McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) and Miller Developments have announced a partnership with Martin Murray ThinkFAST academy, to provide support and development for young people through the discipline and ethos of boxing. Donating a total of £30,000 to the St. Helens-based Martin Murray Academy, McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) and
Network Rail has reached the next phase of upgrades to the Transpennine route at Morley. Network Rail engineers completed nine days of round the clock work from 17 to 25 June at Morley train station. Works carried out included the creation of new platforms, the initiation of old platform demolition,
Calderdale Council has launched a tender scheme for its proposed new business park in Clifton. The council had been seeking funds to develop the site, but was unable to secure funding through the UK Government’s levelling up scheme. The council has now launched a search for a suitable developer to
Tees Valley Combined Authority has awarded Willmott Dixon a £30 million contract to develop Darlington train station’s entrance. The work will consist of the creation of a new multi-storey car park that will be incorporated into the station’s new wider entrance. The project is part of Network Rail’s £140m masterplan
Cable management specialist, HellermannTyton, has completed a multi-million-pound expansion to its Plymouth factory with an official opening due to take place in July. Based at the Plymouth International Medical and Technology Park in Derriford, HellermannTyton has doubled the size of its current factory by adding a new 3,439 m2 production
A new housing scheme at Herbert Avenue led by BCP Council and delivered by AJC group has won an affordable housing award. It received the Affordable Housing Development of the Year accolade at the Insider South West Property Awards. When complete the scheme will deliver 24 energy efficient apartments for
Works to excavate 22-acres of the Liverpool Festival Gardens site are nearing completion after two years. The derelict land had not been touched in 25 years before remediation work began on the area. More than 380,000 cubic metres of soil and waste has been removed as part of the project,
Sheffield City Council has announced a £117 million investment package for the city’s leisure and entertainment facilities. The plans include rebuilds of some of the city’s most popular leisure centres, improvements to Sheffield Arena and the City Hall. Springs, Concord and Hillsborough Leisure Centres have all been selected for rebuilds.
Cardiff City Council has appointed Morgan Sindall Construction to carry out enabling works for the rebuild of Willows High School. The enabling works will cost £3.4 million and mark the first step in the existing school being relocated and rebuilt on land off Lewis Road, Splott. The new secondary school
Mitsui Fudosan and Stanhope, as development manager, announce that they have confirmed the appointment of Multiplex as the construction manager for two residential blocks of 345 apartments as part of the second phase of the redevelopment of Television Centre. This announcement demonstrates both the success of the first phase of
McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) and Miller Developments have announced a partnership with Martin Murray ThinkFAST academy, to provide support and development for young people through the discipline and ethos of boxing. Donating a total of £30,000 to the St. Helens-based Martin Murray Academy, McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) and Miller Developments have joined forces to help hard-to-reach young people with high quality social support and development through the academy’s ThinkFAST programme. The six-week programme, which is supported by schools and parents, involves offering guidance to students of the academy through the teaching of coping mechanisms, keep fit and boxing. The ThinkFAST student benefits include working alongside boxing coaches as strong and inspiring role models, where they are taught fitness, teamwork, anger management and discipline skills, alongside how to improve concentration and confidence through positive engagement and empowerment. McLaren Construction Midlands and North has a long-standing relationship with Martin Murray and he has supported the contractor with past charitable events such as the Broughton project, which in partnership with British Land, engaged in a successful initiative to help ex-offenders back into employment. Miller Developments and McLaren have collaborated previously to deliver a joint venture project at OMEGA Warrington and through introductions, the partnership and opportunity to support the Martin Murray academy was formed. Gary Cramp, managing director of McLaren Construction (Midlands and North), said: “We are incredibly proud to be supporting Martin and the boxing community at the academy with their exceptional hard work and dedication to this fantastic programme. “Enriching so many lives in the St. Helens and Warrington community, the ThinkFAST programme really inspires and supports young people, shaping lives for the better by introducing skillsets to nurture and grow confidence. We look forward to continuing our support to ThinkFAST with future events and initiatives.” David Milloy, managing director of Miller Developments, said: “We are delighted to assist ThinkFAST in continuing the superb work they do to support and encourage vulnerable young people, to ensure that they have a better future.” Martin Murray, founder of the Think Fast Academy, said: “We would like to thank Gary Cramp and the excellent teams at McLaren Construction and Miller Developments for all of their help and support with Think FAST Academy. “The money that they have kindly donated will help us to continue to be able to deliver our crime prevention programmes to the young people of Merseyside and Cheshire. As well as working closely with the Youth Justice Service, we have also worked with the majority of high schools in both boroughs. This has meant that we have managed to help over 300 young vulnerable young people so far. “Our vision is to continue to run as many programmes as possible in order to make the future brighter for our young people and in order to do this we need financial support, so we would like to thank you again for your faith and belief in our Academy.” McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) and Miller Developments are planning to further support the academy with a future charity event and details will be released in due course. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Network Rail has reached the next phase of upgrades to the Transpennine route at Morley. Network Rail engineers completed nine days of round the clock work from 17 to 25 June at Morley train station. Works carried out included the creation of new platforms, the initiation of old platform demolition, a full signalling recontrol to Network Rail’s York Rail Operating Centre and the installation of a brand-new footbridge. The railway was closed for the duration of the scheme, this allowed further work to be carried out in Batley where a new footbridge was completed and opened to the public. It replaces the existing Lady Anne level crossing. The works at Morley station are part of a wider project by Network Rail to fully electrify train routes across the North of England as well as improving stations along the way. Commenting on the works, Sarah Thompson, Sponsor for Transpennine Route Upgrade said, “I want to say a big thank you to passengers for bearing with us over the last nine days as our engineers completed these major upgrades at Morley station. “We understand that there is no right time to complete work that impacts rail travel, so really appreciate the patience and support of passengers while it has taken place. “Despite the very warm weather, our engineers have made great progress and we’re really excited to officially open the station later this year.” Reflecting on the impact of the project, Tony Baxter, Regional Director for the East at Northern, said: “We’re really grateful for the patience of all of our customers over the past nine days whilst work has been taking place to rebuild Morley station. We know that this work has been disruptive, but we’re delighted to be able to welcome our customers back on board our trains. “Though it’s been a case of some ‘short term pain for long term gain’, when the new station opens fully later this year, the improved accessibility it will deliver will be absolutely transformational for our customers and the wider community “Once complete, the upgrades at Morley Station will not only enhance the overall aesthetics but also improve passenger experience. The extended platforms will allow longer trains with more seats to stop at the station, while the new lifts and footbridge will provide increased accessibility for everybody.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Calderdale Council has launched a tender scheme for its proposed new business park in Clifton. The council had been seeking funds to develop the site, but was unable to secure funding through the UK Government’s levelling up scheme. The council has now launched a search for a suitable developer to work alongside them to provide funding, planning, construction and marketing of the project. The site already holds planning permission and the council remains confident in its ability to develop the site. Members within the council feel the site’s proximity to the M62 as well as the nearby town of Brighouse would make it an attractive prospect for developers. Additionally, they believe there are a sufficient amount of businesses that would be willing to move to the site once work is complete. The tender process is expected to take place throughout the remainder of this year with reports about the next steps for the scheme set to be discussed by the council in early 2024. Commenting on the plans, Cllr Jane Scullion, Calderdale Council’s Leader, said: “We want people to feel pride in the place where they live and do business, and a key part of this is the Council’s commitment to support all parts of Calderdale to thrive. We also want to build on our borough’s strong contribution to the wider West Yorkshire economy. “The proposed Clifton Business Park – a major regeneration project – aims to do just that. It’s an example of our ambition for Calderdale, and our aim to make things happen in line with our Vision 2024 for Calderdale and the Local Plan. “The site has the potential to create 1,300 high-quality new jobs for Calderdale and West Yorkshire, attract significant investment and new businesses into Brighouse, support our inclusive economic recovery through sustainable development, and add to local climate action through new walking and cycling routes, trees and plants. “So, we’re being bold and saying Clifton is worth investing in. We’re determined to make the Business Park a reality through an enterprising new route, exploring the option of bringing in an external partner with expertise in moving sites like this forward.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Tees Valley Combined Authority has awarded Willmott Dixon a £30 million contract to develop Darlington train station’s entrance. The work will consist of the creation of a new multi-storey car park that will be incorporated into the station’s new wider entrance. The project is part of Network Rail’s £140m masterplan to deliver extra train capacity and better passenger facilities at the station. This will include work to build two additional platforms at the site. The scheme is set to be complete by 2025 in time for the Stockton and Darlington Railway bicentennial celebrations. Commenting on the project, Nick Corrigan, North East director for Willmott Dixon, said: “We’re proud to say that, as well as creating a vibrant and transformative new gateway into Darlington, the station development really will be changing lives and creating opportunities for local people. In addition to new local jobs, apprenticeships and training weeks, in partnership with Tees Valley Combined Authority, we are creating employment opportunities for local people facing barriers to work through our dedicated Building Lives Academy programme. “Over the coming months, we will be working with the likes of Darlington Borough Council’s Youth Employment Initiative and Aycliffe Secure Centre, to deliver Building Lives Academies for local young people who are not in education, employment or training. This is a project for the people of Darlington, built by the people of Darlington and we’re committed to spending £12m with local supply chain businesses.” Reflecting on the potential impact of the development, Tees Valley Mayor Mayor Houchen said: “With hundreds of Government jobs coming to Darlington, the town and its people deserve a modern and vibrant station to provide a gateway to the rest of the great developments on their way. This is another significant milestone and I’m thrilled the station project is steaming ahead.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Cable management specialist, HellermannTyton, has completed a multi-million-pound expansion to its Plymouth factory with an official opening due to take place in July. Based at the Plymouth International Medical and Technology Park in Derriford, HellermannTyton has doubled the size of its current factory by adding a new 3,439 m2 production facility. The new site expansion will support recent developments across a variety of sectors including rail, automotive and defence, which has caused a 60% growth in business at the site. The expansion features a bespoke extrusion hall, high-speed extrusion lines and state-of-the-art feed systems which have allowed HellermannTyton to increase its manufacturing capacity. The new site also gives the company the ideal combination of production space, warehouse storage, access to shipping docks, as well as innovative machinery. Barry Phelps, Commercial Sales Manager for HellermannTyton, comments: “We are delighted to announce that our new Plymouth site will be opening in July. This expansion has been made possible by the hard work and commitment of our dedicated team and we are keen to see the amazing work and solutions that will be created at our state-of-the-art new facility. “The expansion is also part of our decade-long plan to reinforce our status as the leading supplier of cable management solutions, and with this, comes our commitment to preparing the next generation of manufacturers,” said Barry. “The new investment means we can flourish as a local employer; creating nearly 100 new jobs and providing a training academy and research and development labs to give a boost to both the local economy and the future of cable management solutions.” As a global manufacturer that offers high-performance fastening, connecting, protecting, and identifying cable solutions, HellermannTyton works with a diverse range of industries and key manufacturing processes at the factory have been implemented to create solutions for a multitude of industries such as aerospace, solar and electrical. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new housing scheme at Herbert Avenue led by BCP Council and delivered by AJC group has won an affordable housing award. It received the Affordable Housing Development of the Year accolade at the Insider South West Property Awards. When complete the scheme will deliver 24 energy efficient apartments for people who are currently homeless and require a stepping-stone between hostels and independent living. The project aims to reduce dependency on temporary Bed and Breakfast accommodation, instead providing an alternative solution through the mix of 1,2- and 3-bedroom self-contained units. The development includes a number of green features, which led it to achieve Passivehaus certification. The plans also include bat and bird boxes which aim to maintain a healthy ecosystem. The development was also shortlisted in the Sustainable Development of the Year category in early June’s South Coast Property Awards. Commenting on the project, Councillor Kieron Wilson, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Regulatory Services, said: “This new development is so important to help towards our long-term vision of ending homelessness across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Helping people off the streets and into a safe place that they can call home, is something we’re all very passionate about. “To be recognised in these industry awards for the social impact of the scheme alongside the green credentials highlights our responsibility to our declared climate and ecological emergency alongside our commitment to reducing and ultimately ending homelessness, and I’m looking forward to seeing this accommodation in use once the development is complete.” Reflecting on their involvement, David Cracklen, Director of AJC Group, said: “We are delighted to have won the Insider South East Affordable Housing Development of the Year as well as being shortlisted for the Sustainable Development of the Year at the South Coast Property Awards, as Herbert Avenue is a shining example of what partnership working can deliver. This trailblazing development for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council has been designed locally, and is being constructed by our local supply chain. And, as soon as the new homes are handed over, they will be occupied by local people. “With Poole and Sandbanks being such a tourist hotspot, the need for ‘move on’ accommodation might not be at the forefront of everyone’s minds. However, the high cost of living here is why this scheme on Herbert Avenue is so vital. As a specialist in affordable housing, this eco-focused scheme is central to our core social values of building communities and delivering lasting change. We are very proud to be working on a project that will make a real difference to local people and the local economy.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Works to excavate 22-acres of the Liverpool Festival Gardens site are nearing completion after two years. The derelict land had not been touched in 25 years before remediation work began on the area. More than 380,000 cubic metres of soil and waste has been removed as part of the project, with 95% of the material being recycled. Liverpool City Council is now seeking to appoint multidisciplinary consultant team to assist the Council in preparing a development brief for the residential-led redevelopment of Festival Gardens. The appointed partner will work with the council to create a development brief which will then be advertised on the market for various contractors to bid for. The Liverpool Festival Gardens site is situated three miles south of the city centre. It is split into three different zones. A 28 acre development zone, 25 acres of oriental gardens and the southern grasslands – 37 acres of former Festival Gardens land that has self-seeded. The Development Zone, part of which was a former landfill site, once formed part of the International Garden Festival celebrations launched by Queen Elizabeth II in 1984. Commenting on the project, Liverpool’s Cabinet Member for Growth and Economy, Councillor Nick Small, said: “This is a major step forward in transforming this iconic location and bringing to life our vision of creating a brand new community, with a range of housing types and tenures, ancillary facilities and a high-quality, desirable public realm area. “The work undertaken to date to reach this milestone should not be underestimated, but our focus has been on getting everything right as we need to future-proof this land and make sure it’s fit for purpose for generations to come. “We look forward to moving on to the next phase and taking a step closer to this game-changing development.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sheffield City Council has announced a £117 million investment package for the city’s leisure and entertainment facilities. The plans include rebuilds of some of the city’s most popular leisure centres, improvements to Sheffield Arena and the City Hall. Springs, Concord and Hillsborough Leisure Centres have all been selected for rebuilds. In addition to investment for the Woodburn Road FC. A procurement process for the new projects will be put in place in 2024 when the existing agreements for the management of the various sites is due to end. The procurement process will be split into three packages. Each bidder will have the opportunity to tender for the packages that best suit their experience. The packages consist of Services for Sport and Leisure (including golf facilities), entertainment facilities at the town hall and entertainment facilities at the arena. Commenting on the plans, Councillor Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “Sheffield is renowned for sport, leisure and entertainment with our venues hosting many elite events and high-profile shows. We’re proud of this but we know that many of our facilities need significant investment. Our plans will ensure there are modern, accessible leisure facilities across the city and they will ensure Sheffield has the venues to compete on the national and international stage. “Listening to our residents, we know that many people can find it hard to be active and incorporate healthy habits into daily life. That’s why we’re working with our partners to deliver excellent, low-cost facilities across the city. We want to ensure people across Sheffield can access facilities that support wellbeing, physical and mental health, that are aspirational for children and young people and are places to socialise and have fun. “There’s a lot of work to be done, but we’ve developed a long-term vision that will protect and enhance our much-loved venues. Across the country we’ve seen pool and leisure centres close but Sheffield is bucking the trend by investing in our facilities.” Reflecting on the potential impact of the scheme, Councillor Richard Williams, Chair of the Communities, Parks, and Leisure policy committee, said: “To look after ourselves, we need facilities and open spaces that are fit for purpose, places that people want to visit and enjoy. “Health and wellbeing matter now more than ever. A walk in the park, a swim at your local pool, or a 30-minute class in the gym does wonders for minds and bodies and it’s important that local people have the choices to do it their way. “Sheffield is one of only three cities in the UK to host a National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine. A significant part of our success lies in working closely with our partners such as the NHS, the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre and the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park. Working together to deliver the city’s Move More strategy enables us to ensure Sheffield residents have the facilities they need to live happy, healthier lives.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Cardiff City Council has appointed Morgan Sindall Construction to carry out enabling works for the rebuild of Willows High School. The enabling works will cost £3.4 million and mark the first step in the existing school being relocated and rebuilt on land off Lewis Road, Splott. The new secondary school will offer sports facilities such as a sports hall, gym, drama studio and grass pitches which will be available for public use outside school hours. Morgan Sindall Construction will be responsible for completing a number of tasks necessary for the new build. They include, installation of new utilities and relocation of existing services, excavation and groundworks as well as the demolition of existing buildings located on Portmanmor Road and at the Splott Market site. Commenting on the latest developments, Deputy Leader of Cardiff Council, and Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Skills, Cllr Sarah Merry, said: “The enabling works associated with this project are an integral part of the development and the awarding of this contract is an exciting milestone in establishing a brand new home for Willows High School. “When complete, the new school will provide exceptional facilities, expertise and teaching opportunities for students, staff and the community, representing a significant investment in the local area.” Reflecting of their involvement, Rob Williams, Area Director at Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “It’s a real privilege to be awarded the contract for the enabling works at Willows High School in the vibrant city of Cardiff, which will pave the way for a 900-place secondary school. “We’re very proud to play a role in the council’s investment in the next generation and the development plans for Willows High School will have a real impact on the education and future of young people in Splott and the surrounding area. “This school is a further example of our commitment to creating additional school places and improvements across Wales, ensuring children receive the best chance to reach their full potential through the environments in which they learn.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Mitsui Fudosan and Stanhope, as development manager, announce that they have confirmed the appointment of Multiplex as the construction manager for two residential blocks of 345 apartments as part of the second phase of the redevelopment of Television Centre. This announcement demonstrates both the success of the first phase of Television Centre and the developers’ continued confidence in White City and the London market. Enabling works and site preparation will commence in Q3 2023 for 345 luxury apartments in two separate plots designed by Stirling prize-winning architectural practices dRMM and AHMM, following the masterplan established by lead architects AHMM. Main construction is due to commence in 2024. The start of these works anticipates the completion of the masterplan and will further open up the site to local residents, visitors and workers by the creation of a second entrance on Wood Lane and pedestrian connection through to Hammersmith Park via interlinking urban streets. These new buildings are designed to be distinctive and have a character of their own, complementing each other and the buildings established across the wider estate. Jonathan Trout, Property & Commercial Director at Stanhope, said: “We are delighted to be working with Multiplex for the development of 345 new homes on this iconic site which we expect to complete by 2026. The start of phase 2 demonstrates the commitment of Stanhope and Mitsui Fudosan to the delivery of much needed new housing, including affordable, in Hammersmith & Fulham and our long-term commitment to the area.” Tomoo Nakamura, Chief Executive, Mitsui Fudosan, UK said: “We are delighted to announce our appointment of Multiplex and we look forward to working with them to bring forward the procurement of phase 2. As the sole owners of phase 2 we are also delighted to be able to continue to collaborate with Stanhope as development manager for the delivery of 345 new apartments. We have already completed over half a million square feet of office space as well as more than 430 homes on the Television Centre site. We remain focused on ensuring that this development continues to be delivered to the highest standards while we continue to explore other investment opportunities in London.” Topping out has recently been completed on 142 new affordable homes for Peabody in two new buildings called Macfarlane Place at Television Centre, with delivery expected in early 2024. Designed by Maccreanor Lavington Architects, the new buildings will replace the now demolished former BBC multi-storey car park on Wood Lane, W12, opposite Westfield. 1 Wood Crescent has recently completed and is let to PVH with Calvin Klein, Van Heusen and TOMMY HILFIGER undertaking fit out works. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
