Currys has announced a significant investment in its store portfolio, with 50 of the retailer’s stores set to undergo a revamp this year. The electronics retailer stated that a blended in-store and online omnichannel model remains crucial to its customers, with two-thirds using stores to make their purchases. Under the
Balfour Beatty VINCI SYSTRA’s construction of HS2’s new super-hub station in west London, Old Oak Common, has moved into a new phase as workers on the project completed the excavation of the huge underground box structure where high speed trains will stop. The excavation has taken three years, after permanent
Carrier has officially opened a new training academy at its Bracknell service and rentals depot. The new state-of-the-art facility reinforces Carrier’s dedication to training and inspiring the next generation of engineers and technicians while helping to address the skills gap in the HVAC sector. Carrier is part of Carrier Global
A new affordable housing development has been officially opened in a Cotswold village. Gloucestershire-based housing association Bromford has completed the redevelopment of 14 former properties with 17 modern, energy efficient homes at Cross Tree Crescent in Kempsford. The new homes, which have all been let at social rent, the lowest
Proposed route options for the first phase of a new West Yorkshire Mass Transit system will be revealed today in a major step forward for the region’s plans for growth. The Mayor visited Downing Street last week for a meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss the government’s growth mission and
The London Homes Coalition – a partnership of major housing associations, contractors and specialist suppliers in London – has today launched the ‘Building Skills for the Future’ report, which identifies the critical risk to the maintenance, retrofit and provision of London’s social and affordable housing. Based on a first-of-its-kind analysis
Engineering and infrastructure specialist Spencer Group has been appointed to play a key role in the development of a pioneering new energy plant which aims to reshape the future of renewable energy. Spencer Group will deliver a £23m contract to design the site layout and deliver the enabling works and
CIBSE Certification has introduced an innovative scheme designed to assess the competency of individuals offering specialist services in management systems. Recognising the significant challenges faced by organisations and consultants within the Built Environment, particularly in the fields of decarbonisation, net zero initiatives and compliance with the Building Safety Act, this
Bender UK, a leader in smart, safer, and sustainable energy solutions, today announces a strategic partnership with Morgan Sindall, one of the UK’s leading construction and regeneration contractors. This landmark agreement marks the start of a significant collaboration between the two industry leaders that will enhance infrastructure and future-proof investment
HS2 has completed the four huge piers of the Curzon 2 bridge, marking a significant construction milestone on the sequence of viaducts that will take high-speed trains in and out of Birmingham. The bridge, which has been nicknamed “Bellingham Bridge” in honour of England superstar and Stourbridge-born Jude Bellingham, is
Currys has announced a significant investment in its store portfolio, with 50 of the retailer’s stores set to undergo a revamp this year. The electronics retailer stated that a blended in-store and online omnichannel model remains crucial to its customers, with two-thirds using stores to make their purchases. Under the new changes, the stores will introduce new categories and seasonal showcases, as well as an enhanced focus on revitalising entrance spaces. New categories will include health and beauty, pet technology, portable power, and fitness – which the retailer said aligns with current consumer trends. Seasonal ranges will encompass categories such as BBQs and gardening equipment in summer, back-to-school tech and supplies in autumn, and new gifting ranges and services in winter. Currys’ investment in its ‘megastores’ has already commenced, with its branches in Swindon, Merry Hill, Brentford, and Solihull recently relaunching. The retailer – which operates 301 stores in the UK and Ireland – recently announced that it would be reimagining the layouts of 65 of its medium-sized stores. Overall, this brings the total number of stores that Currys plans to transform this year to 115. Matthew Speight, Director of Stores at Currys, said: “The investment in these 50 megastores builds on what we’ve already achieved this year so far, and I can’t wait to hear the feedback from inside and outside of the business on the new categories and seasonal items. “I continue to be blown away by the incredible teams around the business who work tirelessly to make such milestones a reality for our customers. Yet again, kudos to the colleagues – let’s keep building on the UK’s leading omnichannel retailer position and pushing to provide a best-in-class, easy-to-shop experience for our amazing customers.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Balfour Beatty VINCI SYSTRA’s construction of HS2’s new super-hub station in west London, Old Oak Common, has moved into a new phase as workers on the project completed the excavation of the huge underground box structure where high speed trains will stop. The excavation has taken three years, after permanent construction to form the walls of the box began in June 2021. The vast underground box has a 1.12 mile fibre-reinforced concrete diaphragm wall around it, and 1.3million tonnes of London Clay has been removed from inside – enough to fill over 300 Olympic sized swimming pools. Balfour Beatty VINCI SYSTRA joint venture (BBVS JV), working with their specialist structures contractor Expanded, completed the excavation with apprentice Miguel Jardim removing the last of the London clay from the box. In a further breakthrough, more than 1,500 apprentices have now started work on HS2 – putting the project firmly on track to meet its target to generate 2,000 apprenticeships. Miguel, 19, a civil engineering apprentice from Surrey Quays, south east London, joined in the landmark excavation at Old Oak Common as the 1,500th apprentice to start a role helping to build HS2. Miguel said: “It is quite an honour to be part of celebrating such a massive excavation milestone – the opportunity came along very unexpectedly! “The best thing about my job here at Old Oak Common is all the experience I’m gaining from going out onsite daily, seeing progress coming along. I would 100% encourage others to start working on HS2, as it’s a massive project where you get to work with lots of people with similar goals. There is also a great network of people that you can learn from and connect with.” Steve O’Sullivan, Project Director, Balfour Beatty VINCI SYTRA joint venture, said: “This achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team, and in particular the valuable contributions of our apprentices like Miguel. “The progress here at Old Oak Common moves us one step closer to completing this key transport hub, which will enhance connectivity and drive regeneration in the area. We are excited to move forward to the next phase of construction and continue delivering this transformative project.” The excavation was completed section by section within the box starting from the west and the east of the structure and meeting in the middle. The box is 20m in depth and a reinforced concrete base slab up to 2m in depth is being poured throughout. 32,000 tonnes of steel rebar, assembled by hand on site, has been used in the box alongside 160 reinforced concrete columns which have been installed inside the outer wall to help support the structure. All steel used was 100% responsibly sourced and most of the concrete used is produced by the London Concrete batching plant on site, which reuses rainwater in its mixes. Now the box has been full excavated, the team will be working to pour the final sections of base slab to fully complete the box. Six 450m platforms will be constructed in the underground box for HS2 services. Above ground, eight further platforms are being built, and will be served by the Elizabeth Line, Great Western Mainline services and the Heathrow Express. Old Oak Common station will become one of the country’s most vital transport hubs which will be directly connected on the UK’s railway network to more than 170 destinations. Sam Clark, Head of Delivery for HS2 Ltd, said: “The tremendous progress made by our construction team to complete the excavation of the box is an exciting milestone for the project as it signals the next phase of construction where high speed platforms will be built, as well as the station building itself. “HS2’s Old Oak Common station will be transformational for local and regional connectivity and attract huge investment, development and regeneration to the surrounding area.” The huge amount of London Clay removed in the excavation has been taken away from site by conveyor, reducing lorry movements on local roads. The conveyor, run by the Subcontractor Fairport, took the spoil to the nearby London Logistics Hub, managed by Skanska Costain STRABAG (SCS JV), from where it has been transported by rail to beneficial reuse sites in Kent, Warwickshire and Cambridgeshire. Coinciding with the excavation of the box, HS2 has decommissioned the Old Oak Common station conveyor which has removed over 75,000 lorries from the road since it’s operation in November 2022. Further spurs of the conveyor being used for HS2’s tunnelling operation in the area remain in use. HS2 has also been working with local artists on projects to reuse the London Clay. Absolute Beginners is an arts project led artist Tom James, where local young people are learning to use the clay to make objects. The group began using the clay to make a simple plate, learning how to process, manipulate and fire the clay. The group are now making a dinner service of 100 plates and 100 bowls from some of the excavated materials. The east end of the underground box has been handed over to HS2’s London Tunnels contractor, SCS JV, who are preparing to construct HS2’s running tunnel to Euston. Two giant tunnel boring machines will be lowered into the underground box later this year, before the station team commencing building the roof structure of the super-hub station. Timings and funding for the construction of the Euston Tunnel are being confirmed with government. When HS2 opens, Old Oak Common will be the temporary terminus in the capital. Plans to transform the wider area around the station, a former railway and industrial site, are being led by the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC). Plans are in place to deliver 25,000 new homes and 56,000 new jobs in the area surrounding the station, transforming London’s biggest brownfield site into a thriving community for businesses and residents alike Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Carrier has officially opened a new training academy at its Bracknell service and rentals depot. The new state-of-the-art facility reinforces Carrier’s dedication to training and inspiring the next generation of engineers and technicians while helping to address the skills gap in the HVAC sector. Carrier is part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions. The training academy offers trainee engineers and technicians hands-on experience with Carrier’s commercial product portfolio, including heat pumps, chillers, and air handling units. To enhance their learning and understanding of total life cycle asset management, trainees can also gain skills in service repairs and upgrades, such as VFD (Variable Frequency Drives), refrigerant, compressor overhauls and controls, as well as modernisation and preventative and predictive maintenance. Opening the academy is an important step towards Carrier’s Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) goal to support its customers’ shift towards sustainable solutions and avoid more than 1 gigaton of greenhouse gas emissions from their carbon footprint by 2030. “The grand opening of our new training academy marks a significant milestone for Carrier and stands as a testament to our commitment to building a skilled workforce capable of leading the way in intelligent climate and energy solutions,” said Andrew Paddock, Managing Director Carrier Commercial HVAC UK and Nordics. “We recognise that a future without new talent and continual skill enhancement makes it difficult to fully embrace the electrification of heating systems and to meet net zero targets.” During the grand opening, guests were able to tour the new facilities and see learning come to life with equipment demonstrations. Attendees also celebrated the achievements of its graduating apprentices who have progressed through Carrier’s Apprenticeship programme. Shortly after, guests then heard more about how Carrier is actively growing its apprenticeship programme with the recent appointment of a dedicated apprenticeship programme leader, Adele Watson, along with plans to recruit 20 new apprentices in the coming months. “With the skills gap growing and the industry at risk of losing a wealth of knowledge when our experienced technicians retire, it is crucial that we invest in training new talent,” said Adele Watson, Apprenticeship Programme Lead UK. “Our apprenticeship programme, supported by our new training academy, is designed to help young people master skills for the future so we can achieve sustainability and decarbonisation goals.” Over the coming months, Carrier will develop a training programme focused on educating its engineers about the adoption of new refrigerants, including R290, and invite customers and contract partners to experience exclusive training days at the new facility, further enhancing their awareness and understanding of Carrier’s HVAC solutions. Additionally, the training academy will also be utilised for Carrier’s CIBSE-approved CPD training courses to support HVAC professional’s ongoing professional growth. For more information, visit www.carrier.com/commercial/en/uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new affordable housing development has been officially opened in a Cotswold village. Gloucestershire-based housing association Bromford has completed the redevelopment of 14 former properties with 17 modern, energy efficient homes at Cross Tree Crescent in Kempsford. The new homes, which have all been let at social rent, the lowest cost tenure, have all got solar panels, a waste water heat recovery system and EV charging. The one and two bedroom homes were built by Bromford’s construction partners EG Carter, with the final homes handed over at the end of June. The completion of the 17 new homes is the final phase of the two stage project, which began with the redevelopment of Oakley Flats, on a site opposite Cross Tree Crescent. The 10 new homes built in the first phase, by Speller Metcalfe included four bungalows and were completed in March 2023. Bromford’s Project Manager Millie Nicholls said: “We’re really proud of the new homes we’ve built in Kempsford; they look stunning and I’m sure our customers will enjoy many happy years living here. “The former properties both here and at Oakley Flats had deteriorated over the years and were increasingly expensive for customers to heat. We decided that regenerating them would be best for our customers and the village and by doing so we have added a total of 27 affordable, energy efficient rental properties into the village. There’s a real need for more affordable housing across the Cotswolds and in rural areas in particular where local people can often be priced out of living in the area they grew up in. As one of the country’s most successful builders of affordable housing, we determined to continue developing homes to meet this demand.” Mathew Vye, Associate Director at E G Carter & Co Ltd, said: “We are delighted to have completed the final phase of the Kempsford development. Our collaboration with Bromford has been crucial in delivering these high-quality, affordable homes to the community. We hope these new properties will have a positive impact on the customers, offering them modern, energy efficient living spaces tailored to contemporary needs. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Bromford, creating more opportunities to support and enhance communities through thoughtful and sustainable development.” Bromford is the largest housing association in Gloucestershire, owning more than 12,000 homes across the county, including more than 5,000 in the Cotswold District Council area. Last month the Inside Housing Biggest Builders report named Bromford as the biggest builder of social rent homes over the past year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Proposed route options for the first phase of a new West Yorkshire Mass Transit system will be revealed today in a major step forward for the region’s plans for growth. The Mayor visited Downing Street last week for a meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss the government’s growth mission and how Metro Mayors will help deliver it. Chancellor Rachel Reeves subsequently visited the West Yorkshire Combined Authority offices on Thursday for a discussion about growth and how devolution was key to boosting the economy. Just a few days later (July 15), businesses, politicians and other stakeholders will gather in Leeds city centre to hear more about Mayor Tracy Brabin’s ambitious plans to revolutionise transport in the region. Earlier this year the Mayor set out high level plans for the first phase of a West Yorkshire Mass Transit network. Today marks the start of a public consultation in which people will be asked for their views on a series of possible route options across the Leeds Line and the Bradford Line. The region’s plans for Mass Transit will form a key part of Mayor Brabin’s growth plan. The first phase will be instrumental in connecting people to opportunity and boosting the economy. Feedback from the consultation will be considered as part of ongoing development work to determine a preferred route for the Bradford Line and the Leeds Line. The statutory preferred route consultation will be held in 2025, and the Mayor has previously promised to have spades in the ground on the project by 2028. Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: “I’m committed to growing our economy and putting more money into people’s pockets – but to do so we need a transport network that is fit for purpose. “Pivotal to achieving that is a modern, Mass Transit system interconnected with a West Yorkshire bus network under local control. “I’ve promised to have spades in the ground by 2028 on Mass Transit, but we need to understand the views of the people who will use it to help inform the route it will take.” Sir John Armitt, Chair of the National Infrastructure Commission, said: “Our analysis suggests West Yorkshire is one of the country’s biggest priorities for a major public transport upgrade to meet the needs of local residents and businesses – and this is now firmly on its way. “The effects of making journeys easier and reducing road congestion should unlock significant and sustainable economic growth for Leeds, Bradford and the wider region, as well as improving everyday life. “Mayor Brabin and her team deserve credit for progressing plans to this point, where now the public have their chance to shape the future of a scheme that holds so much potential for boosting commuting, trade and leisure links across the region.” Paul Swinney, Director of Policy at Centre for Cities, said: “The UK economy will only close the yawning gaps we have with France and Germany if big cities like Leeds and the wider West Yorkshire area are able to reach their full potential. “Improving public transport in West Yorkshire to better link people to jobs will be part of achieving this. This makes the Mass Transit consultation important not just for West Yorkshire but for the national economy too.” Tom Forth, founder and CTO of The Data City, one of North England’s fastest growing AI companies, said: “Whether it’s worrying about arriving late for hospital appointments or nursery pickups, opting out of a better-paid job because the commute doesn’t work, or businesses struggling to find the fantastic staff they need to expand, we know in our region how poor connectivity is holding us back. “I can’t wait to make a positive response to the consultation, arguing for the investment that will unlock new homes, new business sites, and better access to nature, entertainment, family, and friends that long overdue investment can unlock “This is our chance to make the plans for Mass Transit in West Yorkshire irresistible to a new UK government focused on growth and prosperity.” Marcus Johns, Senior Research Fellow at IPPR North, said: “Public transport is mission critical for driving up economic growth, opening up opportunities, addressing the climate crisis, and boosting living standards, all shown clearly by the evidence in the UK and internationally. “This ambition to rapidly rollout a Mass Transit system across West Yorkshire is a major step in the right direction, and demonstrates how the gap left by decades of underinvestment in our public transport across the North and beyond can be plugged. “This is not only good for West Yorkshire, as the benefits of bolstering West Yorkshire’s economy will be good for the whole North. It is a clear lesson of the high ambition and benefits that Mayors, devolution, and investment are bringing to our wider region. To unlock shared growth and renewal, we hope to see schemes like this brought forward for cities and towns across the country.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The London Homes Coalition – a partnership of major housing associations, contractors and specialist suppliers in London – has today launched the ‘Building Skills for the Future’ report, which identifies the critical risk to the maintenance, retrofit and provision of London’s social and affordable housing. Based on a first-of-its-kind analysis of the consolidated work programmes of the seven key housing associations in the Coalition, the report identifies a demand of 10,000 people annually to meet their asset management commitments, and up to 31,000 to deliver new build planned investments over the next five years. Combined, the Coalition’s pipeline represents about 10% of the overall construction workforce in the capital, which is a significant proportion considering the competing needs of other housing association and council house building and asset management programmes. Without further action, the Coalition alone faces a potential shortfall of around 2,600 skilled people to deliver these investments. This challenge will be particularly critical for specific trades and occupations. For example, the Coalition alone will require 8-10% of the London’s roofers and carpenters & joiners, which already face significant recruitment pressures. Considering current recruitment trends, the Coalition would only have 85% of the roofers and 78% of the surveyors needed to provide and maintain affordable housing across the capital over the next five years. Additionally, the mutually competing demand for these skills from both low carbon retrofit pressures across all development sectors and the asset management requirements of London’s housing associations is further straining the workforce available for both. The UK social housing sector invests billions annually in improving and maintaining homes, significantly contributing to community value, job creation, and economic growth. Fiona Fletcher-Smith, Chief Executive Officer at L&Q, highlighted the opportunity and challenge this provides: “A quarter of London’s new homes are built by housing associations, and we are responsible for maintaining and investing in over 700,000 homes across the country. However, our workforce is ageing, retiring, and not being replaced by newly trained staff. This growing challenge threatens the provision of genuinely affordable, warm and safe housing in the capital.” The London Homes Coalition recognises the need for sector-wide collaboration, engagement with further education and training providers, and close cooperation with government bodies at national, regional, and local levels. The Building Skills for the Future report outlines three key strategies: Key to achieving this will be to redouble efforts to ensure the workforce is representative of the capital and the people the London Homes Coalition serves. Currently, women represent only 14% of the construction workforce in London, with significantly lower percentages (around 2%) in trade occupations. Similarly, ethnic minorities only make up approximately 24% of the construction workforce in the capital. Careers in these trades offer excellent pay, conditions and scope for progression but these opportunities aren’t reaching all of London’s diverse communities. Targeted initiatives will not only address immediate labour shortages, but will also build a more robust and diverse talent pipeline for the future. Elly Hoult, Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief Executive at Peabody, said “We recognise there is no ‘quick fix’ to this issue. It needs a long-term plan, with organisations across the sector working together to bring about significant change. This is an important first step and we welcome more organisations to join the London Homes Coalition. Together, we’re finding ways to get more people from all backgrounds into construction jobs, while addressing the skills gap that increasingly becomes a barrier as we aim to build more homes and refurbish many others.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Engineering and infrastructure specialist Spencer Group has been appointed to play a key role in the development of a pioneering new energy plant which aims to reshape the future of renewable energy. Spencer Group will deliver a £23m contract to design the site layout and deliver the enabling works and civils for the UK’s first commercial scale liquid air long duration energy storage facility, which is being developed at Trafford Energy Park in Carrington, Manchester. The £300m development by Highview Power will store surplus electricity generated from wind and solar and will be the first commercial-scale plant in the UK deploying pioneering liquid air energy storage technology. Developed by Highview Power in the UK over the past 17 years, the technology enables renewable energy to be stored for up to several weeks, longer than battery technologies. The plant will be one of the world’s largest facilities of its kind and, once complete, will have a storage capacity of 300 MWh – enough clean and green energy to serve the needs of 480,000 homes. Spencer Group Executive Chairman, Charlie Spencer OBE said: “Highview Power is a leading player in helping the UK achieve its net zero targets and is addressing the key issue of energy storage. “We’re delighted to be involved with this exciting and pioneering project, which promises to reshape the future of renewable energy. “We have a strong track record of delivering large-scale energy projects and we’re excited to expand our portfolio of works within this field with a project that will play a key role in the UK’s energy transition.” John Goldie, Highview Power, Programme Director added: “We are looking forward to continuing to build and further our relationship with Spencer Group, which we have developed over the past 24 months during the pre-execute phase of the Carrington project. We selected Spencer Group based on their expertise and experience in delivering similar type projects and providing innovative and value-added solutions in engineering and construction.” Highview Power aims to solve the question of “what do you do when the wind doesn’t blow, and the sun doesn’t shine?” Its technology will support the UK’s energy transition by making intermittent renewable sources such as wind and solar more flexible, as well as cutting energy waste, reducing dependence on foreign gas and ensuring the UK meets net zero goals. It works by converting excess energy into liquid air, which can be easily and safely stored, through a process of cooling, compression and expansion. When power is required, the liquid air is drawn from storage tanks, pumped to high pressure and reheated, with the resulting high-pressure gas used to power a turbine and generate clean electricity on demand. The technology addresses some of the key issues of alternative storage techniques as it is more compact and can be located anywhere, has a long lifespan and can be integrated with existing infrastructure. Spencer Group’s Civils Division will begin work on site in late 2024, with the plant expected to be operational in 2026. Spencer Group’s Account Director, Richard Green-Morgan, added: “This is an area of the energy sector we’re thrilled to work in and we look forward to working with Highview Power to bring significant added value to this project and get the scheme off the ground in the most efficient way. “The uniqueness of our offering is that we have the ability to design all the elements in-house, meaning we are able to quickly and smoothly adapt the design around the client requirements. “The scale of this project means it has been several years in the making, so we’re excited to get on site early next year and begin delivering this pioneering development.” Thanks to the wide range of expertise within the business, Spencer Group has a proven track record of delivering highly successful projects within the energy sector and developing innovative solutions to aid client’s projects. Bringing together knowledge and skills from its civil engineering, mechanical and electrical (M&E) and materials handling teams, Spencer Group is able to deliver power generation projects from start to finish, from planning and designing the plant from scratch, to designing and building the access infrastructure, and commissioning the site when it is built. Highview Power recently secured backing from UK Infrastructure Bank and energy and services company Centrica, alongside a syndicate of investors including Rio Tinto, Goldman Sachs, KIRKBI and Mosaic Capital, to help fund its ambitious plans to accelerate the UK’s transition to net zero. The Carrington development is expected to create more than 700 jobs, and it is hoped that it will be the first of many similar plants around the UK, with Highview Power already planning the next four larger scale facilities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
CIBSE Certification has introduced an innovative scheme designed to assess the competency of individuals offering specialist services in management systems. Recognising the significant challenges faced by organisations and consultants within the Built Environment, particularly in the fields of decarbonisation, net zero initiatives and compliance with the Building Safety Act, this new scheme is a timely and essential resource. Kieran O’Brien, Director of CIBSE Certification, commented on the launch: “This scheme should help organisations easily find suitable resources, as they deal with increasing costs, skills shortages and competency of staff and suppliers. Consultants can also utilise the scheme register to demonstrate their capabilities and engage with potential customers”. CIBSE Certification has a long-standing history of managing accredited schemes and registers, including the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme, Low Carbon Consultants, Display Energy Certificates, and Energy Performance Certificates since 2007. Additionally, CIBSE offers management system certification to ISO 9001, 14001, 45001 and 50001 standards. The newly launched Management System Specialist scheme will include a register of certified individuals, providing vital support for organisations and consultants as they collaborate to tackle industry-wide challenges. For more information on joining the register, visit: https://www.cibsecertification.co.uk/personnel-certification-schemes/management-system-specialist/ To find a competent supplier, visit: https://www.cibsecertification.co.uk/online-register/search-for-an-assessor-or-specialist/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bender UK, a leader in smart, safer, and sustainable energy solutions, today announces a strategic partnership with Morgan Sindall, one of the UK’s leading construction and regeneration contractors. This landmark agreement marks the start of a significant collaboration between the two industry leaders that will enhance infrastructure and future-proof investment projects across the UK. Carl Fletcher, Group Sales Director of Bender UK, who was key in establishing this partnership, commented: “This collaboration with Morgan Sindall is a testament to our collective commitment to sustainability and innovation. “By integrating Bender’s expertise in developing smart and more sustainable solutions, we will optimise productivity, reliability, and efficiency in our partner’s infrastructure projects. “Together, we are not just preparing for the future, but actively predicting, preventing, and protecting investments in such critical industries.” The agreement will see Bender UK provide a comprehensive range of smarter and more sustainable services and products to Morgan Sindall’s group businesses, including construction and healthcare. This collaboration addresses today’s challenges while ensuring readiness for future developments. Morgan Sindall, known for its extensive experience across multiple sectors, will benefit from Bender UK’s cutting-edge technology and engineering solutions. The partnership aims to drive growth and propel innovation, ensuring high safety, reliability, and efficiency standards across all current and future projects. Bender UK’s pioneering expertise will now support Morgan Sindall’s efforts to create robust and efficient infrastructures that protect critical assets, optimise productivity, and deliver unmatched value to communities and businesses. Graham Edgell, Group Procurement Director of Morgan Sindall commented on the partnership: “Our alliance with Bender UK highlights our unwavering promise to deliver cutting-edge and sustainable projects. By collaborating, we best position ourselves to tackle current challenges while future-proofing against the challenges to come.” This strategic partnership represents a major step forward to delivering innovative and sustainable solutions to enhance the built environment and support long-term development goals. By working shoulder to shoulder, Bender UK and Morgan Sindall are formidably positioned to champion industry growth and innovation. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HS2 has completed the four huge piers of the Curzon 2 bridge, marking a significant construction milestone on the sequence of viaducts that will take high-speed trains in and out of Birmingham. The bridge, which has been nicknamed “Bellingham Bridge” in honour of England superstar and Stourbridge-born Jude Bellingham, is the tallest structure in the one-mile stretch of connected viaducts being built through the city’s industrial heartland. It will carry high-speed trains over the existing Victorian brick rail viaduct, with a 25-metre-high curved truss displaying a vibrant light installation which will create a new icon on the city’s skyline. Work began on the four piers in Autumn 2023, with each structure now standing 16 metres tall. Assembly of the deck and the curved truss in weathering steel, has now started and is set to complete by next Spring. The 150-metre-long deck is being assembled on top of the seven piers of the adjacent Curzon 1 viaduct, with around 130 individual parts lifted by crane. The entire deck and truss structure, which weighs over 4,000 tonnes, will then be slid 190 metres into place onto the Curzon 2 piers using a jacking system. This operation is set to take place over 12 days in Summer 2025. The viaduct includes a unique light installation, designed by British artist Liz West, which will introduce a dynamic colour palette to the apertures of the steel truss, framing views of the city. Titled Out of the Blue, the proposed public artwork will create a dramatic feature in Birmingham’s urban landscape. As the gateway to Birmingham, high speed trains will travel out of the west portal of the 3.5 mile Bromford Tunnel at Washwood Heath and onto the one mile long stretch of five connected viaducts – Duddeston Junction, Curzon 1, Curzon 2, Lawley Middleway and Curzon 3 which links onto the platforms of Curzon Street Station. The Curzon approach viaducts are being built by HS2’s West Midlands contractor Balfour Beatty VINCI, with a team of more than 250 people, including engineering apprentices, steel welders, steel fixers and joiners. David King, Senior Project Manager at HS2 Ltd said: “With the completion of these four huge viaduct piers, HS2’s gateway into Birmingham has taken another leap forward. “Passengers travelling on the new high-speed trains will experience a fantastic entrance to the city as they emerge from Bromford Tunnel at Washwood Heath, and rise up onto this striking stretch of viaducts on the approach to the new state-of-the-art Curzon Street Station.” Onder Akin, Senior Project Manager at Balfour Beatty VINCI said: “This iconic bridge is part of a complex series of connected viaducts that will weave through Birmingham’s industrial heartland. I’m proud of how the BBV team has responded to the challenge of building these structures in such a busy urban space, working around existing rail lines and utilities. “The completion of the four 16-metre-high piers to support the bridge shows the great progress we’re making, and the team is now preparing for the operation next year, which we believe will be among the longest bridge launches of its type ever delivered in the UK.” The design for the Curzon Street approaches section has been developed by a Design Joint Venture of Mott MacDonald and Systra and architects Weston Williamson + Partners, all working for Balfour Beatty VINCI. Nicholas Robertshaw, Design Project Director at Mott MacDonald SYSTRA Design Joint Venture said: “It’s clear to see from the height of the completed piers that the Curzon 2 viaduct will be become an iconic part of Birmingham’s skyline, referencing the city’s industrial heritage. “The work done to date is a testament to the collaborative efforts made by all parties to design this vital piece of transport infrastructure in a way which will benefit passengers and deliver a lasting legacy for the wider Birmingham community.” A truss bridge is light but strong, composed of connected elements that form triangular units, and constructed using a relatively small amount of material. This makes the truss form ideal to assemble offline and then launch from one end and in one piece across the existing railway viaduct below. The truss has been designed to ‘wrap’ around the viaduct, extending the bottom of the steel to wrap underneath the viaduct deck and forming a visual connection to the steel girders of the adjacent structures. The viaduct deck itself will carry three parallel high speed rail tracks over the existing east-west rail line. When complete, HS2 will improve connections between London and the West Midlands, with trains running further north on existing lines. This new high speed railway will create quicker and far more reliable journeys, driving economic growth while crucially freeing up space for more local trains on the most congested part of the existing West Coast Main Line. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
