Siemens Smart Infrastructure is launching a new version of ‘Fire Manager’, its dedicated web-based SaaS (Software as a Service) fire app that offers service providers and fire safety managers the capability to have all fire safety sites in one view. The status of buildings can be easily monitored, with more
As part of its work to support practices in running their businesses, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has today, Thursday 8 February 2024, published its Guide to Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII) 2024, exclusively available to RIBA members. Find a free summary of the guide attached. From offering financial protection,
This National Apprenticeship Week, Enfield Council will be highlighting several success stories based at the landmark Meridian Water regeneration project. Local apprentices working with Enfield Council’s project partner, Taylor Woodrow, have been gaining site experience whilst completing their training. Their courses prepare them for the varied roles in the construction
On Tuesday, 6 February the British Institute of KBB Installation (BiKBBI) held its 2024 conference in Westminster. This annual event, hosted at the prestigious QEII Centre and sponsored once again by Senstec and Quooker, is a crucial forum for professionals, industry leaders and experts from the KBB industry to gain
Keon Homes has sealed a quartet of new land deals worth over £28m to get 2024 off to a flying start. One of the fastest growing developers of affordable housing and Extra Care schemes has built on a record-breaking 2023 by unlocking three crucial sites in Coventry, Nuneaton and Wolverhampton
Site of former police station on Chiswick High Road to be redeveloped into 50-unit retirement community Birchgrove, the UK’s leading provider of rented retirement homes, has secured planning permission from Hounslow Council to redevelop the site of a former police station on Chiswick High Street into a fifty-unit retirement living
Barberry Group, a prominent commercial property developer, has recently secured a significant land deal for the development of a cutting-edge advanced manufacturing unit in Ansty, Coventry. The £10.4 million project is set to bring a 50,750 sq ft industrial unit to life at Ansty Park, a renowned hub for research,
Boroughs in the capital warn they face a funding shortfall of at least £400m in 2024-25, as MPs prepare to vote on the local government finance settlement on Wednesday [1]. The cross-party London Councils group says that despite a 5.5% real-terms increase in their core spending power in the settlement,
Southwark Council, Ledbury Estate residents and the council’s development partner Higgins Partnerships celebrated the start of the first phase of building works at Ledbury Estate at a ground breaking ceremony on Monday 5 February 2024. The first phase of construction works is taking place on the site of the former
Three young joiners are following in their relatives’ footsteps to build successful careers in construction thanks to their Apprenticeship schemes with Harron Homes. This National Apprenticeship Week (5th-11th), the apprentices are calling for other young people to consider this route into the industry. Harron Homes’ passion for building quality homes
Siemens Smart Infrastructure is launching a new version of ‘Fire Manager’, its dedicated web-based SaaS (Software as a Service) fire app that offers service providers and fire safety managers the capability to have all fire safety sites in one view. The status of buildings can be easily monitored, with more information available by clicking on a site of interest via a fully encrypted connection that ensures the safety of the data. The move is part of the ongoing development of Siemens Building X, a digital building platform that supports customers in digitalising, managing, and optimising their building operations (Energy, HVAC, Security and Safety). It enables remote monitoring and intervention, real-time notification, and efficient and predictive maintenance. Fire Manager offers a range of benefits, including a status overview of a site/sites, both live and historical events, customisable notification via SMS and/or email, and data that assists with maintenance and planning. Included in the data that Fire Manager provides from a fire safety system is the potential for disturbance free testing (DFT), which allows detectors to be tested automatically, with the results recorded in the portal. Alongside Fire Manager, which automatically transmits notifications of the fire system status to service providers, notifications can also be sent to their customers by Fire Connect, a native iOS and Android app. Fire Manager and Fire Connect work easily with Siemens fire safety solutions such as Cerberus PRO, the company’s comprehensive EN54-13 approved fire alarm system. For those that want to maintain their own dashboards, Fire API provides the opportunity to integrate the data into their own dashboards. All three offerings – Fire Manager, Fire Connect and Fire API – are part of a new licensing model which paves the way for increased customer flexibility by offering choice regarding which data and app bundle best suits a specific need. The Fire Apps and API are designed to digitalise the customer workflow for fire safety operation and maintenance. This saves time and resources while improving safety and minimising the disturbance of building users. It enables service providers to monitor all sites at any time remotely and connect directly to the fire panel. This transparency allows for maintenance activities to be planned, carried out and documented efficiently. The enhanced solutions not only drive digital transformation, but also yield sustainability benefits. By offering maintenance options and a fire system status remotely, it is possible to save CO2 emissions related to yearly site visits. For further information on Siemens Fire Products www.siemens.co.uk/cerberus Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As part of its work to support practices in running their businesses, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has today, Thursday 8 February 2024, published its Guide to Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII) 2024, exclusively available to RIBA members. Find a free summary of the guide attached. From offering financial protection, to legal compliance, to building client confidence, PII has an essential role in helping to protect against claims made by third parties as a result of negligent professional services. This easy-to-follow guide – the first of its kind to cover such depth – equips architects to navigate the maze of insurance jargon, complexities and myths, giving them confidence when applying for or renewing their PII, and helping their businesses survive an unintended and unexpected event. It explains terminology and outlines the value and principles of insurance, how it works in practice, how to buy good quality insurance, and the importance of being risk-aware – as awareness of what can happen can prevent it from happening. It also sets out what to do when a crisis does occur. Written by experienced professionals, this guide is supported by the ongoing work of the RIBA Council Expert Advisory Group on PII, comprised of insurance industry experts and RIBA members. RIBA President Muyiwa Oki said: “Our profession has been crying out for support with Professional Indemnity Insurance, and I am pleased to say that we have heeded that call. The importance of appropriate PII cover cannot be understated – sitting alongside a commitment to excellence, ethics, innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement, it is a critical component of building and maintaining a strong professional reputation.” RIBA Chair of Board Jack Pringle said: “As practices continue to grapple with economic uncertainty, this guide to navigating the complexities of Professional Indemnity Insurance could not be more timely. It is essential for architects to be well-versed in insurance in order to protect their practice and thereby their clients through appropriate cover. Familiarising yourself before the worst happens is the best way to be business resilient. This guide is the culmination of years of work by the industry’s top experts and provides practical support in clear, no-nonsense language. I look forward to seeing it used far and wide.” Find a free summary of the RIBA Guide to Professional Indemnity Insurance attached. Download the full RIBA Guide to Professional Indemnity Insurance, exclusive to RIBA members. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
This National Apprenticeship Week, Enfield Council will be highlighting several success stories based at the landmark Meridian Water regeneration project. Local apprentices working with Enfield Council’s project partner, Taylor Woodrow, have been gaining site experience whilst completing their training. Their courses prepare them for the varied roles in the construction industry, such as engineering and quantity surveying. Currently, seven young people, all from Enfield, have benefitted from the opportunities created by Taylor Woodrow. Five of those apprentices have recently been supported to progress onto degree apprenticeships to further develop their learning and careers, with some learning from on-site experience at Meridian Water. Construction and Built Environment apprentice, Cameron Flanagan from Edmonton said, “The beginning of the apprenticeship was a whirlwind, but I quickly found my feet, leading to winning the NCE Apprentice of the Year award. I am now an Assistant Engineer with a lot more experience and responsibility. I’ve enjoyed every minute and I’m excited for what the future holds. I would encourage anyone who is unsure of what they want to do, to take advantage of the opportunities on their doorstep.” Quantity Surveyor Apprentice, Yassir Karram also from Edmonton said, “No two days are the same. Setbacks happen, but they’re part of the journey. Taylor Woodrow has always supported me to keep progressing. I’m pleased to finally be on site on such an impactful project and I’m really looking forward to absorbing as much as I can over the coming years.” The Deputy Leader of Enfield Council, Cllr Ergin Erbil, said, “Improving jobs and skills within the local community is a key objective of the Council. Projects like Meridian Water act as the foundation for us to regenerate the local area which enables the Council with its partners to provide apprenticeships and countless other opportunities.” Taylor Woodrow has two new live apprenticeship opportunities on offer at Meridian Water. Click on these links for the Level 4 Corporate Social Responsibility Apprentice and the Level 3 Health and Safety Apprentice to find out more information: https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeship/1000224840 https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeship/1000224839 Apply now, as these apprenticeships are in high demand. The closing date is 29 February 2024. National Apprenticeship Week takes place from 5 to 11 February and celebrates the achievements of apprentices around England. It aims to highlight the positive aspects of apprenticeships and encourage more people to consider an apprenticeship. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
On Tuesday, 6 February the British Institute of KBB Installation (BiKBBI) held its 2024 conference in Westminster. This annual event, hosted at the prestigious QEII Centre and sponsored once again by Senstec and Quooker, is a crucial forum for professionals, industry leaders and experts from the KBB industry to gain insight, discuss key topics and make valuable connections. BiKBBI’s 2024 conference theme was “Driving industry change through collaboration”, and speakers and panellists shared opinions and experiences and debated the sector’s challenges and opportunities, across a series of engaging presentations and discussions. The event was hosted by Hannah Prevett – Deputy Editor of The Times Enterprise Network – who expertly guided activities and thoughts throughout the day. The conference was opened by CEO of BiKBBI Damian Walters, who celebrated the existing collaboration from sponsors, retail partners and stakeholders which drives positive change for the sector but warned there is still much to do and a need for greater collaboration from the whole industry on the subject of education, standards, compliance and sustainability. Results of the BiKBBI Installer Survey 2024 were also unveiled at the conference. Keynote speakers included Fergus Harradence, Deputy Director of Infrastructure Construction & Rail at the Department for Business & Trade (DBT) who shared the UK government’s predictions for 2024, highlighting that, despite the continued challenges with a shrinking workforce and the continued skills gap, there was growth potential with both consumer and business confidence increasing which would ultimately benefit the construction sector. Emily Wallace, CEO of the Trade Association Forum (TAF), also presented on the topic of the value of associations and what can be achieved when industries work together to influence policy, face challenges and grow skills. Industry insight data from AMA Research was presented alongside key findings from the Bathroom Manufacturers Association’s Understanding the Bathroom Installer Survey 2023 and kbbreview’s Retailer Survey 2024 as well as BiKBBI’s own Installer Survey 2024 – all highlighting collaboration as the pathway to success. BiKBBI hosted a sustainability panel featuring Phil Viner from Triton Showers, Tom Reynolds from the BMA and Lyrical Communications’ David Ventris-Field to discuss how to reach and support KBB installers better on the topic of sustainability. BiKBBI’s Installer Survey 2024 highlighted that 1 in 5 installers have noticed an increase in customers asking for recommendations on environmentally friendly products, and over 50% of installers feel the industry is not doing enough to reduce its impact on the environment. Diversity Ambassador for BiKBBI, the Rt. Hon Stuart Lawrence, supported by James Moore from the MoD’s Careers Transition Partnership and Apprentice Plumber Sophie Maguire, led a workshop on why and how the industry should work towards improving diversity and inclusion, highlighting the benefits that a diverse workforce can bring to businesses and the industry. Stuart Lawrence then asked delegates at the conference to sign BiKBBI’s ‘Charter for Change’ – a commitment to work with BiKBBI to explore a revised inclusivity recruitment strategy– with 55 businesses pledging their support for the charter. Education and apprenticeships also remained on the 2024 conference agenda, being a key area of focus for BiKBBI as a route to tackling the current skills gap. A panel of experts, led by Hannah Hockley from The Apprenticeship Partner, included Wickes Apprenticeship Programme Manager Connie Collett, independent retailer and apprenticeships champion Simon Taylor, KBB apprentice employer Paul Miles, and previous KBB apprentice Elliott Perry. The panel discussed recent advances in apprenticeships and training, including the new standalone Apprenticeship Standard for Fitted Furniture Installers reinforcing that access to education and training is integral to resolving the skills shortage, with Hannah Hockley highlighting the importance of the whole industry recognising the severity of the situation and the importance of support from all areas of the sector. Damian Walters, CEO of BiKBBI, said ‘The BiKBBI annual conference has seen significant growth over the past three years, and it is not by coincidence. The attendance of so many brands and businesses here today is representative of the importance that installation plays to the whole industry and recognises the role that we fulfil as an institute. The theme of the day was collaboration, which was demonstrated by the 160 delegates who took time away from their busy day jobs to come here, join the conversation, and support this vital sector of the KBB industry. But now the real work begins, and we will continue to drive the agenda on the topics raised today with the support of our corporate sponsors, retail partners and wider stakeholders. I would like to personally thank all contributors, speakers and panellists involved in today’s event, along with all of the delegates who, through collaboration, made the event a success and have given the industry a solid platform to move forward from.” The results from the BiKBBI Installer Survey 2024 can be view here Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Keon Homes has sealed a quartet of new land deals worth over £28m to get 2024 off to a flying start. One of the fastest growing developers of affordable housing and Extra Care schemes has built on a record-breaking 2023 by unlocking three crucial sites in Coventry, Nuneaton and Wolverhampton that will see it build a 150-strong mixture of houses and apartments. The Burntwood-based company, which has taken on 14 new people to cope with the increase in demand, has also agreed its first partnership with Birmingham Municipal Housing Trust. This will see it construct 65 new homes, a sports pavilion and football pitches for the community as part of the Local Authorities “Our Future City” plans. Matt Beckley, Head of Development at Keon Homes, commented: “These latest deals underline our ability to find land, securing planning and then, using strong relationships with housing associations, develop schemes that makes a real difference to local people. “The region is crying out for more affordable housing, and, with these recent wins, we are now programmed to start eight sites this year, delivering 300 new homes in total. “This will include working with our existing partners, such as Midland Heart and Walsall Housing Group, not to mention first projects for the Black Country Housing Group, Birmingham Municipal Housing Trust and Citizen Housing.” He continued: “This is more just than bricks and mortar. We are using the latest construction techniques and the strength of our local supply chain to regenerate brownfield sites into communities where individuals, couples and families can enjoy living.” 2023 was a transformational year for Keon Homes, with the company celebrating its 5th birthday and securing its first two Extra Care schemes. This started with a £15m deal with Wrekin Housing Group to deliver a scheme of 70 properties and a host of communal facilities. Situated just a ten-minute walk into Newport, Queenswood is set to provide high quality living space and wraparound care and support for people over the age of 55, offering a mix of one and two-bed apartments, private gardens, and a café. This was quickly followed by the £28m ‘Streethay’ development in Lichfield with Sanctuary Group, a project that will see the company build 138 plots in total, comprising 60 bungalows and a 78-bed Extra Care scheme. Matt went on to add: “Our mission is all about ‘Doing the Right Thing’ and that flows throughout the business, from the way we treat our staff and the way we develop our supply chains to the way we forge exceptionally strong partnerships with Housing Associations and our other client partners. “This has seen us successfully complete 14 sites and 400 plots in just five years, with a secured £103m pipeline of deals in place. Importantly, in the most recent Best Workplaces List survey, 100% of Keon Homes employees stated that we are a great place to work.” Warren Bolton, Director at Keon Homes, concluded: “Our sector is experiencing a raft of challenges and there will be some casualties this year. That is why we are seeing strong demand for our services, as we have strong financial backing and a proven track record of delivering high quality affordable housing and extra care schemes.” For further information, please visit www.keonhomes.co.uk or follow Keon Homes on its social channels. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Site of former police station on Chiswick High Road to be redeveloped into 50-unit retirement community Birchgrove, the UK’s leading provider of rented retirement homes, has secured planning permission from Hounslow Council to redevelop the site of a former police station on Chiswick High Street into a fifty-unit retirement living community. Originally opened in 1972, the police station at 209-211 Chiswick High Road closed in 2021 and was sold by the Metropolitan Police to Birchgrove in April 2022. Redevelopment plans were originally submitted later that year, and, following two public consultations, planning permission has now been granted. The new high-quality one and two-bed self-contained rented apartments will be available to rent to those aged 65 and over, with facilities including a 24-hour concierge service, restaurant, licenced bar, courtyard garden and wellness suite. The site has been designed to benefit the wider local community, with a dedicated space on the ground floor available for local groups, charities and individuals to hire, as well as for the police to hold local resident meetings. The police will also be provided with a separate dedicated facilities space which will enable officers to charge their body-worn cameras, iPads and radios, and means a police base will be re-established on the High Road following the station’s closure. The scheme will also provide a £400,000 contribution towards affordable housing in Hounslow, and has been assessed as highly sustainable – achieving a minimum 77% reduction in carbon emissions over the regulatory baseline. The approval of the new Birchgrove community comes as demand for retirement accommodation across Hounslow increases: based on the 2015 city-wide London plan, Hounslow has a target of 135 new specialist homes for elderly people per year, meaning the redevelopment of the police station site will play a vital role in tackling Hounslow’s retirement accommodation shortage. The approval also comes as demand for senior living rented accommodation continues to surge: according to the English Housing Survey, the number of pensioners in rented accommodation is set to double to over 1m in the next decade. Birchgrove currently operates three retirement communities across the South-East, with three further communities under construction and now available for rental off-plan, and three further London sites acquired (Chiswick, Hampton Court and Mill Hill). Honor Barratt, Chief Executive, Birchgrove said: “After almost two years of consultation we are thrilled to have secured planning permission, and I would like to thank everyone – including the council and local residents – for both their support and suggestions to ensure the development is the best it can be and does Chiswick justice.“All too often older people are shoved to the end of a cul-de-sac somewhere, but not here. With our development bang in the middle of Chiswick High Street, our residents will be able to flourish at the heart of the community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Barberry Group, a prominent commercial property developer, has recently secured a significant land deal for the development of a cutting-edge advanced manufacturing unit in Ansty, Coventry. The £10.4 million project is set to bring a 50,750 sq ft industrial unit to life at Ansty Park, a renowned hub for research, development, and high-tech manufacturing. The acquisition of the Viggen Way site from Homes England marks a strategic move by Barberry to contribute to the region’s demand for advanced manufacturing facilities. The proposed industrial unit is a testament to Barberry’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. With detailed planning consent obtained, the company plans to construct a ‘Best in Class’ manufacturing warehouse, adhering to exceptional ESG standards and targeting EPC A and BREEAM Excellent certifications. Ansty Park’s prime location, situated at the heart of the UK’s advanced manufacturing and logistics Centre, ensures convenient access to the motorway network, with major airports like Coventry, Birmingham, and East Midlands within a 40-minute drive. Jon Robinson, Development Director at Barberry, expressed excitement about the acquisition, emphasising the site’s potential to provide a substantial 1 MVA of power. The project aims to deliver an outstanding advanced manufacturing unit, available for built-to-suit occupier requirements on either a freehold or leasehold basis. Barberry 50, as the project is known, is anticipated to be completed within 12 months of terms agreement with an occupier. The development will be built to market-leading specifications, ideal for research and development or advanced manufacturing businesses, with a keen focus on sustainability, including BREEAM Excellent and EPC A standards. Barberry’s significant investment in Ansty Park underscores its ongoing commitment to addressing the shortage of new, high-quality manufacturing accommodation in the West Midlands. The company’s extensive portfolio in delivering advanced manufacturing facilities, coupled with its strategic land holdings and growing commercial and residential portfolio, solidifies Barberry’s position as a key player in shaping the region’s economic landscape. Barberry Wins Commercial Development of the Year at the West Midlands Property Awards In a remarkable achievement, Barberry Group has clinched the coveted Commercial Development of the Year award at the West Midlands Property Awards. The prestigious accolade, presented by Insider Media on 23rd November, was in recognition of Barberry’s exemplary speculative development, Wolf Pack, situated in Hilton Cross Business Park, Wolverhampton. Wolf Pack, consisting of three self-contained detached buildings, is a high-profile prime manufacturing and logistics development designed to market-leading specifications. The project holds planning permission for manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution uses. The success of Wolf Pack was lauded at the awards ceremony for its exceptional performance in areas such as ESG, economic outputs, job creation, and delivery speed, including securing two pre-lettings. The West Midlands Property Awards celebrated outstanding achievements in the built environment, acknowledging individuals, businesses, and organisations that have made significant contributions to the region’s development. Barberry’s recognition for Commercial Development of the Year further solidifies its position as an industry leader, showcasing its commitment to excellence and innovation in the West Midlands’ property sector. Further details can be found here: wolfpack-j1m54.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Boroughs in the capital warn they face a funding shortfall of at least £400m in 2024-25, as MPs prepare to vote on the local government finance settlement on Wednesday [1]. The cross-party London Councils group says that despite a 5.5% real-terms increase in their core spending power in the settlement, boroughs will continue to grapple with an “enormous” funding gap due to service pressures and costs. The £400m funding shortfall is roughly the same amount as London boroughs collectively spend on homelessness in a single year. London Councils highlights the following: London Councils says the spate of recent warnings of financial failure across local government is the result of many years of underfunding – with boroughs in the capital badly affected. The increased frequency of Section 114 notices in the last year should not be taken lightly and more are likely if the sector does not receive further funding support [2]. Last week the LUHC committee’s report on financial distress in local authorities urged ministers to address systemic underfunding in local government and tackle the £4bn gap in council finances nationally. Research from the Institute for Fiscal Studies think-tank found an estimated 17% gap between funding need and the actual levels of local government funding in London. This was by far the largest gap of any region in England. Outer London boroughs face a particularly tough outlook as they are amongst the lowest funded per capita in the country, with growing populations who are becoming more deprived. London Councils calculates the 2024-25 finance settlement will leave boroughs’ overall resources 15% lower in real terms than in 2010. Demand for services has risen substantially, as the capital’s population has grown by 800,000 during that period. Boroughs’ spending power per Londoner has decreased by around 30% in real terms since 2010. Cllr Claire Holland, Deputy Chair of London Councils, said: “Boroughs will continue to face a bleak financial outlook for the foreseeable future. “The increase in funding set out in the government’s finance settlement will not be enough to address the enormous funding gap we are grappling with. Massive pressures on local services, skyrocketing costs, and years of inadequate funding have left town hall finances teetering on a cliff edge. “It is in no one’s interests for a council to find itself in a Section 114 situation. Londoners want stability for their local services. We will continue to urge ministers to increase funding support and to work with us in making the local government finance system fairer and more sustainable.” London Councils is calling for the upcoming Spring Budget on 6 March to address the financial pressures facing boroughs. London Councils’ priorities for the government include: More information can be found in London Councils’ consultation response to the local government finance settlement, which is available here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Southwark Council, Ledbury Estate residents and the council’s development partner Higgins Partnerships celebrated the start of the first phase of building works at Ledbury Estate at a ground breaking ceremony on Monday 5 February 2024. The first phase of construction works is taking place on the site of the former Bromyard House and will provide 80 new homes across two blocks, made up of 45 council homes, 15 shared ownership homes and 20 homes for private sale. The new council homes will be prioritised for former residents who had to vacate their previous homes due to safety issues, and the shared ownership homes will be designated for leaseholders of the Ledbury towers. The start of these building works marks a key milestone in the redevelopment of the whole of Ledbury Estate, which the council has been working closely with local residents on for many years. The redevelopment was proposed after four towers on the estate, built in the 1960s, were identified as having serious structural and fire safety issues. Following extensive consultation Ledbury Estate residents voted in favour of demolishing the four blocks and providing modern high-quality new homes and a range of other improvements to the estate. Cllr Helen Dennis, Cabinet Member for New Homes and Sustainable Development, said, “I’m so thrilled to see works get underway on this estate – it’s a really exciting marker in the long journey we have been on with residents to replace the previous homes in the towers with the fire safe, high-quality new homes our residents deserve. “Today we can celebrate being one step closer to Ledbury residents moving back onto the estate they know and love and bringing this wonderfully tight-knit community back together. “Thank you to all the residents who have worked so closely with us on this and helped to co-design a wonderful redevelopment which will transform the lives of everyone on this estate”. Dominic Higgins, Chief Operating Officer for Higgins Group comments, “We are delighted to be marking this important milestone on site with residents and Southwark Council. “As well as delivering these high quality new homes for local residents, we are committed to delivering community engagement and social value and ensuring we leave a lasting legacy for generations to come. “As work progresses, we will be working with the local community to provide training and employment opportunities as well supporting social value opportunities and providing volunteering hours to community projects.” In total, the Ledbury Estate redevelopment will provide 340 new homes, 224 of which will be council homes to replace those from the old towers. The council will also build an additional 36 new council homes, taking the total to 260 council homes, as well as 15 shared ownership homes and 75 homes for private sale. The wider neighbourhood will also benefit from landscaping and new outdoor communal areas with a large, multi-purpose garden courtyard with space for community growing, a play area and tree-lined paths creating new pedestrian and cycle friendly connections between the Old Kent Road, Pencraig Way and Bird in Bush Park to the south-west. The first phase of building works is expected to complete in spring 2026 and the entire Ledbury Estate redevelopment is expected to be finished by 2030. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Three young joiners are following in their relatives’ footsteps to build successful careers in construction thanks to their Apprenticeship schemes with Harron Homes. This National Apprenticeship Week (5th-11th), the apprentices are calling for other young people to consider this route into the industry. Harron Homes’ passion for building quality homes means the business is keen to get apprentices stuck in with practical on-site work as soon as possible. Wickersley-born Bradley Panks, aged 20, is currently undertaking the second year of his joinery apprenticeship. His grandfather also works in the construction sector, and Bradley was inspired to follow in his footsteps by embarking on the apprenticeship scheme. The level 2 Joinery diploma operates as a ‘day-release course,’ with work at Harron Homes North Midlands’ De Maulay Manor site in Doncaster balanced with one day per week spent at Rotherham College. The course, which is studied over three years, is designed to equip people new to the industry with all the crucial skills for the job. “Harron is great because they had me working on site really quickly,” says Bradley. “College is useful, but there are some on-site scenarios that a college course simply can’t predict. Being able to get some real-time experience has significantly benefited my progress, and it’s also improved my confidence. In Nottinghamshire, at Harron Homes’ The Brambles development in Retford, Kieran Armes, 17, is in his first year of an apprenticeship with Harron Homes North Midlands. Kieran is also on a day-release course, studying at Nottingham College. Kieran’s father Paul works in construction and has been an inspiration to the young apprentice. A Nottinghamshire local himself, Kieran has settled right in to his joinery apprenticeship. “I think one of the most beneficial aspects of the whole thing is that you learn your way around problems in real time,” says Kieran. “Getting to grips with that kind of situation requires practice within an unpredictable and busy environment, which is what the apprenticeship provides. “I’m proud to become a part of the build process and would encourage anyone considering an apprenticeship to go for it.” In Huddersfield, at Harron’s Highfield Manor development in Fixby, 17-year-old Connor Simpson has started his three-year joinery apprenticeship, with one day per week spent at Leeds College of Building. Like Kieran, Connor is also following in the footsteps of his father Daniel, who is a Site Carpenter for Harron Homes, and the father and son often work together as a team. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
