Nationwide refurbishment contractor, Fortis Vision, has announced that it has been recertified with its three ISO accreditations following a five-day audit. The accreditations are for ISO 9001:2015 quality management system (QMS) – a recognised world leading standard, ISO 14001:2015 – the international standard for environmental management systems (EMS) and the
Amethyst Homes has been granted planning permission for an additional 48 new houses in South East Northumberland, following the success of the developer’s Sleekburn View development. The Pastures, located in close proximity to Sleekburn View, will offer a mix of seven different house styles including two, three and four bedroomed
Plans have been approved for a new bioscience facility in Nottingham. The facility will create more than 245,000 sq ft of laboratory, office and meeting space designed by CPMG Architects. Forming the latest phase of work to the northern edge of The Island Quarter in the heart of Nottingham city
Mark Burley, Regional Social Value and Partnerships Manager at top 10 homebuilder Keepmoat, has been recognised for his work to help build a brighter future for prisoners at HMP Hull with the High Sheriff Award. The High Sheriff Award, officially presented by the High Sheriff for the East Riding of
Citu and Sheffield City Council have announced a development agreement for the Attercliffe Waterside project. The 23-acre urban regeneration scheme by Citu, which will transform brownfield land either side of the Sheffield and Tinsley Canal, will be one of the largest zero carbon communities in the UK, featuring more than
The owners of one of the first Build-to-Rent (BTR) properties in Edinburgh is embarking on a major drive to improve energy performance across its flagship development as it looks to enhance its sustainability credentials while reducing energy bills for residents. Kingsford Group has secured a dedicated Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
Construction works are now underway at Taylor’s Bellfoundry in Loughborough to protect and enhance the Grade II* Listed Bellfoundry buildings and onsite museum, the last of their kind in Britain. Funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Loughborough Town Deal alongside many others, the project is being led by
Over £1bn of investment opportunities in Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland will be showcased by a collaborative inward investment team at national investor forum UKREiiF. Representatives from Lincolnshire County Council (LCC), Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership (GLLEP) and Team Lincolnshire – a public and private sector group of Lincolnshire ambassadors –
The University of Derby has chosen construction firm Kier to build a new business school in Derby city centre. The new business school is 9317m2 and is planned to include a 233-seat auditorium, a stock market financial trading room, a creativity lab, an extended reality (XR) suite and a range
Westcountry homebuilder Cavanna Homes’ impressive Newton Abbot development – Cavanna @ Wolborough Hill – has been shortlisted in the 2023 Michelmores Property Awards. Cavanna @ Wolborough Hill is one of only four developments in the South West to be recognised by the judging panel in the category ‘Residential Project of the
Nationwide refurbishment contractor, Fortis Vision, has announced that it has been recertified with its three ISO accreditations following a five-day audit. The accreditations are for ISO 9001:2015 quality management system (QMS) – a recognised world leading standard, ISO 14001:2015 – the international standard for environmental management systems (EMS) and the most widely used EMS in the world, and ISO 45001:2018 – an international standard that specifies requirements for an occupational health and safety (OH&S) management system. Obtaining these recertifications involved significant effort from the Fortis Vision team and included a – a site audit, a remote audit and three days at the office and warehouse. The team worked collaboratively to ensure management systems conformed to the requirements of the audit standard, providing procedure and policy documentations, as well as statutory, regulatory, and contractual requirements. Organisation was also key to the effective implementation of the planned management system and making sure the system was meeting its specified objectives. The recertifications are every three years and verify the quality of work as well as the financial, administrative, operational and health and safety practices carried out by the company. David Borthwick, managing director at Fortis Vision, said: “This a huge achievement for Fortis Vision and our three ISO Certifications place us in a very select group of companies that prioritise best practice. “Quality and assurance have always played a vital part in the delivery of our work, which is all about continual improvement and driving innovation. Not only do these awards showcase the hard work of our team and our quality and sound practices, but they can inspire confidence in our existing and new clients as we continue to grow.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Amethyst Homes has been granted planning permission for an additional 48 new houses in South East Northumberland, following the success of the developer’s Sleekburn View development. The Pastures, located in close proximity to Sleekburn View, will offer a mix of seven different house styles including two, three and four bedroomed attached and detached properties, with five available for affordable sale. All homes will be built to high specification and design standards, meeting – and where possible exceeding – the regulatory requirements around sustainability and energy efficiency. Work is anticipated to start on site in the Summer of 2023, with the first residents moving in during the Spring of 2024. Completion of the project is expected to be towards the end of 2025. Richard Bass, Development Director at Amethyst Homes, said: “It is rewarding for our team to secure approval for The Pastures, which we are confident will prove as popular and successful as Sleekburn View. South East Northumberland – and in particular Blyth – has benefitted from significant investment in recent years and buyers are keen to be part of the area’s transformation. “The introduction of the new rail network in 2024 between Ashington and Newcastle Central Station, which will stop at Blyth, and the sites access to the A189 (Spine Road) and coastal routes make it a popular choice for house hunters. “With this project coming on stream and a number of other potential developments in the pipeline, we are confident we can achieve our ambition of becoming a 200 home a year developer by 2025.” As part of the development, Amethyst Homes will be installing new footpaths linking to the bus stops on Brock Lane. Established in 2013, Amethyst Homes has built its business around its customers, with a strong emphasis on providing quality, sustainable homes in the communities in which people choose to live and work. To date it has delivered over 450 properties in the North East. Currently operating across four live sites including at South East Northumberland, Consett and Stillington, to the North West of Stockton-on-Tees, Amethyst specialises in a wide range of housing from starter homes to family properties and affordable bungalows. In addition to its home building successes, since the beginning of the year, Amethyst has recruited eight new members of staff, trained two apprentices, and invested over £3m into local jobs, training, and the supply chain. Both Regents Park (Consett) and The Meadows (Stillington) won Premier Guarantee, Quality Recognition Awards in 2021-2022, for the high standard of homes delivered. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans have been approved for a new bioscience facility in Nottingham. The facility will create more than 245,000 sq ft of laboratory, office and meeting space designed by CPMG Architects. Forming the latest phase of work to the northern edge of The Island Quarter in the heart of Nottingham city centre – led by developer The Conygar Investment Company PLC – the two buildings of the new development will be connected at the upper levels by a glazed link. To create a sleek and modern appearance, a materials palette of grey brickwork and off-white terracotta façade modules will be highlighted with gold metal plant screens and entrance surrounds. Meanwhile, clear glazing will be used for circulation spaces and ceramic-backed spandrels for fixed desks and laboratory benching. CPMG Architects served as the delivery architect for Phase 1A of work for The Island Quarter, including the now-iconic building housing hospitality venues Binks Yard and Cleaver & Wake, which completed in September 2022. Nick Gregory, director at CPMG Architects, said: “We have optimised the use of glazing influenced by the anticipated internal arrangements of the new bioscience’s facility, and to reflect the usage of the buildings. We have incorporated a DNA sequencing pattern into the brick detailing and on specific elevations, these sections of brickwork will also be up-lit by lighting positioned within the landscaping. “The designs also serve to break down any divide and give a natural transition between indoor and outdoor spaces through the inclusion of bi-fold doors that enable large sections of the ground floor to open into the wider landscaped plaza. “With the designs now approved by the city council, it takes Nottingham’s exciting overall story forward, helping to position the city as a leader in biosciences and large-scale development. It also, of course, marks another significant step in The Island Quarter’s progress and we look forward to continuing our relationship with The Conygar Investment Company PLC and the wider project delivery team to make the vision a reality.” External landscaping has been designed by Studio Egret West to echo the vision for the overall site, incorporating rainwater gardens and medicinal planting along with an ecology-focused street linking this latest phase of work with the rest of The Island Quarter. The planning permission for the Nottingham bioscience facility was announced during a joint presentation by The Conygar Investment Company PLC and Nottingham City Council at UKREiiF, in a session that also revealed updates to the overall masterplan for the 36-acre site. The scheme was submitted by Axis PED on behalf of The Conygar Investment Company PLC, with support from WES, Quartz Project Services, Studio Egret West, Tier Consult and Chord Consult. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Mark Burley, Regional Social Value and Partnerships Manager at top 10 homebuilder Keepmoat, has been recognised for his work to help build a brighter future for prisoners at HMP Hull with the High Sheriff Award. The High Sheriff Award, officially presented by the High Sheriff for the East Riding of Yorkshire, Jacky Bowes, was bestowed after community champion Mark set up a scheme to support prisoners at HMP Hull, offering them opportunities to engage in activities which benefit communities, enhance their employability and work skills, and in turn have a positive impact on their self esteem. The scheme, coordinated by Keepmoat, in partnership with Hull City Council and Hull Citywide Consortium, aims to reduce site waste by providing old pallets to be upcycled into planters so prisoners can grow food for the local community. Mark was the driving force behind the scheme, the first of its kind in the area, and his innovative approach was noted by the High Sheriff. On receipt of the award, Mark said: “It’s an honour that my community work has been recognised with such a prestigious accolade. Supporting local communities and people’s employability skills is a key part of my role at Keepmoat and with the Citywide Partnership. “The project is life changing for prisoners and aims to boost their confidence and employability when they’re looking to re-enter the jobs market, especially in the construction industry. It also provides them with a sense of achievement when they see local people receiving the planters they make.” Following involvement from the prisoners, the planters are donated to EMS, a local charity in Hull that works with residents, community groups and local businesses to alleviate food and fuel poverty. The charity sets up community vegetable gardens that aim to promote a healthy lifestyle, allowing residents and families without a garden or allotment to grow their own produce. Thomas Leech, Industries Manager at HMP Hull, added: “At HMP Hull, we’re committed to providing prisoners with meaningful employment opportunities whilst in custody, along with relevant skills and training that they will be able to use on release. “Prisoners are learning new skills and working hard to produce planters from items that would have essentially gone to landfill. These planters are then given to people in the local community that have earned them through community credits doing things such as litter picking in the local area. The fact that prisoners are giving something back to the community creates a sense of pride and a real sense of purpose.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Citu and Sheffield City Council have announced a development agreement for the Attercliffe Waterside project. The 23-acre urban regeneration scheme by Citu, which will transform brownfield land either side of the Sheffield and Tinsley Canal, will be one of the largest zero carbon communities in the UK, featuring more than 1,000 homes alongside climate conscious creative workspaces, an arts venue and retail opportunities to bring the neighbourhood to life. Developer Citu has major ambitions for the scheme to set new standards of sustainability for Yorkshire, building on its multi-award-winning treatment of previously vacant or derelict brownfield land which include low-carbon residential neighbourhoods in Kelham Island, and the Climate Innovation District to the south of Leeds city centre. Citu will submit plans for phase one of the scheme in the coming weeks, which will include over 400 new homes and the conversion of existing buildings to form extensive arts, leisure and workspace opportunities. The houses will be built using Citu’s ground-breaking timber-framed housing system, combining bold architecture with flexible designs, exceptional spaces and sustainable, low carbon materials to ensure the highest standards of energy efficiency. The first phase will develop the heart of the district transforming existing buildings into the new neighbourhood’s cultural centre with bars, an independent bakery and art studios. Extensive remediation works will now get underway, with new infrastructure installed before construction work commences on site in 2024. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The owners of one of the first Build-to-Rent (BTR) properties in Edinburgh is embarking on a major drive to improve energy performance across its flagship development as it looks to enhance its sustainability credentials while reducing energy bills for residents. Kingsford Group has secured a dedicated Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Improvement Loan from Secure Trust Bank (STB) Real Estate Finance to achieve a minimum EPC rating of C across a number of luxury apartments at its historic Kingsford Residence. The Edwardian building, which was converted into 74 luxury apartments in 2017, boasts a gym, roof garden and co-working business space. Following the sharp rise in energy costs and a desire to protect residents, Kingsford Group commissioned an EPC assessment to establish the measures that would need to be introduced in order to raise energy performance of the building. The EPC Improvement Loan from Secure Trust Bank will fund the installation of secondary glazing in collaboration with Perth-based Glaze & Save, specialists in bespoke magnetic secondary glazing for listed buildings. Once upgraded to an EPC C-rating, further measures will be introduced such as solar panels, community battery and heat pump technology. The partnership between STB and Kingsford Estates dates back to 2018, with STB Head of Origination, Matthew-Blaine Young and Kingsford Group’s CEO, Alex Watts agreeing the 12-month EPC loan off the back of a strong working relationship. A testament to the like-mindedness of the pair, the deal took just two weeks to complete, with the wheels already in motion on retrofitting the upgrades to the property. Alex Watts, CEO of Kingsford Group, said: “The loan we’ve agreed from Secure Trust Bank is essential to our ambitions to transform the energy performance of The Kingsford Residence towards fully renewable net-zero operation. As a landlord you have the ability to make a difference. Fundamentally, our team and clients care about the future of the planet and this means exceeding minimum standards wherever possible. “Matthew at Secure Trust Bank understood my desire to make the right decisions for people and the planet, which is why there was no doubt in my mind that the EPC Improvement Loan was the best option. Not only do we want to continue leading the way in the Scottish BTR market, we want to do it in an environmentally positive way – changing the industry through changing opinions on the value of eco-friendly development.” Secure Trust Bank’s EPC Improvement Loan, which is available to the bank’s existing customers, is designed to help residential landlords remediate their property portfolios with energy-saving solutions. The new product is an extension (top-up) to existing loans, providing fixed sums of £6,500 and £13,000 for EPC D and EPC E-rated assets respectively. Matthew-Blaine Young, Head of Origination at Secure Trust Bank Real Estate Finance, added: “Given anticipated regulatory changes and pressure on residents’ living costs, we want to help landlords prepare and overcome associated challenges. Our commitment to environmental responsibility is why we were one of the first banks to offer an EPC-specific product, and Alex epitomises the kind of property developer we love to work with in every way.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction works are now underway at Taylor’s Bellfoundry in Loughborough to protect and enhance the Grade II* Listed Bellfoundry buildings and onsite museum, the last of their kind in Britain. Funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Loughborough Town Deal alongside many others, the project is being led by the Loughborough Bellfoundry Trust working in partnership with the ancient bellfounding firm of John Taylor and Company. The Trust was set up in 2016 to begin the work of restoring the bellfoundry’s buildings and redeveloping the site’s museum to protect the ancient craft of bellmaking for generations to come. Taylor’s Bellfoundry – which was built in 1859 just a stone’s throw from Loughborough town centre – has cast more than 25,000 bells located in more than 100 countries. Bells from the foundry hang in famous landmarks including London’s St Paul’s Cathedral, the Washington National Cathedral in the US capital, Australia’s National Carillon in Canberra, and South Africa’s Cape Town City Hall. In spring 2022 contractors were invited to tender to deliver the programme of works, with specialist heritage conservation firm Messenger BCR winning out. The Messenger team will work alongside internationally renowned architects Caroe, who drew up comprehensive plans to restore the Victorian site. Other specialist practices involved include exhibition designers Redman Design and museum retail experts cre8. Phase one of the programme of works is now underway. This includes the stripping out of the existing museum, removing internal walls – which were added to the bellfoundry in the 80s – and replacing the leaking roof. A new lift is currently under construction as are new disabled and baby changing toilets. Major repairs to the roof over the bellfoundry’s main covered yard are also underway. The museum will be improved and enhanced by increasing its footprint to incorporate a multi-function activity room in the old Victorian laboratory and by reimagining the museum displays to provide an interactive and inclusive experience. There will be two primary spaces for visitors to explore within the museum. Firstly, a ground floor timeline detailing the history of both the bellfoundry and the art of bellfounding. Secondly, the Patternmaker’s Gallery, which will display a series of objects that have been recovered from existing foundry spaces, located in the original patternmaking workshop. Throughout the museum visitors will have the opportunity to touch and handle objects, making it an immersive and authentic experience for families, schools, bell enthusiasts and history lovers. Phase two of the project, which will start in 2024, will see the reconfiguration and improvement of the company archive room, offices, and board room, the last of which will be available to hire as a meeting space for outside organisations and community groups. Further ongoing and exciting developments include the restoration of the original historic entrance to the site, used by generations of the Taylor family, and the relandscaping of the Carillon Courtyard for visitors to explore and enjoy the grounds upon arrival. Bellfoundry museum director Dr Chrissie Van Mierlo said: “We are thrilled to see work getting underway. This project has been years in the making and will help preserve and protect our historic buildings for generations to come. “Our vision has always been to create a place where people of all ages can visit and learn about the craftmanship and art of bell making, as well as the history of the Loughborough site. Thanks to generous funders, and National Lottery players, we can now address the most urgent repair and conservation works to bring our vision to life. “Not only will the project allow us to welcome more visitors into the site, but it will also create additional volunteering opportunities for local residents. Our volunteers are the life and soul of the bellfoundry and we wouldn’t be able to do what we do without them.” Robyn Llewellyn, director for England, Midlands and East at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “We are delighted to support The Loughborough Bellfoundry Trust in saving the last, purpose-built bellfoundry in Britain. The funding, which has been made possible thanks to National Lottery players, will secure the future of this industry, unique skills, and rich history in a way that everyone can enjoy and be proud of.” Loughborough Town Deal comprises a number of organisations and people who have come together to deliver over £40 million of investment for the Leicestershire town. The Town Deal secured £16.9 million from the Government’s Towns Fund to boost skills and support the visitor economy and town centre of Loughborough. It is backing 11 projects, including the bellfoundry which it awarded £835,000. John Taylor’s Bellfoundry, also known as Taylor’s Bellfoundry or simply Taylor’s, is the last major bellfoundry in the UK and Commonwealth. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Over £1bn of investment opportunities in Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland will be showcased by a collaborative inward investment team at national investor forum UKREiiF. Representatives from Lincolnshire County Council (LCC), Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership (GLLEP) and Team Lincolnshire – a public and private sector group of Lincolnshire ambassadors – are attending the event in Leeds next week (16 to 18 May). In its second year, UKREiiF is set to attract more than 6,000 delegates from the property industry, with more than 250 UK local authorities in attendance over the three-day event. The Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland inward investment team has ambitious plans for the region and will be sharing investment prospects across its 10-strong sector proposition, including advanced engineering and manufacturing, visitor economy, defence, health and life sciences, digital tech, commercial and residential development, and a particular focus on agri-food, low carbon energy and logistics. Investment opportunities across the region include the South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone, Humber Freeport, hotel sites ready for development, land earmarked for housing, multiple business centres and commercial space and more. Councillor Colin Davie, Executive Portfolio Holder for Environment and Economy at Lincolnshire Council, said: “We saw great value from our attendance at UKREiiF last year and with the event set to be even bigger this year, we need to seize the opportunity to champion our region on a national stage once again. “We are focussed on targeting investors, developers and organisations that can help drive forward our key sectors and our work at the event will contribute towards growing our Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland economy and to create new jobs. “Greater Lincolnshire is such a vibrant place to call home. The lifestyle you can create here with our rich heritage, abundant culture, diverse jobs market and open green spaces and coast, make it a wonderful place to live” The lifestyle in Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland will also play a key part in the team’s promotion of the region as a place to live, learn, work and invest. Andy Gutherson, Executive Director of Place at Lincolnshire County Council adds: “UKREiiF is a fantastic platform for LCC, GLLEP, Team Lincolnshire and our local district councils to speak directly to investors about the unique opportunities we have to offer. Conversations had and connections made at these events are incredibly valuable and make a positive and far-reaching impact on our local economy. “Collaboratively, and as part of Midlands Engine, we will be flying the flag for the region as the place to live, learn, work and invest in and with a busy diary of meets, I’m looking forward to what the team and I can cultivate for Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland.” Lincolnshire excels in food processing and agri-tech and was chosen as one of the Government’s manufacturing zones. This followed growth deal grants of £18 million, including £5.1 million for South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone and £2.4 million for University of Lincoln’s Centre of Excellence in Agri-food and Technology at Holbeach. Ruth Carver, Chief Executive at Greater Lincolnshire LEP said ““This is a good time for Greater Lincolnshire with growing interest in our place and our game changing sectors. Since last year we have made great strides in areas such as town deals, infrastructure development, humber freeport and our business parks. “With many transformational projects taking place, now is a key time to reposition Greater Lincolnshire firmly on the national and global map as an even better place for people to live and work. UK REIF provides a provides a platform for us to tell our story to a global audience once again and we look forward to meeting new connections and investors.”
The University of Derby has chosen construction firm Kier to build a new business school in Derby city centre. The new business school is 9317m2 and is planned to include a 233-seat auditorium, a stock market financial trading room, a creativity lab, an extended reality (XR) suite and a range of social collaborative study spaces and quiet contemplation areas. The school will also feature a café on the ground floor. The new building is projected to be the study base for more than 6,000 students by 2030 and will provide a link between local businesses and the wider community. Two levels of the building will be open to the public, allowing students, academics, researchers and University staff to work alongside businesses co-located in the school as well as with the wider business community. This will support and nurture growth, knowledge exchange and idea generation. Andrew Bevan, Interim Director of Estates at the University of Derby, said: “The development of the business school is a catalyst for the regeneration of our city hub site. “I’m delighted that we have entered into a contract with Kier to deliver this landmark building, which is part of the University’s broader vision to expand its reach and reputation across the UK and globally.” Colina Wright, CEO of the Union of Students at the University of Derby, added: “As a Union, we are delighted to be involved in this project and are both passionate and committed to ensuring the student voice is reflected throughout. “We have been impressed with discussions about student involvement and wider conversations about giving back to the community through employment and internship opportunities as well as considerations for sustainability and city regeneration. I am motivated by what this project can do for the city but more importantly for our students, during their time at Derby and beyond. I look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with the University and its partners as the project develops.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Westcountry homebuilder Cavanna Homes’ impressive Newton Abbot development – Cavanna @ Wolborough Hill – has been shortlisted in the 2023 Michelmores Property Awards. Cavanna @ Wolborough Hill is one of only four developments in the South West to be recognised by the judging panel in the category ‘Residential Project of the Year (35 homes and under)’ for delivering the finest new housing development in the region over the past year. The development of 26 high-end homes and four converted luxury townhouses, is set on top of Newton Abbot’s exclusive Wolborough Hill and offers far-reaching views over the town, the Teign Valley and Dartmoor. Michael Newman, Director of Land and Design at Cavanna Homes said: “It’s fantastic to have Cavanna @ Wolborough Hill shortlisted in these highly regarded industry awards, especially during our centenary year. “From planning to delivery, this stunning development has been a fascinating project to work on and has shown our ability to construct high-end homes, transform the former Bishop Dunstan School block into modern townhouses, as well as deliver one of the very first self-build units for Teignbridge Council. A huge well done to everyone involved in this scheme and we look forward to the awards ceremony in June.” The spacious three to five-bedroom homes are set within a parkland landscape which has a children’s play park and tennis courts for residents’ leisure, plus footpaths connecting the development to the town centre. Paul Furner, Director of Sales and Marketing added: “We’re incredibly proud of Cavanna @ Wolborough Hill – it’s a well-considered scheme and a brilliant addition to Newton Abbot. We are also pleased to have contributed funds through Section 106 for the provision of affordable housing in Newton Abbot, as well as for the upgrade of facilities at Decoy Country Park.” Now in their 20th year, the awards celebrate the best property, development and construction projects in the South West, completed in the last year. The winners will be announced at the Michelmores Property Awards Gala Dinner and Ceremony on 22nd June 2023 at Sandy Park Conference Centre in Exeter. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
