Sovini Construction, part of The Sovini Group, has been appointed to LHC’s £1bn new build housing framework (H2) which will deliver public sector construction projects across England. Following the appointment to the framework, Sovini Construction will have access to a wide range of exciting projects until 2026 as part of
Tellon Capital have appointed Henry Construction Projects Limited as the main contractor for the construction phase on their site at 40 Broadway in the heart of Westminster. The 40 Broadway site originally comprised a mid-1960s office building at 40/48 Broadway with large car park, 1920s “warehouse” style building at 1/11 Carteret Street
LEADING East Midlands contractor Kori Construction has broken ground on a new care home development in Rayleigh, Essex, in a contractor worth £10m. The business is bringing forward the high quality, 60-bedroom facility on Rawreth Lane in the town, on behalf of independent care provider Barchester Healthcare. The care home
Upskilling the next generation of construction workers has been the central focus of the delivery of the new Showtown – Blackpool’s first museum – with contractor, Conlon Construction, ensuring local youngsters play an integral role in its completion. The £13million attraction, which will be located in the heart of the
Cintoo, the leader in providing a cutting-edge SaaS-based cloud solution for managing reality capture data such as laser scanning for the construction, architectural and engineering disciplines, is proud to announce that it has been accepted as an Autodesk Construction Cloud Premium Integration partner. As a leader in promoting collaborative efforts
Leading wet civil engineering firm, Land & Water has been awarded a place on the Non Complex, Canal & River Trust CEC Framework in three regions for a four year term. The regions are Wales and South West, London and South East and East Midlands. Land & Water has worked
Keystone Group is delighted to launch Keystone Live this autumn with a series of free webinar debates featuring expert industry speakers. Introducing four separate webinars, the series covers a range of topics and issues including the delivery of net zero housing, offsite construction, designing with non-combustible materials and how the
National planning consultancy Boyer (part of Leaders Romans Group)has secured a positive resolution to approve planning permission on behalf of Hebburn Riverside Development Ltd for the development of 446 homes, community and commercial space at the former Hawthorne Leslie Shipyard on Ellison Street in Hebburn. This resolution was achieved at
Unveils an open-protocol, easy-to-install digital solution Designed to appeal to both end-users and installers to deliver safety, security and choice across industries Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI), the global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, offers an alternative approach to fire detection through its FireClass range, a class of open-protocol fire
With high inflation rates on the cards Ratings Experts tell Government it’s even more important to abolish downwards transition to support beleaguered sector Business rates experts at Colliers are urging the government to remove fears that the expected cut to business rates bills for the retail sector in England will
Sovini Construction, part of The Sovini Group, has been appointed to LHC’s £1bn new build housing framework (H2) which will deliver public sector construction projects across England. Following the appointment to the framework, Sovini Construction will have access to a wide range of exciting projects until 2026 as part of the deal. The framework offers a range of traditional housing solutions to the public sector, as well as low, medium, and high-rise construction, care homes, mixed-use sites and sheltered, student and key worker accommodation. In addition, the framework also provides a focus on creating net-zero homes which Sovini Construction proudly back through their own Group’s Net-Zero Carbon Commitment. LHC is a not-for-profit, central purchasing body providing procurement services across England, Scotland and Wales. Dean Fazackerley, Head of Technical Procurement at LHC, said: “The new H2 framework in England will equip providers to meet ongoing housing challenges within the public sector, addressing local housing demand while maintaining momentum in their journey towards the production of zero carbon homes. It’s hugely important that we continue to respond to the housing needs of local populations while at the same time looking to the future, creating healthier environments that embody social, human, and environmental considerations.” LHC frameworks are used by over 700 publicly funded organisations including local authorities, housing associations, registered social landlords, tenant management organisations, education authorities, publicly funded schools, further education authorities, NHS bodies and other publicly funded organisations. Sovini Construction has been successfully appointed their North West new build housing projects up to value of £10m. Steve Parrington, Managing Director of Sovini Construction, said: “The LHC framework provides a flexible and efficient procurement route for local authorities and social housing landlords. We are proud to have secured our place on their North West new build framework. “We look forward to strengthening our relationship with the LHC to deliver vital infrastructure for communities across the North West and working with local supply chain partners to leave lasting legacies in the areas in which we work”. Sovini Construction are delighted to partner with LHC, one of the UK’s leading, not-for-profit procurement consortiums within the built environment. To learn about the positive impact Sovini Construction in creating across the North west visit – https://sovini.co.uk/construction/ or follow them on LinkedIn @Soviniconstruction
Tellon Capital have appointed Henry Construction Projects Limited as the main contractor for the construction phase on their site at 40 Broadway in the heart of Westminster. The 40 Broadway site originally comprised a mid-1960s office building at 40/48 Broadway with large car park, 1920s “warehouse” style building at 1/11 Carteret Street and a further 1980s office building at 13/15 Carteret Street. Tellon secured planning permission in 2018 for a comprehensive redevelopment. The scheme proposes complete redevelopment to create a distinct office building providing approximately 135,000 sqft GIA of new high quality bespoke accommodation in this sought after location. The scheme includes a series of terraces at various levels with views across St James’s Park. Demolition of the existing buildings is now nearing completion and Henry Construction Projects Limited have been appointed for the construction phase to bring the proposed plans to reality from the end of October. Tellon Capital was established in 2014 and via the acquisition of high quality investments patiently unlocks asset potential and has developed a reputation for delivering high level returns through innovative and well executed asset management initiatives. James Burchell, a partner at Tellon said “We are excited about delivering a top quality ESG compliant office building in this prime location and are thrilled to have appointed Henry Construction Projects Limited to be our main contractor for the construction phase at 40 Broadway. Their focus on delivering many services in-house means we can deliver a scheme of the highest standards. We look forward to working with them” Henry is one of the UK’s leading construction firms. Their focus is on using traditional building techniques and modern methods of construction and can now deliver between 50-70% of the trades in-house. Mark Henry, Director of Henry Construction Projects Limited said “We are delighted to have been appointed as main contractor for the construction of new offices at 40 Broadway. We look forward to delivering a high quality scheme in a prime location.”
LEADING East Midlands contractor Kori Construction has broken ground on a new care home development in Rayleigh, Essex, in a contractor worth £10m. The business is bringing forward the high quality, 60-bedroom facility on Rawreth Lane in the town, on behalf of independent care provider Barchester Healthcare. The care home is part of a wider plan for a new residential scheme on land to the north of London Road which includes outline planning permission for up to 500 houses as well as non-residential facilities. Occupying a 0.44 hectare green field site, it will provide high quality living accommodation and care to elderly and frail residents, along with communal facilities, landscaped grounds and parking facilities for visitors. Wayne Bedier, Project Manager for Kori Construction at Rayleigh, said the care home had been designed with a contemporary material palette to reflect the style of the surrounding properties. The layout of the home has been carefully considered to provide a safe and secure environment for residents, along with effective infection control. Mr Bedier said: “We are delighted to be able to break ground and start work on this important development. “Rayleigh is a very popular and attractive town and as a result, there is significant demand for residential care. As in common with all Barchester Healthcare care homes, this development will provide a high quality solution, helping meet that demand. “Each bedroom will have its own private wet room and en-suite facilities, ensuring continued independent living for residents, and the wings and floors have been designed to function autonomously from each other allowing isolation to take place in the event of a virus outbreak. “This ensures that the care home will provide precisely the right balance of independent living and security, giving residents and their family members complete peace of mind.” The three storey property will have a total internal area of 3572m2. The design includes 15 ground floor bedrooms, 21 bedrooms on the first floor, and 24 on the second floor. Building materials include red multi brick walls with dark grey cladding, dark grey roof tiles and natural stone window sills. The development was also designed with sustainability in mind, achieving a ‘very good’ BREEAM rating due to PV panels on the roof, and a target to reduce water usage on site by 25%. There will also be four EV charging points in car park which has a total of 24 car parking spaces, including two disabled spaces. Mr Bedier added the development was forecast to be completed by December, 2023. “This is a fantastic scheme on a well-proportioned site,” he said. “Now work has got underway, we’re expecting to good progress on the build to ensure it is delivered on time.”
Upskilling the next generation of construction workers has been the central focus of the delivery of the new Showtown – Blackpool’s first museum – with contractor, Conlon Construction, ensuring local youngsters play an integral role in its completion. The £13million attraction, which will be located in the heart of the seaside town, has seen a wealth of regional construction suppliers – including James Mercer Group, Chris Bowker Electrical and LN Joinery – come together under Conlon’s lead to enable young people the opportunity to learn key skills on site as part of apprenticeships, T Levels and HNC qualifications. In total, 11 students have been involved in the landmark project, which Bamber Bridge-based Conlon says will play a big role in ensuring the local construction talent pipeline is armed for years to come. Jasmine Lee, 21, said: “Working on Showtown has opened my eyes to the variety of different roles available for females in construction. “After I finished my GCSEs, I completed six weeks’ work experience with Conlon and then undertook an apprenticeship, gaining experience in quantity surveying, estimating and contract management. This opportunity gave me a thirst for more, and now I’m planning a degree in construction project management with the University of Bolton while working with Conlon on landmark developments such as Showtown. Together, these things are ensuring I’m armed with the right experience and expertise to create a strong career and future for myself.” Claudiu Mathe, 22, said: “I’ve been working on the Showtown museum for just over a month as part of my T Level course with Blackpool and The Fylde College. I’m training in plumbing and heating, and being able to work on this project has made me excited for my future – I can see myself, in five years’ time, having a van with my name on it, running my own business.” Aimee Buck, 27, said: “I work in business development and really enjoy the process of listening to what a client wants and then putting together all the documentation and information required to help us win the business. I’m in the process of completing an HNC in construction and the built environment at Preston College, so having the opportunity to work on Showtown is providing a great amount of experience and knowledge that I wouldn’t have had access to elsewhere. Plus, it’s preparing me for my future in the industry.” Toby Cian, 19, said: “As a joinery apprentice, I’ve learnt a lot of different interpersonal skills like patience, independence and confidence, and am getting to know more about the different jobs it takes to pull together a project like Showtown. In five years’ time, with this type of experience under my belt, I hope to be working for various different projects as a fully qualified joiner.” Neil Conlon, business development manager at Conlon Construction, said: “Showtown is just one of many projects we have partnered with Blackpool Council on in recent years, although our relationship spans several decades. We’re always keen to demonstrate that we are avid supporters of the local community, which is why we ensure that 80 per cent of our workforce and suppliers are based within a 30-mile radius of our projects. “The same applies for the young people we bring into projects like this one. The region urgently needs a conveyor belt of talented tradespeople to support our future infrastructure, and we want to play a role in achieving that. Because without the support of apprentices and other students, our business wouldn’t be what it is. This is our future and every business in Lancashire and the wider North West should be taking similar steps to support the next generation of talent.” Cllr Lynn Williams, Blackpool Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Tourism, Arts and Culture, said: “It’s fantastic to see young people playing a major role in the delivery of the Showtown development and learn key skills on site as part of their apprenticeships, T Levels courses and HNC qualifications. “The hard work and enthusiasm from the students is inspiring and it’s wonderful to see young women learning about the variety of different roles available for females in construction. “Showtown will join other iconic attractions in the town and will celebrate Blackpool’s rich heritage by bringing people together to celebrate the resort’s story. The museum will be enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors alike when it opens next year.” Showtown will be operated and managed by the Blackpool Heritage and Museum Trust. The museum will be located close to the Blackpool Tower and consists of interactive galleries that tell stories from the world of Shows, Circus, Magic, Dance, the Illuminations and all the joy of being by the seaside. Along with a temporary exhibition space and learning space, there will be a retail outlet selling souvenirs inspired by the world of entertainment. Showtown, due to open its doors in spring 2023, is a vital regeneration project for Blackpool, and is set to welcome 290,000 visitors each year offering a significant boost to tourist numbers and economic growth.
Cintoo, the leader in providing a cutting-edge SaaS-based cloud solution for managing reality capture data such as laser scanning for the construction, architectural and engineering disciplines, is proud to announce that it has been accepted as an Autodesk Construction Cloud Premium Integration partner. As a leader in promoting collaborative efforts and providing cloud-based resources in the areas of digital design and construction, Cintoo is providing its extensive knowledge and thought leadership in reality capture to promote the combined use of Autodesk Construction Cloud® and Cintoo Cloud for all aspects of design and construction. Using Cintoo Cloud, BIM or CAD files can be seamlessly uploaded for comparison to the mesh-based laser scan and drone data. They can then be compared to the as-built conditions to evaluate them against the intended design. Cintoo’s goal in joining the Autodesk Construction Cloud Premium Integration partner program is to drive reality data adoption to help builders reduce costs by ensuring what is being built is according to the plans. “Cintoo is proud to participate in the Autodesk Construction Cloud Premium Integration Partner program. Our membership will allow interested users to learn about the latest advancements in reality capture, providing leading edge support for their Autodesk BIM or CAD designs. By joining the Autodesk Construction Cloud Premium Integration Partner program, Cintoo confirms its goal to provide more value to Autodesk customers. We offer a browser-based solution that leverages a unique point cloud-to-mesh technology and the TurboMesh™ streaming engine, to allow any expert or non-expert access to high resolution 3D scans and models from anywhere at any time,” said Dominique Pouliquen, CEO and Product Manager at Cintoo. “Autodesk Construction Cloud customers are among the most ardent users of Cintoo Cloud by utilizing inherent uploading of Autodesk BIM models for design comparison to scanned reality data. Working in concert with Autodesk Construction Cloud, users can easily create and share annotations or issues with their distributed team members.” “By positioning Cintoo Cloud with the Autodesk Construction Cloud Premium Integration Partner program, users can create additional value for all Autodesk Construction Cloud customers. Cintoo allows users to easily and continuously update their BIM and CAD models and optimize their decision-making process over the life of the project.” Cintoo’s Chief Sales Officer Rob Rasnic further stated, “Reality capture is an essential component of the Autodesk Construction Cloud ecosystem and Cintoo is proud to work in collaboration with the Autodesk Construction Cloud Premium Integration Partner program to educate and inform all users on all aspects of optimizing their designs thanks to accurate, trustful and shareable reality capture data.” To learn more about Cintoo Cloud please visit: https://cintoo.com/ or go to the Autodesk App Store here: Cintoo Autodesk App Store
Leading wet civil engineering firm, Land & Water has been awarded a place on the Non Complex, Canal & River Trust CEC Framework in three regions for a four year term. The regions are Wales and South West, London and South East and East Midlands. Land & Water has worked with Canal & River Trust for over 20 years now, as its official dredging contractor, and so this framework will see the firm extend its services to maintain the Trust’s 2,000 miles of canal networks. Lucy Lee, Contracts Manager at Land & Water, said: “We are thrilled to be expanding our relationship with the Canal & River Trust and supporting them across the different regions to maintain and enhance the 200 year old waterways. “We are already proudly responsible for the delivery of all dredging, vegetation clearance and associated minor ancillary civils whilst also being the charity’s contractor of choice for all moorings and marina development. “Land & Water prides itself on working collaboratively with clients to deliver sustainable solutions, as part of our drive to becoming carbon net zero, whilst protecting the environments we work within. We are very much looking forward to continuing to strengthen our relationship with the Canal & River Trust.” The framework will cover civil engineering and maintenance works to the canal networks including construction work, culverts, bridges, footpaths, weirs and reservoirs.
Keystone Group is delighted to launch Keystone Live this autumn with a series of free webinar debates featuring expert industry speakers. Introducing four separate webinars, the series covers a range of topics and issues including the delivery of net zero housing, offsite construction, designing with non-combustible materials and how the industry is tackling climate change. The first online debate, ‘How are we going to deliver Net Zero Housing?’, takes place on Thursday September 29th.With the UK facing the ambitious target of being net zero by 2050, the latest changes to Building Regulations are an all-important stepping stone to the Future Homes Standard. But with more stringent standards in the pipeline, is this achievable? Moderated by experienced journalist Ruth Slavid, this first webinar also poses the following questions:• How do we address the performance gap? • How do we build as designed?• What are the key areas we should be looking at to help improve the fabric of buildings?• Is the target of 75-80% less carbon emissions from new homes when compared to current regulations achievable?• How can manufacturers support the drive for net zero? • What role does product innovation play? Featuring debate, discussion and Q & A, the webinar has a stellar line-up of industry panellists including Martin Townsend, Director for BSI Centre of Excellence for Sustainability, Ben Cheetham, Senior Group Technical & Innovation Coordinator at Barratt Developments, Robin Dryer, Director and Architect at CDC Studio and representatives from Keystone Lintels and Keylite. The second in the webinar series on Thursday October 12th, ‘Does Offsite Construction Offer a Credible Solution to Addressing the Need for More Housing, Improved Quality and Better Value?’ focuses on the benefits of offsite construction and why the industry needs to increase its adoption. Panellists include Mark Farmer, CEO of Cast, Stephen Wightman, UK MMC Lead at Faithful+Gould and Kevin Dundas, MMC & Offsite Manager at Wilmott Dixon. Thursday November 3rd sees the webinar series ask the question: ‘Is the Construction Industry Doing Enough to Tackle Climate Change?’. Will Arnold, Head of Climate Action at Institution of Structural Engineers, Dr Oliver Jones, Research Director at Ryder Architecture and Nitesh Magdani, Director of Net Positive Solutions will offer their insight and perspectives and what we need to do as an industry to slow climate change. The final webinar on Thursday November 16th, Designing with Non-Combustible Materials will explore the challenges and key considerations when designing tall buildings and how products have evolved to meet new regulations. Ready to share their experience are expert speakers including Richard Smith, Head of Standards, Innovation & Research at NHBC and Nigel Shields, Director of Quality at Durkan. Keystone Group Marketing Director, Hayley Lowry commented “The Keystone Live series of webinars explores key themes from various industry standpoints. Debated by commentators, consultants, specifiers, contractors and product specialists – these free events are set to provide a complete 360˚ analysis of the issues at hand and are not to be missed.” For more information about Keystone Group visit https://keystonegroup.co.uk/ or to book your free place on these webinars
National planning consultancy Boyer (part of Leaders Romans Group)has secured a positive resolution to approve planning permission on behalf of Hebburn Riverside Development Ltd for the development of 446 homes, community and commercial space at the former Hawthorne Leslie Shipyard on Ellison Street in Hebburn. This resolution was achieved at South Tyneside’s Planning Committee on Monday 5 September. The development will represent a significant regeneration project, transforming the 3.7ha former dockyard into a vibrant new community with homes, flexible community spaces, shop and restaurant. The new community will be set in an attractively landscaped setting on the banks of the River Tyne. A range of community uses, including ‘pop up’ uses, are envisaged for the new pavilion building, which will also host a permanent exhibition depicting the rich history of the site. The design has been influenced by the site’s shipbuilding heritage: the design of the larger scale apartment buildings pays homage to the ships that were once constructed within the shipyard, with design elements providing subtle references to marine construction. The houses will reflect the Victorian style of architecture found elsewhere in Hebburn. In acknowledgement to the site’s important wartime history, it is proposed that the development is named ‘Kelly’s Yard’ in honour of the World War II K-class destroyer, HMS Kelly, which was built and launched at the site in 1938. HMS Kelly was named after the Admiral of the Fleet, Sir John Kelly. Phillip Allin, Director of planning consultancy Boyer said, ‘We are delighted to have achieved this positive outcome which will lead to the transformation of this brownfield site bringing a vacant and inaccessible section of the riverside back into active use, creating a vibrant and sustainable community though an appropriate mix of much-needed homes and community uses. ‘The new scheme will result in the remediation of this former industrial site, making it safe for future generations. It will ensure the protection of local mudflats and saltmarshes which are of importance ecologically, and reduce the pressure on the Green Belt – a significant consideration in the emerging Local Plan.’ Mark Russell and Barry Holmes of LDA Design conceived and masterplanned the vision for the redevelopment, supported by consultants Design Division, Tetra Tech, Wardell Armstrong, Andy Clay Consulting, UES ecology, GIA, Ollio, Purcell, Turner Townsend, Avison Young and RPS. –
Unveils an open-protocol, easy-to-install digital solution Designed to appeal to both end-users and installers to deliver safety, security and choice across industries Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI), the global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, offers an alternative approach to fire detection through its FireClass range, a class of open-protocol fire detection products, and seen as a step away from its previously perceived perception in the market of only offering managed or closed-protocol systems. FireClass consists of a comprehensive range of industry-approved products for use in commercial, residential, corporate, retail, leisure, care home, and manufacturing and warehouse environments to make spaces safer and more secure in the event of a fire. Johnson Controls FireClass is the culmination of digital fire detection technology built on over 50 years of dedication and performance. It uses the latest fire detection technology and is packaged in an easy-to-install, out-of-the-box, and digitally open-protocol solution with ISO 9001-2000 quality registrations and major international performance standards and approvals. “Opening up our fire detection portfolio by offering open-protocol with FireClass solidifies our commitment to providing a flexible approach to safety in the places and spaces that surround us. We pride ourselves on having an acute understanding of fire safety and protection and these product innovations are based on our knowledge of customer needs to make our places safer and more secure.” said Adam Norris, Head of Product Management at Johnson Controls. “Our mission is to advance safety by finding smarter ways to save lives, improve businesses and protect where people live and work. Individually, each product represents the highest levels of research, development and proven performance, but together, they add up to most encompassing source of protection a customer will find.” The FireClass product range was specifically designed to provide the most effective and efficient system for the environment and for those responsible for installing and maintaining the system. Open protocol for fire detection, open choice for the future. To learn more about FireClass and the full suite of products, please visit: https://www.johnsoncontrols.com/en_gb/campaigns/fireclass-open-protocol
With high inflation rates on the cards Ratings Experts tell Government it’s even more important to abolish downwards transition to support beleaguered sector Business rates experts at Colliers are urging the government to remove fears that the expected cut to business rates bills for the retail sector in England will be significantly watered down by transitional relief – to the cost of around £2.68 billion for the sector alone over the three years of the new 2023 list. And the highest inflation rates since the early 1990s have been making the situation worse. With August CPI announced today at 9.9% and expectations it will be 11% for September, Colliers is urging the government to announce it will pass on the expected reductions in business rates bills following the next revaluation in April 2023 immediately, rather than to phase them in slowly over the three years of the new list. In the first commercial property revaluation since 2017, retailers who currently pay about £7.625 billion of the £26 billion tax are expecting substantial reductions in one of their biggest outgoings, since in most regions of the country rental values for the retail sector have fallen sharply in recent years. However, as part of each revaluation, the government decides whether to implement transitional relief which phases in reductions and increases. The retail sector overall has a total rateable value of c£15.8 billion, which according to Colliers is expected to drop toc £12.64 billion* following an estimated average 20% drop in rents. On paper this should mean that next year from April 2023 businesses in the retail sector should be paying c£6.46 billion in business rates. Yet if phased reductions are introduced due to a downwards transition policy, Colliers estimate the sector will in fact pay c £8.11 billion, £1.65 billion more than they should be and for some retail businesses, because of levels of inflation, higher bills than they are paying now. And over the three years of the list, retailers that should be paying a total business rates bill of c£21.45 billion will in fact be pay c £24.13 billion if downwards transition is introduced – an extra £2.68 billion more. According to Colliers downwards transition following the last revaluation in 2017 was one of the key factors in keeping rate bills higher in the struggling retail sector than they should have been and led to the closure of retailers such as ToysRUs and Laura Ashley- even before the pandemic hit. John Webber, Head of Business Rates at Colliers said, “We have been campaigning for the removal of downwards transition and have strongly made our arguments to government in their recent consultation on the topic which closed in August. “Many retailers have been battered in the last few years, and really need to see the reductions on their business rates bills immediately in 2023- not phased in slowly. The sector is already coming under immense pressure following the energy crisis and high business rates could tip many over the edge. Operators in the sector will be considering their business plans now for next year and will be looking closely at their future business rates liabilities, particularly now the Covid-related reliefs have come to an end. Some may well end up making drastic decisions. He continued, “Our figures – based on an average 20% drop in rental values – are actually very conservative. For many stores particularly in shopping centres and on non-prime high streets, rents have fallen further reaching 40% or even 60% falls. For these businesses an out of step phased reduction of their business rates bills will be disastrous. “There is no downward transition in Scotland or Wales, so why is it considered sensible for England?”* “It is essential the new Prime Minister take this issue seriously and provides reassurance that rates bills next year will immediately reflect the lower rents we are seeing in the market today – providing incentives for businesses to keep or expand space and for property investors to invest in the sector. Without this reassurance, the government’s “levelling up agenda” will be meaningless and the revival of the high street will be pie in the sky thinking.“