Buckinghamshire Council has announced Balfour Beatty as the the winner of its £176 million highways maintenance contract. The two will work closely together to provide a safe and resilient local road network, maintaining over 5,000 kilometres of highways, carriageways, footpaths, and cycle routes. With the possibility of extension for a
COUNCIL leaders in Carmarthenshire have welcomed the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Wales David TC Davies MP to the site of Llanelli’s landmark Pentre Awel development, together with Bouygues UK. Mr Davies visited the 83-acre site at Delta Lakes to find out more about the innovative Carmarthenshire County Council-led
Construction is a booming industry, and it’s an area that’ll always be in demand. That’s led to more and more people considering starting a construction business. No matter how skilled you may be in the industry, running a company takes a lot more work than you’d think. You’ll need to
Hindle House on Traffic Street in Nottingham, which has been developed by KMRE Group Ltd, has reached practical completion with the last few apartments remaining. The new three-storey scheme sees 62 contemporary one and two-bedroom apartments brought to market, of which only 9 properties remain available for sale, including top floor
Keepmoat Homes, one of the UK’s leading homebuilders, have worked in partnership with Network Rail to enable the regeneration of the disused railway yard in Heaton with new energy-efficient homes. Following a public consultation in June, which saw the majority of the local residents supportive of the proposals, Keepmoat Homes
Roann Limited, the premium granite and quartz worktop supplier, has celebrated reaching a six-month sales total of over £4.7 million – a record-breaking achievement for the Wakefield-based business. Established in 1990, Roann Limited has secured a number of projects with credible house builders, property developers and construction businesses in recent
Leeds College of Building may have scored the perfect course after launching a unique programme aimed at students interested in construction, but who love football too. The College is now enrolling for a BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Construction & the Built Environment, which incorporates an additional Level 1 Award in Football
Designed by Cottrell & Vermeulen and built by contractor Rooff Ltd, the construction of the new classroom block and assembly hall at Brentwood School saw IG Masonry Support play an important part in the provision of a number of prefabricated brickwork solutions including the interlocking Brick Slip Arches that enabled
Bouygues UK has handed over the Translational Research Hub to Cardiff University, marking the completion of its work on the Cardiff Innovation Campus. The Translational Research Hub (TRH) will house two world-leading scientific research establishments; the Institute for Compound Semiconductors and Cardiff Catalysis Institute. “Handing over the Translational Research Hub to our valued client Cardiff University
Renters looking to spruce up their space are being offered expert advice and temporary decorating tips on how to do so without damaging the property. The moving experts at LOVESPACE are advising renters on the best ways to decorate their properties without risking the loss of their deposit. Rental agreements can differ
Buckinghamshire Council has announced Balfour Beatty as the the winner of its £176 million highways maintenance contract. The two will work closely together to provide a safe and resilient local road network, maintaining over 5,000 kilometres of highways, carriageways, footpaths, and cycle routes. With the possibility of extension for a further four years, the contract will see Balfour Beatty responsible for the delivery of winter maintenance services for the local community and travelling public, as well as the operation and maintenance of the county’s street lighting and key community assets including gullies and traffic signals. Steve Helliwell, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty, says that the announcements “builds on our longstanding expertise and commitment to providing best-in-class highways maintenance services, whilst offering customer-focused solutions in a collaborative partnership.” “Wherever we operate, we go above and beyond for our customers with an unrelenting focus on leaving a lasting positive legacy for the communities we serve; working with local supply chain partners whilst also creating numerous apprenticeship and graduate opportunities,” Steve adds. In order to reduce carbon emissions and waste during the project, Balfour Beatty will come up with innovative solutions and materials. These solutions include ideas such as using reused rubber asphalt when laying new road surfaces and installing electric charging points at its depots to facilitate its electric vehicle fleet, in line with Balfour Beatty’s sustainability strategy, ‘Building New Futures’. “We are pleased that, after a rigorous selection process, Balfour Beatty Living Places will be working with Buckinghamshire Council to provide a new model of highways services that meets our aspirations for a faster and more responsive service to best meet the needs of residents and road users. With their impressive track record of managing contracts of this nature, we are keen to embrace their expertise and experience, whilst realising their delivery of innovation and quality onto our network,” comments Councillor Steven Broadbent, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport. Moreover, Balfour Beatty will establish an Operational Efficiency Hub, which is a data-driven Hub to monitor all activities in real-time, track progress of works and capture data to drive further efficiencies across the network. This will ensure the continuous effective maintenance of highways assets across the county. Balfour Beatty Living Places will also dedicate 50% of its spend to local businesses, and as part of its commitment to The 5% Club, will ensure a minimum of 5% of its workforce comprises of graduates, apprentices and trainees. “We know how important the condition of our roads and footpaths is for local residents and this new contract will allow us to map out a detailed strategic plan for the future. We are focused on channelling our resources into making lasting improvements, whilst at the same time standing by our commitment to cut our carbon emissions and take the lead in adopting new and innovative techniques that achieve value for money,” concludes the Councillor. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction and Property News
COUNCIL leaders in Carmarthenshire have welcomed the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Wales David TC Davies MP to the site of Llanelli’s landmark Pentre Awel development, together with Bouygues UK. Mr Davies visited the 83-acre site at Delta Lakes to find out more about the innovative Carmarthenshire County Council-led project which has received £40million funding as part of the Swansea Bay City Deal. The first development of its scope and size in Wales, Pentre Awel will bring together life science innovation, community healthcare and modern leisure facilities at one prime location. It will provide world-class medical research and health care delivery and support and encourage people to lead active and healthy lives creating over 1,800 jobs and boosting the local economy by £467million over the next 15 years. Pentre Awel is one of nine major projects under the Swansea Bay City Deal which is being funded by the UK Government, the Welsh Government, the public sector and the private sector. The business case was approved by UK and Welsh Government earlier this year and building work on Zone One of the project will start this autumn with an estimated completion date of summer 2024. It includes a new state-of-the-art leisure centre and hydrotherapy pool together with education, research and business development space; a clinical research and delivery centre; and a well-being skills centre. Externally, Pentre Awel will enjoy landscaped outdoor public spaces for recreation, walking and cycling. Wales Office Minister David TC Davies said: “I was delighted to see the start of this exciting project and congratulate some of the people who’ve worked so hard on it. “The UK Government is proud of our financial contribution which, along with our partners, will help deliver this hugely ambitious plan. It has the potential to transform lives by creating innovations in health and wellbeing, as well as providing an economic boost to the area. This is levelling up in action.” Pentre Awel is being delivered by Carmarthenshire County Council in partnership with Hywel Dda University Health Board, Universities and Colleges including Cardiff University, Coleg Sir Gȃr, the University of Wales Trinity Saint David and Swansea University. Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism Cllr Gareth John said: “Pentre Awel is one of the largest regeneration schemes of its kind in Wales and will deliver a significant programme of community benefits and economic regeneration across the county. “Not only will it bring major employment and training opportunities for the area, but it will also provide state-of the-art leisure and health facilities for local people. It is a truly transformational project, and it will make a huge difference to people’s lives.” Bouygues UK has been appointed to design and build Zone One following an extensive tendering process via the South West Wales Regional Contractors Framework. The contract has a key focus on social value to ensure significant employment and training opportunities for local people during the construction phase. Peter Sharpe, Bouygues UK Project Director at Pentre Awel, said: “It was great to welcome Mr Davies to the site at Pentre Awel and talk through our plans for the building of the development and how we will be working closely with the local community, as well as Carmarthenshire County Council, to create as many employment and training opportunities for people in the region. “Our first meet the buyer event was a marvellous success and we have already spoken to many local suppliers and sub-contractors about how they could work with us at Pentre Awel. We are now looking forward to beginning the ground works and then pushing ahead with the build, working in partnership with as many local businesses as possible.” Later phases of the scheme include a hotel, a range of social and affordable housing, assisted living accommodation and a nursing home. Pentre Awel is one of a number of projects being carried out as part of wider council plans for the regeneration of Llanelli. The housing-led Transforming Tyisha project provides a vital link between Pentre Awel and Llanelli town centre, with millions of pounds being invested throughout the area to create a thriving and more resilient local community and to improve the appearance of the main town centre to attract more commercial interest and footfall. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction and Property News
Construction is a booming industry, and it’s an area that’ll always be in demand. That’s led to more and more people considering starting a construction business. No matter how skilled you may be in the industry, running a company takes a lot more work than you’d think. You’ll need to know what to focus on when starting a construction business. With the wealth of factors you’ll have to take care of, doing this can seem difficult. Far from it. By making sure you have a few particular areas taken care of, the rest should fall into place. What To Focus On When Starting A Construction Business: 3 Vital Factors 1. Tools & Equipment You’ll need more than a few tools and equipment to run your construction business. These range from important freight shipping tools for small and mid-sized businesses to the jackhammers, drills, and similar equipment you’ll use. Make sure you get these as soon as possible. Spending a bit of time comparing options can help you get the right ones for you. Budget could be a significant factor in this, but it’s worth making sure you get the right value for your money when deciding. Once that’s done, you can be confident your workers have everything they need to do a high-quality job. 2. Licenses & Permits When you’re starting a construction business, you’ll need to obtain all of the necessary licenses and permits. These don’t solely focus on the individual projects you’ll work on, though these can be an important part of running your company. You’ll need these to legally start operating your business. These can vary from place to place, so you’ll need to spend a bit of time researching your local regulations. They also have various requirements, so be prepared to spend a bit of time on these. Once you have them addressed, however, you can rest assured you’re operating legally. 3. Office Location Your construction company needs an office, just like any other company. While you don’t need to go with something large for this, it should convey professionalism to your potential clients. Think of this as a base of operations, and make sure to pick the right one for you. You’ll not only meet many of your clients there to walk them through projects, but you’ll plan all of your operations from there. Make sure it’s an appealing and functional place to work. Refurbishing the office is an essential part of this. Potential clients may judge your work based on how your office looks, regardless of whether or not you built it. May sure it represents you positively. What To Focus On When Starting A Construction Business: Wrapping Up Once you know what to focus on when starting a construction business, the process seems much simpler than you’d expect. While there are multiple factors to take care of, some are more important than others. Each of the above are some of the more essential parts of starting and growing your construction company. They’ll lay the foundation for further growth and success. In time – and with a bit of effort – you’ll see more and more revenue coming in.
Hindle House on Traffic Street in Nottingham, which has been developed by KMRE Group Ltd, has reached practical completion with the last few apartments remaining. The new three-storey scheme sees 62 contemporary one and two-bedroom apartments brought to market, of which only 9 properties remain available for sale, including top floor penthouses. Apartments at Hindle House feature open-plan living spaces, ensuite bedrooms, modern kitchens with integrated appliances, on-site cycle storage, secure entry, a reception area and lift access. Optional car parking is also available for residents. The development in Nottingham is conveniently located just one mile from the city centre and is less than half a mile from Nottingham Railway Station – with regular travel available to London St Pancras in as little as one hour and 32 minutes. Areas surrounding the development are also undergoing extensive regeneration, opening up previously underused parts bordering Nottingham city centre – as well as the ongoing redevelopment of Broadmarsh shopping centre, which will likely see the site split into different zones for residential, retail and commercial developments as well as green spaces. Just a short walk away from Hindle House are some of Nottingham’s finest attractions, prime retailers and lively food and drink scene, such as the historic Nottingham Castle complete with its network of underground caves, and high street stores including Paul Smith, Vivienne Westwood, Ted Baker and Flannels. Julia Day, sales and development progression manager at KMRE Ltd, said: “We’re very pleased to see works at Hindle House reach practical completion, with the majority of the properties selling off plan very quickly. Only a handful of these modern apartments remain available, including spacious penthouses which boast excellent views. “This development’s location is very well-connected to transport links and the rest of the city, making it an ideal place to live for professionals and those who commute further afield with Nottingham Railway Station conveniently close by. “Nottingham itself is a thriving and bustling city – and is home to many major employers and company head offices, including Queens Medical Centre, the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University, Boots, Experian, HMRC and Capital One. The development also offers close proximity to Castle Marina retail park and NG2 business parks, with Nottingham’s canal network, the River Trent and Victoria Embankment beauty spots within walking distance. “As our second scheme in the city, the first being our 81-home luxury apartment development known as The Yacht Club situated on the banks of the River Trent, we are proud to be investing in the city to bring quality new homes to the area.” Interested buyers wishing to enquire about the remaining apartments at Hindle House are invited to contact selling agent – Pygott & Crone. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction and Property News
Keepmoat Homes, one of the UK’s leading homebuilders, have worked in partnership with Network Rail to enable the regeneration of the disused railway yard in Heaton with new energy-efficient homes. Following a public consultation in June, which saw the majority of the local residents supportive of the proposals, Keepmoat Homes and Network Rail has agreed the legal transfer of the land to transform the derelict rail sidings at Heaton Down Yard into 143 new homes and a planning application has been submitted to Newcastle City Council. The plans include a range of two-, three- and four-bedroom houses, each featuring enhanced insulation as well as energy-efficient designs for a lifetime of low energy bills. Of the new homes built, 21 will provide affordable housing. 14 will be offered for either discount market sale or First Homes and 7 will be affordable rent, to be delivered in partnership with Bernicia Housing Group. The scheme will include a number of unique biodiversity features including a noise attenuation bund alongside the railway that also creates a series of ecological habitats ensuring that wildlife is able to thrive within the development. A swale will be installed which will run through the site to a SUDS pond to accommodate any surface water at times of high rainfall. These features will help create an attractive landscaped setting for the new homes. A group of mature trees along Marleen Avenue located on the northern boundary of the site is to be retained, and as part of the homebuilder’s commitment to build a sustainable community and promote a healthier lifestyle for its residents, a dedicated cycling and pedestrian route is proposed. In addition to the new housing development, Keepmoat Homes has committed to delivering an array of initiatives that will support the local community and residents of Newcastle upon Tyne. Upskilling and employment opportunities will be generated by hiring local contractors to undertake the work on site, and a programme of apprenticeships and pre-employability training programmes will be available following the creation by Keepmoat Homes of the NHBC Training Hub in Scotswood. The housing developer will also be supporting the local community and charity groups throughout the lifetime of the development. Ian Worgan, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat Homes said: “We’re thrilled to be working in partnership with Network Rail to deliver much-needed new housing in Heaton. We have a strong track record of breathing new life into brownfield land in the city and this scheme follows on previous successes in this respect at The Grove in Byker, The Rise in Scotswood and Dunblane Crescent in West Denton, all delivered in partnership with the Newcastle City Council. “Our aim is to build 143 new sustainable homes on the disused site, which will provide an increased choice of quality homes for prospective homeowners, including first-time buyers and those looking to up-or-downsize. “As a company, not only do we strive to create better places for people to live, we place a strong emphasis on supporting and investing in the local community within which we work, and are driven to work in partnerships with Local Authorities such as Newcastle City Council to maximise local labour, employability and skills within the construction industry, creating apprenticeships and opportunities for young people to kick-start their career within the region.” Robin Dobson, Group Property Director at Network Rail said “We are proud to have created a partnership with Keepmoat Homes on the redevelopment of this regionally important brownfield site. It will enable the delivery of 143 new sustainable homes, much needed affordable housing for the North East. “This is a partnership that aligns with the Government’s strategy to accelerate the rollout of sustainable housing to drive local economic growth. It’s a project that demonstrates the pivotal role the railway can play in unlocking important development sites. “The public and private partnership that we’re delivering it through is an approach we are replicating in other towns and cities across the country. It will provide long-lasting benefits for the local community and the region.” Newcastle’s commercial real estate agency, Naylors Gavin Black LLP, advised Network Rail on the redevelopment of the site. Newcastle Quayside based law firm Ward Hadaway advised Keepmoat Homes on the site purchase and Addleshaw Goddard LLP acted for Network Rail. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction and Property News
Roann Limited, the premium granite and quartz worktop supplier, has celebrated reaching a six-month sales total of over £4.7 million – a record-breaking achievement for the Wakefield-based business. Established in 1990, Roann Limited has secured a number of projects with credible house builders, property developers and construction businesses in recent years, which has contributed to extensive business growth. Key partnerships include Taylor Wimpey, Crest Nicholson, Midgard Construction, and Hill Partnerships. The company has reported a £975,000 increase on last year’s six-month sales figures and is on track to exceed 2021’s annual sales figures. The business has experienced substantial progression and now produces over 15,000 worktops per year and this year, Roann is set to complete over 400 projects by the end of 2022. “We are delighted to have experienced such a successful six months here at Roann Limited. We have worked on some very exciting projects across the country, and we look forward to continuing this period of growth. As the demand for our products and service continues, we strive to meet the needs of our clients and stay competitively priced,” said Scott Wharton, Sales Director at Roann Limited. Established in 1990, Roann Limited specialises in manufacturing, supplying and installing high-quality granite and quartz worktops within the house building, property development and construction sectors. With more than 30 years’ experience, Roann Limited is dedicated to procuring stone worktops that help developers significantly reduce costs on their projects by selling direct to them. Roann Limited’s purpose-built factory in Wakefield houses more than £2 million worth of state-of-the-art stone manufacturing machines and equipment, enabling the business to fabricate more than 15,000 worktops every year. Roann Limited proudly holds accreditations with many of the industry’s leading health and safety schemes, including SSIP certification, and is also ConstructionOnline Gold Approved. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction and Property News
Leeds College of Building may have scored the perfect course after launching a unique programme aimed at students interested in construction, but who love football too. The College is now enrolling for a BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Construction & the Built Environment, which incorporates an additional Level 1 Award in Football Coaching. This unusual pairing of premier qualifications is already proving popular with practically-minded students who are passionate about the beautiful game. “To my knowledge, no other specialist colleges like ours offer a football academy like this alongside non-sports courses. This is the perfect option for anyone interested in developing their football skills whilst studying a construction BTEC. By the end of the course, students will have a Level 2 qualification suitable for various careers in construction but also be qualified as a Level 1 Football Coach,” said Denis Metcalf, Student Liaison Officer and Football Academy coach at Leeds College of Building. “This tailor-made course offers more vocational options. It aims to provide a broad understanding of the construction industry, while giving students the freedom to play football every Wednesday in the ESFA College league. Students train every Monday with a qualified UEFA B football coach at Goals Soccer Centre and become a level 1 football coach – all in one year!” The BTEC programme includes units on construction technology, scientific and mathematical applications, design, processes and operations, and drawing techniques. It also incorporates elements of carpentry and joinery, brickwork, painting and decorating, and plastering, ensuring students are even more employable and able to specialise as they enter the construction industry. Simultaneously, the football academy programme teaches a range of transferable skills, player and coach development, passing, shooting, dribbling and attacking, FA Emergency Aid, and FA Safeguarding. “On top of the Level 1 Award and BTEC Level 2 Certificate, students study Maths and English, gain work experience and employability skills, participate in a National Citizen programme, with the chance to go on a summer residential, and get weekly access to JD Gym. Combined, this is an amazing offer,” added Steve Connell, Assistant Faculty Director in Construction Crafts at the College. To apply, students must be over 16 and have 5 GCSEs including Maths & English at grade 3 plus three other subjects with an average grade 3. After completion, options include Apprenticeships, BTEC Level 3 qualifications, further football coaching development, or entry into the exciting and varied field of construction. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction and Property News
Designed by Cottrell & Vermeulen and built by contractor Rooff Ltd, the construction of the new classroom block and assembly hall at Brentwood School saw IG Masonry Support play an important part in the provision of a number of prefabricated brickwork solutions including the interlocking Brick Slip Arches that enabled the architect’s vision to be realised and helped with the build sequence along with the quality finish. Founded in 1557, Brentwood School has carried out a number of refurbishment and new build projects as part of its expansion over the past 10 years including a sixth form study and social centre housed in a refurbished late-Victorian vicarage. The latter forms the main street frontage to the senior school with the new build facilities sitting impressively either side. This stunning transformation required brickwork detailing of the highest order. The redevelopment of the prep school also required first-class brickwork, with the striking colonnade of brick arches and the facades of a new classroom block and assembly hall building enhancing the educational setting. Creating new buildings that pushed the boundaries in terms of brickwork design whilst meeting conservation and planning requirements necessitated close collaboration between client, architect, contractor and IG Masonry Support’s project engineers. With a brief to achieve a consistent colonnade of seven interlocking arches as well the masonry support requirements to achieve the required brickwork formation, IG Masonry Support manufactured and supplied a range of prefabricated components that met the design requirements and the wider considerations around planning in this heritage context. The offsite manufactured solutions also overcame challenges when it came to the creation of half arches that would have been impossible to build in a traditional way. A combination of restrained and self-supported solutions, the prefabricated brick arches required coordination with the concrete superstructure. The connections had to be bespoke for every arch because the faces of the arches were semi-circular and the concrete structure behind was chamfered. In terms of masonry support and the unusual brick bond pattern, masonry support was designed to take into consideration the unusual distribution of the load within the façade and required extra brackets. At the corners, further innovation on the part of IG was required due to the corner arches returning along the elevations and corner lintels requiring extended bearing zones. A Victorian school with a 21st century transformation, Brentwood Prep School’s new multi-purpose hall and linked three-storey teaching block will become a new visual identity for this educational facility, with thanks in part to the offsite craftmanship and intelligent engineering from IG Masonry Support and its range of masonry support systems. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction and Property News
Bouygues UK has handed over the Translational Research Hub to Cardiff University, marking the completion of its work on the Cardiff Innovation Campus. The Translational Research Hub (TRH) will house two world-leading scientific research establishments; the Institute for Compound Semiconductors and Cardiff Catalysis Institute. “Handing over the Translational Research Hub to our valued client Cardiff University brings our work on Cardiff Innovation Campus to a successful completion. It has been a hugely rewarding experience for our team to be involved in such a complex and exciting project which will provide world leading science and research,” said Bouygues UK’s Operations Director for Wales, Stephen Davies. “The success of the project has been underpinned by the great teamwork from all parties involved including our design team, supply chain partners, Gleeds and Cardiff University. I am particularly delighted with our team’s commitment to social value with over 470 hours of our staff’s time donated to education and support, 26 work experience placements offered, and 60 jobs given to previously unemployed people. We wish to thank Cardiff University, Gleeds and all our partners for their support and commitment in helping us to deliver an exceptional project to such a high standard.” Designed to foster collaboration, the 129,000sq ft research hub is the largest of its kind in Wales, bringing together industrial partners alongside researchers to design, develop and test new cleaner, greener products and processes using the Hub’s bespoke laboratories, offices, shared collaborative scientific spaces, ERDF-funded cleanroom and state-of-the-art microscopy suite. Bouygues UK won the contract to build the £150m state of the art campus, part of Cardiff University’s biggest campus upgrade for a generation. The TRH is adjacent to the sbarc|spark building, which was the first building Bouygues UK completed for the University’s Cardiff Innovation Campus. It features 12,000msq of floor space across six storeys, an oculus staircase leading to commercial units and lab spaces for spinouts and start-ups as well as a public open space with a café and a flexible auditorium for TEDx-style events. Social value was a key factor during the build of the Innovation Campus and throughout the project Bouygues UK delivered almost 6,000 weeks of employment for apprentices, trainees, graduates and previously unemployed people. “I am delighted this innovation centre of excellence is now open for business. The significant investment we’ve made in the centre will help bring some of the most brilliant minds in Welsh academia together to find and develop made-in-Wales solutions to the major problems facing Wales and the rest of the world,” continued Wales’s Economy Minister Vaughan Gething. “Developing ‘next generation’ practices and technologies that will both shape our lives today and improve our experiences tomorrow will be crucial if we are to meet the climate emergency head on and build a greener, more sustainable economy,” he concluded. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction and Property News
Renters looking to spruce up their space are being offered expert advice and temporary decorating tips on how to do so without damaging the property. The moving experts at LOVESPACE are advising renters on the best ways to decorate their properties without risking the loss of their deposit. Rental agreements can differ from landlord to landlord and it’s fair to say that some are more willing to agree to cosmetic changes than others. For those seeking to make home improvements but are struggling because of limits within their tenancy agreement, there are plenty of ways to make temporary changes without damaging the property. From stick on flooring to removable radiator covers, the options are endless when it comes to adding personality to rented properties. “It’s important that before you make any changes to a rented property ask your landlord for permission – no matter how small the decision may seem,” said a spokesperson for LOVESPACE. “There is often an assumption that landlords won’t let you make changes to the property but this isn’t always the case. Whether it’s just a lick of paint or a nail in the wall, it’s always worth asking. If the landlord thinks it might make their property more valuable then they’re more than likely to say yes. Even if your landlord does refuse any changes to the property, there are plenty of ways to spruce up your space with simple furnishings.” Here are LOVESPACE’s decorating tips on sprucing up a rental property: Adhesive strips When you want to avoid banging nails into the wall and potentially causing damage, adhesive strips could be the answer. These strips are perfect for picture frames, holding LED lights in place and even keeping cables organised. If you’re worried about hanging a larger item like a mirror it’s best to pair it with a statement piece like a tall vase and lean it against the wall. This might not seem like the most glamorous method but it can make for an eye-catching feature that is different from the norm. Soft furnishings Cushions, curtains and throws are perfect for adding pops of colour to any room – although they are the most obvious choice. Choosing bed linen, bathroom towels and even tea towels to match the surrounding area are more unique ways to add depth to a room. Try matching bed linen with the shades of the carpet or curtains to create a sleep haven. Removable wallpaper and flooring When you don’t have the option of painting walls or changing flooring, it can feel difficult to give the property any personal touch. This is where the beauty of stick-on wallpaper and flooring comes in. The adhesive backing allows easy application and removal on most surfaces. With online and instore retailers stocking designs from boho chic and art deco, to floral and industrial, there is a solution to bring personality into any property. Change handles When renting it’s unlikely you’ll be able to make major changes to key areas of the house like the kitchen. So, if the kitchen is looking dated it can easily be transformed into an inviting space by simply changing the handles. Chrome details can add a modern edge to kitchen cupboards and should be fairly easy to change using a screwdriver. Add greenery Plants can quite literally breathe new life into a lacklustre room. Choose peace lilies which can thrive in low light conditions (perfect for flats) or opt for some succulents which require little maintenance. Not only can plants make a space more aesthetically pleasing but they also have lots of health benefits too. They can purify the air, relieve stress and improve concentration – perfect for those who work at home. Radiator covers In some cases, not even a lick of paint can save an ugly radiator, so that’s why it can be best to cover them up completely. Radiator covers can transform a metal eyesore into a unique focal point of the room. Most wood covers can slip over a radiator without the need for any DIY. These covers can get expensive depending on the size and material, so for a more affordable alternative opt for a radiator wrap instead. Rugs Whether you have a cold vinyl floor or just a carpet that needs covering up, rugs are one of the best temporary decorating tips. As well as covering up any unwanted flooring mishaps, rugs are a great way of zoning certain areas. Use circular rugs under circular dining tables to make them more inviting and help to separate the space from the kitchen. Shop secondhand When moving into an unfurnished property, there is an opportunity to add personality to every room. Buying items brand new can be expensive, whereas you can pick up second hand items for a more affordable price and sometimes even for free. Online marketplaces are a goldmine for preloved furniture and there are some unique pieces just waiting to be found. Clear the clutter If the furniture in your new property doesn’t quite match your decor plans or you’ve simply got too many belongings, popping it into storage can help to provide you with a blank canvas. Storing winter clothes, unwanted furniture and other seasonal items is a great way to achieve a minimalistic look and one of the easiest decorating tips. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction and Property News
