Solihull Council has struck a development deal with leading homebuilder Vistry Group PLC to build up to 177 affordable new homes for its residents. The sustainable new development will be built on the site of the former Simon Digby School in Chelmsley Wood. This well connected spot, located between the
On 30th October, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, will deliver the new Government’s first Budget. Ahead of the Budget, Association for Project Management (APM) calls on government to focus on prioritising early-stage project planning to ensure the success of major capital projects in the pipeline, which are crucial for
Mohamed Gaafar, CEO and Co-Founder of GRYD Energy: “The time has come for the new government to take a firm stance on the FHS and commit to making the country’s housing fit for the future. The FHS is a crucial piece of legislation that will raise the environmental standards of
Responding to a National Audit Office report which says England’s special educational needs system is financially unsustainable and in urgent need of reform, Cllr Arooj Shah, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board, said: “This report is yet another indictment of a failing SEND system that
Kent’s Road of Remembrance in Folkestone is the subject of a ground investigation and remediation project following two landslips since January this year, with the work focusing on the geotechnical status of the area and the action required to safeguard this important historical site. Kent County Council has instructed CAN
Passive fire protection specialist Promat has launched a new CPD to support confident specification of systems to protect structural steel from fire. Recognising the need for early, accurate specification of life critical safety systems in line with the Building Safety Act, the CPD covers a range of applications of passive
Isover has become the first insulation manufacturer in the UK to partner with circular economy pallet supplier, The Pallet LOOP, and switch to reusable pallets in a bid to significantly reduce pallet waste. Isover’s partnership with The Pallet LOOP follows the successful launch earlier this year with British Gypsum, who
The founder of stone conservation and restoration pioneers Stonehealth has warned specifiers and building owners of the risk of using inferior machinery and unqualified practitioners. Brian Crowe said that since the latest iteration of the iconic Doff III machine launched earlier this year, increasing numbers of reports were coming in
Construction Begins on £4.35m Solar Membrane at London Stadium Work has commenced on a cutting-edge solar membrane that will transform London Stadium, home to West Ham United, into one of the world’s most eco-friendly sports and entertainment venues. The ambitious £4.35 million project has now received planning approval, with construction
A major new student accommodation development has been approved in Coventry, marking a significant step forward for the city’s student housing landscape. Birmingham-based developer and investor, Sama Investment Group, has secured planning permission for a 130-bed Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) project, located on the edge of Coventry city centre. The
Solihull Council has struck a development deal with leading homebuilder Vistry Group PLC to build up to 177 affordable new homes for its residents. The sustainable new development will be built on the site of the former Simon Digby School in Chelmsley Wood. This well connected spot, located between the Chester Road (A452) and the M6, was originally earmarked for housing development in the adopted 2013 Solihull Local Plan. Following a thorough tender process Vistry has been chosen to deliver the scheme, which will be up to 100% affordable and includes two-, three-, and four-bedroom family homes as well as one-bedroom maisonettes, reflecting local housing need. The high-quality new homes will be built using modern methods of construction (MMC) reducing the carbon footprint of every property. The homes will be manufactured off site using open panel timber frames from the Vistry Works East Midlands factory in Leicestershire. Each home built using these panels emits 14,460kg CO2e less than a traditional brick-and-block house and provides maximum energy efficiency helping future residents to cut their fuel bills. Each property will also utilise air source heat pumps instead of traditional gas boilers and will be fitted with integrated solar PV panels to provide additional power. Central to the proposed development will be a focus on creating a distinct sense of place, with exciting plans for a new play area, nature trail and attractive new public spaces. The final scheme will benefit from significant infrastructure investment from West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and enjoy cycle lane provision and footpaths connecting residents to local centres and the surrounding Cole Valley landscape. Councillor Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Council, said: “Appointing Vistry as our development partner for this crucial project is a huge step towards utilising the full potential of the former Simon Digby School site. We’ve undertaken a lot of work to set the stage for this and now we can finally crack on with delivering affordable and sustainable homes critical to meeting the borough’s housing needs. “These 177 homes won’t just be a collection of new houses but a thriving, well integrated new community at the heart of Chelmsley Wood, perfectly positioned to benefit from the economic opportunities associated with the arrival of the HS2 interchange and the rest of the UK Central Hub.” Councillor Mark Parker, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “Here in Solihull, we’re serious about stepping up to the challenge of building the new homes our residents need while also setting the highest quality threshold for energy efficiency and sustainability. “Mirroring the fantastic work already underway just up the road in Kingshurst, this scheme will help deliver on both our housing targets and climate change commitments.” “Once built, the scheme will deliver a biodiversity net gain through key design features such as green landscaping and a dedicated new nature trail.” James Warrington, Divisional Chair for South Midlands and the North at Vistry said: “We are thrilled to be working with Solihull Council on this development which will help meet the housing shortage in the area with family homes built using environmentally responsible methods. “We’re excited to be a part of Solihull’s growth and to be entrusted with the build of these much-needed new homes which will contribute to the character of the area and create a thriving and sustainable community.” Delivery of the scheme is being supported by a £2.97m contribution from WMCA, via its devolved housing and land funds. Richard Parker, West Midlands Mayor, said:“We have to start building more homes that local people can genuinely afford. “Working together, including a £3 million contribution from the WMCA, all 177 houses on this site are planned to be affordable meaning more homes for all communities across the region. “Schemes like this one that use low carbon, factory-built homes are revolutionising the housing landscape. They are quicker to build and easier and cheaper to heat, which means they can make a big difference in addressing the housing crisis.” Initial feasibility work, concept masterplan development and acquisition of land interests has been managed as part of the council’s UK Central Infrastructure Programme and funded by WMCA. It is one of over twenty projects building upon the investment and regeneration planned for the borough, supporting further sustainable and inclusive growth. Vistry will now take the designs to the next stage and carry out a series of consultation activity before submitting their planning application for the scheme later this year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
On 30th October, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, will deliver the new Government’s first Budget. Ahead of the Budget, Association for Project Management (APM) calls on government to focus on prioritising early-stage project planning to ensure the success of major capital projects in the pipeline, which are crucial for driving economic growth and improving infrastructure. Andrew Baldwin, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at the Association for Project Management (APM) says: “Effective project management is key to ensuring these initiatives are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards. However, project success begins long before construction starts. The Government has made a good start in addressing the challenges of successful project delivery. It understands the need to slow down and think, and to focus on the long-term benefits, investing in the planning, design, and strategic management phases of projects – and to ensure that clear objectives, risks, and timelines are understood and accounted for from the outset. APM’s election manifesto focused on three key asks – respond, reinvent, reform. Everything we’ve seen so far in the Government’s first 100 days in office has delivered on respond, removing the uncertainty that hurts financial and skills investment. But they must now focus on reinvent and reform. Reinventing attitudes to projects entails changing perspectives of what success and failure means − the Chancellor outlined plans to change how the Treasury accounts for capital spending “to reflect its benefits”, which is encouraging. Reforming our approach to projects includes understanding whether the Treasury is set up properly to deliver projects, which still needs to be addressed. For projects to truly deliver value, the Government needs to shift its focus towards early-stage planning, involving project leaders who can navigate the kind of complex challenges the UK faces. This expertise will help ensure that projects are not only feasible but also sustainable and aligned with the Government’s long-term strategic goals. The Budget will outline funding for multiple projects that the Government expects to undertake. If they are to be achieved, then the “inherent characteristics of these schemes” (as stated in a recent NIC report on cost drivers) will need to be properly understood and acted upon long before any shovels hit the ground. By embedding a culture of rigorous project planning and stakeholder engagement, the Government can adapt when it needs to, avoid costly overruns and delays, improve public trust, and drive economic and social benefits. Only through this approach can the Government ensure that ambitious infrastructure projects translate into tangible, lasting improvements for the UK.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Mohamed Gaafar, CEO and Co-Founder of GRYD Energy: “The time has come for the new government to take a firm stance on the FHS and commit to making the country’s housing fit for the future. The FHS is a crucial piece of legislation that will raise the environmental standards of new homes and ensure the housing sector’s energy supply is more resilient, affordable and sustainable for all. “It’s very concerning to see the new Labour government wavering over the strength of legislation proposed about the environmental standards of new homes. “The previous government delivered so many mixed messages over decarbonisation standards for UK homes. This has caused significant uncertainty for asset owners, landlords and developers and fuelled inaction across the sector. “The new government’s green growth agenda cannot be realised without an unapologetic commitment to the Future Homes Standard. This will give the property sector the clarity and stability it needs, and deliver a clear message that the future of Britain’s housing will be driven by innovation and no longer plagued by inertia. “The Future Homes Standard will certainly bring challenges for developers – as new regulatory measures do for any sector – but this is an essential piece of legislation to ensure Britain’s new building stock is futureproofed and primed for a clean, energy efficient future. “Until now, the government has heavily focussed on the decarbonisation of homes through subsidies for retrofits. This is an important piece of the puzzle, yet with Starmer’s bold ambition to build 1.5 million homes in five years, he must put robust regulatory measures in place to ensure those new homes are built for a net zero future – and won’t have to be retrofitted with the right technology in a matter of years. “If we don’t build homes today that are futureproofed with low carbon systems, we’ll be retrofitting them in 5-10 years down the line at a much higher cost. Let’s do it once and do it right.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Responding to a National Audit Office report which says England’s special educational needs system is financially unsustainable and in urgent need of reform, Cllr Arooj Shah, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board, said: “This report is yet another indictment of a failing SEND system that is not meeting the care and support needs of children with special needs. “In next week’s Budget we are hoping that the Government will set out how it will reform and adequately fund the SEND system, so children get the support they desperately need. “In particular we are hoping this will include writing off all high needs deficits to ensure councils are not faced with having to cut other services to balance budgets through no fault of their own, or their residents. With councils currently able to keep these off their balance sheets, we have serious concerns that many will face a financial cliff-edge, when this flexibility ends in March 2026.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Kent’s Road of Remembrance in Folkestone is the subject of a ground investigation and remediation project following two landslips since January this year, with the work focusing on the geotechnical status of the area and the action required to safeguard this important historical site. Kent County Council has instructed CAN Geotechnical to act as principal contractor and to carry out the ground investigation project. Kent County Council Strategic Asset Manager Alan Casson said: “The Road of Remembrance is of significant importance to people living in, working in and visiting Folkestone, not only for travelling along but also for its historical significance. “Kent County Council is pleased to be working with CAN again following other successful projects in the county. This is a substantial, technical, and very complex project, and we have made significant progress working with CAN, their specialist teams, and their supply chain partners. The detailed investigations they have been undertaking will inform the final design for stabilising the embankment and preventing future deterioration. “We are grateful to everyone involved in the project, and especially to Folkestone residents and businesses for their continued patience as we work to make sure the embankment is safe for the future.” CAN Geotechnical Project Manager Andy Pope said the initial investigation work would inform the geotechnical design of the remediation works to follow. This initial work was carried out as part of a three-week programme that started on 9 September and was completed on time on 27September. The CAN Geotechnical design team is now collating all site-specific data from the initial ground investigation works, with this underpinning a geotechnical design to remediate the area following the recent landslips. Andy said: “Mapping and surveying work has been carried out to the toe of the failure on the Road of Remembrance, combined with intrusive works (effectively boring to a depth of 25 m and carrying out cone penetrating testing) at the crest, to two locations on The Bayle and two residential properties located within Priory Gardens. We had up to 12 ground investigation specialists on site at any one time, all working together to obtain the required information for the ultimate design for the remediation works. The area under investigation is approximately 80 m in length and 40 m high and comprises sand, clay, sandstone and bedrock.” He said that the team made use of a 13-tonne cone penetrating testing rig and a 5 m cable percussive borehole rig on the roads and brought in smaller 1.5-tonne and 3 m rigs for the work in residential gardens. “By coring boreholes at a depth of 25 m and removing casings at approximately 1 m deep increments, we were able to record ground conditions at various depths. This enabled us to build an accurate impression of ground conditions. Cone penetrating testing enables us to gather detailed information on the soil type and stratification in addition to the strength of the clays and the relative density and friction angles in the sand.” Andy explained that the team was very much aware that the Road of Remembrance is a very significant landmark in Folkestone. The road was renamed the Road of Remembrance after the end of the First World War to commemorate the journey taken by thousands of men on their way to war. Andy added: “The road is lined with plaques and poppies for the annual Remembrance Day parade but because of the landslips, it has been closed for nearly a year. Unfortunately, the parade will not be happening again this year but we are working hard to understand the geotechnical issues that have created the landslips so that the area can be safely and confidently returned to the community. “Owing to the very sensitive and high-profile nature of these works, the entire project team invested in developing strong relationships, working with residents and businesses. We are really proud to have been able to work closely with the community on this project.” He said that the geotechnical design was being carried out by the CAN Geotechnical engineering division in collaboration with a number of RSK Group companies. These include: Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Passive fire protection specialist Promat has launched a new CPD to support confident specification of systems to protect structural steel from fire. Recognising the need for early, accurate specification of life critical safety systems in line with the Building Safety Act, the CPD covers a range of applications of passive fire protection for structural steel. This includes detailing common issues and highlighting the importance of built-in fire protection systems in protecting the structural integrity of steel from the effects of fire. As a leading manufacturer of structural steel fire protection systems, Promat works closely with project teams, principal designers and fire engineers during the design stage of building projects to ensure the correct product is specified to meet building regulations. The CPD looks at how issues such as interfacing affect the application of passive fire protection systems, the need to accommodate cellular beams, and the need for a tested solution to ensure compartmentation remains intact on compartment lines. Fire protection boards are used to protect structural steelwork for a specified amount of time, playing a key part in protecting the integrity of a building. It is essential that the correct boarding system, with the testing certification in place, is used. Joshua Slack, Commercial Director at Promat UK, said: “Maintaining the load bearing capacity of structural steel under fire conditions is crucial to building safety. The aim of this CPD is to provide a strong grounding in the testing standards that manufacturers should follow, and give comprehensive insights into the specification of passive fire protection systems that are proven to perform in protecting structural steel, and backed by third-party testing. “Getting the specification right at the first stage is essential. Promat advocates collaboration between stakeholders at the earliest stage of a project, involving architects and specifiers to ensure passive fire protection systems adequately support the design. By offering a detailed CPD on fire protection for structural steel, we to aim to support confidence in specification.” The CPD also examines the current regulatory landscape including the evolution of Part B regulations and the shift from BS to EN standards. It also highlights the comprehensive testing solutions provided by Promat to ensure adequate protection, including in applications where fire protection board is a required solution. These include situations where steel beams and columns form part of compartmentation, protection of cellular and deep beams, and different kinds of interfaces. Visit our website to register your interest for Promat’s structural steel CPD. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Isover has become the first insulation manufacturer in the UK to partner with circular economy pallet supplier, The Pallet LOOP, and switch to reusable pallets in a bid to significantly reduce pallet waste. Isover’s partnership with The Pallet LOOP follows the successful launch earlier this year with British Gypsum, who became the first building materials manufacturer to move to the circular pallet reuse scheme. Both British Gypsum and Isover sit under the umbrella of Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions. The move further supports Isover’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon by 2050, forming part of their wider sustainability roadmap which aims to minimise waste, re-use materials and tackle emissions to reduce environmental impact at every stage of build. Isover will roll out The Pallet LOOP scheme from December when the instantly identifiable, green-coloured LOOP pallets will go into circulation for insulation products manufactured in the UK. Dean O’Sullivan, Managing Director at Isover, part of Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions, said: “As a product manufacturer, our aim is to lead the way on pallet sustainability. Pallets left behind after products have been removed is problematic both from an environmental and financial perspective. By extending our partnership with The Pallet LOOP to now include our Isover product range, we hope that this is a further catalyst for change within the industry. “The scheme is very straight-forward to sign up to. As the ultimate recipients of pallets, our merchant, distributor, principal contractors, and housebuilder customers will be able to stack them up and send them back to The Pallet LOOP via an efficient collection service that operates nationwide. There will also be a PayBack of up to £4 available for every green coloured pallet put back in the LOOP. “We now hope other manufacturers, as well as our customers, will follow our lead and make a change in how we view single use pallets and the impact that reusable pallets can have on reducing waste.” Paul Lewis, CEO and Founder of The Pallet LOOP, part of BSW Group said: “We are delighted that Isover has also now chosen to partner with us to promote a culture of pallet reuse. We’ve had a great response to our circular economy pallets entering the supply chain through British Gypsum, with hundreds of thousands of green-coloured pallets already out in the market. We already have around 6,000 collection locations set up, with an increasing number of companies signing up to return pallets every week. “Isover’s decision to move to The Pallet LOOP, will boost the number of pallets entering the market even further. In turn that will create even more opportunities for the construction industry to maximise the environmental and financial benefits of our model – which is better for business and the planet.” For further information, or to register, visit The Pallet LOOP website at: www.thepalletloop.com or, email setmeup@thepalletloop.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The founder of stone conservation and restoration pioneers Stonehealth has warned specifiers and building owners of the risk of using inferior machinery and unqualified practitioners. Brian Crowe said that since the latest iteration of the iconic Doff III machine launched earlier this year, increasing numbers of reports were coming in of impostor and incorrect machinery being used on sensitive restoration projects. Instances included chemical damage to stonework, excessive pressure blowing out sensitive lime mortar joints and stripping of surface layers of masonry. The company has even discovered a photo showing a competitor machine being used on a project in Scotland while carrying a Doff sticker in an attempt to appear authentic. Such deceitful activity could lead to legal action either from specifiers or from Stonehealth. “For the past 30 years we have created a reputation as the leaders in our field,” said Mr Crowe. “So while in a way it’s a compliment to have impostors pretending to be us, it’s not one that we welcome. “What we are often finding is that our products are specified for projects but then, to save costs, inferior machinery is used by unqualified personnel. “Our unique system enables high temperature steam – 150 degrees C at the nozzle end – to be gently applied when cleaning masonry. Any reduction in temperature must be compensated for by increased pressure, which is where damage can occur. “One of our other products, the Torc, is able to carefully use granulate and a gentle swirling vortex to clean delicate masonry. Inferior products will result in damage to the surface. “While this is a serious issue for our business – we risk suffering damage to our brand – we have a major concern about the impact of our heritage buildings. “If damage is done, it’s irreversible. If you remove the surface of stone or break then you can’t get it back. If there are any doubts over the credibility of machinery and operatives, then contact us.” Mr Crowe, who founded Gloucestershire-based Stonehealth in 1989, said education was key to ensuring that buildings continued to be properly treated. “Our intention is to make architects, surveyors and other specifiers – including conservation officers – aware of people working with something different to what’s been specified or approved. Any queries on whether the contractors and machines are genuine should be directed to us. We know where our machines are and the personnel who are trained to use them. “We place great emphasis on training the contractors who use our equipment, as well as ensuring that our machines are properly specified. “Our reputation has been earned over decades of innovation and care for our industry and we won’t tolerate abuse of it, or the risk of unsatisfactory results from impostors harming the likelihood of our products being specified again.” To help ensure that only bona fide contractors are considered and awarded contracts, Stonehealth has set up its Approved Rosette Contractors Scheme. Approved contractors must meet stringent criteria including: full training in use of Stonehealth equipment, reviewed every year; use of only genuine Stonehealth parts and materials; annual inspection and servicing of machinery by Stonehealth; provision of at least two customer testimonials per year to maintain Rosette status. Stonehealth is based in Cam near Dursley in Gloucestershire and supplies systems and products throughout the UK and many countries worldwide. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction Begins on £4.35m Solar Membrane at London Stadium Work has commenced on a cutting-edge solar membrane that will transform London Stadium, home to West Ham United, into one of the world’s most eco-friendly sports and entertainment venues. The ambitious £4.35 million project has now received planning approval, with construction set to begin imminently. The solar scheme, first revealed by the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC), will see 6,500 square metres of solar panels installed across the roof. The installation is expected to reduce the stadium’s carbon emissions by over 200 tonnes annually, while generating enough energy to power all major events held at the venue. The project has been supported by Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, who contributed £45,000 towards a feasibility study through the mayor’s Green Finance Fund, which also provided a loan for the solar installation. The initiative was granted planning permission on 24th September 2023 and is expected to be completed by summer 2025. The solar membrane is projected to generate around 850,000 kWh of electricity per year – enough to power 20 football matches, four concerts, two Major League Baseball (MLB) games, and one international athletics event. This renewable energy is estimated to save the stadium up to £350,000 annually in energy costs. Given the stadium’s existing lightweight roof structure, the solar membrane is designed to be lightweight while ensuring maximum energy generation and compliance with fire regulations. Once completed, it will start generating electricity immediately. Mete Coban, London’s Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, hailed the project as a “game changer”, saying:“These solar panels will transform the London Stadium into one of the world’s greenest venues, reducing its energy consumption and running costs. The mayor’s Green Finance Fund is a fantastic opportunity for public sector bodies to lower their carbon footprint, and we encourage more organisations to take advantage of this funding.” Graham Gilmore, Chief Executive of LS185, the stadium’s operator, echoed the sentiment:“We are committed to becoming one of the most sustainable live event venues globally. This significant investment will not only cut our energy costs but, more importantly, reduce our carbon footprint. We’re proud to lead the way in tackling climate change, powering our concerts and events with energy generated right here on site.” With the solar membrane set to be completed in 2025, London Stadium is set to be a pioneer in the movement towards greener, more sustainable large-scale venues, paving the way for future innovations across the global sports and entertainment industry. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major new student accommodation development has been approved in Coventry, marking a significant step forward for the city’s student housing landscape. Birmingham-based developer and investor, Sama Investment Group, has secured planning permission for a 130-bed Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) project, located on the edge of Coventry city centre. The development, known as Charter House, will transform a former industrial site on Charterhouse Road into a modern student living complex, featuring four and six-storey buildings. In addition to high-quality student apartments, the site will offer an array of amenities designed to enhance the student experience. These include dedicated study areas, comfortable lounges, a gym, and a landscaped courtyard with views over the Sherbourne River, ensuring students enjoy both social and natural environments. Designed with sustainability as a priority, Charter House will integrate renewable energy technologies throughout the project. The developers are aiming for an ‘Excellent’ rating under BREEAM, the globally recognised standard for sustainable building design and construction. This underscores the commitment to eco-friendly practices, ensuring the development has minimal environmental impact. Strategically located just a five-minute walk from Coventry University, Charter House is set to meet the rising demand for high-quality student housing in the city. The project will play a crucial role in supporting the university’s growth, while also relieving pressure on local family housing, reducing reliance on houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) and the private rental sector. Bilal Ahmed, Executive Chairman & Founder of Sama Investments, commented:“We’re thrilled to have received planning approval for Charter House. This brownfield site, so close to Coventry University, provides a fantastic opportunity to create a high-quality student accommodation development that will benefit the city as a whole. Our project will not only meet the growing need for student housing but also help to free up family homes across Coventry. By investing in sustainable design and innovative amenities, we aim to foster student wellbeing and contribute to the city’s ongoing regeneration.” The Charter House development is expected to play a key role in Coventry’s continued urban transformation, creating jobs and driving local economic growth. As part of a wider regeneration plan for the area, the project represents a significant investment in the city’s future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
