Demolition of the former Southport Theatre and Convention Centre is progressing well. Contractors, DSM, remain hard at work throughout the summer months to demolish the former theatre safely and considerately to make way for the £73 million Marine Lake Events Centre (MLEC). Residents and local businesses have been kept regularly
A Bellway development in Halstead has been shortlisted in the Essex Housing Awards 2024. Willow Park has been chosen as a finalist in the Large Housing Scheme category of the prestigious awards, with the winners to be announced at a ceremony at the Greenwoods Hotel and Spa in the Essex
A BRAND-NEW specialist school for pupils with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs has completed in Shepshed, Leicestershire, offering facilities for students aged 4-16 from September 2024. Bowman Academy, which is situated on the former site of St Botolph’s Primary School, located to the east of Shepshed on Loughborough
Sainsbury’s has secured a deal to acquire 10 leasehold properties from Homebase, with plans to convert them into supermarkets. These strategic locations are spread across England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland, aligning with Sainsbury’s goal of expanding its presence in key areas. Once transformed, the new supermarkets will feature shop floors
External wall insulation specialist Alsecco has introduced technical packs to support early, accurate specification and ensure that information required for the golden thread is in place from the start of a project. Providing brick slip systems, render and external wall insulation, the manufacturer has taken steps to give stakeholders, especially
On 26 September 2024, over 700 project professionals will come together to network, interact and learn about the topics that really matter to women in the project profession. Hosted by the Association for Project Management (APM), the Women in Project Management Conference 2024 is one of the biggest dates in
Seventy Ninth Group, a prominent asset management firm, has introduced a new £500m real estate bond aimed at revitalising leisure and holiday parks across the UK. The Seventy Ninth Luxury Living Six (LL6) bond is specifically designed for professional private and institutional investors, targeting the acquisition and redevelopment of UK
MODULAR pool provider Myrtha Pools is set to deliver a new state-of-the-art hydrotherapy swim offering at Surrey specialist school, Philip Southcote School, as part of wider expansion works on the school’s main campus, on behalf of Surrey County Council. Procured through the fifth generation of the Southern Construction Framework, Morgan
Work on the fifth and final phase of the North Portsea Coastal Scheme is set to start in the first week of September along Ports Creek, the northern shore of Portsea Island. The work will include 1.3 km of flood defences with a design consisting of a sloped earth embankment,
Helvar, a leading innovator in intelligent lighting solutions, is excited to announce the official commercial launch of Helvar Senses, an advanced environmental sensing solution integrated into lighting controls. Building on insights gained from pilot projects across various industries, including a successful trial with Rejlers in Sweden, Helvar Senses is now available to the
Demolition of the former Southport Theatre and Convention Centre is progressing well. Contractors, DSM, remain hard at work throughout the summer months to demolish the former theatre safely and considerately to make way for the £73 million Marine Lake Events Centre (MLEC). Residents and local businesses have been kept regularly updated on the works and Sefton Council continues to hold face-to-face sessions for people nearby to ask questions and raise any concerns. Prior to the demolition, a number of historical heritage items were removed from the former theatre. They are now being held in safe storage and will be incorporated into the future MLEC site for public viewing. While most of the work so far has taken place inside the building, an annexe building on site has now been demolished. Away from site, Sefton Council and its partners remain fully committed to an impressive social value project which gives back to the community in a number of ways. Recently the MLEC team, which consists of the Local Authority and partners including architects AFL and contractor DSM, donated 45 ‘back to school’ kits to local charity Compassion Acts. The kits will help struggling families keep down costs for essential items pupils need when they return to school in September. Councillor Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills, said:“It’s great to see lots of work happening on site and the MLEC project is progressing very well. “With huge economic and tourism projects like the Marine Lake Events Centre, there are lots of things which need to happen behind the scenes that most will never be aware of so for people to be able to see physical demolition work taking place is great. “Our social value work is a real credit to the kindness and generosity of our project partners and contractors and I would like to thank them again for their incredible kindness in supporting the community in and around Southport.” Updates about the Marine Lake Events Centre project are available via www.sefton.gov.uk/MLEC Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A Bellway development in Halstead has been shortlisted in the Essex Housing Awards 2024. Willow Park has been chosen as a finalist in the Large Housing Scheme category of the prestigious awards, with the winners to be announced at a ceremony at the Greenwoods Hotel and Spa in the Essex village of Stock on Thursday 7 November. The Large Housing Scheme award recognises the development of homes (new or refurbished) which make a significant contribution to meeting housing needs and placemaking and improving the image and perception of housing in the county. Bellway Essex has delivered 153 houses for private sale and 65 affordable homes for local people through rent or shared ownership at Willow Park, off Winston Way, alongside more than 30 acres of parkland, footpaths and a children’s play area. Although this project is now complete, Bellway is building on this legacy in Halstead at its Oakfields Park development in the town, where construction is currently in progress. Jenny Walker, Sales Director at Bellway Essex, said: “We are thrilled to have been selected in the finals of the Essex Housing Awards 2024. To be on a shortlist of three in the Large Housing Scheme category is testament to the hard work and effort put in by the whole team in Halstead. “We are very proud of the brand-new neighbourhood which has been established at Willow Park, where there is a distinct community feel. The development design promotes and encourages health and exercise with a large country park and footpaths and cycleways. “This attractive new development not only delivered 218 new homes to meet the specific needs of the local housing market but also brought new jobs in sales and construction during the build life of the site. In addition, Bellway contributed almost £1.7 million to local education, outdoor sports, community buildings and healthcare as part of the planning agreement. “We are now continuing our commitment to delivering high-quality new homes in Halstead at our Oakfields Park development off Tidings Hill. Like Willow Park, the new properties at Oakfields Park are from Bellway’s flagship Artisan Collection, with a wide mix of designs to suit different lifestyles and budgets and the same focus on exceptional quality and customer service.” Bellway Essex is building 80 homes at Oakfields Park, with 52 homes for private sale and 28 affordable homes available for local people through low-cost rent or shared ownership. The team at Oakfields Park won the Showhome of the Year category at the Showhome Awards earlier this year, for the inclusive design of its Thespian showhome and has also been shortlisted in the EG Awards which will be announced in November. Joe Gracey, who has been site manager at both Willow Park and Oakfields Park, won a Quality Award in the National House Building Council’s Pride in the Job competition this year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A BRAND-NEW specialist school for pupils with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs has completed in Shepshed, Leicestershire, offering facilities for students aged 4-16 from September 2024. Bowman Academy, which is situated on the former site of St Botolph’s Primary School, located to the east of Shepshed on Loughborough Road, will see pupils benefit from a range of facilities to suit their needs. This includes classroom suites with vinyl areas to support practical learning, a sensory “dark room”, practical teaching spaces including a domestic kitchen, a library, a calming room, and a main hall with a demountable stage. The new build SEND school, which has been designed sympathetically to the needs of SEMH learning, has space for 64 pupils, with facilities for 16 primary-aged children across two ground floor classrooms, with the remaining 48 secondary-aged pupils split across two ground floor classrooms, and a further four on the first floor. The first floor also has an additional three classrooms for practical uses. Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard was behind the scheme, providing architectural services for main contractor Bowmer + Kirkland, which was procured by the Department for Education (DfE) under the Modern Methods of Construction (MMC1) framework. Joe West, associate at Pick Everard, said: “Working on SEND schools is always a privilege, with unique design applications and special consideration for the needs of a diverse range of learning. “Creating an environment that is both functional and comfortable for pupils was central to the aims of the project, which should in turn aid the school in attracting and retaining students in the area. “The construction technique employed on this project was a fully offsite solution, so thorough sequencing and planning was paramount to ensure all materials were delivered safely and successfully, as well as meeting the highest standards. “We’re delighted to have worked alongside Bowmer + Kirkland once again to deliver this fantastic academy for pupils in the area with SEMH needs.” Driving sustainability initiatives, Bowman Academy’s design includes a ‘fabric-first’ approach, which reduces the energy requirements of the building through measures including high levels of insulation, heat recovery and air tightness. High efficiency boilers have been installed at the school, which will be run by the Community Inclusive Trust (CIT), as well as LED lighting with occupancy and daylight controls for resource management. The building also has glare control and sustainable natural ventilation, providing a low energy cost solution. Additionally, the site includes a photovoltaic panel array, providing a ten per cent energy consumption offset from renewable technology. Steve Waldron, contracts manager at Bowmer + Kirkland, said: “We have been working for the DfE since 2013 and are proud of the 73 schools we have completed, but specialist schools are unique in the enormous difference they make to the pupils and their families. We are delighted to continue our relationship with Pick Everard to deliver another fantastic facility which will improve the lives of so many young people.” Cllr Deborah Taylor, cabinet member for Children and Families at Leicestershire County Council, said: “It is exciting to see the school completed and we’re looking forward to it opening and welcoming new pupils. “The building of Bowman Academy part of a wider program to ensure provision is available to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities in Leicestershire, as close to their homes as possible. “This includes both the building of special schools and creating provision in mainstream schools.” James Ellis, CIT’s director of SEND education, said, “This is a very exciting time for Bowman Academy. SEMH is a unique sector of education requiring distinctive building design to support the delivery of specialist teaching and care for pupils. “We look forward to welcoming children in Shepshed and the surrounding area to our new setting and supporting them to develop the knowledge and skills they need to help them thrive in adult life.” The project at Bowman Academy builds on further work from Pick Everard in Shepshed, following its key role in the £2.5m regeneration of its town centre in March. For more information on Pick Everard and the services it provides, visit: www.pickeverard.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sainsbury’s has secured a deal to acquire 10 leasehold properties from Homebase, with plans to convert them into supermarkets. These strategic locations are spread across England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland, aligning with Sainsbury’s goal of expanding its presence in key areas. Once transformed, the new supermarkets will feature shop floors ranging between 15,000 and 40,000 sq ft, collectively adding 235,000 sq ft to Sainsbury’s trading space. The acquisition is set to be finalised by early September, with the first store expected to open next summer. Sainsbury’s aims to complete all conversions by the end of 2025. The retailer has earmarked approximately £130m for this investment, covering the total capitalised cost of leases, acquisition premiums, and fit-out expenses. Sainsbury’s anticipates strong financial returns from these stores, with return on capital employed expected to be comfortably in the low teens, surpassing its cost of capital. Simon Roberts, CEO of Sainsbury’s, stated: “Our food business continues to gain momentum as we advance with our Next Level Sainsbury’s strategy. We offer the best combination of value and quality in the market, attracting customers from our key competitors and consistently growing our volume market share. Expanding our supermarket footprint is a key part of our strategy to become the first choice for food across the UK, and these new stores will allow us to serve even more communities.” The Homebase stores set to become Sainsbury’s supermarkets are located in: Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
External wall insulation specialist Alsecco has introduced technical packs to support early, accurate specification and ensure that information required for the golden thread is in place from the start of a project. Providing brick slip systems, render and external wall insulation, the manufacturer has taken steps to give stakeholders, especially on high rise projects, the information needed to successfully specify projects at the initial engagement stage. Pulling together essential information including a U-value calculation for the project, condensation risk analysis, certification, technical and safety data, the packs contain all the information required to demonstrate that Alsecco’s systems meet the design specification – and are compliant with the relevant regulations. In addition, the technical team at Alsecco create a suite of drawings for the packs to support the application and installation of the systems, with the option to update and change this on site at a later stage within the design process. While providing the level of detail needed to demonstrate how the products would perform within the project specification, including thermal efficiency and weather performance, the packs also ensure that the level of detail required to support the golden thread is in place from the start. Ben Robinson, Technical Manager at Alsecco, said: “The introduction of the Building Safety Act has understandably seen the demand for comprehensive information around all building systems increase rapidly. “In meeting this need from the outset we aim to take a forward-looking approach that puts in place all the detail that is needed to support the progress of a project through the gateway system, and to provide the detail that will support the golden thread for the lifetime of the building. “As a manufacturer we are committed to supporting the highest standards in construction and have the digital tools and technical knowledge to offer that to specifiers, architects and contractors as soon as interest has been lodged in a scheme. “While having the correct certification will be vital for the gateway scheme it is also essential that calculations for U-values are correct and that an accurate condensation risk analysis is in place to inform the correct use of systems to fulfil the criteria, ensure lasting quality in the build and to increase application processing speeds for our valued partners.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
On 26 September 2024, over 700 project professionals will come together to network, interact and learn about the topics that really matter to women in the project profession. Hosted by the Association for Project Management (APM), the Women in Project Management Conference 2024 is one of the biggest dates in APM’s calendar. This year’s Women in Project Management Conference 2024: Leadership Unpacked will feature keynotes, speeches, and sessions on a variety of topics, including the three key streams; Women in Leadership, Celebrating Differences, and Career Develop Tools and Techniques. Additionally, the event will see APM’s new President Dr Yvonne Thompson CBE DL give her first major speech since being appointed to the role. Dr Thompson is the founder of the WinTrade Global Women in Business Network Summit and Awards and is part of a powerful network supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for greater gender and race equality and equity. Dr Yvonne Thompson CBE DL, APM President, said: “It’s an honour to have been appointed as the new President for the Association for Project Management. Not only is this an extremely proud moment for me personally, but it’s an important step for females in the project profession. “Currently the gender pay gap in the project profession is 16% higher than the national average and the number of females in leadership roles is at risk of stagnation. There are plenty of opportunities to improve the equality and diversity across the industry. “I can’t wait to hear from some of the many inspirational individuals at the conference and see so many project professionals come together to celebrate women in project management. “One of my main goals as APM President is to combat this issue of stagnation and break down barriers for women in the project profession. APM’s Women in Project Management Conference is a great opportunity to learn more about exactly what matters to women in the project profession.” The day includes a busy programme of speeches, panel sessions and workshops hosted by a wide variety of speakers from across the project profession and beyond. These sessions promise to provide attendees with the skills and behaviours required for their own personal and professional development. Most notably, the conference will feature keynotes from social entrepreneur and broadcaster Natalie Campbell MBE and England rugby world cup winner Maggie Alphonsi MBE. The event is concluded with a drinks reception that provides attendees with further opportunities to network and meet with like-minded individuals. APM is committed to improving the equality and diversity of those within the project profession in order to deliver improved project outcomes for the benefit of society. It supports businesses and individuals of all sizes with memberships, qualifications, chartered status, events and its online community hub. To learn more, visit apm.org.uk/apm-wipm-conference. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Seventy Ninth Group, a prominent asset management firm, has introduced a new £500m real estate bond aimed at revitalising leisure and holiday parks across the UK. The Seventy Ninth Luxury Living Six (LL6) bond is specifically designed for professional private and institutional investors, targeting the acquisition and redevelopment of UK holiday assets. With over 50 years of experience in real estate asset management, Seventy Ninth Group plans to capitalise on the post-pandemic market by acquiring holiday parks at significantly reduced prices. The strategy involves redeveloping these assets, with some being sold to the holiday and investment markets while others will be retained within the group’s long-term portfolio. Jake Webster, Managing Director of Seventy Ninth Group, commented: “The launch of this £500m bond highlights the ongoing success and expansion of our real estate investment portfolio. With the UK residential buy-to-let market facing uncertainty and record-high interest rates, astute investors are seeking to diversify their real estate holdings. We believe LL6 offers an excellent opportunity for our global network of 2,500 partners to achieve strong returns, and we look forward to welcoming more qualified investors in the coming weeks.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MODULAR pool provider Myrtha Pools is set to deliver a new state-of-the-art hydrotherapy swim offering at Surrey specialist school, Philip Southcote School, as part of wider expansion works on the school’s main campus, on behalf of Surrey County Council. Procured through the fifth generation of the Southern Construction Framework, Morgan Sindall Construction is leading the construction work, which includes two new blocks, one comprising of new classrooms, an ICT suite and additional provision for hearing impaired students, and the second housing the specialist hydrotherapy pool, being delivered by the Myrtha Pools team. The 20 x 8 x 1.2mt pool is set to showcase cutting-edge technology which utilises offsite construction and a stainless-steel makeup in favour of reduced cost and installation time, along with offering carbon reductions of up to 45%. Also set to be delivered within the pool design are hydromassage areas to promote circulation and relaxation for users, offering increased ergonomic benefits. Kevin Burns, UK business development manager at Myrtha Pools, said: “A core ethos for us at Myrtha Pools is providing a positive impact for our end users, and this project couldn’t be more aligned with that. Having the opportunity to boost wellness and wellbeing within an educational environment is a huge privilege and we’re looking forward to watching the project unfold alongside Morgan Sindall over the coming weeks. “The bespoke hydrotherapy facilities we are delivering is just one example of our acceleration within the UK leisure market over the past year. We have a growing portfolio of operators who are beginning to understand the unique benefits stainless steel pools hold over traditional concrete. We’re helping create a positive and healthy future within the leisure market and having specialist schools as part of this mix adds to the growing level of expertise we can offer right here in the UK.” Guy Hannell, area director for Morgan Sindall Construction in the Southern Home Counties, said: “At Morgan Sindall, we understand the importance of providing inspirational learning environments to every child in order to provide them with the very best start in life. It has been a pleasure to work with Myrtha Pools and Surrey County Council to provide prospective learners with some of the most state-of-the-art equipment in the region.” Additional car parking facilities and external landscaping will also be created as part of the Philip Southcote scheme in Weybridge. For more information on Myrtha Pools and its solutions, visit https://www.myrthapools.com/en/dealers/myrtha-pools-uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Work on the fifth and final phase of the North Portsea Coastal Scheme is set to start in the first week of September along Ports Creek, the northern shore of Portsea Island. The work will include 1.3 km of flood defences with a design consisting of a sloped earth embankment, which provides the required flood defence level, with rock armour towards the creek. Construction company Knights Brown was appointed in August to carry out the work which is set to finish by the end of 2026. Knights Brown previously constructed the first and third phases, meaning they will have completed the majority of work on this valuable scheme. Construction site boundaries will comprise of the area north of the Hilsea Lines moat. Visitors will still be able to access the woodlands known as Foxes Forest on the southern side of the moat. The Portsbridge carpark near Portsbridge roundabout will be closed for the duration of the work. The footbridge leading over the M27 from Peronne Road will be closed for a one-week period in October, to allow a temporary overpass for pedestrians to be constructed. The overpass will remain in place for the duration of the work, maintaining pedestrian access to the footbridge. The footbridge adjacent to the railway line, further east along the creek, will be closed from November 2024 for a period of approximately 12 months (more information will be available when the detailed construction programme is finalised). Diversion routes will be signposted and updates will be available through signage, on social media and the website. As this phase will regenerate an area famous for its green open spaces the focus will be on retaining the natural feel by planting trees, native scrubs and wildflowers, improving paths, and access to the coastal path along the waterfront. New picnic benches, seating, play areas and viewing platforms along the coastal path route will create a more enjoyable environment. The North Portsea Coastal Scheme will also protect the Hilsea Lines by providing a future proof flood defence system, ensuring that this nationally important historical asset will be available for visitors to enjoy for the decades ahead. The project is funded by the Environment Agency and implemented by Coastal Partners on behalf of Portsmouth City Council. Portsmouth City Council Leader, Cllr Steve Pitt said: “We’re very pleased to be working collaboratively with Knights Brown on the final phase of the North Portsea Coastal Scheme. It’s an exciting time as we forge towards completing the final link in this vital £85.9million sea defence project, which is made possible thanks to funding by the Environment Agency.” The scheme as a whole is one of the largest local authority-led coastal flood defence projects in the UK and is crucial for the protection of Portsmouth residents. The defences will safeguard more than 4,000 homes and almost 500 businesses. In total, it covers 8.4km of coastline from Tipner through to Milton. Most of the area is low-lying and many of the current coastal defences were approaching the end of their effective lives. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Helvar, a leading innovator in intelligent lighting solutions, is excited to announce the official commercial launch of Helvar Senses, an advanced environmental sensing solution integrated into lighting controls. Building on insights gained from pilot projects across various industries, including a successful trial with Rejlers in Sweden, Helvar Senses is now available to the broader market. By incorporating smart environmental sensing into its offering, Helvar’s solutions now offer even more opportunities to optimise building performance, sustainability, and occupant wellbeing. When it comes to enhancing building performance through lighting systems, a crucial element has often been overlooked – the potential to go beyond traditional controls. Lighting systems, which already serve as one of the densest sensor networks within a building, offer a unique opportunity to provide much more than light. With the addition of environmental sensing capabilities – such as monitoring air quality, temperature, humidity, and noise levels – Helvar Senses collects actionable data that can optimise not just lighting but overall building performance. This approach offers a scalable solution that is easier to manage and maintain compared to deploying standalone sensors. By integrating environmental sensing into the existing lighting infrastructure, building operators benefit from a unified system that reduces complexity, lowers operational expenditure (OpEx), and is simpler to maintain over time. By correlating data on occupancy and environmental conditions, building operators can make more informed decisions, leading to significant energy savings and reduced carbon emissions. For instance, integrating HVAC systems with Helvar Senses helps avoid siloed operations and enables better control over energy use by aligning air quality with occupancy patterns. Supporting Sustainability Goals and Building StandardsIn response to increasingly stringent sustainability directives such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and evolving building standards like BREEAM, WELL, and LEED, Helvar Senses offers a solution that helps minimise the “performance gap”– the difference between the predicted energy performance of a building and its actual energy usage. By providing real-time data, building operators can adjust systems to ensure that energy consumption is optimised according to real conditions, helping to meet both regulatory requirements and sustainability goals. Helvar Senses allows building operators to monitor key indoor environmental factors and thus better support the wellbeing of occupants. This is particularly relevant as organisations prioritise creating healthier workspaces that promote productivity and comfort. Customer Success with Rejlers The deployment of Helvar Senses in real-world projects has already produced impressive results. One of these projects is with Rejlers, a leading engineering consultancy who chose to expand their system at their HQ Office in Gothenburg, Sweden. The team opted to include Helvar Senses in their lighting renovation and saw immediate benefits. Nicklas Stenberg, project manager and team leader at Rejlers, explained how the solution has improved their indoor environment: “After expanding the entire system with Helvar Senses, we now have an easy way to check temperatures and air quality inside the premises. Previously, if we felt the air was bad, we would complain without any data to back it up. Now, we can monitor the actual conditions and take action accordingly.” Helvar Senses is empowering buildings to achieve greater energy efficiency while improving occupant wellbeing. By leveraging data from lighting sensors, Helvar Senses not only optimises lighting and energy use but also supports a healthier and more comfortable indoor environment. As companies strive to meet sustainability directives such as the CSRD, Helvar Senses offers a smart solution that drives measurable progress toward environmental goals. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
