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Kenneth Booth

UK construction redundancies fall to lowest figure since records began

Kenneth Booth July 20, 2022

Dominick Sandford, Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect and ElectricalDirect, said:  “During the first few months of the pandemic, the job security of construction workers was thrown into serious doubt, and sadly tens of thousands of employees lost their jobs. However, the latest ONS data shows that the situation has really turned

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BUILDING SERVICES CONSULTANTS REPORT STRONG FIRST HALF YEAR GROWTH AND PIPELINE OF ORDERS

Kenneth Booth July 20, 2022

Building services engineering consultants FHP has seen strong growth following new work to support multi-million-pound projects across the UK and a healthy forward order book. The company, which provides mechanical, electrical and public health building services design and building physics engineering to national commercial, industrial, leisure, education, residential and infrastructure real

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Trade associations BESA and TICA sound fire alarm over pre-insulated pipework

Kenneth Booth July 20, 2022

Two leading trade associations have called for more rigorous checks on the fire safety of pre-insulated pipework installed in buildings.  The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) and the Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) have issued a joint statement raising questions about the suitability of pipework normally used for underground and

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CONSTRUCTION WORK BEGINS AT SCOTLAND’S FIRST INLAND SURFING DESTINATION 

Kenneth Booth July 20, 2022

Major construction work at Scotland’s newest leisure and staycation destination, Wavegarden Scotland, got underway today in Ratho, near Edinburgh. The £55m landmark development will be the country’s first inland surfing destination using revolutionary new technology. The Wavegarden Scotland development is expected to open to the public in Summer 2024 –

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Barhale wins Hampton Loade water treatment works civils package

Kenneth Booth July 19, 2022

RSE (Ross-shire Engineering) has awarded Barhale a key civil engineering package as part of its £55M rebuilding and refurbishment project at South Staffs Water’s Hampton Loade water treatment works. RSE is an engineering group that specialises in the design, build and maintenance of water treatment and water recycling equipment. RSE

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Latest Issue
Issue 343 : Aug 2026

Kenneth Booth

Ground broken on latest multi-million development to come to prime logistics site at Bolsover, North Derbyshire.

Kenneth Booth July 21, 2022

New £20M 113,000 sq ft robot led HQ/Warehouse Facility under construction for fast-growing pharmacy chain Peak Pharmacy at new Horizon 29 development. St Francis Group, a leading UK-based property development and investment group and an expert in brownfield development and regeneration and its joint venture partner ALMCOR has announced that it has officially broken ground on a new 113,000 sq ft robot led HQ/warehouse for fast growing Chesterfield based Pharmacy Chain Peak Pharmacy at its much sought after Horizon 29 industrial development site at Bolsover, North Derbyshire. Works on the £20M ultra-modern headquarters and facility commenced at the start of June and are accelerating rapidly.  The new facility will use state of the art robotics and automated systems to support staff handling over 400,000 medicines and other prescribed items every month, equating to 20,000 a day, more than 40 every minute. The new Pharmacy Service Centre will handle prescriptions and dispatch medicines for the firm’s 150 community pharmacies across England. Prescriptions will be assembled for individual patients, then either delivered to local pharmacies for collection the next day, or direct to patients’ homes. The new hub is expected to take 9 months to build and due to open in April next year. It will house up to 100 staff, with the potential to grow into a 24-hour operation in future. MCS Construction has been appointed as the main building contractor.  St Francis Group also acknowledges the support of the Northeast Derbyshire District Council, Bolsover District Council, Derbyshire County Council and the D2N2 LEP in bringing this development forward. Speaking about the start on site Gareth Williams, Development Director at St Francis Group, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have formally marked the start of works onsite and to be building this fantastic new facility for fast-growing customer Peak Pharmacy with the team onsite already having made significant progress.  This new facility serves as the first unit to be built at Horizon 29, welcoming our first occupier.  Since we commenced the extensive remediation of the site interest in the scheme has been extensive and the recent sale by the JV of 80 acres of land to BentallGreenOak for the speculative development of 1.2 million sq ft of warehouse and logistics space speaks to that. We look forward to working with the team at Peak Pharmacy and delivering a first-class facility next year.” Also in comment Joe Cattee, the Managing Director of Peak Pharmacy, said: “These are ambitious plans for our company, staff and customers – in the face of a rapidly changing pharmacy landscape. This new facility will be truly transformational for us. We’re investing now to future-proof our business, so that we can continue to provide great local customer service which means so much to us. We are very pleased to be working with St Francis and ALMCOR and the full project team and look forward to seeing the development rise out of the ground as it happens.” For further information on the development visit: www.horizon29.com

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YOUNG CONSTRUCTION LEADERS FORM FUTURE INNOVATION GROUP TO TACKLE INDUSTRY’S MOST PRESSING ISSUES

Kenneth Booth July 21, 2022

A BRAND-NEW cross-specialism group has been formed to bring together the brightest young minds across the construction industry. Looking to harness the power of collective innovation, the Future Innovation Group aims to tackle construction’s biggest issues and create a springboard for change, with new thinking from the leaders of tomorrow. Led by a steering group of placement students, the initiative is open to young people in any construction-related business sector – from contractors to marketeers – and is backed by industry-leading companies including Morgan Sindall and Pagabo, Pick Everard, Wates, ISG and Faithful+Gould. Statistics show that the construction industry struggles to attract and retain people at early-stage career level, so the group is aiming to identify the reasons for this and rectify these points to build a more attractive and diverse sector. It will also look to harness the power of information, working towards making the sector more data driven. To signal the group’s focus on innovation and operating in a data-first manner to attract young talent, the group’s first major event will be an industry-wide hackathon, featuring work sessions and talks from industry leaders. Rebecca Rennie, placement engineer and site manager at Morgan Sindall, is on the group’s leadership panel along with Jamie Davison and Abi Riddle, also of Morgan Sindall. She said: “Our main goal in launching the Future Innovation Group is to bring likeminded young people from any area within the construction industry together, to discuss how we can make it a more attractive place for future generations. “We hope the group will be a springboard for change, identifying why junior recruitment has become such a pervasive issue, and how we can rectify it to build a better industry for all stakeholders. We would like to express our gratitude to the industry for supporting us in our new venture and look forward to working with the construction leaders of today to inspire the leaders of tomorrow.” National framework provider Pagabo has put its weight behind the initiative, helping to bring people together from across its expansive ecosystem. Gerard Toplass, CEO of The 55 Group, which is Pagabo’s parent organisation, said: “Only 25% of the 40,000 people starting qualifications complete the process and stay in the construction industry – showing a 75% drop off rate which suggests the courses are unappealing to young people. This is an alarming statistic and a great cause for concern regarding the future of our workforce as we need to adapt in order to suit the requirements of tomorrow – and thus far have been too slow to do so. “The Future Innovation Group will bring much-needed diversity to the industry and I applaud the work of founders Rebecca, Jamie, Abi, and everyone involved in driving the change needed for a better future for those in entry-level positions.” The FIG’s first hackathon will take place across two days (28-29 July) at the Hilton Hotel in Hull, bringing together 50 attendees from across the industry. The event will feature business sponsors from senior leaders of some of construction’s biggest names, including the group’s Morgan Sindall and Pagabo backers. The group’s leadership will pass on to the next generation of young people in September as the 2022 cohort return to university this autumn. If you would like to get involved with the Group, contact: Jamie Davidson, Abigail Riddle or Rebecca Rennie.

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Construction Principal & CEO Derek Whitehead Retires After 37 Years in Education 

Kenneth Booth July 21, 2022

Derek Whitehead, Principal and CEO of Leeds College of Building, is to retire this week after 37 years working in Further Education and vocational skills training.  From teenage Keighley carpentry and joinery apprentice to leader of the UK’s only General Further Education College that specialises in construction, Derek has spent decades training and leading the next generation of builders, engineers, and construction-craft professionals. Derek began hiseducation at Ingrow School, Bronte School, and Oakbank Grammar school in Keighley. From a young age, he excelled at craft skills and thrived in woodwork and metalwork. Derek cites a local teacher who changed the course of his life after recognising Derek’s potential. Derek said: “I always preferred hands-on learning, and it was a teacher at Oakbank – David Carter – who told me I had a knack for passing on my knowledge and passion for the subject, even at age 16. I was always in the workshop after school and would help other students where I could, especially if the woodwork teacher wasn’t available. “David stretched me, pushing me to try more complex techniques. I made various furniture items, learnt to French polish, and even turned rosewood handles for a bedside oak cabinet that my parents still have to this day! He sowed the seed that I should teach others too, even though I tended towards being more practical than academic.” Derek left school at 16 and joined the construction industry as Apprentice Carpenter & Joiner at Norman Hollins Ltd and then JSD Hamilton (Construction) Ltd. He gained a fantastic grounding in bespoke joinery products, new build housing, renovations, and shopfitting projects. It was a great platform to learn broader construction skills too.Yet, despite becoming a qualified construction worker, Derek’s experience at grammar school reinforced his desire to teach.  Derek’s first teaching job was in 1985 at Keighley College’s Carpentry & Joinery Department, where another lecturer (Peter Hakes) mentored him. It wasn’t long before Derek enrolled at HollyBank to study professional Teacher Training qualifications, followed by Bradford College to attain a teaching degree. Derek was then promoted to Section Leader for Timber Trades before leaving Keighley for a role at Bolton College as a Senior Lecturer. After that, Derek became Head of Construction and led self-assessment quality assurance across Bolton College. By the time Derek left Bolton, he was responsible for the Construction & Engineering faculty. He returned to Keighley College, this time as Head of Construction & Engineering. Then in 2004, Derek interviewed for Deputy Principal – Curriculum & Quality at Leeds College of Building and was selected for the role.Derek said: “Getting the post at LCB was such a fantastic accolade, especially with it being the only General Further Education College nationally that specialised in construction and the built environment education & training. I felt like I was back to my roots – where industry training moulds individuals into construction specialists. I am a massive advocate for vocational skills training and the vast opportunities this can unlock. “I loved working at the College so much that I continued in this role before becoming Principal & CEO.  I have fully enjoyed all 18 years that I have spent at Leeds College of Building. I’m delighted to be leaving the College in such good shape. Inspections now show quality at ‘good or better’, our HE meets all UK standards, we achieved ‘good’ in our most recent Ofsted inspection, the ESFA gave us a ‘good’ rating too for our healthy financial position. Leeds College of Building now trains around 5,500 students from across the UK, covering 16-18 full-time study programmes, adult provision, HE courses, and bespoke programmes for employers. Over half of these students (around 2,800) are enrolled on apprenticeship training across all areas of the College’s provision, from Level 2 up to degree apprentices.  Derek continued: “I’m extremely glad my teacher showed me how vocational training – such as apprenticeships – can lead to various careers and job roles. Schools play a critical role in showcasing vocational training as a viable, alternative route to reach the same endpoint as academic qualifications. These skills can lead to jobs at all levels and involve travel and an extensive variety of work, with lasting legacy projects. “It’s so gratifying to see former students running successful companies themselves, as well as attracting a more diverse cohort of students to the sector today. We have come such a long way. So, this seems the right time for me to step down. “I have lots of plans with my wife Heather (who retired from her role as Principal at Keighley College a few years ago). We hope to travel and see friends. We’re very active so enjoy walking and spending time with family. I have lots on my bucket list! I met my wife at Keighley College, and like me, she came from a vocational background as an apprentice too (Hair & Beauty in her case). Our families were thrilled when we became lecturers, so both progressing to the top of FE institutions was a very proud moment.   “I have never lost a love of construction after all these years. Although Further Education is a challenging sector, to help students develop skills that can make a transformative difference to their future and society is an absolute privilege. It is the accomplishment of which I’m most proud.  “I would like to give a special thank you to all employers and stakeholders who have supported the College, students, and me personally, over the 18 years I’ve been here. I trust the commitment and dedication will continue with my successor, Nikki Davis. Leeds College of Building is a fantastic organisation to lead, and I know it will continue to go from strength to strength. I wish the College, our stakeholders, my amazing colleagues and friends, and Nikki all the very best.” Nikki Davis, current Leeds College of Building Vice Principal for Teaching, Learning & Quality, will take up the role of Principal & CEO in August and becomes the first woman to hold the post in the 60-year history of the

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New analysis shows low-carbon technologies could cut annual energy bills by almost £2,000 and carbon emissions by over 95%

Kenneth Booth July 21, 2022

WWF and ScottishPower report also shows combined technologies could increase house prices by an average of £10,000 Financial incentives, clear advice and support urgently needed from UK governments to make the shift a reality New analysis from WWF and ScottishPower has found that a combination of green technologies could reduce energy bills by up to £1,878 a year. The new report, Better Homes, Cooler Planet, also found that installing these low carbon technologies in homes could cut harmful emissions from energy by over 95%[1] over the technologies’ lifetime and increase property values by an average of £10,000.  As nearly 90% of the current increase in energy bills comes from the rising cost of gas, investment in low-carbon technologies can help to tackle the cost of living by cushioning householders against volatile energy prices .[2] Solar panels, already increasing in popularity to combat rising energy prices, could boost householders’ finances by £586 a year, in electricity savings and selling any surplus back to the grid. The report also emphasises the need to invest in energy efficiency to insulate homes, to not only cut bills but maximise the benefits of other green technologies.   The report analysed five million house sales in England and Wales – one of the largest assessments of its kind – and found that: Installing an air-source heat pump could increase the sales value by around £5,000-£8,000; Solar panels could increase it by around £1,350-£5,400; An EV charge point could increase it by around £5,000; In combination, the value of a house could be boosted by an average of around £10,000 as a result of installing a combination of these technologies. This suggests that buyers may be willing to pay more for these homes and sellers who have invested in them should benefit when they put their homes on the market. Shifting to low carbon technologies in this way could also reduce a home’s lifetime carbon emissions from energy by up to 91 tonnes of CO2e or over 95% – the equivalent of taking 42 cars off the road per household.[3] Approximately one fifth of the UK’s carbon emissions currently comes from our homes with a further 15% from cars. To achieve net zero, these emissions will need to be reduced to zero in less than 30 years. To make this a reality, Better Homes, Cooler Planet recommends support and policy change from all UK governments to help reduce the up-front and running costs of low-carbon technologies, including funding for homeowners and tax incentives for private landlords to install them, as well as strengthening consumer protection and advice. It also urges the UK Government to consider an energy saving Stamp Duty incentive, as well as calling for financial institutions to introduce innovative products such as green mortgages and for estate agents, property listings websites, and surveyors to highlight the presence and value of green technologies to house buyers. Isabella O’Dowd, Head of Climate at WWF-UK, said: “Accelerating the rollout of low-carbon technologies and energy efficiency is the best way to ensure the UK’s energy security, shield homeowners from the high price of fossil fuels, and protect the planet. “To ensure that a wide range of people benefit, government must improve incentives for installing low-carbon technologies and provide more financial support and advice to homeowners and landlords.” Rob McGaughey, Head of Smart Heat at ScottishPower, said: “As a company that already generates 100% green electricity, we know that decarbonising heat and transport is next. At ScottishPower we believe that home installations of heat pumps, solar panels and electric vehicle chargers can help both move the country away from its reliance on fossil fuels and address the climate crisis. Not only that, but the ‘Better homes, Cooler Planet’ report findings also demonstrate that installing a combination of these renewable technologies can be a smart investment for homeowners and landlords, increasing home equity value by an average of around  £10,000 and significantly reducing energy bills.” [1] By installing a combination of low-carbon technologies, a home could reduce its carbon emissions from energy use by 96.8% over the 30-year lifetime of the technologies, when compared to a poorly insulated home with an old gas boiler or by 95.9% with compared to a poorly insulated home with a modern gas boiler. Further details can be found on p.40 of the report. [2] Source: Carbon Brief Analysis https://www.carbonbrief.org/analysis-cutting-the-green-crap-has-added-2-5bn-to-uk-energy-billsI [3] Source: Calculation based on p.54 – Impact assessment: measures for introduction of E10 petrol (publishing.service.gov.uk)

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UK construction redundancies fall to lowest figure since records began

Kenneth Booth July 20, 2022

Dominick Sandford, Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect and ElectricalDirect, said:  “During the first few months of the pandemic, the job security of construction workers was thrown into serious doubt, and sadly tens of thousands of employees lost their jobs. However, the latest ONS data shows that the situation has really turned around.  “At its peak in summer 2020, almost 30,000 workers were made redundant over a three-month period (July-September).  “In contrast, the data released this month shows that just 3,000 people in the industry lost their jobs between March and May. While this is obviously still 3,000 too many, it shows a significant improvement.  “In fact, 3,000 is the lowest that this figure has ever been, since records began thirteen years ago in 2009.  “Elsewhere, average wages are on the rise, which, in the context of a major cost of living crisis, will be a welcome relief to many, albeit slight. Typical weekly earnings rose by £20 to £714, which is the second highest average ever recorded.  “It’s really good news that redundancies are on the decline, and pay is increasing, but this pattern will have to continue in the coming months in order to offset the financial hardship that the country is currently experiencing.”  For more information on IronmongeryDirect, visit: https://www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/   For more information on ElectricalDirect, visit: https://www.electricaldirect.co.uk/   References: 

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BUILDING SERVICES CONSULTANTS REPORT STRONG FIRST HALF YEAR GROWTH AND PIPELINE OF ORDERS

Kenneth Booth July 20, 2022

Building services engineering consultants FHP has seen strong growth following new work to support multi-million-pound projects across the UK and a healthy forward order book. The company, which provides mechanical, electrical and public health building services design and building physics engineering to national commercial, industrial, leisure, education, residential and infrastructure real estate, investors, developers and contractors, has reported a 12%increase in turnover in the last six months – its best half year performance to date. With offices in Leeds andLondon, FHP is on track to hit £3.5 million in turnover in 2022 with £2 million worth of new orders secured, including mechanical, electrical and public health services work on the new £62 million Hyatt Hotel Leeds for Ivegate.  The firm is supporting a £12 million industrial warehouse unit development for Harworth Group in south Yorkshire and the £31 million luxury residential development in Leeds for developer Priestley Homes. Other projects include Labcorp’s new life science UK centre of excellence in Leeds’ Temple District and building consultancy services for new multi-million-pound roadside salt cellar depots being built nationally for National Highways. Further seven-figures worth of work in the pipeline in core sectors and beyond its traditional north of England markets, will contribute to further growth as FHP looks ahead to continued expansion on the back of a strategic development and a growth plan. With 52 people currently employed across its two offices, the firm is set to invest in additional resources to support growth and meet demand.  Director James Taylor saidFHP, which was established in 2009, had seen a good start to the first six months of 2022 on the back of hard work, resurgent business confidence and a record of resolving complex engineering issues in building services and building physics engineering. He said: “We are currently busier than ever and involved in developing new projects right across the region and beyond, which is very encouraging and contributing to driving growth. As our customers’ own development plans come to fruition, we are experiencing strong demand for value and technically driven building services engineering solutions, building physics design and technical skills. “We are confident about the future despite some economic uncertainties and expect the sectors we support to remain busy. We have strong clients, who are keen to work with us and utilise our expertise, and look forward to meeting and exceeding their needs from both of our offices.”

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Trade associations BESA and TICA sound fire alarm over pre-insulated pipework

Kenneth Booth July 20, 2022

Two leading trade associations have called for more rigorous checks on the fire safety of pre-insulated pipework installed in buildings.  The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) and the Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) have issued a joint statement raising questions about the suitability of pipework normally used for underground and buried applications, such as primary heating networks, now being deployed inside buildings.  They describe it as a “fundamental change in product application” which takes the products outside the scope of the quality standards normally applied to their performance. Considering the current focus on fire safety in buildings, the two bodies are anxious to draw attention to the issue.  They explained that building services pipe insulation specifications typically reflect the requirements of BS 5422 to ensure full compliance with Building Regulations. However, pre-insulated pipework systems typically use either PUR or PE insulants, which do not meet the fire performance criteria typically specified in building services applications.   “In addition, the one-size-fits-all approach to insulation thickness typically undertaken by manufacturers of pre-insulated pipework simply does not allow for the required flexibility to meet individual specification requirements,” the joint statement said.  Both bodies are particularly concerned about the use of coiled flexible polyethylene insulated piping systems. “We have increasing evidence that these systems are being installed in high-risk buildings, such as large multi-residential buildings.”   The statement reminds manufacturers, distributors, and installers of pre-insulated polyethylene pipework systems that they have a responsibility to provide evidence of the suitability of these products for the specific application specified.  Specifiers are also urged to check on the thermal performance of the polyethylene system and to ask the supplier how it would meet the heat loss/heat gain requirements of BS 5422 and Part L of the Building Regulations. It is also vital that the product in question has the appropriate Euroclass fire rating, they said.  Graeme Fox, BESA’s Head of Technical, said: “This is a critical fire safety issue and both bodies were determined to present a united front to help protect best practice in building services installations.” “One of the important lessons learned from the Grenfell tragedy was that products may have been tested and certified, but not necessarily for the particular application in question. “We would, therefore, expect all responsible supply chain firms to be able to provide details of how the Euroclass fire rating of the PUR/PE system was achieved and the arrangement of the insulants in the test to determine their exposure to heat and flame,” he added. “We would also expect them to be able to evidence compliance with BS 5422 heat loss/heat gain tables clearly.”  Chris Ridge, TICA’s Technical Policy Manager, said all responsible companies should be able to provide current Euroclass fire test certification for “the complete range of polyethylene pre-insulated pipework products.”   He added: “Looking ahead, we seek to challenge the wider industry to ensure that all pre-insulated systems meet the required standards. This should not stop at pre-insulated pipework but should also include pre-insulated ductwork products.” 

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CONSTRUCTION WORK BEGINS AT SCOTLAND’S FIRST INLAND SURFING DESTINATION 

Kenneth Booth July 20, 2022

Major construction work at Scotland’s newest leisure and staycation destination, Wavegarden Scotland, got underway today in Ratho, near Edinburgh. The £55m landmark development will be the country’s first inland surfing destination using revolutionary new technology. The Wavegarden Scotland development is expected to open to the public in Summer 2024 – boosting long term socio-economic, recreational and tourism benefits including creating up to 130 jobs once open, generating up to £11m for the local economy and attracting over 180,000 visitors each year.  Civil engineering and groundworks specialists Malcolm Construction is the firm appointed to build the groundbreaking destination which will include – in addition to Scotland’s first surf park – a surf school, overnight accommodation, a waterfront café and restaurant and retail spaces. Malcolm Construction has overseen the construction of some of Scotland’s most iconic sporting and leisure developments, including the 2014 Commonwealth Games Athletes’ Village, the temporary athletics track at Hampden Park for the games and the 14,000 capacity Hydro arena at the SEC in Glasgow.  Doig+Smith will oversee the management of the major project and have enlisted support from environmental design consultants Atelier Ten, architects Oberlanders, landscape architects HarrisonStevens, engineering consultants Ramage Young and property experts Colliers. Andy Hadden, founder of Tartan Leisure Ltd which is developing Wavegarden Scotland said: “It has taken many years of hard work and collaboration to get to this point and we could not be happier to see work begin on Scotland’s first inland surf park. “There has been extensive preparatory work going on behind the scenes with financial backers and with our design team and partners to ensure that this new facility will be a world-class leisure destination. Beginning construction work is a special moment for all of the team and marks a major milestone in our journey. “All of the firms appointed to work with us come with strong reputations in their respective field of engineering and project management and I am pleased they share our vision to deliver one of Scotland’s largest leisure attractions this century.” Walter Malcolm, Managing Director of Malcolm Construction said: “Everyone at Malcolm Construction is excited to be part of this innovative project. We have extensive experience of delivering complex engineering works and we look forward to working with the Wavegarden Scotland team to deliver such an important attraction for Scotland.” Gordon McLintock, Director of Doig+Smith added: “We have been providing project management, cost management, principal designer and supervisor services for the project so it’s incredibly exciting to see the project start to become a reality. We have extensive experience in large scale projects such as this including the new Port of Aberdeen project, substantial works over many years at both Glasgow and Edinburgh airports, and multiple education projects across the country in both the private and public sectors. We consider it a privilege to be part of the team bringing Scotland’s first inland surf park to life.” The development, set within a 60-acre country park, will use the latest wave generation technology called The Cove, developed by Wavegarden in Spain. The site will host surfers of all abilities who can ride the 1,000 bespoke ocean-like waves created per hour. Wavegarden is an innovative engineering company and has an extremely high growth potential in the surf park sector with more than 60 projects currently in development across the globe, seven facilities operating successfully and seven projects currently under construction across four continents. 

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Glencar to build 94,000 sq ft speculative warehouse development for Firethorn Trust in Erith.

Kenneth Booth July 19, 2022

Appointment serves as the second, repeat appointment in quick succession following the announcement in January of a project to build 500,000 sq ft across three units at a site in Peterborough. Glencar, a leading UK construction company that was recently ranked amongst Europe’s fastest growing businesses, has today announced that it has been appointed for the second time by commercial real estate investor and developer Firethorn Trust, to deliver its 93,984 sq ft last-mile logistics scheme, Blueprint Erith in South East London. The project will see the demolition and site clearance of an existing warehouse and external concrete yard, followed by the construction of four modern single storey terraced warehouse units, having a clear height to underside of haunch of 12 metres.  It will also feature 12,000 sq ft of internal first floor office accommodation together with open storage, while external site works include hardstanding’s, car parking, landscaping and drainage. With a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ certification, the development is being constructed to net-zero carbon with 15% rooflight coverage, 13 EV charging points and LED lighting. A Photovoltaic ‘ready’ roof structure will also provide capabilities for future full PV coverage. To mark the start of construction and the appointment, a ground breaking ceremony was recently staged onsite featuring executives from both Glencar and Firethorn. During the occasion various aspects of the enabling work were highlighted with progress onsite already significantly advanced. Speaking about the contract award Roy Jones Glencar Managing Director London and South said: “Glencar prides itself on long-term customer relationships and partnership built upon the principles of trust and understanding leading to repeat business.  On that basis receiving this instruction in quick succession is testament to the growing and beneficial relationship we are building with the team at Firethorn and we are proud to be delivering for them again”. Paul Martin, Development Director at Firethorn Trust, continued: “Glencar has a strong track record in delivering high-quality industrial schemes, and we are delighted to appoint them for a second time on what is a strategically important project for Firethorn. “The team has demonstrated great knowledge and expertise, putting forward the latest products and innovations to benefit our occupiers, both now and for the future, whilst enabling us to deliver on our commitment to sustainability. We look forward to working with the team again to bring Blueprint Erith to life.” Glencar is due to start on site this month and the project is due for completion in Q1 2023. The project team includes Quartz Project Services Ltd, Stephen George & Partners and Burrows Graham.

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Barhale wins Hampton Loade water treatment works civils package

Kenneth Booth July 19, 2022

RSE (Ross-shire Engineering) has awarded Barhale a key civil engineering package as part of its £55M rebuilding and refurbishment project at South Staffs Water’s Hampton Loade water treatment works. RSE is an engineering group that specialises in the design, build and maintenance of water treatment and water recycling equipment. RSE is undertaking a programme to increase capacity at the works through the introduction of a third water treatment process stream. Civil engineering and infrastructure specialist, Barhale, will deliver the civil engineering element comprising piling, construction of the reinforced concrete bases, and the installation of pipework and a large concrete tank. The Hampton Loade water treatment works, near Bridgnorth in Shropshire, has a capacity to produce 210 million litres of high-quality water a day and supplies around 700,000 customers. The works will help pave the way for an innovative and environmentally sustainable ceramic membrane-based water-filtration system to be installed in the largest deployment of its kind in the UK. Once completed, the new treatment process will significantly reduce energy consumption and Barhale’s James Ingamells, director, believes that the development at Hampton Loade is a fantastic illustration of how the water sector is taking action to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. “This is a very significant project and one which really demonstrates the kind of innovation and thinking that’s going on to help improve environmental performance,” he said. “We are looking forward to working alongside RSE to deliver what we think will be a new benchmark for water treatment in the UK.” The works form part of South Staffs Water’s AMP7 upgrade programme which is focused on the Hampton Loade water treatment works and the Seedy Mill water treatment works near Lichfield. It will contribute to South Staffs Water’s long-term strategy to develop the sites – continually improving the quality of water supplied to customers in the region. The project is due to be completed in summer 2024.

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