Britain’s leading rail freight company, DB Cargo UK, has announced that thanks to a three-year deal with SSE Business Energy, all of its rail sites and offices will be powered by 100% renewable electricity. “Our customers have long understood the environmental benefits of moving their goods via rail rather than
A+DP (Architecture and Design Partnership) celebrated this weekend its 40th anniversary with an exclusive event held at their fabulous refurbished offices in Holmfirth. Attended by a whole host of local companies, clients, partners and past employees the event was in recognition of the business’ 40 years and its contribution to
Construction permission was given to Sir Robert McAlpine for the next phase of Manchester’s Citylabs biomedical research campus. Following the successful pre-let on the Citylab 2.0 building from global diagnostics firm QIAGEN, joint venture developers Manchester Science Partnerships and Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust received approval for the
Dulux Trade Paint Expert, part of AkzoNobel, secured four accolades at the Painting and Decorating Association’s 30th annual awards ceremony, following nominations for 11 projects across seven categories. The company took home the prize in the commercial sector after working on a high school in Neston, Cheshire, where its products
Trafford Centre in Manchester will receive a £75 million upgrade from VINCI Construction UK, which will deliver a new glass-domed roof and redesigned interiors for the shopping complex’s Barton Square.The project is part of a plan to expand and refresh that area of the centre, as well as add new
London’s canals have seen in the last forty years a great resurgence, but, at the same time, they have also been used for leisure and alternative living more than their originally intended purpose. The ongoing housing crisis has made many property owners view setting up a home in a floating
The Association of Independent Inventory Clerks (AIIC), the UK’s largest organisation for independent inventory clerks, is advising landlords and agents to make sure their investments are protected if they agree to allow tenants keep pets in their homes. “It’s clear that the number of long-term lifestyle renters is rising and
The Acoustic Awards, organised by ANC, the Association of Noise Consultants and held at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham saw acoustic professionals gathering together in the Midlands to celebrate projects across a variety of environments, as well as excellence in their industry. “The awards recognise world-leading expertise in our industry,” said
Priestley Construction, the Leeds-based contractor that specialises in the refurbishment of historic buildings, has completed the £1 million restoration of a Grade II listed building in the heart of Leeds City Centre. Hanover House, which was previously the head office of Blacks Solicitors LLP, has been transformed into ten luxurious
The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has released a new industry report ‘Procuring for Value’, authored by CLC member, Global Board Director of Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB) and industry expert Ann Bentley. This follows the launch of the government’s Construction Sector Deal last week, As the Public Administration & Constitutional Affairs
Britain’s leading rail freight company, DB Cargo UK, has announced that thanks to a three-year deal with SSE Business Energy, all of its rail sites and offices will be powered by 100% renewable electricity. “Our customers have long understood the environmental benefits of moving their goods via rail rather than road; however our customers are increasingly more environmentally aware, with ‘green issues’ becoming prominent on their daily agendas. This initiative not only demonstrates DB Cargo’s understanding of our customers’ requirements but also supports DB Cargo’s vision for global sustainability,” said Roger Neary, Head of Sales at DB Cargo UK. As part of the agreement, SSE Business Energy will supply all sites belonging to DB Cargo UK and will allow the rail freight company to report zero carbon emission electricity, preventing an estimated 5,000 tonnes of CO2e from entering the atmosphere each year. This volume of saved carbon is the equivalent to powering almost 4,000 homes with green electricity or taking approximately 17 million miles driven by an average car off the road. “This is a massive step forward to improving our impact on the environment. We are committed to work with our suppliers to support our DB2020+ Group global strategy to become an Eco-Pioneer by 2020,” said Andrea Jones, Head of Procurement at DB Cargo UK. In order to identify and evaluate supplier options and arrange the deal, DB Cargo UK worked with Schneider Electric, as well as DB Schenker UK and Arriva UK Group. The rail freight company ultimately selected SSE Business Energy based on price and additional services. “As technologies advance and prices fall, renewables make good business sense, but with an array of options, finding the right source and supplier and negotiating favourable terms, can be daunting. Through a rigorous selection process, DB Cargo made a milestone investment that serves its customers, communities and long-term operational needs,” explained Andy Dewis, Vice President of Energy & Sustainability Service at Schneider Electric.
A+DP (Architecture and Design Partnership) celebrated this weekend its 40th anniversary with an exclusive event held at their fabulous refurbished offices in Holmfirth. Attended by a whole host of local companies, clients, partners and past employees the event was in recognition of the business’ 40 years and its contribution to the local economy. “This evening has given us the opportunity to invite and thank those who have contributed to the success of the business over the last 40 years and collaboratively celebrate our achievements. A+DP has always played a prominent role in changing the architectural landscape in Holmfirth and surrounding areas. We have been involved in some fabulous projects, and as a team are now keen to build on the success of the last 40 years,” said Natalie Garside, Partner. Since its inception in 1978 by innovative partners Russell Earnshaw and Steven Greaves, the award winning business has experienced many changes. Still very active in the business and its future within the modern architectural landscape, Russell recalled some of the company’s key milestones and some of their first projects, which took them as far as Iraq. The more recent projects include the design of a series of luxury car showrooms across the world, the transformation of petroleum forecourts across the country and the renovation of countless heritage buildings. Although A+DP has designed projects in 42 countries around the globe, the business’ main focus lies in the UK, with an enviable reputation locally in Yorkshire. The company offers innovative, high quality, classic, yet contemporary, corporate and residential properties, many of which have been recognised by Architectural Awards nationally for meeting and exceeding client’s expectations. The evening concluded with the cutting of a ginormous celebratory cake, which is currently being donated to a local care home.
Construction permission was given to Sir Robert McAlpine for the next phase of Manchester’s Citylabs biomedical research campus. Following the successful pre-let on the Citylab 2.0 building from global diagnostics firm QIAGEN, joint venture developers Manchester Science Partnerships and Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust received approval for the next phase. “We are proud to be part of the partnership that has led to this hugely important deal for our great city, and a thrilled that our long-standing customer QIAGEN has chosen our Citylabs 2.0 for their new home as they make this significant expansion,” said Tom Renn, Managing Director of Manchester Science Partnerships. Subject to the completion of further design work and funding being secured, the partners intend to move forward with Citylabs 3.0 as soon as possible. Together, the projects will involve an investment of approximately £60 million in the heart of Manchester’s Innovation District. Citylabs 2.0 and 3.0 will be located on the corner of Oxford Road and Hathersage Road, opposite Whitworth Park, with the £30 million Citylabs 2.0 comprising 89.500 sq ft of lab and office space.The first £25 million phase of the scheme was completed by Lendlease in 2014. “With our joint venture partner, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, we are excited to progress our £60 million, 220,000 sq ft Citylabs campus extension which will enable the creation of a world-leading precision medicine campus in Manchester,” added Tom Renn. Manchester Science Partnerships (MSP) is the UK’s leading provider of specialist environments and growth support to science and technology companies on their journey to business success. With campus facilities across Manchester and Cheshire, they offer incubation, laboratory, office and meeting space for businesses at all the different stages of their lifecycle, from start-up to global corporate. As a partnership business comprising key education, research and clinical organisations across the Manchester city region, MSP’s wider network connects it into initiatives across the whole of the UK, providing unrivalled access to funding, markets, talent supply and professional services.
Dulux Trade Paint Expert, part of AkzoNobel, secured four accolades at the Painting and Decorating Association’s 30th annual awards ceremony, following nominations for 11 projects across seven categories. The company took home the prize in the commercial sector after working on a high school in Neston, Cheshire, where its products transformed the school. Moreover, the global paints and coating manufacturer was awarded for its role in the reinvigoration of St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church in Oldham, Greater Manchester, with its products having been specified by Bernard Watson and his team to carefully and sensitively redecorate the church, which dates back to the 1800s. The third accolade was won in the Residential category, in which Dulux Trade was specified by the Caring Homes Group for the redecoration of a social housing project in Cheltenham. The firm transformed a space using colour beyond aesthetics, allowing Ian Williams Ltd to create an environment that will enhance the lives of residents, with the right colour palettes, design and tonal differences to meet the needs of those who live in and use the space. The fourth and final win was offered for its work on the American Embassy in London, which has moved to Nine Elms, where the stunning piece of architecture now overlooks the River Thames. After partnering with Wokingham’s AC Beck Contracts Ltd on the new build project, the award was presented to the project partners in the New Build category. “Putting colour into people’s lives goes far beyond what is in our paint tins. For all of us at Dulux Trade, it’s about enriching and improving lives through enhanced environments, and partnering with our valued Contractor customer to achieve these outcomes. Being recognised in this way alongside our contractor customers is testament to the work that the entire team does day in, day out,” said John Kourtoulos, Sales Director, across contractor and specifier markets at AkzoNobel, who was there to collect the awards.
Trafford Centre in Manchester will receive a £75 million upgrade from VINCI Construction UK, which will deliver a new glass-domed roof and redesigned interiors for the shopping complex’s Barton Square.The project is part of a plan to expand and refresh that area of the centre, as well as add new brands, with Primark signed as an anchor tenant. “intu Trafford Centre is already one of the best places to shop in the UK and is known around the world for its unique design and architecture,” said John Robert, VINCI Construction UK regional director. “The work we are carrying out at Barton Square will create a fantastic new area befitting this architecturally-rich building. The quality of the materials and design will create a space that shoppers will be able to enjoy for many years to come,” he continued. Construction work on the Barton Square project will start later this year, with the completion date due in early 2020. “There’s nowhere else quite like intu Trafford Centre and we’re now investing £75 million to deliver a new space with a real ‘wow factor’ that will bring more brands and unique experiences to make our shoppers smile,” said Colin Flinn, regional managing director at intu. “Many of the things that make intu Trafford Centre so special will be extended into the Barton Square area of centre, allowing us to attract quality new brands and provide even more for people to shop, eat, play and do. We’re bringing a Primark store to intu Trafford Centre and will be announcing a number of other new retail and leisure operators soon,” Colin added. Two other intu sites are already under construction – the 400,000 sq ft extension of intu Watford, opening this autumn, and the £72 million development at intu Lakeside in Essex.
London’s canals have seen in the last forty years a great resurgence, but, at the same time, they have also been used for leisure and alternative living more than their originally intended purpose. The ongoing housing crisis has made many property owners view setting up a home in a floating boat a viable option. Ex-industrial areas are continuously being developed and barges are being overlooked as a viable way to transport away construction waste and bring in materials. Two examples of this situation are two large canal-side development projects that could easily incorporate the waterways into their efforts – Enfield Meridian Water Development and Old Oak Park Royal Development Corporation. As HGVs are causing a vastly disproportionate amount of cyclist road deaths, getting freight off the roads would be safer, would reduce traffic and their environmental impact, with water transport only using around a quarter of the energy of an equivalent road journey. A brief glimmer of hope was seen when Stratford was identified as the site for the 2012 Olympics. The area around the proposed park is riddled with canals and backwaters, perfect for heavy freight. Despite promising noises and the building of a new lock at Three Mills, which opened up a route to processing plants along the Thames Estuary, this option was not engaged with in any meaningful way. The long hoped-for revival of waterways freight never happened and with the privatisation of the canals, it seems even further away. Moreover, the Canal and River Trust (CRT), the charity that now managed England and Wales’s canals, does little to encourage waterborne freight. A concerted EU effort has seen a great resurgence in freight borne on inland waterways in mainland Europe, but unfortunately nothing comparable is happening on this side of the Channel. However, this is not due to a lack of options, as the UK has the infrastructure in place already. It is just a matter of using it.
The Association of Independent Inventory Clerks (AIIC), the UK’s largest organisation for independent inventory clerks, is advising landlords and agents to make sure their investments are protected if they agree to allow tenants keep pets in their homes. “It’s clear that the number of long-term lifestyle renters is rising and this means that more tenants will want to keep pets and therefore be on the lookout for a property which they can truly call home for a prolonged period,” said AIIC chair Danny Zane, who is also the managing director of My Property Inventories. “It therefore comes as no surprise if more landlords decide to let to tenants with pets as it will widen their pool of prospective renters in an increasingly competitive market.” Even though this is a decision that can bring profits, the association is warning landlords to take out more comprehensive insurance, to increase the property’s damage deposit and to make sure that an independent and professionally compiled inventory is carried out. “Furry friends can undoubtedly cause more damage to a property, not to mention additional odours and mess. Therefore, more comprehensive landlord insurance can provide the required cover and peace of mind should an incident occur at the property, while a higher deposit will help to ensure that tenants are committed to maintaining the property,” explained Zane. However, landlords must be wary of charging higher deposits as from next spring it is likely that damage deposits will be capped at a maximum of six weeks’ rent. “Independent inventories, which detail a property’s condition at the start and end of a rental contract, provide landlords and agents with peace of mind and protect tenants from unreasonable deductions at the end of a tenancy,” added Danny Zane. The AIIC has been campaigning over the last year for the government to consider compulsory independent inventory reporting in privately rented properties.
The Acoustic Awards, organised by ANC, the Association of Noise Consultants and held at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham saw acoustic professionals gathering together in the Midlands to celebrate projects across a variety of environments, as well as excellence in their industry. “The awards recognise world-leading expertise in our industry,” said Robert Osborne of ANC. “They show how ANC members lead the way to improve acoustics for the whole of society and promote high standards and good practice in the industry. We are very grateful to our sponsors and judges for their support.” The sixth edition of the awards showcased the skills of members across five categories. In addition, at the evening of the event, an awards was also given for the best presentation of an award entry, judged by delegates at the ANC conference. Presented by Dr Hugh Hunt, Reader in Engineering Dynamics and Vibration at the University of Cambridge, the winners are: Building Acoustics, sponsored by H&H Acoustic Technologies WINNER: Clarke Saunders Associates – Quadrant 4 HIGHLY COMMENDED: Adrian James Acoustics – Nur Alem Pavilion COMMENDED: Arup – Royal Academy of Music COMMENDED: Hoare Lea – Outer Space Project Education Acoustics, sponsored by Ecophon WINNER: Hoare Lea – Royal Birmingham Conservatoire HIGHLY COMMENDED: Apex Acoustics – The National Centre for the Written Word COMMENDED: WSP – New River College Pupil Referral Unit and The Bridge Integrated Learning Space Environmental Noise, sponsored by ANV Measurement Systems WINNER: Southdowns Environmental Consultants – Crossrail C510 HIGHLY COMMENDED: Temple Group with FLO – Northern Line Extension COMMENDED: Arup – Forth Replacement Crossing Vibration, sponsored by Pliteq WINNER: Atkins HIGHLY COMMENDED: AECOM COMMENDED: Apex Acoustics Smaller Projects WINNER: Bureau Veritas – Sidac Sports and Social Club HIGHLY COMMENDED: RBA Acoustics – Lyall Mews – Site Enclosure Best Presentation, sponsored by Armourcoat WINNER: Adrian James Acoustics
Priestley Construction, the Leeds-based contractor that specialises in the refurbishment of historic buildings, has completed the £1 million restoration of a Grade II listed building in the heart of Leeds City Centre. Hanover House, which was previously the head office of Blacks Solicitors LLP, has been transformed into ten luxurious apartments. “It’s always an honour to be entrusted with bringing a historic building back to its former glory. We have a raft of experience in transforming properties of this nature into much-needed, high quality apartments,” said Nathan Priestley, chief executive officer of the Priestley Group. “With this project, Priestley Construction has created 10 high-specification, luxury two bedroom apartments that were carefully crafted to complement the heritage status of the Grade II listed building,” he continued. The planning requirements had been met by the company’s extensive restoration programme, which has also satisfied the strict conservation standards set by the local authority and English Heritage. In order to retain the building’s original features, Priestley Construction refurbished existing floorboards and windows, integrating the authentic structures with modern technology including advanced music and lighting programmes, to create contemporary living spaces. The building is located on Clarendon Road in Leeds City Centre and its has been sold to a private buy-to-let investor. Local renters can now go and have a look at the show flat. Priestley Construction carried out the renovation work on behalf of its sister business, Priestley Homes, with both companies falling under the wider Yorkshire-based property company, the Priestley Group. Priestley Construction is a main contractor specialising in conversions and refurbishments, offering design and construction to developers nationwide. Having worked exclusively with professional investors, the company now rolls out its services to the general public and the wider investor and commercial market. Projects to date include Boyds Mill and Swallow Hill Works Apartments, Leeds; Airedale House and Conditioning House, Bradford; Stableford Hall, Manchester.
The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has released a new industry report ‘Procuring for Value’, authored by CLC member, Global Board Director of Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB) and industry expert Ann Bentley. This follows the launch of the government’s Construction Sector Deal last week, As the Public Administration & Constitutional Affairs Committee concludes that government procurement policies contributed to the collapse of the Carillion, Ann promotes a sustainable business model for the whole supply chain. The three-pronged approach includes procuring on the basis of whole-life value and performance; measuring and rewarding good performance and; “getting the basics right”, including fairness of cash-flow and reforms to the practice of retentions. Procuring for Value highlights that the industry accounts for over 10% of the UK workforce (the equivalent of £600 billion contribution to the economy per year), while outlining how it needs to change to improve productivity, end user satisfaction and safeguard those in the sector. It also estimates that a more “joined up” approach to procurement could result in a saving of over £ 15 billion per annum. Moreover, the report builds on the Sector Deal’s strategic principles of Digital, Manufacturing and Whole-life Performance and makes practical, long-term recommendations for both government and industry to facilitate change. Following on the Farmer Review published by the CLC in October 2016, the report extends existing government policy to encourage an integrated industry approach. “The Procuring for Value report is a fundamental strand of our policy, outlining the best practice for the industry delivered through standardisation and digital technologies. Construction needs to change. Every rung of the supply chain needs to take responsibility and understand their impact on the industry and the larger financial picture that is at play. The report highlights as an industry how we can do just this,” said Ann Bentley. The Procuring for Value report is available to download from the CLC website here and there will be a number of briefings and roundtables hosted by the CLC for organisations and industry leaders regarding the Construction Deal and the Procuring for Value report.