The new Catterick Integrated Care Campus has just received planning approval from the the National Health Service (NHS) and Ministry of Defence (MOD). The development, which has been more than seven years in the making, will provide a range of healthcare services for Armed Forces personnel and their families based
Cruden Building has just been appointed by the Midlothian Council to deliver 72 affordable homes at Conifer Road in Mayfield, as part of a £13.96 million contract. The wider project developed in collaboration by the two will see a total of 265 new homes being built within the local community.
The hub for sustainable design and building materials EDGE has announced its 1st year anniversary, which will be celebrated with a short talks programme and cocktail reception in collaboration with Futurebuild. The evening will feature a number of practitioners providing insight into why they have put sustainability and regenerative thinking
Keepmoat Homes has launched its Park View development, the latest in its ambitious plans for a thriving community in the Gedling area. The ribbon cutting ceremony was attended by the Mayor and Mayoress of Gedling, together with the Rosie May Foundation, a charity carrying out incredible work within the community.
Family-run property developer and contractor Muir Group PLC has just announced its financial results for the year 2021/2022, ahead of its 50th anniversary. The results showed an increase in turnover on the previous financial year by nearly £22 million. Despite a challenging time for the whole sector, including margins being
Cavanna Homes is in the running for a prestigious national award after winning yet another prize for its Kings Orchard housing development in Stoke Gabriel, near Totnes. The leading Westcountry homebuilder was crowned best in the South West in the Local Authority Building Control (LABC) Building Excellence Awards 2022. The
The oil and gas industry is one of the biggest globally at the moment, so it’s hard to ignore. In fact, the options available in the oil and gas construction industry are so varied that a career in the field is such an exciting prospect with plenty of room for
Finkernagel Ross, the London and Hamburg based architects and interior designers, has given a traditional Victorian terraced property situated in West London a dramatic and unobstructed new space at the rear of the property, maximising views of the garden and bathing the new interior with sunlight. Having lived in their
Smith Brothers, a Yorkshire-based electrical engineering firm, has announced it is in the process of enrolling this year’s apprentices in its popular scheme. As part of its commitment to reducing the industry’s skills gap, the company will provide vital hands-on experience to a pair of trainee cable jointers, which will
Sciontec Developments, the commercial, spin-out property development company of KQ Liverpool, has announced it will be taking ownership Sensor City. The Liverpool-based hub for the development of sensor and IoT technologies will be joining the growing Sciontec group of innovation facilities, which already includes Liverpool Science Park. Sensor City, which
The new Catterick Integrated Care Campus has just received planning approval from the the National Health Service (NHS) and Ministry of Defence (MOD). The development, which has been more than seven years in the making, will provide a range of healthcare services for Armed Forces personnel and their families based at Catterick Garrison and residents of the wider Richmondshire area. “The NHS and MOD have been working together since 2015 worked to turn the vision for an integrated health and care campus for military and local civilian populations into reality. The formal planning approval is a major milestone, moving us forward with finalising our service proposals and achieving final approvals. I would like to thank all our partners for this significant collective achievement that in time will support the needs of the local community,” said Wendy Balmain, North Yorkshire Place Director for the NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (HNYICB). The purpose-build centre in the Garrison will feature primary care, advanced primary care, mental health services, physiotherapy, NHS dentistry for children and adults with a disability and voluntary and community healthcare support providers under one roof. Subject to final clinical modelling, the Catterick Integrated Care Campus should be completed in 2024. Appointed contractor, Tilbury Douglas, aims to maximise social value for the area, with a focus on new job creation and training opportunities for the local community. They will also engage with local community groups to identify ways in which they can provide support. There are plans to hold future engagement events together with partners for the local community, which will be advertised locally. “It’s fantastic to have received formal planning permission for the Integrated Care Campus. My team and the project’s design partners have worked hard to develop a scheme that the local community can be proud of. Construction of the new Integrated Care Campus will benefit the local area, both during construction through new employment and training opportunities, and for the life of the building, supporting the community with high quality health care services. My team will now focus on finalising the design and preparing the site for construction to commence early next year,” added Paul Ellenor, Regional Director of Tilbury Douglas Construction. Construction works have already commenced on site to prepare it for the start of construction in Spring 2023, with several previously unused and dilapidated buildings having been demolished due to being no longer viable for use. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction and Property News
Cruden Building has just been appointed by the Midlothian Council to deliver 72 affordable homes at Conifer Road in Mayfield, as part of a £13.96 million contract. The wider project developed in collaboration by the two will see a total of 265 new homes being built within the local community. The neighbourhood will include family friendly facilities such as a toddler play park, a public art area with seating and bright, natural plants and greenery. Moreover, to minimise the environmental impact, a range of energy-efficient homes are being developed, including modern cottage flats and spacious two-bed, three-bed and four-bed houses. “As we continue to bridge the gap for affordable homes in Scotland, it’s exciting to be a part of this large-scale project and increase the availability of innovative living spaces for the people of Midlothian. We’re committed to ensuring that local families and individuals can enjoy new homes which don’t only fulfil, but surpass, their everyday needs. This mixed development will not only provide functionality and modern living, but it will enhance the wider community by creating an engaging space for residents to come together and enjoy,” said Allan Callaghan, Managing Director of Cruden Building. Championing Cruden Building’s commitment to building sustainable properties, each home will be fitted with an air source heat pump. The heat pumps will replace outdated energy sources such as traditional gas heating and will be fitted alongside photovoltaic panels, which convert thermal energy into electricity, to reduce carbon emissions within the development. The large-scale brownfield site on which the new development is being built was previously home to Bryans Primary School prior to its demolition. Its attractive location boasts stunning views across to the Pentland Hills and offers great accessibility to the surrounding neighbourhoods. “We have seen great progress in our local area, with the earlier phases of development for our 265 homes already well underway with Cruden Building. The addition of these 72 affordable homes will amplify the area for local residents as well as creating new jobs and business opportunities. It will be fascinating to watch this site transform over the next couple of years,” commented Councillor Stuart McKenzie, Midlothian Cabinet Member with responsibility for Housing. Work is set to begin in October 2022 and completion of the development is expected by Summer 2024.
The hub for sustainable design and building materials EDGE has announced its 1st year anniversary, which will be celebrated with a short talks programme and cocktail reception in collaboration with Futurebuild. The evening will feature a number of practitioners providing insight into why they have put sustainability and regenerative thinking at the heart of their professional lives. The short talks programme, delivered in the PechaKucha storytelling format, will include presentations, such as A legacy Reborn: 242 Marylebone Road project by Phillip Turner; Biophilic Design: Inspiring Happier, Healthier and More Productive Places to Live and Work by Kenneth Freeman; and Getting it right from Business /ESG for the future workplace by Ana Rita Barrera Martins. “It has been a tremendous year for EDGE in which we have grown from a handful of initial partners to over 60 brands with a rapidly expanding network of specifiers, sustainability enthusiasts and industry partners. The staging of events allowing for networking, discussions, and solutions for turnkey project solutions has been instrumental to our success and we look forward to the many projects the brands have been specified for coming to fruition,” commented Robynne Hammer, COO at EDGE. “Following the recent announcement setting out economic growth through investment in green energy and technology projects, we anticipate that there will also be more green schemes available supporting further sustainable build and design – EDGE being the perfect place to find solutions.” EDGE, an acronym for Eco Design Green Environment, was created in response to the tremendous impact the construction industry has on the environment, both in the building of structures and in their lifelong footprint. Its mission is to create a space, both on the high street and online, to connect sustainably-conscious material suppliers and specifiers while welcoming the general public and anyone dedicated to building and designing with the environment in mind. EDGE brings together many innovative, sustainable brands such as paint, heat recovery, wall finishes, flooring, carbon-neutral furniture and much more, all into one place where people can be given a clear vision of what the future of living and working environments looks like. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction and Property News
Keepmoat Homes has launched its Park View development, the latest in its ambitious plans for a thriving community in the Gedling area. The ribbon cutting ceremony was attended by the Mayor and Mayoress of Gedling, together with the Rosie May Foundation, a charity carrying out incredible work within the community. During the visit, the Mayor and Mayoress were given an in-depth tour of Phase 2 of the development located on Arnold Lane, which once complete, will provide an additional 400 much-needed modern and energy-efficient homes to families and homebuyers in the area. Ideal for first-time buyers, growing families, and those seeking more space and flexibility, Park View is a vibrant and modern community which borders the 240-acre Gedling Country Park. “We’d like to thank our notable guests and partners for helping us celebrate the opening of our sales centre and showhome at Park View, and bear witness to the beginnings of the next phase of our ambitious housing scheme in Gedling. We’re immensely grateful for the Council’s support of this project to deliver much-needed new homes to the area,” commented Shaun Fielding, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat Homes. “Park View is more than a housing development, it’s a community in which our residents can enjoy a relaxing and active lifestyle, whilst aiming to benefit and provide additional support to the wider area. We look forward to welcoming those who are looking to get on the housing ladder and experience for themselves the standout features that Park View has to offer.” As part of Keepmoat Homes’ ongoing commitment to building great places for people to live, work and play, the homebuilder will be engaging with global charity, the Rosie May Foundation, in a partnership that will host various events and fundraisers to help provide care and support for vulnerable groups within the community. “The Rosie May foundation is a Nottingham based international charity supporting women and children in Sri Lanka and Nepal giving them the chance of a better future,” said Nicola Brien, Corporate Partnerships Manager at the Rosie May Foundation. “As a result of our response to the pandemic, our work supporting the local community here in Nottinghamshire has expanded supporting the most vulnerable and socially isolated in our local communities, and following the launch of Park View, we’re thrilled to be partnering with Keepmoat Homes on supporting the community in Gedling and we look forward to witnessing the positive impact that our partnership will have on people a little closer to home,” she concluded. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction and Property News
Family-run property developer and contractor Muir Group PLC has just announced its financial results for the year 2021/2022, ahead of its 50th anniversary. The results showed an increase in turnover on the previous financial year by nearly £22 million. Despite a challenging time for the whole sector, including margins being squeezed and chronic skills and labour shortages, the group reported a pre-tax loss of £4.3 million as it restructured the revenue profile at Muir Homes. On the other hand, Muir Construction reported a turnover increase of £7 million, compared to last year’s. Main contributors to the positive news was the prompt completion of business facilities in Glasgow, as well as the M8 central belt. “We have a dedicated team working hard in very difficult and challenging times. The pandemic is over, but its legacy continues with price increases in raw materials, delays in the supply chain and a significant lack of skilled labour to support the construction sector,” said John Muir, Chairman of Muir Group. “Despite all these challenges and more likely in the coming years, Muir Group is well positioned for the future. We have made difficult decisions, particularly in rebuilding our revenue profile within Muir Homes and positive it will show healthy profit for future years.” Indeed, Muir Homes reported a loss for the financial year, because of issues such as expected margins on current sales and a more challenging property market in the North East. However, Muir Timber Systems had a busy year, turnover increasing by £3 million, reflecting the return to normal production following removal of restrictions post-COVID and increase in external sales. After a thorough review of the business, Muir Group will be focusing on diversifying and balancing its portfolio of housing developments throughout Scotland. Muir Homes is currently active on seven sites across the country with the aim of creating several hundred new homes, assisted by new sites opening in the coming year. “Looking ahead, to our 50th year in business next year, we see opportunities for the Group with Construction, Homes and Property Development working on major new projects alongside our Amazon business park continuing to provide revenues,” added John. “The construction industry in Scotland is flat out trying to regain lost ground and we are having to overcome these difficult conditions. Our increase in turnover, healthy cash balances, property and land assets put us in a good place to compete and contribute positively to Scotland’s economic recovery,” he concluded. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction and Property News
Cavanna Homes is in the running for a prestigious national award after winning yet another prize for its Kings Orchard housing development in Stoke Gabriel, near Totnes. The leading Westcountry homebuilder was crowned best in the South West in the Local Authority Building Control (LABC) Building Excellence Awards 2022. The 53-home Kings Orchard scheme took the honours in the Best High Volume New Housing Development category, and it will now go up against the other UK regional winners in the grand finals of this year’s competition, due to be held in London on Friday 27th January 2023. Richard Neyland, Development Manager at Cavanna Homes, said the award was testament to both the quality of the scheme and the attention to detail the company prides itself on in terms of building control requirements. “This is yet another wonderful achievement for the Kings Orchard scheme and we look forward to flying the flag for the South West region in the final next year. We will be up against some of the UK’s leading construction companies, but whatever the result, every member of the Cavanna Homes team involved in this development should be immensely proud of the recognition it has already received,” said Richard. As part of the LABC selection process for the regional award, Cavanna Homes had to put together a detailed written submission, covering a number of key questions. These included giving examples of how the site team and Building Control team worked well together, how both design and site problems were overcome and how the scheme exceeded minimum building regulations standards. Site safety and waste management strategies at the development were also key elements of the submission. Cavanna Homes booked its place in the LABC Building Excellence Awards earlier this year when the Kings Orchard scheme won gold in the Devon Building Excellence Awards, after it had been shortlisted in the Best Large Development by Devon Building Control. The homebuilder was also recognised for having the Best Partnership with a Local Authority for its liaison with South Hams District Council on the same project. The LABC is an independent, impartial and not for profit organisation, which represents all local authority building control teams in England and Wales. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction and Property News
The oil and gas industry is one of the biggest globally at the moment, so it’s hard to ignore. In fact, the options available in the oil and gas construction industry are so varied that a career in the field is such an exciting prospect with plenty of room for growth. If you’ve been considering starting a career in this field, you might ask yourself: Which path should I take? Whether you’re looking to work in an office or get your hands dirty on the front lines, the oil and gas industry has something for everyone. Let’s take a look at some of your options. Welding Welding skills are essential in the oil and gas construction industry, and welders are always in demand. Welders are responsible for joining metal pieces together by melting and flowing metal. Although most welders start with blue-collar jobs, they often advance into higher-paying positions requiring more technical expertise. As a welder, you can be trained on the job or through an apprenticeship program, but it’s best to have some experience already. Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Oil and gas production is a highly technical field, but there are plenty of opportunities for people with less than stellar math skills. For example, operating engineers can find work in the oil and gas industry. However, they will need to pass certification exams such as the OSHA for professionals. Operating engineers operate heavy equipment on construction sites. They may be hired by contractors or work directly for the oil company. If you’re considering a career in this role, you’ll need good manual dexterity, strength, and eye-hand coordination. They also need to read blueprints and understand instructions well enough. First-Line Supervisors of Construction and Extraction Workers When it comes to considerations with regard to Oil and Gas Production as a career, the first line of supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers is an excellent place to begin. This role offers upward mobility opportunities in the industry, and that’s one of the key reasons for considering a career in the oil and gas sector. First-line supervisors coordinate, direct and supervise workers engaged in construction or extraction activities. They work under general supervision but have considerable autonomy to independently plan and carry out some activities. In addition to supervising these workers daily, these supervisors are responsible for budgeting their time, keeping track of expenditures, and ensuring that projects stay within budget. A bachelor’s degree in construction management or a related field is usually required for this position. Wastewater Treatment Technician Also known as water treatment plant operators, these technicians are responsible for maintaining and operating a water treatment facility. They usually work in a large facility or plant, where they monitor and control the quality of the water that passes through the plant. Wastewater treatment technicians may be required to operate pumps, valves, and other equipment to ensure that the wastewater is treated properly. They may also need to monitor levels of chemicals used to treat wastewater or check for contamination or leaks within the system. The work is physically demanding and typically involves working long hours in all weather conditions, so you must be able to lift heavy items such as hoses and tanks. Roustabout Lensa wrote a piece regarding considerations with regard to Oil and Gas Production as a career, and Roustabout roles are one of the relevant options in the industry that made the list. Roustabouts are responsible for loading and unloading drill rigs. They also provide support to the rest of the crew, including moving equipment and setting up camp. The job requires a high level of physical strength and endurance and the ability to work in various conditions. The pay is good, but roustabouts are often on the road for extended periods. In addition, most work involves lifting heavy tools and equipment, so you’ll want to be in good shape before applying for this position. Instrumentation & Electrical Technician Instrumentation technicians work on the design and installation of industrial measurement systems or instruments. These technicians often work in oil refineries and chemical plants. As an electrical technician, your focus will be on wiring and electronics maintenance. They also install and repair electrical equipment in homes, buildings, and vehicles. Both positions require specialized training to enter the field as an entry-level technician or apprentice, so you’ll need to acquire relevant training and certifications to get up and running in this role. Conclusion Overall, the construction industry is a great place to start your career in oil and gas production. Not only will you be exposed to a variety of work environments, but you’ll also have a wide range of educational opportunities to choose from – not just for degrees but certificates and licenses. Hopefully, our guide has helped demystify some of the options that are out there and assist you in figuring out which ones are right for you as you start your career in oil and gas.
Finkernagel Ross, the London and Hamburg based architects and interior designers, has given a traditional Victorian terraced property situated in West London a dramatic and unobstructed new space at the rear of the property, maximising views of the garden and bathing the new interior with sunlight. Having lived in their home within the Wandsworth Common Conservation Area for many years, and unsuccessfully been through the process of re-thinking the way their home worked before, Finkernagel Ross’ clients were clear in what they wanted: a razor-sharp, unobstructed, contemporary new space that contrasted from their traditional Victorian home, dramatic ceiling heights, accompanied by an abundance of natural light. “It’s a space that looks fairly simple, but in reality, is anything but. Our client wished for a striking focal point to their rear back extension. Various iterations led to a design which appears to float and leaves many questioning how it was achieved,” explained Finkernagel Ross Director, Catherine Finkernagel. To achieve the extremely challenging unobstructed part of the brief Finkernagel Ross worked in close collaboration with Structural Engineers, SD Structures, sketching and modelling ways in which they could support the extraordinarily long first floor closet wing extension above, so that the clients could have a space below which was completely free of columns. The resulting solution required not one, but two, structural cantilevers, which offer no visible structure in the space below. Instead, the hovering first floor extension has been accentuated by being wrapped with glass, in order to let the light flood in. Both the side and rear outrigger walls at ground level were replaced with a double cantilever steel structure, nearly 9m long by 3m wide, which supports the upper outrigger levels and a fully glazed roof at ground floor. The cantilever structure required careful detailing with the steel beams concealed using brick slips, and provides a seamless support to the glazed roof without any visible structure resulting in the glass appearing to pass through the brickwork. The steelwork to the front and rear of the cantilevered structure provides framing to the perimeter of the glazing, allowing the centrepiece of the double cantilever to float surrounded by a sea of transparency. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction Industry News
Smith Brothers, a Yorkshire-based electrical engineering firm, has announced it is in the process of enrolling this year’s apprentices in its popular scheme. As part of its commitment to reducing the industry’s skills gap, the company will provide vital hands-on experience to a pair of trainee cable jointers, which will be dovetailed by a two-year City & Guilds academic course and three years with Utility and Construction Training (UCT). “As an employer, it is our responsibility to support the ambitions of those in our sector and region,” said Richard Smith, co-founder of Smith Brothers. “If you qualify as a jointer, you have a ready-made, lifelong career – anywhere in the world. It’s important that we do our bit in addressing the skills gap when it comes to fostering the brightest and best in engineering talent.” The first apprentice to join Smith Brothers is Tristan Fallowfield who previously worked as an accredited technician for Volkswagen, as well as in sales and customer services for Audi. “Learning a trade can set you up for life and that’s more important than ever right now. I’m looking forward to learning a new skillset, while also getting back to my roots of being ‘hands on’ at work. I hope that I can have a real positive impact on both the team and Smith Brothers as a company,” he commented. Zachary Naylor, who joins from Trinity Sixth Form Academy, is the second apprentice entering the firm. “Electrical engineering has always fascinated me. I’m a very hands-on worker, and I’ve been waiting for an opportunity to get into this career since I left high school,” explains Zachary. The annual apprenticeship scheme is not solely reserved for school-leavers though, as Richard continued: “We take apprentices of all ages because we believe that everyone deserves the chance to learn a trade. Some of the best engineers left school and went straight into a labouring job, but years later, they might be keen to back up that practical experience with a formal qualification.” As part of the programme, trainees will spend one month per year at the training centre, nine to ten months on site with Smith Brothers, and the remaining time focused on completing the City and Guilds academic requirements. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction Industry News
Sciontec Developments, the commercial, spin-out property development company of KQ Liverpool, has announced it will be taking ownership Sensor City. The Liverpool-based hub for the development of sensor and IoT technologies will be joining the growing Sciontec group of innovation facilities, which already includes Liverpool Science Park. Sensor City, which is located on Copperas Hill in the Knowledge Quarter Liverpool Innovation District (KQ Liverpool), first opened in 2017 and was later closed during the national lockdown in December 2020. Although closed to the public, the building has played an important role as a vaccination centre for students and as part of a European Research programme. Sciontec has been working with Sensor City’s current owners, Liverpool John Moores University and the University of Liverpool, and key grant funders, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and the Department for Levelling up, Housing and Communities to obtain the consents it needs and finalise a deal to transfer the ownership of the Sensor City company to Sciontec. “We are looking forward to finalising the details with Sciontec for the new investment in the building, which will enable us to drive forward research and business growth in the technology sector,” said Professor Keith George, chair of Sensor City Liverpool and Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange at Liverpool John Moores University. Upon completion of the deal, Sciontec’s shareholders, Liverpool John Moores University, the University of Liverpool, Liverpool City Council and Bruntwood SciTech, plan to invest in excess of £2 million to upgrade, modernise and relaunch Sensor City as a global hub for innovation, technology, digitalisation and the internet of things, building on its existing commitment to sensor technologies. This will include submitting planning proposals by the end of the year for the redevelopment and reconfiguration of Sensor City to provide additional innovative workspace and labs across its four floors. “This landmark deal with our University partners will mark an exciting transformation in the life of Sensor City. We are really looking forward to operating Sensor City alongside the successful Liverpool Science Park and further helping to create high value jobs and grow the City Region economy, through science and technology, health and wellbeing,” added Colin Sinclair, chief executive of KQ Liverpool and Sciontec. Sciontec completed a similar process in taking ownership of Liverpool Science Park in 2020, which saw occupancy levels improve significantly and increased retained profits over the last two years, with the three Science Park buildings operating at full capacity and over £1 million recently invested in the new entrance and other enhanced customer facilities. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction Industry News
