Barratt Homes East Scotland have been recognised by the NHBC, the UK’s leading warranty and insurance provider for new homes, for its efforts to make Barratt Homes’ development across Edinburgh and the Lothians – Greenacres – the safest they can be. Greenacres’ site manager Colin Graham led his onsite team
A £717k investment to build homes for first-time buyers and affordable rent or shared ownership has been approved by the Sheffield City Region (SCR) Housing Investment Board. So far, £1.23 million in loans and grants has been approved by the SCR Housing Fund, which will see 98 new homes being
Speirs + Major, a UK lighting design practice has announced that it will be closing its Edinburgh offices and will operate solely from its London offices. The move comes in response to the ‘ever-expanding international market’, and is part of a strategy that will see the lighting design firm open
Oceanair Marine Ltd has appointed Justine Heeley as the new Managing Director starting from the 18th of June 2018. Justine brings with her a vast experience of handling executive positions within the Marine Industry. She was formerly CEO of Orolio UK (part of the McMurdo Group), prior to this she
A new upmarket commercial build in Edinburgh city centre benefited from Aggregate Industries’ innovative Lytag, when it came to helping to lighten its load. Located in the heart of the city’s Exchange District, the £24 million 2 Semple Street development has been designed to help alleviate the Scottish Capital’s chronic
GSS Architecture and Couch Perry Wilkes have revealed plans for a brand new primary school. New Lubbesthorpe Primary School will be located within the new community of Lubbesthorpe, near Blaby, Leicestershire. The 420-place primary school is the first of three schools – a mix of two primary and one secondary
Anel Group has been handed a Silver in the internationally-renowned RoSPA Health and Safety Awards, in recognition to its practices and achievements in helping its staff get home safely at the end of the working day. They were presented with the award during a ceremony at ExCeL, London on Tuesday,
Northcare has been chosen as the preferred bidder by Multiplex for the £400 million design and build contract to redevelop a previous New Scotland Yard location in Westminster, London. The scheme secured its planning consent in 2016 and it will see the 1.72 acre mixed-use development feature six towers rising
Building materials supplier Aggregate Industries has unveiled its Pro Pitch Elite, which is a new, infill sand that claims to have the best drainage rates of any other on the UK market. This solution would help ensure sporting action isn’t interrupted when adverse weather hits. “Extreme weather conditions are a
The first tenants of the ‘FitHome’ village in Dalmore, Alness, have been welcomed. The Saltire Award-winning concept that unites the priorities of healthcare, housing provision and tenant welfare was delivered by Albyn Housing Society, in partnership with Carbon Dynamic and NHS Highland. As a concept, the ‘FitHome’ aims to help
Barratt Homes East Scotland have been recognised by the NHBC, the UK’s leading warranty and insurance provider for new homes, for its efforts to make Barratt Homes’ development across Edinburgh and the Lothians – Greenacres – the safest they can be. Greenacres’ site manager Colin Graham led his onsite team to success after they underwent a trio of health and safety inspections over a four-month period, resulting in an NHBC Commended 2018 accolade – awards given to site managers who demonstrate the highest levels of health and safety in every aspect of their work on site. “We are incredibly proud of the achievements of all those working at our Greenacres development. Health and safety is our number one business priority and all the team work incredibly hard and we put a lot of time and effort into making our sites safe for our people and the wider public,” said Alison Condie, Managing Director at Barratt Developments East Scotland. “Our site teams are well trained in health and safety standards, but this award shows just how much we go over and above the call of duty. Our added value is evident in the time we spend sharing our health and safety initiatives with the communities in which we operate. People like Colin right across our business actively engage with local schools to teach children, in close proximity to our developments, about potential hazards on live construction sites,” she added. The NHBC Health and Safety Awards finals will be held at the ICC in Birmingham on the 6th of July. The event will see Colin compete for the Highly Commended Award and the overall National Award. Greenacres is located just off Greendykes road in the South East of the city and offers a selection of two, three and four bedroom houses along with desirable two bedroom apartments. A total of 158 homes will be made available over the coming three years.
A £717k investment to build homes for first-time buyers and affordable rent or shared ownership has been approved by the Sheffield City Region (SCR) Housing Investment Board. So far, £1.23 million in loans and grants has been approved by the SCR Housing Fund, which will see 98 new homes being built in the region. Twenty-five houses and apartments will be aimed at first-time buyers in Mexborough, and 35 affordable homes for rent and shared ownership in Darfield. A grant of £367k was approved in May by the Board for a 35-affordable home scheme to be built by the Together Housing Association at Nanny Marr Road in Darfield. Work is set start on site in September, with the homes ready to move into by December 2020. Meanwhile, the City Region’s Local Growth Funding is providing £350k to develop the Leach Lane, Mexborough site. Essential works include diverting mains drains, clearing undergrowth, and raising the ground level near the canal bank to avoid the risk of flooding. “I am delighted that we have secured funds from the City Region which will allow us to build much needed affordable homes in the village centre of Darfield and bring a derelict site back into use. We have worked closely with the City Region and are grateful they have been able to make a swift decision to ensure additional housing can be delivered,” said Hilary Brady, group head of development at Synergy Housing Solutions Ltd, a member of the Together Housing Group. These two schemes are a follow up of the first project to be approved under the City Region’s £10 million ‘fast track’ housing pilot in March. Work is already underway on site to build 38 affordable flats close to the Park Hill flats in Sheffield with support of £517k from the City Region. “We’re working to complement and plug the gaps in current national housing investment programme, unlock development opportunities and deliver much-needed new homes across the city region,” said Doncaster Mayor, Ros Jones. “One of the main barriers to development across the City Region is challenging site conditions, and both schemes will develop brownfield sites. Both will also be providing new employment and apprenticeships.”
Speirs + Major, a UK lighting design practice has announced that it will be closing its Edinburgh offices and will operate solely from its London offices. The move comes in response to the ‘ever-expanding international market’, and is part of a strategy that will see the lighting design firm open new studios in other key locations. “We are always evolving and in recent years we have observed changes in the way we get the best opportunities and results,” said Keith Bradshaw, Principal at Speirs + Major. “We know how much love and effort goes into realising a great lighting project and now is the time to change the way we work on new international projects and support both our client’s expectations and our own ambitions.” The practice is now looking at both East Asia and Europe, following a period of consolidation for its UK operation. Currently, it is in the process of establishing new studios. “More than 50% of our workload is international and it is increasing. We are currently working in Europe, Scandinavia, North America, the Middle East, East Asia and Australia,” said Mark Major, Principal at Speirs + Major. “Whilst previously we have handled overseas projects from the UK, the scale and ambition of some of the work we are now engaged on demands a local presence.” Speirs + Major is a multi-award-winning independent design practice that uses light to enhance the experience of the visual environment. Established for over two decades, the team is inspired by light and its innovative use and application. The firm’s work encompasses architecture, strategic branding and innovative product design, as well as raising awareness of the lighting design profession globally. The team at Speirs + Major works in close collaboration with architects and designers, using light to reveal and accentuate the core principles of the architectural design. As lighting architects, the team develops environments where light is an integrated part of the final built form, combining creativity with pragmatism and ensuring the client’s lighting solution is both sustainable and easy to manage.
Oceanair Marine Ltd has appointed Justine Heeley as the new Managing Director starting from the 18th of June 2018. Justine brings with her a vast experience of handling executive positions within the Marine Industry. She was formerly CEO of Orolio UK (part of the McMurdo Group), prior to this she was Managing Director of Drew Marine Signal & Safety and formerly Managing Director of Chemring Marine. “I have always admired Oceanair as a company that continues to show solid growth and pushes the boundaries of design and manufacturing. As part of Dometic, I am looking forward to taking the business to the next level, delivering quality, value and prosperity to our customers, shareholders and staff,” commented Justine on her appointment. Justine is the successor of Andy FitzGerald – the founder of Ocean Marine Ltd. During its 28 years of existence, Oceanair has always strived to deliver high-end customer satisfaction by designing and manufacturing elegant solutions to the world’s leading production boat builders, superyachts, luxury properties, commercial and RV market. “The appointment of Justine is an exciting next chapter for Oceanair, we are all looking forward to working with her. We will benefit from the knowledge and expertise she has gained throughout her career; this will be pivotal in ensuring we continue our journey of growth and expansion,” said Donna Wearn, Group Human Resources Director. Founded in 1990, Oceanair Marine Limited continues to be the world’s leading supplier of blinds, shades, screens, and soft furnishings in the marine market. A sustained commitment to excellence has been recognised with no less than three Queen’s Awards for Enterprise in International trade. Oceanair products are exported to over 37 countries, supplying internationally renowned brands. 25 years on, the company now supplies Leisure marine, Superyacht, Residential, Commercial and RV sectors. The Oceanair range includes systems for windows, hatches, portlights and doors. In addition, a range of soft furnishing products (curtains, cushions, upholstery, bedspreads and throws) are available for any interior. Oceanair products are designed and manufactured in a state-of-the-art facility in Selsey, UK or in the United States office, manufacturing and distribution facility.
A new upmarket commercial build in Edinburgh city centre benefited from Aggregate Industries’ innovative Lytag, when it came to helping to lighten its load. Located in the heart of the city’s Exchange District, the £24 million 2 Semple Street development has been designed to help alleviate the Scottish Capital’s chronic shortage of Grade A office accommodation. The newly-opened building boasts 45,000 sq ft of cutting-edge office and retail space, over five storeys. In terms of the flooring specification the challenge for awarded concrete and screed specialists, Advance Flooring Solutions was to procure a concrete solution which would enable minimal size slabs and help reduce the overall dead load of the building. The specialist then chose Lytag from Aggregate, which is a highly innovative lightweight concrete that can effectively reduce the dead load of approximately 25% over normal weight control, while offering the same level of structural performance. “Lytag is a fantastic product which was well-matched to this high calibre project for the Scottish capital. Supported with a meticulous delivery plan, the concrete supply was first-class from Aggregate Industries – we’d like to pass on our thanks to all involved,” said Stephen McKenna, Commercial Manager at Advance Flooring Solutions. In total, 744 m3 of Lytag was supplied for the completion of the five floors over the course of eight months. This was supported with a robust delivery framework ensuring that all batches arrived on time and to the exact specification – thus negating the risk of cold joints. In production for more than 50 years, Lytag secondary aggregate is made using innovative technology which transforms fly ash into small pellets which are then heated to 1,100°C. The pellets formed are rounded in shape and range in size from 14 mm down to fines and can be used as a superior, consistent, lightweight aggregate. Aggregate Industries is a leading company in the construction and infrastructure industries. It produces and supplies a wide range of construction materials including aggregates, asphalt, ready-mixed concrete and precast concrete products. It also produces, imports and supplies cementitious materials and offers a national road surfacing and contracting service.
GSS Architecture and Couch Perry Wilkes have revealed plans for a brand new primary school. New Lubbesthorpe Primary School will be located within the new community of Lubbesthorpe, near Blaby, Leicestershire. The 420-place primary school is the first of three schools – a mix of two primary and one secondary school – to be unveiled to meet the needs of the 4,250 home development. The building design, developed by GSS Architecture, is based on a green philosophy that encourages green spaces. The outside is brought in with a focus on natural light and playful colours inside the building. “There were many different factors to consider when designing New Lubbesthorpe Primary School especially as the school will inform the style of the future community buildings on the development,” said Tom Jagger, associate at GSS Architecture. “The masterplan is also centred, aside from creating a green, eco-friendly site, on forming an open square for the village that will be a central spot that responds to the surrounding site and offers a sense of community in the budding development.” The school consists of single storey accommodation, which will include 14 classrooms, a learning resources centre, hall, kitchen, staff room, a studio and specialised room and the reception along with plenty of circulating space. CPW, a national M&E engineering consultancy with extensive experience in the education sector, was brought on board by the architecture firm to support with the mechanical and electrical assessment on the project. “We want to achieve a BREEAM rating of good so there is good daylighting throughout the school and the electrical lighting has been thoughtfully designed with the use of low energy LED luminaires throughout. Similarly, the mechanical services solution reliably provides a suitable environment while minimising energy consumption – this is in keeping with the green philosophy of the project,” commented Matt Wrate, director and head of the CPW Leicester office. The design team also includes the project manager and quantity surveyor, Bentley Project Management, Rodgers Leask, the structural engineers, and Secured by Design which provided guidance on the overall project.
Anel Group has been handed a Silver in the internationally-renowned RoSPA Health and Safety Awards, in recognition to its practices and achievements in helping its staff get home safely at the end of the working day. They were presented with the award during a ceremony at ExCeL, London on Tuesday, June 19, 2018. “At AnelGroup, Occupational Health and Safety is a culture rather than an obligation to us. Our goal is to ensure that all our employees get back to their homes and loved ones safely and feel certain about their safety by the end of a workday. For this purpose, all our employees and each level of management contribute Health and Safety management system from A to Z,” said Engin Yarlıgan, Anel Group’s Project Manager. The RoSPA Awards scheme receives entries from organisation all over the world due to the fact that they recognise achievement in health and safety management systems, including practices such as leadership and workforce involvement. “The RoSPA Awards are the most highly-respected in the health and safety arena, with almost 2,000 entrants every year, and allow organisations to prove excellence in the workplace, demonstrating a commitment to the wellbeing of not only employees but all those who interact with it,” said Julia Small, RoSPA’s head of qualifications, awards and events. Competitive awards go to the best entries in 24 industry sectors including construction, healthcare, transport and logistics, engineering, manufacturing and education. There are specialist awards for health at work, environmental management and fleet safety, and excellence trophies for the best international, new entry, workforce involvement and organisation operating or based in Scotland. The majority of awards are non-competitive and mark achievement at merit, bronze, silver and gold levels. Gold medals, president’s awards, orders of distinction and the Patron’s Award are presented to organisations sustaining the high standards of the gold level over consecutive years.
Northcare has been chosen as the preferred bidder by Multiplex for the £400 million design and build contract to redevelop a previous New Scotland Yard location in Westminster, London. The scheme secured its planning consent in 2016 and it will see the 1.72 acre mixed-use development feature six towers rising from 14 to 20 storeys, offering 268 apartments and 142,000 ft2 of commercial and retail space. Moreover, the Broadway development project will have a new thoroughfare connecting Victoria Street to St James’s Park tube station. The towers will provide views of The Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, St James’s Park, Horse Guards Parade and Green Park. “We are delighted to announce the selection of Multiplex as our preferred main contractor to deliver this landmark development in central London,” said Northcare development director for Broadway, David Harman. “This is a major milestone for the project and demonstrates our commitment to delivering a world-class, vibrant destination located in one of the capital’s most exciting areas.” The development was designed by Squire + Partners, while Robert Bird Group were chosen as the structural engineer and Keltbray was chosen to deliver enabling works and piling package for the site. “We look forward to working alongside Multiplex to realise our vision and see them forge ahead with construction. To date, all milestones have been delivered ahead of programme, from securing planning consent in 2016, completing demolition of the existing 1960’s 22-storey building in 2017 and more recently finishing the piling phase in June 2018,” David Harman added. Work on the project will begin by next January and is expected to be completed in December 2021. Northcare (Scotland) Ltd is a family run business, which has been established for over 25 years and owns care homes in the South Lanarkshire, Glasgow City and East Renfrewshire areas, expanding into Edinburgh with a state of the art care home opening in spring 2018.
Building materials supplier Aggregate Industries has unveiled its Pro Pitch Elite, which is a new, infill sand that claims to have the best drainage rates of any other on the UK market. This solution would help ensure sporting action isn’t interrupted when adverse weather hits. “Extreme weather conditions are a growing concern when it comes to the construction and maintenance of synthetic sports pitches,” said Tom Wise, general manager at Garside Sands, Aggregate Industries. “As such, this has spurred us into our laboratory to design and rigorously test our biggest product innovation in more than 20 years. As a result we can launch Pro Pitch Elite, the ideal solution for enhancing and sustaining sport facilities by ensuring playability all year round, even in areas of extreme rainfall.” Specifically developed to include larger rounded particles, the Pro Pitch Elite infill sand provides greater void space through the playing surface of synthetic sport pitches. During recent laboratory testing, it was also claimed that the product is able to drain 116% better than the most popular competitor of sand available, all due to its absorbent characteristics. “Due to its technical grading, ProPitch Elite has been proven to aid with effective drainage, even outperforming our market-leading Pro Pitch 2EW infill sand, as demonstrated during robust lab testing. For sports clubs looking to provide first-class playing surfaces, even in extreme weather conditions, this revolutionary solution will not disappoint,” added Tom Wise. Aggregate Industries is a leading player in the construction and infrastructure industries. It produces and supplies a wide range of construction materials including aggregates, asphalt, ready-mixed concrete and precast concrete products. It also produces, imports and supplies cementitious materials and offers a national road surfacing and contracting service. It prides itself on best practice in sustainability having become the first company to be certificated to BES 6001, The Framework Standard for the Responsible Sourcing of Construction Products, developed by the BRE (Building Research Establishment) and a founding member of the UK Green Building Council.
The first tenants of the ‘FitHome’ village in Dalmore, Alness, have been welcomed. The Saltire Award-winning concept that unites the priorities of healthcare, housing provision and tenant welfare was delivered by Albyn Housing Society, in partnership with Carbon Dynamic and NHS Highland. As a concept, the ‘FitHome’ aims to help people live safe, well and independently in their communities for longer by using cutting edge data-gathering technology and Artificial Intelligence to help detect the onset of ill health and potentially even prevent episodes such as falls. New tenant, 19 year old Dylan Bogue who lives with muscular dystrophy said: “This will be a life-changing concept for some individuals, including me, and importantly their extended families. Nobody will have to worry about their elderly relatives, or younger relatives for that matter, being on their own if they fall or have an accident. Most importantly, residents can stay in their home, in the community that they have grown with for as long as they feel able to.” The project has received support and official endorsement from Highland MSP Maree Todd. At a recent parliamentary event she spoke of the project saying: “This project is an exemplary showcase of innovation coming out of the Highlands that demonstrates how cross-sectoral working in areas such as housing, health, care, construction, education and training can lead to pioneering new approaches that keep Scotland at the leading edge.” The project concepts have been supported by a Scottish Government housing grant, funding from the Inverness and Highland City–Region Deal and finance from Triodos Bank, Europes’s leading sustainable bank that only funds projects that create positive social, cultural or environmental value. “Scottish innovations are globally renowned and the FitHome is a gigantic leap forward in social care. At Triodos, we work to make sure that projects like this get the funding and financial support they need to have a positive impact on the local community. The FitHome is a game-changer when it comes to helping people live independent and inclusive lives,” said Graeme Galloway, Relationship Manager at Triodos Bank UK. The Data Lab – the Scottish Innovation Centre charged with generating economic, social and scientific value from big data – is also supporting the project by funding research into predicting falls, which is being led by Professor Susan Craw, an Artificial Intelligence expert at Robert Gordon University.