Panattoni hires new capital markets director to support its strategic growth objectives Panattoni, the largest logistics real estate developer in the UK and Europe, is expanding its capital markets team with the appointment of Jack Franklin from PGIM Real Estate. The appointment comes as investor appetite to deploy capital in
Forster Group, Scotland’s largest integrated solar and roofing service provider, has announced three new promotions to its senior team as the company continues to see an increase in demand for renewable energy solutions. Reflecting the firm’s commitment to innovation, customer service and sustainable growth, these promotions will help put Forster
Rachel Greasby, Managing Director of George Fischer UK, becomes President of the BPF Pipes Group in January 2025, taking over from Steve Richmond of Rehau. She was previously Vice-President and commented: “I am really looking forward to taking on this role as it’s an exciting time to be in the
New analysis from Excellion Capital, the boutique debt advisory and investments firm, reveals that developing agricultural Class Q land into residential dwellings can create a market value of £3.7m for savvy investors. As British farmers face the threat of a new 20% inheritance tax levy on all land and business assets worth
The London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) has partnered with Vistry Group, the UK’s leading mixed-tenure housing provider, in a landmark 50/50 joint venture to deliver 948 new homes in Stratford’s Pudding Mill Lane. This ambitious development will create a vibrant residential and commercial neighbourhood, strengthening the legacy of Queen Elizabeth
Wrenbridge and Fiera Real Estate (“Fiera”) have announced the approval of a cutting-edge 120,000 sq ft logistics facility in Stevenage, further solidifying their position as leaders in sustainable urban logistics. This approval brings Wrenbridge’s total 2024 pipeline to an impressive 700,000 sq ft. The development, located on a 5-acre site
ODEON Cinemas is driving a bold expansion across the UK, delivering cutting-edge venues in Peterborough, Bristol, and Scarborough. Each location embodies a blend of state-of-the-art technology, meticulous design, and eco-conscious construction, setting a new standard for modern entertainment spaces. Peterborough: A £60m Leisure Landmark November 2024 marked a milestone for
Creating an inspiring and functional office environment is crucial for boosting employee morale, productivity, and collaboration. As workplace dynamics continue to evolve, modern office design has become more important than ever. At Zentia, we understand the impact that innovative design can have on an office space. Here are our top
Collaboration to bring repairs in-house, leveraging technology for faster, more reliable customer services Totalmobile, a leading provider of field service management software solutions, is delighted to announce a new partnership with Liverpool-based Cobalt Housing to enhance the quality and efficiency of its repairs and maintenance services. Through Totalmobile’s market-leading workforce
The work follows the installation of scaffolding on the Newcastle quayside adjacent to the bridge’s tower. Work is underway to install an underdeck scaffold structure that will span the length of the Tyne Bridge from the Newcastle tower to the Gateshead tower. The latest phase follows the completion of the
Panattoni hires new capital markets director to support its strategic growth objectives Panattoni, the largest logistics real estate developer in the UK and Europe, is expanding its capital markets team with the appointment of Jack Franklin from PGIM Real Estate. The appointment comes as investor appetite to deploy capital in the UK logistics market rebounds in anticipation of a more favourable interest rate environment. Panattoni is committed to enhancing its capacity to manage this trend and by strengthening the team aims to ensure that it remains a key player in driving investment and development within the UK logistics sector. Jack will join as a director in Panattoni’s UK Capital Markets team, where he will focus on the capitalisation and transaction management of projects throughout the UK. Based in the London office, he will work with Nick Cripps, Executive Director of European Capital Markets, and form part of Panattoni’s global capital markets network. Nick Cripps, Executive Director of European Capital Markets, said, “Jack will be a valuable asset to the business and we’re very pleased to have him on board. We are expanding the capital markets team in response to a maturing logistics market and the compelling opportunities that we are seeing following the cyclical reset. We are looking to deepen and diversify our investor base and, with the establishment of new investment offerings, are seeking to take advantage of these opportunities as we strongly believe it to be an attractive point in the cycle to develop and invest within the sector. “Jack will help manage existing and new investor relationships with a focused push on UK capital and he will play a key role in the structuring of capital solutions across the capital stack”. Jack has 12 years’ experience in the real estate sector, latterly as a Vice President at PGIM Real Estate, where he focused on the origination, structuring and execution of value-add debt transactions. Jack Franklin, Director, UK Capital Markets, said “After six highly enjoyable years at PGIM, I am delighted to be joining Panattoni at this exciting point in the company’s growth cycle. I am looking forward to applying my transactional and structuring experience to the UK logistics sector against the backdrop of a thriving occupational and repriced investment market. There are significant opportunities for attractive development returns from smart capital deployment into the sector and I am excited to work with existing and new capital partners in unlocking these”. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Forster Group, Scotland’s largest integrated solar and roofing service provider, has announced three new promotions to its senior team as the company continues to see an increase in demand for renewable energy solutions. Reflecting the firm’s commitment to innovation, customer service and sustainable growth, these promotions will help put Forster Group in a strong position as it prepares for a positive year ahead for the construction and wider build environment sector. Craig MacCormick has been promoted to Head of Technical. With seven years of experience as a Senior Engineer at Forster Group, Craig has been instrumental in leading the solar design team. In his new role, Craig will spearhead the technical evolution of new energy products, services, and markets across the Group. His leadership will be pivotal in expanding the company’s range of energy solutions, reinforcing its position as an industry leader. Daryl Cassidy has been appointed as Head of Operations. Daryl brings over 12 years of experience at Forster Group, most recently serving as Construction Manager for the roofing division. In his new role, Daryl will oversee the delivery of operations across the Group, ensuring excellence in sectors such as new build homes, commercial and agricultural buildings, and the retrofitting of domestic properties. His extensive experience will drive operational efficiency and quality. Jamie Robbie has been promoted to Head of Business. Jamie’s journey with Forster Group began 18 years ago as a Trainee Surveyor. His recent role as Commercial Manager has equipped him with comprehensive knowledge of the sectors, products, and services that Forster Group offers. As Head of Business, Jamie will focus on driving the Group’s business objectives, development, and delivery, ensuring sustainable outcomes that support the long-term success of the company. Welcoming these new promotions, Chair of Forster Group, John Forster, said: “We are proud to announce the promotions of Craig, Daryl and Jamie Robbie to our senior leadership team. Each has shown exceptional dedication, expertise, and leadership throughout their career at Forster Group and their promotions come at a crucial time as we navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the transition to net zero in the built environment. “Craig’s innovative approach to technical development, Daryl’s operational excellence, and Jamie’s comprehensive business acumen will be instrumental in developing and achieving our strategic goals. As we continue to see growing demand for the integration of renewable energy solutions, their leadership will help us further integrate renewables and construction, support local communities and SMEs, and address the critical skills shortage in our industry. “I’m very confident that Craig, Daryl, and Jamie will excel in their new roles, helping Forster Group to innovate, collaborate, and transform the industry. Their contributions will be vital in ensuring that we meet our ambitious climate targets and achieve a just transition to net zero that is equitable, affordable and achievable for all.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Rachel Greasby, Managing Director of George Fischer UK, becomes President of the BPF Pipes Group in January 2025, taking over from Steve Richmond of Rehau. She was previously Vice-President and commented: “I am really looking forward to taking on this role as it’s an exciting time to be in the plastic pipes industry. I see three key areas of focus in the coming year: sustainability in manufacturing and operation, plastic pipes’ key role in the drive for clean energy, and encouraging more of our younger members to play an active role in the future of the industry.” Rachel has been at George Fischer for three years and prior to that was in the automotive after-market industry, based in the UK but working for a US company as Strategic Marketing Director. She has spent over 20 years in the automotive sector so brings a fresh approach to the pipes industry and the BPF Pipes Group. Joining Rachel as Vice-President is Mark Spacie, Managing Director at Brett Martin. Mark also becomes Chair of the BPF Pipes Group’s Strategy Group. The BPF Pipes Group is the leading trade association for the UK’s plastic pipes and fittings manufacturers. It strives to promote best practice in the construction and use of all types of plastic pipes and fittings and its website contains a wide selection of free-to-access technical documents and practical guidance. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New analysis from Excellion Capital, the boutique debt advisory and investments firm, reveals that developing agricultural Class Q land into residential dwellings can create a market value of £3.7m for savvy investors. As British farmers face the threat of a new 20% inheritance tax levy on all land and business assets worth more than £1m, some farming families are looking at ways in which they can sell all or part of their land to pay inheritance tax bills, or at the very least mitigate the future cost of inheritance tax. But does such an investment make sense for developers? Excellion Capital has analysed the investment potential available to developers who purchase Class Q land for the construction of residential properties, to see what sort of return they can expect. Some farmers are selling the entire farm With the new inheritance tax proposal potentially disincentivising farmers from passing their businesses down to the next generation, some families are having to consider the idea of selling the entire farm. Excellion’s analysis of current market listings* has found that there are currently 112 farms currently listed for sale in England. Existing data shows that the average sale price of arable land over the first half of 2024 stands at £11,000 per acre, while the average sale value of pasture land stands at £9,600 per acre*. According to further data from the UK government*, the average size of a UK farm is 202.6 acres. As such, the estimated average value of an arable farm currently stands at £2.23m, while the average value of a pasture farm is £1.94m. The Class Q option To avoid having to sell their farms, or sell quality farming land, Excellion’s research reveals that thousands of farmers have the alternative option of selling agricultural buildings and their plots, otherwise known as Class Q land. Under Class Q permitted development rights, disused or current buildings located on agricultural units can be converted into residential dwellings, with the option to create as many as 10 homes from a single building. As such, plots that aren’t in regular or meaningful use and don’t contribute greatly to the ongoing success of the farm, can be offloaded to residential developers for substantial amounts of money. Excellion’s analysis of planning data* reveals that there are currently 8,892 Class Q sites in England eligible for change of use from agricultural to residential. These sites are not necessarily listed for sale. Instead, they are opportunities identified through the planning classification assigned to them. What investment potential does Class Q land hold for developers? As of 2024, developers can build a maximum of 10 homes on a Class Q plot across a maximum floor space of 1,000 square metres. As such, the average floor space of each home can be calculated at 100 square metres. According to the most recent figures (November 2024), the average value of developed land stands at £347 per square foot. 100 square metres is equivalent to 1,076 square feet, which means a 100 square metre home has an average market value of £374,019. Therefore, developers who build 10 homes on a Class Q site are looking at a potential total sale value of more than £3.7m. How much should an investor pay for undeveloped Class Q land? If the potential value of a developed Class Q site sits at £3.7m, how much can developers expect to pay to purchase the land in the first place? An average expected land cost can be calculated by taking the value of the developed land (£3.7m), and subtracting the estimated cost of construction* combined with the developer’s required profit margin (which sits at an industry average of 20%*). This means removing an average of £2.6m. The figure you’re left with is roughly £1.1m which is, therefore, the average price that a developer can expect to pay for a plot of undeveloped Class Q land large enough to build the maximum number of properties allowed. Who is currently buying farmland? In 2014, private investors, institutional investors, and overseas buyers purchased little more than 20% of English farms that were put up for sale. By 2023, buyers accounted for approximately 30% of all English farm purchases. This suggests that over the past decade, investors and developers have identified the potential returns available from purchasing and redeveloping farmland, and given the new situation that farmers find themselves in, it’s reasonable to assume that these numbers are going to increase further over the coming months and years. Robert Sadler, Vice President of Real Estate at Excellion Capital, comments: “Farmers are understandably concerned about the proposed inheritance tax changes, and the tax bills involved could put real financial pressure on them. But while many farmers might be cash poor, they are increasingly asset rich – there is a lot of hidden value in farmland – and that’s why Class Q opportunities present such a great opportunity to create cash wealth by selling off what is, in many cases, little more than brownfield land. And while these Class Q designated plots provide an income opportunity for farmers, they also make for a very promising avenue that investors and developers should now be exploring. Considering that many farmers aren’t even aware of the Class Q opportunities that exist on their land, it’s clear that investors have the chance to strike up some very interesting and lucrative conversations with farmers up and down the country. But Class Q opportunities aren’t the only thing that developers and investors should be considering when it comes to conversations about farmland. Land promotion – in which a land promoter agrees with a farmer to gain planning permission for a small portion of their land, at which point the land can become up to 100-times more valuable and can be sold to local developers and housebuilders – is also becoming an increasingly fruitful endeavour. I personally worked on four land promotion deals in 2023, all in local areas with a drastic shortage of housing. With planning permission obtained, the land value was projected to be between
The London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) has partnered with Vistry Group, the UK’s leading mixed-tenure housing provider, in a landmark 50/50 joint venture to deliver 948 new homes in Stratford’s Pudding Mill Lane. This ambitious development will create a vibrant residential and commercial neighbourhood, strengthening the legacy of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Diverse Housing for a Thriving Community The project, situated next to Pudding Mill Lane DLR station, will be delivered in four phases and aims to meet a variety of housing needs. At least 45% of the homes will be affordable, including low-cost rental options, with a strong emphasis on family housing. This aligns with LLDC’s commitment to ensuring 50% affordable housing across its Stratford developments, which include Stratford Waterfront, Rick Roberts Way, and the Bridgewater Triangle. In addition to high-quality homes, the neighbourhood will feature top-tier public and social amenities, fostering a sustainable and inclusive long-term community. Commercial Space to Boost Growth Beyond housing, the development will include 30,000 sqm of commercial space, offering retail, community, and leisure facilities. This dynamic environment will drive economic growth, creating opportunities for local businesses, start-ups, and residents. The scheme also integrates with the thriving Innovation Cluster and Knowledge, Culture, and Education District at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, positioning Pudding Mill Lane as a hub for entrepreneurs, innovators, and cultural institutions. A Vision for the Future Construction of the first phase is set to begin in early 2026, with the entire project scheduled for completion by 2033. Designed to deliver high-quality, sustainable homes and a rich public realm, the neighbourhood will incorporate significant workspace, ensuring a balanced and vibrant community. Greg Fitzgerald, Chief Executive of Vistry Group, expressed his enthusiasm: “This is a fantastic opportunity to revitalise this area of East London and create a thriving and sustainable new community. We’re delighted to partner with the LLDC and GLA to provide the mix of high-quality homes residents desperately need, alongside the infrastructure and socio-economic opportunities to support them.” Rosanna Lawes, Executive Director of Development at LLDC, added: “This joint venture allows us to build on the Park’s legacy to create another thriving community. Quality design and sustainability are at the heart of this scheme, ensuring success not only in housing but also in public spaces, amenities, and workspaces.” Expert Support and Long-Term Impact Advised by Deloitte and Herbert Smith Freehills, LLDC is set to ensure the development contributes to East London’s ambitious growth plans. This project is more than just a housing development; it is a significant step in transforming Stratford into a beacon of innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable living. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wrenbridge and Fiera Real Estate (“Fiera”) have announced the approval of a cutting-edge 120,000 sq ft logistics facility in Stevenage, further solidifying their position as leaders in sustainable urban logistics. This approval brings Wrenbridge’s total 2024 pipeline to an impressive 700,000 sq ft. The development, located on a 5-acre site in the established Pin Green Industrial Estate, represents a £40 million investment and forms part of the Fiera Real Estate Logistics Development Fund (“FRELD”). This fund continues to focus on small to mid-sized urban logistics sites across the UK, providing essential infrastructure for growing businesses. Strategic Location, State-of-the-Art Features Dubbed AIM, Stevenage, the site enjoys a prime position just east of the A1, close to junctions 7 and 8, making it ideal for businesses seeking proximity to London or looking to enhance their operations. The location is expected to appeal to a range of occupiers, from local enterprises to firms relocating from the capital. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to achieve an EPC A+ rating, reflecting its commitment to sustainability. Key features include: Driving Stevenage’s Regeneration This development comes amid Stevenage’s ambitious 20-year, £1 billion regeneration plan, which aims to revitalise the area for businesses and residents alike. The logistics hub will contribute to this transformation, creating much-needed employment opportunities and attracting investment to the region. Will Jarman, Associate Director at Wrenbridge and Development Manager for AIM, Stevenage, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to secure planning approval for a facility that will bring vital employment space to the area. With a planned completion in Q4 2025, this development will offer a top-tier location minutes from the A1(M), perfectly suited to a local business looking to expand or a company seeking high-quality, strategically positioned logistics space.” A Year of Milestones for Wrenbridge and Fiera This Stevenage project is the latest in a series of high-profile developments for Wrenbridge and Fiera in 2024. Other recent successes include a 155,000 sq ft facility near Heathrow (Air-Heathrow) and an 84,000 sq ft logistics site in Hayes (Boxyard, Hayes). As demand for sustainable, well-located logistics spaces continues to rise, the AIM project stands out as a testament to innovation, forward-thinking design, and a commitment to greener infrastructure. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
ODEON Cinemas is driving a bold expansion across the UK, delivering cutting-edge venues in Peterborough, Bristol, and Scarborough. Each location embodies a blend of state-of-the-art technology, meticulous design, and eco-conscious construction, setting a new standard for modern entertainment spaces. Peterborough: A £60m Leisure Landmark November 2024 marked a milestone for ODEON with the opening of its first Cambridgeshire venue at Peterborough’s Queensgate. The state-of-the-art, eight-screen cinema, featuring IMAX technology and seating for 600 guests, has become the centrepiece of Queensgate’s £60 million leisure extension. Designed with both functionality and style in mind, the 27,500 sq ft venue features interiors crafted with high-grade materials for durability and aesthetic appeal. From ergonomic, premium seating to advanced acoustics, every detail enhances the cinematic experience. The cinema’s eco-conscious design integrates energy-efficient lighting and digital signage, ensuring it’s as sustainable as it is stylish. Invesco Real Estate, the driving force behind Queensgate’s transformation, highlights its impact on the local area. Ed Ginn, Director of Investment Management, said:“ODEON is a fantastic addition, driving our vision of a dynamic leisure hub that supports and strengthens the wider retail offer.” Complementing Queensgate’s retail mix, which includes Primark and Frasers, the new cinema has transformed the centre into a bustling, day-to-night destination. Bristol: A Flagship for Entertainment at Cabot Circus ODEON’s forthcoming venue at Bristol’s Cabot Circus underscores its vision of urban regeneration. Scheduled to open in 2025, the cinema will combine sleek, modern interiors with world-class projection and sound technologies. Purpose-built with advanced fit-outs, including acoustically engineered walls and sustainable materials, the Bristol venue reflects ODEON’s dedication to environmental stewardship and high-quality construction. The cinema is set to become a key draw at Cabot Circus, joining a roster of new leisure and retail brands revitalising the area. Toby Tait, Director of Asset Management at Hammerson, noted:“This new partnership with ODEON brings the latest technology and experience into a completely renewed cinema venue, enhancing both day and night experiences in the heart of Bristol.” Scarborough: A Luxe Comeback to the Coast ODEON’s return to Scarborough, anchoring the transformation of the Brunswick Centre, brings a premium experience to a town that has been without a major cinema since the 1980s. The Luxe venue will feature luxurious seating, immersive screens, and premium finishes, all crafted to provide a world-class entertainment experience. Mark Jackson of Scarborough Group International commented:“Bringing ODEON back to Scarborough after more than three decades is a key milestone… Once complete, the transformed Brunswick Centre will be a catalyst for the further economic regeneration of the town centre.” Innovative Design and Build Quality Across all its new UK ventures, ODEON’s commitment to superior design and construction is clear. The venues feature: Building More Than Cinemas ODEON’s expansion isn’t just about entertainment—it’s about creating architectural landmarks that anchor leisure-driven transformations in urban and regional areas. Each venue is a testament to the company’s ability to seamlessly integrate innovation, design, and community impact, solidifying its position as the leader in the UK cinema industry. ODEON’s latest cinemas embody a revival in entertainment and place-making, proving that the silver screen can shine brighter when supported by world-class design and build quality. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Creating an inspiring and functional office environment is crucial for boosting employee morale, productivity, and collaboration. As workplace dynamics continue to evolve, modern office design has become more important than ever. At Zentia, we understand the impact that innovative design can have on an office space. Here are our top 10 office design ideas, showcasing how you can elevate your workspace using our ceiling tiles, baffles, canopies, and other products. 1. Embrace Open Spaces Open-plan offices encourage collaboration and communication among teams. Using Zentia’s acoustic baffles, canopies, and tiles can help manage noise levels while maintaining an airy feel. Check out our case study on Velux UK HQ to see how our ceiling tiles can create a harmonious balance in an open workspace. 2. Incorporate Biophilic Design Integrating natural elements into your office design can improve employee wellbeing. In addition to using natural materials, such as ceiling tiles that mimic natural textures, consider utilising colour palettes inspired by nature, such as greens, browns, or blues, to promote a calming and relaxing atmosphere. In fact, muted browns and earthy colours are very popular at the moment. They perfectly complement the inclusion of plants in the space, so think about incorporating foliage into the design to further improve indoor air quality. 3. Utilise Multi-Functional Spaces Design your office to accommodate various activities, such as meetings, collaboration, and relaxation. Use modular canopies to create flexible zones within open areas to encourage creativity and interaction among staff. Conversely, utilising flexible canopies such as these also enables the creation of more secluded areas that promote focus and concentration. 4. Focus on Acoustics Noise can significantly impact productivity. Investing in sound-absorbing ceiling tiles and baffles can create a quieter work environment. In fact, the reduced noise pollution will not only aid communication, collaboration, productivity, and inclusivity, it will also help to reduce stress. With workforces much more diverse than in previous decades, the needs of individuals with neurodiverse conditions also need to be recognised. Often, they will have heightened senses, meaning noise will disturb them more severely than others, so the utilisation of sound-absorbing products will help to minimise distractions and improve comfort. Our project for Howdens Joinery showcases how effective acoustic solutions can enhance employee concentration and comfort. 5. Personalise Workspaces Encouraging employees to personalise their work areas can boost engagement and satisfaction. Use versatile partition systems to create semi-private spaces where individuals can express their style while maintaining a cohesive design. Aside from boosting productivity, giving staff personalised spaces will enhance their privacy and positively boost their emotional and cognitive wellbeing. In fact, people primarily want to work in, and are more engaged with, spaces that they feel embody who they are, not only individually but also as part of their company. 6. Incorporate Technology Seamlessly Integrating technology into office design is essential for modern workplaces. Zentia’s smart ceiling solutions can house lighting and audio-visual equipment, ensuring a clean, uncluttered look. Whilst it’s not an office, our project at the F1 Racing Simulator in Glasgow offers a unique and exciting insight into how to creatively incorporate lighting into ceiling designs. 7. Choose the Right Colours Colour psychology plays a significant role in workplace mood and productivity. Incorporate a palette that reflects your brand and creates a welcoming atmosphere. Zentia’s custom ceiling tiles can be designed in various colours, allowing you to curate the perfect look for your office. For HTC Architects, we were able to provide Sonify ceiling baffles in their brand colours, light grey, dark grey and orange, to champion their company in a stylish and effective way. 8. Design for Flexibility With the rise of remote work, flexible office spaces are more important than ever. Often, they will need to adapt to changing needs, whether that’s different teams working in the office on alternate days or different rooms being required depending on which members of staff are in the building at any one time. Modular systems, such as office pods, can be quickly reconfigured or moved to suit the ever-changing needs of the business. 9. Maximising Natural Light Maximising natural light can improve employee well-being and reduce energy costs. Use transparent or translucent ceiling solutions to allow light to filter through, creating a bright and inviting environment. For more great ideas on how to brighten any office space, check out Zentia’s useful guide on maximising daylight in buildings. 10. Create Breakout Areas Designated breakout areas encourage relaxation and informal meetings. Use ceilings, walls and creative partitions to create comfortable breakout zones that enhance collaboration and creativity. Modern office design is about more than aesthetics; it’s about creating environments that foster productivity, collaboration, and well-being. By incorporating these top ten design ideas and utilising Zentia’s innovative products, you can transform your office into a vibrant and efficient workspace. View more of our projects in our project gallery. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Collaboration to bring repairs in-house, leveraging technology for faster, more reliable customer services Totalmobile, a leading provider of field service management software solutions, is delighted to announce a new partnership with Liverpool-based Cobalt Housing to enhance the quality and efficiency of its repairs and maintenance services. Through Totalmobile’s market-leading workforce management solutions, Cobalt Housing will bring repair services in-house, ensuring improved communication and an enhanced experience for customers across its 6,000 homes. Until recently, Cobalt Housing managed the majority of repairs through external contractors. Now, with Totalmobile’s support, they’re moving to an in-house management system, which will allow Cobalt to take greater control over their repair service, providing high standards for customers. The new software will also provide Cobalt’s trade teams with real-time access to essential information, helping them arrive prepared, improve first-time fix rates and keep customers informed on progress at every step. “Totalmobile will be crucial in helping us meet the high standards our customers deserve,” said Ian Hancock, Executive Director of Property at Cobalt Housing. “During procurement of a new management software, Totalmobile offered dedication to supporting us through each stage of the implementation, providing a system that will manage the repairs service and improve communication with customers.” David Webb, Managing Director of Property and FM at Totalmobile, added, “We are proud to be working with Cobalt Housing in their mission to deliver an integrated, tenant-focused repairs service. By implementing our Connect and Mobilise solutions, Cobalt will have the tools to transform how repairs are managed. Our software ensures that operators have all the information they need on one device, which will improve first-time fix rates, reduce missed appointments, and enhance overall communication with their tenants.” Totalmobile’s solutions are currently being rolled out to Cobalt Housing’s operators, with full implementation planned in mid-2025. This partnership reflects Totalmobile’s commitment to helping organisations like Cobalt Housing deliver improved, efficient, and customer-focused services. For more information on Totalmobile and its housing sector solutions, please visit www.totalmobile.co.uk/sectors/housing-property Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The work follows the installation of scaffolding on the Newcastle quayside adjacent to the bridge’s tower. Work is underway to install an underdeck scaffold structure that will span the length of the Tyne Bridge from the Newcastle tower to the Gateshead tower. The latest phase follows the completion of the scaffolding adjacent to the Newcastle tower, similar to that on the Gateshead Quayside. Esh Construction is working with specialist scaffolding contractor, Infrastructure Site Solutions (ISS), to install the suspended scaffold which will involve operatives working underneath the bridge 84ft above the River Tyne. Operatives will be attached by safety harness as they work their way carefully across the iconic structure, however, a safety boat will be visible within the river in the event of an emergency rescue. The latest scaffolding phase will measure 100 metres long by 11 metres wide and will allow operatives to undertake close-up inspections underneath the bridge before the task of cleaning, grit blasting and repainting begins. For the safety of the environment, operatives and members of the public, the scaffold will be wrapped in protective sheeting while all work is carried out. Gareth Dawson, Esh Construction’s Project Manager, said: “A programme resequencing exercise has allowed the underdeck scaffolding to be actioned earlier than originally planned, given work to install the scaffolding adjacent to the Newcastle tower has also progressed well. The change in programme will provide efficiencies throughout the project given the scale of the repair and restoration work to be delivered – this scheme is far more than ‘just a lick of paint’.” Esh Construction is delivering the project on behalf of both Newcastle and Gateshead councils. Cllr Dr Juna Staithan, cabinet member for Climate Change and Transport at Newcastle City Council said: “I am really delighted with progress on site as we restore this icon to its former glory. “The team behind the restoration programme have really hit the ground running since they have been on site and everyone involved is hugely proud and passionate to be part of this major project to preserve this much-loved icon for future generations.” Over 180 miles of scaffolding tubes will be used throughout the four-year project – laid end to end, the tubes would reach from Newcastle to Dundee. The weight of the scaffold components totals more than 13,000 tonnes – equivalent to six London Eyes – and therefore due to loading constraints of the bridge, it must be installed in 20 different phases. Behind the scenes work is continuing within the bridge deck void where structural repairs are set to begin on the three of the bridge’s hangers. The carriageway is suspended by 36 steel hangers which are connected to the bridge deck by lateral beams, and inspections have shown that within the East footpath, three of the hangers require strengthening. The restoration reached an important milestone in October as the scaffold started to be dismantled around the Gateshead tower, revealing the major restoration work that has taken place since April and the first completed section of blasted, repaired and re-painted steel. Due to the Tyne Bridge’s Grade II* listed status, the paint colour being used is a British Standard 4800 colour referenced 14C39 called ‘Hollybush’, which is as close to the original colour as possible. The new paint system has been chosen for its durability, UV resistance, protective and colour retention qualities, and its resistance to the harsh atmospheric environment of the bridge, sitting above a tidal river and subject to the winds of the Tyne Valley gorge. It should give protection to the bridge for the next 30 years before major repainting is required. Thorough investigations have outlined that more than 1,000 repairs need to be carried out to preserve the landmark for future generations, this involves steel, concrete, stonework and masonry repairs, drainage improvements, bridge deck waterproofing, resurfacing, parapet protection and bridge joint replacement, as well as a full paint job. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
