Portsmouth based construction company, Brymor Group, has won the contract to refurbish and reinvent the Montefiore Block Halls of Residence for students at the University of Southampton. Built in the 1960’s, Montefiore Blocks A & B are the oldest blocks of accommodation at the University’s Wessex Lane Campus. While the
Building materials supplier CEMEX presents VIAPATH™, a premium single layer asphalt solution for cycle lanes and footpaths, which has been expertly developed with speed of construction in mind. VIAPATH can be laid between 25mm and 70mm thick, eliminating the need for multi-layer surfacing which can be costly – both in
Sogevinus has announced the acquisition of the historic Quinta da Boavista from Lima Smith, an 80-hectare property that was part of the first delimitation of the Douro region carried out by the Marquis of Pombal in 1756. Located on the right bank of the Douro River, in the heart of
East-Midlands-based multi-sector recruitment agency, Recruit 2 You, is celebrating its second business anniversary this month with national expansion plans on the horizon. The family-run company of recruitment specialists which has head offices in Heanor, Derbyshire, focuses on offering a personable and fresh approach to recruitment, providing tailored solutions for high-profile clients
Keeping anti-bacterial wipes handy, refusing cups of tea and purchasing PPE are among some ways tradespeople can try to reduce the risk of COVID-19, it has been revealed. Experts from LeaseVan.co.uk have revealed five helpful hints to ensure tradespeople stay as safe as possible when working with eased coronavirus restrictions. By saying no
Westcountry homebuilder Cavanna Homes is celebrating the success of one of its Site Managers who have been awarded the National House Building Council’s (NHBC) Pride in the Job Award which recognises extraordinary talent in the industry. Gary Gregory has received industry recognition for Cavanna @ Wolborough Hill, the firm’s exclusive
Commercial and residential buildings need to be adapted to meet the changing attitudes and behaviours of people following the rapid spread of COVID-19, according to 2N, a global market leader in internet-enabled intercoms and access control systems. Heightened concerns around hygiene and fears of handling high touch surfaces have led many people to seek new ways to protect themselves from the risk of COVID-19. Touchless technology is one solution that can easily
As construction sites get back to business, it is incumbent on firms to protect their workforce by making every effort to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. This involves complying with social distancing guidelines where possible, and revising working practices to reduce risk to the lowest practicable level. Drug testing
By Samson Sahmland-Bowling So far, the first half of 2020 has felt like six years, not six months. Every new month seems to bring with it global challenges and the threat of coronavirus still looms. The knock-on effect of Covid-19 has been significant, with the FTSE100 losing nearly a quarter
The Forge Island development has received planning permission, and it is set to bring a new cinema, food outlets and hotel to Rotherham. Muse Developments, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council’s development partner for the Forge Island scheme, submitted a hybrid application earlier this year with the council’s Planning Committee voting to
Portsmouth based construction company, Brymor Group, has won the contract to refurbish and reinvent the Montefiore Block Halls of Residence for students at the University of Southampton. Built in the 1960’s, Montefiore Blocks A & B are the oldest blocks of accommodation at the University’s Wessex Lane Campus. While the buildings remain structurally sound, the facilities that they provide have reached the end of their design life, and the continual maintenance issues do not reflect the standards of accommodation that the University wishes to provide to new first year students when the buildings are re-opened in 2021. Stephen Morton, MD of Brymor commented: “While this project is a refurbishment rather than a complete re-build, the plans are no less meticulous and have been carefully devised to ensure the blocks are modernised, functional and comfortable for new students. The University of Southampton is crucial to the thriving culture in Southampton, and we understand how important it is that the students being welcomed to the University feel at ease in their new home from home.” The project, due to start this month, will see the complete refurbishment of the bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen facilities and communal spaces, with additional improved kitchens to be added and communal washrooms converted into self-contained pods. Alongside internal works, landscaping, paving, footpaths, signage and lighting will be considered to improve the exterior of the buildings. “Brymor construction were selected to undertake this project because of our excellent logistical planning and management skills, alongside our ability to understand the sensitivities of managing a site existing within a live residential setting. We couldn’t be happier to be working with the University on this project and we are confident that our work will allow the University to put these halls back on their campus as a desirable and state of the art location for student living.” The re-opening of these halls in 2021 will not only attract new students to the University of Southampton but will also provide the University with a boost in income, as currently the buildings are unoccupied.
Building materials supplier CEMEX presents VIAPATH™, a premium single layer asphalt solution for cycle lanes and footpaths, which has been expertly developed with speed of construction in mind. VIAPATH can be laid between 25mm and 70mm thick, eliminating the need for multi-layer surfacing which can be costly – both in terms of the materials and labour required. It also presents significant time savings, which helps to limit the disruption to pedestrians and other road users and achieve a faster rate of job completion. In addition, multi-layer construction can often lead to damage in underlying layers resulting in further delays and spiralling costs. For those looking to incorporate more eco-friendly products into their construction projects, VIAPATH offers real sustainability benefits. It achieves a carbon footprint reduction for a project by requiring less fuel use during the paving operation, less tack coat/bond coat and lower on-site wastage. A further benefit of this single layer solution is that it addresses a common cause of potholes caused by traditional pavement construction. Typically, a horizontal joint would be required between the binder course and surface course layers which presents an inherent risk to the ingress of water. With VIAPATH this joint is eliminated, thus improving the overall structural durability of the pavement. Martin Ashfield, Technical Manager for Asphalt & Paving, CEMEX Europe, commented: “As more and more of us adapt to new ways of sustainable travelling that also eases pressure on public transport, the development of cycle and footpaths is critical. “Fortunately, VIAPATH is a premium-quality asphalt solution that has been specifically designed to replace surface, regulating or binder courses in a single pass. This will allow our customers to quickly meet government demands for fast pop-up solutions, while also being cost-effective and minimising disruption to pedestrians, cyclists and other road users.” CEMEX R&D, Innovation and Business Development projects are part of the global R&D collaboration network, headed by CEMEX Research Centers, based in Switzerland.
Sogevinus has announced the acquisition of the historic Quinta da Boavista from Lima Smith, an 80-hectare property that was part of the first delimitation of the Douro region carried out by the Marquis of Pombal in 1756. Located on the right bank of the Douro River, in the heart of the Cima- Corgo, it was owned by the emblematic Baron of Forrester in the 19th century. A geometric panorama of hand-built schist terraces (up to 8m in height), combined with specific climatic conditions, make Boavista’s terroir unique. Of the property’s 80 hectares, 36 ha are vineyards, with Donzelinho, Tinto Cão and Touriga Nacional varieties planted. The estate also has a large area of Vinhas Velhas, responsible for the production of several award-winning wines, such as Quinta da Boavista Vinha do Oratório and Quinta da Boavista Vinha do Ujo, awarded 94 and 95 Robert Parker points, respectively. This acquisition allows Sogevinus to strengthen its position in the still wine market, following the strategy of focusing on this category, and bringing to its portfolio two new brands – Boa-Vista and Quinta da Boavista – high quality wines and internationally recognized which complement its presence in the premium segment. “With a historic legacy in the Douro and following the strategy of consolidating still wines, we believe that the acquisition of Quinta da Boavista will decisively strengthen our portfolio of DOC wines, particularly in the premium segment. Quinta da Boavista has been very successful in recent years in the development of internationally recognised wines and our expectation is to continue to produce great wines here,” commented Sergio Marly, Sogevinus Group CEO. Sogevinus thus reinforces its position in the Douro with the acquisition of another emblematic farm, joining Quintas de S. Luiz, Arnozelo and Bairro, further cementing its 500-year-old legacy.
East-Midlands-based multi-sector recruitment agency, Recruit 2 You, is celebrating its second business anniversary this month with national expansion plans on the horizon. The family-run company of recruitment specialists which has head offices in Heanor, Derbyshire, focuses on offering a personable and fresh approach to recruitment, providing tailored solutions for high-profile clients across the region and UK, matching candidates to roles across a variety of sectors. Founding directors Anita and Andy Jackson are husband and wife, and both head up the Recruit 2 You team which includes assistant director Jenna-Leigh Bates, who is also part of the family. The company was first launched as a multi-sector agency back in 2018 by Anita who is managing director, and has over a decade of experience in recruitment, having worked for a number of high-profile firms in the region. Since launching, the company’s client base has doubled in size, as has its team, with many high-profile brands using Recruit 2 You as a chosen ongoing recruitment supplier. Sticking to its company slogan – ‘Placing People First’, the Recruit 2 You team always strives to deliver exceptional results for clients and candidates seeking temporary, permanent or interim roles across a variety of industries. With its strong family roots, the business has been built around these values, and its close-knit team combines a diverse calibre of expertise with trust and respect – which has always remained at the heart of the business and the relationships extended to clients and customers. The company has maintained 100% client retention since its inception, and has primary focuses on the engineering, industrial and manufacturing and logistics and warehouse sectors, working also to recruit candidates across the procurement and supply chain, office and secretarial, construction and property, accounting and financial, and customer service and administration industries Anita Jackson, managing director of Recruit 2 You, said: “Every business milestone is exciting, but to be celebrating our second business anniversary is incredibly important to us and I am so proud of our strong and dedicated team who have worked very hard to get to this point. “I feel we have really held our own in a highly competitive industry, winning contracts over our competition and managing to hold a 100% client retention, with new client acquisitions on the horizon. “With the current COVID-19 crisis having a hard-hitting effect on the economy, business models are changing and the need for recruitment is higher than ever – we pride ourselves on having the experience, resources and dedication to save businesses time and money whilst sourcing the right candidates for roles, providing updates throughout the entire process. Looking to the future, with operations director Andy now taking a stronger lead in the business this year, the company is going for growth nationally and is looking to target specific sectors to support its existing clients and expand its offering, to open up opportunities for sector specific skilled candidates to join Recruit 2 You. As a direct result of COVID-19, the company has taken time to evaluate its offering and is keen to ensure that services are as easily accessible as possible to reach out to those seeking employment or recruitment advice. Teaming up with an ex recruiter, who is now working to produce the best user-friendly app on the market, Recruit 2 You is striving to ensure that its clients and candidates know exactly how to reach the team now and by the end of the pandemic.
Keeping anti-bacterial wipes handy, refusing cups of tea and purchasing PPE are among some ways tradespeople can try to reduce the risk of COVID-19, it has been revealed. Experts from LeaseVan.co.uk have revealed five helpful hints to ensure tradespeople stay as safe as possible when working with eased coronavirus restrictions. By saying no to refreshments and snacks and being extra stringent when it comes to wearing personal protection equipment, tradespeople will help reduce the risk of catching or passing on coronavirus. It is also important to ensure relevant checks are carried out to keep both workers and customers safe. A spokesperson for LeaseVan.co.uk said: “As everyone adapts to the ‘new normal’ things will have to change, to ensure as many people as possible stay safe. Using common sense along with the governments guidelines to ensure you self-isolate if you start showing symptoms or are contacted by track and trace will reduce risk significantly. Keeping up with increased hygiene and limiting the amount of time spent in a customer’s home will also help keep tradespeople safer. These are LeaseVan.co.uk ’s tips for tradespeople to help mitigate the COVID-19 risk: 1. Households Ensure that any of the individuals living in the household you plan to work for, or in, are not self-isolating, shielding, or displaying any coronavirus symptoms. If members of the household are, you should delay your work until symptoms are clear or government advice changes. 2. Cups of tea As tempting as it may be to accept a biscuit or cup of tea, it’s safer in the current climate to decline this offer. You don’t want to be touching biscuit packaging or eating biscuits which have been touched by members of the household. Similarly, you can never be too sure about the hygiene in the house you’re working at in terms of cleaning cutlery and mugs. 3. Hygiene Make sure you have lots of hand sanitiser with you, and you’re cleaning your hands regularly – when you enter and leave your van, and when you enter and leave clients houses if this is needed for your trade. When it comes to hygiene you can’t do enough to keep safe currently, so if in doubt wash your hands. Having anti-bacterial wipes to hand will help if used when you’re finished with equipment before someone else picks it up. 4. PPE Although your trade may already require you to use certain types of personal protection equipment, it may be prudent to invest in coronavirus PPE. Wearing a mask is particularly helpful, especially if you’ll be sharing a van with another colleague and going into customers’ houses. Gloves will also be needed if you’re likely to be working alongside someone else and touching the same equipment. 5. Handshakes Even though you may have agreed a deal, or done a good job, it’s important that you adhere to social distancing rules, which means keeping at least one metre apart and not touching. This means that you have to wait a little longer to be able to agree something with a handshake.
Westcountry homebuilder Cavanna Homes is celebrating the success of one of its Site Managers who have been awarded the National House Building Council’s (NHBC) Pride in the Job Award which recognises extraordinary talent in the industry. Gary Gregory has received industry recognition for Cavanna @ Wolborough Hill, the firm’s exclusive development in Newton Abbot which he successfully manages, gaining him the coveted title of Quality Award Winner for the South West Region. The Quality Awards are presented after the NHBC carries out a series of site inspections reviewing site organisation, build quality and best practice on housing developments across Britain. The Site Managers are judged on all aspects of their job including attention to detail, leadership, technical expertise and health and safety. Gary Gregory, who has been with Cavanna Homes for six years, commented: “I’m incredibly proud to receive this award, but it wouldn’t have been won without the superb support from the team and sub-contractors here at Cavanna @ Wolborough Hill. This is a strong recognition of our hard work, dedication and commitment to “Building Brilliance” and our attention to detail to deliver outstanding homes for our new homeowners.” Andy Sykes, Head of Construction, added: “Building new homes is a complex process and our site managers play a pivotal role in leading our hardworking teams on-site to ensure every home is built to the highest standard. This fantastic award win is a real testament to Gary’s inspiring leadership skills and thorough attention to detail. We’re incredibly proud of Gary and all of our team at Cavanna @ Wolborough Hill and would encourage people who are looking to move to Newton Abbot to come and see our stunning new homes in this area”. Out of the 11,000 Site Managers that entered this highly competitive competition, just 450 have been selected for their excellent standards on site and the quality of construction they are managing. Gary will now go forward to represent Cavanna Homes in the final round of the competition later this year. Commenting on the Awards, NHBC Chief Executive Steve Wood said: “Pride in the Job has been pivotal in improving the quality of new homes so it’s fantastic to be able to celebrate its 40th anniversary. Despite the numerous challenges the industry has faced in recent times, the very best site managers of 2020 have kept their focus on delivering high quality new homes for their customers. “At NHBC we are very proud of Pride in the Job, what it stands for and the impact it has had and continues to have across the sector. “As our new research shows, it’s no surprise that Pride in the Job winning sites have higher levels of homeowner satisfaction as these homes are without doubt among the best the country has to offer. “Congratulations to all the 2020 Quality Award winners – be proud of your incredible achievements!”
Commercial and residential buildings need to be adapted to meet the changing attitudes and behaviours of people following the rapid spread of COVID-19, according to 2N, a global market leader in internet-enabled intercoms and access control systems. Heightened concerns around hygiene and fears of handling high touch surfaces have led many people to seek new ways to protect themselves from the risk of COVID-19. Touchless technology is one solution that can easily be installed to create safer living and working environments, for example the use of Bluetooth technology to open doors via a mobile phone. As more and more people return to work following the recent lockdown, the reliance on home deliveries for groceries and other items will likely continue as concerns about COVID-19 remain. The use of innovative technology can give people peace of mind to continue receiving home deliveries securely and conveniently even when not at home. A video enabled app enables the user to allow access to secure areas allowing deliveries to be dropped to a specified location. This can be a delivery room at a block of flats or a secure area at someone’s house. Importantly, this technology can be self-installed by simply connecting to WIFI, thus removing the risk of strangers coming into the home. Michal Kratochvíl, CEO of 2N, says: “The world has changed considerably over the past few months and we need to keep pace with the change in attitudes and behaviours. “In these unprecedented times occupants need reassurance and they want to feel safe and secure in their homes and work spaces. A technology driven approach can help to avoid unnecessary face to face contact and reduce exposure to strangers, visitors, screens and keypads. “2N is focused on delivering innovative and reliable products that respond to the changing needs in 2020 as well as in the future.” To help owners of residential and commercial property, architects, designers, security firms and building managers future proof their buildings through the use of touchless technology 2N is hosting a free interactive webinar on Thursday 18 June. The webinar, the latest in a new series launched this month by 2N On Air, also includes an interactive question and answer session for those seeking to understand how a more innovative approach can address the needs of their proposed or existing buildings and its occupants.
As construction sites get back to business, it is incumbent on firms to protect their workforce by making every effort to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. This involves complying with social distancing guidelines where possible, and revising working practices to reduce risk to the lowest practicable level. Drug testing is an essential health and safety consideration for most construction firms and no less important during the pandemic, ensuring that workers are fit for duty and helping to protect employees, customers and the general public. According to Intelligent Fingerprinting, the traditional workplace drug testing methods used by many construction firms present challenges when it comes to enabling hygienic testing to be carried out while social distancing. Oral fluid tests require the collection of an individual’s saliva, while urine drug tests involve the handling of biohazardous samples. In contrast, the fingerprint drug testing method, which works by collecting an employee’s fingerprint sweat samples onto a small drug screening cartridge, is non-invasive and meets the Government’s key guidelines for supporting social distancing while at work by: Enabling employees to self-administer their own fingerprint sample collection, allowing them to keep at least 2m away from the tester Avoiding close face-to-face contact or handling of biohazardous body fluids as there’s no requirement for oral swabs or urine sample collection Allowing both test administrators and those being tested to wear protective face masks throughout the drug testing process, unlike oral fluid tests where masks need to be removed to collect an oral swab sample Removing the need for prolonged proximity during testing as sample collection takes just one minute, with results available in 10 minutes “Ensuring safe and hygienic drug testing is proving a complex challenge for the construction industry, particularly as Government guidelines recommend trying to keep a 2m distance from other people, minimising the amount of time you spend in close contact, and – if possible – wearing a face covering when in an enclosed space,” explained Intelligent Fingerprinting’s Dr Paul Yates. “Fingerprint testing not only helps solve all these challenges, but the process is really simple, easy to operate and hygienic to use. The test supervisor and the person being tested can remain socially distant at all times. “And because fingerprint testing is so quick and easy to deploy, construction firms can take control of their own drug testing by conducting the process in-house without the requirement for external testing providers to come on-site and eliminating the the high costs incurred when using third party collection services,” he added. Fingerprint drug testing, with its 14-16 hour window of detection, is particularly applicable for fitness for duty workplace deployment. Because the system is portable and simple to administer there’s no need for any special preparation before testing. This enables construction firms to run testing programmes themselves in a safe location, removing the need to have external service providers coming on site to carry out sample collections and testing. Social distancing-compliant drug testing for constructions firms – how it works in practice Fingerprint-based testing is simple, easy to operate and hygienic to use. The test supervisor and the person being tested can remain socially distant and, if required, wear face coverings at all times. All the user has to do is take the fingerprint drug screening cartridge from its sealed-foil wrapper, press all ten fingerprints in succession onto the sample pad, and then slide the tamper-evident locking cover across to protect the sample from any interference. The user then steps away to allow the tester to collect the cartridge and insert it into Intelligent Fingerprinting’s DSR-Plus mobile reader for results analysis.
By Samson Sahmland-Bowling So far, the first half of 2020 has felt like six years, not six months. Every new month seems to bring with it global challenges and the threat of coronavirus still looms. The knock-on effect of Covid-19 has been significant, with the FTSE100 losing nearly a quarter of its value in late March ─ the biggest drop in history. The global economic slowdown has dramatically increased unemployment and experts predict negative growth over the year. What’s more, a survey from McKinsey shows that 52% of respondents expect the state of the global economy to decline further over the next six months. However, while the road to recovery may be bumpy, the global economy will recover. Post-Covid, governments will be looking to rebuild their economies through targeted investment. As a founder looking to launch or grow your business, timing will be essential. Launch at the right time with the right support and you stand to grow rapidly in the wake of the post-coronavirus frenzy. And the best way to position yourself to ride this wave is to begin working with governments now. Onboarding a national government as a customer or partner, however, can be a tricky and time-consuming process. Having forged some strong government connections in Zambia before the crisis, I have some experience as to what it takes to onboard a government. Post-coronavirus, this close relationship with the Zambian government will help Open Energy Labs grow our educational programme across the country, helping the local economy to recover at the same time. Here are a few tips from my experience… 1. Develop good local contacts There seems to be a tendency of businesses from developed nations to assume that they have all the answers, technology, and other resources to solve challenges in other regions. This neo-colonial perspective often ends up alienating the local population and making the local government dependent on foreign business, investment and aid. Developing good local contacts at the outset of your business venture can help with both market penetration and product development. They will know what local resources are available, what solutions might work well for local people, and can steer your product design and marketing in the right direction. When starting Open Energy Labs, for example, we found that the key issue was powering remote rural areas. These areas are hard to reach, making installation and maintenance of energy infrastructure exceptionally difficult. Working with local contacts and the Zambian government, we developed an affordable educational kit that can be used to teach people how to build their own renewable energy resources. Not only will this help rapidly roll out energy infrastructure across rural Zambia, but it also empowers local people. One of the best ways of connecting with good local contacts is through local organisations. There are great organisations like JETS in Zambia and YSK in Kenya, for example, that promote young technologists. These young and ambitious people, who already have connections to the government, are exactly the type of people you want on board. Try and get to one of the organisation’s exhibitions (often held in the summer months) to meet, greet and hire the top upcoming talent. 2. Match against local initiatives One of the primary reasons to onboard a government is their huge budgets. National initiatives are assigned large amounts of funding, even in developing regions, providing an excellent opportunity to the right company to grow. However, governments expect a return on their investment. Access to reliable sources of electricity, for example, improves the economy, health, education, and many other parts of life. Not only is it, therefore, very popular, but it will also positively impact on government funds and the efficacy of spending in other areas. By finding governments with initiatives in the same field as your business and aligning your product/solution to those initiatives will position your business as their ideal partner. The support you will receive from those governments, aside from financial, will be invaluable in helping you grow and provide a powerful ally in your development. 3. Use local businesses Whether North American, European or African, every government prefers companies to use in-country resources and talent. Developing nations are particularly wary of relying on foreign resources, staff or investment as these things often end up extracting wealth from the country. Profit from resources disappears overseas, foreign staff spend most of their earnings in their home country, and dividends on investment are rarely reinvested. Utilising local businesses, however, not only helps keep profits within the local economy but it also ensures that products can be effectively built, used and repaired locally. This demonstrates that you take a long-term view of your business in the region and are committed to empowering the local community. 4. Train local people Longevity is key when it comes to government contracts. National development initiatives are rarely short-term projects and government departments will need to feel confident in both your ability and commitment to achieve long-term goals. Besides using local businesses wherever possible, another way to ensure longevity is to train local people to build/manage/maintain your business and products/services. By employing local people, more profit is kept within the country, improving the local economy. They earn, spend and pay tax all within their own country, rather than offshoring the majority of their salaries. Training may also open up other avenues for funding. Since the late-1990s, governments around the world have realised the need to retrain people for more skilled, technical roles. As such, they will have budgets and initiatives dedicated to retraining the population that you may be able to tap into. The common thread that runs through all of these tips is simply: look for mutually beneficial opportunities. While these opportunities may take more time and hard work to develop, the long-term benefits can be incredible. Supporting a nation to develop its own resources in an organic way by training and developing local talent is more than just a feel-good project ─ it’s also a savvy business strategy.
The Forge Island development has received planning permission, and it is set to bring a new cinema, food outlets and hotel to Rotherham. Muse Developments, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council’s development partner for the Forge Island scheme, submitted a hybrid application earlier this year with the council’s Planning Committee voting to approve the plans. Forge Island is located on the edge of Rotherham town centre on a peninsula formed by the River Don and the Sheffield and South Yorkshire Navigation Canal. The development is set to create a new leisure quarter for the town centre including a cinema, restaurants, hotel, car parking, and residential units and new public realm. Dan Needham, development director at Muse Developments, said: “It’s testament to the hard work of all partners that we’ve now received unanimous approval from the council to deliver Forge Island. “It’s the next stage on our journey to deliver this truly special scheme, which will be completed safely and in line with government guidance. “At Muse, we’re working closely with our public-sector partners to support them in the delivery of place-changing regeneration schemes that will drive economic and social prosperity when it’s needed most. “Forge Island represents what can be achieved when the best of the public and private sector come together with the same vision, drive and goal in mind.” Cllr Denise Lelliott, Rotherham Council’s cabinet member for jobs and the local economy, added: “It’s fantastic to see the plans for Forge Island approved by the planning board which is particularly important as the town centre begins to find its feet again as lockdown eases a little. “We know residents are keen to see the area develop and this is an important milestone towards delivering a scheme which is a catalyst for the wider regeneration of the rest of the town centre.” Phase One of the scheme will comprise a podium level accommodating the main built development. This would feature an eight-screen cinema, four restaurants, a 69-bed hotel and café. Associated car parking, public realm and a new pedestrian bridge over the River Don are also included. Phase Two would comprise two six-storey buildings featuring up to 50 apartments, with a further 70 apartments in a six-storey building planned for Phase Three. Eric Wright Civil Engineering Ltd has already started work on a multimillion-pound programme of works on Forge Island, including flood defence and enabling work on the site which includes retaining walls, terrace seating and high-quality public spaces.