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Kenneth Booth

WEST YORKSHIRE GETS MOVING WITH COMPLETED £21M LEISURE CENTRE

Kenneth Booth August 3, 2021

A STATE-OF-THE-ART £21million sports and leisure facility has completed in Pontefract, West Yorkshire thanks to leading architecture studio GT3 Architects and national contractor Willmott Dixon. Aspire@ThePark offers state-of-the-art sports facilities to five towns surrounding Wakefield city and rivals that of private leisure centres, bringing world-class facilities to the local community.

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New underwater robot is a game changer for reservoir maintenance

Kenneth Booth August 3, 2021

A new underwater robot, trialed on Carr Mill Reservoir near St Helens, will revolutionise future reservoir maintenance. Known as Valiant, the tracked remote-operated vehicle has allowed our engineers and their contractors Keir to carry out importance maintenance tasks without the need to drain the reservoir, retaining existing water levels in

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A WARM WELCOME AWAITS AT LOVELL HOMES’ KIRK ELLA DEVELOPMENT

Kenneth Booth August 3, 2021

LEADING housebuilder Lovell Homes is looking forward to welcoming potential homeowners as the marketing suite at a brand-new new Kirk Ella development, The Sycamores, opens its doors for the first time. When complete, The Sycamores will offer 224 two-, three- and four-bedroom homes, 168 of which will be for sale

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Green Energy: These Casinos Started Using Solar Power

Kenneth Booth August 3, 2021

Sustainable casino drift is a new trend, as gambling places start to become more aware of saving the planet. We introduce you to some of the world’s first casinos using solar power. The green trend has caught the focus of the international gambling industry. Multiple casinos are trying to lower

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Components of the Right Outsourcing Model in Construction

Kenneth Booth August 3, 2021

Learning to help your startup thrive is about taking the rough with the smooth. And in the construction industry, understandably, there can be a number of obstacles. This means that we have to start asking for help, or outsourcing. Where we start to outsource, we need to make sure we

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Construction’s Garden Remains Rosy

Kenneth Booth August 2, 2021

July traditionally marks the start of the holiday season for the UK construction sector.   But while some of those working within the industry have managed to get away, contract awards activity shows no signs of taking a break.   Builders’ Conference CEO Neil Edwards reports on yet another upbeat month. The

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Work Begins on First Phase of Olney Park Mixed-Use Masterplan

Kenneth Booth August 2, 2021

The Milton Keynes Studio of national architects, GSSArchitecture, are delighted to share that Parkway Construction have recently started on site on site for the construction of a new industrial unit at Olney Park, as part of a wider mixed-use masterplan developed for Angle Property. GSS were appointed by Angle Property,

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Latest Issue
Issue 344 : Sep 2026

Kenneth Booth

WEST YORKSHIRE GETS MOVING WITH COMPLETED £21M LEISURE CENTRE

Kenneth Booth August 3, 2021

A STATE-OF-THE-ART £21million sports and leisure facility has completed in Pontefract, West Yorkshire thanks to leading architecture studio GT3 Architects and national contractor Willmott Dixon. Aspire@ThePark offers state-of-the-art sports facilities to five towns surrounding Wakefield city and rivals that of private leisure centres, bringing world-class facilities to the local community. As well as a new 100 station fitness suite and multi-use studio, the scheme also boasts a 10-lane 25m swimming pool, climbing zone, café, and full size 3G football pitch. The project was part funded by Sport England and had to meet detailed criteria around their SOPG aspirations. The scheme was designed by GT3 Architects – following in-depth consultations with local sports clubs, residents, and community groups to ensure the building met the needs of the community – and constructed by Willmott Dixon for Wakefield Council. Mark Gowdridge, director at GT3 Architects, said: “This scheme presented a great opportunity to create a long-standing legacy for Wakefield, Pontefract, and the surrounding areas. From schematics to completion, we employed our Community+ service to ensure that the scheme broke the traditional mould for leisure centres and offered something different through design. “The vision was to create a connection between the internal and external spaces from a wellbeing and sport activity perspective. These aims have been met and the project team have done an amazing job. “Collaborating with Willmott Dixon on Aspire@ThePark really helped us to ensure the project ran smoothly and we could deliver a wide range of facilities within a unique and interesting design.” Sitting in the heart of Pontefract Park, the centre’s gym and sports pitches capitalises on the stunning park views and surrounding land, much of which has been preserved to maximise on the existing green space. The design, which utilised a natural palette to blend the building into its surrounding, features a complex curved façade comprised of vertical timber panels. Curved windows provide varying levels of visibility for different areas of the facility and connect the space, creating a focal point for social interaction. Cllr Jack Hemingway, Deputy Leader of Wakefield Council, said: “I’m delighted with how the plans have come together and this is an excellent addition to the district’s leisure offer, giving residents the purpose built, state of the art facilities they deserve. People will be able to access sport, recreation and wellbeing activities at the centre and the wider park so they can enjoy healthy lifestyles. This is so important for our residents and I know that this facility will be used and enjoyed for many generations to come.” Procured through the Scape framework, Aspire@ThePark is the latest in a series of leisure schemes worth more than £200m that Willmott Dixon has delivered in the last three years. Anthony Dillon, managing director for Willmott Dixon in North, said: “This really is an exciting and important facility built by and for local people, and we’re proud to say we have invested more than £15.7m of the project spend with businesses in the local area. “We think the local community will be proud of Aspire@ThePark for generations to come. The creation of top-quality leisure facilities to encourage health and wellbeing are vital to help our communities thrive. Aspire@ThePark combines that with a new community space that will bring people together.” The development has recently opened its doors to the public in line with government guidance. For further information visit www.gt3architects.com or join the conversation over on Twitter @_GT3Architects

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New underwater robot is a game changer for reservoir maintenance

Kenneth Booth August 3, 2021

A new underwater robot, trialed on Carr Mill Reservoir near St Helens, will revolutionise future reservoir maintenance. Known as Valiant, the tracked remote-operated vehicle has allowed our engineers and their contractors Keir to carry out importance maintenance tasks without the need to drain the reservoir, retaining existing water levels in the popular lake for boating and fishing, and saving hundreds of thousands of pounds in fish rescue fees. The project We’ve embarked on a major repair project to upgrade the Merseyside reservoir in the summer of 2020 and will complete the work this July. Costing more than £2 million, the project was delivered in two phases. The first upgrade was carried out at the outfall tunnel by the railway viaduct and involved the removal of an asbestos concrete pipe and installation of a new gauging weir, security grill, safety railings, ladders and steps.   Further substantial work involved cleaning out the stilling basin, undertaking repairs and resealing construction joints on the spillway, plus other safety and access enhancements. The second phase The second phase involved the dam embankment itself. Extensive repairs were carried out to the old spillway and its bridge strengthened to carry modern traffic loads. The main work was to replace the valves located at the base of the valve shaft. The two original valves dating back to the 1860s were in poor condition and were replaced with four new ones, complete with supporting mechanisms. Work also included a range of improvements and repairs to increase the resilience of the crest road and repairs to the valve hut building, including a new roof. Visitors will now be able to admire the ingenuity of Victorian canal-builders close up, as one of the original valves, which measures more than two metres high, has been preserved as a monument to the enterprising engineers who built the reservoir. A few months ago, the Trust sent it away to a specialist firm to be shot-blasted and painted, and it has now been returned to a special new plinth by the valve hut for everyone to admire. Originally a mill pond powering Carr’s Corn Mill, the lake was hugely expanded in the 1750s to provide water for the Sankey Canal about a mile away. This is no longer navigable but the reservoir has now become a popular venue for angling and water sports, as well as a great habitat for wildlife. The Valiant Tim Brownrigg, our project designer, said: “The Valiant was developed in collaboration with diving contractor Edwards Diving Services and is set to revolutionise how we manage underwater reservoir maintenance, particularly difficult jobs like replacing old, worn-out valves in locations where it is too dangerous to send divers. “The Trust cares for 72 reservoirs across its 2,000 mile canal network so the potential reduction in disruption for local residents, water sport enthusiasts and wildlife is immense and of course, cost savings are likely to be significant. Our project manager Curtis Udogu said “It’s been fantastic to keep Carr Mill in water for the entire complex upgrade project over the last year. Our top priority is always to keep local residents and businesses safe, so from time to time we do need to upgrade equipment, and repair and replace the infrastructure. We know people feel healthier and happier when they’re by water, so this ability to keep reservoirs in water during major maintenance projects will pay dividends in the future for everyone.”

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A WARM WELCOME AWAITS AT LOVELL HOMES’ KIRK ELLA DEVELOPMENT

Kenneth Booth August 3, 2021

LEADING housebuilder Lovell Homes is looking forward to welcoming potential homeowners as the marketing suite at a brand-new new Kirk Ella development, The Sycamores, opens its doors for the first time. When complete, The Sycamores will offer 224 two-, three- and four-bedroom homes, 168 of which will be for sale on the open market, with 40 available to rent and the remaining 16 available for shared ownership through Together Housing Group. The marketing suite will be located on-site ready to welcome potential homeowners to the new community. Heading up sales at the new build development, will be sales advisor Rebecca Lovegrove, who has spent three years working at Lovell Homes’ The Leeway development in the Ings area of east Hull. Rebecca said: “I’m incredibly excited to be returning to an area that’s particularly close to my heart. Lovell is a great brand to work for, it offers really high quality homes across the country and this development will be no different. I’ve lived in the city a long time, so I know the area well, but getting to work on a new site from scratch is still very exciting. I get to meet new people and experience another aspect of the business. “Kirk Ella is a lovely area too. Having previously lived in west Hull where my children also went to school, I am very familiar with it, which will certainly help when passing on my knowledge to my customers. I have found how important being informative and approachable is when it comes to being able to answer questions and instill confidence in those wanting to buy with Lovell.” Robert Adams, regional managing director at Lovell, said: “This is a really exciting development, which has already proven to be incredibly popular with more than 150 enquiries being made already. Rebecca brings years of knowledge and experience with her thanks to her time at The Leeway and her previous role with Bovis Homes and we’re looking forward to seeing her flourish as she settles in at a new site.” The first set of homes at The Sycamores are due for completion in autumn 2021, with the first families moving in for Christmas. The overall scheme will also include a play area and is due to be completed by summer 2026. The marketing suite opening hours are Thursday to Monday 10am – 5pm, currently by appointment only. For more information, please visit www.lovell.co.uk/developments/the-sycamores-kirk-ella/ or call us on 01482 298 461. 

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Nomad Developments showcases stunning waterfront gardens at Richmond Riverside as the race for space continues

Kenneth Booth August 3, 2021

Waterfront gardens provide beauty and versatility for stunning new family homesLarge South West London homes are leading demand in the capital (Savills)Demand remains 80% up on 2017-19 (Zoopla) As the race for space among property buyers continues, homes with impressive gardens certainly have the edge. Just three minutes’ walk from the centre of Richmond-Upon-Thames, in London, boutique property company Nomad Developments is showcasing just how versatile and stylish urban gardens can be, at its new Richmond Riverside development. The two properties that make up Richmond Riverside – Osprey House and Dunlin House – back onto the River Thames, with their own private mooring at the end of the garden. This has been a key influence over the design of the outdoor spaces, as their designer Matt Keightley, RHS Chelsea Flower Show & Silver-Gilt Award Winning Designer and Creative Director at Rosebank Landscaping, explains:   “It’s incredibly rare for developers to find sites in such prominent locations on the banks of the Thames in Richmond. Huge importance was therefore placed on making the most of the idyllic view across the water to the iconic bridge and over to the private island that provides such a beautiful screen from the popular weekend spot opposite.   “Multiple seating areas throughout the gardens will allow the prospective owners to appreciate this part of the river, including the broad biodiversity in the local area. End of garden boardwalks will give you the sense that you are quite literally sat on the river. It’s a beautiful and unprecedented spot.” Conceived as a direct connection to the wider landscape, as well as a beautiful extension to the two homes, the gardens have been carefully considered to make the most of the impressive views across the water. At the same time, practical considerations ranging from the tidal nature of the Thames to varied garden usage have been factored in. Railings have been used to allow debris collected with the tide to pass though rather than obstructing waterflow, while permeable surfaces will allow attenuation and natural soakaway. The boardwalk, meanwhile, will be constructed using a composite material to ensure its longevity. Zoned areas within the gardens at Richmond Riverside provide owners with plenty of versatility, whether they’re looking for a quiet spot to enjoy a relaxing cup of tea or to host an alfresco dinner for family and friends, all while maximising those stunning river views.   “It was important to provide a synergy between Richmond Riverside’s interior and exterior spaces. We’ve used floor to ceiling glass to draw the gardens and river views into the homes, creating a fundamental connection with nature that is perfectly aligned with buyers’ need for space and relaxation.”   Jack Simpson, Managing Director, Nomad Developments The desire for space has seen large family homes in South West London deliver a stellar performance in terms of demand over the second quarter of 2021. Savills reports that Richmond is one of four areas of London that is leading this demand. Prices in South West London rose by 1.8% between March and June, and by 4.7% over the past year, compared to just 0.9% for the overall prime London property market.   Zoopla’s June 2021 report also flags up the ‘search for space’ as a factor behind demand being 80% up compared to 2017-19. At Richmond Riverside, the gardens are certainly set to be part of the properties’ appeal to family buyers. They provide space for relaxing, lounging and dining, all threaded together with beautiful routes to walk and enjoy. There are areas of sun for those who prefer it and dappled shade for those who don’t.   The geometry of the design is softened by the use of soft planted perimeters to diffuse the boundary, allowing the gardens to ‘borrow’ the surrounding landscape and ensure the owners really connect with nature.   “A connection with nature is especially important for mental health in an urban environment. At Richmond Riverside, a series of tactfully placed trees will discreetly provide natural screens between the properties, whilst a tapestry of structural ground cover and perennial interest will make for immaculate and beautiful outside space. The cooling palette of colours will set the tone to be welcoming, curated and relaxing, while the textures, colours and aromas will be a stunning mix for the senses to enjoy.”   Matt Keightley, Creative Director, Rosebank Landscaping For more information, please visit www.nomaddevelopments.com or call 020 3488 7202.

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Landlords are failing tenants with cheap, dated and unhygienic furnishings

Kenneth Booth August 3, 2021

Manor Interiors, the expert in build-to-rent furnishing solutions, has found that the vast majority of UK tenants have found themselves living with furniture that is unfit for purpose having moved into a furnished rental property. For many tenants, a furnished rental property is the preferable option as it saves a great deal of hassle on moving day, while others simply don’t own much furniture in the first place. In fact, previous research by Manor Interiors found that 66% of tenants would actually pay more to secure a well-furnished rental property, although the quality of the furniture was also an important factor. However, it seems as though landlords are letting themselves down in this respect, as Manor Interiors has now revealed that 59% of tenants found the items in their furnished rental property simply weren’t fit for purpose. When asked what the predominant reason was, the majority stated that the furniture supplied was cheap and of poor quality. Old and dated furniture was the next biggest issue with furnished rental home furniture, while the third biggest gripe for tenants was the fact that furniture was dirty or unhygienic – a worrying revelation in current COVID times. Some found that the furniture in their rental property was in disrepair, while comfort was also an issue for others. Luckily, furniture that was dangerous and could cause injury was the least most prominent issue, although some tenants still found it to be the case which is simply unacceptable. CEO of Manor Interiors, Farhan Malik, commented: “The modern-day tenant craves convenience and a furnished property will provide great appeal to the majority, who simply don’t want the arduous task of moving heavy furniture items in and out of rental properties every time they move. However, in this day and age and with rents as high as they are, they also expect a certain level of quality and so it’s simply not enough to fill a rental property with inadequate items of furniture. Unfortunately for most tenants, they won’t notice these furniture shortfalls until they have moved in and this can see them left with items that simply aren’t fit for purpose for the duration of their tenancy. It doesn’t matter if you own one buy-to-let, an extensive portfolio, or you’re looking to furnish a full build-to-rent development, quality, bespoke furniture can be secured for less than you might think. Any furnishing company worth their salt will be able to furnish or provide replacement items, within 24 to 48 hours and so there’s no excuse to leave a tenant high and dry.” Survey of 1,633 UK tenants carried out by Manor Interiors via consumer research platform Find Out Now (29th July 2021). Do you think the items supplied in furnished rental homes are fit for purpose? Answer Totals No 59% Yes 41%     Why not? (Tick all that apply) Answer Totals Cheap/poor quality 26% Old/dated 23% Unhygienic/dirty/stained 20% In disrepair 14% Uncomfortable 11% Dangerous (e.g. could cause injury) 5%     Find out more about Manor Interiors Facebook: Manor Interiors Mcr LinkedIn: Manor Interiors Mcr Ltd Twitter: @manorinteriors_ Pintrest: Manor interiors Instagram: manor_interiors Houzz: Manor Interiors We Chat ID: wxid_6ns3c5rp0cee12 WhatsApp: 07525815276 Website: https://manorinteriors.co.uk/ Landline: 0161 879 7137 Email: orders@manorinteriors.co.uk

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Green Energy: These Casinos Started Using Solar Power

Kenneth Booth August 3, 2021

Sustainable casino drift is a new trend, as gambling places start to become more aware of saving the planet. We introduce you to some of the world’s first casinos using solar power. The green trend has caught the focus of the international gambling industry. Multiple casinos are trying to lower their carbon footprint by using solar power to electrify the casinos. The massive casino resorts have a huge potential of having their energy levels covered by solar energy, as there are enormous amounts of square feet available at the casinos in the sunny states of Nevada or California to be covered by solar panels. Let’s take a look at some of the casinos that have started using renewable energy. The Wynn Las Vegas Resort With 4,750 hotel rooms, 21 dining options, and three nightclubs, The Wynn is a mass consumer of electricity. As a five-star casino resort, the guest only depends on the best of the best, when it comes to luxury and entertainment. But that doesn’t stop The Wynn from launching a massive solar energy facility in 2018. It takes 160 acres and is supplying the casino resort with 70 percent of its energy requirements. The panels are installed at the rooftop of The Wynn and are producing power that could supply 5,056 homes. This saves the climate 33,734 metric tons of CO2 per year. MGM Resorts As one of Las Vegas’ main operations in the gambling industry, MGM Resorts was responsible for multiple CO2 outlets from casino resorts like Bellagio, MGM Grand, ARIA, and Park MGM. Therefore, it will save the climate from a yearly CO2 usage that is equivalent to 27,000 houses, when MGM’s massive solar array project will be finished. It will supply 90 percent of MGM Resort’s energy consumption. Also, MGM Resort has planned to change 1,3 million light bulbs with less energy-consuming LED bulbs. It will both save the resort chain 10 million dollars per year but also have a beneficial impact on the environment. Rincon Casino In general, there’s a huge potential for solar power-driven casinos in the heating sun of Nevada or California. The Rincon Casino in San Diego has also started an 8-million-dollar energy project to use a nearby solar panel farm to supply the casino resort’s air conditioning with renewable energy. And it’s not only the air condition system that is run by solar power. Also, the swimming pools at the resort are heated by solar heat, and the lightning at the casino is energy efficient. Learn more on casinos These are three examples of how a whole business is adjusting their businesses to follow the goals of the Paris agreement. Do you want to learn more about casinos? Then visit this online casino guide that will guide you to some of the best, licensed casinos. You can find a ranked overview of casinos with information about bonuses and free spins. The guide also contains information about online gambling in general, the newest games, and the latest gambling news.

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Components of the Right Outsourcing Model in Construction

Kenneth Booth August 3, 2021

Learning to help your startup thrive is about taking the rough with the smooth. And in the construction industry, understandably, there can be a number of obstacles. This means that we have to start asking for help, or outsourcing. Where we start to outsource, we need to make sure we do it in the right possible ways. We need to make sure that it helps the business, while also making sure that it doesn’t undermine the business. What is the best protocol for outsourcing in construction?  Provide Detailed Outsourcing Goals If you clearly define your outsourced goals early in the process, you’re going to differentiate yourself from the competition. Another advantage of defining your outsourced goals gives you the opportunity to take account of what your actual outsourcing needs are. You may find that your essential raw materials can benefit from streamlining, despite there being a necessity for C-clamps and assembly tools, but you can streamline your efforts to one company that provides all the essential raw materials so you can complete the job effectively. While you may discover Bessey clamps to be an effective organisation for your raw materials, when you are providing these crystal clear goals, it helps you have a solid understanding of your place in the process. Outsourcing doesn’t have to be about siphoning off every piece of your company, but you won’t know this until you detail your outsourcing goals. Picking the Right Outsourcing Engagement Model When you start a building outsourcing strategy, you need to prioritise the specific skills and materials you are looking for, but also define why. By defining these specific parameters of creative or technical expertise, it becomes easier to pick the right outsourcing engagement model to suit your requirements. For example, you could choose offshore engagement models or on-site models. There are also onshore and nearshore models and each one comes with its pros and cons.  Focus on Strong Relationships With Clients and Vendors Going back to the idea of working with one effective company means that you can focus more on the relationship. It is very straightforward, but if you can find a firm that works with your way of doing business, this makes it easier to blend corporate cultures and establish better communication protocols. When you work with an outsourcing vendor or a company that takes the opportunity to learn about the internal business culture and how it works effectively, this will not just promote the best staffing solutions, but also guarantee that the adjustment period is as minimal as possible. When you lay out a very clear blueprint in terms of what you expect from your outsourcing, while also being aware of the advantages and disadvantages, you will mitigate any risks. Within the construction sector, outsourcing is widespread, important to recognise that outsourcing covers a lot of ground. It can be the benefit your construction business needs, but it could also be the nail in your coffin. Outsourcing is not just a way to get rid of your workload for cheap, which is why you have to work within a specific protocol.

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£68.8bn of property has been sold so far in 2021 – These are the most valuable property postcodes

Kenneth Booth August 2, 2021

Research from the national estate agent, Keller Williams UK, has found that Brighton is home to the nation’s most valuable property postcode so far in 2021, outside of London, of course. Keller Williams UK analysed sold prices across the market in England and Wales since the start of the year and found that so far, a stamp duty holiday fuelled market has seen residential property sales hit £68.8bn in value. The top 10 is predictably dominated by London, with the NW3 postcode, covering parts of Camden and Barnet, topping the table where total value of homes sold is concerned. £262.5m worth of property has been sold in this one postcode alone since the start of the year. The SW19 (£248.8m), SW11 (£235m) and SW18 (£228m) postcodes also make the top 10, as do the W8 (£226m), W11 (£212.4m), SW6 (£212m), E17 (£202m) and NW11 (£198m) postcodes. However, there is one postcode that makes the top 10 that isn’t located within the M25. The BN3 postcode of Brighton and Hove has seen £206m worth of homes sold since the start of the year, making it the eighth-most valuable property postcode across England and Wales and the most valuable outside of London. Taking London out of the picture, Brighton also accounts for the second most valuable postcode, BN3, with a total value of £179.1m in homes sold. Brighton’s BN2 postcode also makes the list (£157m), along with the SL6 postcode in Maidenhead (£169.7m), the Dorset postcode of BN2 (£157m), SO41 in the New Forest (£125.9m), the Manchester postcode of WA15 (£120.7m), Southend’s SS9 postcode (£118.5m), BA2 in Bath (£117.1m) and Horsham’s RH12 postcode (£112.3m). CEO of Keller Williams UK, Ben Taylor, commented: “Despite London seeing a somewhat lethargic performance in terms of property price growth over the last year, it remains home to the majority of the top postcodes in terms of the highest value of homes sold so far this year. However, while the capital continues to dominate the headlines, the UK property market is far from a one-trick pony. When looking outside of the M25 there is a range of areas performing very strongly spanning the length and breadth of the UK and it will be interesting to see which postcodes remain the most valuable come the end of the year.” Table shows the top postcodes for the highest value of property sold so far in 2021 across England and Wales (Inc London) Postcode district Location Total value NW3 Camden / Barnet £262,487,046 SW19 Merton / Wandsworth £248,800,270 SW11 Wandsworth / Lambeth £234,858,700 SW18 Wandsworth £227,625,878 W8 Kensington and Chelsea £225,963,338 W11 Kensington and Chelsea / Westminster / Hammersmith and Fulham £212,426,624 SW6 Hammersmith and Fulham £212,004,240 BN3 Brighton and Hove £206,087,089 E17 Waltham Forest £201,193,176 NW11 Barnet £197,670,500 England and Wales £68,848,011,189 Data sourced from the Land Registry Price Paid records – Jan 2021 to May 2021 (latest available)       Table shows the top postcodes for the highest value of property sold so far in 2021 across England and Wales (Exc London) Postcode district Location Total value BN3 Brighton and Hove £206,087,089 BN1 Brighton and Hove / Lewes £179,128,540 SL6 Windsor and Maidenhead / Buckinghamshire £169,665,888 BN2 Brighton and Hove / Lewes £156,968,190 BH23 Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole / New Forest £145,957,708 SO41 New Forest £125,872,492 WA15 Trafford / Manchester / Cheshire East £120,660,020 SS9 Southend-on-Sea £118,503,085 BA2 Bath and North East Somerset / Mendip / Wiltshire £117,124,277 RH12 Horsham £112,316,147 England and Wales £68,848,011,189 Data sourced from the Land Registry Price Paid records – Jan 2021 to May 2021 (latest available)      

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Construction’s Garden Remains Rosy

Kenneth Booth August 2, 2021

July traditionally marks the start of the holiday season for the UK construction sector.   But while some of those working within the industry have managed to get away, contract awards activity shows no signs of taking a break.   Builders’ Conference CEO Neil Edwards reports on yet another upbeat month. The industry is short of materials and short of skilled labour.   New equipment is increasingly hard to come by, and the spectre of inflation lurks just out of sight as wages for bricklayers and HGV drivers continue to rise.   And yet the UK construction has greeted all these challenges in the same way that it greeted Brexit and a global pandemic – with a shrug of its collective shoulders and its foot pressed hard on the accelerator pedal. As the month drew to a close, the BCLive league table of new construction contract awards stood at £5.78 billion with 344 individual companies winning work during the period.   This compares favourably with July 2020 when 268 individual companies pushed the monthly total to £5.52 billion. In a month in which 14 companies reported contract wins of £100 million or more, TSL Projects part of the Tonroe Group scaled to the top of the BCLive league table for the first time, buoyed by a £350 million contract awarded.   That contract – one of two won by Tonroe Group, which reported a monthly total of £402 million – is for a new manufacturing facility on the former Celanese site in Derby.   The new facility will comprise manufacturing facilities, start-up units, and a Food Manufacturing Technology Centre of Excellence. Making a welcome return to the upper echelons of the BCLive league table after a brief absence is Laing O’Rourke, which also bagged a brace of new contract awards during July 2021.   The largest of these is a new build mixed-use development at Timber Square on London’s Bankside.   Valued at £195 million, the new development comprises almost 35,000 m2 of space with the lion’s share of it to be occupied by offices.   Client Landsec requires around 90 percent of the existing building to be retained while using a hybrid steel frame and timber structure to minimise demolition waste and embodied carbon. Also making a welcome return to the top of the table is Multiplex.   The company was awarded the £300 million contract to build a new office block at 1 Leadenhall Street in London for client Brookfield Properties. In a month with a distinct Far Eastern favour, Hitachi Zosen Inova UK got the green light for a £250 million energy from waste incinerator at the site of the former Skelton Grange power station just off junction 45 of the M1 motorway. Sticking with the Far Eastern theme, the £202 million contract to build a new embassy for the People’s Republic of China was awarded to Chinese-based contractor BCEGI Construction (UK) Ltd.   Located at Royal Mint Court in London, that project will involve the refurbishment and repair of the Grade II-listed Johnson Smirke building, partial demolition and remodelling of the Grade II-listed Seaman’s Registry, and alterations to both Murray House and Dexter House. Although it fell short of its now customary one project per day haul, Kier Group yet again topped the list of largest number of contract awards, picking up 10 new projects valued at a combined £187 million to take the number seven spot on the BCLive league table. Regionally, London retained its crown, delivering 111 new contract awards valued at a combined £1.69 billion.   The Midlands once again enjoyed an upbeat month with the East and West Midlands picking up £592 and £401 million respectively.   Elsewhere, the North West region reported 34 new contract awards worth a combined £498 million while Yorkshire (£482 million) and East Anglia (£405 million) also experienced a welcome uptick.   However, both Scotland (£269 million) and Wales (£57 million) continue to lag behind. Predictably, house building continues to carry the sector, delivering 171 new contract awards valued at a combined £1.59 billion.   Offices enjoyed a good month (56 new contract awards worth a combined £973 million) while the education sector contributed a further £519 million. Although ongoing concerns over international travel mean that fewer people will be heading for sunnier climes in August, construction industry workers can take a well-deserved summer break, safe in the knowledge that the industry remains in rude health. Quick review of BCLive table for July 2021 344 no companies were detailed as winning new contracts during July 2021 524 no new construction orders were researched by Builders’ Conference all detailed on the UK’s only Live league table of construction contract awards BCLive TSL Projects part of the Tonroe Group secured overall top spot with a two contracts worth £402 billion Kier Group was the company with the most number of new construction orders in the month with 10no totaling £187 million The importance of real-time verified independent, construction information, sales leads and bespoke construction sector analysis has never been more important and the Builders’ Conference delivers this LIVE service, via one of the most digitally advanced platforms on the UK market. Ensure your business has access to evidenced based premier construction project information from across the UK by becoming a member of the Builders’ Conference. Discover what is really happening in UK construction as well as critically analysing ALL our data via our built in report writing service. Go to BuildersConference.co.uk/how-it-works for more information. We are a not for profit organisation who are dedicated to maintain our high level of services for as long as possible with the financial support of our membership. We firmly believe because it is the UK construction industries own information which we analyse no one should be paying vast sums to read it! Proud to have been bringing validated UK construction information since 1935.

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Work Begins on First Phase of Olney Park Mixed-Use Masterplan

Kenneth Booth August 2, 2021

The Milton Keynes Studio of national architects, GSSArchitecture, are delighted to share that Parkway Construction have recently started on site on site for the construction of a new industrial unit at Olney Park, as part of a wider mixed-use masterplan developed for Angle Property. GSS were appointed by Angle Property, a leading property developer and investor, to design the wider mixed-use masterplan, which incorporates industrial units, retail and fast food, a nursery and later living accommodation. The proposed landscaping will provide a high-quality amenity for visitors, employees and residents of the later living accommodation to enjoy, with areas of grassland and wildlife friendly habitats created, alongside ornamental tree specimens which will act as focal points where site users can enjoy the seasonal displays. These plans have benefitted from the guidance of GSSArchitecture’s specialist Health and Wellbeing Working Group, whose focus is to research and apply the latest Health and Wellbeing practices into their designs, significantly improving these developments for those who will be visiting them for work and leisure. Speaking of the mixed-used masterplan at the Olney Park site, Tony Williamson, Executive Director at Angle Property, said “Angle Property is delighted to now have commenced work on site to deliver this mixed-use development.  The development will create a range of buildings for various uses which will provide services and employment to the local community as well as a state-of-the-art care home to care for elderly residents.  We have recently announced plans and details for further phases and these will be consulted upon and progressed over the remainder of the year. Many thanks to Parkway, GSSArchitecture, WS Project Consulting and many others for getting this project to commencement on site.” This current stage of the delivery of the overall masterplan consists of the design and construction of a new 1100m2 light industrial unit, with the project consisting of integral office accommodation, associated service yard and site-wide infrastructure. The unit will be two-storeys in height and is designed to be contemporary in appearance, with an industrial aesthetic, and sits back from the main access road to facilitate a landscape buffer between the building and the road. The construction of this first industrial unit marks the beginning of the entire 11-acre mixed-use masterplan development, which GSSArchitecture are helping to deliver over several phases. Chris Chapman, Partner at GSSArchitecture said, “I’m delighted that Parkway Construction have now started on site for the first unit at Olney Park. Having recently delivered the new Sainsbury’s store alongside Parkway, we’re looking forward to strengthening our relationship with the project team whilst delivering a new and exciting development in the local area. Our specialist in-house teams have considerable experience in the design and delivery of similar mixed-use schemes, so we are all excited that work has been able to start site on this latest development.” If you would like further information on the range of projects that GSSArchitecture are working on in the commercial and industrial sector, as well as details on their vast experience in the development of masterplans, please visit www.gssarchitecture.com

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