Green construction innovators Dura Products has made its mark on history, becoming part of the UK’s first net-zero carbon restaurant thanks to the installation of its recycled kerbstone, Durakerb. More than 500 metres of the eco-friendly kerb solution has been installed at the McDonald’s outlet in Market Drayton, Shropshire. Made
NATIONAL framework provider Pagabo has today gone live with its latest procurement offering – its Soft Facilities Management Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) – which has an anticipated full-term value of £100m. Pagabo’s Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) provides a compliant procurement system for a wide range of facilities management works, including
The project will see the construction of 155,000 sq ft of grade A standard industrial/warehouse space in a range of sizes from 5,000 to 85,000 sq ft at a strategically positioned site in Croydon. Glencar, a leading UK construction company that was recently ranked amongst Europe’s fastest growing businesses, has
The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has joined forces with the sector’s leading research body BSRIA to produce a comprehensive free guide for the use of refrigerant gases in building services. The new publication has been written by BESA’s head of technical Graeme Fox and is available now for free
Industry leader AEI Cables has been awarded the contract for the major expansion of a hospital in Hong Kong to supply fire performance and low voltage cables. Working in partnership with its long-term Hong Kong distributor Fordex Electric Company Limited, AEI Cables will supply its range of products for power,
Orthogonal Ltd, the engineering company, has relocated to Moorfield Group’s Aberdeen Innovation Park in Bridge of Don, as part of its business expansion plans. The company has agreed a five-year lease at Unit 7A of Crombie Lodge, moving into its new headquarters at the end of February. Orthogonal, founded in
Having taken more than 20 years to evolve into the successful sustainable community it is today, The Bridge at Dartford became independently run for the first time at the end of March. This is an important step in the development of this unique community, which provides an appealing place for
Yorkshire based multi-disciplinary construction company Harris CM has completed a board-level restructure and appointed a new managing director as it targets strong operational growth and £70 million turnover this year. Neil Silcock has been appointed as managing director and will assume overall operational responsibility from Jason Adlam, who will continue
Leading and award-winning build-to-rent provider Placefirst has reported record property portfolio growth, demonstrating continued commitment to expansion plans. The regeneration specialist has doubled its portfolio since January 2021 and has hit an important milestone of 1500 homes. Placefirst is on track to reach a projected milestone of 6500 homes by
The development will see the construction of three high specification industrial/logistics units of 25,000, 42,000 and 50,000 sq ft. Glencar, a leading UK construction company that was recently ranked amongst Europe’s fastest growing businesses, has today announced that it has been appointed by leading multinational real estate and property management
Green construction innovators Dura Products has made its mark on history, becoming part of the UK’s first net-zero carbon restaurant thanks to the installation of its recycled kerbstone, Durakerb. More than 500 metres of the eco-friendly kerb solution has been installed at the McDonald’s outlet in Market Drayton, Shropshire. Made from 88% recycled polymers, the environmentally friendly kerbstone is helping the restaurant drastically reduce its carbon emissions. Thanks to its lightweight nature, it is also safer and easier to install, helping to minimise energy consumption and risk during construction, whilst increasing efficiency. The revolutionary site uses more than 250 square metres (sqm) of recycled materials in its construction, from building cladding made from recycled IT equipment and white household goods. Other features include two wind turbines, 92 sqm of solar panels, a drive-thru lane made from recycled tyres, and a biodiversity garden and nature trail designed by children from Market Drayton Junior School. The site is reported to be the first in the UK that fits into the UK Green Building Council’s (UKGBC) net-zero carbon buildings framework. The company plans to use the design as a “blueprint” for new builds around the UK from 2022, with some of the sustainable measures already being implemented at other outlets. Transforming the built environment Sustainable construction innovator Dura Products, based in Deeside, Flintshire, is the company behind Durakerb. Having installed over 400,000 units since 2003, the company prides itself on its sustainability credentials. These credentials were affirmed in September 2021 with the announcement of its updated Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) for Durakerb along with its, Durachannel, a linear surface drainage system, and Duradrain, a dual function kerb and drainage system. The three products recorded remarkably low carbon footprints of just 1.06, 1.47 and 1.71kg of carbon dioxide per kg respectively. Commenting on the installation of Durakerb, Steve Bennett, Managing Director of Dura Products said: “It’s a very proud moment for the company as our product is installed at the UK’s first net-zero carbon restaurant – a historic step for green construction in the UK. Our products are the example of what modern construction can be and should be – environmentally responsible. With the built environment contributing some 40% of the UK’s carbon emissions, our industry has a long way to go, but as this project demonstrates, it is possible. To watch Roman Kemp discuss Durakerb and the UK’s first ever net-zero restaurant, click here https://metro.co.uk/video/first-net-zero-mcdonalds-branch-2566055/
NATIONAL framework provider Pagabo has today gone live with its latest procurement offering – its Soft Facilities Management Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) – which has an anticipated full-term value of £100m. Pagabo’s Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) provides a compliant procurement system for a wide range of facilities management works, including cleaning, catering, washroom and hygiene services, pest control, security, and waste management and recycling. The DPS is now live and will run until May 2027, with the option of a one-year extension, and will connect public sector organisations with pre-approved businesses of all sizes across the UK. At the same time, it has also issued a prior information notice (PIN) for its latest framework – its brand-new, £100m Total Facilities Management Solutions framework. Jason Stapley, managing director at Pagabo, said: “We’re really pleased to be bringing forward these new options for clients to access the facilities management services they need, no matter their project size, type or location. “Our DPS cuts timescales, streamlines the process and simplifies the tender process for clients and suppliers alike. It provides an ‘open market’ solution, being designed to give clients access to a pool of pre-qualified suppliers, which can be constantly updated with new suppliers. This differs to the more traditional framework agreements, to which suppliers are locked in for the full term. “With no limits on the amount of suppliers, the DPS provides any client with a wide range of options when it comes to suppliers, which will go through the further competition process to ensure the best supplier is appointed to the job.” The Soft Facilities Management DPS will allow the procurement of services for projects of unlimited value, covering three value bands: £0 – £250k £250k – £1m £1m and above The DPS will be able to cater for an unlimited number of national and regional suppliers, which will cover 174 geographical regions. Clients will be able to appoint suppliers for works via further competition. Meanwhile, the Total Facilities Management Solutions framework will be split into three lots, covering soft, hard, and total facilities management. The contracting authority for both procurement routes will be Red Kite Learning Trust. Jason said: “Clients will be able to benefit from super streamlined processes, which are backed up with full compliance. The pre-qualification process gives confidence that all our suppliers have the skills, governance and business viability for any project – as well as providing quality and value services. “The flexibility of a DPS being open to new suppliers throughout its term also means that clients are able to engage with potential suppliers on a more localised basis, supporting wider government aims of economic growth, levelling up and creating social value.” Suppliers interested in applying to be on the Soft Facilities Management DPS will be able to submit via MyPagabo. A pre-market engagement webinar will be held for the Total Facilities Management Solutions framework on 26 May at 1pm. Interested parties can register via https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_212m1jJaR4216nKJAg9iyQ For more information, please visit https://www.pagabo.co.uk/
The project will see the construction of 155,000 sq ft of grade A standard industrial/warehouse space in a range of sizes from 5,000 to 85,000 sq ft at a strategically positioned site in Croydon. Glencar, a leading UK construction company that was recently ranked amongst Europe’s fastest growing businesses, has today announced that it has been awarded a contract to construct 155,000 sq ft of grade A industrial and distribution space in a range of units from 5,000 to 85,000 sq ft at a site in Croydon. The development, which is being marketed as Segro Park Croydon, is situated on a seven-acre site at Redhouse Road, just off the A236 and well connected to London via the M25, The site serves as a well-established strategic location for trade counter, light industrial and warehousing. Units are expected to complete and be ready for occupation in early 2023, In keeping with the developer’s sustainability commitments, the site is being developed to Grade EPC A specification, incorporating a variety of sustainability features including photovoltaic panels, intelligent low energy lighting and EV charging points. Speaking about the contract award Roy Jones Glencar Managing Director London and South said: “Glencar are absolutely delighted to have been appointed on this high-quality last mile logistics scheme in one of the most connected urban centres in the Southeast. This instruction serves to reinforce Glencar’s continued expansion across London and the South and within the fast-expanding last mile urban logistics sector. This is the second appointment Glencar have been given by our customer having previously undertake the design and construction of a new industrial development in Acton comprising a single unit including associated external works and services. We are committed to going above and beyond our customer expectations and to develop long-term relationships and repeat business opportunities” Also commenting Alan Holland, Managing Director, Greater London at SEGRO said: “This is another milestone in the execution of our strategy to significantly grow our Greater London portfolio in key strategic sub-markets in the capital.” The project team includes Liberty QS, UMC Architects and WSP Structures and the scheme is expected to be complete by Q4 2022. Segro Park Croydon offers occupiers the opportunity to locate within the most connected urban centre in the Southeast, one of the only London boroughs linked by multiple modes of public transport, tram, road, bus and rail.
The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has joined forces with the sector’s leading research body BSRIA to produce a comprehensive free guide for the use of refrigerant gases in building services. The new publication has been written by BESA’s head of technical Graeme Fox and is available now for free download from the BSRIA Bookshop. It has been prepared to help consultants, specifiers, facilities and project managers, installers and end users deal with a period of considerable change for the industry as legislation and tightening environmental and performance targets combine to increase restrictions on how refrigerants are used and what gases will be allowed in the future. The increased use of heat pumps and greater focus on climate change mitigation, including the need to address overheating in buildings, means industry professionals are faced with greater design and installation challenges and opportunities to adopt new practices, which are covered in the guide. ‘Refrigerants in Building Services’ (TG 21/2022) includes information and advice on: * Current environmental and health and safety legislation affecting refrigerants * Forthcoming changes to legislation * Energy efficiency issues * Commonly used refrigerants * Applications including DX coils, chillers, split systems, VRF/VRV systems and heat pumps * Sources of further information. The two bodies were keen to work together to promote best practice across the sector and to fully explain the implications of stringent cuts to the use of HFCs and other bans as part of proposals to strengthen the European F-Gas regulation. The UK continues to ‘mirror’ the regulation, despite its departure from the EU, and the latest proposals from the European Commission include an acceleration of the current phase down process in 2024. This could be followed by a ban on the use of HFCs with global warming potential (GWP) of 150 and above in many split systems and heat pumps from 2027. “The timing of this guide is crucial,” said Fox. “There is so much change going on in the industry and there is a danger that people will be bamboozled by all the current and proposed legislative changes. If people are confused, they can end up simply ignoring their obligations with extremely unfortunate consequences. “We were, therefore, very keen to work with BSRIA on a document that would be both informative, practical and relevant to building engineering systems designers.” Fox added that the new guide reinforced the importance of people being properly trained and holding up-to-date technical and health & safety qualifications to work with both traditional and alternative refrigerants. This is particularly important because many HFC replacement refrigerants are mildly flammable, he pointed out. It also reminds end users that they should only employ F-Gas registered firms to remain legally compliant and to achieve their environmental goals. BESA manages the UK’s primary F-Gas register REFCOM and offers F-Gas Awareness training via its online Academy. BESA and BSRIA will also be jointly presenting a webinar on May 3rd featuring Graeme Fox and BSRIA publications manager, David Bleicher. This will be an opportunity to learn more about the new guidance, understand its wider context and why it is such a timely and important publication. To book your webinar place click here www.theBESA.com
Industry leader AEI Cables has been awarded the contract for the major expansion of a hospital in Hong Kong to supply fire performance and low voltage cables. Working in partnership with its long-term Hong Kong distributor Fordex Electric Company Limited, AEI Cables will supply its range of products for power, control and fire performance on the new extension of the United Christian Hospital project. Stuart Dover of AEI Cables, said: “There is a need for the highest levels of quality cabling in a building such as this where medical care relies on continuity of power supply and with such large numbers of people moving about, many of them vulnerable. We are proud to be chosen to supply the cables for such an iconic project.” Kevin Siu, Business Development Director of Fordex Electric Co, Ltd, said: “We are pleased to be awarded an important project like this and also proud to work alongside our partner AEI Cables. We are happy to have earned the trust and confidence from our client knowing Fordex Electric is here to fully support them throughout the project. I believe the UCH project will create opportunities for us to supply to similar projects of this scale in the Hong Kong market.” A new block to the hospital will provide specialist out-patient services, including psychiatric and day hospital, electro-diagnostic, multi-speciality day services, renal dialysis, diabetes, oncology and pathology. The design of the new block adopted a twin-tower approach to help with the function and flexibility of the building and to maintain major view corridors and breezeways at the upper levels, whilst enhancing the visual aesthetic of the design. A further wing will also provide endoscopy, peri-operative and in-patient services. Using the very latest in technology and science, AEI Cables’ Firetec Total Fire Solutions range offers enhanced fire performance cabling, accessories and technical support from its distribution facility at Washington, Tyne and Wear. Applications for Firetec include residential and commercial buildings, shopping malls, airports and protected buildings ensuring that fire alarms, sprinkler systems, building monitoring and security systems can continue to operate in a fire. All AEI Cables’ products are supplied with approvals from independent bodies including BASEC and LPCB. It also holds approvals from organisations including Lloyds, the MoD, Network Rail and LUL and works to international standards around the world.
Orthogonal Ltd, the engineering company, has relocated to Moorfield Group’s Aberdeen Innovation Park in Bridge of Don, as part of its business expansion plans. The company has agreed a five-year lease at Unit 7A of Crombie Lodge, moving into its new headquarters at the end of February. Orthogonal, founded in 2020 by John Niven, provides industrial 3D CAD printing services and solutions for the engineering, electronics, architectural, aerospace and automotive sectors, as well as the oil and gas industry. Currently working towards ISO9001 certification, with support via Digital Boost, the company also develops bespoke prototypes or custom models and is planning to scale operations to enable production of a wide range of engineering polymers including PEEK, Carbon PEEK and ULTEM and a selection of metals. John Niven, Director of Operations at Orthogonal, said: “Having operated in the oil and gas sector for many years, I saw a gap in the market for 3D printing services and decided to set-up the business. Launching at the onset of the pandemic was certainly a challenge, but we have weathered the storm and have been steadily building a strong customer base. With an increase in demand for our services, we decided to look for suitable premises. “Crombie Lodge is an outstanding location for us and this move marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the development of our business. It offers great facilities, is modern and innovative, as well as being set in a beautiful green environment. It offers expansion options and we can easily access our markets. Quite simply, it is the perfect base for our business to develop and thrive. Hugh Canham, Head of Asset Management at Moorfield Group added: “Crombie Lodge is a well-located, high-quality base for Orthogonal which will give the business the flexibility it needs to scale at pace. We wish John and his team the very best in achieving their development plans and we look forward to seeing the business grow and develop here. “With the easing of work-from-home restrictions and more businesses returning to the workplace, recent months have seen an uptake in letting activity across both parks. We expect to see the positive momentum continue, particularly as companies adopt hybrid working arrangements and examine their office space requirements. “We remain committed to an ongoing programme of improvement and refurbishment across both parks to ensure that Aberdeen Energy & Innovation Parks remain in demand from occupiers across Aberdeen and the North East.” Aberdeen Energy & Innovation Parks comprise 200,000 sq ft of multi-let office and industrial space for more than 80 companies and a workforce of nearly 2,000 employees. The Parks offer a varied mix of office solutions, including leased offices, serviced offices and coworking space, catering to the needs of occupiers of all sizes. The Parks are conveniently located approximately three miles north of Aberdeen city centre and close to the Third Don Crossing. Crombie Lodge comprises 12,000 sq ft of serviced office space over two floors and has recently undergone a comprehensive reconfiguration and refurbishment programme, which was managed by Aberdeen-based architect Cooper & MacGregor. The programme of works was completed to Grade A standard and includes upgrades to the building exterior, along with the reconfiguration of the entire building, including reception and shared areas. The development incorporates the best achievable sustainability and environment standards. Knight Frank and Ryden are joint agents for Aberdeen Energy & Innovation Parks, which is managed by Avison Young.
Having taken more than 20 years to evolve into the successful sustainable community it is today, The Bridge at Dartford became independently run for the first time at the end of March. This is an important step in the development of this unique community, which provides an appealing place for local people to live, work and play. The vision for The Bridge at Dartford took shape in the early 2000s, when property company, Prologis UK, joined forces with Dartford Borough Council to turn a 264-acre former historic isolation hospital site, into a thriving, attractive place for local people and businesses. The site’s regeneration included plans to place residential homes alongside a range of employment uses, effectively bringing jobs into the heart of the community. The site’s proximity to Junction 1 of the M25 offers excellent access to the London area and this has proved a major draw for businesses. The site also benefits from excellent public transport links, with the Fastrack A bus service, operated by Arriva, which connects Greenhithe, Bluewater and Dartford. A variety of businesses are located at The Bridge, including Sainsbury’s, and several high-tech engineering businesses including motor tech company, SEM, and bathroom design company, Crosswater. The Nucleus Business and Innovation Centre is also onsite alongside a number of prestigious dealerships, including Mercedes, a Premier Inn and a Beafeater restaurant. With 1,500 new homes and 80 acres of public open space, including three lakes with excellent biodiversity, the site benefits from a range of education and leisure facilities, including a local triathlon club, a primary school, Leigh University Technical College and SusCon, a sustainable construction training and research centre. There will soon be a new care home and new play park, both currently under construction. Paul Weston, Regional Head at Prologis UK, said: “The Bridge as it is today is even better than we could have imagined 20 years ago, and I am delighted that the community is now taking this important step towards a self-managed future. With two primary schools and a university technical college for 14-18-year-olds on site, The Bridge is particularly well served with amenities that are attractive to families in the area and the lifestyle benefits that come from living and working in the same place are highly valued by local residents. “I am proud of the legacy that Prologis UK and Dartford Borough Council have left at The Bridge and hope that it will inspire similar regeneration projects across London and the South East. “I wish the community at The Bridge every success as they continue to pursue their path to a more self-sufficient and sustainable future.”
Yorkshire based multi-disciplinary construction company Harris CM has completed a board-level restructure and appointed a new managing director as it targets strong operational growth and £70 million turnover this year. Neil Silcock has been appointed as managing director and will assume overall operational responsibility from Jason Adlam, who will continue as Harris CM’s CEO, focussing on building new and existing stakeholder relationships. In addition, Jason will continue to deliver property development projects, which has become a key growth area for the company in recent years. Silcock brings a wealth of experience to the role after spending the last 14 years at construction company Simpson (York) Limited, where he was managing director for the past five years. In addition, Rhys Davies has been appointed as finance director at Harris CM. The position will form part of his wider role as group CFO for Tate Group, which is headed up by Harris CM’s chairman Shane Tate, who provides strategic direction, whilst delivering opportunities in the industrial, commercial and residential development sectors. The board also comprises of commercial director, Jason Collins and construction director, James Phillips. Silcock commented: “I am thrilled to be joining Harris CM and to be working alongside such a respected and successful group of people. The business has an excellent reputation and an authenticity which I have found to be particularly appealing and relatable. I’m looking forward to supporting the team in their current roles and in doing so, strengthening the business as a whole as we continue to expand.” Jason Adlam, CEO, said: “Whilst all construction contractors are facing challenges as a result of inflationary pressures, Harris CM remains committed to providing the best possible value for money on its projects and it’s an exciting time for the business. We have already secured a strong pipeline of work for the next 18 months across a wide spectrum of sectors, and we’re on track to hit £70 million turnover in 2022. “To deliver this effectively and continue our growth trajectory, we needed to expand our senior team. We are very pleased to welcome Neil and Rhys to Harris CM and look forward to their experience and industry knowledge helping to shape our strategic direction going forward.” Harris CM is a privately owned construction company that provides new-build and refurbishment property solutions throughout the UK, with nearly 50 employees in 2022.
Leading and award-winning build-to-rent provider Placefirst has reported record property portfolio growth, demonstrating continued commitment to expansion plans. The regeneration specialist has doubled its portfolio since January 2021 and has hit an important milestone of 1500 homes. Placefirst is on track to reach a projected milestone of 6500 homes by 2026. This milestone follows a year of major development success in 2021, bolstering Placefirst’s reputation as a front runner in the build-to-rent industry with a proven track record of creating quality homes designed specifically for long-term renters. One key project has been the launch of ‘Elevate’, an £8m apartment scheme in Manchester. Elevate has brought back into use a former Jobcentre by repurposing the building and adding a new top floor to give it a new lease of life. The scheme is now in its final stages and delivers 53 modern apartments. Elevate will complete in spring 2022 and has attracted huge interest, hitting a pre let figure of 75% this week. In addition to Elevate, both Placefirst’s Skye Edge and Scholars View developments are also due to complete in spring 2022. And the final phase of Placefirst’s iconic award-winning Welsh Streets development in Liverpool, which began in 2016, will be submitted for planning in the autumn. To support the growth plans, Placefirst is continuing to develop its pipeline across the UK. Standout schemes include Esh Winning, which received planning approval at the end of last year. The brownfield site will be transformed into a neighbourhood of 89 new homes, and will be the largest delivery of bungalows in a generation. Work is set to start on site this year. In Bolton, Placefirst is working on an exciting scheme in collaboration with Bolton Council. The project is set to deliver over 150 rental homes in the town centre as part of a significant regeneration project. A £65m residential scheme in Wolverhampton for 366 new homes and commercial space as part of a major regeneration project in the heart of the city’s historic Canalside Quarter, also received full planning approval in the final quarter of 2021. Placefirst is committed to creating thriving neighbourhoods with a strong sense of place, operating an end-to-end service which includes a dedicated resident services manager and community engagement initiatives. The last two years have seen the landscape of the private rental market change as people look to move to areas that offer a sense of place, and provision to stay long-term. Placefirst’s homes are designed to provide everything you could want for modern living with pets allowed, private and communal garden areas, strong sustainability credentials and quality guaranteed by delivering homes that are designed specifically for rent. David Mawson, chief executive at Placefirst comments: “We are delighted to have doubled our portfolio in the past year. The 1500 homes milestone is an incredible achievement for the business, extends our track record as a specialist in the single family housing market, and is a culmination of the hard work that is put into each of our developments. We provide an end-to-end service; designing, letting and managing every neighbourhood and always keep high quality and our residents at the forefront of our values. “The impact of our developments has been fantastic; we have a track record of delivering high-spec homes to our communities through placemaking and innovative regeneration. We are excited about future projects and look forward to continuing our success.”
The development will see the construction of three high specification industrial/logistics units of 25,000, 42,000 and 50,000 sq ft. Glencar, a leading UK construction company that was recently ranked amongst Europe’s fastest growing businesses, has today announced that it has been appointed by leading multinational real estate and property management company Frasers Property to develop three speculative new industrial units of 25,000, 42,000 and 50,000 sq ft at Blythe Valley Park in Solihull. The development being marketed as Connexion II sits in a prominent location close to the main entrance to Blythe Valley Park and only 2 minutes from J4 of the M42. Blythe Valley Park is the premier business park in the West Midlands region, accommodating a wide range of occupiers in prime office, R&D, industrial and logistics space. All three units will be developed to a high-quality sustainable specification, targeting BREEAM Excellent accreditation and an EPC Rating of A. The development is due for completion by the end of 2022. Speaking about the appointment Pete Goodman, Glencar Managing Director Midlands and North said: “Blythe Valley Park is widely considered to be the premier business park in the West Midlands and a thriving business community. Glencar are extremely proud and pleased to have been appointed by Frasers Property to construct this important next phase of development on the park within the heart of the Midlands growth engine. This new campus of high specification industrial units will provide occupiers with much needed new space and an exceptional place to work, with units benefiting from a cutting-edge design and sustainable specification set with 122 acres of beautiful parkland. This is the first instruction Glencar has received from Frasers Property and we look forward to working closely together, forging a strong partnership and seeing the units rise from the ground as construction progresses.” Blythe Valley Park is a 663,000 sq ft mixed use business park located in Solihull, near Birmingham offering versatile office and high-quality industrial space set in 122 acres of beautiful parkland. Strategically situated at the hub of the UK’s motorway system, Blythe Valley Park offers the very best access on a national and local scale. The park is a thriving business community of over 25 businesses employing more than 3,500 people with wellbeing at its heart. For further information visit: https://connexionsolihull.co.uk/.