Three early years nursery schemes are set to move forward in Scotland with UK construction giant Morgan Sindall. The firm will deliver three new single-storey buildings at Newton Brae, Cambuslang; Kirkmuirhill, on Thornton Road; and Crawforddyke, on Eastfield Road, Carluke. These developments will support an additional 329 early years places.
A new 120-home development has been completed in Hertford, bringing life to a collection of ageing buildings in the town. Architecture and building consultancy practice, AHR transformed buildings at The Ridgeway, Sele Farm into new residential spaces supported by an attractive neighbourhood and successful public realm. The developers focused on
A ground breaking wall safe for university accommodation has been launched by Vecta Safes. The only wall-mounted safe designed for student rooms, the compact Vecta Personal Safe is ideal for use where space is at a premium. It offers space-saving, secure storage for keys, ID and valuables, and can be
Energy and services specialist ENGIE has been appointed to provide a £60 million repairs and maintenance service on behalf of Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council. The contract, which begins on 1st April 2020, will see ENGIE provide responsive repairs, adaptations, void works and estate management services to 9,800 homes across the south
Electrical engineering firm, Smith Brothers Contracting, has secured a position on the Yorkshire Water high-voltage (HV) electrical design, build, and specialist studies services framework – which carries a total forecast value of up to £55m. The framework will deliver high-voltage electrical works and services – including design, build, installation, refurbishment
Aggregate Industries has been recognised for its work on biodiversity with six prestigious industry accolades. The firm secured the prizes at the recent Mineral Products Association (MPA) 2019 Restoration and Biodiversity Awards. These include the prestigious Cooper-Heyman Cup for outstanding restoration, with Aggregate Industries named a joint-winner for its work
Construction firm Seddon has secured a contract to deliver a £14 million housing scheme in Oldbury. The project will involve building new council homes and transforming the outdated Alfred Gunn House block in Langley. Approximately £12 million will be invested in the housing scheme in restoring the block of flats,
Braintree District Council has appointed national contractor Kier to take forward its £30 million Manor Street regeneration scheme. The city centre scheme will see Kier deliver 35 new homes, a ‘Livewell’ hub – which will provide up to 20,000 residents with access to a range of health services, pharmacy, 70-bed
DTZ Investors has submitted planning for a £9 million major refurbishment of the iconic Printworks Manchester. The planning papers mark the first major investment in the scheme since it launched 20 years ago and will maintain Printworks’ position as a leading and progressive entertainment destination for Manchester and beyond. The
Elstree Studios are reviewing their policies and procedures concerning their carbon footprint and endeavouring to improve their “green” credentials. Already the Studios are supplied by “green energy” suppliers and waste collection, but now the studios are considering, solar energy for house lighting and exterior road lighting and attempting to encourage
Three early years nursery schemes are set to move forward in Scotland with UK construction giant Morgan Sindall. The firm will deliver three new single-storey buildings at Newton Brae, Cambuslang; Kirkmuirhill, on Thornton Road; and Crawforddyke, on Eastfield Road, Carluke. These developments will support an additional 329 early years places. The schemes, worth a combined £7.5 million, are being delivered on behalf of South Lanarkshire Council and hub South West Scotland. Work is already underway and expected to be completed in time for the start of the new school year in 2020. Stuart Parker, Morgan Sindall Construction managing director in Scotland, said: “We’re very pleased to be working with the council and hub South West to deliver this vital extra capacity in early years education. “These single-storey teaching spaces can be designed and built quickly. They allow local authorities to respond to increased demand from growing local communities; while aligning with the Scottish government’s aim of doubling the entitlement to free early learning and childcare, to 1140 hours per year by 2020.” Michael McBrearty, chief executive of development partner hub South West Scotland added: “hub South West is delighted that this important project is now progressing with Morgan Sindall Construction named as preferred contractor for the three early years facilities across South Lanarkshire. “Having just embarked on a varied programme of works with Morgan Sindall Construction we look forward to working with them to deliver these projects to our participants.”
A new 120-home development has been completed in Hertford, bringing life to a collection of ageing buildings in the town. Architecture and building consultancy practice, AHR transformed buildings at The Ridgeway, Sele Farm into new residential spaces supported by an attractive neighbourhood and successful public realm. The developers focused on residential engagement to create a place to live that would reflect the aspirations of the community. The incorporation of streets was central to both the new character of the scheme, as well as playing a key role as a counterbalance to the existing tall blocks of the estate, surrounded by space. AHR also studied traditional Hertford buildings as inspiration throughout the design process, to bridge the gap between the town and suburban Sele Farm and cultivate feelings of continuity and belonging. Residences of three varying designs, ‘Villa’, ‘Courtyard’ and ‘Mews’ have been developed to introduce an individuality and intimacy to the scheme. The houses and flats have been designed to a stellar level of quality, security and sustainability and are orientated to maximise natural daylight and views. For the facades, red brick was chosen, with areas of delicate patterning, to communicate with historic Hertford architecture. ‘Courtyard’ houses enjoy private gardens, which utilise space efficiently while providing a comfortable and secluded place to relax. WaiLun Ho, director at AHR, said: “It is very satisfying seeing our new development reach completion. From the start, we recognised the site’s exciting possibilities – it offers access to Hertford and to the countryside, as well as stunning views. Our shared vision with United Living and Network Homes has enabled the development to fulfil its potential as an appealing, friendly and safe place to live. Our affordable homes are ideal for families, and their architectural character and flair instil in residents a sense of ownership, community and pride.” David Gooch, Executive Director for Development at Network Homes, added: “We’re really pleased to have worked with AHR to deliver a truly transformational regeneration scheme of high quality homes for rent and shared ownership. Through inspirational design, the architects have transformed an estate of dark walkways and concrete staircases into a desirable neighbourhood of streets, courtyards and greenery.” This new development based at The Ridgeway has recently been shortlisted for the forthcoming Inside Housing Development Awards 2019 in the ‘Best Regeneration Project’ category.
A ground breaking wall safe for university accommodation has been launched by Vecta Safes. The only wall-mounted safe designed for student rooms, the compact Vecta Personal Safe is ideal for use where space is at a premium. It offers space-saving, secure storage for keys, ID and valuables, and can be conveniently installed at eye level, taking up zero floor space. Offering peace of mind for students and vacation-time guests alike, this award-winning safe is British designed and is the only safe in its class to have UK Police Secured by Design accreditation. It has also successfully undergone Sold Secure testing by the Master Locksmith Association. Its slim profile means it can be unobtrusively installed on any wall, for instance above a desk or behind a door. It has no sharp edges and clean modern looks that blend with most décor. Made to be user-friendly as well as secure, this easy-to-use safe opens with a 4-digit, customisable user code and closes with a one-touch locking mechanism. An electronic master code and override keys ensure that the safe can be accessed by an administrator in the event of a lockout. Requiring no electrical installation, an LCD display indicates when batteries need replacing. Compact but large enough to hold critical valuables such as keys, cash, ID, flash drives and jewellery, both students and vacation-time guests alike can benefit from the convenient security offered by the Vecta Personal Safe. The Vecta Personal Safe is priced at £107.50 plus VAT. For more information contact sales@vectasafes.co.uk Background information The Vecta Personal Safe was conceived and designed by John Fearnall and Simon Fildes from their offices in Chester. John is a British entrepreneur with decades of experience in designing security products supplied to police forces and community safety initiatives within the UK. Working together with Simon, a marketing specialist, they have travelled the world using hotel safes on a daily basis. Their invention, the Vecta Personal Safe, is designed to provide a convenient, secure safe for students and university accommodation guests, which can be easily sited at eye level. The Vecta Personal Safe features include: Compact design that can be conveniently wall mounted Clean, designer looks to blend in with student room décor Eye-level fitting for convenience and ease of use Fast opening and one-touch locking Superior security to most 5-Star hotel room safes The Vecta Personal Safe, with its contemporary looks and total usability, is designed to provide the convenience and protection required to meet the security needs of university accommodation today.
Energy and services specialist ENGIE has been appointed to provide a £60 million repairs and maintenance service on behalf of Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council. The contract, which begins on 1st April 2020, will see ENGIE provide responsive repairs, adaptations, void works and estate management services to 9,800 homes across the south of the borough. In addition, ENGIE will also provide gas, mechanical and electrical maintenance work and a number of capital improvement schemes across the wider Rotherham area. The contract will begin with an initial duration of five years, which would be extended to a further five years dependent on high performance. It is expected that the work programme will create more than 100 apprenticeships for local people, over the ten-year period, as well as 40 new jobs and more than 90 work experience placements for young people. ENGIE has also committed to a number of engagement opportunities with local schools, colleges and universities. Martin Smithurst, Divisional Chief Operating Officer at ENGIE UK, said: “We are very pleased to have been chosen to form this exciting partnership with Rotherham Council. We have a proven track record of providing an excellent repairs and maintenance service, as well as helping our partners address their housing, social value and climate emergency-related priorities, and I’m sure that this programme will be no different. “ENGIE has a long history of working within the borough, so it’s great that we can continue to do that through this partnership. We look forward to working with our partners for many more years to come to create, improve and maintain homes and places across Rotherham.” Councillor Dominic Beck, Cabinet Member for Housing at Rotherham Council, said: “The repairs and maintenance delivery providers we appoint are extremely important and I am confident we have recruited an excellent partner in ENGIE with a strong track record. “We are delighted to award one of the Council’s housing repairs and maintenance contracts to a company that has shown they have the highest standards of service delivery which in turn will mean our tenants enjoy high-quality accommodation. Another key factor in the tender process was that the successful companies must demonstrate how they will add social value to the community. “We want to work with companies that give back to the communities that they work in, who promote a borough where people can grow, flourish and prosper, and strengthen the skills of the local workforce and support people into jobs.”
Electrical engineering firm, Smith Brothers Contracting, has secured a position on the Yorkshire Water high-voltage (HV) electrical design, build, and specialist studies services framework – which carries a total forecast value of up to £55m. The framework will deliver high-voltage electrical works and services – including design, build, installation, refurbishment and support – alongside routine planned and reactive inspection and maintenance to Yorkshire Water’s existing high-voltage equipment. The Elland-based power contracting firm will take responsibly for all projects in the west region, for a minimum of four years – to February 2023 – with the first being the design and build of a new 11kV customer substation, and the replacement of a motor control centre (MCC). Dave Ogden, managing director at Smith Brothers said: “We’ve worked with Yorkshire Water for several years, and we’re incredibly proud to have been selected to join such a significant framework. “Our reputation for providing end-to-end services across numerous EPC and maintenance projects undoubtedly worked in our favour, and we’re looking forward to a successful partnership.” Martin Priestley, senior engineering project manager at Yorkshire Water, said: “We are confident these appointments will contribute to the consistent and efficient provision of safe, quality, reliable assets, that will in turn help us to ensure we provide the level of service our customers expect and value.” Smith Brothers is a high-voltage power engineering contractor and accredited ICP, specialising in delivering turnkey network connection packages across an array of sectors – including renewable energy, utilities, industrial and commercial.
Aggregate Industries has been recognised for its work on biodiversity with six prestigious industry accolades. The firm secured the prizes at the recent Mineral Products Association (MPA) 2019 Restoration and Biodiversity Awards. These include the prestigious Cooper-Heyman Cup for outstanding restoration, with Aggregate Industries named a joint-winner for its work with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and Middlemarch Environmental to transform Ripon City Quarry in North Yorkshire into a new wetland haven for wildlife. Judges described the project as a well-researched and implemented scheme that has provided ‘a great asset to the area’. The firm’s ongoing scheme to turn a 30-hectare sand and gravel site near Exeter – Venn Ottery Quarry – into lowland heathland, was crowned winner of the Biodiversity Landscape Scale category. Individual Aggregate Industries employees were also recognised for their brilliant contribution to restoration and biodiversity, with Dave Soons of its North End site in Wiltshire awarded the MPA Nature Photo Competition – Employee Prize for his beautiful photograph of a hobby in flight. Dave Hellier and Alan Knight received the individual contribution award for their work on the Chard Junction Quarry nature reserve in Somerset. On top of this, a number of projects by the Leicestershire-headquartered firm were highly-commended by the judges. These include recognition of its work with the Peak District National Park Authority, Natural England, Environment Agency and Derbyshire Wildlife Trust to restore Topley Pike quarry; and the aforementioned Venn Ottery Quarry project achieving runner-up in the Cooper Heyman Cup. Guy Edwards, Chief Executive Officer at Aggregate Industries, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the award wins. They really are testament to the Aggregate Industries employees and our partners working tirelessly to restore our quarries, ensuring these sites can benefit the local community and environment. “We’re also proud of the fantastic initiatives we’ve put in place in recent years to help improve biodiversity at our sites, with sustainability and biodiversity continuing to be a priority for us as a company.”
Construction firm Seddon has secured a contract to deliver a £14 million housing scheme in Oldbury. The project will involve building new council homes and transforming the outdated Alfred Gunn House block in Langley. Approximately £12 million will be invested in the housing scheme in restoring the block of flats, as well as plans to build an extra ten two-bedroom flats on the roof with redundant storage sheds on the ground floor being removed to create a further four two-bedroom flats. External improvements to Alfred Gunn House include new windows and external cladding, improvements to balconies, a new roof and extra parking for tenants and visitors. Further internal refurbishment work will see existing lifts replaced and upgraded fire protection along with new decoration and lighting to communal areas and corridors plus improved entrance and security systems. The scheme also includes 16 much-needed new council homes on council-owned land adjacent to Alfred Gunn in Old Hobiscus Lane, bringing the Sandwell Council’s overall investment in the area to £14 million. “It’s great news that this contract has been awarded and we can look forward to a major facelift for Alfred Gunn House as well as another 16 new council homes nearby. One of our priorities for this block was to look at how we could remodel the flats to suit the changing needs of our tenants and to increase the number of affordable homes in the area,” said Councillor Joanne Hadley, Sandwell’s cabinet member for homes. Refurbishment work to Alfred Gunn House is expected to begin in early 2020.
Braintree District Council has appointed national contractor Kier to take forward its £30 million Manor Street regeneration scheme. The city centre scheme will see Kier deliver 35 new homes, a ‘Livewell’ hub – which will provide up to 20,000 residents with access to a range of health services, pharmacy, 70-bed Travelodge, new bus interchange, a café/restaurant overlooking a new public realm and a twin-level car park. “We are specialists in delivering key projects for local authorities nationwide. We work extremely hard to leave a positive footprint on the areas we work in and throughout this project we will be committed to engaging with the local community and working closely with local subcontractors to create a range of job opportunities for those living in the area,” said Mark Dady, managing director at Kier Regional Building Eastern. “I’m looking forward to working closely with Braintree District Council to deliver this vital project for the people of Braintree.” Work will begin on the project in early 2020. “Without our investment as a local authority, these improvements to health facilities, the bus station and town centre would just not happen,” added Cllr John McKee, Cabinet Member for Corporate Transformation, at Braintree District Council. “We see this regeneration as the catalyst for change – bringing more people, new businesses and more jobs in to our wonderful town. It’s the beginning of an exciting transformation which we believe will encourage other businesses and services to set up home in our town in the future.” The scheme is set for completion in 2022.
DTZ Investors has submitted planning for a £9 million major refurbishment of the iconic Printworks Manchester. The planning papers mark the first major investment in the scheme since it launched 20 years ago and will maintain Printworks’ position as a leading and progressive entertainment destination for Manchester and beyond. The works include enhancement of the external façade to complement the existing period architecture as well as new digital tenant signage and improved gateway entrances. There will also be an internal transformation with new technology, lighting and interaction to cater for our growing round-the-clock customer base. The most spectacular aspect of the refurbishment planning will see the internal introduction of a 1,300m2 full span digital ceiling screen, which will be the largest in Europe. It will offer a stunning customer experience with the ability to control ambience, lighting and sound with ever changing imagery and tailored content. Plus, with the growing trend for gamification, Printworks will also benefit from a large interactive screen in the heart of the scheme to encourage social competition and engagement from visitors. Recent letting successes have welcomed tenants from the family and activity-led world, including Treetop Adventure Golf, Escape Reality, and Tenpin bowling (opening early 2020) which have bolstered an already impressive offer. DTZ Investors will continue to diversify its tenant-mix away from a predominantly late-night offer to fully reposition Printworks as the premier destination for both daytime and night-time entertainment in Manchester. Refurbishment is scheduled to commence in Spring 2020 and is being structured in such a way to ensure minimum disruption so that Printworks can remain open and trading throughout. Ben Haller, at DTZ Investors, said: “Our business has embraced the challenges of successful placemaking and we are deploying a variety of approaches throughout our portfolio. This refurbishment at Printworks will create an unrivalled interactive and immersive experience as a crucial element of our strategy, and operational changes will expand on existing community links alongside a new ambitious events and gaming programme. Printworks will offer our domestic and international customers with the quality and authenticity they expect from social interaction whether with family or friends”. In contrast to industry trends, Printworks has continued to attract strong visitor numbers, ending 2018 with a footfall of over 8.1million – the highest since 2011. As well as the redevelopment of Printworks, the scheme will also benefit from an overhaul of its branding, wayfinding and online platforms. The new website, which is set to launch later this year, will feature a dedicated development news page for visitors to keep up to date on the works as they progress.
Elstree Studios are reviewing their policies and procedures concerning their carbon footprint and endeavouring to improve their “green” credentials. Already the Studios are supplied by “green energy” suppliers and waste collection, but now the studios are considering, solar energy for house lighting and exterior road lighting and attempting to encourage users to be efficient in their use of energy for productions and recycling. Most recently the arrival of Universal Production services on the Elstree Site has meant that clients have access to the latest LED lighting equipment. The Elstree Studios board has also seen changes that help this move towards a Green Studio with the appointment of among others, award winning Director and Chair of Directors UK, Steve Smith, who is a prominent member of the Albert initiative run by BAFTA. The Albert Initiative supports an environmentally sustainable future for the Production Industry. Roger Morris, Managing Director of Elstree Studios said: “The Board appointments made recently are to assist in decision making at Elstree Studios from Industry Experts. Currently we intend to build two more super Stages on the old Big Brother Site to accommodate demand for Feature Film, SVOD and Television.” Currently Elstree Studios is the home to The Crown and Strictly Come Dancing plus many other top shows and dramas.