Bringing workers back from furlough is presenting employers everywhere with unique challenges – and increased risks. Claire Price from QMS International takes a closer look at what can employers do to mitigate these risks and reduce the potential for accidents? The results of the HSE’s 2019/20 report on health and
The first glimpse of the oculus staircase, the first of its kind in the UK, can be seen following its installation at Cardiff Innovation Campus’ sbarc | spark building. The finishing of the oculus staircase is a pivotal moment in the construction of the Innovation Campus. The sbarc | spark
Construction technology specialists, Waterguard and Ramtech, have announced plans to interlink their leak and fire detection systems in a bid to improve efficiencies on construction sites across the globe. The complete solution will enable Waterguard’s series 7 leak detection device to ‘talk’ to Ramtech’s REACT platform – a cloud-based solution
Keepmoat Homes has unveiled designs for the new bear pit public artwork which will be displayed at its flagship Cable Wharf development in Kent. The national homebuilder has received planning approval from Kent County Council for the public artwork to be installed above the buried remains of a Grade II
Building decision-makers list budget constraints and buy-in from senior leadership as the two biggest barriers to their adoption of smart technologies, according to a new research report from Johnson Controls. The report, ‘Thinking Smart: How the foundations of the UK will be defined by smart buildings’, found that 99% of
South Dock Bridge, a new pedestrian bridge in London’s Docklands, has received substantial public backing at recent consultation. Designed by Knight Architects, Arcadis, and Kgal for the London Borough of Tower Hamlets (LBTH), the proposed bridge will support increased volumes of pedestrian traffic which are predicted with the expansion of
FHP Property Consultants have been instructed to sell a residential site of 1.5 acres fronting Melton Road in Edwalton which has an outline planning consent for nine large houses. “Many people will know this site as ‘the Xmas tree site’ on Melton Road, as many have bought their Christmas trees
For investors looking to add another property to their portfolio this year, there are plenty of options to weigh up as the market remains buoyant, with one Nottingham riverside development offering an exclusive incentive to those looking to reserve a waterfront apartment by the end of July. The developers behind
Ground source heat pumps manufactured and installed by market-leader, the Kensa Group, will deliver the lowest carbon heating solution for the UK’s first net-zero carbon retirement community, creating a sustainable future for older generations. The Millfield Green site in Caddington, Central Bedfordshire, will provide 200 sustainable new-build homes specifically designed
An iconic gateway development in Clifton Village is now complete and homes are available to buy and move into immediately in a newly restored Grade II listed rectory building complete with executive properties in its grounds. Works on the highly-anticipated Rectory Mews development began last year, led by Tomlinson Homes, a
Bringing workers back from furlough is presenting employers everywhere with unique challenges – and increased risks. Claire Price from QMS International takes a closer look at what can employers do to mitigate these risks and reduce the potential for accidents? The results of the HSE’s 2019/20 report on health and safety at work revealed that 0.7 million workers sustained injuries at work, with another 111 losing their lives due to a work-related accident. Thanks to COVID-19 and lengthy furlough periods, it is possible that in the year 2020/21, these figures could rise. Returning furloughed workers to the workplace presents employers with unique risks, which could lead to an increase in accidents if not properly managed. These risks include out of date training, a deteriorated workplace, and distraction caused by stress and anxiety. Leaving these risks to develop could not only damage a company’s reputation, but also hit their bottom line. According to the HSE, non-fatal accidents can cost an average of £1,400, which rises steeply to £5,100 if the employee is incapacitated for at least seven days. Fatal injuries can ruin a business, costing just shy of £100,000, a figure that does not also consider the emotional and reputational fallout from such an incident. Bringing furloughed workers back to work safely is paramount. So, what can business do to mitigate the risks? Communicate After a long time on furlough, it is very possible that workers may find their former tasks unfamiliar. They may also be unaware of any new processes. This poses a risk to your business – if your team doesn’t know how to carry out a task properly, there is a chance that something could go wrong. To mitigate this risk, communication is key. An induction programme similar to that of new starters will be useful here. This can include a health & safety briefing which can also highlight any new COVID-security measures. The programme should also feature a reminder of company practices and flag up any changes to company rules and procedures. To help returning workers familiarise themselves with their roles, you may want to try a phased return. This may also mean that you can implement increased supervision, partnering up returning workers with more senior members of the team to ensure tasks are carried out safely. Offer training While furloughed, it is very likely that some training certificates may have expired or that additional training is needed due to changes within the business. Inadequate training can easily lead to accidents. Depending on your business, you may need to offer refreshers on fire awareness, manual handling, working at height and COSHH, among others. It is likely that training companies are booked up as a result of many businesses re-opening, so you may want to explore eLearning options so that you can train your team before they even set foot in the workplace. Provide support Anxiety and stress can lead to inattention, distraction and fatigue, all of which can increase the likelihood of mistakes being made and an accident occurring. Isolation during furlough and multiple lockdowns, financial anxiety, grief over lost loved ones, and stress over the uncertainty of their job status may have led to an increase in mental ill health among your furloughed workers, which could now affect their performance at work. Offering well-being and mental health support is therefore crucial, although it seems that this is overlooked by many businesses. For example, in Lloyd Register’s Employee well-being during a pandemic: global insights for health and safety at work report, it found that only 15% respondents had received information and resources on employee well-being. Speaking with returning workers and gaining an understanding of their concerns will help you to determine the type and amount of support needed. Training mental health first aiders and communicating clearly about the returning process will also help you to support them. Assess the risks Any change in your workplace should be followed by a risk assessment. As you bring workers back, it would be wise to carry them out regularly until all of your staff are re-established. Bear in mind that your COVID-security measures may create risks elsewhere in your business. For instance, the need for greater ventilation may lead to more doors being left open. In the event of a fire, this could enable it to spread more easily. You may also still be lacking a number of fire marshals if not all workers have returned. If you’d like a more formal process to controlling risk, you may like to think about ISO 31000, the international Standard for risk management. By building a framework that enables you to manage risks and opportunities, you can help to protect your business from internal and external threats and reduce the risk of accidents. Check your workplace If a significant portion of your workforce has been furloughed for some time, it is possible that your workplace and its equipment may no longer be in peak condition. Machines may have succumbed to rust or seizure, or their parts fallen out of calibration. Process liquids may also have separated or solidified. In terms of your building, ventilation, fire protection and site services (such as water and electricity) need to be checked. If these fall out of condition, you could be increasing the risk of fire, explosions or collapse. For this reason, you need to carry out a detailed hands-on assessment of your equipment and building. Process materials should also be checked, secondary or back-up systems tested, and extractors, vents and exhausts investigated. Build stronger health & safety processes If controlling risk and developing stronger health & safety processes is a priority for you when bringing workers back from furlough, you may like to gather all the guidance above and create a robust system of processes that can ensure you keep the risk of accidents to an absolute minimum. By doing so, you can go on to create an occupational health & safety management system that meets the requirements of Standards such as ISO 45001. This Standard
The first glimpse of the oculus staircase, the first of its kind in the UK, can be seen following its installation at Cardiff Innovation Campus’ sbarc | spark building. The finishing of the oculus staircase is a pivotal moment in the construction of the Innovation Campus. The sbarc | spark showpiece starts at the ground floor as a social stair and forms breakout zones to each level which are curated differently, becoming destinations to users on other floors. Bouygues UK, the construction company building the £300 million state-of-the-art Campus, worked with Taunton Fabrications to design and install the staircase, which was designed by architects Hawkins\Brown. The staircase is a sculptural, open staircase travelling through a slanting void. Its name is taken from the oculus design, which depicts an eye that allows light to flood into a space. It aims to drive engagement and collaboration between the varying departments and uses of the sbarc | spark building. The Innovation Campus is being built on the site of a disused rail yard and comprises two buildings. sbarc | spark will be home to the world’s first Social Science Research Park (SPARK), alongside CardiffInnovations@sbarc – Cardiff University’s creative space for start-ups, spinouts and partnerships. The Translational Research Hub will be home to two world-leading scientific research establishments – the Institute for Compound Semiconductors and Cardiff Catalysis Institute. Mike Baynham, Operations Director for Bouygues UK in Wales, and project lead on Cardiff Innovation Campus, said: “It’s amazing to have witnessed this staircase taking shape over the past few months. The expertise of Taunton Fabrications and the amazing vision of Hawkins\Brown have all come together to create a spectacle in this truly one-of-a-kind building. “The way the staircase was constructed is also very unique as the stairs weren’t installed directly above each other, as traditionally happens, but are offset at each floor level. Several methods of installation have been reviewed over months to come up with the best way to install the stairs safely and practically.” Mike explained: “Our great team here at Bouygues UK came up with a solution to install each stair after each floor slab was built and then construct the next floor above the stair with a cleaver configuration. These temporary works was designed by Taunton Fabrications and the RC frame Contractor, 4D Structures. This was then repeated on every floor. It is a complex but exciting construction project and is amazing to see it come to fruition.” Julia Roberts, Partner and Education & Research Sector Lead of Hawkins\Brown said: “The oculus staircase was designed as a stimulating setting that fosters collaboration between researchers, practitioners and policy-makers. To develop this design, we worked with our computational design team and produced a script that allowed us to create a parametric model of the oculus void for best coordination with structures and M&E design teams. This also enabled us to create a game engine walkthrough which you were able to experience on a VR headset – it proved to be a powerful design development tool which actively involved the University and building users. “This was the first time we utilised game engine technology on a project, and it’s very rewarding to see it taking shape on site.” Professor Damian Walford Davies, Pro Vice-Chancellor for the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, said of the finishing of this milestone in the project: “The oculus is the light-flooded heart of our building: a visible symbol of the connections and configurations between people and projects that this space beautifully enables, as much as a practical thoroughfare.”
Construction technology specialists, Waterguard and Ramtech, have announced plans to interlink their leak and fire detection systems in a bid to improve efficiencies on construction sites across the globe. The complete solution will enable Waterguard’s series 7 leak detection device to ‘talk’ to Ramtech’s REACT platform – a cloud-based solution which raises alerts in real time, sending notifications straight to the people who can act on them. When combined with Ramtech’s range of wireless emergency alarms, the technology will provide a cost-effective solution for commercial and residential construction projects – as well as adding a level of accountability throughout various stages of development. Popular on multi-residential and commercial schemes, the technology forms an integral part of the construction phase – often specified by the developer or insurance company. Adam Jurka, UK Sales Manager at Ramtech, explained: “Construction sites are, by their very nature, dangerous places to work, and with the complex demands of modern projects, it’s vital to safeguard staff, property and equipment. By partnering with Waterguard, we have extended our service portfolio to offer a holistic monitoring system which delivers genuine peace of mind – and protection.” Claire Mason, general manager at Waterguard, added: “Incoming leak detection and fire safety is a stipulation of any construction project and Waterguard exists to shield every building – and its owner – from the damage and expense which comes with burst and leaking pipes. “Offering both firms’ technology in a single interface – and one which is proven within our marketplace – saves developers time and money, Construction Insurance Risk Engineers Group (CIREG) compliance, as well as providing an opportunity to develop unique systems to meet clients’ specific requirements.” Ramtech is a £12 million turnover company with offices in the Nottingham and the US, while Yorkshire-headquartered Waterguard is the UK’s leading manufacturer and supplier of affordable water leak detection systems.
Keepmoat Homes has unveiled designs for the new bear pit public artwork which will be displayed at its flagship Cable Wharf development in Kent. The national homebuilder has received planning approval from Kent County Council for the public artwork to be installed above the buried remains of a Grade II listed bear pit which was once a focal attraction of the Victorian pleasure gardens occupying the site during the 19th century. The artwork “Born to be Wild”, has been developed by artists NEON in collaboration with landscape architects ARC and draws inspiration from the lines of the archaeological structures buried below. Following engagement with the local community, local heritage groups and experts, the artwork uses a contemporary undulating form which is reminiscent of tree branch structures. The artwork is designed to invite the public to sit, walk through or climb on it much like a bear in the wild. The public heritage of the site will be displayed through traditional interpretation boards and way finding markers, along with street furniture, engraved paving, and a paving artwork along the river front. The artwork is anticipated to be installed in autumn 2021 and forms part of a wider heritage strategy at the development which includes the industrial cable works of WT Henley, the Rosherville Gardens, the caves in the chalk cliffs and the uses of its riverside location. “We have listened to and continue to work with the public, local stakeholders and authorities to ensure the heritage at Cable Wharf is preserved. The culture surrounding the development is a key focus for us and we’re thrilled to have received planning permission for the public artwork to be installed to commemorate the historic bear pit within the Italian garden,” said Mick O’Farrell, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat Homes. “NEON’s proposal stood out to us during a competitive pitch due to the vibrant and modern interpretation of the former bear pit. The artwork has been designed to act as a provocation that asks us to consider the future relationship between animals and humans, and we’re looking forward to installing the structure later this year.” Forming part of the Ebbsfleet Garden City, Cable Wharf is a new riverside development which is transforming the former Northfleet Industrial Estate, bringing 598 much-needed new homes to the area. Set between a backdrop of chalk white cliffs and the River Thames, the development takes inspiration from its rich industrial heritage and paves the way to reopen this part of the river for the first time in more than 100 years. The housing development will also offer a range of local amenities with 5,666 sq ft of commercial space, new transport links and a primary school to create a thriving community.
Building decision-makers list budget constraints and buy-in from senior leadership as the two biggest barriers to their adoption of smart technologies, according to a new research report from Johnson Controls. The report, ‘Thinking Smart: How the foundations of the UK will be defined by smart buildings’, found that 99% of decision-makers see the value of smart tech – yet just 34% of buildings are currently fitted with smart solutions. In the short-term, this could be putting occupant health and safety at greater risk, while long-term, sustainability targets will be impacted. During the COVID-19 pandemic, smart technologies helped 87% of respondents keep their buildings safe – and over a third (37%) say it was critical or essential to doing so. Despite these evident benefits, budget constraints caused issues for two-thirds (64%) of decision-makers, while 42% struggled to get senior buy-in. When it comes to the smart building budget abyss, commercial office space organisations have to make their money stretch furthest, with required budgets as high as £2.7 million per building, and real budgets coming in as low as £1.3 million. Higher education is also struggling, with a £300,000 deficit from the £1.8 million they need, while government and healthcare organisations feel they have sufficient budgets to see value from their smart technology investments. For senior leaders, this exposes a difficult question: whether to address the problem head-on and make major investments now, or be forced to make urgent improvements down the line – both to reduce ever-mounting costs and meet increasingly tough sustainability targets. But it’s not only a problem in the present. Occupant health and safety takes top priority now, but decision-makers say that in five years’ time, energy efficiency will be top of their priority list. In ten years’ time, sustainability and net zero will take the top spot, signalling a growing focus on climate change. Worryingly, without the right smart technologies in place soon, businesses will struggle to achieve these goals. Priority in the next year Priority in the next five years Priority in the next ten years Occupant health & safety 59% 32% 32% Regulatory compliance 42% 28% 26% Employee experience 40% 34% 37% Operational efficiency 39% 42% 36% Energy efficiency 38% 58% 37% Cost efficiency 37% 44% 31% Security 34% 32% 29% Sustainability & net-zero targets 17% 37% 49% Profits 16% 21% 22% “Smart buildings haven’t only helped businesses get through the pandemic – they’re also essential to achieving ambitious sustainability targets like Carbon Net Zero,” said Andy Ellis, VP and General Manager, Johnson Controls UK&I. “Smart solutions that integrate with your fire, security, controls, HVAC, and occupancy systems can look across a whole building to see in real-time where efficiencies can be made. Without technologies like these to do the hard work for building staff, achieving new levels of sustainability targets and creating healthy workspaces – that support both the environment and employees – will be hard.” “It appears that building decision-makers understand the challenge, so now it’s on organisations like ours to speak out, educate the market and embrace the challenges we face around sustainability. We can do this by using smart technologies, so taking this message to the C-Suite and senior leaders – with tangible evidence on the benefits they will bring – will be critical. Then, we can gain their buy-in to ensure our buildings and businesses can be future-ready.”
South Dock Bridge, a new pedestrian bridge in London’s Docklands, has received substantial public backing at recent consultation. Designed by Knight Architects, Arcadis, and Kgal for the London Borough of Tower Hamlets (LBTH), the proposed bridge will support increased volumes of pedestrian traffic which are predicted with the expansion of the Isle of Dogs. Once completed, it is expected to become one of the busiest pedestrian bridges in London. The Isle of Dogs in east London has been a major trading centre beside the River Thames for almost two hundred years, with Canary Wharf – one of the UK’s main financial centres – located here since 1980. The South Dock is one of two surviving docks and acts as a boundary between Canary Wharf and South Quay. The large volume of new development on the Isle of Dogs will increase predicted pedestrian traffic above levels that can be comfortably accommodated with existing infrastructure and the new pedestrian bridge has been proposed to support this expansion. The new bridge will improve walkable connections between existing public open spaces, like Jubilee Park, with proposed development in the area and local public transport interchanges such as the new Elizabeth line station (Crossrail) and the South Quay DLR station. It is also anticipated to improve access to jobs, retail, and other services at Canary Wharf. Following feedback from the RIBA Stage 2 Public Consultation (in 2018), a six-week second Public Consultation was held on the developed design for South Dock Bridge, between August and October 2020. The purpose of this new consultation, led by Knight Architects in close collaboration with LBTH, was to present the new design of the bridge and how it responded to the feedback from the previous consultation, before submitting a planning application. The consultation, to guarantee everyone interested would have the opportunity to provide their feedback during the Covid-19 pandemic, combined online events, public exhibitions and a specifically created website. The new design painstakingly builds on the feedback received in the Stage 2 consultation, which sought for a bridge that was elegant, unobtrusive, contemporary, with a neutral finish, and that somehow responded to the industrial heritage of the area. The proposed bridge has been excellently received and supported by a clear majority of the respondents who praised the bridge design and felt their earlier feedback had been addressed and responded to. The bridge has been designed as a sculpted two-span variable-depth steel beam with a single central pier in the dock. Each of these spans is approximately 35m long. The bridge provides a permanent 15m-wide and 3m-high navigable channel for smaller boats to pass underneath and, thanks to a movable (bascule) north span, a 25m wide channel without height restriction for taller ships. The deck width varies from 7.8m at the south end to 15.4m at the north one. A triangular void in the movable span directs people away from an existing emergency staircase serving the buildings located on axis at the north end of the crossing. The north abutment hosts the drive mechanism and a concealed counterweight that balances the structure to minimise the energy needed to open the bridge. The design is slender, understated, and visually compact. The void created on the main span deck not only guides users and provides an enjoyable crossing experience, but makes the structure more transparent, distinctive and memorable, allowing views through the deck when the bridge is raised. Paying tribute to the history of Canary Wharf, the bridge’s sculptural geometry echoes the curved base of the historic cranes that were once sited along the quays when the site was a commercial port. The main aspirations for the new bridge are for it to improve inclusive transport to support sustainable growth in the Isle of Dogs, contribute to local placemaking and provide a striking, elegant landmark in the area. The planning application has been submitted, and a decision is expected this month. The bridge is expected to start on site in 2022 and open in 2023.
FHP Property Consultants have been instructed to sell a residential site of 1.5 acres fronting Melton Road in Edwalton which has an outline planning consent for nine large houses. “Many people will know this site as ‘the Xmas tree site’ on Melton Road, as many have bought their Christmas trees from the site over the years,” said David Hargreaves joint founder of FHP who is handling the sale. In addition to the 0.9-acre field, there is a four-bed bungalow which sits on a further 0.6-acre site. “The site has outline planning consent for nine executive homes of 2,500 sq. ft, which, with sales prices of up to £450 per sq. ft in the area, should attract prices of £1 million to £1.2 million each. Adjacent to the site, FHP Living have sold four properties for £1 million each,” added Jules Hunt of FHP Living. The residential site sits across the road from the site where Guy Phoenix developed two ultra-luxury homes at prices of £4 million and £7 million. Hargreaves confirmed that offers in the region of £3 million are required for the site, with very strong early interest. Although the planning consent is for nine houses, the site could suit three very large homes, an apartment scheme, or a care home or ‘later living’ development.
For investors looking to add another property to their portfolio this year, there are plenty of options to weigh up as the market remains buoyant, with one Nottingham riverside development offering an exclusive incentive to those looking to reserve a waterfront apartment by the end of July. The developers behind The Waterside Apartments in Nottingham, Monk Estates and Harmony Bridge, are offering buyers who reserve a property by the end of July and complete before the end of September, the chance to have their full stamp duty tax paid in full. The stamp duty holiday was introduced by the chancellor in 2020 to give the property market a boost. After extending the deadline, it is now due to end in June 2021 for properties up the value of £500,000. If investors proceed with sales at The Waterside they would not be able to benefit from the normal stamp duty holiday due to the time taken to complete a sale, therefore the developers have announced that if buyers reserve by the end of July then stamp duty will be paid in full for anyone to complete by end of September. This will not include the 3% premium for being an investor, but property investors looking to secure a quick sale with no chain can take advantage of the stamp duty offer – and invest in a modern, sleek city apartment to their portfolio with views across the River Trent. Situated on Pavilion Road, with enviable vistas across West Bridgford, Nottingham city and the river, the 121-home Waterside Apartments boast a central location, close proximity to independent shops, bars and restaurants, and is in walking distance of the city centre with its historic spots such as Nottingham Castle, the Lace Market and Old Market Square. Sam Monk, director at Monk Estates, said: “Investors looking to purchase their next property can benefit from diversifying their portfolio with the addition of an apartment – they are a reliable investment, holding value and maintaining appeal to residents looking for both short and long-term lets. “Apartments in a great location, with waterside views surrounded by convenient and desirable amenities and attractions, will likely increase in value too, making them an excellent investment for the long term. Appealing to a wide demographic including young professionals, couples, students and commuters wishing to benefit from the lifestyle that living in an apartment affords them, it will be easy to secure both short and long term letting arrangements with tenants looking to move into a centrally located home. “Over recent years, Nottingham has seen an influx in people relocating from major cities, including London. This shift has only increased following lockdown, as many are keen to leave the capital and its high overhead prices behind, looking for cheaper desirable locations, as the trend towards remote and flexible working continues. “Many local experts including the chief executive of Invest in Nottingham put the influx of people from the capital down to the city’s attractive affordable house prices and lower cost of living, solidifying Nottingham on the map as a desirable place to invest in property, offering quality living spaces for those looking to rent. “Apartments are also lower maintenance compared with a traditional house, so landlords have less worry when it comes to the upkeep and preservation of their property. The Waterside Apartments offers investors a unique opportunity to purchase waterfront apartments that hold tremendous appeal to tenants – stunning views and close proximity to Nottingham’s landmarks, amenities and major employers make it a highly attractive place to live. Anyone looking to invest in an apartment here can take advantage of having their stamp duty paid in full, if they reserve a property by the end of the July.” 14 two-bed apartments remain available to purchase, priced from £285,000 to £395,000. Visitors are welcome to view the three-bed show penthouse – complete with a panoramic roof terrace overlooking the River Trent, open plan island kitchen and bathroom with floor to ceiling windows. All homes have been finished to the finest quality using high specification fixtures and fittings, with onsite parking and vibrant communal spaces including a reception concierge.
Ground source heat pumps manufactured and installed by market-leader, the Kensa Group, will deliver the lowest carbon heating solution for the UK’s first net-zero carbon retirement community, creating a sustainable future for older generations. The Millfield Green site in Caddington, Central Bedfordshire, will provide 200 sustainable new-build homes specifically designed to accommodate older people’s needs. The development will use renewable energy generation throughout, including Kensa Heat Pumps’ ground source heat pumps, which will give the senior residents ample heating and hot water whilst helping to combat climate change. The heat pump system, containing a mix of residential and commercial properties, will be the largest of its kind to have been installed by Kensa to date. Kensa Contracting was enlisted for the project by Inspired Villages, a developer and operator of later living homes, owned by Legal and General, which has a 35% stake in the Kensa Group. Inspired Villages carefully considered several different renewable heating systems before concluding that ground source heat pumps would provide the lowest carbon and lowest cost heating solution for the development. Dr Stuart Gadsden, Director of Sales for Kensa Contracting, said: “Retired communities deserve safe heating systems that are low cost, low air pollution and low carbon. Once installed, the ground source heat pumps will provide plentiful heating and hot water for the senior residents at Millfield Green, improving their quality of living and tackling two serious national emergencies: climate change and fuel poverty. Many older people face tough choices each winter about how to cover the cost of keeping warm, and poorly heated homes result in health problems and can even contribute to loss of life. By investing in ground source heating systems, Inspired Villages have ensured optimum comfort and low running costs for residents who can enjoy their retirement without worrying about whether they can afford to run their heating, as well as knowing that they are having a positive environmental impact.” Ground source heat pumps extract heat energy from the ground and convert this for use in space heating and hot water inside a home. They are electrically-powered devices with no point-of-use emissions, meaning they help maintain local air quality and combat global warming. They are also highly efficient compared to other heating systems, typically delivering between three and four units of heat for every one unit of energy consumed to power the system. As the electricity grid further decarbonises with more renewable generation from wind and solar, the carbon footprint of the heat pumps will decrease even further. The government recognises that renewable technologies, such as the ground source heat pumps being installed at Millfield Green, are a vital part of the UK’s decarbonisation plan – this is reflected in their target to install 600,000 heat pump a year by 2028. Following advice from the Climate Change Committee on the Sixth Carbon Budget, prime minister Boris Johnson has recently agreed to legislate a new target to slash national emissions by 78% by 2035, to move the country three-quarters of the way towards its 2050 net-zero ambition. Developers like Inspired Villages are leading the way by creating a sustainable retirement community for the future utilising technologies with as minimal environmental impact as possible.
An iconic gateway development in Clifton Village is now complete and homes are available to buy and move into immediately in a newly restored Grade II listed rectory building complete with executive properties in its grounds. Works on the highly-anticipated Rectory Mews development began last year, led by Tomlinson Homes, a division of the G F Tomlinson Group, and construction involved the restoration and conversion of the previously derelict Old Rectory site, which dates back to the mid-1700s, transforming the historic building into a prominent gateway residential feature in the sought-after Clifton Village in Nottinghamshire. The Old Rectory, once home to the Rector of Clifton, is a typical Georgian style building with south-facing garden elevations, and the property still retains its original square stairwell with wooden cantilever stairs and large purpose-built rooms. Along with its boundary wall, it occupies a prime position in Clifton Village. The development comprises four luxury homes within the Old Rectory building, each with its own entrance, outdoor space and garden, and within the beautifully landscaped grounds – three new executive properties have been built with garden facing elevations which are accessed through a private gated driveway. Homes within the Old Rectory conversion include The Gatehouse – a three/four-bedroom property and The Cottage – a two-bedroom property, which are both sold and occupied. The Rectory – a five-bedroom property with reinstalled period features and views into the garden and The Lodge – a four-bedroom property, are both still available for purchase. Sat within the exclusive grounds – the three new executive detached homes include two five-bedroom properties – Beech House and Oak House, and Cedar House – a six-bedroom property, which is sold. Beech House and Cedar House are currently available for sale. The stunning new build properties boast ample living spaces, with garages, security gated access and sun lounges. Prices for the remaining available properties at Rectory Mews start at £550,000 and go up to £1million, and buyers can contact sole selling agent William H Browns in Nottingham on 0115 981 9828 to register interest. Working closely with the local community and Nottinghamshire County Council’s conservation team for all restoration works, Tomlinson Homes has ensured each property is fitted with stunning high specification fixtures and fittings including Burbidge kitchens sourced locally from Design Time in West Bridgford and bathrooms from Roca, and Villeroy and Boch. The location of the development and all new build properties have been inspired by the location and have been named after trees within the surrounding grounds. Located in a prime position, Rectory Mews is in close proximity to major employers including Experian, Boots and both Nottingham universities, with easy access to major travel routes including the M1, Beeston Station and Nottingham Parkway Station which has regular trains to London and East Midlands Airport.
