Property finance specialist MSP Capital has appointed top industry expert Adam Tovey as Commercial Director, his second internal promotion in just two years. The move is designed to enhance business growth and strategy as the 43-year-old Poole-based firm seeks to strengthen its market position. Adam joined the fixed-rate lender in
Middelkerke, a delightful Belgian coast town, is popular for its quiet beaches, beautiful promenades, and its collection of hotels and casinos. Below, we will look at the intriguing architecture that underlies some of the most dazzling hotels and casinos in Silt and Middelkerke. The Iconic Grand Casino Middelkerke The Grand
Waitrose has made a significant comeback by opening its first new store in six years, located in Hampton Hill, south-west London. This latest addition marks the retailer’s 47th convenience store, as Waitrose shifts its focus towards smaller, community-based outlets. Convenience is Key The new Hampton Hill branch aligns with Waitrose’s
GMI Construction Group and developer Olympian Homes has celebrated the topping out of Rialto House, a £50m purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme on the site of York’s former Rialto Cinema and Mecca bingo hall. The four-storey development, named after the historic cinema which once played host to a performance by
Liverpool City Council has taken a major step in its regeneration efforts by acquiring the 4.55-acre Great George Street brownfield site. Positioned at the gateway to the city’s historic Chinatown and adjacent to the thriving Baltic Triangle district, the site sits close to Liverpool Cathedral, making it a prime location
Pivotal works on the new £6.8 million state-of-the-art Sherwood Observatory Planetarium & Science Centre in Sutton-in-Ashfield are now finished ready to welcome the public. The occasion was celebrated with an official handover event on Friday 15th November. Works commenced in August last year and were delivered by midlands contractor, G
JCB Fire Ltd, a leading fire alarm contractor, recently partnered with Hochiki to supply and commission a state-of-the-art fire detection system at Costa Coffee’s brand-new flagship store at Solihull’s Touchwood Shopping Centre for their long-standing client Otec Electrical Limited. Costa Coffee, a beloved British coffeehouse chain, has become synonymous with
Leading building products supplier, Aggregate Industries, has today reached an important milestone with the inflation of its dome silo airform in Tilbury. This structure will form an integral part of the new state-of-the-art cement import, manufacturing and distribution facility at Tilbury docks which is currently under construction. Once operational in
JELD-WEN, one of the UK’s leading doorset manufacturers, has launched a new RIBA-accredited CPD training course which outlines the key considerations for enhanced fire doorset specification and better fire safety. The course, titled ‘Four Steps to Better Fire Doorset Specification and Long-Term Fire Safety’, focuses on the crucial role that
Quintain, the asset manager and development company behind London’s renowned culture and entertainment hub, Wembley Park, is showcasing its commitment to biodiversity and natural capital this National Tree Week. Aligned with the start of the UK’s annual tree planting season, National Tree Week runs from 23rd November to 1st December
Property finance specialist MSP Capital has appointed top industry expert Adam Tovey as Commercial Director, his second internal promotion in just two years. The move is designed to enhance business growth and strategy as the 43-year-old Poole-based firm seeks to strengthen its market position. Adam joined the fixed-rate lender in 2010, working his way up to Valuation Director and most recently, Director of Risk and Underwriting. In these board-level roles he has led both the Valuation and Underwriting teams with accountabilities for all valuations and credit risk. At the same time, he has continued to manage numerous long-standing client portfolios and pursue new business development. Adam’s experience of the property and financial services sectors goes back nearly 20 years. Before joining MSP Capital, his background as a RICS Chartered Surveyor had already enabled him to apply insight in secured lending valuations for major UK banks. This year he was a key influence on MSP Capital’s decision to reduce rates on its Development Exit Bridging Loan ahead of the base rate cuts from the Bank of England. The firm’s move, in June 2024, enabled customers to access development exit bridging from just 0.8% per month, its lowest rate since 2022, under a ring-fenced £50 million funding allocation. Adam said: “Over the years with MSP, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with a talented team and contribute to our growth. “This experience has deepened my understanding of the unique needs of our clients and the evolving landscape of property finance. “I now have the opportunity to further leverage these insights as we continue to expand our offerings and deliver exceptional solutions to our clients across the UK.” Welcoming him to the new role, MSP Capital’s Managing Directors Paul Miracca and Martin Higgins both praised Adam for his contribution and skills. Paul said: “Adam’s appointment is the latest core change we have implemented over the past 18 months to further strengthen our position in the market. “With future plans to increase the number of homes we are able to fund in England, there will be further exciting announcements at the beginning of 2025 as we look to launch additional lending solutions, ramp up our presence in the industry and further increase our flexibility of funding. “Adam’s deep industry knowledge and innovative thinking have already contributed greatly to MSP Capital’s success, and we are confident that his leadership will continue to propel our business forward in this exciting new chapter.” Martin said: “Adam’s understanding of the development cycle, and his desire to put the customer first, is a driving force in our strategy to offer an experience beyond finance. “With nearly two decades of experience in the property and financial services sectors, he brings a wealth of expertise in valuation, credit risk and client relationship management. “He is a respected figure in the industry and, at MSP Capital, he has demonstrated a remarkable ability to identify opportunities for innovation and has successfully developed new products and growth strategies.” For more information on MSP Capital, visit www.mspcapital.co.uk, email info@mspcapital.co.uk or call 01202 743400. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Middelkerke, a delightful Belgian coast town, is popular for its quiet beaches, beautiful promenades, and its collection of hotels and casinos. Below, we will look at the intriguing architecture that underlies some of the most dazzling hotels and casinos in Silt and Middelkerke. The Iconic Grand Casino Middelkerke The Grand Casino Middelkerke is one of the most iconic landmarks in this town – not necessarily for the gaming but for its outstanding architectural design. Following an extensive renovation program, the casino now stands as a modernist masterpiece that sits beautifully on the seafront. Its designs are characterised by sweeping curves, delicate glasswork, and an inviting structure. The large curved glass windows allow viewers to view the North Sea, giving them a panoramic view enhanced by both casinos’ rich offerings. In an era of mobile casino superseding physical, brick-and-mortar establishments, any new casino – including Middelkerke – needs to be able to capture that indefinable essence that captures visitors’ attention from the moment they step in the door. The reflective surfaces on the building change with sunlight throughout the day as they interact dynamically with the casino surroundings. It really does have a very contemporary feel inside Grand Casino Middelkerke. Minimalism reigns throughout these interiors, having clear lines, neutral shades, and superior-quality materials. The result is spacious, well-lit gaming rooms that provide class and comfort to all visitors. Hotel Belle Dune The Hotel Belle Dune is a further example of the architectural jewels in Middelkerke. It has an unbeatable mix of modern amenities with traditional Belgian coast charm. This hotel is near the beach and it is known for its trendy design and its commitment to eco-friendly practices. The architecture at Hotel Belle Dune is contemporary and inspired by traditional Belgian coast homes. It has gabled roofs, wooden accents, and an interior combining brick and natural stone. The utilisation of environmentally friendly materials and energy-saving systems highlights its dedication to sustainable living. The building allows for abundant natural light with its numerous windows that also give scenic views of the surrounding dunes and ocean. Inside, Hotel Belle Dune upholds its criteria for comfort and grace. There are warm interiors with designs featuring wood and stones with other natural elements. The rooms have been designed in such a way that guests will always have the best comfort possible. They are endowed with soft furniture and modern accessories. This wellness centre allows guests to enjoy themselves within an environment that portrays the serenity associated with these surroundings. We’d definitely recommend staying at the hotel Belle Dune. The Westend Palace Hotel A historical landmark in Middelkerke, the Westend Palace Hotel embodies grand classical architecture reminiscent of early 20th-century styles. While offering modern-day amenities to visitors, this hotel has managed to preserve itself while keeping some of its original aspects. The Westend Palace presents a beautiful frontage made up of detailed decorations, big glass windows allowing an adequate amount of light inside, and a door that looks like something from centuries ago. This particular type of architecture blends Belle Époque and Art Nouveau types that were very common during its construction. The hotel took influences from its intricate balustrades on the balconies, decorative mouldings, and wrought iron and glass. The Westend Palace Hotel still maintains much of its original charm with high ceilings, classic furnishings, and a luxurious décor. The hotel has plenty of rooms, including suites, to cater for different guests’ needs while still upholding the historical trend of the entire structure. An on-site restaurant is available, where gourmet meals are served in an atmosphere that perfectly captures the essence of the hotel. The architecture in Silt, Middelkerke, is a fascinating fusion of contemporary designs with traditional coastal charm. Visitors and architecture enthusiasts who visit Silt, Middelkerke, will enjoy both visual spectacle and experience. And it’s pretty inexpensive!
Waitrose has made a significant comeback by opening its first new store in six years, located in Hampton Hill, south-west London. This latest addition marks the retailer’s 47th convenience store, as Waitrose shifts its focus towards smaller, community-based outlets. Convenience is Key The new Hampton Hill branch aligns with Waitrose’s strategy to concentrate on convenience stores, typically around 3,000 sq ft in size. The retailer has also announced plans to explore opportunities for larger convenience outlets, approximately double that size, to cater to evolving customer demands. Strengthening Strategic Partnerships The launch in Hampton Hill coincides with Waitrose’s ambitions to expand its collaborations with established partners, including Welcome Break and Shell. The retailer opened a store on the A14 in Spaldwick, Cambridgeshire, in November and is set to open another on the M1 in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, in January. A third location is planned for 2025, signalling the first new store openings with Welcome Break in over a decade. Having partnered with Welcome Break since 2009, Waitrose currently operates as Little Waitrose at 27 motorway service areas. The new store openings mark a revitalisation of this partnership, reflecting Waitrose’s commitment to offering premium food options to on-the-go customers. Waitrose’s presence at Shell forecourt shops has also surpassed the 100-store milestone, with further expansions planned for 2025. Customer Expectations on the Rise James Bailey, Executive Director at Waitrose, emphasised the growing customer demand for quality food in convenient locations:“The long-associated stereotypes of food at forecourts and service stations are becoming a thing of the past – expectations have moved on, and customers are rightfully demanding more. They want great tasting, quality food no matter where they are. Through new store openings and strategic partnerships, we will continue to evolve our shops to get better and better, whilst reaching new locations that help bring Waitrose’s great quality, service, and value closer to more customers.” A Bright Future for Waitrose With its renewed focus on convenience and strategic partnerships, Waitrose is positioning itself as a key player in the evolving landscape of on-the-go food retail. The opening in Hampton Hill represents not just a return to store expansion but a bold step towards meeting modern consumer needs. As the retailer grows its footprint, Waitrose is poised to redefine convenience shopping with its signature quality and service. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GMI Construction Group and developer Olympian Homes has celebrated the topping out of Rialto House, a £50m purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme on the site of York’s former Rialto Cinema and Mecca bingo hall. The four-storey development, named after the historic cinema which once played host to a performance by The Beatles, will offer 275 beds and 80,000 sq. feet of state-of-the-art living space. It will also feature a range of amenities including gym, yoga studio, games room, co-working spaces, group dining areas, integrated cycle parking, and landscaped courtyards. Honouring its cinematic roots, the development will also feature a bespoke in-house cinema. Located in Fulford, a 10-minute walk from the historic city centre and seven-minute bus ride from the University of York, it is well-positioned to meet the city’s growing demand for high-quality student accommodation. GMI is utilising a predominantly local supply chain for the project, reinforcing its commitment to supporting regional businesses and sustainable practices. Rialto House is scheduled for completion in time for the 2025 academic year intake, and is expected to make a significant contribution to alleviating the city’s current shortfall of student accommodation. William Sharpey, Senior Construction Manager for Olympian Homes, said: “Reaching the topping-out stage on time and within budget is a major milestone, and perfectly positions us to focus on achieving practical completion by June 2025. “Rialto House is set to raise the bar for student living. In a market with a significant undersupply of PBSA, it will provide students with an exceptional living experience, helping them thrive both academically and socially.” Ed Weston, GMI’s Commercial Director, said: “The topping-out of Rialto House is a testament to the seamless collaboration between GMI and Olympian Homes. It signifies the progress we’ve made in bringing this project to life, balancing and blending a modern design with the site’s historical legacy. “We’re proud to deliver a sustainable, best-in-class accommodation that addresses York’s critical need for high-quality student housing, while also enhancing the area’s unique character and community.” The site, rich in history and cultural significance, is adjacent to York’s Central Core Historic Conservation Area and within an area of archaeological importance. Once home to the iconic Rialto Cinema, which first opened in 1913, the site was most recently used as a car park following its 2003 demolition. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Liverpool City Council has taken a major step in its regeneration efforts by acquiring the 4.55-acre Great George Street brownfield site. Positioned at the gateway to the city’s historic Chinatown and adjacent to the thriving Baltic Triangle district, the site sits close to Liverpool Cathedral, making it a prime location for transformative development. Unlocking a Long-Stalled Opportunity Development of the Great George Street site had been stalled since 2017 due to complex legal challenges surrounding leaseholds. The situation was further complicated when the former owner, The Great George Street Project Limited, entered administration in February 2022. Since then, Liverpool City Council has been working with administrators Cowgills Limited and Farleys Solicitors LLP to finalise the acquisition. In a landmark achievement, the council successfully secured ownership of the site, clearing the way for future development. The sale required approval from the High Court due to the complexities involved, which was granted on 15 November 2023. Just two weeks later, the transaction was completed, bringing the site under unified ownership. Support from Government and Regional Authorities The acquisition was supported by a £10 million funding allocation from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA). This financial backing reflects a shared commitment to unlocking Liverpool’s potential and reinvigorating stalled development sites, including nearby projects like Festival Gardens and Central Docks at Liverpool Waters. This move also underscores the council’s determination to address a legacy of failed developments following its successful exit from statutory government intervention. Regenerating Chinatown and Beyond Liverpool City Council is now drafting proposals to catalyse regeneration in the wider Chinatown area. This effort builds on recent engagement with local businesses, student entrepreneurs, community groups, and investors, who came together to discuss strategies to revive the district’s business, cultural, and visitor economy. The Great George Street site also ties closely to ongoing developments in the Baltic Triangle, where the new Liverpool Baltic Station has secured £96 million in funding from the LCRCA and is set to open in 2027. The proximity of these projects creates a unique opportunity to transform the area into a thriving hub of activity. A Vision for Growth and Opportunity Councillor Nick Small, Cabinet Member for Growth and Economy at Liverpool City Council, expressed optimism about the project’s potential:“The acquisition of the stalled Great George Street development is a hugely significant step in resetting the story of this major gateway site. Its proximity to the Baltic Triangle, which is undergoing huge change, means its development is critical to Liverpool’s future. I’m looking forward to delivering new opportunities, homes, and businesses to create a vibrant and positive future for our historic Chinatown district.” Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, echoed this sentiment:“I’m really pleased to see Liverpool City Council break through the many legal hurdles that have held this important site back for far too long. With that cleared, we’re now in a position to crack on with bringing new homes and jobs to the area, creating genuine opportunities for local people. Along with the new Liverpool Baltic Station, this is one of the most exciting development projects in the country.” A Bright Future for a Historic Neighbourhood The successful acquisition of the Great George Street site marks a turning point in Liverpool’s regeneration efforts. By unlocking the potential of this key location, the city is set to deliver much-needed homes, jobs, and opportunities while breathing new life into its historic Chinatown and vibrant Baltic Triangle district. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Pivotal works on the new £6.8 million state-of-the-art Sherwood Observatory Planetarium & Science Centre in Sutton-in-Ashfield are now finished ready to welcome the public. The occasion was celebrated with an official handover event on Friday 15th November. Works commenced in August last year and were delivered by midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, and procured through SCAPE, one the UK’s leading procurement specialists. Using the SCAPE Venture framework, client Mansfield & Sutton Astronomical Society, supported by Ashfield District Council, accelerated the delivery of the scheme through early contractor involvement with G F Tomlinson – driving collaboration, time efficiency and cost savings. The landmark scheme which completed this month involved the transformation of a disused underground Victorian reservoir into a visitor attraction, and education centre for the general public, schools and group visits, breathing new life into the historic building which now features an exhibition hall, meeting room and café, alongside the cutting-edge planetarium. Works included building a new structure above the reservoir to increase the useable space, maintaining original and historical features such as intricate brick arches, while evolving the existing structure into a unique and functional building. Designed to inspire interest and careers and learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) with a wraparound experience, the facility will also help to increase annual footfall to the location. G F Tomlinson concentrated on supporting the local community during construction, and multiple educational and employment opportunities were provided through a dedicated Social Value Working Group (SVWG). 76% of local spend took place within 20 miles of the construction site and 77% of labour was sourced within the same radius. Over 2,000 tonnes of excavated sand from the site were donated to two separate golf clubs close to the observatory at a value of £20,000. The contractor delivered 2,100 hours of educational value through school talks, visits, mock interviews and career fairs with local schools and colleges, and 10 work experience placements were also provided alongside six apprenticeships which totalled 30 weeks of onsite experience. T level students spent time weekly on site with the design management team, and the contractor also organised mental health visits with the Lighthouse Charity and two ‘Women in Construction’ events. Adrian Grocock, Group Managing Director of G F Tomlinson, said: “We are delighted to have completed works to this unique and significant Nottinghamshire landmark scheme – providing a world-class immersive facility for all ages in the heart of the Midlands. The Sherwood Observatory will inspire and entertain visitors, and for many years to come they will enjoy the learnings that come with understanding the wonder and science of space. “We’ve wholeheartedly enjoyed working alongside the Sherwood Observatory team, Ashfield District Council and other stakeholders who helped in bringing this incredible project to life.” Dr Steve Wallace, Chair of Sherwood Observatory and client project manager said “Right from the initial vision, this project has been about collaboration and teamwork. The new Planetarium & Science Centre has exceeded expectations and the excitement that has been generated in the area as it has taken shape has been tangible. We are really pleased to open our doors to visitors and show them the wonders of the universe.” Mark Robinson, Group Chief Executive at SCAPE said: “The Sherwood Observatory planetarium has been an excellent project to be a part of. Procured via the SCAPE Venture framework, we worked closely with our partner, G F Tomlinson to support greater efficiency, deliver cost savings and help embed social values initiatives. “Now open, the planetarium provides a one-of-a-kind attraction not only for the local community but for visitors from further afield. We are looking forward to seeing the next generation of scientists and astronomers that the planetarium inspires.” Cllr Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council, said: “It really is spectacular, and it is something that will transform the lives of not just the people of Ashfield but also further afield. “It has been incredible to see the building through the various stages of construction and to see the vision really come to life. I am proud to have been some small part of the process. “The immersive shows really are incredible and I would encourage everyone to make sure they experience the Planetarium and all that it has to offer. This is something so unique and will see more visitors coming to Ashfield as they are transported through space. “It truly is an educational experience like no other and hopefully will see more young people develop an interest in learning more about space.” One of 16 projects being funded by the £62.6million Towns Deal which was secured by the council from the Government in 2021, the project benefitted from Levelling Up funding and grants from the Wolfson Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, Foyle Foundation and National Lottery Heritage Fund. Solar panels at the scheme were sponsored by Mansfield Building Society and the Changing Places toilet by East Midlands Rail Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
JCB Fire Ltd, a leading fire alarm contractor, recently partnered with Hochiki to supply and commission a state-of-the-art fire detection system at Costa Coffee’s brand-new flagship store at Solihull’s Touchwood Shopping Centre for their long-standing client Otec Electrical Limited. Costa Coffee, a beloved British coffeehouse chain, has become synonymous with high-quality coffee and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Situated in the popular Touchwood Shopping Centre, which attracts over 13 million visitors annually, the new flagship Costa required a fire safety system that would meet the demands of this busy retail hub and ensure the safety of all coffee lovers who visited. The installation included the integration of a new fire detection system that would interface seamlessly with the existing building’s infrastructure, including security and sprinkler systems and meet the company’s strict adherence policy to the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). JCB Fire Ltd selected Hochiki’s fire detection devices for their innovative features and because their open protocol capability ensures compatibility with various fire alarm control panels, providing flexibility in system design. Additionally, the devices are easy to install, reducing project timelines, and offer ultra-reliability, minimising false alarms. Hochiki’s ESP range of sensors simplifies the installation process with electronics-free mounting bases and easy addressing. The versatile sensors offer a variety of detection options, including smoke, heat, and multi-criteria detection as well as the ability to enhance visibility for individuals with hearing impairments and improve audibility of fire alarms ensuring that all occupants can be evacuated quickly and efficiently. Grant Wheeler, General Manager of JCB Fire, highlighted the benefits of partnering with Hochiki. “The successful installation at the Solihull store was completed in less than a week, by our client Otec Electrical demonstrating the effectiveness of our partnership with Hochiki. We were able to combine our expertise with Hochiki’s innovative technology ensuring the safety and security of Costa Coffee’s customers and staff in this brand-new store”. Hochiki’s ESP range, as demonstrated in this exciting project at Costa Coffee’s new outlet, offers a robust and reliable fire detection solution for retail and restaurant environments. To learn more about how Hochiki’s ESP range can elevate your fire safety measures, visit the Hochiki website or contact a local authorised distributor. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading building products supplier, Aggregate Industries, has today reached an important milestone with the inflation of its dome silo airform in Tilbury. This structure will form an integral part of the new state-of-the-art cement import, manufacturing and distribution facility at Tilbury docks which is currently under construction. Once operational in 2026, this facility will allow Aggregate Industries to serve its customers 24/7 with conventional, low carbon and circular cementitious materials from 5 loading heads. The innovative dome structure is one of only a handful of its kind in the UK and offers a compelling alternative to traditional large-scale industrial storage facilities. Due to its large storage capacity, the dome silo provides a viable long-term solution to manage supply and demand fluctuations across the construction sector. Contractor Dome Technology LLC inflated the airform and will now commence placing nearly 4,500m3 of sprayed and wet mix concrete to form the 45m tall, 32m diameter dome silo, which will eventually store 30,000 tonnes of cement. “This new facility is a strategic investment in both the infrastructure of Tilbury and in Aggregate Industries’ mission to lead in supplying low-carbon, sustainable construction solutions,” said Project Manager, Tim Fry. “The dome silo maximises storage capacity with minimum footprint, and reflects Aggregate Industries’ proactive commitment to embrace new innovative technologies.” CEO of Dome Technology, Bradley Bateman, says, “Dome Technology and Aggregate Industries worked closely together to develop the most efficient and economical solution for this project, relying on the many decades of industry experience and innovation from both teams. When completed this facility will be state of the art and the result of the teams’ collaborative dynamic ability to innovate and find solutions.” Tilbury’s strategic location amplifies the facility’s impact by enhancing supply chain resilience across the region. This landmark project marks a significant investment in the local economy, creating job opportunities and providing new business for suppliers and trades involved in its construction and operation. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
JELD-WEN, one of the UK’s leading doorset manufacturers, has launched a new RIBA-accredited CPD training course which outlines the key considerations for enhanced fire doorset specification and better fire safety. The course, titled ‘Four Steps to Better Fire Doorset Specification and Long-Term Fire Safety’, focuses on the crucial role that fire doorsets play in a building’s fire safety strategy. Accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the CPD course is designed for architects and other decision makers with a responsibility for fire safety in a building project. During a one-hour seminar, delegates will learn about the key considerations that should be front of mind when looking to use fire doorsets in building projects to achieve compliance. Topics covered include an explanation of the current fire safety regulations, why it’s important to procure the correct fire doorset, and the installation and maintenance procedures that will ensure doorsets perform as intended. Rob Pace, Head of Sales and Business Development at JELD-WEN, commented: “Delivering better fire safety standards is a key issue within the industry, but we know that barriers to compliance still exist. “We have invested over £3million in the development, testing and certification of fire doorsets to ensure they meet the highest industry standards, however, the intended level of protection against the spread of smoke and fire will only be achieved if the product is installed and maintained correctly. “Meanwhile, regulatory changes have continued to evolve, so it is crucial that decision makers have a robust understanding about their current responsibilities, in order to achieve compliance. The launch of our new accredited CPD training course will play an important part in helping to increase understanding and improve awareness of proper fire doorset specification as part of a building’s wider fire safety strategy.” All JELD-WEN UK doorsets adhere to rigorous standards in testing, auditing and accreditation. These include the independent third party certifications such as PAS 24, Certifire and Certisecure, to offer complete assurance of fire door performance and protection. JELD-WEN’s new CPD training course is offered as a face-to-face or online session. Places are available to book via this link. For more information, visit www.jeld-wen.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Quintain, the asset manager and development company behind London’s renowned culture and entertainment hub, Wembley Park, is showcasing its commitment to biodiversity and natural capital this National Tree Week. Aligned with the start of the UK’s annual tree planting season, National Tree Week runs from 23rd November to 1st December 2024, bringing the conservation sector, volunteers and dendrophiles together. This National Tree Week, Quintain is celebrating the planting of over 1,000 trees across Wembley Park’s public realm and resident podium gardens in accordance with its award-winning, site-wide tree planting strategy. This strategy has been in place since 2005, at which time there were just a few dozen trees dotted across the entire 85-acre Wembley Park site. Now, there are 1,333 trees flourishing in the neighbourhood, with an impressive survival rate of 99.5% following the implementation of a careful management approach. The trees are spread across the entire estate, including public areas and the gardens of those living with Quintain’s management company, Quintain Living. Trees play a key role in Quintain’s placemaking strategy, not simply for aesthetic purposes but for their role in delivering a sense of connection to nature (with a resulting boost to visitors’ and residents’ mental wellbeing) and in enhancing local air quality. Wembley Park’s trees span an impressive 103 species. They include Snowy Mespilus, English Oak, Pin Oak, London Plane, Lime, Double White Cherry, Japanese Flowering Cherry, Dogwood, Hop-Hornbeam, Japanese Stewartia, Japanese Maple, Birch, Silver Birch, Sweetgum, Ginkgo and many more. Different species are used to create distinctly different vibes across the neighbourhood, boosting the distinctive character of its various public and residential areas. One of the most recent new species in 2024 is the Tupelo Tree with stunning Autumn foliage. You can see them in Union Park. Tree-lined Olympic Way is a notable example of this, with pairs of trees used to draw the eye along the promenade towards Wembley Stadium. Trees from temperate zones around the globe are used to create a sense of arrival and destination, while celebrating different cultures and enhancing biodiversity as part of the neighbourhood’s overall tree matrix. The avenue of ‘champion trees’ uses height, texture and colour to create a heightened sense of interest along the boulevard. In total, 62 trees of 25 species line the famous pedestrian zone leading up to the stadium, including 24 matched pairs. Quintain’s tree-planting strategy extends to ensuring residents and visitors have ample opportunities to enjoy the leafy Wembley Park neighbourhood. The firm has a dedicated Wembley Park hub on the Greentalk platform, which shares a selection of mapped walking routes that take in some of the area’s most notable and impressive trees. Walkers can also devise their own routes, focused on passing specific green points of interest along the way. Guided walks also take place, with Julian Tollast, Head of Masterplanning and Design at Quintain, on hand to talk participants through the technical aspects involved in urban tree planting and maintenance at such a scale. Tree maintenance is a priority for the Quintain team. With some trees decades old and an average canopy size of 20 sqm, tree health is excellent across the neighbourhood, from the extensive planting in Union Park and the many residents’ gardens and pocket parks, to the trees along the wide boulevards. The character of the latter changes in line with the seasons, serving as welcome shade in the summer to beautiful creations adorned with twinkling lights throughout the festive period. Across the neighbourhood, Wembley Park’s design teams have measurable targets for Biodiversity Net Gain and Urban Green Factor, providing encouragement to boost wildlife-friendly planting and maintain the existing glorious greenery. In 2022 alone, an additional 380 sqm of tree cover was added to the neighbourhood, while the total amount of public realm delivered at Wembley Park to date runs to 98,324 sqm. That equates to 38.75 trees per hectare across the entire estate. “The abundant, flourishing growth of the greenery around Wembley Park delivers a huge range of benefits as part of Quintain’s sustainability strategy. National Tree Week serves as an excellent reminder of the importance of such greenery and we are delighted to be celebrating the planting and survival of more than 1,000 trees across Wembley Park. From headline environmental benefits and enhancement to air quality to positively impacting the mental wellbeing of all those who spend time in the neighbourhood, Wembley Park’s trees provide much to celebrate. Every tree is logged on a publicly accessible online tree map – Greentalk – accessible through the Wembley Park Website. Treemendous!” Julian Tollast, Head of Masterplanning and Design, Quintain Moving forward, Quintain’s tree-planting strategy will continue to centre on three key areas: biodiversity, natural capital and pollution prevention, with an overarching objective of preserving, protecting and improving biodiversity across all of the asset manager’s developments. Within Wembley Park, the focus is on reconnecting the surrounding network of natural ecosystems and wildlife corridors and providing open space within the heart of Wembley. This will encompass further planting over the coming years, not only as part of the opening of a new section of Union Park, but within podium gardens for new residential developments and across other areas of public realm. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals