Stoford is making progress on a new DHL parcel distribution service centre as part of the next phase of a job-creating logistics park in East Devon. Construction is underway on two new buildings that will deliver a combined 83,500 sq ft of industrial/logistics accommodation at Exeter Logistics Park, on the
Lawson Demolition takes delivery of two new medium excavators Demolition and licensed asbestos removal expert, Lawson Demolition, has invested in two new Cat 323 hydraulic excavators to celebrate its 30 year anniversary in 2021. The well-established company bought the machines from exclusive Caterpillar® distributor, Finning UK and Ireland, where it
THERE IS no secret that as an industry we need to do more to look after our employees. The sector does go the distance when caring for physical health as this is associated with safety, but as our wider understanding of mental wellbeing grows, we cannot ignore it. National framework
A key driver for the Healthcare Construction market is the NHS’ future vision, structure and funding for capital projects. In the October 2021 Budget and Spending Review, it was announced that the NHS England budget will grow from £136.1bn in 2021/22 to £162.6bn in 2024/25, this is an average real
Stirling-based procurement services provider, PfH Scotland, which represents 95 social housing providers across Scotland, has appointed 25 contractors to its new £0.25bn Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing 2 (EESSH2) framework. Procast, Easy Heat Systems, Changeworks and City Technical Services are among suppliers to win places across eight lots on
Many industries will be affected when red diesel loses its tax-free status in April 2022. With less than six months to go until red diesel users will be charged the full fuel tax to reflect on the emissions they produce, the MHM Group is urging industry leaders to adopt the
Total value of the SCAPE Civil Engineering frameworks to increase from £2.1bn to £4bn. The re-procurement includes a £3.25bn framework for England, Wales and Northern Ireland and a separate £750m framework for Scotland, managed and operated by SCAPE Scotland. Frameworks will allow organisations access to net-zero ready specialist contractors to
A prominent polymer system supplier is advocating the specification of more sustainable heating and cooling solutions in educational buildings following the publication of analysis suggesting most UK universities are not on track to hit emissions targets. The recent release of People and Planet’s annual University League asking ‘how sustainable is
Embedding heritage-led regeneration within wider investment programmes aimed at revitalising high streets and enhancing local and regional infrastructure, will more effectively drive the growth and renewal of Britain’s historic town centres, says a new report from national planning and development consultancy, Lichfields. The ‘Historic Opportunities’ report comes at a time
Birmingham City Council Leader Lays Brick on Fifth Floor Roof Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of multi-sector construction and civil engineering projects, and client PATRIZIA have celebrated topping out of the first roof at a build-to-rent (BTR) scheme in Edgbaston, as
Stoford is making progress on a new DHL parcel distribution service centre as part of the next phase of a job-creating logistics park in East Devon. Construction is underway on two new buildings that will deliver a combined 83,500 sq ft of industrial/logistics accommodation at Exeter Logistics Park, on the former Hayes Farm, Clyst Honiton. They include a modern, bespoke facility of 55,000 sq ft on behalf of DHL that has been designed to reduce the logistics firm’s environmental footprint by minimising the number of vehicles required on site. Stoford is targeting BREEAM ‘very good’ and an EPC A rating for the new service centre, which will benefit from sustainability features including PV solar panels, EV charging points, a sustainable urban drainage system and a green roof atop integral office areas. The new development will also promote employee health and wellbeing through the creation of trim trail and outdoor gym areas, including bodyweight exercise equipment. A second unit of c. 28,500 sq ft is being developed speculatively by Stoford, in partnership with Urban Logistics REIT, and is expected to operate as a conventional facility with flexible warehouse space. The new developments could create more than 150 new jobs when they are functional in Q1 2022. Dan Gallagher, Joint Managing Director, Stoford said: “This is an ambitious build programme that recognises the need for Exeter Logistics Park to be developed responsibly, delivering environmental and economic benefits. There is huge pent up demand for logistics and distribution accommodation of this size and quality in the region, which is why we’ve taken the decision to develop speculatively. We’re excited by the potential to establish the site as the South West’s leading distribution hub, south of Bristol.” John Barker, Development Director at investor, Urban Logistics REIT, said: “Because of the lack of supply in this location and the quality of the build, we’re already seeing some early interest. This is another deployment of capital into the Exeter market which should be seen as a sign of our confidence in the South West market which we see as an important market for logistics.” Richard Moffitt, CEO of Urban Logistics REIT, commented: “The location of this scheme is already endorsed by logistics operators and the micro location is excellent, being close to the M5 and the airport. We are excited to be working with Stoford and the Church Commissioners for England to bring this site forward.” Joanna Loxton, Head of Strategic Land for the Church Commissioners for England, said: “The Church Commissioners are delighted to be partnering with Stoford to deliver these new facilities at Exeter Logistics Park. We are pleased to see the strong sustainability credentials that form a key part of the scheme, including infrastructure for electric vehicles, green roof spaces and the provision of solar panels, all of which will contribute towards carbon reduction.” Councillor Paul Hayward, East Devon District Council’s Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economy and Assets, said: “This exciting development builds upon the incredible growth of the wider Exeter and East Devon Enterprise Zone and will create much welcomed employment for the area. Additionally, this innovative building design will provide a significant number of environmental benefits which will accord with the aims and objectives of East Devon District Council to be a green, carbon-zero and eco-friendly local authority. I look forward to seeing the building in all its glory and send my thanks to all involved for choosing East Devon as the place where they wish to do business.” Exeter Logistics Park is part of the second phase of a significant industrial scheme on a 55-acre site, owned by the Church Commissioners for England. It is part of the Exeter and East Devon Growth Point economic development zone east of the M5, near Exeter Airport. All enquiries regarding Exeter Logistics Park should be directed to the scheme’s retained agents, JLL, Cushman & Wakefield and M1 Agency.
Lawson Demolition takes delivery of two new medium excavators Demolition and licensed asbestos removal expert, Lawson Demolition, has invested in two new Cat 323 hydraulic excavators to celebrate its 30 year anniversary in 2021. The well-established company bought the machines from exclusive Caterpillar® distributor, Finning UK and Ireland, where it will be used with a variety of different work tools for demolition and materials processing applications. Lawson Demolition, a member company of the Lawson Group, provides bespoke demolition packages to clients by applying innovative methodologies to projects and using the latest technology in its plant and equipment. To be able to guarantee this for its customers, Lawson Demolition was looking for high quality equipment that boasted reliable performance, while also benefitting from better fuel efficiency and lower emissions as the company aims to reduce its carbon footprint. The two 323s will be joining Lawson Demolition’s already established fleet of Cat excavators. The new machines come with built-in Cat GRADE with 2D, Grade Assist and Payload as standard equipment right from the factory, boosting operator efficiency by up to 45 per cent. Combined with up to 15 per cent lower maintenance costs and 20 per cent less fuel consumption, the 323s are a low-cost-per-unit-of-production excavator, built for heavy-duty applications like demolition and site clearance. This year Lawson Demolition is celebrating its 30th year in business, a milestone of successful business operations. Sorrowfully at the same time, the business is mourning the loss of its founder and respected leader, Martin Wilson. Martin was the driving force behind a successful self-grown business within the industry, formed into a group of companies in October 2003 with the launch of Lawson Group. The business is now directed by Claire Wilson, Managing Director and Andy Neath, Projects Director. In addition to Martin’s commitment to Lawson Group, he was a passionate leader in the Demolition Industry and served as NFDC President from 2015 to 2017 to lobby the voice of the industry. “Our 30th year in business hasn’t been exactly as we imagined it, with the tragic loss of my beloved Father and the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Claire Wilson, Managing Director of Lawson Group. “However, with the help of our dedicated team, the support of Finning and our other suppliers, we’re confident that his legacy will live on for next 30 years and more”. “We will continue our excellent working relationship with Lawson Group — something that we’ve had for 20 years through both sales and aftercare,” said Darren Bodio, National Account Manager at Finning UK & Ireland. “The 323 medium excavators will be a fine addition to its fleet, and we will be supporting the company as they continue to secure projects planned for 2022 and beyond with servicing and maintenance from Cat certified engineers and a three-year essentials parts CVA.” Once delivered, the two Cat 323s will be put straight to work at current demolition sites throughout the South West. Delivering power, speed and high production performance, the Cat 323 has all the technology and benefits that companies need to take demolition to the next level. To find out more about the medium range of excavators from Caterpillar, visit the Finning website.
THERE IS no secret that as an industry we need to do more to look after our employees. The sector does go the distance when caring for physical health as this is associated with safety, but as our wider understanding of mental wellbeing grows, we cannot ignore it. National framework provider Pagabo is pushing forward with key wellbeing initiatives, including its ongoing partnership with leading health tech brand Moodbeam. In September, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) published data for 2020, which shows that for every 100,000 construction workers, 30 took their own lives. The figures are horrendous when the rates in the industry are compared to other kinds of jobs. Glasgow Caledonian University professor Billy Hare has also carried out analysis of rates of suicide in different sectors, which found that construction workers are 3.4 times more likely to take their own life. Charley Wainwright of Pagabo said: “The latest ONS stats and the analysis carried out by Professor Billy Hare is striking – especially when we look at the past five years and across other industries. While the rate has remained fairly steady between 2015 and 2020 for other professions, the construction figure has gone up by five percentage points, from 25 in 100,000 in 2015, to 30 in 100,000 in 2020. “This ongoing issue clearly isn’t going away and instead is becoming even more prevalent, which is why as an industry we need to find new ways to manage this collective issue. We have been working in partnership with health tech brand Moodbeam to test its unique solution across the industry and have concluded a trial across 13 construction businesses. “Mental wellbeing is a complicated issue. Much like a hard hat will not stop you from cutting your hand, there needs to be a network of safety nets and personal protective equipment (PPE) to help protect workers – and Moodbeam can be seen as PPE for mental wellbeing.” The trials saw more than 380 volunteers* from 13 businesses – including Kajima Partnerships, Pick Everard, and Faithful+Gould – across the industry using Moodbeam’s wearable wellbeing solution. The wristband featured two buttons – a yellow one for the user to press when feeling good, and a blue one for when they were feeling not so good. Organisations were able to visualise this data and see how their teams and individuals were feeling, with a view to being able to identify where changes could be made, or additional support provided to improve more positive wellbeing at work. Feedback from volunteers following the three-month trial has shown that more than half of the participants believe Moodbeam’s initiative should be introduced across the industry. The trials have concluded at a time that Moodbeam has adapted its service offering post-pandemic, launching a more accessible and discrete option of a direct-entry mobile app. The new app features yellow and blue buttons to mirror the original wristband hardware used in the trials, with the revamped dashboard giving organisations even more insight into how their people are feeling across teams, departments and locations. One of the companies that took part in the trials was built environment developer Kajima Partnerships, which had 20 volunteers take part. Talking about their experience in the trials, project director Richard Coe said: “Looking after our staff is something at the heart of our business. However, as the pandemic started to take hold, we were really concerned about staff mental health and wellbeing as they had to start working from home and to juggle personal and professional lives and stresses against the backdrop of Covid-19. “The concept and simplicity of Moodbeam really appealed to us, along with the ability to stay in touch with how staff were feeling – and we found the trials really illuminating. We had volunteers sitting across several departments, so it was interesting to see how different departments were under different pressures at different times. “Not being in the office, we didn’t have the usual visual clues on how our people were feeling. Moodbeam really helped to alleviate this, and if anyone was consistently pushing blue then we were able to check in, find out why and mobilise solutions. We’re really pleased to see Moodbeam is adapting, how it does things further, and look forward to continuing the use of its new app.” Pagabo and Moodbeam will continue to work in partnership to drive change in the way the construction industry handles employee mental wellbeing. Speaking about the new app and continued partnership with Pagabo, Moodbeam’s co-founder Christina Colmer McHugh said: “The pandemic changed everything when it came to how, where and why we work, and we have adapted our offering in line with that and feedback from users to ensure Moodbeam provides businesses with the best tool possible to add to their approach to staff wellbeing. “Moodbeam is all about gaining a true understanding of situations, taking successes and failures forward as learnings in a manner that brings teams together to create the changes when and where they are needed the most. With the worsening statistics around mental wellbeing in the construction industry, we’re really pleased to hear the feedback from the initial trials and to continue our working relationship with Pagabo to make a difference to those working in the sector.” Simon Toplass, group chief commercial officer at The 55 Group, which is Pagabo’s parent organisation, added: “As the materials shortage and skills gaps continue to worsen, the pressure put onto contractors, developers and consultants will continue to grow as timescales and budgets tighten. The race to the bottom is still unfortunately very much on, and with this comes uncertainty and stress – and this is all against the backdrop of anything someone may be dealing with in their personal life, and uncertainty around what the winter months will bring. “Moodbeam is an effective tool for understanding the pressures on our people – and how they vary across businesses, teams and individual people. Earlier intervention is the key to tackling these wellbeing issues at or
A key driver for the Healthcare Construction market is the NHS’ future vision, structure and funding for capital projects. In the October 2021 Budget and Spending Review, it was announced that the NHS England budget will grow from £136.1bn in 2021/22 to £162.6bn in 2024/25, this is an average real term increase of 3.8% per year. Construction output in this sector declined by 37% between 2016 and 2020. There is an ongoing shift from hospital bases provision to a more community-based model. While the forecasts currently suggest there will be market growth between 2021 and 2025, it is not enough to compensate for the decline over the past five years. Ozge Celik Russell, Researcher Manager at AMA Research and editor of the Healthcare Construction market report explains “In the NHS, the shift of focus away from hospital-based provision towards a community-based model of care continues. This transforms primary care services in line with the NHS Five Year Forward View and the NHS Long Term Plan which creates opportunities for smaller value projects to provide extensions, reorganization and refurbishment of existing primary care facilities.” With the Government deciding to axe PFI (Private Finance Initiative Schemes) and PF2 (Private Finance 2) for infrastructure projects; although many contracts are due to expire over the next decade, it is confirmed that all existing PFI contracts will be honoured, noting that some of which will run into the 2040s. Currently the main healthcare construction procurement programmes in the UK are NHS LIFT/ExpressLIFT, the HUB Initiative Scotland, Frameworks Scotland, ProCure22 (until the end of June 2022), ProCure23 (starts in July 2022), NHS Building for Wales Frameworks. Between 2016 and Q3 2021, in terms of the type of contracts awarded, public hospitals accounted for the largest share, followed by surgeries, health and medical centres. In 2019 before the Covid-19 pandemic, contract awards for all types of healthcare facilities declined over the previous year’s levels. In 2020, contract awards for private hospitals, surgeries, health and medical centres and veterinary surgeries and hospitals increased significantly while the value of contract awards for public hospitals remained stable. Q1-Q3 2021 activity in contract awards suggests that it will be a strong year in healthcare specifically in terms of public hospitals and hospices, nursing and psychiatric homes. Going forward, output from public hospitals and surgeries, health and medical centres will continue to dominate the total construction output in the healthcare sector. Since 2016, projects for public hospitals and surgeries, health and medical centres constituted on average 80% of the contract awards in the healthcare sector by value. On a regional basis, the London, East of England and South East lead the forward planning approved pipeline of healthcare work, with 25%, 23% and 12% worth of schemes respectively.
Stirling-based procurement services provider, PfH Scotland, which represents 95 social housing providers across Scotland, has appointed 25 contractors to its new £0.25bn Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing 2 (EESSH2) framework. Procast, Easy Heat Systems, Changeworks and City Technical Services are among suppliers to win places across eight lots on the five-year contract. In order to attract a wide range of small, local suppliers as well as national contractors, the framework is structured around six regions, covering every area of Scotland. Housing providers can access energy efficiency modelling through the framework, helping them to identify the upgrades needed to bring their stock up to Energy Efficiency Standards for Social Housing post 2020 (EESSH2) target levels. EESSH2 standards, which were confirmed by the Scottish Government in 2019, encourage social landlords to tackle fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions by ensuring all social homes in Scotland reach Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Band B by December 2032. PfH Scotland’s EESSH2 framework covers whole property retrofit, feasibility studies, funding advice, land and environmental surveys as well as the servicing and installation of gas and renewable heating systems. Scottish housing associations and local authorities can procure from the framework either via mini-competition – where they can access template call-off documents and specifications – or on a direct award basis, meaning they won’t need to go through any additional tender process. Chris McGinn, PfH Scotland’s Commercial Manager said: “Research shows that just 7% of housing association stock in Scotland currently meets EESSH2 standards, so there is a long way to go before 2032. We did a lot of pre-tender engagement with Scottish housing providers, asking about the barriers to improving energy efficiency. They told us that identifying the right energy efficiency upgrades, accessing funding and delivering to deadlines were all areas they wanted support with and I’m confident this new framework will help providers to bring their homes up to EESSH2 standards.” Andrew Filby, Project Manager at Ayrshire-based charity the Energy Agency said: “We welcome the Scottish Government’s commitment to ambitious targets on both climate change and fuel poverty, but this represents a significant challenge for housing providers. Frameworks such as PfH Scotland’s EESSH2 framework will play a key role in providing a platform for Scottish housing associations and local authorities to access the technical expertise and experienced contractors to meet this challenge. Having access to the right skills will not only provide a pathway to EESSH2 compliance but also minimise the risk to both housing providers and tenants as we transition to a low carbon economy”. For further information about PfH Scotland’s EESSH2 Heating Services framework visit https://pfhscotland.co.uk/eessh2/
Many industries will be affected when red diesel loses its tax-free status in April 2022. With less than six months to go until red diesel users will be charged the full fuel tax to reflect on the emissions they produce, the MHM Group is urging industry leaders to adopt the use of cleaner alternatives, in particular HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil). Red diesel is widely used in the agricultural, marine and construction sectors, and although at present business owners benefit from a 47p-per-litre tax rebate for its use, as of April 2022 they will have to switch to ordinary ‘white’ diesel costs, taxed at the full rate. That means many businesses will be paying five times as much in fuel duty as they do currently. In the wake of rising costs and significant impacts on the environment, a market leading equipment manufacturer, the MHM Group is urging businesses within the plant hire and construction industries to consider switching to HVO fuel as a greener, more sustainable alternative. HVO is a premium quality fuel made from 100% renewable raw materials, and can reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 90% when likened with fossil-fuel diesel. Every 1,000 litres of diesel burned produces 3.6 tonnes of greenhouse gas CO2, compared to just 195kg GHG CO2 for every 1,000 litres of HVO burned. The MHM Group has itself recently confirmed that all of its diesel-powered machinery, principally generators and lighting towers, are now fully compatible, approved and safe for use with HVO fuel. Commenting on how the rental market can reduce its carbon footprint, the MHM Group’s Managing Director Mat Llewellyn said: “Everyone in the industry has been aware that green changes are on the horizon, but often these deadlines come up much faster than we first anticipate. For that reason, we have been doubling down on our efforts to ensure that Bolt, our new equipment for sale and our rehire fleet becomes more sustainable and that we can offer solutions to the construction sector on eliminating harmful carbon emissions. “Using HVO is significant a part of this process and becomes even more important with the tax rises to red diesel and the growing consensus on the need for action to address climate change. We are also continuing to invest heavily in other renewables, such as solar and battery hybrid engine and diesel free machines, as part of our comprehensive approach to a sustainable future.” Launched in 2010, the MHM Group is the leading supplier of a range of sustainable equipment, including solar hybrid generators and solar lighting towers. The supplier offers a range of innovative products that emit zero carbon and can be powered by renewable fuel sources. For more information on MHM and its equipment, visit http://www.mhmplant.com.
Total value of the SCAPE Civil Engineering frameworks to increase from £2.1bn to £4bn. The re-procurement includes a £3.25bn framework for England, Wales and Northern Ireland and a separate £750m framework for Scotland, managed and operated by SCAPE Scotland. Frameworks will allow organisations access to net-zero ready specialist contractors to help them achieve their aims around climate change. Up to £4bn of new public sector civil engineering projects for local communities across the UK are set to be accelerated as part of a new set of frameworks being launched by SCAPE. The new format puts net zero carbon construction and work for local SMEs at the heart of delivery. The public sector procurement authority has published details for its third generation Civil Engineering frameworks, with major contractors from across the UK invited to take part in the re-procurement in 2022. The re-procurement includes a £3.25bn framework for England, Wales and Northern Ireland and a separate £750m framework for Scotland, managed and operated by SCAPE Scotland. Running for a period of four years from 2023, with an option to be extended for a further two years until 2029, the fully-managed frameworks will more than double the capacity of infrastructure focused activity procured through SCAPE. This follows the success of its existing frameworks which have commissioned more than 250 projects to date for public sector clients across the UK. The current frameworks are due to expire in January 2023. SCAPE’s new frameworks will enable local authorities and public sector organisations to accelerate the delivery of major infrastructure projects – including highways, rail, flood and coastal, broadband and electric vehicle infrastructure – with no defined upper limit for project value. In the face of the climate emergency, the frameworks will also allow organisations access to net-zero ready specialist contractors to help them achieve their aims around climate change. Local businesses will sit at the heart of the new frameworks, with the successful principal contractor expected to engage with an extensive supply chain of SMEs. This allows better access for small businesses to major public sector contracts they might otherwise not have been able to bid for, while also allowing clients to procure locally-sourced specialist services. They will also benefit from being able to agree termed service options following any major works, allowing contractors to form long term relationships with clients and local supply chains. Contractors will also be able to agree cost reimbursable contracts through the addition of NEC Option E. Part of the SCAPE’s suite of direct award frameworks, the new civil engineering frameworks have been developed following engagement with local authorities and other public sector bodies across the country, as well as industry body the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA). SCAPE, which is currently performance managing more than 1,800 publicly funded projects across the UK will be holding virtual market awareness days for prospective bidders on 17th January 2022 for Scotland and 19th January 2022 for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Bidders are invited to tender for either one or both frameworks. A Contract Notice will be published in February 2022 with preferred bidders announced in November 2022. For full details of timescales and information on the SCAPE Civil Engineering frameworks re-procurement, visit www.scape.co.uk/liveprocurement. John Simons, group procurement director at SCAPE, said: “The expansion of our civil engineering frameworks comes at a time when regeneration and investment in local infrastructure are playing a vital role in creating stronger local economies in a post-pandemic world. “As a leading voice for the public sector, we’ve evolved our frameworks to provide our public sector colleagues with a platform to address the UK’s infrastructure needs in the coming years, with a greater focus than ever on facilitating the journey towards a net zero future. “We’ve received positive feedback from clients using the existing frameworks and by building on its success, we can help local authorities to achieve their objectives while providing a best-in-class direct award route to market that is underpinned by the fully managed approach we’ve developed over the past 15 years.” Mark Robinson, group chief executive at SCAPE, added: “Construction activity has been the bedrock of the country’s economic recovery and our civil engineering frameworks will further help contractors to deliver projects that will continue to ignite local economies and drive better outcomes for communities across the UK. “Through the addition of a termed service agreement option, the four-year frameworks will allow contractors to build long-term relationships with clients and supply chain partners, helping them to grow their business and employ new staff from the local communities they serve.”
A prominent polymer system supplier is advocating the specification of more sustainable heating and cooling solutions in educational buildings following the publication of analysis suggesting most UK universities are not on track to hit emissions targets. The recent release of People and Planet’s annual University League asking ‘how sustainable is your university?’ found that despite 46% of higher education institutes making good progress in this area, the majority were still behind. Specifically, the analysis found that over half of the 154 institutions surveyed had failed to match criteria set out for 2020-21 by the Higher Education Funding Council for England in 2010. With these findings in mind, polymer supplier REHAU is highlighting the importance of building design in improving the sustainability of universities. The appeal follows the publication of the company’s recent report ‘Designing Healthy Schools and Universities,’ which surveyed 125 architects and specifiers specialising in educational structures on futureproofing facilities through high-performing building services. “People and Planet’s latest University League re-affirms a long-standing trend in the development of university facilities that must be addressed,” says Steve Richmond, Head of Marketing and Technical for REHAU Building Solutions. “Namely, that current building stock is behind both in terms of sustainability targets, and as far as industry attitudes are concerned. “This can be seen in research carried out in our latest report of REHAU’s Designing Healthy series, which looked at this sector. Our findings showed that 67% of architects and contractors we surveyed saw leaving high-quality buildings behind was a high priority in their work, with sustainability also ranking highly as a design priority. Contrasted against these clearly stated views, this new analysis makes for sobering reading.” The report goes on to highlight Office for Students figures showing that UK’s higher education student population is expected to grow by 12.3% between 2020-21 and 2024-25, and the ensuing need for additional campus buildings. This is contrasted against National Audit Office estimates that 60% of current educational building stock was constructed before 1976. Taking these figures into account, REHAU is advocating that contractors and specifiers working on university facilities ensure building services are chosen with healthy design principles in mind. Examples of implementable technologies raised in the report include Thermally Activated Building Structures (TABS), which are increasingly being adopted into new university structures and pair well with heat pump technology to provide sustainable heating and cooling. By selecting these sorts of solutions for upcoming projects, campuses can lower emissions while also improving student and staff well-being. Steve concludes: “The environment is a huge issue for students today, and will continue to rise in prominence as the effects of climate change become more apparent. Alongside this, rising tuition fees mean those attending university have become extremely aware of their status as consumers, and expect eco-conscious, healthy design to match their own priorities. “However, as our report and the latest analysis suggests, more needs to be done in this field. We would therefore implore contractors, specifiers and stakeholders in higher education to look at other options available, including campus-wide district heating systems, and examine available funding options such as the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.” To download Designing Healthy Schools and Universities, click here.
Embedding heritage-led regeneration within wider investment programmes aimed at revitalising high streets and enhancing local and regional infrastructure, will more effectively drive the growth and renewal of Britain’s historic town centres, says a new report from national planning and development consultancy, Lichfields. The ‘Historic Opportunities’ report comes at a time of changing fortunes for the nation’s historic towns and sheds light on the environmental, economic and social contributions that heritage-led regeneration can deliver long-term for hundreds of locations across the country. It considers how long-term thinking and a holistic approach to regeneration are keys to success, recognising that the most effective way to plan for strong and vibrant future high streets and town centres is through projects focused ‘more than ever’ on repurposing heritage assets in ambitious and creative ways to meet society’s changing needs. The report builds on the themes contained in Lichfields ‘Moving on Up?’ report, which analysed over 100 bids for three key funding streams aimed at delivering town centre regeneration: the £3.6bn Towns Fund, the £1bn Future High Streets Fund (of which £95m is set aside for High Street Heritage Action Zones) and most recently the £4.8bn Levelling Up Fund. This revealed that heritage-led regeneration is among six key themes underpinning these bids; the reasons for this are considered in greater detail within the Historic Opportunities report. The report demonstrates that when done well, heritage-led regeneration is not just an expedient ‘sticking plaster’ applied to cover up deep-rooted problems, it can be a powerful and recognisable indicator of change that inspires confidence, local pride and further investment. Almost half of the current buildings in retail use and 33% of office buildings were built before 1919 with many of these suffering from chronic neglect or having been poorly adapted in response to various cycles of economic and social change. However, while targeted investment in the restoration and reuse of heritage assets to deliver wider economic and social benefits is not a new approach, the report finds that the way heritage-led regeneration is being implemented has evolved and is now far more complex and multi-layered. The report highlights that the tendency to think that simply restoring historic buildings and adding new shopfronts and usable floorspace will be enough to deliver regeneration and attract new occupiers, has given way to more effective heritage-led regeneration projects that are predicated on clearer business and investment strategies. These are designed to complement and form an embedded part of wider investment programmes, which are aimed at improving local economies through investment in infrastructure, new industries and technologies. Embedding heritage-led regeneration in this way harnesses investment’s potential to inspire action and promote initiatives as well as delivering more effective and sustainable regeneration results. James Fryatt, planner and heritage consultant at Lichfields Newcastle office and the report’s lead author, said: “Heritage-led regeneration projects need to be focused more than ever on reusing assets in ambitious and creative ways to respond to people’s changing lifestyle, work and shopping habits. In the high street for instance, this will see historic buildings increasingly adapted to reflect changes in retail and growing demand for leisure activities, creative and flexible workspaces, and housing in sustainable and accessible locations. “It’s also about bringing the history of towns to the surface, engaging communities in heritage projects and enhancing places with the aim of attracting new businesses, visitors and residents.” The ‘Historic Opportunities’ report also considers two case studies – North Shields Fish Quay in the North East and Grimsby in Lincolnshire – and how they are now looking to a brighter future on the back of far-sighted heritage funding. This funding is continuing to revitalise these places as part of long-term regeneration strategies, which are delivering transformative change whilst also revealing a rich heritage. Nick Bridgland, Lichfields’ heritage director, added: “This is an important report and comes at a time of rapid change for our historic towns. Heritage-led investment must be far more dynamic because it’s such a valuable tool for regeneration. The key to long-term success is to see it as part of an overarching holistic approach embedded within wider programmes of investment aimed at revitalising places that have been left behind. “There are many positives on the horizon and our report points to a successful future for those historic towns that take advantage of the available funding and adopt a fresh approach to heritage-led regeneration work.” Founded in 1962, Lichfields offers a range of planning services including economics, heritage, sustainability, and GIS. Its clients include local authorities and government bodies, as well as developers, landowners and operators in the housing, retail, leisure, commercial, waste and recycling and infrastructure sectors. A copy of the ‘Historic Opportunities’ report is available athttps://lichfields.uk/content/insights/historic-opportunities
Birmingham City Council Leader Lays Brick on Fifth Floor Roof Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of multi-sector construction and civil engineering projects, and client PATRIZIA have celebrated topping out of the first roof at a build-to-rent (BTR) scheme in Edgbaston, as well as the commencement of the façade installation programme. Councillor Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, was invited to the celebratory ceremony at the site located adjacent to Edgbaston Stadium on Thursday, 9 December and had the honour of laying a brick on the fifth-floor roof. The 375-apartment scheme – which Winvic began constructing in February this year – comprises four concrete-framed stair and lift cores, with blocks reaching to five, six, seven, eight, 13 and 18 storeys. Furthermore, undercroft car parking and bicycle storage, a landscaped podium deck, a residents’ rooftop terrace, a gym and five commercial units on the ground floor, totalling approximately 15,000 sq ft, will be created as part of the project. Winvic’s contract also includes the full fit out of the development, which contains 189 one-bedroom, 169 two-bedroom and 17 three-bedroom apartments. The Winvic team is currently ahead of schedule and is almost halfway through the programme for pouring the concrete verticals and floor slabs. The façade installation programme comprising a steel framing system (SFS), masonry and windows has now commenced and will continue through to Q4 2023. Fit out to the entrance, ground floor plant, amenity and storage areas begins in the New Year and Winvic will be fitting out the apartments from Spring 2022. At the end of January 2022, the drainage and incoming utility services works will be complete. Lighting installation and landscaping works, with circa almost 3,000 trees and shrubs planted, will begin towards the end of 2022. Progress at PATRIZIA’s Edgbaston scheme can be viewed on Winvic Live on two on-site cameras. Winvic is scheduled to hand over the project in Q3 2023. Mark Jones, Director of Multi-room at Winvic, commented: “PATRIZIA was a new client to Winvic at the start of this year but our aligned vision and focus on the end goal has facilitated an excellent working relationship and reaching this important project milestone is something to be celebrated. I’d like to also thank Councillor Ian Ward for coming along to lay a brick to commemorate the start of the face installation works and the topping out of phase 1. The team has been working hard throughout 2021 on this scheme and we’re on schedule for handover in Q3 2023; they deserve to have a relaxing Christmas break and I know they are looking forward to continuing with the façade programme in January.” Richard Scutt, Development Director at PATRIZIA said: “Birmingham has one of the largest private rental sectors outside London and PATRIZIA is at the forefront of delivering homes for this growing community. This topping out of phase one is an occasion to celebrate and our construction partner Winvic is doing an incredible job in delivering the scheme swiftly and safely as well as providing assistance with obtaining the sustainable and wellbeing certifications. We are prioritising wellness of residents within the design by targeting Fitwel certification, an international standard of rating wellbeing in a building. The building will also achieve a Homes Quality Mark certification, making it one of the first BTR developments to obtain this accreditation, attesting to high standards of build, running costs, health and wellbeing, and sustainability.” Leader of Birmingham City Council, Councillor Ian Ward, said: “This exciting new development brings city centre standard accommodation to Edgbaston, creating a new rental hub and offering a real alternative for those looking for greener, leafier space. It caters for Birmingham’s wider demographic that wish to live in a high-end apartment close to the city, yet in the beautiful setting of Edgbaston and next to Cannon Hill Park.” Alongside delivery of PATRIZIA’s scheme, Winvic is undertaking improvement works for Warwickshire County Cricket Club (WCCC) at Edgbaston Stadium. To date, completed works include the demolition of a derelict building and Winvic’s contracted S278 works at Edgbaston Road and Pershore Road. Winvic is continuing with the construction of a 56,500 sq ft entrance plaza, reconfiguration of the existing car park and the creation 229 new car parking spaces into next year. Phase 1 of the WCCC works was completed in March 2021 and phase 2 is on track for handover in March 2022, in readiness for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. For more information on Winvic, the company’s latest project news and job vacancies please visit www.winvic.co.uk. Join Winvic on social media – visit Twitter @WinvicLtd – and LinkedIn.