Work has concluded on a multi-phase project to provide space for 90 more pupils at Bleak Hill Primary School in Windle, St Helens. The £2.5 million project began in October 2019 and took place over two phases, with contractor Seddon working throughout the various coronavirus lockdown measures to deliver the
The British Occupational Hygiene Society, a scientific charity and the Chartered Society for Worker Health Protection has developed in collaboration with the Health and Safety Executive a free, online Ventilation Tool to help limit the transmission of Covid-19 in workplaces. As the government is advising businesses to use CO2 monitoring
Zoopla have recently announced that the continued demand for more space has seen the supply of three and four-bedroom family homes become the most stretched of all housing types. With this in mind, Shanly Homes is delighted to be offering a selection of three-bedroom properties ideally placed for families to
Gira, global leader and supplier of intelligent system solutions for building management, is proud to be a headline sponsor and exhibitor at London Build 2021, as the sector prepares for a record-breaking 2022. London Build Expo, the largest and most prestigious built-environment design trade show for London and the South
Quintain Living, the award-winning management company overseeing the rental of more than 3,000 cosy apartments in Wembley Park, is certainly ready for autumn. At Canada Gardens, the heated work-from-home sheds amongst the acre of podium gardens provide remote-working residents with the ideal set-up, while those looking for a spot of
The Building Owners & Managers Association of Greater New York (BOMA New York) hosted the 50th Anniversary 2021 Pinnacle Awards Ceremony at Pier Sixty in Manhattan. This sold-out event was attended by more than 800 guests and celebrated outstanding achievements in the commercial real estate sector. The program began with
Following the warning from the CEO of National Grid around tighter electricity supplies, Mike Foster, CEO of the not-for-profit energy trade association the Energy & Utilities Alliance, the not-for-profit trade association that provides a leading industry voice to help shape the future policy direction within the sector, has issued a
Combing intelligent technology with breathtaking design, Gira, one of the world’s leading full-range suppliers for intelligent building design and management win Best Dedicated Touchscreen/Controller at the 2021 Smart Building Awards with its iconic Gira G1: one control centre for all KNX building technology. The Smart Building Awards 2021, is dedicated
A total of 210 places are being created at a brand-new primary school in Castle Donington in the heart of a community of new-build homes. The £4.2 million project is being delivered on behalf of housebuilders, Miller Homes, Redrow and Clowes Developments UK. The companies are required to provide a
Following a successful sales year, Leeds-based Harron Homes Yorkshire has welcomed Vicki Armitage to its sales team as Senior Sales Manager, along with four new sales executives. In the last year Harron has implemented a number of changes to improve the customer experience during the Coronavirus pandemic, including a 24/7
Work has concluded on a multi-phase project to provide space for 90 more pupils at Bleak Hill Primary School in Windle, St Helens. The £2.5 million project began in October 2019 and took place over two phases, with contractor Seddon working throughout the various coronavirus lockdown measures to deliver the works on time. Work was completed earlier this year but due to Covid restrictions, the decision was made to delay the official opening event until the new academic year, once the pupils were back after the summer holidays. The brand-new extension to the main building adds four additional classrooms to the school, alongside 15 car park drop-off spaces for parents. The new classrooms allow the school to accommodate 90 pupils in total, helping to meet local demand for primary school places. Prior to this, phase one saw the construction of an extension to the school hall to address capacity issues, particularly at lunchtimes. Finished in 2020, the new, larger hall can now be converted into an extra multi-function classroom. The space will also be used for before and after-school activities, including a breakfast club for pupils. All enabling works for the project were completed during school holidays, to ensure there was no disruption for children and staff. Bleak Hill pupils complete a one-mile walk each day around the school grounds, so Seddon temporarily extended the playground to avoid interrupting this daily activity. The company also delivered external works, including a new bin storage area and painting new lines on the two football pitches, one of which was outside the scope of work as a goodwill gesture to the school. David Baines, Leader of St Helens Council, said: “Ian Wellens [former head teacher] has served Bleak Hill Primary School and the wider community with distinction and dedication for many years, and he leaves a lasting legacy. His legacy isn’t just the fantastic new classroom block, but it’s the brilliant staff, the school culture, and most important of all its hundreds of young people who have enjoyed a superb education here thanks to him and the whole school family. “Everyone with a connection to the school will miss Mr Wellens very much, but thanks to the foundations he’s laid and the example he’s set, we know the school will continue to go from strength to strength under Mrs Lawrenson and the fantastic staff team.” Councillor Kate Groucutt, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Business added: “These new classrooms will allow more children to access a quality education at Bleak Hill – one of the top performing schools in the borough. As a council, one of our key priorities is to ensure children and young people have the best possible starts in life, and projects like this – as well as similar improvement works set for Penkford and Ashurst Primary School – are clear proof of our commitment.” John Shannon, divisional director at Seddon, said: Overall, the two extensions allow Bleak Hill Primary School to provide more children from the local area with access to high-quality teaching and learning environments where they can reach the best of their abilities. “It’s been a pleasure to deliver this vital project for the school, especially over the past year, which has been incredibly difficult for everyone. The new facilities will go a long way in helping the community’s young people to thrive for years to come.” Seddon was awarded the two-stage project through the LHC Schools and Community Buildings Framework. Before the first coronavirus lockdown hit in March 2020, Seddon bought all roof tiles, bricks and blocks in bulk to keep the site open and ensure no delay to the construction programme. The company subcontracted bricklaying to David White Construction and the roofing works to Shawcroft.
The British Occupational Hygiene Society, a scientific charity and the Chartered Society for Worker Health Protection has developed in collaboration with the Health and Safety Executive a free, online Ventilation Tool to help limit the transmission of Covid-19 in workplaces. As the government is advising businesses to use CO2 monitoring equipment to check whether indoor spaces are sufficiently ventilated and the Welsh government announces millions of pounds of funding for CO2 monitors, the Society, following the publication of its Guidance on ventilation, took a step further and worked with the HSE to create a simple Ventilation Tool to support workplaces and help reduce exposure of workers to Covid-19. With winter coming and businesses contemplating the challenges of Covid-19 and colder weather, good ventilation is key to limit the risk of coronavirus amongst workers and provide clean air especially in enclosed spaces. As ventilation in buildings can be complex, BOHS and HSE decided to develop this non-technical ventilation check tool to provide guidance and an indication of the effectiveness of the ventilation system used on reducing coronavirus transmission. The tool can be used by employers, building users, and building owners and does not aim to replace ventilation specialists or occupational hygienists assessing risks in a workplace, especially when it comes to more complex ventilation needs. CO2 monitoring is also very important, as an increase in CO2 concentration in any area could be indicative of poor ventilation that needs improving. BOHS CO2 Monitoring guidance aims to provide basic information on why monitoring CO2 levels can help control the spread of coronavirus, when it does work well, what is a safe CO2 level and how to do the monitoring. Andrew Curran, HSE’s Chief Scientific Officer, commented: “’I’m really pleased to see the development of this practical tool which will help to inform decisions about ventilation in work spaces.’ BOHS CEO, Professor Kevin Bampton said: “Covid-19 has highlighted the central importance of air quality in protecting workers from illness. We hope that these tools will enable people better understand their working environment and the role ventilation plays in saving lives and preventing ill-health” Guidance on ventilation and CO2 monitoring can be found on BOHS COVID-19 hub, alongside guidance on managing Covid risk in different sectors and other health risks, such as legionella, as the economy re-opens.
Zoopla have recently announced that the continued demand for more space has seen the supply of three and four-bedroom family homes become the most stretched of all housing types. With this in mind, Shanly Homes is delighted to be offering a selection of three-bedroom properties ideally placed for families to enjoy all that Epsom has to offer. With one three-bedroom apartment remaining at Epsom Reach and a selection of three-bedroom houses available at Millside Place, families should act fast to grab up one of these stunning family homes. Homes at Epsom Reach and Millside Place are both designed to accommodate the modern family. Properties at both developments feature open-plan kitchen/living/dining rooms, providing the perfect hub for all the family to get together. Contemporary kitchens feature a range of integrated appliances. All three-bedroom homes feature modern family bathrooms complete with luxury Minoli tiling, and there is the added luxury of a sleek en-suite to the primary bedroom. Greg Kaye, Head of Sales at Shanly Homes, comments: “Epsom is well-suited for family living and we are delighted to be able to offer suitable properties at both Epsom Reach and Millside Place. With excellent schools, spectacular green spaces and a plethora of high street amenities, Epsom offers everything that families need within walking distance. The stylish three-bedroom properties are designed with family living in mind, guaranteeing space and comfort. We encourage anyone that is interested in buying a new family home in Epsom to book a visit to one of our sites as soon as possible.” Ideal for families, Millside Place is located near a range of exceptional schools. For younger children, Epsom Primary School, Wallace Fields Infant School and Wallace Fields Junior School are all high-rated and located within a mile of both developments. Epsom has a wide selection of secondary schools including Rosebery School and Glyn School, both of which are rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted. There is also an excellent range of independent schools available in the local area, including Downsend Pre-Prep School and Ewell Castle School. Epsom is the ideal place for families to enjoy a range a shops, restaurants and leisure facilities. In the town centre The Ashley Centre plays host to over 50 shops, including The Body Shop, New Look and Marks & Spencer. The Odeon Luxe Cinema and the Epsom Playhouse boast an impressive collection of new cinema releases and live independent performances. A range of popular restaurants are located nearby include Bills, Caballo Lounge and Prezzo. Those who enjoy cooking or baking at home, can buy everything that they will need at the nearby Sainsbury’s superstore. Families in Epsom can also enjoy the stunning green spaces available locally. Nearby Alexandra Recreation Ground is popular with dog walkers, and features a children’s playground as well as a variety of sports pitches. Roseberry Park is also just a short walk away, with a children’s play area and duck pond providing the perfect spot for a gentle evening stroll. Epsom Downs is less than two miles away from both developments, a plethora of walking trails that enjoy unrivalled panoramic views across Surrey. Those prepared to travel a little further can also enjoy the spectacular Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Epsom Common is just a 10-minute drive away from either development, offering further walking routes and views across the stunning Epsom Lake East. Epsom also offers exceptional travel connections for those hoping to travel further afield. Epsom train station provides direct connections to a range of destinations, including Horsham (39 minutes), Guildford (34 minutes), Dorking (16 minutes) and London Waterloo (36 minutes). The M25 is also nearby, providing easy access to the wider motorway network. For those hoping to set off on a family holiday abroad, Gatwick Airport and Heathrow Airport will serve all international travel needs.
Gira, global leader and supplier of intelligent system solutions for building management, is proud to be a headline sponsor and exhibitor at London Build 2021, as the sector prepares for a record-breaking 2022. London Build Expo, the largest and most prestigious built-environment design trade show for London and the South East, will extend a warm welcome to the construction industry on 17th to 18th November 2021 at the Olympia Exhibition Centre, London. The show will debut in the grand hall of London Olympia and for the third time, Gira will be the exclusive host of the VIP Lounge, on the same floor. The Gira Stand and VIP area are adjacent to each other, to ensure networking and product tours can work seamlessly hand in hand. The VIP area spans an impressive 67.5 m2, providing visitors with a dedicated lounge and seating areas to relax, network, enjoy a coffee from the coffee bar and even work remotely! Additionally, show-goers can head towards Stand H26, where Gira will be ready to serve your digital needs and reveal the many features and benefits of intelligent build design and management. Providing a compelling intersection where intelligent technology meets breath-taking design, Gira will share its innovative and market-leading products to all of the leading architects, luxury specifiers, property developers, suppliers, construction professionals and system integrators in attendance. The generous 24 m2 Stand will allow the company to demonstrate its latest brand innovations and company ethos by displaying a range of exclusive products and intelligent build solutions for the luxury specifier: Gira System 3000: an advanced blind and light control system, which is conveniently controlled through the Gira App or Display timer. More convenient and eco conscious, the Gira System 3000 will help to reduce utility bills by intuitively lowering the blinds to minimize potential heat loss and make the home appear occupied when it’s not! Gira Mobile Door Communications: Whether on the move or using a home’s WLAN, end users can screen visitors and protect privacy with iOS and Android smartphones via the DCS IP gateway. The communication is encrypted using Secure Data Access, which is also used in the Gira S1 and guarantees maximum security. The door opening function is additionally protected by means of a PIN. KNX System: easy to operate with intelligent building technology from Gira so wired-in intuitive solutions are embedded into developments from the get-go with the ability to be easily upgraded in the future by electricians and building managers at the touch of a button. All products on display will be supported by Gira UK experts ready to discuss and guide stand visitors on product suitability, user benefits, technical specification and potential supply/distribution.
Quintain Living, the award-winning management company overseeing the rental of more than 3,000 cosy apartments in Wembley Park, is certainly ready for autumn. At Canada Gardens, the heated work-from-home sheds amongst the acre of podium gardens provide remote-working residents with the ideal set-up, while those looking for a spot of company can drop into the warmth and welcome of the clubhouse. The children’s playroom comes with its own fairy-tale-esque lighting that feels perfect for the change of season, while the plush armchairs, individual lamps and mellow shelf lighting in the library couldn’t be more autumnal if they tried. Meanwhile, for those families that have hired the on-site allotment beds, it’s time to start harvesting. The homes themselves at Canada Gardens are also ideal for autumn. Properties range from studios to three-bedroom apartments, all with spacious open plan areas that create the perfect family hub for the cosiest season of the year. Furnished apartments provide a choice of options when it comes to colour schemes, with rich browns, deep blues, soft greys and even warm splashes of dark purple creating homes that feel welcoming and comforting the moment you set foot through the door. The autumnal vibe can also be felt strongly at Ferrum, where New York-inspired warehouse interiors feature exposed brick and concrete in an homage to industrial chic. With outstanding rooftop social spaces and a state-of-the-art gym, the cosy apartments are popular with Londoners looking for Brooklyn loft-style living. The huge residents’ lounge at Ferrum – The Foundry – is packed with comfortable sofas, fireplaces and armchairs you can sink into after a long day, with fabrics and cushions that feel custom-designed for snuggling up. Rich tones of brown, deep yellow and burgundy, alongside a natural feel from the use of brick, wood and exposed concrete, create a haven of warmth and comfort, while floor to ceiling windows flood the space with light. As life outdoors gets colder and less inviting, a host of curated events within Quintain Living’s social spaces, as well as online, will keep residents feeling connected and inspired. Between Wembley Stadium, The SSE Arena, Wembley and the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, there is also a plethora of sporting, musical and theatrical events for Wembley Park residents to enjoy this autumn.
The Building Owners & Managers Association of Greater New York (BOMA New York) hosted the 50th Anniversary 2021 Pinnacle Awards Ceremony at Pier Sixty in Manhattan. This sold-out event was attended by more than 800 guests and celebrated outstanding achievements in the commercial real estate sector. The program began with a moment of silence to remember the victims of the September 11th attacks and honor the many heroes and first responders from that horrific day and every day since then keeping all of New York safe and sound. To commemorate the 20th Anniversary of 9/11, BOMA NY created a Challenge Coin which was gifted to each attendee. A Challenge Coin is a small coin or medallion, bearing an organization’s insignia and carried by that organization’s members in remembrance for those we’ve lost on 9/11. The Pinnacle Awards are New York City real estate’s biggest night of the year, honoring top commercial real estate properties and professionals. This event honors what owners and managers do every day—the only award to truly reward the creative thinking, operational quality, commitment, dedication and talent that the entire team devotes to ensuring that New York’s towers of commerce are the best run in the world. This year, 35 nominees competed across 15 award categories, celebrating achievement in leadership, outstanding contributors, and overall excellence, including three new awards – Emerging Leaders Award, Janitorial Professional of the Year and Security Professional of the Year. “Exceeding expectations is what the Pinnacle Awards are all about,” said Hani Salama, P.E., LEED AP, President of BOMA New York. “These awards have come to recognize the hard work of tenants, building owners and managers in the City of New York.” Local Pinnacle Award winners qualify to compete at the Regional, Mid-Atlantic TOBY (The Outstanding Building of the Year) awards. Regional winners are then automatically entered in the BOMA International TOBY competition.
Following the warning from the CEO of National Grid around tighter electricity supplies, Mike Foster, CEO of the not-for-profit energy trade association the Energy & Utilities Alliance, the not-for-profit trade association that provides a leading industry voice to help shape the future policy direction within the sector, has issued a reply. With energy policy updates expected form government over the coming weeks, Mike registers his deep concern for the potentially disastrous impact this will have on the public being able to heat their homes this winter in the following comment: Responding to comments by the Chief Executive of National Grid made yesterday, Mike Foster Chief Executive of Energy and Utilities Alliance said: “The man charged with responsibility for keeping the lights on yesterday issued a stark warning to the UK and to Government. He forecasted that the margin between electricity supply and demand would be tighter than in recent years; in other words, there was a heightened risk of blackouts, of losing supply. “This is as serious as it gets. Ahead of the winter, policymakers have been warned. On top of spiralling price rises, there is now a real threat around security of supply. The energy trilemma is starting to bite. “But it’s actually worse than this. There are some politicians calling for all gas centrally heating to be provided for by electricity. That’s an enormous amount of energy that the system hasn’t been designed for. We have been warned about keeping the lights on this winter, imagine the situation if we add winter heat demand to the load. “It won’t be just lights going out, or industry told to stop production, it will mean people going cold in their homes at a scale not seen for generations. It would be the height of irresponsibility to put all of our energy eggs into the electricity basket. “But we do need to achieve net zero. For that reason, for the majority of UK homes currently using natural gas for warmth, should keep their boilers and just have the gas switched to hydrogen. This will take place over a number of years, firstly with blending and then wholesale network conversion. We did it with the digital TV switchover and this is the way to keep people warm and the lights on.”
Combing intelligent technology with breathtaking design, Gira, one of the world’s leading full-range suppliers for intelligent building design and management win Best Dedicated Touchscreen/Controller at the 2021 Smart Building Awards with its iconic Gira G1: one control centre for all KNX building technology. The Smart Building Awards 2021, is dedicated to rewarding excellence across the AV and Smart Building sectors. ‘The path to a better future’ and marking its tenth year in the market, EI Live! the UK’s only dedicated AV & Automation trade show made way for this year’s Smart Building Awards, brought to you by Essential Install Magazine. On the night, Gira became 1 of 22 brands rewarded for excellence across a series of specialty project, product and company categories and Jacob Muijnck, Managing Director at Gira UK comments, “I want to thank everyone involved with this fantastic award win, we are honoured that the judges presented the Gira G1 with such an outstanding award, in recognition of its ease of operation and navigation. To be acknowledged by specialists in our field is a tribute to our commitment to lead the market and deliver user-oriented connected buildings for today’s customer.” Compact, powerful and universal, the Gira G1 is an intelligent central control unit for operating entire building technology like lighting, blinds, temperature and more. Its intelligent control panel can be fitted in any smart building giving the ultimate design freedom in wireless or connected KNX schemes, allowing properties of any age to benefit from form and function with the ability to simulate presence, as well as adjusting lighting and blinds, setting the room temperature, and online weather forecasting to door communication. The expertly developed and highly intuitive Gira Interface allows for time-controlled programming of automatic functions or the creation of comprehensive scenes. The display has been designed to automatically detect lighting conditions. This integrated proximity sensor is able to effectively recognise when someone approaches, resulting in the Gira G1 to switch its display on automatically. When not in use, the display is switched off to offer an energy-efficient solution that can resourcefully reduce running costs. If large systems with more than 62 video subscribers and multi-talk mode are required, the Gira G1 offers the option of serving as a SIP client where the door station is used by an external system. The Gira G1 can therefore be used as a SIP home station and KNX interface due to the dual function and the key user advantage is having only one display on the wall.
A total of 210 places are being created at a brand-new primary school in Castle Donington in the heart of a community of new-build homes. The £4.2 million project is being delivered on behalf of housebuilders, Miller Homes, Redrow and Clowes Developments UK. The companies are required to provide a school as part of section 106 conditions, implemented by Leicestershire County Council. Planning was approved in March 2020 with work initially starting in June 2020 but due to the national lockdown amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the programme was delayed. “Here at Redrow, we strive to build more than just houses – we want to create a better way to live. A sense of community is a vital part of choosing your new home, and we’re committed to investing in the local facilities that surround our developments, which is why we’re delighted to be supporting the creation of brand-new primary school in Castle Donington. We expect the development to popular with a lot of families and look forward to supporting the next generation of local children,” commented James Corden, head of commercial at Redrow East Midlands. Miller Homes has employed national contractor, Seddon, to carry out the construction on the new school, which will provide more education options for local families, as well as those looking to settle in Castle Donington. Seddon is building the school on Welston Road at the centre of brand-new communities by Miller Homes, Redrow and Clowes Developments UK, comprising 895 houses. To accommodate the new community, a new catchment area is needed and will be accommodated by the build of the primary school. Designed by Glancy Nicholls Architects, the school will be lined with trees and a high timber fence, allowing for the building to blend in with the local landscape. The school grounds will include a football pitch, soft social area, playground, hard games court and a habitat area. Plans are also in place to install two car charging ports in 24-space car park, acknowledging the increasing use of electric vehicles. The school is just a short distance from the centre of Castle Donington with excellent prospects for high school at Castle Donington College. “Building schools is key if we are to create thriving communities. With new family homes in the area, there is naturally a demand for more school places and this project has meant we can provide high-quality education right in the heart of the community,” added Stuart Fanshaw, business unit director at Seddon. “This will be a fantastically designed and well- placed school with top-class facilities, a beating heart of the neighbourhood. With just a short distance from home to school, this new project will create a true sense of place for residents and pupils.” Work is scheduled to reach completion by July 2022.
Following a successful sales year, Leeds-based Harron Homes Yorkshire has welcomed Vicki Armitage to its sales team as Senior Sales Manager, along with four new sales executives. In the last year Harron has implemented a number of changes to improve the customer experience during the Coronavirus pandemic, including a 24/7 web-chat function on the website, and an appointment only system to ensure customers receive the undivided attention of the sales team. With nearly two decades of sales experience under her belt, Vicki is well placed to continue developing the customer journey at Harron. From selling on site, to a management position at another housebuilder, Vicki’s experience and knowledge of the building industry will serve Harron well when it comes to selling the increased number of homes they’re expecting to have available next year. Vicki is also familiar with some of the Harron team having previously worked with Alison Taylor-Shaw, Harron’s Sales and Marketing Director. “Having previously worked with Alison, I was confident she’s leading a driven and ambitious team which I was excited to join; we’re all keen to support each other in doing the best we can for the company. I’m thrilled to be stepping into a more senior role with the opportunity to grow and prove myself through more ambitious sales targets than ever before,” commented Vicki. Anticipating a robust property market, and increasing popularity of the stunning rural locations Harron is known for, bids have been placed on 13 plots of land throughout Yorkshire while four new sites are currently awaiting planning permission to bring 671 new homes across Yorkshire. “This is an incredibly exciting time for our business with Harron having built a name for itself over the last few decades for creating spacious, quality and high specification properties in some of Yorkshire’s most sought after locations. I’m sure Vicki will be an asset to the team and lead the way as our newest developments come to fruition,” added Alison Taylor-Shaw, Sales and Marketing Director for Harron Homes Yorkshire.
