Dealing with damaged or neglected old metal windows can be a genuinely daunting challenge for property owners or their maintenance teams, but replacement – especially using modern alternatives – is rarely the only answer as specialist contractor Associated Steel Window Services (ASWS) can attest. In work across the South-East and
Engineer and technical consultant Tony Fox is joining commercial real estate developers Network Space Developments (NSD) as its Technical Director. Tony joins from Tetra Tech/ White Young Green where he has worked for more than 20 years, consulting extensively with Newton Le Willows-headquartered Network Space during that time. Amongst other
CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS BUILDER TWO-DAY LIVE ARENA EVENT HOSTED BY CEO OF TRADE MASTERMIND AND WINNER OF BBC’S THE APPRENTICE JOSEPH VALENTE FEATURING GUEST SPEAKERS ALFIE BEST Entrepreneur, philanthropist and TV’s ‘Undercover Big Boss’. Plus KEVIN BYRNE founder and CEO of Checkatrade. February 26th & 27th at East of England Showground
The Irish group Kingspan, the global leader in high performance insulation and building envelope solutions, continues to increase its presence in the Spanish market, this time with the acquisition of 100% of the shares of the Ribarroja company THU Perfil SL. THU PERFIL is a Valencian firm located in the
A multi-million-pound housing development and regeneration scheme that has transformed an historic part of Salford is now complete. The £22million Poets redevelopment project in Swinton is now finished and fully occupied – bringing 160 brand-new homes and breathing new life into the area, which is also known as Beechfarm. Poets
Housing construction, fire safety and energy efficiency consultancies are encouraged to register interest for a new consultancy framework launching this summer. Consultancy Services (CS1) from LHC offers public sector organisations a wider range of services across all stages of the design, construction and refurbishment process, all in one framework. The
Thanks to investment from Hull City Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, a multi-million-pound refurbishment of Maritime Museum got underway at the beginning of January 2022 by Yorkshire based company, Simpson. The transformation will see major changes to the building and exhibitions, offering residents and visitors a much-improved experience
Network Space has secured two significant deals at its speculative multimillion-pound Woodhouse Link warehouse development, near Sheffield, prior to completion. The first unit, which provides 48,900 sq ft has been snapped up by global company, nVent, which acquired Eldon Holding AB and will move its main UK operations site from
LEADING architecture practice GT3 Architects has seen its focus on team development recognised with a prestigious national award. The firm – which has studios in Nottingham and Newcastle – has received the ‘People Development’ award at Constructing Excellence’s national ceremony, beating nominees from across the UK. The award recognises organisations
Petrarch, one of the first engineered stone rainscreen facades, celebrates turning 50 this year! Since 1972, over 1,000,000m2 of this aesthetically striking panel has been specified for more than 1,000 buildings across commercial, residential, education, healthcare and transport sectors worldwide. Helping to ‘unlock the potential’, it has changed the face
Dealing with damaged or neglected old metal windows can be a genuinely daunting challenge for property owners or their maintenance teams, but replacement – especially using modern alternatives – is rarely the only answer as specialist contractor Associated Steel Window Services (ASWS) can attest. In work across the South-East and further afield, the London-based company carries out a wide variety of contracts, addressing everything from heritage steel windows in listed buildings, to the maintenance of more modern W40 section and aluminium frame fenestration and curtain walling. Crucially, in almost all circumstances, timely intervention by ASWS can greatly extend the working life of windows; saving building owners from the cost and greater inconvenience of full replacement. Aside from the financial and logistical advantages, there are wider environmental benefits to refurbishing older windows which are becoming more valued, as the properties where we live and work come under scrutiny for their contribution to climate change. Straightforward routine maintenance will help ensure that opening lights close correctly and that weather-stripping is replaced when necessary; both cutting down on unwanted air and heat leakage. It is also possible to replace damaged or corroded sections and straighten or ‘reset’ distorted frames; either on site or in the workshop. Single glazing, which was standard in most steel windows until late last century, can be replaced with varying thicknesses of double-glazed unit, depending on the size of the rebate. Conventional IG starts at a slender 3-4-3mm make up and can benefit from warm edge spacer bars and gas filling, but new generation vacuum glazing offers much better performance, though at considerable cost. There is also a health and environmental benefit to removing all of the original lead paint still covering many older windows along with its responsible disposal. So the question is what to do with windows which really are beyond economic repair? While the price of scrap metal continues to fluctuate, the value of recycling has never been higher, with responsible contractors ensuring that they have separate skips for clean and dirty metal in order to maximise recovery. ASWS, however, goes much further having operated its own salvage operation for decades. Wherever possible, the team saves everything from old ironmongery, beads and even ‘Whitworth’ screws for reuse at a later date. In fact, the recent replacement of an old building at the front of the London premises has created even more room for this library of spare parts to be further expanded. As Laura Mercer, Managing Director of ASWS, observes: “We have got handles and other ironmongery from 40 years ago which we can reuse for current jobs when new replacements simply aren’t available, as well as the skills to make a full range of repairs and improvements. The best recycling you can do is re-using components to extend the useful life of windows and improving their performance at the same time.” Associated Steel Window Services is a member of The Steel Window Association (www.steel-window-association.co.uk). For further information on Associated Steel Window Services, please visit www.asws.co.uk or call 020 8665 5335.
Engineer and technical consultant Tony Fox is joining commercial real estate developers Network Space Developments (NSD) as its Technical Director. Tony joins from Tetra Tech/ White Young Green where he has worked for more than 20 years, consulting extensively with Newton Le Willows-headquartered Network Space during that time. Amongst other responsibilities Tony will lead on all the technical work on Network Space’s major projects and acquisitions, as well as advance and develop the company’s sustainability strategy. NSD’s short term industrial and urban logistics development pipeline across the north totals some 2.5m sq. ft of space including schemes like Tunstall Arrow North in Stoke, Glass Futures in St Helens, Sovereign Industry Park in Knowsley, Broadheath Network Centre in Altrincham, Ashroyd Business Park in Barnsley, Estuary Business Park in Speke and Woodhouse Link in Rotherham. His new position at Network Space will also allow him to be involved in projects across its sister companies, asset managers NSM and Network Space Investments Network Space Managing Director (Development) Stephen Barnes said: “‘Tony has worked as our primary consultant engineer for more than 20 years now and has been involved with nearly all our major projects. It feels a very natural appointment to bring him in-house as we embark on an ever growing, ambitious and exciting development pipeline. “His experience and knowledge of our sector is extensive and we’re delighted to have him on board.” Tony commented: I am absolutely delighted to join Network Space after such a long standing and successful client/consultant relationship. I’m looking forward to supporting the Business’s ambitious future growth programme, strengthening its technical delivery and ensuring it delivers a positive response to an evolving sustainability agenda.
CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS BUILDER TWO-DAY LIVE ARENA EVENT HOSTED BY CEO OF TRADE MASTERMIND AND WINNER OF BBC’S THE APPRENTICE JOSEPH VALENTE FEATURING GUEST SPEAKERS ALFIE BEST Entrepreneur, philanthropist and TV’s ‘Undercover Big Boss’. Plus KEVIN BYRNE founder and CEO of Checkatrade. February 26th & 27th at East of England Showground Arena, East of England Way, Peterborough, PE2 6HE. The biggest live construction event is taking place at Peterborough’s East of England Showground Arena on February 26th & 27th. It promises to be the ultimate showcase for business owners in the construction industry from all over the UK. Trade Mastermind CEO Joseph Valente has helped thousands of construction businesses to scale-up and triple annual turnovers, and this live two-day event is going to be the biggest and best yet. More than 200 plumbers, boiler installers, landscapers, builders, painter and decorators and many others, will be arriving in Peterborough to participate. The event is also going international and is being shown live around the world for those unable to attend. Joseph Valente, from Peterborough who won BBC’s The Apprentice in 2015 said: “I’m so excited to be hosting our live arena event in Peterborough over two days. And to have industry figureheads and leading entrepreneurs Alfie Best, plus CEO and founder of Checkatrade Kevin Byrne join us too, has seen a significantly huge demand from business owners to attend. The live two-day event is aimed at all construction business owners who are determined to get off the tools and increase turnover – we have helped thousands of tradespeople scale-up to become successful businesspeople. Our Construction Business Builder event will provide all the expertise advice and education you will ever need to achieve it.” “The demand to attend has been immense, so we’ve decided to offer virtual attendance for business owners around the world who can’t be here in person. The response from within the construction industry has simply been incredible,” he added. For full details and to book a seat at the live Construction Business Builder event, visit: www.construction-event.com Joseph Valente is available for immediate interview. For more details email: paul.fenech@trademastermind.co.uk FOR A PRESS PASS TO THE EVENT: paul.fenech@trademastermind.co.uk The live event is scheduled for February 26th & 27th at the East of England Showground Arena, East of England Way, Peterborough, PE2 6HE.
The Irish group Kingspan, the global leader in high performance insulation and building envelope solutions, continues to increase its presence in the Spanish market, this time with the acquisition of 100% of the shares of the Ribarroja company THU Perfil SL. THU PERFIL is a Valencian firm located in the Polígono Industrial Masia Baló in Ribarroja de Turia (Valencia) of more than 30 years in the manufacture of metal ceiling profiles and solutions. The acquisition of THU by the Irish Kingspan Group opens a new stage after 7 years of management in the hands of the investment company ZRISER, which allowed THU to innovate in new product lines and reach new markets. The transaction has been closed after the approval of the National Commission of Markets and Competition. This operation will promote the international development of THU while complementing Kingspan’s current offer in enclosure solutions with the incorporation of technical ceilings and profiles. Gabriel García, General Director of THU, says: “I am very pleased to be part of Kingspan’s industrial project, which is also a clear global market leader. I am convinced that this integration will bring additional benefits to our clients, boost our international development and offer great professional opportunities to THU employees”. For further information, please visit www.kingspan.com
A multi-million-pound housing development and regeneration scheme that has transformed an historic part of Salford is now complete. The £22million Poets redevelopment project in Swinton is now finished and fully occupied – bringing 160 brand-new homes and breathing new life into the area, which is also known as Beechfarm. Poets has been a major redevelopment scheme from housing association Salix Homes and has seen 146 defective properties, that were affected by structural issues, demolished. In their place, Salix Homes has built 120 new social housing properties, plus a further 40 homes for outright sale, available through the Government’s Help to Buy scheme. Sue Sutton, chief executive at Salix Homes, said: “Construction at the Poets began five years ago, but we’ve been developing proposals with the community for many years before that alongside Salford Council, so to see the development finally complete and those ambitions for Poets brought to life is a monumental moment for the area and the community. “This area has always been known for its real strength of community, and we have endeavoured to preserve that community spirit throughout the development, so it’s fantastic to see residents, both new and old, settled and making memories in their new homes. “At a time when social and affordable housing is in such short supply, we’re incredibly proud that Poets has increased housing choice in the area, bringing new, modern homes to both people on the social housing register and aspiring homeowners.” The mixed tenure development of two, three and four-bedroom homes, marks the first new-build scheme for Salix Homes and its first properties available for sale as part of its affordable home-ownership brand – Willo Homes. New homeowner Robin Capon was one of the last residents to get the keys, moving into his new three-bedroom home on Christmas Eve, and the 30-year-old accountant has finally seen his ambition to get on the property ladder become a reality. He said: “I’d been renting for many years, so it was such a relief to finally get the keys and move in. I’d always wanted a new-build as I like the idea that you don’t need to do anything to the property and can just move straight in. “I didn’t really think it would feel much different to renting, but it does. It’s the first house I’ve lived in that’s actually mine and I’ve become really house proud. I love it here.” Poets derives its names due to the surrounding streets being named after famous wordsmiths, which include Shakespeare Road, Wordsworth Road and Tennyson Road. Existing residents have been involved in the redevelopment process from start to finish, and those affected by the demolition proposals were given priority for moving back into the new-build properties. The wider estate has also benefitted from additional investment to make environmental improvements, including new gates, fencing and landscaping. Councillor Tracy Kelly, Statutory Deputy City Mayor and Lead Member for Housing, Property and Regeneration at Salford City Council, said: “It is fantastic news to hear this impressive housing scheme is now finally complete. “In Salford we are desperate for affordable properties for local people to live in and we are living with a national housing crisis. These 120 new social homes will make such a huge different to the lives of people who move into them. “I’d like to thank all involved with this successful project and I look forward to visiting very soon.” Salix Homes is now working on other new-build, affordable housing developments across Salford, which includes Neighbourhood – a 157-home development in Seedley; and Greenhaus – an eco-friendly apartment block on Chapel Street.
Housing construction, fire safety and energy efficiency consultancies are encouraged to register interest for a new consultancy framework launching this summer. Consultancy Services (CS1) from LHC offers public sector organisations a wider range of services across all stages of the design, construction and refurbishment process, all in one framework. The framework will cover all five LHC Group regions including Scottish Procurement Alliance (SPA), Welsh Procurement Alliance (WPA) and South West Procurement Alliance (SWPA), Consortium Procurement Construction (CPC) and London and South East (LSE). However, housing consultancy services will be only for SPA, WPA and SWPA, owing to pre-existing frameworks already available for CPC and LSE areas. CS1 brings together LHC’s existing Housing Construction Consultancy (H1 WS1), Energy Efficiency (N8C) and Fire Safety (FS1-C) frameworks under one umbrella to make it easier for contracting authorities to procure specialist consultants. Dean Fazackerley, Head of Technical Procurement at LHC, said: “We recognise the importance of making frameworks more accessible to regional suppliers and SMEs to give them more opportunity to work with public sector organisations – CS1 looks to achieve that. “Bringing housing construction consultancy, fire safety and energy efficiency under one roof allows us to meet client needs for projects of all sizes, reflecting the current market. It also means we can streamline the procurement process while offering a wider variety of high-quality, pre-approved expertise across a wide range of public sector buildings” Consultancies are encouraged to register interest for the framework, which will be opening for applications in early summer 2022. LHC intends to hold further engagement webinars with interested parties in due course to discuss initial proposals and gain feedback, before finalising the framework and issuing the tender. To register interest in the CS1 framework and receive updates and webinar invites, visit Proactis or Gov.uk’s Find a Tender service. For more information on LHC Group, visit https://www.lhc.gov.uk/.
Thanks to investment from Hull City Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, a multi-million-pound refurbishment of Maritime Museum got underway at the beginning of January 2022 by Yorkshire based company, Simpson. The transformation will see major changes to the building and exhibitions, offering residents and visitors a much-improved experience and secure the museum’s future well into the 21st century. More of the Victorian architecture revealed for the first time, the second floor will open to the public as well as access to one of the building’s domes, offering views across the city skyline. A new three-storey foyer will draw people into the heart of the building, providing a visually stunning and thematic introduction to the galleries beyond. This will be created by re-opening up the original light well that helped to illuminate the Victorian dock offices. New galleries and control systems will allow the museum to host the very best national and international exhibitions. Physical accessibility to the building will undergo major improvements whilst remaining sensitive to the original architecture, including a new entrance ramp and stairs, lift and changing place. Expected to re-open in early 2025, 50 per cent more objects will be on display, along with new exhibitions and stories, an extended gift shop and a brand-new café area will also be created. Councillor Daren Hale, Leader of Hull City Council, said: “The refurbishment of the Hull Maritime Museum is a significant milestone for the Hull Maritime project. It will be great to see the transformation as it progresses, creating a museum that will attract new and more diverse visitors. “This major investment will ensure the stories of Hull’s maritime past will continue to be told, and importantly in new and engaging ways to showcase our significant collections to the world. “Whilst we will all miss visiting the museum and its collection, this work is vital to its future and the result will be well worth the wait.” The specialist works will be undertaken by award-winning heritage contractor Simpson based in York, who have a proven track record in delivering prestigious restoration and refurbishments projects like the Hull Maritime Museum. These include the Grade I listed World Heritage Site Durham Cathedral, Grade I listed Ledston Hall, York Art Gallery, Bowes Museum, Cliffords Tower and Castle Howard. David Renwick, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “It is fantastic news that, thanks to the National Lottery players, the Hull Maritime Museum is now entered its renovation phase, a significant milestone for the Hull Maritime City project which we are proud to support. “As work also progresses at the former Dock Office Chambers and on the two iconic historic ships, the Arctic Corsair and the Spurn Lightship, we are looking forward to witnessing the transformation that Hull Maritime is bringing to Hull. We know that heritage in the North can play a huge role in bringing people together and creating a sense of pride in people’s hometowns and cities, and in turn boosting the local economy, and this project is a fantastic example of that.” Managing Director, Andrew Gatenby at Simpson, said: “We are proud to be the main contractor on the works to the historic Hull Maritime Museum. We are looking forward to working with Hull City Council in creating a wonderful attraction for all to enjoy.” The £12m refurbishment of the Maritime Museum is part of the Hull Maritime project, funded by Hull City Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Other significant improvements involve the restoration of the Spurn Lightship and the Arctic Corsair and regenerating the North End Shipyard. For more information and updates visit maritimehull.co.uk or follow @Hullmaritime on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Network Space has secured two significant deals at its speculative multimillion-pound Woodhouse Link warehouse development, near Sheffield, prior to completion. The first unit, which provides 48,900 sq ft has been snapped up by global company, nVent, which acquired Eldon Holding AB and will move its main UK operations site from Hellaby to Woodhouse Link. An online retail giant has also agreed a deal for unit 4, where work is set to complete in February on the 23,200 sq ft warehouse with integral office. As a result, only one unit now remains at Woodhouse Link following last year’s letting of unit 3 to BLE Smoke and Fire Curtains Ltd. It is expected that all of the units will be let pre-completion as the remaining unit 2, which offers 13,200 sq ft of warehouse space, is already under offer. Local construction company, Harris CM, is currently on-site delivering 116,505 sq ft of prime industrial space across the four high specification units. All of the units will be ready for occupation in spring 2022 when Woodhouse Link will be capable of fostering some 200 new jobs. Simon Peters, Development Director at Network Space, explains: “Securing a further two significant deals at Woodhouse Link prior to its completion is testament to the quality of space and the great location close to the M1, Sheffield and Rotherham. This, combined with the 24/7 access and wide range of permitted uses has led to strong enquiry levels and the final unit is already under offer.” Woodhouse Link lies close to junctions 31 and 33 of the M1, to the east of Sheffield and on the south side of Rotherham, within the Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation District and close to the Advanced Manufacturing Park at Waverley. The development has planning permission for 24/7 operation and is suitable for manufacturing or distribution uses. The detached and self-contained units all provide secure storage yards and parking, 8 to 10 metre high eaves, integral offices and are designed to a high sustainability standard, including EV charging points, and to a BREEAM Very Good rating. Avison Young and CPP are responsible for marketing the site. Colliers advised nVent on the acquisition of the property. Rob Oliver, principal from Avison Young said: “We were delighted to agree and complete lettings on Units 1 and 4 prior to practical completion, and to attract to the scheme both a leading online retailer, and the relocation of a well-known local occupier. “We had received strong interest in both units from other occupiers, as we did for Unit 2, prior to agreeing terms on it with the chosen party. We look forward to seeing construction complete shortly, and the estate fully occupied and functioning in the next few months.” Ed Norris, Director at CCP said: “The latest deals announced at Woodhouse confirm the quality of the location and building on offer. It is fantastic to conclude these deals prior to practical completion of the units and gives confidence to the region.” The Woodhouse Link project team includes DLA Architecture, Spawforths planners, Tetra Tech and CJR Midlands M&E engineers, Walker Sime QS and project management and Gateley legal.
LEADING architecture practice GT3 Architects has seen its focus on team development recognised with a prestigious national award. The firm – which has studios in Nottingham and Newcastle – has received the ‘People Development’ award at Constructing Excellence’s national ceremony, beating nominees from across the UK. The award recognises organisations that value their workforce and ensure they maximise their team’s contribution to the business, something which GT3 Architects has nurtured through its ‘People Architecture’ approach. Alongside a new operations and flexible working policy introduced to mitigate the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, the practice appointed a designated ‘people champion’ to lead its focus on personal and professional development. Liz Clarke, associate director and ‘people champion’ at GT3 Architects, said: “For a practice with a fundamental goal to place people – not buildings – at the heart of our projects, processes and practice-life, Covid-19 offered us an unparalleled opportunity to prove ‘People Architecture’ to be more than just a strapline.” The success of this approach was borne out in a staff survey, which showed that 97% of its staff base believed they are supported by their colleagues and team leaders, with 89% feeling that their work during lockdown directly contributed to practice success. Liz added: “We believe that our success stems from our commitment to placing people’s wellbeing at the heart of every business decision, and our quick and sensitive reactions to feedback and changing circumstances. “Throughout all the lockdowns, Simon, Mark, and our leadership team continued to prioritise a collaborative and transparent environment, communicating not just within our own practice, but proactively seeking peer reviews and external mentorship opportunities with our contemporaries.” Alongside staff-centric changes made during the pandemic, the workplace consultancy team at GT3 offered consultation sessions to local businesses struggling to adapt to a Covid-19 working environment, and the practice also launched its first Virtual Work Experience offering for students aged 14 – 18, subsequently supported by both the RIBA and Speakers for Schools. The award period also saw the firm secure new projects and R&D work – including the UK’s first wet and dry Passivhaus leisure facility in Staines-upon-Thames, Surrey – and grow its staff base by 10%. Simon Dunstan, director at GT3 Architects, said: “In a year when countless milestones, projects, and career choices were put on-hold, we made a conscious effort to continually put our people first, as well as contribute to the wider industry and support our local communities. “We are a rapidly growing practice, and we recognise that there is still plenty of work to do. We are exceptionally proud of our team, and will continue to align practice strategy and – hopefully – our continued successes with the individual development and wellbeing of our people. This award win is a real testament to our approach and we’re delighted to have been awarded to top spot.” For further information visit www.gt3architects.com or join the conversation over on Twitter @_GT3Architects.
Petrarch, one of the first engineered stone rainscreen facades, celebrates turning 50 this year! Since 1972, over 1,000,000m2 of this aesthetically striking panel has been specified for more than 1,000 buildings across commercial, residential, education, healthcare and transport sectors worldwide. Helping to ‘unlock the potential’, it has changed the face of working and living spaces internationally, and been showcased on numerous award-winning buildings. To mark the anniversary, Architectural Panel Solutions (its manufacturer) is holding an architectural photo and drawing competition with chances to win three special golden tickets throughout the year. The prize consists of a hot air balloon ride for two (see Show some love for Petrarch and architecture, with our 50th year anniversary photo competition. – Petrarch Architectural Panels (petrarchpanels.com). Blending both form and function perfectly, Petrarch has been manufactured in the UK for 50 years, currently at its factory in St Leonards on Sea, East Sussex. On the form side, it features more than 1,500 shades and five distinctive textures, and just like natural stone, it matures over time, giving character and depth to any architectural scheme. The reconstituted stone panel can also be custom ribbed or routed. On the function side, Petrarch is BBA and CWTC approved and carefully designed to be extremely weather resistant yet low maintenance and lightweight. The panels will not delaminate or decay under any conditions. They are also impact resistant and boast an A2-s1,d0 reaction to fire rating (EN 13501). Petrarch is a reconstituted stone panel created predominantly from natural by-product materials such as stone and marble. Highly durable and impact resistant, it is considerably lighter than natural stone systems and is extremely weather resistant – designed to withstand severe environmental conditions. Used on a myriad of award-winning projects worldwide, UK projects include Pawson Williams’ Natural History Museum in London (riven Graphite), TP Bennett’s The Filmworks in Ealing, London (smooth Alabaster), Engles’ Eagles Meadow shopping centre in Wrexham, North Wales (riven Heather and Graphite), and WCEC Architecture’s Royal Wharf at the Royal Docks in London (smooth matt custom colour). The competition and the introduction of new features on the Petrarch website triggers the start of a year of celebrations and initiatives to mark 50 years of success and #petrarchpassion. Petrarch has already launched a “Lookbook” on its website where architects and specifiers can select their own swatch of inspiring projects worldwide, to read at their leisure. Go to Petrarch turns 50! – Petrarch Architectural Panels (petrarchpanels.com). Show some #petrarchpassion