TODD Architects has announced a number of internal team promotions that have created seven new Associates with specialisms across a range of sectors, including office, residential, healthcare, education, retail and aviation. “These well-deserved promotions are part of our continued succession and business development plan, rewarding talent and experience and creating
Donaldson Timber Engineering (DTE), the manufacturer of structural timber components, has expanded its offering with the acquisition of Cambridge Roof Truss. The strategic acquisition will further supplement its existing product offering across Southern and Midlands regions of the UK. “The acquisition of Cambridge Roof Truss further extends our reach in
Chester-based AH Plant Hire has upgraded its 14-year old Andover Trailers plant body with a 32-tonne 8×2 rear steer Scania G450. The new acquisition joins two other Andover-built plant bodies in service with the company, mounted to a 2010 17-tonne 4×2 Mercedes-Benz Atego and the original 2004 26-tonne 6×2 Scania.
Mace has appointed the new director of its recently rebranced fit-out business – Mace Interiors. Stewart Ward has been tasked with expanding the Mace Interiors business, building on a strong portfolio of clients and projects to deliver sustainable growth and support the wider Group’s ambitions over the next five years.
Morgan Sindall has completed the £1.8 million redevelopment work for the City of Birmingham School Kings Centre pupil referral unit. The work included the renovation of the internal areas, fitting out the food technology and design technology rooms and reconfiguration of the existing floor layout to form a gym area.
A series of five, two-day Building Information Modelling training courses has been launched by ceda, developed in conjunction with The BIM Academy and Northumbria University. Initially offered to ceda Members, the uptake has been incredibly positive therefore more course will be organised for both Members and non-members. “As with everything
The 15 new eco-friendly houses at Longcot in Oxfordshire, which are now under construction, have received a prestigious accolade for demonstrating ‘national leadership in implementing One Planet Living’. Created by international sustainability charity Bioregional, the One Planet Living is a system for planning sustainable development and keeping them on track
R&M Williams has won a second major contract for Bristol Airport to develop the new Administration Building, following the successful completion of the airport’s new £4.3 million fire station earlier this year. The Administration Building will comprise three storeys and become home to the project teams and senior management, as
1,500 new homes are to be delivered by Wates Developments and Redrow Homes in Wretchwick Green, Bicester. Cherwell District Council’s Planning Committee granted approval to the revised planning application, which includes housing of dwelling types, sizes and tenures to meet the range of local needs. “This is a great example
Councillors must start working with local builders and developers to make better use of the existing town centre buildings, advised the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Following the recent announcement of Budget 2018, FMB CEO Brian Berry was speaking on the development of space above shops. “It is important that
TODD Architects has announced a number of internal team promotions that have created seven new Associates with specialisms across a range of sectors, including office, residential, healthcare, education, retail and aviation. “These well-deserved promotions are part of our continued succession and business development plan, rewarding talent and experience and creating career opportunities to keep those skills within the practice. These promotions will help us deliver our collective aim to empower future leadership by investing in our team,” said MD Paul Crowe. Michael Burns has over 20 years’ experience and has completed some of TODD’s most acclaimed buildings, including INI Belfast HQ and Queens University’s library tower. He is currently leading the delivery of major office developments in Belfast and Brighton. Martin Wylie has been working at TODD since 2015, with extensive experience in the design and construction of offices, apartments, educational, and healthcare buildings. He is currently engaged in a number of high profile schemes including the Gate, a 20 storey student residential development in Sheffield. John Palmer is based at TODD’s Dublin office, and is responsible for all aspects of project delivery spanning a range of sectors including residential, healthcare, education and commercial and custodial. John has a specialist interest in Passivhaus standards, energy conservation and green building technologies. Brona Marshall has over 20 years’ experience working on projects in sectors including commercial, aviation, media, sports and particularly education. Brona has recently been involved in a master planning development project for Bristol Airport that will facilitate the anticipated capacity increase in passenger numbers initially to 12 million passengers per annum. With over 13 years’ experience across multiple sectors including healthcare, education, commercial and residential, Jonathan Thompson has a wide experience working with clients, contractors, sub-contractors and regulating authorities across the UK, Ireland and the Middle East. Jonathon is leading the design of Queens University’s prestigious new School of Management building. Having joined TODD’s in 2012, Bobby Moore has become an integral part of the practice’s education team, regularly working on feasibility studies, competitions and tender submissions. Currently Bobby is working on Holy Family Special needs school in Cootehill, County Cavan where the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar has just cut the first sod. Heading the residential housing team, Shaun Hegarty has more than 17 years of experience in the area and has completed a multiplicity of schemes for both private sector and Housing Association clients. Shaun also fronts TODD’s involvement in the RNLI framework, supporting RPS on the delivery of works to the RNLI’s coastal and inland lifeboat stations throughout Ireland and Scotland.
Donaldson Timber Engineering (DTE), the manufacturer of structural timber components, has expanded its offering with the acquisition of Cambridge Roof Truss. The strategic acquisition will further supplement its existing product offering across Southern and Midlands regions of the UK. “The acquisition of Cambridge Roof Truss further extends our reach in the UK, meaning wherever our customers are, we are on their doorstep; providing the best in quality and local service with a national distribution network. It’s a fantastic business, and we’re extremely pleased to be bringing the full team into the DTE family,” said Jonathan Fellingham, Managing Director of DTE. Fife-based DTE is the UK’s largest and longest established manufacturer of roof trusses, engineered joists, beams and spandrel panels, with over 30 years’ experience. Adding to the company’s eight manufacturing sites across the UK, this acquisition provides DTE with a unique national distribution network. Cambridge Roof Truss Limited (CRTL) was established in 2014 and it designs, manufactures and supplies roof trusses, joists and spandrel panels to leading housebuilders and construction companies in the UK. The company has built a reputation for being a marketing-led, sales driven business with a renowned customer service ethos. “I am very proud of the reputation we have built, and for putting our customers and the service we provide to them at our core. By joining forces with DTE, we can offer a broader set of manufacturing capabilities with the resource and operational experience necessary to fully support our customers,” said Cambridge Roof Truss Managing Director, Jack McMinn. There will be no changes for clients or suppliers of CRTL.
Chester-based AH Plant Hire has upgraded its 14-year old Andover Trailers plant body with a 32-tonne 8×2 rear steer Scania G450. The new acquisition joins two other Andover-built plant bodies in service with the company, mounted to a 2010 17-tonne 4×2 Mercedes-Benz Atego and the original 2004 26-tonne 6×2 Scania. “We’ve looked after our original Scania and both the truck and body have been brilliant. We calculated that the vehicle has been loaded and unloaded close to 120,000 times, and it’s still going strong – if that isn’t a testament to the build quality and longevity of Andover’s products, I don’t know what is,” said Andrew Heaton, Director at AH Plant Hire. The new body boasts Andover’s trademark low-profile deck, which sees the cross members transect the body runners, as well as a double crank beavertail connected to a pair of 2.8m long hydraulic power toe, and knife edged ramps. The ramps go alongside a hydraulic winch to aid loading and unloading and 10 pairs of lashing points on the deck for maximum load security and flexibility. The combination of the double crank beavertail and longer ramp length creates a shallower load angle, helping to improve safety when loading and unloading. AH Plant has also decided to include additional lighting under the bed and inside the toolboxes, helping to make operation at night as safe as possible. “The ability to develop a plant body to our specific requirements is what makes Andover stand out from its competitors – that and the fantastic level of customer service we have received from them since day one. It sealed our decision to remain loyal to Andover with this latest order,” said Andrew Heaton. The new vehicle will be on the road six days a week, clocking up close to 75,000 km a year and expected to remain in service for around six years.
Mace has appointed the new director of its recently rebranced fit-out business – Mace Interiors. Stewart Ward has been tasked with expanding the Mace Interiors business, building on a strong portfolio of clients and projects to deliver sustainable growth and support the wider Group’s ambitions over the next five years. In this new role, Stewart will report to Mace’s Managing Director, Ged Simmonds, who is responsible for Mace’s commercial and fit out construction business. “I’m excited to have been appointed to lead the next chapter of Mace’s journey in the fit-out sector. We’ve got a fantastic team in place here, with a huge range of expertise and a portfolio of fantastic clients and projects. I’m very proud to have the opportunity to take Mace Interiors from strength to strength over the next five years and beyond,” said Stewart. Mace Interiors, formerly named ‘Como’, is responsible for a wide range of industry-leading commercial fit-out projects across the UK. The business was renamed to better align with the company’s corporate brand and reflect closer association with Mace Group. “We have delivered some of the most exciting fit-out projects in the UK over the last ten years, and with our new brand and Stewart in charge I’m sure we will continue to build on that fantastic legacy. The next twelve months will mark a key phase of growth for Mace Interiors, and I look forward to working with Stewart and the rest of the team to deliver it,” added Mark Castle, Mace’s Deputy Chief Operating Officer. Mace Interiors offers an attentive personal service with exceptional quality products to the leisure industry. With over 25 years of experience, the company has built an excellent reputation supplying and refurbishing projects throughout South Wales and beyond.
Morgan Sindall has completed the £1.8 million redevelopment work for the City of Birmingham School Kings Centre pupil referral unit. The work included the renovation of the internal areas, fitting out the food technology and design technology rooms and reconfiguration of the existing floor layout to form a gym area. The tiled roof was also renovated and extensive masonry works repairs were carried out on the existing facade. Delivered on behalf of Birmingham City Council, the project was part of the Constructing West Midlands (CWM) framework and was managed in collaboration with the council’s design and contract delivery partner Acivico. “We’re committed to ensuring that all of our construction projects deliver wide-reaching social value to the communities in which we work, and have routed more than half a billion pounds through local suppliers during our time on the CWM framework,” said Richard Fielding, area director at Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure. “Throughout this refurbishment, the site team has organised several local initiatives, including the donation of a blood pressure monitor to Good Hope Hospital in Sutton Coldfield, and a charity football day at St Andrew’s Stadium which the pupils loved. Everyone involved with the project can be rightly proud of the legacy they’ve left; both in terms of the finished building, and the meaningful community engagement throughout,” Richard added. The renovated school unit was officially opened by rugby legend Lawrence Dallaglio. “Today marks two important milestones for our school: the launch of the partnership with Rugby Works, and the official opening of the newly-refurbished ‘wing’ of one of our Centres. This is a strategic step towards providing pupils with outstanding facilities and the widest curriculum offer available. Thanks to Birmingham City Council and Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure for their work on the project,” concluded Steve Howell, headteacher at City of Birmingham School.
A series of five, two-day Building Information Modelling training courses has been launched by ceda, developed in conjunction with The BIM Academy and Northumbria University. Initially offered to ceda Members, the uptake has been incredibly positive therefore more course will be organised for both Members and non-members. “As with everything we do, these courses have been developed as a direct result of need from Members. We have spent the last few months devising and developing and we’re thrilled to be able to offer these courses to our Members and the wider industry. The uptake has been fantastic and we will be running further courses,” explained ceda Director General, Adam Mason. Designed for those within the foodservice sector and those involved in design and collaborating on BIM-enabled projects, the course aims to increase their knowledge of BIM processes and software skills. Even though there will be an introduction to BIM, some pre-existing knowledge is assumed. Experience of 2D CAD and/or 3D modelling would be beneficial but is not essential. No prior experience of Revit is necessary. The course will equip delegates with an understanding of the key aspects of Level 2 BIM processes and how these impact on those working in the foodservice industry, and experience and skills using BIM software in the context of the foodservice sector. The current Dates & Locations: 15th and 16th October – Newcastle – FULL 5th and 6th November – Academy Leasing, Warrington – 2 SPACES AVAILABLE 12th and 13th November – Welbilt, Sheffield – 4 SPACES AVAILABLE 22nd and 23rd November – Electrolux, Luton – FULL 6th and 7th December – Bristol – FULL Feedback from the first course in Newcastle has already been received and the majority of delegates rated their understanding of BIM prior to the course as poor, compared with good afterwards. Places are limited to a maximum of 10 delegates per course and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
The 15 new eco-friendly houses at Longcot in Oxfordshire, which are now under construction, have received a prestigious accolade for demonstrating ‘national leadership in implementing One Planet Living’. Created by international sustainability charity Bioregional, the One Planet Living is a system for planning sustainable development and keeping them on track to achieve their goals. Thanks to their use of timber, wood fibre and hemp-lime in the construction process, the new homes in the Kings Farm Close development will have near zero carbon footprints. Emissions of climate-changing carbon dioxide gas caused by their construction are about 90% lower than for a conventional brick-built new home, while future emissions of carbon dioxide will also be much lower than normal houses as heating requirements will be very low. Oxford Advanced Living, the developer, aims to also enhance the variety of animal and wildflower species on the land in and around the development, which has been used for pasture. A fifth of the site’s total area will be shared green space, planted and managed with native trees to support wildlife. “This was our first project where we also put a real focus on how we could support the creation of a sustainable community. We’re committed to delivering the Action Plan and will continue to evolve the actions as the project develops. We believe that residents will be able to, and will in fact be encouraged to, lead sustainable lifestyles at Kings Farm Close, and we look forward to their feedback to help us with future projects,” said Martin Pike, Director of Oxford Advanced Living. Six of the 15 homes are designated as affordable in one of the most expensive regions of Britain. Four of them will be let to tenants at below market rents by Sovereign Housing Association, and two are for shared home ownership, helping people get on the first rung of the property ladder. Meanwhile, the remaining nine homes are for sale on the open market. The developer and its builders, Greencore Construction, have drawn up a One Planet Living action plan for the new homes covering all aspects of sustainability – social, economic and environmental. This ambitious plan is based on ten easy-to-grasp One Planet Living principles covering issues such as water, energy, wildlife, waste and contribution to the local economy. National Leadership status was granted after Bioregional reviewed the plan.
R&M Williams has won a second major contract for Bristol Airport to develop the new Administration Building, following the successful completion of the airport’s new £4.3 million fire station earlier this year. The Administration Building will comprise three storeys and become home to the project teams and senior management, as well as offer services such as meeting and training rooms. The office structure is the latest project in a series of developments aiming to modernise and expand Bristol Airport and demonstrate its continued investment into sustainable, low carbon systems. Designed with energy efficiency in mind, the new building has a carbon emission reduction of 23% over facility-building regulations. “We are proud that this type of high quality, fast-track construction is one of our business strengths and we look forward to further cementing our reputation with Bristol Airport, with the successful delivery of both the fire station and administration block schemes. It’s a really state-of-the-art facility and we can’t wait to see the project take shape in the coming weeks,” said Darryn Parry, Managing Director of R&M Williams. A very modern façade has been designed by Bristol architects Stride Treglown for this project, establishing the new office as a signature building on entrance to the airport. “We are delighted to be working with R&M Williams on this second project. The Administration Building will be the welcome that staff, airline and business partner guests will see and we wanted the building to visually blend in with the local environment whilst providing a state-of-the-art energy efficient facility,” commented Andrew Goodenough, Development Director at Bristol Airport.
1,500 new homes are to be delivered by Wates Developments and Redrow Homes in Wretchwick Green, Bicester. Cherwell District Council’s Planning Committee granted approval to the revised planning application, which includes housing of dwelling types, sizes and tenures to meet the range of local needs. “This is a great example of how large-scale developments can be brought forward successfully and sympathetically which local people will be proud of for years to come,” said a spokesperson for Wates Developments and Redrow Homes. “While we have changed significant aspects of the masterplan over time, the core ethos for the site has remained in place. We want to create a great place to live and work, with a strong identity of its own, but with equally strong links to Bicester and the surrounding area. Our aim now is to continue to work positively with all stakeholders allowing development to be brought forward swiftly and homes to be built to meet the urgent local need,” the spokesperson added. A key part of the ‘garden town’ plan for the area, the project ensures the amount of open space extends to 71.64 hectares, which equates to over 50% of the overall site. Over four hectares of sports pitches are also provided in one location. Adjacent to the shops and community facility, a new primary school is planned. Meanwhile, approximately eight play areas will be provided across the site including a destination play area which has been designed to be accessible to existing local residents, as well as new ones. In addition, up to 7 hectares of employment land provision has been included, which could provide around 750 high quality local jobs and a vibrant mix of uses within the scheme, together with creating a significant number of jobs through the development phase. The project team consulted with Historic England to redesign the area around the medieval village to the west of the site in order to better respect its setting.
Councillors must start working with local builders and developers to make better use of the existing town centre buildings, advised the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Following the recent announcement of Budget 2018, FMB CEO Brian Berry was speaking on the development of space above shops. “It is important that the Chancellor has recognised the importance of investing in our high streets. He has announced a £675 million Future High Streets Fund to allow councils to rejuvenate town centres. It is estimated that as many as 300,000 to 400,000 new homes alone could be created by making use of empty spaces above shops on our high streets. This is space just waiting to be turned into residential accommodation. There is a pressing need to re-invent many of our town centres in light of changing patterns of retail and leisure. The Government should be applauded for its ambition to safeguard the life of our high streets,” said Brian Berry. “A recent report titled Homes on our High Streets from the FMB puts councils at the heart of the solution and suggests some practical ways for them to facilitate the development of wasted space above shops. Retail will always be an important element of vibrant high streets, but there is plenty we can do on a small scale to help convert unused and under-used space in to attractive residential units. This will both boost the supply of new homes and help breathe new life back into our high streets. What we must avoid is perfectly good space lying empty and achieving nothing in terms of boosting the local economy or housing individuals,” he added. The FMB CEO has also welcomed the Chancellor’s announcement of £1 billion to guarantee capacity to support lending to the SME housebuilding sector. “Many small-scale house builders continue to experience real difficulty in accessing the finance they need to build homes, and it is often the smallest scale builders that experience the greatest problems. This new funding will help to speed up the delivery of homes and lead to a more diverse and resilient housing supply,” Berry concluded.