B&B Attachments and partners KAUP are delighted to be exhibiting together at the 33rd edition of the world’s leading construction trade fair; BAUMA 2022. The globally renown exhibition is held at the Messe München convention centre from the 24th – 30th October. The show has yet again sold out, booking
Reynaers Aluminium UK further reinforces its commitment to spearheading excellence in the design and engineering of façade systems by confirming its role as headline sponsor for the Façade 2022 Design and Engineering Awards. The prestigious awards, organised by the Society of Façade Engineering (SFE) and the Chartered Institution of Building
Bouygues UK has been shortlisted in the ‘STEM Educational Programme of the Year (Private Sector)’ Category of the Wales STEM Awards. The only construction company in the 34 named as finalists, Bouygues UK was nominated for its STEM schools programme of activity, which includes its ‘Girls Believe Academy’. This innovative
PfP Capital, the Social Value and ESG-focused real estate fund manager, part of the UK’s leading social enterprise Places for People, has appointed Catherine Webster as its new Chief Executive Officer. Catherine, who starts at PfP Capital in January 2023, joins from property development and investment specialist Quintain where she is Executive Director for Strategy and Investment, leading on business
Drum Property Group’s £500 million regeneration of Buchanan Wharf on Glasgow’s Clydeside has reached another significant development milestone with the completion of structural work for its final building phase. Construction of the new six-storey office headquarters for the Students Loans Company (SLC) has now reached its highest point, with the 75,000
Novus Property Solutions has continued its longstanding relationship with The Riverside Group with a high-volume framework contract for works across England, at an estimated value of over £970,000. The two-year planned multi-void replacement works will see Novus carry out a variety of refurbishment works across a significant number of properties
On World Mental Health Day which take place today, the 10th October 2022, Alex Minett, Head of Products and Markets at CHAS, offers five steps companies can take to make workplaces more inclusive for workers who have experienced mental health issues. It’s fair to say the covid-19 pandemic has fuelled
SIG Building Solutions has entered the solar car parking structure market with a range of designs developed to help private and public sector organisations with large parking facilities to capitalise on the opportunities the structures provide for generating solar energy and reducing their carbon footprint. Designed and manufactured in the
A local affordable housing association serving Surrey, East and West Sussex is relaunching its sustainability event series, with the first event taking place at the WWF Living Planet Centre in Woking. Greenoak Housing Association which owns and manages 550 homes, is reaffirming its commitment to sustainability through the event, which
Views are being sought on a scheme that will transform the station gateway and enable more people to travel sustainably by train. blocwork – a partnership between Network Rail and bloc Group – is hosting a public consultation ahead of the submission of a planning application on its proposals to
B&B Attachments and partners KAUP are delighted to be exhibiting together at the 33rd edition of the world’s leading construction trade fair; BAUMA 2022. The globally renown exhibition is held at the Messe München convention centre from the 24th – 30th October. The show has yet again sold out, booking 200,000 m2 of indoor space and 400,000 m2 outdoor, to more than 3,000 exhibitors, from 60 countries. The two material handling specialists will be on stand B5 304, exhibiting a range of attachments designed specially to improve material handing in the construction industry. KAUP and B&B Attachments have worked together in attachment development since 1980. Together, their shared knowledge and expertise continue to advance the material handling industry. Bauma is the perfect platform for both industry giants to show their latest innovations. This includes the K320, which is part of B&B’s BlockMaster range, made uniquely for specialist applications within the construction industry. The range is designed to assist with the complex task of safely moving bricks, blocks and tiles. B&B Attachments will also exhibit its Beam Grab. This attachment has been manufactured by B&B to assist in the unloading process of pre-cast concrete floor beams. Designed to fit crane delivery vehicles, the beam grab can lift varying sized beams and profiles and handle up to six beams in one single lift. KAUP will be exhibiting their T413 heavy duty bale clamp. This attachment can be used to handle waste bales in the recycling industry. It is an example of how KAUP attachments can easily be fitted to many different types and styles of vehicles throughout many different industry sectors. The variety and range of attachments ensure that the correct handling solution can be offered for many different applications. “We are delighted to be exhibiting at this year’s Bauma. The exhibition is the construction industry’s largest event, and its return has created quite a buzz. The team are looking forward to meeting with customers and showing our products to a global audience.” Comments Mike Barton, Managing Director at B&B Attachments. B&B and KAUP will be on the stand throughout the duration of the event. If you would like to book an advance appointment to discuss how the correct handling attachment could improve your on-site safety and productivity, get in touch today – info@bandbattachments.com +44 (0)1670 737373
Reynaers Aluminium UK further reinforces its commitment to spearheading excellence in the design and engineering of façade systems by confirming its role as headline sponsor for the Façade 2022 Design and Engineering Awards. The prestigious awards, organised by the Society of Façade Engineering (SFE) and the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineering (CIBSE), will run directly after the Zak World of Facades London conference, which will play host to close to 1000 façade specialists from across the world. Taking place on 3 November 2022 at the Hilton Park Lane London, the awards recognise and reward excellence and achievements in façade engineering. Dan Gleeson, Head of Commercial Sales at Reynaers Aluminium UK explains: “The façade industry is host to some fantastic talent that has delivered some of the world’s most striking buildings. So, we are delighted to take on the role as headline sponsor for such an important awards initiative in the sector. We’re also committed to championing and supporting the importance of such a specialist discipline and being involved in this year’s awards gives us the opportunity to do just that. “We strive, as a company, to support building design and construction professionals to achieve the most innovative and sustainable façades possible. This means that not only do our products offer extensive design freedom, but we also work hard to ensure ease of compliance with environmental regulations. “We’re particularly looking forward to presenting the ‘UK Project of the Year – Sustainability Award’ on the evening. Having recently launched our ‘Reynaers Act’ sustainability strategy committing to science-based targets for 2030 completion, sustainability is a subject we’d very much like to champion. “I’d like to take this opportunity to wish those shortlisted for an award all the best and I look forward to raising a glass to everyone on the evening.” For further information about Reynaers visit www.reynaers.co.uk and to find out more about the awards and their sponsors, visit www.sfecompetition.org/sponsors
Bouygues UK has been shortlisted in the ‘STEM Educational Programme of the Year (Private Sector)’ Category of the Wales STEM Awards. The only construction company in the 34 named as finalists, Bouygues UK was nominated for its STEM schools programme of activity, which includes its ‘Girls Believe Academy’. This innovative programme runs across the whole of the UK and addresses the skills gap by demonstrating to young girls who are at the critical stage in their career decision-making, the diverse career options that can be had in construction and engineering. The academy, launched in 2021 by Bouygues UK’s women’s network WeLink, trains its staff to become academy ambassadors. The selected ambassadors reflect Bouygues UK’s diverse workforce and have a range of roles at every level in the business. They are encouraged to share their own career experiences, offering real-world examples of how they got their role, the subjects they studied at school and the enriching experiences they have had following a career in construction and engineering. In addition, Bouygues UK, in collaboration with its partners Aspire2be, has developed digital tools that build on the foundations of the academy, such as a virtual work experience platform. This platform gives young learners an insight into Bouygues UK and the range of STEM-focused roles which exist in the business. It helps its ambassadors provide an impactful learning experience to help young girls continue to build awareness of the opportunities that the construction industry can offer, while also developing knowledge and skills through STEM and curriculum-focused activities. The awards, which celebrate those making a difference to and championing Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) in Wales, will shine a spotlight on businesses who are creating an impact on the Welsh economy, those addressing the STEM diversity gap and skills shortage and those inspiring and raising aspirations of the next generation. Leigh Hughes, Bouygues UK’s Business Growth and Social Value Director, said: “The focal feature of the academy is to showcase the amazing women who have been instrumental in the construction of some of the most challenging and recognisable buildings around the world. This project also helps promote our internal network of STEM ambassadors, building a sense of community and shared responsibility within our own organisations. “Using the academy as a springboard for further engagement and opportunity, young people who have taken part have gone on to do work experience with Bouygues UK and in companies within our supply chain. The opportunity for industry engagement is significant, especially for those who are facing barriers to engagement or are at a disadvantage due to social and economic circumstances. “Bouygues UK is committed to addressing the skills gap in our industry, while also achieving gender parity in construction and engineering roles by inspiring young women to consider a career in construction and engineering. By developing ambassadors for the academy we are building our own internal network of STEM collaborators, creating a sense of community and shared responsibility within Bouygues UK. “ Simon Pridham, Managing Director of Aspire 2Be: “Our work with Bouygues UK over a number of years has been an absolute pleasure. As a fully responsible employer they completely understand the importance of engaging with young people and educating them in an exciting way around future skills, employment opportunities and STEM subjects in general. We are proud and privileged to call Bouygues UK partners at Aspire 2Be.” Dr Louise Bright, head of judges and founder of Wales Women in STEM Network, said: “The Wales STEM Awards do such an important job recognising and celebrating the achievements of organisations and individuals working in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths in Wales. This year, just like the first Wales STEM Awards, I’ve been privileged to read about the inspiring work happening around the country. I am looking forward to meeting the nominees and learning more about them and unlike our inaugural year, celebrating their success in person at the awards ceremony in October.” All finalists across the 12 categories will now be considered by an industry-leading panel of judges, with the winners being announced at the awards ceremony at the Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel on 27th October 2022.
PfP Capital, the Social Value and ESG-focused real estate fund manager, part of the UK’s leading social enterprise Places for People, has appointed Catherine Webster as its new Chief Executive Officer. Catherine, who starts at PfP Capital in January 2023, joins from property development and investment specialist Quintain where she is Executive Director for Strategy and Investment, leading on business strategy, financing and investment initiatives. Catherine has worked in real estate investment and finance for 30 years and has held several senior investor and lender roles including private equity, fund management and investment banking at Hudson Advisors (Lone Star Funds), TIAA & Lehman Brothers Global Real Estate. Catherine’s experience is pan-European, across residential and commercial sectors and as an owner, JV partner, fund investor, mezzanine and senior lender. PfP Capital currently has £600m under management across its three existing funds and a significant growth plan. Commenting on Catherine’s appointment, Greg Reed, Group Chief Executive Officer of Places for People, and board member of PfP Capital, said: “Catherine is a stellar appointment for us. Since it was founded five years ago, PfP Capital has been successful, and we now have big plans for growth; we have the opportunity to build on our success to-date and really scale-up the business. “We have a brilliant team in place at PfP Capital and we’re grateful for the work and vision of former MD Chris Jones who founded the PfP Capital business out of Places for People in 2017 and retired earlier this year. I know the experience and leadership Catherine brings will add greatly to our team and really drive us forward.” Catherine added: “I’m delighted to be joining PfP Capital to lead the next stage of its journey. PfP Capital has established itself as a key player with a strong reputation in the market. The excellent team has nurtured partnerships with leading institutional stakeholders and has built a great base for future expansion as we look to not only grow the existing funds but also add new funds. Backed by the power of Places for People, the potential for growth from this solid foundation is massive. Above all, with the company’s strong social purpose, we will have a positive impact on the communities we serve and the wider UK society.”
Drum Property Group’s £500 million regeneration of Buchanan Wharf on Glasgow’s Clydeside has reached another significant development milestone with the completion of structural work for its final building phase. Construction of the new six-storey office headquarters for the Students Loans Company (SLC) has now reached its highest point, with the 75,000 sq ft building set for occupation in 2023. Drum first announced the deal to bring SLC to the site in September 2021, which will accommodate up to 1,100 staff at the purpose-built complex as part of a 20-year deal. The build was subsequently forward funded by Legal & General Investment Management Real Assets, with construction starting in December 2021. The completion of the SLC building represents the final piece in the jigsaw for the Buchanan Wharf site, one of Scotland’s largest ever development projects. The site is already home to Barclay’s state-of-the-art Northern European campus HQ, together with an 18-storey, 324-apartment residential complex for Legal & General which completes later this year. The site will also provide a mix of local amenities and landscaped public spaces. Senior representatives from Drum, SLC, Legal & General and building contractor Graham Construction gathered to mark the occasion with a traditional ‘Topping Out’ ceremony celebrating the last concrete pour on the highest part of the building. Graeme Bone, Group Managing Director at Drum Property Group said: “We are now witnessing Buchanan Wharf’s true scope and potential being delivered before us. In less than four years, and during challenging times, our exciting development vision has now been fully realised. The Topping Out ceremony is both a celebration of a superb building, and a fitting testament to the confidence, commitment and resilience shown by Drum and all its development partners in finally delivering the wider Buchanan Wharf – one of Scotland’s most important commercial and residential projects. We are proud to be bringing new investment, energy and excitement to Glasgow’s city centre, placing the River Clyde once again at the heart of the city’s economic, social and cultural renaissance.” The SLC building supports the organisation’s ambition to become a more modern, responsive and sustainable organisation as part of its multi-year transformation programme to deliver an outstanding customer experience through the use of new technology. Stephen Campbell, Chief Information Officer for the Student Loans Company said: “The Buchanan Wharf development has transformed the landscape of the city centre, and the River Clyde, providing a prominent, state-of-the-art campus. We are thrilled that the structural work of our building is now complete, which has marked a vital milestone of this project. “We are now working more flexibly, spending time in the office and at home. This helps us harness the value of co-location – the social interaction, team connection, rich collaboration, enhanced quality of learning and sense of belonging we get from time spent in the office as well as the quiet focus and balance we get from working at home. We are creating an office experience, with the help of our colleagues, which encourages and facilitates collaboration as well as supports future ways of working. It will also allow us to continue to improve our customer experience to our eight million customers across the UK.” The building’s forward funding by Legal & General cements the ongoing and strong relationship with Drum Property Group, providing LGIM Real Assets with another government office for its regional portfolio. Neil Dovey, Head of Annuity Transaction for LGIM Real Assets, added: “We are pleased to see the building develop at pace and look forward to its completion next year. Buchanan Wharf is a scheme of the highest quality and this new building will sit alongside our Build to Rent scheme which opened last month. “The investment demonstrates our continued commitment to the regions, levelling up and the growing strength of regional hubs across the UK. Our Inclusive Capitalism purpose means we are uniquely positioned to deliver some of the UK’s most strategically important city centre and urban regeneration schemes that are fast transforming and reshaping Britain’s landscape, bringing jobs and services back into the centre of cities.” For more information on Buchanan Wharf, visit www.buchananwharf.com
Novus Property Solutions has continued its longstanding relationship with The Riverside Group with a high-volume framework contract for works across England, at an estimated value of over £970,000. The two-year planned multi-void replacement works will see Novus carry out a variety of refurbishment works across a significant number of properties up and down the country with the aim of getting families into homes, reducing existing voids and mitigating any rental losses. Novus and The Riverside Group have a pre-existing relationship with the leading maintenance and compliance contractor previously completing a variety of works for the housing association including fitting brand new kitchens, windows, doors and bathrooms on existing properties stretching across England. The Riverside Group is one of the leading registered providers of social housing within the UK, offering affordable housing as well as support to all of its residents regardless of their situation. It aims to transform lives through affordable home ownership and great value rent whilst adding to the local community’s wellbeing – closely linking with Novus’ own people-centric ethos which includes giving back to the communities in which it works. The Stoke-headquartered contractor will be supporting and working alongside the Direct Labour organisation to bring its expert solutions to allow more families to get into the homes they deserve at a much quicker rate. Commenting on the new framework win, Sam Frame, Head of Operations at Novus said: “We’re proud to have secured another multi-void framework contract with The Riverside Group and we’re looking forward to continuing to build on our existing relationship with The Riverside Group that allows us to work as one. “This contract comes as Novus continues to build on the success of our five-year growth strategy, which includes nurturing our relationship with our valued existing clients, as well as securing new high value, long term contracts.”
On World Mental Health Day which take place today, the 10th October 2022, Alex Minett, Head of Products and Markets at CHAS, offers five steps companies can take to make workplaces more inclusive for workers who have experienced mental health issues. It’s fair to say the covid-19 pandemic has fuelled a global emergency for mental health, and there’s no sign of letup with ongoing disruption to mental health services and access to treatment. This is compounded by the current cost-of-living crisis and the extra stressor this is putting on people’s everyday lives. A recent position statement published by The Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) calls for better workplace support when it comes to meeting mental health challenges to help people with mental health issues return to and stay in work. Indeed, latest statistics from the HSE put stress, anxiety and depression as the leading cause of sick leave, accounting for 50% of ill health absences. While this is a 6% increase on pre-pandemic levels, it’s worth noting that figures were already on the rise in 2019. What’s clear is that employers can play a significant role in providing mental health support not only to safeguard their workers’ wellbeing but to shore up business security and productivity too. 1. Create a culture of transparency One of the biggest barriers to addressing mental health is the ongoing stigma perpetuated by it being an invisible problem, particularly in the workplace. It stands to reason that the best way to create normalcy is to get people talking. The RCPsych report puts the onus on workplace leaders to start the conversation, recommending “that those in supervisory positions, from the most junior upwards, feel confident enough to identify potential mental health difficulties in their staff and to speak with them about such difficulties.” Whether this message is communicated through one-to-ones, informal forums, structured training or toolbox talks, the aim is to open up discussions around mental health so that an employee doesn’t suffer in silence and allow the problem to grow. 2. Offer flexibility and support According to mental health charity, Mind, studies consistently show that employees who feel valued and supported at work will have higher health and wellbeing levels leading to fewer mental health challenges. Being able to offer an improved work-life balance is within the remit of the employer. Where possible, consider offering remote or flexible working that balances employees’ individual needs with the business’s running. It is worth pointing out, however, that loneliness and isolation can be a key factor in mental health issues, so remote work comes with its own risk assessment requirements. Other positive steps employers can take include pointing employees in the direction of recommended counselling and support services and enabling access to them during working hours like they would for other medical appointments. As with any illness, employees returning to work following mental health-related sickness absence should be offered phased returns, return to work assessments and access to training to catch up on any career development they may have missed. 3. Review policies and procedures All relevant HR policies (including health and safety, sickness absence, grievance policies etc) should be joined up in their inclusion and approach to mental health. HR leaders should bear in mind that mental health issues might contribute to incidents leading to disciplinary action and performance management. They should also consider the impact of dismissal and redundancy on individuals by ensuring that appropriate support and access to advocates are available for those who need them. In terms of legislation, the Equality Act 2010 considers it a disability if someone has “a mental impairment that has a substantial, adverse, and long-term effect on [their] ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.” This means that employees with a mental health disability have the legal right to request reasonable adjustment changes to their job and receive protection from discrimination, victimisation and harassment. 4. Lead from the top Managers and leaders are in a unique position to send a clear message to staff about the importance of workplace wellbeing. In the first instance, they should prioritise understanding the triggers for workplace mental health issues, which may include working long hours without breaks, to overly pressurised working environments. They can then take steps to tackle where these issues may arise in their organisations by, for example, actively encouraging and role modelling healthy working habits such as taking full lunch breaks and annual leave as well as working sensible hours. Employee engagement is also crucial for employers to identify what they may need to do regarding challenging mental health issues. Staff forums and surveys are all useful for employers to take stock of their current approaches to mental health and identify where improvements are needed. 5. Strive to be better Promoting an organisation-wide mental health strategy signals a serious commitment to the issue of mental health, particularly when looking at it through the lens of a broader fairness, inclusion and respect (FIR) approach to working practices which include mental health among its many other topics. A strategy should centre around promoting staff wellbeing, identifying the causes of work-related mental health problems and what support staff need. Where employers are looking to strengthen their approach to this issue, undertaking the CHAS FIR growth assessment will set a benchmark for what they are doing now against what more they need to do to achieve industry best practice and ultimately become industry leaders in supporting mental health challenges in the workplace. Conclusion Positive employment has a vital role to play in promoting better mental health. Where, according to RCPsych, a ‘good workplace’ offers “benefits such as job security, an appropriate wage, positive work-life balance, opportunities for career progression, and supportive mental health and wellbeing policies”, employers can look to be rewarded by a loyal, more productive workforce contributing to better business performance.
SIG Building Solutions has entered the solar car parking structure market with a range of designs developed to help private and public sector organisations with large parking facilities to capitalise on the opportunities the structures provide for generating solar energy and reducing their carbon footprint. Designed and manufactured in the UK from UK held steel stock, SIG Building Solutions’ structures can be developed, manufactured and delivered in a matter of months, depending on planning approvals. SIG works in conjunction with the solar system provider to provide the structure element. With a number of solar car parking structure projects already in the pipeline for SIG Building Solutions, including large commercial and industrial schemes, the business is well positioned to continue to meet the growing demand. Guy Chilvers, SIG’s Solar structural canopies business development manager, has spent ten years in the market, including five years specialising in car parking structure design with involvement in projects such as Bentley Motors, Crewe, and Falkirk Council’s EV Hub, which has 200 parking spaces and was officially opened in September 2020. He says, “With solar car parking structures, any organisation with a significant area of parking space, can generate power and save money. At the same time, the watertight canopies help to protect vehicles from the elements. Our structures are designed to have a fully watertight canopy, guttering and cable containment.” In 2017 SIG Building Solutions company Steadmans manufactured the steel framing for the Bentley Motors solar car parking structure in Crewe, which covers 1,200 car parking spaces and provides 25 per cent of the electricity demand for the factory. Darren Hall, Steadman’s commercial director, said, “Having supplied the steelwork for the Bentley project we are excited to have re-entered the market.” During 2022 SIG Building Solutions has developed a range of structure designs for the commercial market with the aim of providing an ‘off-the-shelf’ solution at a viable price. The investment has resulted in unique structural designs that require less steel, so reducing the cost, and can be installed efficiently to minimise disruption to car parking during installation. SIG offers a choice of canopies depending on clients’ requirements and on-site analysis. The options are based around three main designs: a double gull wing design ideal for east/west facing panels; a double mono version providing maximum area for south facing panels; and a single row structure specifically designed for EV charge points. To specify the most effective structure, SIG Building Solutions undertake a complete analysis of potential car parks, looking at location, shading, drainage and power requirements. The location of the canopies within the car park and orientation is vital to obtaining a good return on investment, says Guy Chilvers. Renders of the site are produced to support the quotation and these can be used for planning applications. “Hospitals, schools, leisure centres, airports, office complexes, factories, shopping centres and railway station car parks – really the scope for solar car parking structures is tremendous,” adds Guy Chilvers. SIG Building Solutions SIG Building Solutions group businesses produced over three million metres of profiled steel sheeting in 2021. Across its six sites the business sold over 800,000 metres of insulated panel. SIG Building Solutions is part of SIG plc, a leading supplier of specialist insulation and sustainable building products and solutions with an emphasis on expertise and service. SIG plc has 6,800 employees, 432 sites and 250,000 product lines. SIG plc is committed to supporting customers to make tangible steps towards a greener future. For more information, contact Guy Chilvers, SIG Building Solutions, on 07528 777513 Email: GuyChilvers@SIGbuildingsolutions.co.uk
A local affordable housing association serving Surrey, East and West Sussex is relaunching its sustainability event series, with the first event taking place at the WWF Living Planet Centre in Woking. Greenoak Housing Association which owns and manages 550 homes, is reaffirming its commitment to sustainability through the event, which will take place on 14 October 2022, and is relaunching its commitment to share good practice with others through periodic briefings prior to Covid. The event will see representatives from Greenoak collaborate with speakers from architects, Studio Partington, and fellow housing association Stonewater. The session, which runs from 12:30pm to 4pm, will cover topics such as building standards for low carbon projects, the urgent transition to becoming a zero-carbon housing provider as well as a panel discussion. The relaunch of the series follows the announcement earlier in 2022 of a proposed partnership between Greenoak and Stonewater, with the aim of delivering more sustainable new homes and driving the net zero agenda as sector leaders. Vicki March, Director of Development and Sustainability at Greenoak said: “Climate change mitigation has been at the centre of Greenoak for over 20 years. We adopted our first sustainability policy in 1999 where we moved away from developer-led and design and build schemes to developing low environmental impact housing using expert design teams. “Our previous series of sustainability events came to an end in 2017 and with delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic, now is the perfect opportunity for us to revive our sustainability series to really focus on transitioning to a zero-carbon organisation and sharing our insight from this process. “By bringing in the expertise from Stonewater, which shares our ambition to grow with a commitment to sustainability, we’re further strengthening the relationship following our partnership proposal.” Adam Masters, Assistant Director of Environment and Sustainability at Stonewater said: “We’re excited to be participating in the inaugural relaunch of Greenoak’s sustainability series as the relationship between our two organisations is based on a shared commitment to environmental sustainability. “With a wide range of challenges facing the sector, a partnership with Greenoak will enable us to be at the forefront of combatting environmental issues and the sustainability series is just one of the steps we’re taking to build collaboration.” Vicki added: “We look forward to welcoming delegates from other housing associations, Councils and organisations across the sector to the event at this highly sustainable and beautiful building, which is the world headquarters of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). We hope the discussions that take place will help inspire others to continue on their own pathway to the important actions needed.” To register to attend the event, visit https://www.greenoakha.org/news.html or contact ericka.gastaldon@greenoakha.org for more information.
Views are being sought on a scheme that will transform the station gateway and enable more people to travel sustainably by train. blocwork – a partnership between Network Rail and bloc Group – is hosting a public consultation ahead of the submission of a planning application on its proposals to regenerate an area surrounding Northampton Train Station. The plans will see a new multi-storey car park constructed to allow for an increase in passengers using the station. Once complete, a further two sites will then be developed in a second phase which will provide a hotel and new homes. These will be developed on the area of land where the existing surface and deck car park currently sit. A covered walkway is also planned for pedestrians travelling between the station and the car park. The site currently consists of two areas of open surface car-parking, alongside an adjoining single deck car park. The current parking provision fails to meet demand resulting in many people choosing instead to commute to London and other areas by car rather than by train, despite the town enjoying good rail links that offer far more environmentally sustainable journeys and the opportunity for commuters to avoid road traffic congestion. The current use of the whole area for parking means the area lacks vibrancy and can feel unwelcoming. The new proposals will change this and deliver a new gateway into Northampton. The new homes and hotel are intended to bring more people to the station area, helping to stimulate the local economy and facilities around the station, while making the area feel more welcoming by day and night. The new car park, to be built ahead of the hotel and apartments in a first phase, will increase the total amount of parking available, improving the capacity for people to travel by train, while also providing a new modern parking facility. By constructing the new car park first, parking provision for the station can be maintained throughout the delivery period of the project. As part of the regeneration of the site, new public realm improvements, such as new planting and paving, are planned to improve the access to the station and passenger access to the wider project. Commenting on the proposals, Chris Byrne from Network Rail said: “It’s really exciting to be able to share these plans with local people so they can shape how we transform the area around Northampton station and make it fit for the future. We know that there have long been calls for better parking at the station and with the railway at the centre of this redevelopment we believe it will encourage more people to make long distance journeys by using the greenest form of public transport and encourage passengers to make more sustainable travel choices.” The consultation will run from Monday 10 October to Friday 28 October 2022. A consultation website is available to view the plans and provide feedback at www.northamptonstationgateway.co.uk and an email address is also available for people to comment or ask questions (info@northamptonstationgateway.co.uk). The team will be on hand to answer questions about the plans between 3pm and 7pm on the concourse level at Northampton Station on Monday 17 October. The consultation displays will then remain in situ until Sunday 23 October. We want to hear local people’s views on our plans for the Northampton Station Gateway. You can leave feedback by: Filling in our feedback form on our website www.northamptonstationgateway.co.uk Ringing us and telling us your thoughts 0808 175 3293 Emailing us info@northamptonstationgateway.co.uk