LEADING NAMES ANNOUNCED AS SPEAKERS FOR CE HOUSING SUMMIT REPRESENTATIVES from some of the housing industry’s biggest names have been announced as speakers at one of the Midlands’ leading construction events. Speakers from Cundall, Barratt Developments, Stewart Milne Group and the Welsh government will present at June’s CE Midlands Housing
Sugarcane fiber, a by-product of harvesting that has traditionally been thrown away, is now being repurposed as a reclaimed resource with the same reliable properties as polythene plastic. The prime difference is that sugarcane is not derived from fossil fuels and boasts carbon neutrality. The growing process of sugarcane naturally
It isn’t always clear when you should consider a plumbing job an emergency. When you’re up to your knees in water or it’s flowing from your ceiling, you can definitely call a plumber on the basis of an emergency. However, there could also be occasions that don’t appear to be
So, you’re one of the lucky individuals who have the skills necessary to keep you employed – for now. Great! But how long will these skills remain relevant? More than 70% of young people are not sure, research indicates. As a 2018 study by BAE Systems revealed, only 18% of
In today’s world, mining for resources is inevitable (read more). The resources we require are valuable in everyday living and for innovation as well. Countries all over the world have performed this kind of activity to obtain good quality of structure use. To create almost every structure you see around
The construction industry remains safer than it has been before, yet serious problems remain. A report by Unite found that construction site deaths have jumped by 25% over the past year, coinciding with a reduction in proactive construction inspections. This shows that the average construction site is not as safe and secure as
St. Modwen Homes provides a finished shell for buyers to transform into their dream home Customers work with architects to determine size, number and location of rooms New offering aimed to provide more choice and flexibility, responding to customer needs Product designed to meet building regulations and be mortgage-ready Customers
Leading UK conservation specialist, DBR, restores the Palace of Westminster’s iconic 19th century flooring to its original splendour The Palace of Westminster was built during the Middle Ages as a royal residence to a number of famous—as well as infamous—monarchs. Over time, it became a meeting place for the first
The Gasworks New Town neighbourhood is one of seven envisioned by the £4bn Victoria North masterplan It will feature nine buildings ranging from 8 to 34 storeys The 6.6-acre site has most recently been home to a car park but the green development will overwhelmingly prioritise walking and cycling over
Leading regeneration firm Urban Union has strengthened its Glasgow-based team with four new appointments, as it continues to transform communities across Scotland. Daniel MacDonald, Claire Ferris, Ashleigh Donnelly and Chloe Paterson will join Urban Union’s head office in Glasgow across the firm’s technical, commercial, finance and customer service departments respectively.
LEADING NAMES ANNOUNCED AS SPEAKERS FOR CE HOUSING SUMMIT REPRESENTATIVES from some of the housing industry’s biggest names have been announced as speakers at one of the Midlands’ leading construction events. Speakers from Cundall, Barratt Developments, Stewart Milne Group and the Welsh government will present at June’s CE Midlands Housing Summit, organised by Constructing Excellence Midlands and sponsored by Shakespeare Martineau. The summit’s keynote presentation will be delivered by Colette McCann, Birmingham City Council’s acting assistant director of housing development, who will detail the city’s 2040 plan for affordable housing, as well as introducing how attendees can get themselves involved in the programme. Also leading the lineup is Cundall’s Richard Twinn, who will detail how Future Homes Standards will affect those involved in the provision of housing going forward. The event – which takes place virtually on Wednesday, June 23 – gives attendees chance to get further insight into some of the key issues facing the industry, such as the Future Homes Standard, carbon net zero and the growing role of modern methods of construction and modular homes. Andrew Carpenter, chief executive of Constructing Excellence Midlands, said: “We’re delighted to have secured such a stellar lineup for this year’s Housing Summit, which promises to provide a real insight into how both the public and private sector are working to tackle the UK’s housing crisis. Constructing Excellence Midlands is working in partnership with Birmingham City Council in helping them achieve their ambitious housing targets. Colette McCann, acting assistant director of housing development at Birmingham City Council said: “CE Midlands provides a unique opportunity and platform that brings together a wide range of members within the construction industry. “I am very much looking forward to attending the CE Midlands Housing Summit to discuss innovative ideas and solutions to the challenges our sector faces, particularly in the delivery of affordable housing.” Andrew Carpenter continued: “As we come out of the other side of the pandemic, housing has to be one of the critical areas of the construction industry. With house prices continuing to rise, affordable, sustainable housing is coming to the fore more than ever before, and we have pulled together a speaker lineup that reflects this.” To register to attend the CE Midlands Housing Summit, click here
Sugarcane fiber, a by-product of harvesting that has traditionally been thrown away, is now being repurposed as a reclaimed resource with the same reliable properties as polythene plastic. The prime difference is that sugarcane is not derived from fossil fuels and boasts carbon neutrality. The growing process of sugarcane naturally takes carbon out of the environment which offsets any emissions created by transport and production. After use, customers can easily recycle their garment bags in the same way that they would normally recycle, promoting a circular economy and the reuse of materials. Kite Packaging embraces this creative innovation in the form of their new garment bags, designed to provide professional hygienic protection against dust, dirt, bacteria and moisture. Tailormade for wholesalers or even shop floors, these clothing covers ensure that the contents remain immaculate while reliably supporting the weight of most garments. With ecommerce fashion consumption rocketing, it is more important than ever to put sustainable practices at the forefront of the industry. The sugarcane polymers are sometimes referred to as Bio-HDPE since they possess the exact same properties as the conventionally manufactured counterpart. Sustainable swaps are only effective if they provide the same level of functionality as the product they aim to replace; a quality check comfortably met by Kite’s eco-garment bags. This new product represents an innovative rethinking of an organic product. By incorporating it into packaging processes, a business establishes themselves as leaders of environmental advancements. Visit www.kitepackaging.co.uk for more information.
It isn’t always clear when you should consider a plumbing job an emergency. When you’re up to your knees in water or it’s flowing from your ceiling, you can definitely call a plumber on the basis of an emergency. However, there could also be occasions that don’t appear to be an emergency when they actually are, and you only realise when it’s too late. Here are five emergencies that require the services of a plumber. Flooding Rushing water is likely an emergency situation. Flooding can occur for various reasons. Usually, however, it’s due to an issue such as a clogged toilet or sink, or a burst pipe. The biggest issue facing you is the damage that can occur to your home while it’s flooding. If you don’t call a professional plumber, it will cause greater damage to your home, as well as the potential for a reoccurrence of the food. If you experience a flood in your home, call a plumber to both stop the flood and prevent it from happening again. Clogged Drain We use drains every day, and, as a result, they can get clogged from food scraps and grease. While a clogged drain might not seem like an emergency, it can become one if left unattended to. When water ceases to drain or if it drains really slowly, you should contact a plumber to tackle the issue before it worsens. If you drain banks up and water fills your sink, you should call a plumber as soon as possible, as it could indicate a sewage backup or another larger issue. Frozen Pipes When temperatures fall below freezing, the water inside the pipes outside your home freezes. When water turns to ice, the pipe can burst due to expansion. Frozen pipes can result in water ceasing to flow inside your home, which means you’ll be unable to flush your toilet, drink water, or take a shower. If you have frozen pipes, call a plumber rather than attempting to thaw out the pipes yourself. If you do, you risk causing additional damage to your pipes and home. So make sure to call a professional. Leaking or Bursting Pipes Among the more common reasons for a house flood is a leaking or burst pipe. No matter whether it results in a flood or not, in the event of a burst pipe, you should call an emergency plumber. Before you do that, however, turn off the water via the main shut-off valve. Doing this will lessen any water damage in your home. If flooring or drywalls are oversaturated with water, it can cause damage that can’t be reversed, so you should call a plumber as quickly as possible. Overflowing Toilet In order to resolve what could turn into a messy situation, you should call a plumber as quickly as possible. The reason for your overflowing toilet could be a simple one or it could be the result of a more significant issue. Before your plumber arrives, shut off the water on the toilet and ensure that nobody flushes it, as that would worsen the situation.
So, you’re one of the lucky individuals who have the skills necessary to keep you employed – for now. Great! But how long will these skills remain relevant? More than 70% of young people are not sure, research indicates. As a 2018 study by BAE Systems revealed, only 18% of young people aged 18-24 thought they possessed what it takes to future-proof their career. More than a half also believed they’d be doing jobs in the future that didn’t even exist at the time. And a great majority of them indicated they’d appreciate more guidance to identify the skills they might need later. Fortunately, experts are not staying idle. There’s been a number of studies aimed at spotting some jobs and careers that will be in demand 20 years from now. There also are some predictions about the skills that future professionals will need to master to stay employed. One of the most well-known of such studies was conducted by the Institute for the Future (IFTF), a California-based non-profit think tank, in 2018. It indicated 15 essential “super” skills that will be in demand in the job market in the future. These skills were then divided into 5 major groups – “peak performance zones”. These are: Making yourself known; Befriending the machines; Building a tribe (i.e. a network); Making sense (understanding the processes going on in the world); Keeping it going (adapting to change and extreme environments). Out of these, as well as data from multiple other sources, we’ve distinguished the five major skills that you will need to get hired 20 years from now. 1. Self-Promotion On a planet with a population of almost 9 billion people, it’s crucial to know how to make yourself noticed. You can have the most brilliant training and all the relevant skills in the world, but that won’t be of any good if you don’t know how to sell them. So, experts advise that every professional should learn to build their personal brand. Doing it involves multiple activities, from building a loyal following on social media to crafting a resume that will impress every recruiter. If you’re unsure about what skills you should or shouldn’t include in your resume, take a look at the articles at LinkedIn here or check examples sorted by industry on the same website. Also, remember to complement your CV and add new skills, accomplishments, and credentials as you attain them. 2. Digital Literacy Knowing your way around in a world increasingly dominated by machines is one of the key skills that will be in demand in the decades to come, all experts agree. Surely, we’re not living in a futurist dream where robots do most of the work, but we just might be facing it very soon – so it’s better to get prepared in advance. Whether you see your dream job as something tech-related like here or not, there’s just no way you’re going to convince anyone to hire you if you lack basic (or not-so-basic) technical skills. Even writers, musicians, and artists of the future are going to have to deal with technology as complex as AI, scientists predict. That doesn’t necessarily mean you need to learn to code, though it obviously might come in handy. What it does mean, according to IFTF, is that any professional working in practically any career field should “master human-machine collaboration” to be able to explore new exciting digital worlds where learning , working, and playing will all be mixed together more you can find at this page. 3. Networking Though IFTF calls it “building a tribe”, what they basically mean is that networking will become even more important for future professionals striving to meet the requirements of the job market. Not that it isn’t important today. But 20 years from now, when the competition will most likely be even more fierce, it will be essential to have a network of professional connections to rely upon. Even today, everyone knows it’s much easier to apply for a certain job and land an interview when you know someone from the company – preferably, one of the managers. And that’s not going to change. However, the study map formulates the meaning of “tribe building” a bit more vaguely by stating that “you’ll need to master different kinds of trade” to be able to “build communities from the ground up”. Well, networking takes a lot – it’s hard to disagree. 4. Creativity In order to thrive in the future world, one needs to “make sense of loopy complex systems”, according to IFTF. To put it simply, you’ll need the same skills that you used in school when solving geometry problems. In fact, they are basic – you wouldn’t even get your high school diploma without them at all! But people tend to forget about their importance once they leave school. Here, we’re talking creativity, but in a broader sense. You needn’t be an artist or a writer or a musician to be creative – coders need creativity, too. Every time you think outside of the box, search for unobvious solutions, suggest innovative approaches, you use creativity. And this is exactly the skill that can ensure your future prosperity, experts agree. 5. Adaptability and Resilience Last but not least, you need to master adaptability and resilience to keep it all going. In an ever-changing, increasingly challenging environment like in this article , it’s crucial to stay strong and focused no matter what. “Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change”, Stephen Hawking said, – and this ability is going to mean even more in 20 years’ time from now. As for resilience, it’s closely linked to the ability to think positively and see growth opportunities where others only see obstacles, experts say. If you can do that, you’ll be an invaluable employee for any company, today, or any time in the future. Conclusion 20 years may seem a long way, but time flies. So, now is the perfect moment to start honing the
In today’s world, mining for resources is inevitable (read more). The resources we require are valuable in everyday living and for innovation as well. Countries all over the world have performed this kind of activity to obtain good quality of structure use. To create almost every structure you see around you, quarrying becomes necessary; it is the reason behind every successful construction. Well, if you think about it, the term most likely brings up images of a big pit filled with rocks. But eventually, you’ll realize, it’s more than that. Read on to know more about quarrying and how it works. What Is Quarrying? Quarrying is the process of removing the minerals found in the ground to extract and use them to produce building materials. They are then used in the construction of mineral processing plants and in the manufacturing industry. The use of quarries has been notable since then, rising with the demand for aggregates. Many industries rely on quarrying to construct roads and railways, provide minerals to the agricultural sector, and serve as decorative stones and rocks for business residential landscape ventures. In the geological sense, quarrying is any operation on the earth’s surface where minerals are extracted. Meanwhile, the term “quarry” refers to the open-pit place where most minerals are excavated or quarried. How Does Quarrying Work? Quarries mainly produce “aggregates” such as sand, gravel, and crushed rock for construction and materials. Thanks to quarry mining, all of the advanced and pleasing infrastructures, buildings, skyscrapers, houses, and even highway roads are now achieved. A variety of in-ground construction materials may be present in quarries, including the following: 1. Limestone This porous mineral has been most used in many home construction and a famous decorative stone for rock gardens. More than that, limestones are durable that will surely last you for a long time. 2. Marble Perhaps you’ve seen many marble designs all over the net. Well, it has come to be the best choice for a kitchen countertop due to its lower upkeep and minimalist look. Also, it can withstand heat. 3. Granite For thousands of years, people have used granite even until now. This mineral is essentially used for construction building, whether for its aesthetic uses or quality-wise. To name a few, this includes countertops, floor tiles, paving stone, curbing, stair treads, and cemetery monuments. 4. Slate All by means of slate’s weather-resistant and pollution-resistant properties, it is considered one of the most used roofing and flooring materials that exist even in patios. But usually, slates are commonly found surrounding the pools and outer walls. 5. Sandstone If we are talking about the creative uses of decorative minerals, sandstone has got to be one of the best minerals to carve since it’s relatively soft. It’s been widely used to build temples, ornamental fountains, statues, and a lot more. Are Quarries Significant? Quarrying materials are critical to the country’s development since they provide construction resources. It is truly irresistible to see a quarry as an unwanted “hole in the earth.” Still, we rely on the quarrying industry to provide us with the necessary materials for our economy. Furthermore, it is talented, professional women and men who lead and operate quarries safely, productive, and environmentally friendly. As a bonus, quarrying gives employment opportunities for them! Quarrying is undoubtedly carried out all over the world. They have significant economic, environmental, labor, and social consequences, both within and outside the countries or regions where they are genuinely carried out. Most significantly, they give a considerable contribution to many developing countries, mainly in foreign exchange revenues and foreign investments. Is Quarrying Bad For The Environment? Partly yes, quarry mining also has a destructive outcome. Rock quarries take up large areas of land, and as a result, they have a significant impact on the ecosystem. Explosives for blasting, electricity, and fuels to operate heavy plant machinery, trucks, equipment, and generators are the primary inputs. Nevertheless, mining companies now acknowledge the need to invest in the restoration of land they have used. Leveling spoil heaps, filling in holes, and re-grassing the area are all part of this process. Although it takes a long time to restore what has been quarried, some companies still value what is essential to the environment. It is already a good thing.
The construction industry remains safer than it has been before, yet serious problems remain. A report by Unite found that construction site deaths have jumped by 25% over the past year, coinciding with a reduction in proactive construction inspections. This shows that the average construction site is not as safe and secure as perhaps it appears; for contractors, it has never been more important to build an understanding of their rights and create a personal safety strategy. Understanding your rights Union or non-union, construction workers have the same set of immutable rights when it comes to their workplace safety. Workers and employers have to meet the same rules and regulations set out by the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, as the HSE asserts. These regulations have now seen prison sentences handed out for negligent employers. As an employee, being aware of these regulations and your rights are important. Knowing when to look for recourse to justice through legal means, such as a scaffold accident lawyer or solicitor assisting with personal injury from machinery, is key. Taking mitigation There are gaps in legislation, however. Lawyers at Dentons have found holes in legislative coverage on what could be very standard safety concerns; as such, the law cannot always be relied on to entirely and effectively protect health and safety on building sites. Having your own supply of PPE and other tools designed to assist your health and safety is a good idea in order to protect yourself and those around you, and should form a central part in your overall safety strategy. Challenging employers Perhaps the toughest part of understanding your personal responsibility as a contractor is your ability to challenge an employer. If you see manifestly unsafe practices at a building site or in the planning processes for a site, you have a right to challenge this. Indeed, as HM Government has noted, safety practices have evolved in a number of ways over the past year. It is the right and the role of workers to ensure that safety needs are being met. Health and safety is something that is protected by legislation and lawmaking. However, there are always unfortunate gaps in coverage that contractors must address for their own well-being. At a time of rapidly evolving health and safety considerations and an uncertain industry, this is a crucial part of any preparedness made for work.
St. Modwen Homes provides a finished shell for buyers to transform into their dream home Customers work with architects to determine size, number and location of rooms New offering aimed to provide more choice and flexibility, responding to customer needs Product designed to meet building regulations and be mortgage-ready Customers purchasing a new property through St. Modwen Homes can now design and build the entire internal layout of their home, with only the exterior of the house fully finished upon sale. By taking on an empty shell, finished with only structural walls, staircases and utilities in place, buyers have the flexibility to create their ultimate dream home. The process will see customers project manage their build, initially by discussing the exact size and desired location of the property with a St. Modwen Homes consultant. An architect will then work with the customer over a four-week period to design the home, which will then be costed by a surveyor and integrated into a bespoke mortgage available to help fund the project. Customers will be presented with a fully finished shell, which also includes concrete flooring and window boards, all built according to the design of the home. Driveways, fencing, patios, along with the essential works such as drains, water, electric, internet lines and gas will also be incorporated into the first part of the build, with garages also included on certain house types. The customer works with their chosen contractor and architect to bring their home to life by determining the size, number and location of their bedrooms, bathrooms, and living spaces. For example, some buyers may look to include a mix of open-plan and zoned off spaces to accommodate both working from home and entertaining, while others may choose to create an inverted home, with their living spaces and kitchens located on the first floor to maximise light and benefit from surrounding views. Dave Smith, Managing Director at St. Modwen Homes, comments: “The Starting Block means customers get to live in our award-winning homes whilst having the ultimate flexibility to fit-out every aspect of their house to match their taste and lifestyle. The past year has seen people across the UK adapt their homes around new ways of living and working, so for any adventurous homebuyer looking to put their biggest ever stamp on a new-build home, we are now giving them that choice.” The Starting Block is available at all St. Modwen Homes developments across England and South Wales, except apartment schemes, maisonettes and homes at Locking Parklands in Weston-Super-Mare, Littlecombe in Dursley and Weogoran Park in Worcester. For further information on St. Modwen Homes and The Starting Block, please visit https://stmodwenhomes.co.uk/the-starting-block/
Leading UK conservation specialist, DBR, restores the Palace of Westminster’s iconic 19th century flooring to its original splendour The Palace of Westminster was built during the Middle Ages as a royal residence to a number of famous—as well as infamous—monarchs. Over time, it became a meeting place for the first members of Parliament, and the first official Parliament of England, or “Model Parliament”, conjugated there in 1295. During the reign of King Henry VIII, a fire ravaged through the royal apartments, followed by an even greater fire three centuries later, which destroyed the rebuilt Houses of Parliament. Only a few notable rooms and structures survived, including Westminster Hall, Cloisters Court, the Chapel of St Mary Undercroft and the Jewel Tower. Only the very best would do when it came to restoring the affected areas. Celebrated architect, Charles Barry, who was known for his use of Italianate architecture, was selected to bring the landmark back to its former glory. Enhancing Parliament’s Encaustic Tiles: A Decade-Long Journey Leading UK conservation specialist, DBR, restores the Palace of Westminster’s iconic 19th century flooring to its original splendour The Palace of Westminster was built during the Middle Ages as a royal residence to a number of famous—as well as infamous—monarchs. Over time, it became a meeting place for the first members of Parliament, and the first official Parliament of England, or “Model Parliament”, conjugated there in 1295. During the reign of King Henry VIII, a fire ravaged through the royal apartments, followed by an even greater fire three centuries later, which destroyed the rebuilt Houses of Parliament. Only a few notable rooms and structures survived, including Westminster Hall, Cloisters Court, the Chapel of St Mary Undercroft and the Jewel Tower. Only the very best would do when it came to restoring the affected areas. Celebrated architect, Charles Barry, who was known for his use of Italianate architecture, was selected to bring the landmark back to its former glory. He chose the talented Gothic Revivalist, Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin, to focus on the decorative elements, including the iconic encaustic tiles, the name of which derives from the Greek word meaning ‘burnt in’, or in this specific context, ‘inlaid’. As an iconic feature of the building’s interiors, looking after the Palace’s tiling became a constant task, and they were continually laid and changed as they became worn or damaged. In 2010, leading UK conservation specialist, DBR, was commissioned to carry out a whole panel replacement trial in a section of St Stephens Hall using a mixture of salvaged and new tiles provided by Craven Dunnill Jackfield. After the trial’s success, the company’s talented stone masons continued the encaustic conservation project throughout the Palace from 2013 until the end of May this year, when restoration of the entire 1500 square-metre space, comprising a staggering 50,000 tiles, was finally completed. Laying the ground for success Introduced at the beginning of the 13th century from France, encaustic tiles became popular in abbeys and royal palaces. As principle architect on the current Palace, Barry had suggested the floors of several Halls, Galleries and Corridors within the building be composed of this prestigious material, embellished with spectacular heraldic symbols. As a public building, heavy footfall, mechanical issues and WWII bomb damages inevitably caused major wear and tear to the flooring over the centuries, leading to the loss of colour and grip. To add yet another complication, Thomas Minton & Sons, the renowned ceramics company and official producer of the encaustic tiles, ceased its production in the 1960s. This meant any tiles manufactured for repairs after this date came from various sources, which couldn’t match the originals. Therefore, a more permanent solution was needed. Rising from the ashes, straight to the challenge When DBR was commissioned by Strategic Estates to undertake this monumental project, its heritage experts realised just how extensive the replacement of tiles had been over the decades. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, as well as trial areas laid in 1998 and 2004, the inconsistency in artwork quality, and reproduction of the original designs, disrupted the continuity of pattern across the floor. Further, replacement tiles used in the latter half of the 20th century were around half the thickness of the Minton originals. The original 25mm tiles were laid in soft mortar and could accommodate movement without cracking, whereas the 20th century ones, at 13mm thick, were designed to be laid on a hard mortar bedding as a floor finish and, as such, were less robust. ©UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor Lastly, previous temporary repairs were carried out using coloured epoxy resins, which was visually unappealing. As a result, some of the tiles had suffered so much damage their inner core began to show. Commenting on the process, Adrian Attwood, Executive Director of DBR, says, “As it receives nearly a million visitors per year, the Palace of Westminster required high-quality restoration work which would involve replicating the exact original design of the tiles and ensuring they would remain intact for as long as possible. “We also had to make sure we could conduct these repairs over the years with minimal disruption to Parliament’s numerous employees and visitors. To do this, we set up a controlled environment, consisting of tents and vacuum air filters, which were designed to protect everyone and everything within the space, including the works of art.” ©UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor Once the tiles were recorded to an agreed methodology, which included a combination of physical and photogrammetric surveys, the project then required a great deal of skill from DBR’s stone masons. They had to work with 1.5 millimetre joints, manage dust and moisture control, carry out repairs to the sub floors to deal with cracks and maintain the fine tolerances in the floor layout. While it was certainly a challenging task, the incomparable craftsmanship of the team—which consisted of the same craftspeople throughout the entire duration of the project—combined with a flexible and collaborative client approach, meant the end result was one of the most successful restorations the
The Gasworks New Town neighbourhood is one of seven envisioned by the £4bn Victoria North masterplan It will feature nine buildings ranging from 8 to 34 storeys The 6.6-acre site has most recently been home to a car park but the green development will overwhelmingly prioritise walking and cycling over driving It will result in tens of millions of pounds being pumped into the city’s economy over the lifetime of the development Plans for a trailblazing £400million city centre regeneration scheme that will create more than 1,200 homes has been approved by Manchester City Council’s planning committee. MCR Property Group’s bold Gasworks New Town project will create 1,202 homes on the site of the former Rochdale Road Gas Works at the heart of Manchester, with a mixture of attractive townhouses and apartments. For years the 6.6-acre site has been home to a car park that added little to the public realm but that will all change over the next few years with the first residents expected to move in by the end of 2023. Not only will the huge project drastically improve the supply of housing, this flagship development will create a new centre of gravity for central Manchester that will create thousands of jobs and inject tens of millions of pounds into the city’s economy. MCR bought the site in 2015 with big plans to use it as the launchpad to rejuvenate the immediate area with a mixed-use destination development. The team, working with local stakeholders and the planning department, went through dozens of iterations to get the balance of housing provision, design and environmental amenities in perfect balance. It received approval by Manchester City Council’s Planning Committee yesterday (Thurs). The project — which will have a Gross Development Value (GDV) of approximately £400m at current prices — will include 192 sqm of commercial space and its accommodation will be provided by nine separate buildings ranging from 8 to 34 storeys in height. The scheme will be built in four phases with construction set to begin this summer, while the tallest residential tower is expected to be completed by the end of 2030. Architects, AHR, included 1,224 cycle spaces as part of a determined effort to encourage more people to walk and cycle, and help reduce the amount of traffic on local roads. Where there is underground parking, bays will have electric charging points for the next generation of environmentally friendly vehicles. Plans include a public park between Gould Street and Bromley Street as well as a pedestrian route and cycle path running east-to-west through the site. It is the most carbon-efficient development of its kind that Manchester has ever seen and will save 300 tonnes of carbon a year, exceeding the council’s target for new developments by 30%. The Gasworks New Town neighbourhood is one of seven envisioned by the £4bn Victoria North masterplan, formerly known as the Northern Gateway Strategic Regeneration Framework. This masterplan will see the entire area north of the city centre transformed over the next 20 years by the delivery of 15,000 new homes across 383 acres. The Gasworks itself will act as a key anchor for this vision, being one of the first major developments to get planning permission and sitting so close to the city centre. It is a short walk away from The Northern Quarter, Ancoats and NOMA while Manchester Victoria Train Station is only minutes away. A total of 85 affordable homes will be available through Shared Ownership — amongst the most provided by any city centre redevelopment site — and this number may increase during the fourth phase of the scheme. MCR’s team of specialist consultants on the project included planning consultancy WSP, civil engineers BDP, architects AHR, landscape architects Planit-IE and highways consultancy Curtins. MCR also worked closely with international developer, Far East Consortium (FEC), which is jointly funding and developing the Victoria North masterplan alongside Manchester City Council. Founded in Manchester in 1989, MCR Property Group has a national focus and has developed more than £5bn of residential, commercial and industrial property. Nick Lake, Asset Manager for MCR Property Group, said: “This is the jewel in the crown for MCR. We’re a Manchester-based business and this is an incredibly proud moment for the company. “We all felt a responsibility to create something spectacular on home turf and there is no doubt that the Gasworks will provide an aspirational and inspirational place to live and work. “We’re particularly proud of the project’s environmental credentials, claiming the crown for being the most carbon-efficient development of its type that Manchester has ever seen. This really is a scheme fit for the coming century, with electric charging points on every parking space and more than 1,000 cycle spaces making this one of the most bike and pedestrian friendly residential developments in the country.” Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, added: “As one of the emerging neighbourhoods of Victoria North, New Town is aptly named. The Gasworks development will breathe life into a largely forgotten corner of the city centre fringe, bringing purpose and an energy to an area that is currently characterised by surface car parks. “Residential investment at this scale should be celebrated and will contribute significantly to meeting demand for high quality homes in this part of the city. And once again, developments such as this show a real confidence in Manchester as an attractive place to invest and do business – the importance of which cannot be underestimated as we look to economic recovery following the pandemic.” Matthew Hard, Associate Director at planning consultancy WSP, commented: “We’re delighted to reach the important milestone of having Manchester’s planning committee endorse the proposed redevelopment of the historic gasworks. Gasworks New Town will be a fantastic development in its own right, and act as a catalyst for further regeneration of the post-industrial Irk Valley. “With its carbon credentials, its green infrastructure and focus on walking and cycling, I’m confident that the neighbourhood will become a future exemplar of
Leading regeneration firm Urban Union has strengthened its Glasgow-based team with four new appointments, as it continues to transform communities across Scotland. Daniel MacDonald, Claire Ferris, Ashleigh Donnelly and Chloe Paterson will join Urban Union’s head office in Glasgow across the firm’s technical, commercial, finance and customer service departments respectively. Daniel MacDonald has joined the company as a design engineer. He has close to 10 years’ experience in civil engineering, having previously worked in a similar role for Robertson Partnership Homes. Claire Ferris, who previously worked for Allan Waters Developments and CALA Homes East, has taken up the position of quantity surveyor. Ashleigh Donnelly has taken on the role of finance manager, bringing with her over 10 years’ experience. Chloe Paterson, who is also a qualified plumber and gas engineer, has joined the customer care team as customer care advisor. Speaking of the new appointments, Neil McKay, managing director, Urban Union said: “We are pleased to welcome Daniel, Claire, Ashleigh and Chloe to the business at a time when Urban Union is at a key stage in our development. “They bring with them strong experience and skills, and as we are a business with a bright future, we’re confident that their expertise will play a significant role in our continued growth.” Urban Union currently has three active developments in Scotland: Laurieston Living and Pollokshaws Living in Glasgow and Pennywell Living in Edinburgh. For more information visit: https://www.urbanunionltd.co.uk/