Public sector construction suppliers are being invited to attend a major industry event that will discuss broad perspectives from across the sector on retrofitting at scale to decarbonise the UK’s existing built environment and deliver a net zero future. Scheduled for 28 February in Birmingham, the Retrofit for a Net
Construction company Boutique Modern will start building a new factory in Newhaven this year which will create more than 35 further jobs at the business and double its capacity. The BCorp modular housing company was given the green light by Lewes District Council to build the factory in Avis Way
The digital mapping system is being implemented on projects delivered through the Repairs and Maintenance Framework with Northumbrian Water Group. Esh Construction has showcased the latest in UK digital mapping innovations on site after helping to shape the technology’s development with Northumbrian Water Group (NWG). The National Underground Asset Register
The UK’s fastest bricklayer has praised the talents of more than one hundred apprentices at the National House Building Council’s (NHBC) latest graduation ceremony in Milton Keynes. Held at the UK’s leading warranty and insurance providers NHBC Headquarters in Knowlhill, Milton Keynes, on Friday 16 February 2024, YouTube sensation and
An exciting, new holiday resort destination just 25 minutes from Glasgow city centre is set to open this summer as 18 luxury lodges, available for rental all year round, get under construction on the picturesque banks of the Clyde. The £2.5m investment project is being undertaken by River View Luxury
FACTA has long been recognised as the industry specification for fabricated access covers and they have just launched an excellent new CPD resource. The guide to specifying a fabricated access cover is a much-needed tool for specifiers, manufacturers, and installers. This valuable resource provides expert information that is essential for
In construction, a surefire way of throwing hard-earned cash away is through bad processes and inefficiency. They are the main reasons companies experience poor productivity, missed deadlines, higher costs, and ultimately reduced profits. It has become such a major issue that research states that a staggering 98% of large-scale construction
Cordel Group, an artificial intelligence platform, has officially started its data contract with Network Rail to provide advanced data capture services on High Speed One (HS1). The AIM-listed company has successfully installed its equipment on trains, which now operate in daily service, delivering crucial engineering insights to the UK’s rail
Corstorphine & Wright has submitted plans for the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) at Seacroft Hospital in Leeds (Yorkshire, UK) run by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. The planning application follows extensive stakeholder engagement sessions to create a building that meets the vision of all those involved, including clinical
Cornish developer Treveth has agreed terms with its first commercial tenant at Dudnance Lane in Pool, the company’s first fully refurbished unit in Pool, West Cornwall. The tenant, Rexel UK Ltd, a leading electrical distribution company, signed up for a 15 year lease and their strategic relocation to Dudnance Lane
Public sector construction suppliers are being invited to attend a major industry event that will discuss broad perspectives from across the sector on retrofitting at scale to decarbonise the UK’s existing built environment and deliver a net zero future. Scheduled for 28 February in Birmingham, the Retrofit for a Net Zero Future Conference promises to be a gathering of industry leaders, innovators, and experts, all committed to paving the way for a sustainable future. The conference is being spearheaded by LHC Procurement Group (LHC), a not-for-profit built environment, compliance and consultancy framework provider delivering exclusively to the public sector. Among the distinguished speakers announced for the event are Euan Durston, Regional Director at ECD Architects, and Luke Smith, Managing Director at Build Test Solutions. Durston brings with him a wealth of experience from ECD Architects, renowned for delivering retrofit projects at scale across the UK. He will present case studies showcasing successful retrofitting at scale for a net zero future, offering practical examples and lessons learned. Smith, on the other hand, will delve into the critical role of measurement and analysis to ensure that the desired outcomes for building performance and quality are met. Other speakers at the event include Karen Ashley-Seaman, Product Manager at Vaillant, who will be delving into the importance of collaboration with stakeholders in achieving net zero through retrofit initiatives. Matt Hickman, Bid Director at VINCI Facilities, will provide insights from the responsible main contractor perspective, shedding light on the intricacies of delivering net zero projects. Simon Kemp, Director of Growth and Innovation at Warmworks, will speak on simplifying procurement of large-scale retrofit projects. LHC will also lead several discussions at the event, including one by Chris Ferguson, Technical Manager, Energy Efficiency at LHC, who will address the knowledge gap challenges facing the sector in achieving net zero and discuss strategies for overcoming these hurdles. At the heart of the discussions will be LHC’s latest Decarbonisation and Retrofit (N9) framework. Developed in response to extensive market engagement, this framework is poised to assist public sector organisations in overcoming the hurdles of decarbonisation. Dean Fazackerley, Head of Technical Procurement at LHC, said the market had shown a positive response during the framework’s development phase, and explained the Group’s commitment to addressing the sector’s challenges. Dean Fazackerley said: “The conference will explore the urgent challenge of decarbonising the UK’s built environment, and the practical ways that public sector organisations can improve their buildings, such as enhancing building insulation, optimising heating systems and integrating renewable energy solutions. “Participants can look forward to discussions facilitating broad industry perspectives on areas such as control and management systems, electrical servicing, and multi-disciplinary works among other measures aimed at resolving the challenges towards a net zero future. “Collaboration is paramount in meeting this challenge, and by exchanging data, sharing best practices, and fostering innovation, we can drive meaningful change and usher in a new era of sustainability in the construction sector.” Designed to facilitate a transition to net zero, the N9 framework will offer a suite of energy efficiency and decarbonisation solutions, including consultancy services. Anticipated to launch in mid-2024, N9 holds significant importance in the journey towards achieving net carbon zero. Dean added: “This is an area of increased importance as we all strive to improve building stock, reduce operating costs, and deliver positive outcomes for occupants.” It is the most important net zero framework in development since LHC became a CLG last year and will be available nationwide through the Group’s five business units: London and South East (LSE); Consortium Procurement Construction (CPC); South West Procurement Alliance (SWPA); Welsh Procurement Alliance (WPA); and Scottish Procurement Alliance (SPA). The Retrofit for a Net Zero Future event promises attendees access to invaluable insights, best practices, and experiences in delivering retrofit and decarbonisation programs. With partners including Build Test Solutions, ECD Architects, Vaillant, Vinci Facilities, and Warmworks, the event is expected to catalyse meaningful discussions and collaborations within the sector. It will take place on 28 February at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Birmingham. To secure your place and be a part of shaping the future of construction, visit the LHC website. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction company Boutique Modern will start building a new factory in Newhaven this year which will create more than 35 further jobs at the business and double its capacity. The BCorp modular housing company was given the green light by Lewes District Council to build the factory in Avis Way and plans to move in at the end of this year. The business specialises in delivering sustainable homes for affordable and social housing schemes in the South East, helping the most vulnerable people in society to find a place they can call home. Dick Shone, managing director at Boutique Modern, said: “This is an exciting new chapter for Boutique Modern, which will mean more homes and jobs for local people. “This will prepare us for the next exciting phase when we open satellite factories in other areas with housing demand. Each new factory will create upwards of 100 new jobs and generate more than £20m for the local economy per year, per facility. “It’s our belief that social and affordable housing should be beautifully designed and sustainable and it’s a privilege for us to be able to make a difference.” The factory has been designed by award-winning Brighton architects Morgan Carn and will feature a two-storey industrial building to be used to manufacture offsite modular housing units. Boutique Modern currently employs more than 70 people but has outgrown its current site in Beach Road. The new factory will take its headcount to more than 100 employees. The empty disused site in Avis Way was previously occupied by a large workshop, store and office building that was demolished in 2021 and the space is currently used by Boutique Modern for the temporary storage of off-site housing modules. When the new factory opens at the end of this year, it will enable the business to operate two manufacturing lines, which will provide more flexibility in terms of what it manufactures and increase control over delivery speed to clients. At full capacity the factory will be capable of producing up to 125 houses or 250 flats per year, whilst maintaining flexibility in its output to manage market peaks and troughs. Shone added: “The Boutique Modern business model has been developed over more than 10 years to allow us to open satellite factories in locations where there is housing demand. “Instead of growing one large factory capable of producing thousands of homes in a single location, the Avis Way Factory will allow us the opportunity to pilot setting up in a new facility with our existing processes and systems before we expand to other sites, thereby enabling the sustainable growth of our business.” The new factory will feature solar panels to provide on-site power generation for lighting and power tools, feeding energy back into the grid when not required on site. It will also include electric vehicle charging points and more than 30 covered cycle spaces for employees to cycle to work, together with trees and plants to improve the look of the site. Councillor Zoe Nicholson, leader of Lewes District Council, said: “I’ve placed a strong focus on community wealth building at the council, so to see a local contractor we work with growing so dynamically is really exciting and welcome news. “I recall being at the opening of the homes in Fort Road, Newhaven, the first modular project undertaken by Boutique Modern for Lewes District Council. “It was a proud moment seeing new council housing opened that is highly sustainable and of such high quality. There is so much good news coming out of Newhaven and plenty still to come.” Newhaven Enterprise Zone programme director Corinne Day said: “We are so happy Boutique Modern is expanding into a new site in the town. “We cannot wait to cheer on the business as it continues on its exciting journey and it’s fantastic news it will create even more jobs for local people, both here in the town and later on in other sites across the region.” For more information visit: https://boutiquemodern.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The digital mapping system is being implemented on projects delivered through the Repairs and Maintenance Framework with Northumbrian Water Group. Esh Construction has showcased the latest in UK digital mapping innovations on site after helping to shape the technology’s development with Northumbrian Water Group (NWG). The National Underground Asset Register (NUAR) was created by the Geospatial Commission to digitally map data on underground power cables and utility services across the UK. Clive Surman-Wells, Innovation Partnerships Manager at Northumbrian Water Group, initiated the concept during the firm’s Innovation Festival in 2018. Esh Construction was the initial contractor to trial the system, and has worked collaboratively with the water company to develop the technology since 2018. Norman Barnett, Framework Director at Esh Construction, said: “NUAR will be a game changer for health and safety in the construction industry, which all those that have been involved with it so far within Esh are in agreement with. Being able to access this information around the clock, and to also capture unchartered service information, is a huge step forward. We are proud to be one of the first contractors nationally to have been involved with the development of NUAR, from conception, through the trials and now at the go live stage.” With upwards of 60,000 accidents recorded owing to accidental damage to the network annually, NUAR is identified as not only reducing the number of accidents, but innovating timesaving and health and safety enhancements to working conditions. HSEQ Advisor at Esh Construction, Ash Dunn said: “As a delivery and framework partner for Northumbrian Water Group, we were at the Innovation Festival in 2018 and we’ve been involved with it since – the health and safety benefits are huge. “The team on the ground can see more than they’ve ever been able to see before regarding restrictions and hazards, and the clarity of the system beats anything that has been available before it. When you can easily understand the hazards that are there, it eliminates one element of danger, which is immensely important within a construction environment and in line with our ‘Everyone Safely Home’ campaign.” Dunn has been heavily involved in rolling out the system among the Esh Construction team and said the change from cross-referencing and plotting out multiple maps in back-end administration prior to starting on site to the new NUAR system, which provides instant access when you insert the co-ordinates, offers a monumental shift. Dunn and his colleagues showcased how Esh operates the system, where Groundworker and foreman John Ridley said it has been really beneficial. He said: “NUAR allows us to respond to emergencies and mobilise on site almost immediately without the need to wait for multiple utility drawings to be issued. Seeing as many assets visible on a single view as possible makes it easier to understand what utilities are in the area and where they are. Having 24/7 access to a live system is a major benefit as we regularly work around the clock and carry out excavations overnight.” NUAR is a system that has the capability to provide detailed underground maps from over 700 utilities providers, with asset owners like Northumbrian Water being responsible for granting access to its contractors. While the UK Government’s intended rollout across the UK by 2025 continues to be developed, Esh will gradually implement the system through the Runway 1 Repairs and Maintenance Framework with Northumbrian Water, but it is envisaged that it will go across the business’ wider divisions when it becomes available to all contractors. Clive Surman-Wells, Innovation Partnerships Manager at Northumbrian Water Group said: “We’re convinced of the many benefits of NUAR: helping keep our people safe when they are excavating and minimising our impact on services to customers being just two. NWG have rolled-out NUAR more extensively than any other company and in the North East region there is increasing uptake across both utilities and local authorities. Throughout the development process we have worked collaboratively with Esh, the Geospatial Commission and other asset owners to design a really usable system.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The UK’s fastest bricklayer has praised the talents of more than one hundred apprentices at the National House Building Council’s (NHBC) latest graduation ceremony in Milton Keynes. Held at the UK’s leading warranty and insurance providers NHBC Headquarters in Knowlhill, Milton Keynes, on Friday 16 February 2024, YouTube sensation and Super Trowels Bricklaying Competition winner, Charlie Collison, said apprentices are key to the housing industry’s future and urged more people to consider a career in the sector. “What NHBC and its national network of bricklaying hubs is achieving is vital if we’re going to close the skills gap and housing shortage we are facing,” Charlie said. “Each NHBC Training Hub across the country is enabling 100 apprentices to be trained by experienced tutors each year, enabling house builders to create a flow of new talent onto sites. It’s a great start to begin to address the skills gap in house building, the impact of which cannot be underestimated. The research is showing the need for an additional 225,000 construction workers in the UK by 2027 – that’s a staggering 45,000 per year. “When this is considered alongside recent reports that builders are struggling to recruit bricklayers, it becomes clear just how important it is for the house-building industry to attract more people from all backgrounds to bricklaying. It also highlights how significant it is to have so many accomplished bricklayers here with us today,” Charlie said. Amongst those recognised was Jack Hart, 17, Leicestershire, bricklaying apprentice who trained at NHBC’s Training Hub in Tamworth. Jack, who passed with a distinction was today awarded NHBC Apprentice Bricklayer of the Year. Jack said a career in the housing industry offers so many opportunities. “Training at the NHBC Training Hub, meant I had leading experts teaching me real on-site experience from just five weeks in and my apprenticeship was completed in just 18 months. That’s a standout difference compared to 30 months which it can take through more traditional routes,” said Jack. “I would recommend an apprenticeship at one of NHBC’s Training Hubs as it’s a great way to learn. I’ve not only gained bricklaying skills, but I’ve expanded my people skills and learnt a lot about communication. I knew I wanted to learn about bricklaying so the opportunity to do this while also still earning money was really attractive to me. People are often surprised to learn the average bricklayer earns 50 thousand pounds a year. An apprenticeship in bricklaying is a pathway to a really well-paid and greatly varied career in the housebuilding industry. I’d encourage everyone to consider it. Since becoming a registered apprenticeship provider in 2020, around 450 people have progressed through NHBC’s Bricklaying Training Hubs. Also recognised at the ceremony were students studying with NHBC for apprenticeships in Construction Site Supervision and various other housebuilding roles. Stephanie Black, 23, Northampton, was awarded NHBC’s Construction Site Supervisor Apprentice of the Year. Stephanie said: “An apprenticeship in house building is for everyone!” We must attract the widest pool of talent and people from all backgrounds to take up an apprenticeship in the house-building industry to help address the nationwide skills gap and housing shortage. I took on such a varied, interesting and demanding apprenticeship, and have gained such extensive knowledge and expertise in a wide variety of topics. I’m looking forward to what I hope to be a great career ahead which offers many opportunities and makes a real difference.” Darryl Stewart, responsible for NHBC’s apprentice training programme and training hubs, said, it’s encouraging to see people entering a career in housebuilding but there’s still more to do. “In recent years, house builders have found it more challenging to recruit people for a range of reasons. It’s an industry which is facing an ageing workforce and has been seen as a career path mainly for men. This means we must continue to find ways to encourage people from all walks of life to join the sector as it offers a fantastic range of careers and an apprenticeship in the house-building industry is a pathway into a rewarding and well-paid career that can make a real difference. “At NHBC, our apprenticeships and training programmes and our growing network of national NHBC Training Hubs, are getting more people started in the industry and helping to close the skills gap by training the next generation of house builders. Our house-building apprenticeships are an excellent alternative to the more traditional educational routes with our courses designed with input from across the industry and leading experts. It’s fantastic to see this latest cohort today of over 100 apprentices being equipped with skills for life which they can take forward and use to build high-quality new homes. NHBC’s apprenticeships are for everyone and we’re delighted to see people from all backgrounds coming through, including women, career changers, diverse cultures and school leavers wanting to work in house building. It’s never too late to learn a new skill!” Darryl said. For more information about NHBC’s apprenticeships, visit Apprenticeships | NHBC Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
An exciting, new holiday resort destination just 25 minutes from Glasgow city centre is set to open this summer as 18 luxury lodges, available for rental all year round, get under construction on the picturesque banks of the Clyde. The £2.5m investment project is being undertaken by River View Luxury Lodges, whose site is located by the end of the M8 at West Ferry, Langbank, Renfrewshire. Ground has been broken this week and the owners expect to welcome their first visitors this summer when the first tranche of 6 lodges open. Situated right on the southern edge of the river Clyde, with spectacular outlooks, each lodge will have uninterrupted views of Dumbarton Rock and beyond. Easy access is a key attraction, either from the M8 or Langbank railway station which sits on the Glasgow Central – Gourock line. Guests will be able to choose from two and three-bed high-end self-catering lodges, complete with jacuzzi, barrel steam room, a full suite of on-demand TV packages and BBQ. In addition there will be a dedicated space for weddings and other events. Popular local attractions include the Finlaystone Country Estate, with its woodlands, play areas and garden centre, hotel and leisure complex, Gleddoch Golf and Spa Resort, Coast Bar and Restaurant and Ingliston Hotel and Country Club. River View Luxury Lodges is a venture led by Calum Melville, CEO of Edison Capital, whose operations include East Kilbride-headquartered Principal Building, which will construct and install the lodges. Mr Melville said: “It has been a long road getting to this point but now that we have all the planning permissions in place, we are looking forward to seeing our vision made a reality. “The popularity of luxury self-catering lodges in Scotland over the last ten years is well-documented and West Ferry will offer not only a relaxing stay in an idyllic setting but is also readily accessible to a huge swathe of Scotland’s population, being just 10 minutes from the airport and 25 minutes from Glasgow city centre. “Langbank is a lovely, friendly village with a fine golf course and a hospitality venue that attracts wedding guests and others all year round, so we anticipate that the local economy will be given a welcome economic boost by the River View Luxury Lodges and the steady number of visitors we hope to attract. “In the wider area there’s something for everyone within a 30-minute drive including prestigious golf courses, fine dining, historical landmarks, and fantastic outdoor activities and scenery.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
FACTA has long been recognised as the industry specification for fabricated access covers and they have just launched an excellent new CPD resource. The guide to specifying a fabricated access cover is a much-needed tool for specifiers, manufacturers, and installers. This valuable resource provides expert information that is essential for navigating the complexities of the process. Don’t miss out on this FREE opportunity to stay ahead of the curve and gain valuable insight into specifying fabricated access covers. Visit www.facta.org.uk for this indispensable resource! FACTA members, who are industry experts, collectively provide up-to-date news and updates on standards relevant to the industry, as well as improved guidance notes and position papers. The FACTA specification is well recognised and used extensively in the construction industry by contractors, builders’ merchants, leading utility companies, and importantly, by specifiers including architects and consulting engineers. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
In construction, a surefire way of throwing hard-earned cash away is through bad processes and inefficiency. They are the main reasons companies experience poor productivity, missed deadlines, higher costs, and ultimately reduced profits. It has become such a major issue that research states that a staggering 98% of large-scale construction projects go over budget and experience delays. Manual data entry, poor communication, and missing information fall within a wide range of inefficiencies that are rife throughout construction and make a huge impact on the bottom line. And the longer a bad process continues, the more it costs a company. Thankfully, the emergence of user-friendly construction ERP software signalled a breakthrough in the construction industry, so the inefficiencies and bad processes that plagued an outdated sector are fast becoming a thing of the past. Construction ERP software enables companies to automate workflow, improve project management, and streamline day-to-day tasks that once upon a time would gobble up resources and chip away at profit margins. A project manager’s worst nightmare is when working days are lost because teams have failed to communicate properly. Unavoidable errors of this nature not only hinder everyone on the job, but inevitably result in expensive downtime and cost money to fix. A simple way to improve communication and collect and share real-time data is with ERP software, so that inefficiencies and bad processes are avoided or overcome. Some of the most common inefficiencies in the construction industry include: Poor Communication Clear communication lines are essential for the smooth running of any construction project. Poor communication leads to on-site confusion, project uncertainty, and a general lack of understanding among workers. Ultimately, this all adds up to work delays, missed deadlines, and profit losses which no construction company can afford to absorb. Weak Planning A construction project involves a multitude of moving parts from general contractors and suppliers to designers and inspectors. Getting everyone to smoothly align and on time using just email and phone can be a monumental challenge. One simple scheduling glitch can quickly escalate into huge, costly problems such as when a materials delivery is late arriving, and a team of sub-contractors is prevented from working. Aversion to Technology Before the arrival of ERP software and other cloud-based resources, the construction industry was synonymous with its unwillingness to adopt new technology. While other industries embraced digital automation, construction remained stuck in the past, in a world where paper, pen, and hand-drawn plans remained the go-to tools of project managers. Luckily, construction has undergone dramatic modernisation in recent times, with technology delivering better processes, communication, and information streams so that projects are delivered on time and for maximum profit. Digital tools such as fully integrated construction ERP software are supporting the industry in several ways, including: Smart automation The biggest problem with manual tasks is they are prone to human error. By automating the most mundane tasks, construction teams can focus on delivering a project on time and in the most efficient way. Even day-to-day tasks such as timesheets and payroll can be streamlined and automated with construction software so that teams can focus their attention on developing creative solutions to problems that may arise. It is estimated that 75% of companies that leverage workflow automation believe it gives them a competitive advantage over those that don’t. Enhanced reporting With construction ERP software, companies can gain a clear picture of their past practices and gain a better understanding of the way they work. Automatically updated reports including budgets and job costings help companies track projects more accurately, identify areas for improvement, and allow companies to forecast their futures more accurately and reduce risk. Real-time data Construction companies are using real-time data to improve communication between operational, commercial, financial, and on-site teams. Utilising cloud-based software speeds up processes and makes real-time data instantly accessible at any time and on any device. It ensures everyone on the project is always working with the same data and that all teams are aligned. As a result, the days when a call to the site office would go unanswered or an important email would take days for a response are over, and companies can work quicker, smarter, and more efficiently. There was a time when doubling up on tasks, taking too long to finish a project, and paying too much to get something done would take a significant chunk out of a company’s wallet. However, construction ERP software has helped eradicate these clunky processes by changing the way the industry works through improved efficiency and communication. With greater visibility across all teams and immediate access to real-time data, construction companies can look forward to a boost in productivity and bigger profit margins. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Cordel Group, an artificial intelligence platform, has officially started its data contract with Network Rail to provide advanced data capture services on High Speed One (HS1). The AIM-listed company has successfully installed its equipment on trains, which now operate in daily service, delivering crucial engineering insights to the UK’s rail infrastructure manager. The technology autonomously collects data from the HS1 route for Network Rail, uploading it seamlessly to the cloud. Utilizing routine automated surveys, it measures the height of overhead lines and the stagger of cables supplying power to trains on the track. The contract, awarded in October, marks a significant step in enhancing rail infrastructure management. HS1 operates routes connecting St Pancras International to the Channel Tunnel and facilitates connections to international lines, including Paris, Lille, Brussels, and Amsterdam. Mark Devereux, Head of Electrification and Plant at Network Rail High Speed, expressed satisfaction, stating, “On schedule, and within four months of contract award, Cordel has installed on-train equipment and rolled out automated data capture.” Looking ahead, Devereux anticipates that Cordel’s automated inspection management service and AI processing will enable rapid turnaround times. Cordel aims to provide Data-as-a-Service insights crucial for supporting efficient and safe engineering management of railway infrastructure maintenance and renewals. John Davis, CEO of Cordel, expressed excitement about expanding their world-leading technology to cater to HS1’s specific requirements. Cordel has successfully captured and processed data across more than 500,000 miles of international railway lines, resulting in unparalleled AI learning and data management experience. Recent disruptions on the high-speed route have led to increased scrutiny of Network Rail and operators like Eurostar. Cordel’s innovative approach aims to address these challenges and contribute to the efficient and safe functioning of the HS1 rail network. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Corstorphine & Wright has submitted plans for the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) at Seacroft Hospital in Leeds (Yorkshire, UK) run by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. The planning application follows extensive stakeholder engagement sessions to create a building that meets the vision of all those involved, including clinical staff, patients, and the wider MND community, as well as the Burrow family. The centre has been funded by Leeds Hospitals Charity, through its Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease appeal which has now raised over £5.3 million of its £6.8 million target. It will be a hub of innovation, education and excellence in the treatment for MND for the region, bringing together holistic patient-centred care in a purpose-built environment. The brand-new centre will see all MND services housed under one roof for the first time, in an accessible location conscious of the needs of those who visit. Supporting all aspects of the patient’s journey, the centre will create comfortable and peaceful surroundings for patients and their families, including spaces to reflect after sensitive conversations as well as places to engage and create positive moments. The proposed building is arranged in three joined forms – an East and West Wing which house the primary clinical spaces, connected via a central atrium. This central space has been designed as a community focussed area with a mix of accommodation from reading and quiet spaces, as well as activity and dining areas. It will be a place for family members to use and will enable staff to observe patients in a more informal setting. The first floor is designated as a staff area with a dedicated wellbeing space to provide staff working in the building with space away from the clinical areas – an important consideration when providing care to patients with such a challenging condition. Externally, the building has presence, but still fulfills the requirements for a centre that feels like home. It takes references from the local vernacular in the form of red brick tiles and gabled roofs, providing texture to clean architectural forms. Internally, natural materials will blend throughout the spaces, adding further texture and helping to support the wellbeing of patients and staff using the building. The new centre will make the most of the existing landscape features including mature trees and will provide landscaped gardens with access routes through zones with a mixture of textural planting which patients can engage with. It will also provide spaces for other therapy activities to take place as well as a memorial wall for private moments with projecting roof forms acting as a transitional zone for those entering and exiting the building. Targeting a sustainability rating of BREEAM “Excellent” the centre will also be built with a vision for the future, able to adapt to new innovations and treatments for MND patients as they emerge. Architect and Associate Director at Corstorphine & Wright, Toby Ingle, said: “As well as being adaptable for the future, one of the main visions of the new MND centre is to create a space for the MND community to come together to support one another, and this will remain at the heart of what it does. Engaging with what the community wants the new centre to be has fundamentally informed how we have designed the new building, from its location on the site and the materials we will build it from, to the furniture that we will specify and the colours and textures we will weave throughout the building and landscape. The Corstorphine & Wright team is honoured to be able to deliver this building for Leeds Teaching Hospitals, Leeds Hospitals Charity and for the MND community, and the submission of the planning application marks a positive and exciting step forward in seeing it come to fruition.” Craige Richardson, Director for Estates and Facilities, Leeds Teaching Hospitals, said:“Following extensive stakeholder engagement sessions, we are very pleased that the planning application for the new Motor Neurone Disease centre has been submitted to Leeds City Council. We hope our vision for this exemplary facility will be supported, having already received so much community backing. Once we move past this point, the landscape really starts to take shape, and we anticipate a rapid succession of activity over the next few months.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Cornish developer Treveth has agreed terms with its first commercial tenant at Dudnance Lane in Pool, the company’s first fully refurbished unit in Pool, West Cornwall. The tenant, Rexel UK Ltd, a leading electrical distribution company, signed up for a 15 year lease and their strategic relocation to Dudnance Lane marks an exciting phase in Rexel UK Ltd’s expansion plans and underscores Treveth’s commitment to facilitating the growth of dynamic Cornwall-based businesses within its commercial properties. The 7,319 sq ft unit, located in a prominent, convenient warehouse location, close to the A30, stood vacant for some time before it was upgraded to modern standards in 2023 by Treveth. Treveth, a sustainable developer which strives to achieve challenging carbon emissions targets set for 2030, saved over 100 tonnes of carbon during the refurbishment works by retaining the original foundations and steel structure of the building. Robert Churchill, Senior Commercial Property Manager at Treveth, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Rexel UK Ltd to Treveth’s first fully-refurbished commercial property on Dudnance Lane. It’s great to have the unit finished and already fully let to a growing and expanding local business that will bring much-needed employment to this area. Robert continues, “This lease agreement signifies Treveth’s commitment to curating modern commercial spaces that bring economic, social and environmental value and cater to the evolving needs of businesses here in Cornwall. We’re excited to see the early uptake of the unit by Rexel UK Ltd and look forward to seeing them thrive in their new location.” The move from a current depot in Redruth by Rexel UK Ltd, which was facilitated by Truro-based property consultants Vickery Holman, has been made to accommodate Rexel’s expanding operations, and create a larger distribution hub for Cornwall. Alan Trelor, Director at Vickery Holman says Dudnance Lane has generated a significant amount of interest since marketing began. He said: “High-quality, excellent specification commercial space is in great demand in Cornwall and the level of interest we received is a clear indicator that this sustainable workspace is just what the region needs.” Under the stewardship of Treveth, the Dudnance Lane commercial unit offers Rexel UK Ltd a spacious and modern facility to optimise its operational efficiency and enhance the overall customer experience. The move reflects Rexel UK Ltd’s need for a larger footprint to meet the growing demand for its products and services. Peter Warrington, Head of Property for Rexel UK ltd commented, “We’re delighted to be moving our operations to this fantastic location. Dudnance Lane was selected for its strategic positioning and accessibility, offering Rexel an advantageous location for both operations and customer engagement. We are looking to expand on our presence and our services offered in Cornwall. This move will bolster our logistical capabilities and foster improved efficiency and scalability in the region”. Treveth own and manage a number of commercial units in Bodmin, Helston and Falmouth which are all currently fully let. Its strategy is to grow its commercial estate to meet an ambitious target of creating at least 5000sq m of high-quality commercial workspace across Cornwall per year by 2025. For more information on Treveth, visit www.treveth.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
