Kenneth Booth
Pitsea to Welcome £54m Diagnostic and Community Health Hub

Pitsea to Welcome £54m Diagnostic and Community Health Hub

Plans have been confirmed for a major new health facility in Essex, with modular construction firm MTX Contracts appointed as the preferred builder for a state-of-the-art community diagnostic centre (CDC) in Pitsea. The £54 million project, which will be developed on the former site of a leisure centre and library

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‘Tinder for renewables’ sees re-energised grid connection open gates for landowners across the UK

‘Tinder for renewables’ sees re-energised grid connection open gates for landowners across the UK

Ofgem’s recently announced reform to accelerate grid connections for new green energy projects is opening up substantial income opportunities for landowners across the UK, says Keir Doe, Managing Director of Renewables Connect, an innovative all-agency platform which ‘matchmakes’ landowners with renewables developers.    The platform, which has been dubbed the ‘Tinder

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Kingspan and Hydnum Steel collaborate on new green steel initiative to accelerate construction sector decarbonisation

Kingspan and Hydnum Steel collaborate on new green steel initiative to accelerate construction sector decarbonisation

Through this strategic alliance, Hydnum Steel will supply Kingspan with green steel as Kingspan continues to take strides to decarbonise its operations, products and supply chain via its Planet Passionate environmental sustainability programme. Kingspan Group and Hydnum Steel are excited to announce their collaboration on a green steel initiative aimed

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APS appoints Sofie Hooper as Deputy CEO

APS appoints Sofie Hooper as Deputy CEO

The Association for Project Safety (APS) has appointed Sofie Hooper as Deputy CEO. She joins APS from her role as Head of Policy and Research at the 11,500-strong global membership body the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM). Sofie Hooper has spent much of her career as a Public

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Latest Issue
Issue 328 : May 2025

Kenneth Booth

Sainsbury’s Launches First New Store of 2025 as Expansion Plans Take Shape

Sainsbury’s Launches First New Store of 2025 as Expansion Plans Take Shape

Sainsbury’s has kicked off its 2025 store expansion drive with the opening of a brand-new supermarket in Felixstowe — the first of 14 planned site conversions following a major property acquisition in late 2024. Located on a 19,000 sq ft site, the Felixstowe store marks the retailer’s first presence in the Suffolk town, bringing Sainsbury’s full grocery offer to local residents for the first time. The store is part of a strategic expansion effort that will see over 400,000 sq ft of new retail space added to Sainsbury’s portfolio over the next two years. The newly opened supermarket is one of 14 locations secured last autumn, largely comprising former Homebase units and two sites previously operated by the East of England Co-op. Alongside larger supermarkets, the retailer has also announced plans to open 25 additional convenience stores over the same period. Patrick Dunne, Sainsbury’s Chief Property and Procurement Officer, said: “We’re thrilled to open our first ever store in Felixstowe, bringing our quality food and excellent service closer to more customers. It’s also a proud moment for the business as this store marks the first of many new supermarkets we’ll be unveiling over the next two years.” He added: “Our expansion reflects the confidence we have in our brand and our commitment to investing in communities across the country. The Felixstowe site has been transformed in just a few months, and we’re looking forward to continuing this momentum as we bring more Sainsbury’s stores to life.” The wider expansion is part of a bold growth strategy to strengthen the supermarket’s reach in both new and existing markets, offering customers greater convenience and access to its full range of products. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Pitsea to Welcome £54m Diagnostic and Community Health Hub

Pitsea to Welcome £54m Diagnostic and Community Health Hub

Plans have been confirmed for a major new health facility in Essex, with modular construction firm MTX Contracts appointed as the preferred builder for a state-of-the-art community diagnostic centre (CDC) in Pitsea. The £54 million project, which will be developed on the former site of a leisure centre and library in the town centre, is set to become the largest diagnostic facility in mid and south Essex. Construction is expected to commence later this year. Designed as a two-storey, multi-functional healthcare hub, the Pitsea CDC will house a full suite of diagnostic services including CT and MRI scanners, X-rays, blood testing, and an eight-room endoscopy suite. The facility will also serve as a vibrant community space, with wellbeing amenities such as a purpose-built activity centre and a brand-new library incorporated into the design. Michael Thorpe, Portfolio Director at the Mid & South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said: “By bringing services under one roof, we’re making healthcare more convenient and accessible for local residents. With Pitsea being our largest CDC, we’ll be able to treat more patients quickly and locally—offering essential diagnostic tests without lengthy travel or delays.” The project is being delivered in collaboration with Essex County Council and Basildon Council, with a focus on improving healthcare infrastructure and community wellbeing across the region. MTX Contracts, a Cheshire-based firm known for delivering modern healthcare buildings, brings its expertise in modular construction to the scheme. Managing Director David Hartley highlighted the use of offsite manufacturing and modern methods of construction, allowing for faster build times, reduced disruption, and lower environmental impact. “Our approach ensures quicker delivery, better value, and ultimately faster access to vital healthcare services,” Hartley noted. “It means the Trust can begin using the facility sooner, improving outcomes for patients and staff alike.” Once complete, the Pitsea CDC will play a central role in reshaping how diagnostics and community services are delivered in Essex, helping reduce waiting times and supporting earlier detection and treatment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Latest plans submitted for George Hotel will expand capacity and further boost local economy

Latest plans submitted for George Hotel will expand capacity and further boost local economy

Kirklees Council has submitted revised plans for the George Hotel, seeking to increase the number of rooms while preserving the building’s character. Having worked closely with architects and Historic England, the council have identified an opportunity to rework the original plans for the interior creating 17 more rooms whilst still preserving the building’s beautiful architecture and heritage. This is the second planning application submitted by the council for the refurbishment of the historic George Hotel. The revised plans come following a large amount of the restoration now being completed in preparation for the renovation works. The revised plans would see the number of rooms planned increase from 91 to 108. Expanding the hotel’s capacity in this way would enable it to support more guests and generate more income to repay the council’s £30million investment. Huddersfield town centre is continuing to benefit from major cultural, business and education investments. In addition, the multimillion-pound Transpennine Route Upgrade is improving connectivity and Huddersfield Railway Station itself, which is on the George’s doorstep. All of these investments will contribute to attracting more visitors to the town which is why it is important to capitalise on the building’s possibilities and increase capacity. Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance and Regeneration, said: “The Huddersfield Blueprint is really starting to take shape now, with our vision for the town becoming a reality. The recently opened leisure complex – the Light at Kingsgate, together with the enhancements to the public realm on New Street and St Peter’s Gardens and the eagerly anticipated Our Cultural Heart will all enhance the high street. “External investments like the University of Huddersfield’s National Health Innovation Campus, the West Yorkshire Investment Zone, and the Transpennine Route Upgrade are helping to put Huddersfield on the map. “The George Hotel plays such a key role in Huddersfield’s past, and for people travelling by rail, it will always be one of the very first buildings to welcome you as you enter the town centre. Once rejuvenated, hotel will be perfectly placed to thrive and channel current investment back into the local economy.” The George is a key priority within the Huddersfield Blueprint, Kirklees Council’s master plan to transform the town centre, and once restored it will be managed by internationally renowned hotelier Radisson. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Unilode Aviation Solutions take Unit 5b 27,000 sq ft facility at Stud Brook Business Park, Castle Donington

Unilode Aviation Solutions take Unit 5b 27,000 sq ft facility at Stud Brook Business Park, Castle Donington

Clowes Developments have announced that unit 5b, a 27,000 sq ft facility at Stud Brook Business Park, has been let to ULD management solutions provider Unilode Aviation Solutions. Based in Zurich, Switzerland, Unilode oversees the largest digitised fleet of nearly 200,000 Unit Load Devices (ULDs) in the aviation sector. The company also operates the most extensive global network for maintaining, repairing ULDs, ULD rentals, inflight galley cart equipment and digitalisation solutions to over 90 airlines, utilising a network that spans more than 550 airports, 18 regional offices, and 50 certified repair stations, all supported by their dedicated global team of over 800 employees. Unilode will be relocating to Unit 5b at Stud Brook Business Park in Castle Donington which will see the company invest and grow their services to fulfil their customer’s needs at East Midlands Airport, just a stone’s throw away from Stud Brook Business Park. Janis Balkens, Chief Operating officer at Unilode Aviation Solutions said about on their move, “At Unilode, thanks to our dedicated team and valued customers, we take great pride in the achievements we’ve already made at our East Midlands airport location. Our focus has been on delivering exceptional service, while creating a positive working environment. The decision to relocate our operations, that’s includes our 30 strong workforce, to Studbrook Business Park, will not only enhance our service capabilities but also enable us to support a larger customer base, while aligning with our sustainability goals on a local and global scale. Unilode also recognise the importance of a sustainable business model that benefits our employees, customers, and the planet. With this new state of the art facility, we’re committed to our sustainability initiatives, such as utilising 100% renewable energy, improving waste management practices, and aiming for BREEAM certification for our new operations at East Midlands Airport. Together with our customers, partners and suppliers we are embracing a circular economy that drives positive change. Our East Midlands Airport operations move, as well as developments across the globe such as the moves to new Hong Kong and Singapore MROs, and refurbishments at both Newark (USA) and our London Heathrow MRO, help us to continuously invest and makes sure we remain responsive to the growing needs of our global customer base, which at our East Midland operations includes DHL, West Atlantic, Singapore Airlines, Aer Lingus, Finnair, TUI and many more. ” The deal was put together by Tim Gilbertson, Director of FHP Property Consultants who added: “It’s fantastic to announce the letting of a further unit at Stud Brook and again to a globally known company.  The move will help Unilode expand and improve again their services to their clients in the region and from our perspective, it sees yet another deal done at Stud Brook with only a couple of units left available in the first phase.  The final units are due to complete and be ready for occupation at the end of May and with interest still good in the last couple of units, hopefully there will be other deals to announce shortly. The focus then switches to smaller units which are being developed out speculatively at Stud Brook of up to 5,000ft² which will all be ready for occupation by the end of 2025. A pleasure to work with Unilode on this deal and I wish them well for the future.” Whilst available space at Stud Brook Business Park is limited there does remain some opportunity for leasehold agreements. Interested parties are invited to contact agents directly via richards@ng-cs.com and tim@fhp.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Infrastructure works complete at Vesuvius Worksop opening up next phase of development at 45-acre site

Infrastructure works complete at Vesuvius Worksop opening up next phase of development at 45-acre site

Caddick Civil Engineering Ltd has completed a £2 million construction contract has completed at Vesuvius, Worksop facilitating the next phase of development at the 45-acre brownfield site. Delivered on behalf of development and investment company, CEG, the highway infrastructure package included an extension of the existing spine road, construction of a new roundabout and connections to all utilities. As well as providing access for the local bus service into the site, this will release the remaining sixteen acres of development land ready for businesses to locate here. A deal has already been secured for the first acre of land to Admirals Yard Self Storage which is building a secure storage facility.  Antonia Martin Wright, Director of Commercial Development at CEG, explains: “The infrastructure works have opened up access to the next development site, providing serviced, level development-ready plots. “In addition to securing a deal with Admirals Yard Self Storage, we’ve received a number of enquiries. With design and build opportunities available from 10,000 sq. ft upwards and such a shortage of supply in the market we expect to announce further new occupiers this year.” DTRE and FHP have been appointed as agents to market the site. Rob Kos, Associate Partner at DTRE, said: On the back of agreeing a deal with Admirals Self Storage and the new infrastructure works completing, we have seen an uptick in enquires and are having some positive discussions with occupiers and purchasers. This is likely to continue given the lack of open storage and oven ready development plots in the area.” Vesuvius is CEG’s regeneration of a 45-acre brownfield site close to the M1 and A1(M). CEG delivered the original remediation and development platforms, alongside infrastructure including the new access roundabout and roads, working closely with the local authority and D2N2 to enable the development. A 70,000 sq. ft ASDA food store opened in 2020, followed by Travis Perkins and Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue’s £3.4m new fire station. CEG speculatively delivered the first phase of 16 light industrial units in summer 2021. These were swiftly let to a range of occupiers including Kitchen Craft, Escape Hot Tubs, Rother Valley Optics, electric vehicle charging specialist Powerpoint and Shark Eye’s research and design centre. There are also three food and beverage units at the site, including Burger King. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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‘Tinder for renewables’ sees re-energised grid connection open gates for landowners across the UK

‘Tinder for renewables’ sees re-energised grid connection open gates for landowners across the UK

Ofgem’s recently announced reform to accelerate grid connections for new green energy projects is opening up substantial income opportunities for landowners across the UK, says Keir Doe, Managing Director of Renewables Connect, an innovative all-agency platform which ‘matchmakes’ landowners with renewables developers.    The platform, which has been dubbed the ‘Tinder for Renewables’, was launched last May and is free and no obligation for landowners – whether farmers, country estate owners or local councils – to list on.   “We’ve seen lots of activity on the platform in recent weeks as this reform is creating opportunity for new – and some previously rejected – projects to get connected to the grid quickly,” says Keir, who farms near Errol in Perthshire and has his own land consultancy where he has seen renewables projects from both landowner and developer perspectives.     “There’s been a major backlog preventing new projects connecting to the grid due to the traditional ‘first-come, first-served’ process. Some projects have connection dates of 10+ years. This reform will get rid of speculative ‘zombie’ projects that have been holding up the queue and prioritise new solar farms, wind turbines and battery storage that are ready and strategically placed for the grid. This is a great opportunity for landowners if they have some land that could secure a lucrative rental income from a renewable energy project.”  This, combined with the drive for data centres and hydrogen power, which are powered by renewables, and changes to planning policy, means there is considerable potential for those with land. Projects that have previously been refused or deemed unviable may now be sought after by developers, adds Keir.  “It doesn’t have to be one large area, it could be marginal land on the edge of a farm, estate or a town. These smaller parcels can create a critical mass in one region that can then become an investible project for a renewables developer.”     Renewables Connect currently has more than 9,000 hectares of land listed on its platform, from Shetland to Cornwall. Its interactive digital map allows landowners to list land areas and for developers to view, filter, and assess their suitability for green energy projects including wind, solar or battery storage. Large areas of land are often attractive for developers, but the ‘co-location’ of neighbouring smaller parcels is where Renewables Connect can create matches that may not otherwise be obvious.   “This has been a gamechanger,” explains Keir. “Not every landowner wants a large-scale project on their land, or to take productive arable land out of commission, but this allows for smaller and poorer quality parcels to become greater than the sum of their parts. It’s a win for both parties as it creates good passive income for the less productive land and forges greater potential for renewables projects.”   Following the recent UK Government reports that average farm income has fallen significantly, this is an opportunity to diversify the business or can also help with succession planning, adds Keir:  “Such a drastic drop in income is difficult for any business but this comes at a time when farm businesses are faced with additional cost pressures and tax increases. Rental income from renewable energy development can provide a steady, passive additional income stream. It’s free and quick to list on the Renewables Connect Platform and doesn’t tie you to anything. It may be the most profitable 10 minutes of a landowner’s year.”   One of the biggest potential renewables growth areas is onshore wind, says Keir:  “The demand for this and solar will also grow with the plans for data centres, large buildings which store and process data, and the investment in hydrogen technology, both of which need substantial renewable power sources.”  In Scotland, where changes in the National Planning Framework 4 eased restrictions on the visual impact of renewables, previously refused wind farms may now be able to secure planning consent.   Renewables Connect is also having positive discussions with local authorities:  “We’re seeing increasing interest from councils who see the benefits of listing land to help generate income, reduce dependency on central budgets and deliver community benefit. Equally, projects like the recently approved community wind initiative on Arran are proving what’s possible and it’s something we could see replicated in other areas across the UK.”  The grid reform is part of the UK’s ambition to decarbonise the national power supply by 2030, with the first wave of post-reform projects expected to be up and running in early 2026.    “The UK will not meet its 2030 net-zero targets without a massive acceleration in renewable project delivery,” says Keir. “This starts with land and as a landowner, if you are keen you need to be actively promoting your land to let renewables developers know you are interested. This can be daunting, expensive and difficult to know where to start. That’s why we built Renewables Connect, to be a transparent, one-stop shop, free for landowners or their land agents to promote their sites and easy for developers to identify new opportunities.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Kingspan and Hydnum Steel collaborate on new green steel initiative to accelerate construction sector decarbonisation

Kingspan and Hydnum Steel collaborate on new green steel initiative to accelerate construction sector decarbonisation

Through this strategic alliance, Hydnum Steel will supply Kingspan with green steel as Kingspan continues to take strides to decarbonise its operations, products and supply chain via its Planet Passionate environmental sustainability programme. Kingspan Group and Hydnum Steel are excited to announce their collaboration on a green steel initiative aimed at decarbonising the construction sector and promoting sustainability in building materials.  Hydnum Steel, based in Puertollano, Spain, is a pioneer of green steel in the Iberian Peninsula and Southern Europe. This collaboration will see Hydnum Steel supply Kingspan with green steel, reinforcing Kingspan’s commitment to reducing the environmental impact of building materials as part of its Planet Passionate environmental sustainability programme. The strategic alliance promotes the adoption of green steel as a key alternative when constructing buildings and reinforces the role of the steel industry in the transition towards climate neutrality. The construction sector, one of the sectors with the largest carbon footprint globally[1], faces the challenge of adopting innovative solutions that reduce emissions without compromising performance, efficiency or quality. In this context, the use of green steel becomes a fundamental pillar for achieving decarbonisation goals and progressing towards more sustainable and energy-efficient buildings. According to the signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Hydnum Steel and Kingspan will also collaborate to guarantee the most efficient logistics and circular economy solutions with ferrous scrap, as part of its commitment to the environment and natural resource utilisation.  Eva Maneiro, CEO of Hydnum Steel, expressed her excitement: “We are excited to collaborate with Kingspan, a company that, like us, wants to be a pioneer in industrial decarbonisation. For both of us, it’s not just about being part of the change, but leading it. We are proving that it is possible to reinvent the industry with a more human and planet-friendly approach.” Mark Broderick, Procurement Director at Kingspan, added: “Our collaboration with Hydnum Steel is an important step forward in our strategy of procuring green steel at scale as we continue to drive our overall emissions reductions via our Planet Passionate programme. We’re working at pace to reduce the carbon footprint of our supply chain and product portfolio, but also to help accelerate the pace of change in the steel industry which will be critical to enabling the longer-term decarbonisation of the built environment.” To discover more about Kingspan’s Planet Passionate programme, visit www.kingspan.com/planetpassionate [1] According to the World Green Building Council, the built environment and construction sector accounts for 38% of global carbon emissions and it has been estimated that globally we build the equivalent of a city the size of Paris every week. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Plans submitted for new Tyldesley ‘travel hub’ to boost park and ride capacity and encourage more people to use public transport

Plans submitted for new Tyldesley ‘travel hub’ to boost park and ride capacity and encourage more people to use public transport

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has submitted a planning application for a new Travel Hub in Tyldesley to help more people access the Bee Network and boost the numbers of people using public transport by providing improved park and ride facilities. The proposed new Travel Hub will create 99 additional parking spaces – including electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and accessible spaces – and will be built on Astley Street, south of the Leigh Guided Busway to meet increased demand for spaces at the existing park and ride nearby. Improved pedestrian access to the guided busway will also be provided as part of the plans alongside new street lighting and CCTV to help people feel safer when using the site at all times of day.  The existing Astley Street Park and Ride – which provides 46 spaces and three disabled bays – will also be given a new designated pick up and drop off area, two extra accessible car parking spaces, covered cycle parking, delivery lockers, and a new office for staff working on the Guided Busway. Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “Park and Rides play a vital role within the Bee Network by encouraging more people to use our integrated public transport system, while also reducing congestion on our roads and improving air quality. “The success of the Leigh Guided Busway, including the trial of night buses, has seen demand for parking increase at Tyldesley Park and Ride. This expansion will improve access to bus services and provide the capacity needed to encourage more people to travel more sustainably. We listened to a strong call from the community on this, they asked and we have responded.” In total 148 car parking spaces would be provided at the proposed Travel Hub, including accessible bays and EV charging parking spaces. Following planning approval, work is expected to start on site in early 2026 and complete by the summer. Jo Platt, MP for Leigh and Atherton, said: “It’s fantastic to see things progress to the next stage with the Tyldesley Park and Ride and the Travel Hub. “With more than three times the current parking capacity, this new provision will improve access to public transport and help to alleviate the existing parking pressures in Tyldesley town centre. “Better connectivity is key to reducing congestion on our roads, supporting local growth and encouraging more people to use public transport. I look forward to seeing work begin in early 2026.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Is the Government’s new report Fire Safety: Property Protection a regulatory success?

Is the Government’s new report Fire Safety: Property Protection a regulatory success?

By Thomas Roche, Secretary of Business Sprinkler Alliance A new Fire Safety: Property Protection report, published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG), explores the state of property protection in fire safety regulations and examines international approaches to safeguarding buildings from fire damage. While the findings highlight significant issues and areas for improvement, the Business Sprinkler Alliance (BSA) questions whether the government’s actions thus far can be considered a regulatory success for property protection. The report forms part of the government’s wider response to Dame Judith Hackitt’s independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, which followed the Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017. While the core focus of the regulations has always been life safety, a public call for evidence revealed growing concerns that building and property protection were being neglected. In response, this review was commissioned to explore how fire safety regulations could better reduce property damage, drawing on international examples and a structured assessment of literature, codes, and interviews with key stakeholders. Property protection overlooked The report states clearly that fire safety regulations in England and Wales prioritise life safety, with property protection largely absent from the statutory framework. It notes that “most of the guidelines designed specifically to protect buildings and property from fire are non-statutory in nature,” meaning they are voluntary or insurance-driven rather than embedded in legislation. It further concludes that “there is no empirical evidence to indicate the extent to which property protection is achieved through life safety,” underscoring the need for explicit protection measures within regulations themselves. Sprinklers proved most effective Sprinklers were consistently identified throughout the review as the most effective active fire protection system. According to the report, “sprinklers are especially prominent in literature about property protection and building resilience,” with both academic research and stakeholder input highlighting their unmatched role in containing and extinguishing fires. It also states that “research into the fire resilience of buildings tends to emphasise sprinklers as the primary method of protecting buildings from fire,” a finding that strengthens the Business Sprinkler Alliance’s longstanding advocacy for wider sprinkler adoption across UK buildings. Stricter fire protection for industrial buildings overseas The review highlights that warehouses and industrial facilities in countries such as the USA, Sweden, and Germany are subject to more rigorous fire protection requirements than in England. The report points out that “sprinklers are almost always mandatory” in these countries and that “warehouse size thresholds, which place limits on the size of un-sprinklered warehouses, are generally much lower than in England.” These stricter requirements reflect an international recognition of the high economic and operational risks posed by industrial fires which is an approach the UK has yet to replicate  Prioritising sustainability over resilience As the UK construction sector embraces sustainability, the review warns that new methods may compromise fire resilience. It explains that “the drive to construct ‘green’ buildings with low embodied carbon has the potential to conflict with fire safety and resilience,” particularly in relation to mass timber and modular construction. These methods, it states, have “critical vulnerabilities,” including concealed cavities that can accelerate fire spread and the use of combustible materials that are not adequately addressed in current regulations. Schools and heritage buildings at risk The review found that in countries like Scotland and New Zealand, stricter fire protection requirements for schools are in place specifically to minimise disruption and safeguard their educational function. It notes that “stricter requirements reflect the fact that schools are often seen as important service providing-buildings and community resources.” The report also observes that historic buildings, despite their cultural value, are rarely treated differently in regulation and often receive “fire safety provisions… no different to domestic buildings.” In contrast, countries like the USA and Germany have developed tailored fire safety guidance for heritage sites that balances protection with preservation. A clear case for change In response to the findings, the Business Sprinkler Alliance is urging policymakers to broaden the scope of fire regulations to explicitly include property protection and to consider the wider adoption of automatic sprinklers as a proven, effective measure. “Fires don’t just threaten lives, they destroy vital community assets, commercial operations, and our built heritage,” said Iain Cox, Chair of the Business Sprinkler Alliance. “This report validates what we’ve been saying for years that sprinklers are a cornerstone of resilience, and we must look at the bigger picture and do more to embed property protection in UK fire safety regulation. The concentration in UK fire regulation on life safety has meant that a completely destroyed building – be it a school, a factory or a historic building – was deemed a success if no lives were lost or injuries suffered.  The consequent effect on children’s education, unemployment and our heritage were never taken into account.  Hopefully, now, they will.” For more information about the BSA visit the www.business-sprinkler-alliance.org Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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APS appoints Sofie Hooper as Deputy CEO

APS appoints Sofie Hooper as Deputy CEO

The Association for Project Safety (APS) has appointed Sofie Hooper as Deputy CEO. She joins APS from her role as Head of Policy and Research at the 11,500-strong global membership body the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM). Sofie Hooper has spent much of her career as a Public Policy Advisor across a range of policies and internationally, predominantly in the UK and the EU. While spearheading IWFM’s Building Safety policy strategy, she co-authored the key industry post Grenfell report Safer people, safer homes: Building Safety Management and provided regular liaison with the  Building Safety Regulator, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and other key policy units. This helped to influence the implementation of the Building Safety Act 2022. Sofie was also instrumental in securing the inclusion of The Building Safety Alliance into pre-legislative Parliamentary and Government reports. In her new role as Deputy CEO at APS, Sofie will report to CEO Andrew Leslie. This newly created position will give APS the firepower to advance the development and delivery of initiatives created as part of its strategy to provide a centre of competence for our community on all things Building Safety. Sofie will focus on policy, outreach, and strategy development, leading on initiatives such as the APS competence and training schemes and to collaborate with other professional bodies and business partners. Moreover, her past-experience is ideally suited to deliver on the APS strategic objectives on organisational capability and helping to design a broader upskilling offer delivering against our members’ upskilling needs to meet the ever-increasing demand for specialist courses on Building and Fire Regulations in the four UK jurisdictions. Commenting on her appointment, Sofie Hooper said, “For three decades, APS has been the driving force in improving health and safety standards within the construction industry. I’m thrilled to be joining an organisation that continually strives to put excellence and innovation in building safety front and centre of a progressive agenda. I’m looking forward to engaging with APS members and our stakeholders to ensure best practice in building safety is not just vigorously upheld but proactively sought after.” Andrew Leslie, CEO of APS comments, “APS is delighted to welcome Sofie to the APS team in the newly created post of Deputy CEO. Sofie has a proven track record within the built environment and will add considerable knowledge and experience to the APS senior management team, and in particular provide essential additional support and expertise to enable both the President and CEO to deliver the APS strategy.”   His words were echoed by APS President Mark Snelling. He comments, “APS is extremely privileged to have Sofie join us as Deputy CEO. Sofie is highly respected within the industry and has been closely connected with the changes that have followed the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower. I look forward to working with Sofie and Andrew our CEO to ensure the APS both supports our members and drives the change that is required to ensure that the tragedy at Grenfell Tower is not repeated.” Sofie Hooper takes up her new position with immediate effect. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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