3t Energy Group, the global training powerhouse that provides the highest-impact learning solutions for safety-critical industries, has secured a contract with gas distribution firm, Wales & West Utilities. The seven-figure contract will run for three years and provide a complete workforce management solution for Wales & West’s 1,900 colleagues. It
Award-winning contractor Beard has started work on the multi-million pound refurbishment and remodelling of the historic Trowbridge Town Hall. The £7.15 million contract will see Beard transforming the Grade II listed building into an eye catching music hall for live concerts. This will include the demolition of existing offices and
Project will preserve iconic Brutalist landmark facade for the ‘affordable luxury for the people’ hotel Award-winning construction and fit out contractor, Gilbert-Ash, has been appointed as the main contractor to develop Ireland’s first citizenM hotel: citizenM Dublin St Patrick’s. Molyneux House on Bride Street has a long and varied past
By Steven Dale Sometimes there are straws in the wind which can make you reassess the way the future of a particular technology or trend is likely to shape up. I have come across some of them recently in this corner of the North of Scotland. Over the course of
FLOODING is an age-old consideration when it comes to urban development, but it has historically been most commonly associated with rivers, the sea or groundwater. However, recent research has shown just how big a threat surface water is, making up the lion’s share of the UK’s flood risk. Dave Bathurst,
Construction technology provider Causeway Technologies has revealed the key findings from its Causeway Insights 2023 survey of construction industry professionals. Evidence from the survey suggests digital transformation remains high on the agenda, with the vast majority of those surveyed reporting that their organisation is currently implementing initiatives to digitalise aspects
Whether it’s the early morning fishing escapades or the great water scenery in your evening walk, Idaho’s lake always has something to offer, especially if you are an outdoor enthusiast. Along with its serene escape, you can explore the breathtaking waterfront Sandpoint Idaho homes for sale, especially if you are
Corbally Group, a specialist property developer based in the West Midlands, has announced plans to regenerate the Perry Barr Racetrack. The proposals would deliver up to 427 new homes as part of the wider regeneration of Perry Barr. Forming a vibrant new community, the proposals include a range of public
INTERNATIONAL M&E and sustainability consultancy CPW has given its team two dedicated working days for charitable work – totalling more than 653 hours volunteering and raising £3,700 on the first charity day. Its teams in Birmingham, Solihull, Bristol, Derby, Huntingdon, Leeds, Leicester, London and Nottingham focused their time on a range of fundraising and volunteering activities
The collection of internal and communal doorsets comprises seven new laminate finishes in a variety of striking colours and glazing options, and will replace its existing veneer designs. Ideally suited for commercial build projects, the new range allows for a more consistent design scheme and can be easily incorporated into
3t Energy Group, the global training powerhouse that provides the highest-impact learning solutions for safety-critical industries, has secured a contract with gas distribution firm, Wales & West Utilities. The seven-figure contract will run for three years and provide a complete workforce management solution for Wales & West’s 1,900 colleagues. It will leverage 3t’s capabilities across its industry-leading businesses including the UK’s number one energy training provider, AIS Survivex, leading utility training specialist, Utilities Construction Training (UCT) and software and technology firm, 3t Transform. Wales & West Utilities operates the gas distribution network for 2.5m homes and businesses and more than 7.5m people across Wales and South West England. It also provides the gas emergency service whilst investing £2 million a week to ensure communities receive a safe and reliable gas supply in those areas. Practical training in safety-critical areas will be delivered through AIS Survivex and UCT, and key contract partners. The training contract will also include 3t Transform’s cloud-based training management platform and digital learning technologies such as eLearning, with a view to incorporating more blended learning such as virtual reality and gamified learning in the future. These solutions will help digitise and streamline the management of training for Wales & West Utilities. Charlie Guthrie from 3t Energy Group said: “Winning this contract is fantastic news and represents a significant strategic step forward as our first truly integrated contract combining the expertise of AIS Survivex, UCT and 3t Transform. “AIS Survivex has more than a decade of experience delivering training for high-risk, compliance-led industries such as oil and gas and renewables and UCT is one of only a handful of providers to offer training across the entire utility sector and is unique in delivering apprenticeships to new utility industry entrants. 3t Transform is also market-leading having won a number of awards for its innovative workforce management software and digital learning solutions. Together we will focus carefully on providing a complete workforce development package with technology-driven solutions to ensure we maximise efficiencies for the team at Wales & West Utilities.” Rhiannon Williams from Wales & West Utilities said: “Following an extensive tender process, we are delighted to award our provision of training services contract to AIS Survivex. The Group demonstrated an in-depth understanding of our needs and offered flexible and innovative solutions which will help our workforce operate at the very highest levels of safety, competency, and efficiency.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Award-winning contractor Beard has started work on the multi-million pound refurbishment and remodelling of the historic Trowbridge Town Hall. The £7.15 million contract will see Beard transforming the Grade II listed building into an eye catching music hall for live concerts. This will include the demolition of existing offices and workshop spaces, as well as the removal of the suspended ceiling to expose the hall’s impressive vaulted ceiling. This will be paired with a brand new roof installed by Beard. The remaining floors of the building will also see significant remodelling to create recording studios, offices, performance spaces and breakout rooms which will be open to the public and used by local community groups. In addition, essential repairs and restoration work will take place including the exterior stonework, internal stone archways and exposed timber trusses. The hall’s stained glass windows will also be repaired and retained. Beard is also tasked with improving access to the building, installing an exterior ramp for disabled users and an internal lift to the new music hall. This will be the largest part of demolition to make space for both the lift shaft and new lift. The 18-month project will commence this month and is set to complete in 2025, ready to reopen in the summer. With plans to scaffold the entire building, access the roof and manage deliveries, the town hall’s central location presents significant logistical challenges for Beard to overcome. In preparation, the team at Beard has spent the past six months working closely with the local council, highways and all major stakeholders to minimise disruption and keep the public safe. As part of both its management plan and enabling works package, Beard has engaged with all parties to plan hoardings, suspend one bus stop and relocate another, and rationalise scaffolding to not impact the highways. Ahead of work beginning, Beard will be setting up hoardings and site boundaries over the course of three nights to avoid disruption to bus services and the local community. One of the suspended stops will also serve as a drop-off point for daytime deliveries. The team also attended a ‘meet the contractor’ event as part of its engagement with the local community, allowing residents and interested parties to find out more about the project and the measures Beard has put in place. Jamie Harwood, director at Beard, said: “We are proud to be supporting the Trowbridge community once again and playing our part in safeguarding the future of the historic town hall. We will call upon our expertise in the heritage sector and with complex listed buildings to ensure the town hall will continue to support the community for many more generations to come. “While the project does present challenges, our team has worked incredibly hard to maintain an open dialogue with all parties to mitigate these and ensure all work can be conducted safely. As a result, we’re confident we can deliver the necessary changes to realise the council’s exciting vision, bringing the quality of construction Beard has become synonymous for over our 130-plus year history.” Cllr Phil Alford, Cabinet Member for Strategic Assets at Wiltshire Council, added: “We are delighted to be working with a renowned local company such as Beard Construction. Their extensive knowledge of working sensitively on historic buildings will ensure the Town Hall remains a landmark community asset for future generations to treasure.” Beard has completed a number of projects in Trowbridge and the surrounding areas, including the complete refitting of the Grade II listed Mill Building at Trowbridge Museum and the sensitive refurbishment and extension of both the Grade II listed Corsham Mansion and the multi-award-winning Corinium Museum, which has doubled exhibition space and improved visitor facilities. For more information, please visit www.beardconstruction.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Project will preserve iconic Brutalist landmark facade for the ‘affordable luxury for the people’ hotel Award-winning construction and fit out contractor, Gilbert-Ash, has been appointed as the main contractor to develop Ireland’s first citizenM hotel: citizenM Dublin St Patrick’s. Molyneux House on Bride Street has a long and varied past including spells as a Huguenot Church, a bird market and the offices of well-known Irish architect, Sam Stephenson. The distinctive façade of the building, originally designed by Stephenson, is set to be retained as Gilbert-Ash transforms the site into a 245-room, nine-storey hotel featuring citizenM’s signature bedrooms, inspiring workspaces, a living room filled with art, designer furniture and a 24/7 canteenM serving breakfast, coffee, cocktails, and grab-and-go food. It will also feature a double-height open air art gallery accessible from the ground floor, a terrace courtyard, and four societyM rooms – citizenM’s take on meeting rooms but with a twist. All of these spaces will be open to the public, with societyM rooms available to book for full- or half-day use. The project, designed by citizenM’s long-standing architecture firm partner concrete Amsterdam, will get underway in August 2023 with completion set for early 2025. Known for its hybrid hotel concept that answers to the common frustrations of modern travellers by not only providing a great place to sleep but also to work and play, citizenM currently has 31 hotels across the UK, North America, Europe and Asia. The new Bride Street project next to St Patrick’s Park marks the brand’s first venture into Ireland, although it is actively seeking further opportunities in Dublin city centre. citizenM Dublin St Patrick’s will be Gilbert-Ash’s second project with citizenM, having last year completed the fully modular construction of its London Victoria Station hotel. Gilbert-Ash Managing Director, Ray Hutchinson, said the company is pleased to be continuing its excellent working relationship with the hotel brand. He said: “citizenM is known for disrupting the traditional hotel model with a real focus on lifestyle, guest-centric technology, efficiency, value and genuinely great customer service. “Gilbert-Ash takes on a lot of niche projects which require innovation to succeed, and we share a lot of the same values as citizenM, therefore, we feel there is a real synergy between our companies. We are excited to be working with citizenM once again and we are delighted to be taking on another project in the heart of Dublin.” Klaas Van Lookeren Campagne, CEO of citizenM, says: “Dublin has been high on our list of target cities for some time, and we are thrilled to have secured this location as our first entry into the Irish market. We believe our affordable luxury concept is a great fit for the city, appealing to both visitors and locals alike, and look forward to connecting with this vibrant community.” Gilbert-Ash has a unique approach to construction, fit out and refurbishment based on the belief that great buildings come about through hard work, inspired innovation and genuine collaboration. Sustainability is a key focus for Gilbert-Ash with a number of initiatives underway to help the company to drive down its carbon footprint. To find out more about Gilbert-Ash visit www.gilbert-ash.com, and for more about citizenM visit www.citizenM.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
By Steven Dale Sometimes there are straws in the wind which can make you reassess the way the future of a particular technology or trend is likely to shape up. I have come across some of them recently in this corner of the North of Scotland. Over the course of carrying out energy performance certification in my area, I have noted an increase – small, but significant – in the number of homeowners with solar PV panels who are buying and installing solar batteries rather than exporting their excess electricity production to the National Grid. Now there are arguments both for and against this kind of considerable investment in the energy future and, at first glance, it just does not seem at the moment that solar batteries are worth the substantial financial outlay that they require. But as electricity rates remain high – more than double what can be made by supplying to the Grid using the Smart Export Guarantee – does it make sense to store excess energy for later personal consumption? Are battery adopters simply future-proofing their homes? For now, the numbers are on the side of those solar panel users who export their excess generation for a financial return of around 15p per kWh. More than 1.2 million UK households have panels on their roofs but the number using batteries is only around 10,000. This is understandable, since the average cost of a battery is prohibitive for many at between £4,000 and £8,000, and most people will have to buy two over the lifespan of their system. In a typical home, it could take more than 20 years to break even. But what the early adopters are perhaps seeing in advance of everyone else is that the cost of solar batteries is decreasing at the same time as energy prices rise, meaning that, in the foreseeable future, saving the electricity they generate may well become profitable. A recent study by academics in Finland suggested that battery prices would need to drop to about one-third of their current levels for them to be a viable investment for residential power systems. Looking to the future, this is perhaps not inconceivable. There is growing optimism not only for the UK battery manufacturing industry, but also for production world-wide. By 2030, according to the Faraday Institution, around 100 GWh of supply will be needed in the UK to satisfy the demand for batteries for private cars, commercial vehicles, heavy goods vehicles, buses, micro-mobility and grid storage. This demand is equivalent to five gigafactories, with each plant running at a capacity of 20 GWh per annum. By 2040, demand rises to nearly 200 GWh and the equivalent of ten gigafactories. As production gathers pace, prices will almost certainly fall. Depending on circumstances, batteries could make sense for homeowners, and certainly in my part of the country increasing numbers of people are betting on them. But, like all nascent technologies, solar advances are fast-moving and what may seem like the most attractive option now may be less so a few years down the line. Whatever develops, though, it’s pretty certain that green energy will be better than what went before. Steven Dale is a Surveyor in the Peterhead office of DM Hall Chartered Surveyors.
FLOODING is an age-old consideration when it comes to urban development, but it has historically been most commonly associated with rivers, the sea or groundwater. However, recent research has shown just how big a threat surface water is, making up the lion’s share of the UK’s flood risk. Dave Bathurst, regional director at Rodgers Leask, says that a wider implementation of sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS) is the most natural remedy to the issue, and that the latest government review into existing legislation could be the catalyst for increasing their usage in urban planning. As a country with more than its fair share of rainfall, flood risk assessment has traditionally been a key part of the planning process, but the sheer scale of the UK’s surface water problem has only really come to light in the last decade or so. When the summer of 2007 saw England and Wales suffer 414mm of rainfall – more than in any period since records began in 1766 – more than 55,000 properties were damaged by flooding. When these figures were analysed, the findings showed that two-thirds were understood to be flooded by surface runoff overloading drainage systems. This was backed up by the government including it on its national risk register in 2016, and subsequently by the Environment Agency, with its chief executive Sir James Bevan stating that more than three million properties in England are at risk of surface water flooding. While it took a historically wet period for this to be identified as an issue that is as, if not more, threatening than fluvial flooding, dealing with the drainage of surface water is a long-standing problem that needs creative approaches to solve. This is where sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS) come in. Prompted by the 2007 floods, the SuDS Manual was first published to provide guidance on planning, design, construction and maintenance of sustainable urban drainage systems. SuDS are generally accepted to be the most efficient way to implement successful surface water drainage, minimising run-off in an environmentally friendly way by mimicking natural water systems such as ponds, wetlands, swales and basins. While engineers often disagree about the approach to a lot of different challenges, almost all would agree that integrating SuDS at the earliest opportunity of a scheme is crucial to its success. CHALLENGING THE APPROACH Despite the obvious benefits of SuDS, it has been a long journey to inform and educate on their virtues, especially as the enforcement of legislation supporting their use – especially in England – hasn’t been especially forthcoming. Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 provides a framework for the widespread adoption of SuDS and gives local authorities the role of sustainable drainage approval body (SAB), with responsibility for checking compliance and approving their use. Despite this, there has been a real reticence in England to push beyond a planning-led approach – where the use of SuDS is recommended but not enforced – to a more legislative one. Previous efforts to implement Schedule 3 met particularly strong resistance from the National Housing Federation. However, this has not been the case in Wales, where the devolved government has taken strong action in commencing the enforcement of Schedule 3. Since 2019, all new developments in Wales of more than one dwelling, or with a construction area of 100 square metres or more, must include sustainable drainage systems for surface water, and these must be designed and built in accordance with statutory standards. The success of this approach – along with the findings of David Jenkins’ report into responsibilities around surface water and drainage – have prompted Westminster to belatedly reconsider its approach to Schedule 3, leading to the decision earlier this year to implement it across England – essentially making it the default for almost all new developments. This process is being led by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) in consultation with the Association of SuDS Authorities, with an initial consultation set to take place this year ahead of implementation in 2024. RIGHTING THE WRONGSThere is a feeling across the flood risk assessment community that this decision is a case of “better late than never”, but there is still a long way to go. If you look at a 2012 Defra consultation, the results show that while government policy actively encouraged developers to build SuDS, only an estimated 40% of new developments were drained by them. New plans appear to outline that SABs will check that detailed design of SuDS comply with the principles agreed at the planning stage, and if they are approved for adoption inspections will be carried out by SABs at key stages of construction – such as backfilling of underground attenuation tanks. Developers I have spoken to recently have voiced concerns that where there is ambiguity there is going to be further delays to an already slow approvals process, which favours nobody but at present is merely speculation. Though uncertainty over who is responsible for maintenance and the fees that will be charged for the application process to get SAB approval will also create a sense of unease in the build-up to legislative change. Furthermore, from a local authority perspective, recruitment will be required to help process applications and carry out inspections, but not knowing the application fee makes it difficult to budget. Currently, most local authorities only have the resources to respond to surface water drainage proposals for major planning applications, but Schedule 3 will require them to respond to all proposals above a 100m2 threshold – so there is clarity needed as far as in advance possible to make the transition smoother. Time will tell, but the implementation of Schedule 3 in England could well be the catalyst that pushes SuDS up the list of key masterplanning components. Getting everybody on board with a new statutory standard, which is expected to include a couple of amendments from the current non-statutory standard, begins with education, and developers need to be advised by engineers who
Construction technology provider Causeway Technologies has revealed the key findings from its Causeway Insights 2023 survey of construction industry professionals. Evidence from the survey suggests digital transformation remains high on the agenda, with the vast majority of those surveyed reporting that their organisation is currently implementing initiatives to digitalise aspects of their business process. However, while 71% of C-suite executives believe their organisation to be digitally mature, feedback from those in less senior positions suggests that progress might not be advanced as bosses think. Causeway found manual spreadsheets are still ubiquitous: 94% of organisations in the survey still use them, despite the adoption of technology designed to supersede them. Meanwhile, 87% of respondents said that inconsistent processes and technologies pose a challenge to their organisation, and a third said administrative tasks remain among their businesses’ biggest productivity challenges. As Rob Christie, head of finance at EKFB and one of the experts who reviewed this research for Causeway, says: “The perception is that ‘it’s all digital’. But I’d argue that it’s only truly digital if all the inputs and processes behind the raw data and the collection of data are also digital. “If your teams are manually inputting data from paper into an Excel file and uploading this file to create a power BI dashboard – in my opinion, this isn’t ‘digital’. It’s only when you understand the source of the data and its inputs that you can be confident that controls and processes are in place to allow the digital thread to flow through.” Integration woes Despite 95% of those surveyed agreeing that integrated or automated processes and technologies are key for driving success, no one reported that their organisation’s software solutions were fully integrated with one another at present. On average businesses are using seven different industry-specific solutions, the majority (57%) of which are not integrated or talking to each other. One of the most shocking results from the research was that respondents thought employees are spending an average of 48% of their time moving data between industry-specific software solutions. Every organisation surveyed also said that they customise these software solutions to some degree to meet their needs – and 54% say the products are completely customised. This is even when customising solutions frequently leads to higher costs, compromised quality, and a lack of data cohesion. Rob Ramsay, Product Director at Causeway said: “The headlines from this research confirm that, although every business we spoke to considers itself somewhat or very digitally mature, the reality is less clear-cut, with common challenges across the sector when it comes to the consistent adoption and use of new technology. “Industry-specific software solutions lack integration, with employees spending a shocking amount of time moving data between different systems, rather than making use of their time for more productive tasks. “Meanwhile, the over-customisation of software and the lack of integration present big challenges to construction companies, including increased costs to maintain and update software, reduced data visibility and continuity, and security concerns. “Customisation culture is holding us back. The UK construction industry urgently needs a more integrated, standardised approach that covers all aspects of an organisation’s processes.” Sustainability goals The survey also explored the relationship between digitalisation and sustainability targets. A third of respondents reported that meeting sustainability and ESG goals are among their organisation’s greatest challenges and the survey results suggest many are looking to digital technologies to support this. 94% say that technical innovations are key to driving decarbonisation and 96% of respondents agree that their organisation would benefit from the use of digital tools to help drive decarbonisation and energy efficiency. David Emery, a consultant at the Supply Chain Sustainability School, comments: “People really struggle to calculate a return on investment for digital tools, particularly in terms of sustainability. And it’s really hard to make the business case sometimes. But what we often hear from our members is that, when they do invest in digital tools, they usually exceed the return on investment because things happen that you didn’t anticipate.” To support this move towards digitalisation in sustainability reporting, Causeway is currently working on a collaborative venture with major contractors and suppliers to develop an automated, real-time solution for Scope 3 emissions reporting. The Causeway Insights research was conducted in April 2023 among 175 respondents, all of whom authorised or influenced the purchase of software in their organisation. Companies ranged from SMEs to Tier 1 contractors, spanning construction, housebuilding, building services, infrastructure and civil engineering. The research data was then reviewed by three experts, including Rob Christie at EKFB, David Emery at the Supply Chain Sustainability School, and Barry Desmond, finance director at John Craddock Ltd. Full findings of the research have been published in a report called ‘Beyond the Basics – how UK construction is using digital solutions to achieve efficiency, integration and sustainability’. The report unlocks a deeper understanding of the current state of play in terms of digitalisation in the construction industry. It features data and analysis, with feedback and commentary from industry experts, and looks at how principal contractors and large subcontractor companies are approaching the common challenges that come with digital transformation. ‘Beyond the Basics’ is available to view and download at: https://campaign.causeway.com/beyond_the_basics_report_2023 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Whether it’s the early morning fishing escapades or the great water scenery in your evening walk, Idaho’s lake always has something to offer, especially if you are an outdoor enthusiast. Along with its serene escape, you can explore the breathtaking waterfront Sandpoint Idaho homes for sale, especially if you are looking to buy a property in one of these 10 beautiful lakes. 1. Priest Lake This lake consists of two bodies of water connected via a thoroughfare. Dubbed “Idaho’s Crown Jewel,” the Priest Lake offers amazing features including the unique cluster of islands and the white-sand beaches that make it a dream destination for tourists all over the world. 2. Stanley Lake Embraced by the iconic Sawtooth Mountains, Stanley Lake is a lesser-known gem that offers a peaceful and uncrowded retreat. Ideal for nature enthusiasts, the lake offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, and photography. 3. Lake Pend Oreille Lake Pend Oreille is Idalo’s largest lake and is ideal for fishermen, swimmers, and boaters. For anglers eager to explore Idaho’s largest lake, Lake Pend Oreille, click here for the ideal surf rods to enhance your fishing experience. This lake is home to untamed forests, wolves, and grizzly bears. Along with the resort communities, the availability of wildlife in this area makes it a suitable destination for those looking to explore nature. 4. Redfish Outlet Lake This lake features crystal-blue waters and sandy beaches which make it ideal for sunbathers, kayakers, and mountain bikers. The availability of various outdoor adventures makes it desirable for those looking to invest in properties close by. 5. Lake Coeur d’Alene Lake Coeur d’Alene is a geological wonder that emanated from prehistoric Missoula Floods, where the terrain of the Pacific Northwest was carved by glaciers. This lake offers summer homes to celebrities as well as other outdoor enthusiasts. 6. Alturas Lake Nestled in the Sawtooth Valley, Alturas Lake is a hidden treasure known for its emerald waters and stunning mountain backdrop. It offers a serene setting for kayaking and canoeing, while the surrounding area is a paradise for hikers. 7. Bear Lake This lake is split between Utah and Idaho. Also known as the “Caribbean of the Rockies,” this lake is a popular destination for sailors, fishermen, swimmers, and raspberry pickers. 8. Payette Lake Located near the charming resort town of McCall, Payette Lake is a year-round playground for both locals and tourists. In the summer, the lake’s sparkling waters invite boaters and water sports enthusiasts. During winter, it becomes a magical wonderland with opportunities for ice fishing and snowmobiling. 9. Upper Priest Lake Upper Priest Lake is accessible only by boat or hiking. The effort to reach this remote lake is rewarded with breathtaking scenery and a sense of serenity. Surrounded by thick forests and towering peaks, this hidden gem offers a true escape into nature. 10. Henrys Lake Located near the Idaho-Montana border, Henrys Lake is a renowned fishing destination, particularly for fly fishing. Its tranquil waters are teeming with cutthroat and brook trout, attracting anglers from across the country. Wrap Up The lakes mentioned here are among the most beautiful and fascinating lakes you’ll find when you visit Idaho. While each offers a set of unique features, all share a common thread of being a respite from the daily hustles of life.
Corbally Group, a specialist property developer based in the West Midlands, has announced plans to regenerate the Perry Barr Racetrack. The proposals would deliver up to 427 new homes as part of the wider regeneration of Perry Barr. Forming a vibrant new community, the proposals include a range of public and private gardens, play areas, and interactive playgrounds to promote positive wellbeing and healthy lifestyles. The plans will also support sustainable long-term growth in Perry Barr by opening the River Tame with a new, biodiverse riverside park which will be open to the public. The Racetrack is currently operated as a greyhound racing track. With a lease due to expire in 2026, the operator has announced plans to move to new premises at Monmore Green in Wolverhampton. The proposals support ambitions of Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority, who have already invested heavily to enable growth within Perry Barr as a legacy from the Commonwealth Games. This includes Perry Barr station, and the Perry Barr Village, which is set to accommodate a new residential neighbourhood of nearly 2,000 new homes. Spokesperson for Corbally Group – Perry Barr, said: “Perry Barr has been identified as a priority area for growth within Birmingham. The City Council has invested heavily to enable regeneration and deliver a legacy from the Commonwealth Games. The regeneration of the Perry Barr Racetrack is part of this vision “The current site offers little in terms of wider community value and we’ve worked closely with the racetrack operator to support its move to new premises within the region. “We have developed an exciting scheme which not only delivers new homes but will create attractive new public spaces and unlock access to the river front. It will vastly improve Perry Barr and deliver real value for the established and emerging community in this location.” A planning application is currently being prepared and is set to be submitted in the coming months. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
INTERNATIONAL M&E and sustainability consultancy CPW has given its team two dedicated working days for charitable work – totalling more than 653 hours volunteering and raising £3,700 on the first charity day. Its teams in Birmingham, Solihull, Bristol, Derby, Huntingdon, Leeds, Leicester, London and Nottingham focused their time on a range of fundraising and volunteering activities for many local and charitable causes. This includes volunteering activities such as litter picking, ground maintenance, decorating, car washing and supporting at local food banks. Fundraising events were also planned such as a charity walk through London and a pool tournament for participants to show their competitive side. John Hauton, director and charity lead at CPW, said: “As a company with offices across the UK, we want to ensure we make a difference in all our locations and give back to the communities that have supported us to flourish in the different areas. We also felt it was important to give teams the opportunity to select a cause that matters to them. “We want to thank all our staff for making this such a success, it was inspiring to see the passion with which our teams tackled their activities and we loved discovering the personal connections many of our staff had to these charities and causes. “Closing all of our offices for two working days this year is a significant logistical undertaking, but seeing the results so far has already reaffirmed our decision to commit valuable time and make a difference.” CPW is planning to undertake its second charity day in Autumn, with staff encouraged to start thinking now about which local charities may benefit from its support next. Directors at CPW have also agreed to match all funds raised over the two days this year. With more than 300 staff based across 13 offices including international offices in Poland and India, CPW specialises in designing and integrating a full range of building services into new and existing buildings to deliver cutting edge sustainable solutions that are not only energy efficient but are both financially and environmentally sustainable for clients. For further information on CPW’s sustainability work visit www.cpwp.com or follow @CPWengineering on social media. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The collection of internal and communal doorsets comprises seven new laminate finishes in a variety of striking colours and glazing options, and will replace its existing veneer designs. Ideally suited for commercial build projects, the new range allows for a more consistent design scheme and can be easily incorporated into a variety of interiors. The laminate finish also carries significant benefits in terms of maintenance and durability, offering resistance to water, impacts and scratches, and is easy to clean and maintain with no chemical products required. In addition to ReadyFIT internal and communal doorsets, the enhanced laminate designs will also form part of JELD-WEN’s SecureFIT and SecureSET ranges, meaning they are dual tested to provide 30-minute fire, smoke and security protection as listed under the Certifire and CertiSecure schemes – offering customers a complete and fully certified interior doorset solution. Ruth Deardon, UK Product Line Manager at JELD-WEN, said: “With a highly durable and long-lasting finish, our new laminate collection is well-suited for commercial builds, helping to create a high-quality and consistent design scheme that is stylish as well as practical. All finishes are available with a FD30 fire door rating, giving customers complete assurance in the safety and certification of every doorset.” In line with JELD-WEN’s commitment to provide high-quality, reliable and easy-to-install products, laminate doorsets are delivered fully finished, with no painting or staining required on site, and feature colour-matched edge banding for a seamless finish. All doorsets are available either as a solid panel or with glazing, with 11 clear glazed designs to choose from. Ruth added: “Expert craftsmanship, premium quality and exceptional design is behind every JELD-WEN doorset, and our new laminate collection is no exception. As well as a market-leading product range, customers can also benefit from our decades of industry knowledge and technical expertise, as well as a dedicated sales team to provide support at every stage of the project.” Every JELD-WEN customer is supported by a specialist, UK-based account management team who can help streamline the sales process from start to finish, as well as a nationwide customer service team to provide solutions to any query and ensure every order is delivered on schedule and in budget. For more information about JELD-WEN’s laminate doorset range, call 0345 122 2891 or email ukdoorsets@jeldwen.com See more at www.jeld-wen.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals