JQ Rise, a striking new 226-home development at the edge of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, has marked the major milestone of reaching its highest point during construction – known as ‘topping out’. The scheme has been delivered by Birmingham-based residential developer and investor Prosperity Group. JQ Rise is located on Summer
Britain’s most extensive construction project, HS2, is proving to be a catalyst for the growth of small businesses. Recent data reveals that HS2’s civil contractors doubled their spending with SMEs (companies with 250 or fewer employees) in the financial year 2022/23 compared to the previous year. Small and medium-sized businesses,
As the government’s biodiversity net gain (BNG) requirement for developers becomes mandatory, national property consultancy Carter Jonas has announced the significant sale of over 200 units in Cambridgeshire. Legislation comes into force across England this week ruling that planning applications for all major developments must include provision for BNG of
Planning professionals across the public and private sectors continue to report low levels of confidence in their ability to handle new Biodiversity Net Gain requirements in the planning process, according to a survey from the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI). The measures, introduced under the Environment Act, come into effect
Thames Water, the UK’s largest water and wastewater services provider, has announced the establishment of the FA2050 Technical Partner Framework to support its groundbreaking Strategic Resource Options (SRO) programme. This framework, with a contract value of £300 million and a term of up to eight years, marks a significant milestone
Knauf is delighted to announce it is now an official company supporter of the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity. The partnership underscores Knauf’s commitment to nurturing a positive impact within the construction sector by championing the wellbeing and mental health of industry professionals. The Lighthouse Charity is the UK’s only charity
3D modelling will enable the creation of more stable and efficient networks Amrax, a 3D modelling and spatial data capture company, has announced a strategic partnership with network planning solution provider Ranplan Wireless. The collaboration will enable designers to use 3D modelling to create ultra efficient wireless networks. Through Amrax’s
A stray cat seen wandering the Hitchin streets is now living it up in a bijou property designed and built by an award-winning construction company. The open-plan home, built over one level, has access to all local amenities with regular food deliveries and a constant supply of fresh water. Nick
A new study by Juniper Research, the foremost experts in technology markets, forecasts substantial growth of 182% in the number of smart parking spaces within cities; from 5.8 million in 2024. Smart parking utilises a combination of sensors and real-time data to provide road users with information on closest available
The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) is close to reaching the halfway mark of its ambitious aim to take on 590 apprentices across the rail upgrade between Manchester and York, via Leeds and Huddersfield. The number of apprentices on the multi-billion-pound programme has reached 264, primarily recruited from locations along the
JQ Rise, a striking new 226-home development at the edge of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, has marked the major milestone of reaching its highest point during construction – known as ‘topping out’. The scheme has been delivered by Birmingham-based residential developer and investor Prosperity Group. JQ Rise is located on Summer Hill Road & Goodman Street. The new homes are spread across three blocks ranging from four, eight and a 25-storey tower and includes external communal gardens for residents. The milestone was celebrated by members of the Prosperity Group team, as well as some of the scheme’s major contributors, including FPMcCann, CBP Architects, and Thornley & Lumb Partnership. The building has topped out two years after groundworks were laid. The internal fit out of the building is also being completed at pace, with the development set to welcome its first residents in Summer 2024. All 226 new homes have already been sold ahead of completion of the new milestone residential scheme. JQ Rise is among several Prosperity Group-led projects being developed across Birmingham in 2024, with works set to begin on 146 new homes on Kent Street in Southside and 687 new homes in Digbeth later this year. Joe Billingham, Chief Executive at Prosperity Group, said: “I am delighted that we have now reached this milestone as we draw closer to completing the entire development of JQ Rise. It is a fantastic project for Birmingham and one that we are extremely proud of. It has seen us transform of a brownfield site to deliver new homes as well as local growth and prosperity. “JQ Rise is a key part of our exciting development pipeline for 2024, as we continue to deliver high-quality places for people to live. This moment is a clear sign that we are delivering for the city.” Mark McCann, Director at FPMcCann, said: “We’ve been delighted to partner with Prosperity Group on this excellent project. It is a great showpiece scheme right in the centre of Birmingham and one with great unique features that helps elevate the value JQ Rise creates for the city and local area.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Britain’s most extensive construction project, HS2, is proving to be a catalyst for the growth of small businesses. Recent data reveals that HS2’s civil contractors doubled their spending with SMEs (companies with 250 or fewer employees) in the financial year 2022/23 compared to the previous year. Small and medium-sized businesses, constituting over 70% of HS2’s supply chain, collectively received a substantial £942 million—a significant increase from the £456 million spent in the preceding year. This injection of funds provided a welcome uplift for construction companies nationwide grappling with challenges tied to rising inflation and supply chain disruptions from the pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine. The magnitude and pace of HS2’s construction in that year reached its zenith, with the project hitting peak construction and the workforce reaching a record-breaking 30,000. Robin Lapish, HS2’s Supply Chain Lead, expressed, “From the outset, we set ambitious targets to ensure that UK-based SMEs would benefit from HS2’s extensive construction programme. Our contractors, through their procurement processes, embraced the challenge, resulting in just under a billion pounds flowing into small businesses across the country in a single year of our civil engineering programme.” “2024 promises to be another year of opportunity, with a procurement pipeline worth over £1 billion set to be released by our construction partners, along with the award of our railway systems contracts totalling £5 billion. We want to see more local businesses stepping forward and benefiting.” In the financial year 2022/23, HS2’s seven construction partners (stations and civils) achieved an impressive combined average of 20% total spending with SMEs. Align JV and EKFB JV, responsible for delivering the central sections of the HS2 route, surpassed the average, with respective total spends of 33% and 26%. EKFB JV’s commitment to supplier diversity was acknowledged by the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply in 2020 when it received the ‘Best Initiative to Build a Diverse Supply Base’ award. Chris Read, Supply Chain Management Lead at EKFB JV, attributes the team’s early focus on achieving supplier diversity to its continued success. Chris added, “We developed a detailed action plan as soon as we secured our civils contract with HS2 Ltd, setting out a procurement approach that would ensure both SMEs and local businesses benefitted.” “Today, 70% of our supply chain consists of SMEs, and in the last year, 20% of EKFB’s contracts were awarded locally. Making a difference to local communities and British businesses is just one of the legacy benefits of HS2, and we’re proud to be a key contributor.” Haulage specialist Vaughan Plant Haulage LTD, among the many SMEs benefiting from repeat contracts, has experienced substantial growth since joining forces with Align JV on HS2. The Denham-based firm has seen increased exposure and business opportunities, leading to the recruitment of more staff from the local area. John Vaughan, Managing Director at Vaughan Plant Haulage LTD, stated, “Since beginning work on HS2, Vaughan Plant Haulage LTD has benefited from the spotlight HS2 has shone on our business, leading to more exposure in our industry and therefore further work.” “Naturally, the upturn in work has meant we have been able to employ more skilled staff, most of which are local to the project. Working with HS2 has proved to be very beneficial to our business and many other local businesses now presented with new opportunities that were not there before.” All subcontract opportunities with HS2’s stations and civils construction partners are posted on CompeteFor approximately two weeks before the procurement process begins. Interested suppliers can view and download the subcontract procurement pipeline on the HS2 website. Companies of all sizes can express an interest in winning work with HS2 and its contractors by registering their details on CompeteFor. For information and advice about becoming an HS2 supplier, read HS2’s Supplier Guide or email scc@hs2.org.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As the government’s biodiversity net gain (BNG) requirement for developers becomes mandatory, national property consultancy Carter Jonas has announced the significant sale of over 200 units in Cambridgeshire. Legislation comes into force across England this week ruling that planning applications for all major developments must include provision for BNG of at least 10% so habitats are left in a better state than they were pre-development. Previously, developers needed to ensure any damage done to biodiversity was offset, but new regulations mean they must also provide an additional 10% gain. If applicants cannot provide this extra 10% on site, they will need to purchase BNG units off site, which is where the opportunity exists for landowners. In what is one of the first large-scale public sales of its kind, Carter Jonas is acting for Ground Control’s Evergreen Fund to market The Devana Centre for Environmental Recovery in West Wickham, Cambridgeshire. Mark Russell, Partner at Carter Jonas, said: “The introduction of mandatory BNG has been a long time coming but will now open opportunities for landowners who are interested in the natural capital markets. “Selling units is a big commitment as the land must stay in the scheme for a minimum of 30 years, so decisions should be made within the context of a long-term strategy for the farm or estate. “In the case of the Devana Centre, there is a clear plan and a strong desire from the Evergreen Fund to deliver nature recovery, so the natural capital route is a really good option.” Ground Control is a UK-based grounds maintenance company and The Devana Centre forms the latest example of its Evergreen Fund’s commitment to building a network for nature recovery through direct action. It is the Evergreen Fund’s second site, adding to its 296-acre Wildfell Centre for Environmental Recovery in Braintree, Essex. Chris Bawtree, Nature Recovery Director for the Evergreen Fund, said: “Devana represents a key part of Natural Cambridgeshire’s ambition to double land managed for nature across the region from 8% – one of the lowest in the country – to 16% which is the national average. “The new location will provide a home for 20-25 native tree species, 15-20 native shrubs, a wide variety of native wildflowers and grasses, creating valuable habitats for a range of other fauna such as pollinators, birds, bats, mammals and reptiles. “The land will also provide corridors for biodiversity to spread by linking directly into the Cambridgeshire Green Infrastructure network via woodland and hedgerows on site and the neighbouring semi-natural ancient woodland Rand’s Wood.” The price range for BNG units from The Devana Centre starts from £22,500. For more details contact Mark Russell at the Carter Jonas Cambridge office on 01223 346600. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Planning professionals across the public and private sectors continue to report low levels of confidence in their ability to handle new Biodiversity Net Gain requirements in the planning process, according to a survey from the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI). The measures, introduced under the Environment Act, come into effect today (12 February), and will require local planning authorities to assess and seek mitigation of the expected biodiversity net gain impact of planning proposals. However, an ongoing survey of our RTPI members found that: The updated figures show that 41% of public sector planners still cannot confirm whether they’ll have access to the necessary ecological expertise to comply with the new BNG requirements before implementation. This is a slight improvement from September’s report, where 61% of planners were uncertain. Victoria Hills, Chief executive of the Royal Town Planning Institute, said: “We made it clear to the Government that, without adequate funding, new BNG requirements could add disruption and delays in already overstretched Local Planning Authorities. While we welcome the additional resources from DEFRA, we feel that only time will tell whether this funding will be enough. “However, planners in the public and private sectors are still calling out for guidance, advice, and support to help them improve the biodiversity of new development from today. We’ve recently seen almost a thousand RTPI members sign up for a webinar on BNG in the hope of finding out information on the process and will be holding more events in the future to help planners implement these changes effectively.” The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has confirmed funding of £10.6m for next financial year. The RTPI has been advocating for additional resources since the proposal of these new requirements. While the Institute has welcomed the Government’s commitment to fund new burdens from the Environment Act, it remains uncertain whether the allocated funding will be adequate. Planners are encouraged to report any issues with the implementation of BNG using the RTPI’s survey. Input from RTPI members will help the Institute to provide Government with a detailed picture of the challenges planners face when implementing BNG. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Thames Water, the UK’s largest water and wastewater services provider, has announced the establishment of the FA2050 Technical Partner Framework to support its groundbreaking Strategic Resource Options (SRO) programme. This framework, with a contract value of £300 million and a term of up to eight years, marks a significant milestone in Thames Water’s commitment to ensuring sustainable water resource management for the future. The SRO programme, essential for addressing the evolving needs of the community and the environment, is guided by a gated process prescribed by the Regulators’ Alliance for Progressing Infrastructure Development (RAPID), ensuring rigorous adherence to quality standards and regulatory requirements throughout the development cycle. The Arup Binnies joint venture (JV), along with two other suppliers, is poised to lead on three pivotal SRO programmes: These projects are characterised by a significantly greater scale and complexity than works within typical water utility capital delivery programmes. The new framework encompasses a comprehensive array of services across dozens of disciplines, including engineering, environment, planning, land, engagement, project management and consultation analysis. Binnies UK Managing Director, Scott Aitken commented “The Arup Binnies joint venture is delighted to support Thames Water’s ambitious goals through the Strategic Resource Options. Our team offers a strategic, comprehensive and adaptive approach tailored to deliver large infrastructure schemes that leave a lasting legacy for future generations to benefit from. With our consortium’s wealth of experience in engineering, environmental stewardship and strategic planning, we are uniquely positioned to realise Thames Water’s ambitions for securing and enhancing water resources in the south east and London region. We are dedicated to fostering positive change and creating a resilient future for the communities served by Thames Water.”Arup incoming Chair, UK, India, Middle East and Africa Region, Paula Walsh remarked “Arup is proud to be a global leader on water solutions, with significant experience in the UK delivering work for Thames Tideway Tunnel, the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales among many others. We are honoured to be invited to collaboratively support Thames Water’s ambition for more sustainable water solutions. The complexity and challenges of these projects is significant, but with our diverse experience we look forward to developing nature-led sustainable designs for these major new pieces of infrastructure. We have all seen first-hand how the climate emergency is causing water shortages in the UK. We are proud and ready to act to bring more secure, sustainable and resilient solutions that leave a legacy for future generations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Knauf is delighted to announce it is now an official company supporter of the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity. The partnership underscores Knauf’s commitment to nurturing a positive impact within the construction sector by championing the wellbeing and mental health of industry professionals. The Lighthouse Charity is the UK’s only charity that is 100% dedicated to the emotional, physical and financial wellbeing of construction workers and their families. Its mission is to ‘improve workforce welfare and wellbeing for this generation and the next.’ By becoming a company supporter, Knauf aims to contribute to the charity’s vital mission of promoting better mental health and wellbeing across the construction community. The collaboration gets to the heart of Knauf’s value ‘Menschlichkeit’ meaning humanity in German. It represents Knauf’s stance on ensuring everyone is treated with justice, integrity and respect. By becoming a company supporter of the charity, Knauf will be providing an annual charitable donation, meaning the charity can count on a sustainable income to allow the continuation and extension of its crucial services. Colleagues at Knauf will be able to benefit from enhanced support from the charity, such as 24/7 telephone support from their Construction Industry Helpline, their self-support app and network of Lighthouse Beacons that offer a safe space for people to share their concerns and challenges. “We are excited to announce our partnership with the Lighthouse Charity, an organisation that shares our commitment to the wellbeing of those in our industry” said Emma Delaney, HR & Sustainability Director, Knauf UK & Ireland. “At Knauf, we believe in creating positive and supportive environments within the industry, and this partnership aligns seamlessly with our values. Together, we hope to make a meaningful impact on the lives of construction professionals ad contribute to a healthier, more resilient industry.” The collaboration with the Lighthouse Charity reflects Knauf’s dedication to corporate social responsibility and its recognition of the importance of mental health support in the construction field. By actively participating in initiatives that promote well-being and providing financial support where it’s needed most, Knauf aims to foster a culture of care and support within the industry. More information on the Lighthouse Charity can be found here. About Knauf Established in 1932, Knauf has evolved from a family business into a global force, operating in 90 countries with 41,000 employees. As a leading building products manufacturer, Knauf UK and Ireland started in 1988 with a state-of-the-art plasterboard factory in Sittingbourne, Kent, producing top-quality plasterboards and laminates. Following success, the Immingham Plasterboard Plant was built in 1990, to the same modern technical specification and has the capability to produce the complete range of Knauf plasterboards, thermal laminates and foil-backed plasterboards. In 1993, the Sittingbourne facility expanded with the UK Powder Plant, adding diverse products like Knauf Plasterboard Adhesive. In 2006, the Immingham plant expanded with energy-efficient technologies. The whole plant insulated, and two huge heat exchangers added, saving 10% of the plant’s energy requirements In 2013, Knauf unveiled The Cube, a modernist hub and training centre at the Sittingbourne site. The UK expansion continued in 2022 with the acquisition of a Newport, South Wales plasterboard plant, which will further increase plasterboard capacity. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
3D modelling will enable the creation of more stable and efficient networks Amrax, a 3D modelling and spatial data capture company, has announced a strategic partnership with network planning solution provider Ranplan Wireless. The collaboration will enable designers to use 3D modelling to create ultra efficient wireless networks. Through Amrax’s Metaroon, Ranplan’s customers can visualise, experiment with and optimise the design of networks to ensure seamless connectivity and operational efficiency. Metaroom enables users to 3D scan environments to create 3D models of rooms, floors, or entire buildings. Over 7,300 users, including key players in the lighting, wireless planning and AEC industries, have registered through the Metaroom app and joined the Amrax B2B ecosystem dedicated to spatial design and 3D modelling. Notable new additions to the customer base include Siemens, Tulux, LTS and Voglauer. Key benefits of the collaboration between Ranplan and Amrax include: Time Efficiency:Metaroom eliminates the need for tedious drawings and CAD imports, ensuring a streamlined process and saving valuable time in the critical planning phase. Future of 3D Modelling:Representing the future of modelling the physical environment, Metaroom® sets a new benchmark for the industry by offering fast and precise 3D scanning. Seamless Data Transfer:The integration ensures a seamless data transfer between Metaroom® and Ranplan Wireless, enhancing the overall user experience and operational efficiency. Martin Huber, CEO of Amrax, said: “This strategic partnership with Ranplan Wireless marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of wireless network planning. By integrating Metaroom’s cutting-edge 3D scanning capabilities, we are not just streamlining workflows but setting new industry standards. Our technology eliminates inefficiencies and opens up new possibilities for businesses and telecom operators alike.” Per Lindberg, CEO Ranplan, said: “The alliance between Ranplan Wireless and Amrax transcends a mere partnership; it’s a fusion of technological expertise. Our collaboration is designed to empower businesses, telecom operators, and enterprises with state-of-the-art wireless network solutions. We’re paving the way for enhanced network reliability, scalability, and sustainability, ensuring that businesses remain connected in our rapidly evolving digital landscape.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A stray cat seen wandering the Hitchin streets is now living it up in a bijou property designed and built by an award-winning construction company. The open-plan home, built over one level, has access to all local amenities with regular food deliveries and a constant supply of fresh water. Nick Claessen, Senior Operations Manager, of Willmott Dixon, enlisted the help of his wife and children to create the Grand Design for Wilbury, named after the name of the street where the home is located. He said: “Wilbury turned up around our office a couple of years ago. We assumed he was a stray as he was always hanging around. “This year, the winter seems to have been particularly cold, and we started to feel sorry for Wilbury that he didn’t have somewhere warm to hunker down and be protected from the elements.” Nick picked up discarded materials from site, had it cut to size and took it home where he worked with his family to build and paint the home from home. “A number of our people took on responsibility for feeding him and worming him and he obviously decided he liked it round here. His little house has become quite a talking point for everyone.” Willmott Dixon, which won a King’s Award for Enterprise last year, puts social value at the heart of its business. “Community is so important to us, and I think we have shown that it’s not just the humans that matter. It may seem a small thing, but it shows the kind of company we have.” And as a pawnote, the Willmott Dixon team has confirmed that Wilbury has now found an even cosier foster home and is looking forward to a purrfect happy ending. For more information on Willmott Dixon, click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new study by Juniper Research, the foremost experts in technology markets, forecasts substantial growth of 182% in the number of smart parking spaces within cities; from 5.8 million in 2024. Smart parking utilises a combination of sensors and real-time data to provide road users with information on closest available parking spaces and prices, through either signage, apps or dashboards. This helps reduce congestion and emissions produced by vehicles searching for suitable parking spaces. Find out more: Global Smart Traffic Management Market 2023-2028, or download a free sample. Dynamic Pricing Vital in Reducing City Congestion The report urges city municipalities to seriously consider investing in and implementing smart parking initiatives within highly congested cities. The advantages surrounding dynamic pricing in smart parking can not only be used to strategically increase revenue, but also have the ability to ease ongoing congestion issues. This is achieved by lowering prices in less congested parking areas; making them more attractive to drivers. Research Author Cara Malone commented: “With more data than ever available and the low latency that 5G provides, parking solutions have become highly responsive. In cities where on-street parking is a major issue, dynamic signage can be deployed to utilise available parking more efficiently at quieter times; significantly reducing congestion.” Data Analytics to Optimise Transit Routes Juniper Research recommends smart parking vendors offer data analytics services to municipalities and governments as a priority. This data is critical to analysing parking and occupancy patterns, which can be used to optimise transit routes and development; helping shift citizens to public transport and providing significant value for cities. About the Research Suite The new market research suite offers the most comprehensive assessment of the smart traffic management market to date; providing analysis and forecasts of over 31,900 datapoints across 60 markets over five years. It includes a ‘Competitor Leaderboard’ and examination of current and future market opportunities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) is close to reaching the halfway mark of its ambitious aim to take on 590 apprentices across the rail upgrade between Manchester and York, via Leeds and Huddersfield. The number of apprentices on the multi-billion-pound programme has reached 264, primarily recruited from locations along the route and amounting to £14.3 million in value to society, according to the Rail Social Value Tool. Apprentices on TRU identify the cost of living crisis, tuition fee debt, career prospects and enhanced hands-on learning as reasons for choosing apprenticeships. TRU, which recently secured a further £3.9 bn of governmental funding, marks the milestone during National Apprenticeship Week, taking place 5-12 February. TRU is creating tens of thousands of jobs both directly and indirectly, including 8,000 new and safeguarded roles, with 60% of the construction workforce employed from within 25 miles of the route and 80% within 40 miles. TRU is also set to deliver a minimum 50p value to society for every £1 spent on construction, generating £4.28 billion of social value, as outlined in the TRU Sustainability Strategy ‘Our Guiding Compass’ which was published last Summer. Apprentices are working in various disciplines across TRU, including Civil Engineering, Project Management, Quantity Surveying and Ecology. Many TRU apprentices have university degrees built into their apprenticeships, taking one or two days a week off work to study. Ellis Mills, TRU Project Management Apprentice based in Manchester said: “One of the reasons I chose an apprenticeship was to pay my parents a bit of rent. We’re a family of five and it’s quite hard. There are people my age who at 18, 19, 20 want to support their parents while times are tough.” “I have developed my communication and leadership skills and learned the art of dealing with challenging behaviours during my apprenticeship with TRU.” “But the part I have enjoyed the most is the networking; speaking with people from across such a large project every day has allowed me to learn so much.” Bethany Draper, TRU Commercial Apprentice based in Leeds and York said: “I was accepted into two Russell Group universities but If I were to have gone to university, I would have been in a lot of debt.” “Financial independence is a key part of choosing an apprenticeship. With expanded work experience in an office or site environment, you have a better start to your career than other students.” Christopher Walker, TRU Commercial Apprentice based in Manchester said: “Someone I know went to a good university and got a first-class honours degree in architecture, but couldn’t get a job due to a lack of experience. I didn’t want that to happen, I wanted to work in what I’ve chosen to do. That was the main deciding factor in choosing an apprenticeship for me.” “There’s a miscomprehension that you get paid very little to be someone’s printing assistant, getting told what to do. But the truth is that companies like TRU put time and effort into developing you as an apprentice.” Neil Holm, TRU Managing Director said: “Providing opportunities through apprenticeships is at the heart of the TRU story. A railway fit for the North of England is being built by the communities through which TRU travels. “Our nearly 590 apprentices are key to the TRU programme and reaching the halfway point of our ambitious apprenticeship intake underlines our commitment to developing skills and employment prospects for TRU communities.”TRU apprentices of various disciplines are available to interview across broadcast, digital and print media. Please contact alec.herron@networkrail.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals