry experts from Birmingham City University (BCU) have called on the Chancellor to kick start the new build homes sector in order to stimulate economic growth and combat the UK’s housing crisis. Mike Leonard, Visiting Professor from the Centre for Future Homes at BCU, said: “Jobs are being lost, factories are shutting and we have massive shortfall in the delivery of new homes as homelessness and frustration grows amongst those directly affected. “Failure to act now will see a major loss of skills and manufacturing capacity. This will leave industry less able to meet demand when the market improves and more reliant on material imports and migrant labour. “The budget on Wednesday offers the Chancellor the opportunity to pull the levers to switch the housing market back on and inject swift growth into our stalled economy. “The multiplier effect of new build housing creates jobs and social value. Now is also the time to invest in retrofitting our existing homes and buildings. “The industry has the manufacturing capacity, skills, and oven-ready projects. The UK has a golden opportunity to grow the economy and get Britain building the homes and infrastructure this country so desperately needs.” Dr Steve McCabe, Associate Professor in Strategy, Management and Marketing at BCU, echoed Dr Leonard’s concerns. “At a time when we need to focus on economic growth and boosting productivity, politicians across the political spectrum need to focus on construction as a catalyst to drive the economy,” said Dr McCabe. “Construction contributes nearly 9% of GDP and critically has the potential to benefit every community across the UK.” According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), new mortgage lending has declined markedly which has significantly reduced demand for houses built by developers. Money tightening, which has led a consequential dip in confidence and slowdown in commercial and infrastructure projects, has combined with a knock-on impact on demand for labour and materials in new housing and home renovation that is undermining economic growth. According to Dr McCabe, there is no lack of demand for housing, however, he believes that consumers that are already suffering from the effects of the ‘cost of living crisis’ feel under pressure because of what are considered excessive mortgage repayments: “New purchasers are confronted by an affordability conundrum resulting from lack of market activity as sellers hold off moving,” he added. “What’s apparent is that the high cost of financing for companies in the UK construction, particularly for smaller companies, is making liquidity a tremendous challenge. “Without urgent intervention from the chancellor tomorrow, we’re likely to see an increase in insolvencies, administrations, company restructuring, factory closures and redundancies in construction which is so fundamental to this country’s economic development and collective prosperity.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Shropshire Council’s Planning Committee has voted to approve the first stage of the Smithfield Riverside regeneration project in Shrewsbury, enabling the delivery of a landmark new public park. Led by Shropshire Council and its development manager, RivingtonHark, Smithfield Riverside is the ambitious regeneration project set to transform the area between the River Severn, the Darwin Centre, Roushill and Raven Meadows in Shrewsbury town centre. This vote of confidence relates to the scheme’s first planning application, which was submitted in December 2023. Financed from the pot of almost £19 million of Levelling Up money Shropshire Council secured from the UK Government, this preparatory work will see the demolition of the Riverside shopping centre and former Riverside medical practice, paving the way for key enabling works on site for future phases of the scheme. It also permits the delivery of a landmark new public park adjacent to Roushill, helping to breathe new life and vibrancy into the area, as well as improving biodiversity in the town centre. The attractive green park will feature play equipment, facilities for visitors of all ages, and a dedicated events and performance area. The Smithfield Riverside project team are looking to appoint a demolition contractor in the coming months, with demolition work getting underway this Summer. Construction of the new park is expected to get underway before the end of 2024. Ian Nellins, Deputy Leader of Shropshire Council, said: “We are delighted with the outcome of today’s committee meeting. The plans for the park on Roushill received an overwhelmingly positive response from the public and local businesses, so it’s great to now be able to make a start in turning the plans into a reality. “Today’s decision means we’re able to capitalise on the Levelling Up money we secured last year, ensuring that every penny is used to the benefit of Shropshire. It will help us to create a more vibrant and dynamic Shrewsbury town centre. “The Smithfield Riverside masterplan is a cornerstone project in our ambition to attract new visitors, residents, businesses and jobs into Shrewsbury, and help grow the county’s economy. This is just the beginning of the long-term vision but it’s truly exciting to get the ball rolling.” Spencer Winter, Project Director at RivingtonHark, added: “Today is a key moment in shaping the future of Shrewsbury town centre. “The plans that were approved are all about deliverability and laying the ideal foundations to build something truly transformational. Not only do we get to make the most of the Levelling Up capital and deliver a world class public park in the here and now, but the demolition of the Riverside shopping centre will create the perfect, clean-slate conditions that we’re confident will attract the private investment needed to deliver future parts of the scheme. This will include our evolving and upcoming plans for game-changing leisure, residential and office developments.” The project team is now set to turn their attention to future phases of the masterplan. Following the completion of the most recent public consultation, a second planning application will be submitted this Spring, introducing ‘outline’ plans to the develop three plots located between Smithfield Road, Raven Meadows and the new park. A third application, anticipated this Summer, proposes a new leisure-led destination at Pride Hill. Plans would see the existing Pride Hill shopping centre partly demolished, with the retention of the existing service yard platform and its embodied carbon helping to reduce the project’s overall carbon footprint. A stylish series of new buildings and connected courtyards will be developed to accommodate new restaurants, cafes, a cinema and some complementary retail. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals