Having been forced to withdraw from staging its annual awards dinner and presentation ceremony last year, due to the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Commissioning Specialists Association is looking forward to its return on the evening of Thursday 11th November 2021. Originally scheduled for its regular slot in
A BRAND-NEW state-of-the-art flour mill and warehouse – the largest to be constructed in the UK in recent years – has been completed for GR Wright & Sons in Harlow, Essex, by Clegg Food Projects, specialists in the construction of food and drink facilities. Clegg Food Projects was appointed as the principal contractor
The first phase of the £350 million transformation of a post-war housing estate in Woking, Surrey, is now complete with work on the second phase underway. Canalside, the long-awaited regeneration of Sheerwater, will deliver nearly 1,100 energy-efficient homes, half of which will be affordable, set around new public parkland, with
Sustainably designed and stylish new 188 bed building sits in a prime location with the Leeds student’s district… GMI Construction Group, has today announced that it has completed construction of a new 188 bed student accommodation block for Maple Grove Developments at a prime site in Leeds. The development known
High security composite panels specialist Modular Security Solutions is providing the building sector with additional protection for people and assets, following the successful fire testing of its brand-new ULTRA composite panel system. The Newcastle upon Tyne-based firm’s high security ULTRA composite panel system has now been tested to BS476- Resistance
Modular Group Investments Limited (MGI), a rapidly growing group focused on acquiring businesses around the off-site manufacturing sector has completed another acquisition this year with the purchase of the entire share capital of Barton Windows Limited, a 35-year-old aluminium fenestration business based in Barton-upon-Humber North Lincolnshire. The latest acquisition continues
Construction has started on an innovative, carbon-neutral development scheme at SEGRO Park Dagenham, part of the East Plus regeneration programme being delivered in partnership with the Greater London Authority. The units at Plot 1, which will range from 1,620 to 6,730 sq ft, are being built speculatively to provide high-quality
The Royal Town Planning Institute and the Town and Country Planning Association have today jointly launched vital new guidance on how the planning system can help communities face the climate crisis. With the climate science clearly warning of the catastrophic impacts of climate change, the new guidance seeks to place
TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL: SUSTAINABLE DESIGN FOR EDUCATION Construction within the education sector is set to face a number of challenges in the next decade as schools look to reach net zero and utilise renewable technology and techniques. Matt Wrate, director at international M&E consultancy CPW, looks at how to
Head of Commercial at Nested, Alice Bullard, commented: “We continue to find ourselves in a dramatically different place compared to just 12 months ago with property prices still showing phenomenal levels of growth, driven by high levels of buyer demand. While mortgage rates remain at such affordable levels we’re unlikely
Having been forced to withdraw from staging its annual awards dinner and presentation ceremony last year, due to the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Commissioning Specialists Association is looking forward to its return on the evening of Thursday 11th November 2021. Originally scheduled for its regular slot in June 2020, following hugely successful events having been staged every year since 2015, the Gala Awards Ceremony will return to the Guoman Tower Hotel, nestled between Tower Bridge and St Katherine’s Dock on the banks of the River Thames in London. The event will once again bring together the entire commissioning sector in a celebration of business and professional excellence. Recognising and rewarding the achievements of both individuals and companies operating within this crucial area of the construction and refurbishment industry, personal endeavour, product innovation, skills training, engineering advancement and commercial acumen will be acknowledged and celebrated. Operated by the Commissioning Specialists Association and produced by Touchwave Media, the awards will again acknowledge the skill, effort and sheer dedication of the people and businesses serving today’s complex built environment business sector. With sponsorship provided by a host of leading industry names, well deserved industry-wide recognition will be given to those businesses and individuals that are excelling in their commissioning endeavours. Finalists Following a comprehensive judging process, which this year combined the remote assessment and scoring of each entry with a virtual gathering of the judging panel, the CSA is delighted to announce the following 23 Finalists across the seven award categories: Project of the Year – Sponsored by BSRIA Instrument Solutions Expo Village – Dubai United Arab Emirates, AESG Battersea Power Station Phase 2, Ashford Environmental Services T Zone, 11 – 21 Canal Reach, Kings Cross London, BAM Construction/Argent Sir William Henry Bragg Building – Integrated Campus for Engineering and Physical Sciences (ICEPS), Banyards The NOW Building – Outernet London – St Giles Circus, Banyards Manchester Engineering Campus Development, NG Bailey Product Innovation of the Year – Sponsored by Media Control Management Banyards Insite BASgatewayLX – Modbus to BACnet Gateway, Contemporary Controls Nucleus – Project Management Software, HDR Commissioning Provider of the Year – Sponsored by Modern Building Services AESG Airtech Premier Ashford Environmental Services Banyards Engineering Commissioning Services Global Commissioning Media Control Commissioning Management Award – Sponsored by HDR Thomas Townley, AESG Mark Pritchard, Airtech Premier Liam O’Donnell, Ashford Environmental Services Tony Craig, Banyards Investment in Training Award – Sponsored by VEXO Airtech Premier Academy Ashford Environmental Services Global Commissioning Management & Software Student of the Year – Sponsored by RED Engineering George Dickinson, Airtech Premier Neil Allen, AIS George Nelson, Cleartech Group Adam Murray, HDR Stephen Mancell, NG Bailey Ant Byron, Pureflow Commissioning Kalimulla Palekar, RED Engineering Engineer of the Year – Sponsored by Ashford Environmental Services Frederick Alconcel, AESG James Vigurs, Airtech Premier Joe McCulloch, EnviroCom Mahir Ilter Bilge, MECON Our sincere congratulations go to all those who have been selected as a Finalist, and we look forward to announcing the seven award winners during the charged atmosphere of the presentation ceremony on the evening of Thursday 11th November. Mark Todd, CSA Chairman, commented: “The 2019 CSA Awards proved to be a huge success and once again provided an excellent forum through which to celebrate business and professional excellence. I very much look forward to building on that success with the delayed 2021 awards programme which I feel sure will provide another superb platform for promoting the excellent work being undertaken by commissioning engineers across the sector. As the saying goes, ‘you need to be in it to win it’, and the submissions this year were again of an extremely high calibre. Just being selected as a finalist is a tremendous achievement and I would applaud all those you have made it this far. We now very much look forward to seeing you will be announced as the eventual Winners.” If you have not yet booked your place at this highly respected event, please visit the website, and complete the online booking form. Individual places or tables of ten can be secured, with the package including reception drinks, a superb 3-course meal with wine, the awards ceremony itself and excellent post awards entertainment. It really is a night not to be missed, and after the difficulties we have all endured over the past eighteen months, it is most definitely time to re-engage, re-unite, and celebrate the wonderful achievements of this important of industry sector. Further details For more information, visit the website www.csa-awards.co.uk or contact the awards programme producers, Touchwave Media, by phone on 07785 290034 or by email at andrew@touchwavemedia.co.uk. Issued on behalf of the CSA by Touchwave Media Ltd Tel: 07785 290034 Email: andrew@touchwavemedia.co.uk
A BRAND-NEW state-of-the-art flour mill and warehouse – the largest to be constructed in the UK in recent years – has been completed for GR Wright & Sons in Harlow, Essex, by Clegg Food Projects, specialists in the construction of food and drink facilities. Clegg Food Projects was appointed as the principal contractor for the project, responsible for the overall design and construction of the mill and warehousing facility. This included extensive ground preparation, the civil and structural build, and the installation of the specialist processing and milling equipment. With work initially beginning on site in December 2018, the project was separated into three phases. First the construction of the mill, warehouse, and the sites mechanical and electrical services, secondly the wheat and flour silo installations, and finally the milling processing and packing equipment installation. The completed development, which spans across six floors and is more than 30m tall, includes the latest in milling processing and packaging technologies – which was provided by Buhler – and will help to future-proof the business as it continues to build on its successes. Oliver Jenkins, business development manager at Clegg Food Projects, said: “We’re delighted to have completed the mill for one of the UK’s leading millers. It has been a fantastic project to be involved with on many levels. Working with a family-owned business steeped in history has been a privilege and knowing that this new facility will support their future growth is very rewarding.” James Wright, production director at GR Wright & Sons, said: “This new facility will not only allow us to continue as one of the UK’s leading flour mills, but will also help us to attract talented individuals to join the sector. With flour being a key ingredient in nearly 30% of all grocery products on supermarket shelves, we have experienced an increased demand over the last few years, so this development will help us to fulfil the nation’s requirements for years to come.” GR Wright & Sons is London’s only family-owned flour mill and has more than 150 years’ experience and expertise producing a wide variety of flour choices and bread mixes. With roughly 12 million loaves of bread, two million pizzas and ten million cakes made in Britain each day, this new facility is one of the largest of its kind in the UK. Clegg Food Projects – part of the Clegg Group – has more than 40 years’ experience in the food and drink sector. Headquartered in Nottingham, the firm works nationally and internationally with household brands to design and build top quality manufacturing facilities. For further information visit www.cleggfoodprojects.co.uk or follow @CleggFoodP on Twitter.
The first phase of the £350 million transformation of a post-war housing estate in Woking, Surrey, is now complete with work on the second phase underway. Canalside, the long-awaited regeneration of Sheerwater, will deliver nearly 1,100 energy-efficient homes, half of which will be affordable, set around new public parkland, with car-free streets and landscaped, pedestrian and cycle-friendly links connecting individual neighbourhoods, community facilities and green spaces. Following a renewed masterplan and design work by global interdisciplinary design practice BDP and delivered by ThamesWey, Woking Borough Council’s independent housing delivery company, the new community is specifically designed around multi-generational living, responding to both the housing crisis and the needs of an ageing population. Canalside will include an assisted living facility for older and vulnerable people in a prime location at the centre of the development, and age-friendly apartments mixed in amongst family homes throughout the new, interconnected neighbourhoods. Construction has recently finished on the first 92 homes and the first residents have started to move in this month. The masterplan includes unique, traffic-free streets and public open areas between homes and buildings have been designed to create safe spaces to encourage residents to sit, relax, socialise and connect with each other and the outside, natural environment. Expected to complete in 2027, Canalside will comprise several individual neighbourhoods with clear identities, offering a range of homes and apartments of different sizes, from one-bedroom studios to five-bedroom houses. A new leisure complex on the development also opened in early October, featuring a 25-metre swimming pool plus a separate teaching pool, sports hall, studios and a gym. The outside facilities include a full-size 3G football pitch, and new grass football and rugby pitches. Work is now underway on the next two phases of the development which include flats, mews houses, maisonettes, and homes for older and vulnerable people, along with a new community centre, medical facilities, nursery, retail spaces and a new energy centre to provide low carbon heating to the core of the development. Martin Jones, BDP’s landscape and urbanism director, said: “We are thrilled to see the vision becoming reality at Canalside as the first phase of this major regeneration scheme completes and people start to move into the modern, high quality and highly sustainable new homes. “Creating a vibrant, connected and contemporary community for all ages and requirements, along with access to nature and outdoors spaces, was central to our masterplanning and design approach. Now completely reimagined, this former post-war housing estate is leading the way in creating a community for all ages – with sheltered housing and homes for older and vulnerable people at the heart of the neighbourhood, in and around homes for families and young people.” The Canalside regeneration scheme is expected to complete by 2027. For more information visit https://www.thamesweygroup.co.uk/project/canalside BDP published a new independent report earlier this year highlighting the importance of building greener, more equitable homes for older people with stronger connections to their communities, helping to improve quality of life and help to reduce the need for people to move into specialised accommodation.
Sustainably designed and stylish new 188 bed building sits in a prime location with the Leeds student’s district… GMI Construction Group, has today announced that it has completed construction of a new 188 bed student accommodation block for Maple Grove Developments at a prime site in Leeds. The development known as Oak House is situated in Park Lane in the Belle Vue district of Leeds’s student district and took 82 weeks to build. It offers a combination of 9 high-spec studio flats, and 30 shared flats for 4 to 8 students. Its impressive communal spaces include a large lounge area with space for private and group study, and a stunning outdoor terrace with seating. Tenants will have free access to the on-site cardio studio and secure bike storage, and rent includes all bills, TV licence and personal possessions insurance. All flats are spacious and modern, with double beds, en-suite bathrooms, and are equipped to a high standard with smart TVs, in flat washer-dryers and super-fast internet (up to 200Mb/s wired and 100Mb/s wireless). Oak House is the ideal place for students wanting high quality, sustainable living in a great city centre location. Talking about the project GMI Divisional Managing Director Lee Powell said: “GMI is proud to have been trusted to deliver this superb new student accommodation facility in the historic community of Little Woodhouse in this outstanding part of Leeds. This is a sustainable development which provides a positive impact within the conservation area including improvements to open space and the provision of high-quality student accommodation, with good levels of amenity, in a sustainable location close to the established universities. Getting this project complete and over the line constitutes a great team effort and on behalf of GMI I would like to thank and congratulate all involved. This is the 10th student accommodation development that GMI has completed to date as we continue to build upon our offering and credentials in this sector” Maple Grove Developments’ Managing Director Karen Hirst continued: “This is the latest development we have completed in the PBSA sector, which is showing great resilience and continued interest for funders. Looking ahead, we are currently evaluating future student development schemes.” Tony Vyse, Assistant Chief Executive – Development from Incoming tenant Unipol also commented: “After such a difficult time during the global pandemic and the aftermath of supply chain issues, Unipol and more importantly, the residents, are extremely happy with the finished product that completed on time. Oak House reflects Unipol’s values to provide well-priced accommodation and creates a living environment that encourages socialisation and well-being, which is part of our educational mission. Unipol has now commenced a long-term deal which will provide quality housing for students for the next 25 years. Personally, as an active member of the project team throughout the entire design and build, I’d like to thank all parties involved in what has been a very successful scheme, which ultimately benefits Unipol’s portfolio, students for the next quarter of a century and the community of Little Woodhouse.” The architect on the development was DLA. To take an exclusive tour around the development visit:
High security composite panels specialist Modular Security Solutions is providing the building sector with additional protection for people and assets, following the successful fire testing of its brand-new ULTRA composite panel system. The Newcastle upon Tyne-based firm’s high security ULTRA composite panel system has now been tested to BS476- Resistance to fire at a UKAS (the United Kingdom Accreditation Service) approved fire testing facility and achieves 120 minutes on both integrity and insulation. Testing on the new product line will give Modular Security Solutions’ customers additional peace of mind. It will also broaden the company’s ability to support building contractors, security contractors, facilities managers, and end users with fire-tested panel systems in areas of high vulnerability, where defence against enhanced professional criminal attempts to access high value assets is required. To gain the BSEN 476 certification, the panels were tested for 120 minutes for integrity and insulation. Integrity measures the system’s ability to stop flames or hot gases from passing from the ‘fire side’ to the non-fire side through openings such as panel joints and interfaces within the testing culvert, while insulation relates to the system’s ability to limit the surface temperature rise on the non-fire side. During the UKAS-accredited testing procedure, the company’s ULTRA security composite panels were installed into a concrete testing rig and subjected to resistance testing from a furnace, which reaches temperatures of up to 1200°C. Modular Security Solutions’ ULTRA composite panel system has been designed and tested to resist enhanced professional criminal attacks from a wide range of tooling, including not only mechanical and electrical power tools but also petrol driven disc grinders and chainsaw tooling elements. Modular Security Solutions designs and supplies high security walling systems and enclosures which can be used to create new buildings and superstructures. They can also be retro-fit into existing buildings to security harden and fire-proof specifically identified areas. Modular Security Solutions’ high security composite panels are manufactured with a fire retardant rockwool insulative core, to support fire resistance, and steel anti-cutting layers which ensure they have high levels of resistance to mechanical, electrical and petrol-driven tooling. The high security composite panelling systems are fully modular and versatile. They can be rapidly installed and offer a significant reduction in labour costs, site down time and on-site trades, due to their convenient male/female slip joint and pre-finished appearance, which comes in a wide range of standard colours and finishes. Mark Sutherland, Projects Director of Modular Security Solutions, said: “We’re very proud to have achieved this two-hour fire testing pass for the ULTRA composite panel system, as the testing process is extremely rigorous. “The excellent performance of our panels during testing demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that fire safety and physical security are built into the sensitive environments and projects our systems are part of. “Our panels’ combination of high security capabilities, fire resistance and build flexibility gives contractors a cost-effective solution for protecting high-risk areas, such as data centres, server rooms, laboratories and vaults.” Modular Security Solutions offers a complimentary Security Design Package with every project, which details secure installation methods and ensures the interfaces between its systems and doors, windows, ventilation louvres and service penetrations are inbuilt and secure. For more information on Modular Security Solutions, visit https://www.modularsecurity.co.uk
Modular Group Investments Limited (MGI), a rapidly growing group focused on acquiring businesses around the off-site manufacturing sector has completed another acquisition this year with the purchase of the entire share capital of Barton Windows Limited, a 35-year-old aluminium fenestration business based in Barton-upon-Humber North Lincolnshire. The latest acquisition continues to diversify MGI’s customer base and adds huge synergistic value to the group whilst also complementing MGI’s existing aluminium product portfolio of cladding and decking branded ‘Euralite’ launched only last month. The transaction closed on 14 October 2021. MGI were advised by Hempsons (legal). Michael Garratt,founder/CEO at MGI said: “I am pleased to add Barton to our group and look forward to future acquisitions that can add huge strategic value. This opportunity significantly increases our aluminium product portfolio which will better serve our customer needs. We are delighted to be working with the experienced team at Barton and look forward to a promising future together” Nick Cowley, MGI Group MD commented: Barton Windows provides MGI with a new route to market and customer base within construction. The products supplied by Barton interfaced with our own Euralite aluminium system will create a complete envelope system for our clients, providing them a total solution from a dependable supplier. Chris Butters,Chair at MGI stated: Barton represents a timely acquisition and is highly accretive to earnings due to the organic growth opportunities that are available between our subsidiary operations, once integrated these will represent a strong product portfolio for customers and a broader-base for our colleagues to work within. This is a logical deal that integrates businesses with good legacy characteristics and a proactive approach to customer expectations. For more information, please contact michael@modulargroupinvestments.co.uk
Construction has started on an innovative, carbon-neutral development scheme at SEGRO Park Dagenham, part of the East Plus regeneration programme being delivered in partnership with the Greater London Authority. The units at Plot 1, which will range from 1,620 to 6,730 sq ft, are being built speculatively to provide high-quality commercial space and bring business and employment opportunities to the east London regions. The scheme provides an alternative and complementary product type to others in the East Plus portfolio but takes inspiration from the success of the Enterprise Quarter at SEGRO Park Rainham – a development that offers leases for modern industrial units to small and start-up customers and is also part of the East Plus regeneration scheme. Once fully developed, the overall SEGRO Park Dagenham scheme will offer 1.2 million sq ft of sustainable, industrial and warehouse space in a variety of unit sizes from 1,620 to 233,000 sq ft. In line with the Responsible SEGRO commitment to champion low carbon growth, each of the 13 units will be designed to achieve BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) ‘Very Good’ and Carbon Neutral status. Sustainability features such as battery storage, electric car charging points, roof mounted photovoltaic panels and LED lighting will also be incorporated. The units will be available in Spring 2022. SEGRO Park Dagenham is a new industrial park that will offer freehold, leasehold, design and build and spec build opportunities to the area. A range of accommodation and unit sizes will be provided, suitable for start-ups, traditional light industrial and urban logistics customers. The development will also support the wider regeneration of Dagenham Dock – providing relocation space for local displaced businesses, supporting housing development programmes and generating business investment and jobs within the borough. As part of the masterplan and wider regeneration, SEGRO will be bringing forward multi-levels to meet GLA’s requirements for intensification of industrial land in the area. Alan Holland, Managing Director, Greater London at SEGRO said: “We work hard to ensure that SEGRO is an integral part of the communities in which we operate, and this is a great example of how we are contributing to long-term vitality in East London by offering a wider range of real estate options for local SMEs. “Once fully let, Plot 1 at SEGRO Park Dagenham will become a self-sustaining collective of businesses, which could generate over 1,000 jobs. “Furthermore, working with our contractors, customers, the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham and other stakeholders we will use the development as a catalyst to maximise training and employment opportunities for the local community.” Elsewhere at SEGRO Park Dagenham, the company recently completed a building on Plot 5 of the estate for The Capital Dairy Company. The unit provides a 20,000 sq ft design and build unit for a local occupier which is relocating from Thames Road, Barking. SEGRO Park Dagenham is located in the south of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, within the area currently known as Dagenham dock, which is fast becoming a first-class industrial and distribution location due to growing demand. The site benefits from excellent road connections and close proximity to central London, with easy access to Junction 31 of the M25 in just 11 minutes and the A13 in 3 minutes. The Port of Tilbury and London Gateway Docks are a short distance away, as is Barking Intermodal Terminal which links to the country’s national rail network and HS1 to Europe. The site also offers fast access to London City Airport and Central London via rail from Rainham and the proposed new Beam Park Station will be in proximity to the site.
The Royal Town Planning Institute and the Town and Country Planning Association have today jointly launched vital new guidance on how the planning system can help communities face the climate crisis. With the climate science clearly warning of the catastrophic impacts of climate change, the new guidance seeks to place the Government’s ambitions for net zero, as well as building community resilience to severe weather, at the heart of the planning system. The guide, published in the run-up COP 26, makes clear the vital importance of the planning system in designing places which cut carbon through the promotion of energy efficiency, sustainable transport and renewable energy. Long term planning is also central in designing the measures vital to the survival of places affected by severe weather, from flooding to heat stress. Dr Wei Yang, President of the RTPI, said: ‘Every day we are reminded of the serious and direct impact climate change has on our communities. With the UK government and local authorities making a range of climate commitments in recent years, planning professionals are at the forefront to help achieve these targets. ‘We are concerned that the effects of climate change will disproportionately affect the most vulnerable individuals in the country, and we believe the planning system, utilised properly, can prevent this. Also, many of the actions necessary to tackle the climate crisis are also key in creating healthy, ecologically rich, prosperous, and beautiful places for us and for our future generations. ‘Together with the TCPA we have set out a range of ways in which the planning system can take the lead in preparing for and tackling climate change. The time to confront the climate crisis is now. We urge local authorities ensure this is heart of the vision for the future of our communities and make it their priority.’ Nick Raynsford, President of the TCPA said: ‘History tells us that good planning has been vital to our survival when our country has faced the greatest threats. That lesson is all the more powerful today when the future of our country and our planet face a massive threat from climate change. Every decision we take over the coming months and years will be crucial if we are to turn the tide, and good planning will be critical to this.’ The report can be found here: https://www.tcpa.org.uk/planning-for-climate-change
TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL: SUSTAINABLE DESIGN FOR EDUCATION Construction within the education sector is set to face a number of challenges in the next decade as schools look to reach net zero and utilise renewable technology and techniques. Matt Wrate, director at international M&E consultancy CPW, looks at how to keep schools cool yet sustainable when developing heating solutions. One of the biggest issues we face when designing schools is overheating, due to increased occupancy density and equipment gains. Keeping schools cool, especially with the ever-looming threat of climate change, has been an issue since Tony Blair’s ‘education education education’ promise that pledged to put schools at the top of the agenda. It’s easy to draw parallels to Boris Johnson’s ‘build build build’ but this time the focus is on the property and construction industry with an emphasis on helping both new and existing buildings become carbon neutral. I recently took part in a Stride Treglown Climate Action Relay panel, which looked at the challenges of delivering a carbon net zero school and considered the implementation of modern methods of construction (MMC) in schools, the impact of changing regulations and behavioural changes in reaching net zero. The consensus was that there is no one answer for reaching net zero but rather that we need a wider solution that incorporates a transparent supply chain, renewable technology, MMC and a simple way to measure operational and embodied carbon on projects. In short, we need to work together to reach the government’s 2050 target. This is where clever solutions come in. In 2000, when renewable technology first gained popularity, the cost was astronomical. However, in the decades since then the price of materials has significantly reduced and so has the overall cost. Photovoltaic panels already cover the roofs of schools across the country and a number of passive solutions have been installed to keep spaces cool before resorting to energy-hungry air conditioning. But we need to take the next step. New technology is in the research and development pipeline, so we need to begin weighing up the benefits of implementing sustainable techniques while keeping inside the budget. Even with the best intentions, if the proposed solutions aren’t economically viable, the most financially suitable option will win out every time. I believe closing the ‘performance gap’ is essential if schools are to operate as zero carbon. Engaging the client’s facilities management team, who will actually operate the building, is ideal but not always feasible at design stage. We therefore need to design systems that are simple to use without training to ensure energy is not wasted. However, the biggest difference we can make when designing schools is allowing flexibility. School buildings are used in different ways, at different times, by different groups of people and the design must facilitate this as much as possible without adding significant cost. Technology is also constantly evolving so we must consider the entire lifespan of a school – typically 25 years – and allow space to incorporate different solutions as they become available. Yes, we need to consciously design with sustainability in mind, utilising the most up to date methods and technology, but flexibility is key when reaching for carbon net zero. For further information visit www.cpwp.com or follow @CPWengineering on Twitter.
Head of Commercial at Nested, Alice Bullard, commented: “We continue to find ourselves in a dramatically different place compared to just 12 months ago with property prices still showing phenomenal levels of growth, driven by high levels of buyer demand. While mortgage rates remain at such affordable levels we’re unlikely to see any let-up in this tidal wave of activity that has washed over the market since it reopened. However, it looks increasingly likely that we could see an increase in interest rates as early as the start of next year. So those considering a purchase may want to act sooner rather than later to lock in the very best rates.” Director of Benham and Reeves, Marc von Grundherr, commented: “Yet further proof that the drop in property prices following the initial stamp duty holiday deadline was merely a pause for breath in an otherwise marathon run of positive market momentum. There’s little sign of this letting up and should an increase in interest rates materialise, the likelihood is that it will be fairly palatable for the average homebuyer. Therefore, we don’t expect it to have any notable impact on the nation’s insatiable appetite for homeownership and the market should continue moving forward at pace well into next year.” Managing Director of Barrows and Forrester, James Forrester, commented: “The current state of the market is quite remarkable given what we’ve been through as a nation since the start of last year. Employment and wage growth have remained firm, mortgage affordability is still hovering around record lows and house prices continue to climb ever higher. As a result, buyers continue to mob the market and while an interest rate hike is on the horizon, we expect these factors to continue to stimulate positive house price growth for the remainder of the year. Forget about a shortage of HGV drivers, we need more estate agents to get us through until Christmas.” Founder and CEO of GetAgent.co.uk, Colby Short, commented: “A continued shortage of stock has seen the ball lie increasingly within the court of the home seller, as buyers fight it out to secure their ideal home. As a result, buyers entering the ring can expect some stiff competition that will see them pay close to asking price, if not more, in order to come away victorious. The best plan of attack is to be ready to act at a moment’s notice and if you are a cash buyer, ensure the seller is aware that you sit in a far more favourable position.” Please see info here: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-house-price-index-summary-august-2021/uk-house-price-index-summary-august-2021