Building surveys are often misunderstood by the general public as an unnecessary report relating to the purchase of a property. There’s also a misconception that surveys are only necessary if you’re purchasing a residential property, but commercial surveys are just as important and necessary. Surveys of commercial properties vary in
New proposals to recognise architects’ international qualifications Wider transformation of architects’ register to maintain standards Part of ongoing reforms to improve competence of professionals across the built environment sector A new recognition system to acknowledge architecture qualifications from around the world will be implemented as part of the Professional Qualifications
The Transport for the North Board meets today, Wednesday 9 June at 1pm, for a Chief Executive Consultation Call bringing together Northern mayors, political and business leaders on key issues facing the region. The meeting – available to watch online – will see Board members consider some of the most important
Proposals for the £50m regeneration of the former Debenhams store on Princes Street, Edinburgh have received unanimous approval at a City of Edinburgh Council planning committee meeting. The proposals, which repurpose 108,000 sq ft of vacant, obsolete retail space, were described as ‘setting the tone’ for the future regeneration of
A leading independent lighting manufacturer says retrofitting outdated lighting systems will be key to improving energy use across the public sector, as more local authorities commit to beefing up their net zero plans. UK100, a network for UK locally elected leaders, recently announced that nearly 60 local authorities, representing 35%
Offsite construction specialist, Premier Modular, has delivered a new £2m special educational needs facility at Nethergate Academy in Nottingham – an Ofsted Outstanding special school for children with autism, learning difficulties and disabilities. The school is sponsored by Greenwood Academies Trust. The main driver for Nottingham City Council’s decision to
Residential developer Steff Wright vlogged his thoughts on the topics to be discussed at the G7 summit whilst staying at the Carbis Bay Hotel days before world leaders are due to descend. Chairman of Nottinghamshire based Gusto Group, Steff Wright has been building sustainable, renewable focused residential developments for over
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
Building surveys are often misunderstood by the general public as an unnecessary report relating to the purchase of a property. There’s also a misconception that surveys are only necessary if you’re purchasing a residential property, but commercial surveys are just as important and necessary. Surveys of commercial properties vary in terms of the necessary requirements of the party commissioning the survey and they are often more detailed and complex than residential surveys. Whether you’re selling, buying or leasing a commercial property, there are several commercial building surveys to consider. Building Survey If you’re interested in purchasing a commercial property, a building survey provides you with a detailed report of the condition of the property you’re buying, selling or leasing. It highlights any defects the building may have, as well as advising any maintenance that might be needed in the future. A building survey explains the state of the building, the materials it’s made from and if any hazardous materials, such as asbestos, have been used in the building. The nature of commercial leases means that the tenant is often liable for repairing the property, so a building survey is an essential report to invest in prior to signing on the dotted line to clarify that the building is in good condition. It’s important for tenants to understand if any costly repairs will be necessary in the future, as this could affect lease negotiations and budgets considerably. Technical Due Diligence Reports Property due diligence is a series of steps that investors need to make before purchasing an investment property, ensuring that everything is in order and in good condition before you complete the sale. A Due Diligence Report fully evaluates the property before you buy it, highlighting if there are any potential risks involved with the purchase. This includes whether the price reflects the value of the property, the local area, potential rental yield and the buyer’s property investment strategy. Specialist building surveyors will review the leases associated with the property, any related construction information and warranties, as well as service charge agreements. Schedule of Condition Report A Schedule of Condition records the condition of the property at the time of the survey. For those signing a lease on a commercial building, it might be possible to limit your liability for maintenance and repairs if you undertake a Schedule of Condition survey prior to signing the contract. This report can wind up saving tenants thousands of points at lease expiry and will include a detailed overview of the property, including photographs and descriptions of each element of the property. This report doesn’t just protect tenants though – it can also protect the interests of the owner, who might have invested in refurbishments for an incoming tenant and wants to make sure it stays in good condition when the lease ends. Schedule of Dilapidations A tenant has many responsibilities when they take on a commercial lease, from redecoration and reinstatement to repairing the premises if there’s been any damage or mistreatment. Failure to complete these repairs or necessary changes could mean a breach of their lease, which results in a landlord issuing a Dilapidations claim against them. Dilapidations claims can either be made during the lease term or once the lease has expired. A building surveyor can carry out a Schedule of Dilapidations survey which reviews any repair obligations that the tenant is responsible for and advise the best strategy for a settlement. The surveyor, in this instance, may act on behalf of the landlord or the tenant, to present different arguments which will be used in the negotiation process once the schedule has been served. Final thoughts Commercial property surveys are essential to ensure that both tenants and property owners are protected, but also to prevent unforeseen costs that come with buying, selling or leasing a property. Understanding the differences between the various commercial surveys and reports available is key to making sure that you are taking the right steps with your commercial property. It’s vital that commercial property surveys are undertaken by a qualified and experienced surveyor, and that the individual carrying out the survey is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). This is because you can be sure that the surveyor has undergone on-going training and has the experience to back up their knowledge, but also because they will have comprehensive public liability insurance which not only protects them but also the tenant.
New proposals to recognise architects’ international qualifications Wider transformation of architects’ register to maintain standards Part of ongoing reforms to improve competence of professionals across the built environment sector A new recognition system to acknowledge architecture qualifications from around the world will be implemented as part of the Professional Qualifications Bill, ensuring the UK remains a leading, global destination to practise architecture. The Government has responded to a consultation on proposed amendments to the Architects Act, which will ensure professional standards within the sector are maintained and enable international architects to practise in the UK. To support this, the Architects Registration Board (ARB) – the profession’s regulator – will allow architects with certain international qualifications to join their UK Register. Wider proposals to drive up professional competence in the sector will be implemented via the Building Safety Bill. Under these new measures, ARB will be given new powers to monitor the way architects manage their Continuing Professional Development (CPD), in line with other regulated professions – encouraging architects to develop their competence to practise. Housing Minister Chris Pincher MP said: “Following an overwhelmingly positive response to our consultation from the architecture profession, we are delighted to be moving forward with firm proposals that will make a real difference to the lives of architects around the world. “This fundamental realignment of the profession will reassert the United Kingdom’s reputation as a global leader in architecture, ensuring we continue to attract the best architects from around the world to build back better on the homes and infrastructure in this country.” This forms part of ongoing reforms to improve the competence of professionals across the built environment sector, who have a responsibility for designing, constructing and managing homes and buildings. These reforms build on major legislative improvements being made by government in relation to fire and building safety. Minister for Investment Lord Gerry Grimstone said: “Britain has a global reputation for professionalism and excellence in services like architecture, and this important change will ensure that UK architecture qualifications remain the gold standard around the world. “Our new laws will enable world-class architects to continue working in the UK and can make it possible for the Architects Registration Board to open up opportunities for British architects working with our global partners.” Alan Kershaw, Chair of the Architects Registration Board, said: “Today the Government has confirmed its intention to create new powers for the ARB, which we will use to introduce a scheme to monitor the Continuing Professional Development of architects. “This is an opportunity to recognise formally the considerable amount of development activity that most architects already do. We will develop our approach in collaboration with architects and use our regulatory powers to promote consistency across the profession. “ARB’s new role in recognising international qualifications is another positive step. We are going to ensure all individuals registering under this new process are held to equivalent standards, to maintain excellence across the architectural profession, whilst also ensuring the United Kingdom continues to benefit from the varied skills and experience international architects bring with them.” The government’s response to a consultation on proposed amendments to the Architects Act 1997 include: strengthening the Architect Registration Board’s role in monitoring and maintaining the competence of architects on their register increasing public confidence by listing disciplinary orders against an architect on the register allowing the Architect Registration Board to expand its list of chargeable services to cover the full range of services by the Architect Registration Board.
The Transport for the North Board meets today, Wednesday 9 June at 1pm, for a Chief Executive Consultation Call bringing together Northern mayors, political and business leaders on key issues facing the region. The meeting – available to watch online – will see Board members consider some of the most important issues facing transport investment in the North, including a significant change to the structure of the rail industry following the recently unveiled Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail. The Board will also discuss the Government’s upcoming Integrated Rail Plan for the North and Midlands and the pressing need for a sustained rail investment programme for the short, medium and long-term, as well as TfN’s long-term role in driving benefits for the North. Items to be discussed include: The Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail and creation of Great British Railways Manchester Recovery Task Force and investment in the Castlefield Corridor The latest on the Government’s Integrated Rail Plan and the business case for Northern Powerhouse Rail Priorities for the 2021 Spending Review expected later this year Governance matters, including selection of the next TfN Chair LIVE online – Click here to watch Click here for agenda and papers This meeting is open to the public and the media (exceptions for private items).
Proposals for the £50m regeneration of the former Debenhams store on Princes Street, Edinburgh have received unanimous approval at a City of Edinburgh Council planning committee meeting. The proposals, which repurpose 108,000 sq ft of vacant, obsolete retail space, were described as ‘setting the tone’ for the future regeneration of Edinburgh city centre. The redevelopment, spanning three separate listed properties at 109 to 112 Princes Street, creates a new hospitality hub and boutique hotel on the famous street. Plans include a 207-room upscale boutique hotel and publicly accessible restaurant, lounge, spa and rooftop bar. The proposals will create a new pedestrian link between Princes Street and Rose Street and new shopping, dining, hospitality, leisure and public event space. The rooftop bar will look directly on to Princes Street Gardens and Edinburgh Castle. Legal & General is delivering some of the UK’s most strategically important regeneration schemes that are fast transforming and reshaping Britain’s landscape, bringing jobs and services back into the centre of cities and better utilising existing infrastructure. The company’s responsible investment strategy, long-term view and ability to own and operate trading assets, make it uniquely positioned to maximise the Princes Street development’s social, environmental and economic contribution. Bill Hughes, Head of Real Assets for Legal & General Investment Management, said: “The UK needs urban centres that are fit for purpose and support growth. We continue to work hard investing in centres and creatively repurposing real estate to ensure the vitality of urban areas that need to evolve. Our long- term view and operational strategy mean we can adapt and innovate the Princes Street site to harness the full potential of these historic buildings, ensure they support economic growth and bring the widest possible benefit to the city.” Nida Rehman, Senior Development Manager for Legal & General Investment Management, said: “We have worked collaboratively with the City of Edinburgh Council to understand their aspirations for the future of Princes Street and create a financially, environmentally and socially sustainable development. The scheme will provide an exceptional anchor for the community and deliver best-in-class local services to support the post Covid recovery.” The project has ambitions to be one of the most sustainable developments in the city by targeting BREEAM Excellent and a carbon reduction Gold standard. The proposals also ensure the careful preservation of historically significant parts of the buildings, which have been past homes to both the city’s Conservative and Liberal Party Clubs, securing them for the future. The original properties were built in 1869 and the department store was developed in 1978. The scheme’s planning consultant is Montagu Evans, the architect is ICA, project manager is Gardiner & Theobald and townscape and heritage advisor is Turley. Construction work is expected to begin in 2022 with the new boutique hotel scheduled to open in 2024.
A leading independent lighting manufacturer says retrofitting outdated lighting systems will be key to improving energy use across the public sector, as more local authorities commit to beefing up their net zero plans. UK100, a network for UK locally elected leaders, recently announced that nearly 60 local authorities, representing 35% of the UK population, had committed to meeting net zero at least five years earlier than central government1. Tamlite’s Head of Market Intelligence Colin Lawson says that whilst innovative technologies are quite rightly at the forefront of plans to achieve these ambitious targets, with 404 local authorities in the UK, more can be done, and there are simple and cost-effective measures that can be introduced by public sector organisations. Indeed, he believes many have forgotten the impact lighting can have on reducing carbon emissions and cutting energy bills. By replacing outdated lighting systems, coupled with intelligent control systems, it will help the public sector make their buildings more efficient. He comments: “Local authority leaders are showing real commitment to achieving net zero targets ahead of 2050. And whilst many are looking towards new technologies as the core of their decarbonisation plans, we cannot forget the simple steps that can be taken to make sure carbon reduction targets are met. “Lighting is a huge source of energy consumption in the public sector, and small changes can make a big difference. Replacing outdated lighting with modern LED systems can effectively reduce energy use and carbon emissions. Such retrofitting upgrades are easy to do and should be seen as the key component of the Government’s green strategy allowing public sector organisations to make a long-term commitment to net zero carbon emissions.”
Offsite construction specialist, Premier Modular, has delivered a new £2m special educational needs facility at Nethergate Academy in Nottingham – an Ofsted Outstanding special school for children with autism, learning difficulties and disabilities. The school is sponsored by Greenwood Academies Trust. The main driver for Nottingham City Council’s decision to use offsite was the essential need to reduce noise and disruption to the children by moving construction work into a factory. The building also had to be delivered to a short programme ready for occupation for the start of the new academic year. To achieve this, Premier continued work on the project through the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown. The new purpose-designed facilities have expanded the teaching spaces for autistic children and provide 48 new places. Designed and built by Premier with delivery architects Lungfish, the scheme had to be installed on a constrained site within the fully operational school. Careful logistics planning and traffic management ensured access to the school was maintained throughout the construction programme. Cranage of the modules was also timed for the school holidays to further minimise disruption. Commenting on the project, Sam Simons, Team Leader at Nottingham City Council said, “Premier demonstrated an understanding of the issues of constructing a new building in a live SEN environment and performed well. The build quality is good and the new facilities have been well received by the school and everyone involved. We needed a fast-track solution to help meet the rising demand for SEND places.” “The children at the school have complex needs and site-based construction was not the best way to proceed because of the noise and vibration levels that would then be generated. Moving work offsite and into a factory was therefore a huge advantage. The manufacturing processes of modular construction also allowed the building work to continue safely during the Covid-19 lockdown. It is definitely easier to manage and maintain social distancing requirements in a factory environment than on site.” Tracey Ydlibi, Executive Principal at Nethergate Academy said, “Premier Modular was sensitive to the need for us to continue the day-to-day operation of the Academy and was able to complete the build with minimum disruption. Their team has produced a wonderful, purpose-built facility which will enable us to continue to provide the best possible educational experience and further meet the needs of autistic children with complex needs.” Craig Taylor, Associate Director at Lungfish Architects, said, “The demand for offsite construction continues to grow and this project proves why. The Premier building system gives us a high level of design flexibility which ultimately improves the finished building in both aesthetics and functionality, and particularly when creating a learning environment to support SEN. We collaborated on the design with Premier to help deliver a new facility that will undoubtedly prove to be an invaluable addition to the academy and the community.” “We have been impressed with Premier and in particular how their concrete floor system is ideally suited to education buildings.” The 710m2 building was fitted out offsite and has high quality pre-installed concrete floors for a robust finish. Facilities include classrooms for key stages 1 to 4, group therapy rooms with specialist multi-coloured lighting, food technology room, occupational therapy, staff room, and a double-height multi-purpose hall for dining, assemblies and indoor sports – all built using offsite construction. The design of the facility was developed to meet SEND principles. Walls are constructed for impact resistance; sinks and worktops in the food technology room are height adjustable; daylight can be blacked out for light sensitive therapies and activities, and wider corridors ensure wheelchair access. Premier Modular is one of the leading and longest-established offsite specialists in the UK and has an impressive track record in the education sector, including special educational needs. Premier provides bespoke offsite solutions to fulfil almost any application, site and design for schools, academies and sixth form colleges. It also supplies temporary modular buildings for decant and bulge classrooms.
Residential developer Steff Wright vlogged his thoughts on the topics to be discussed at the G7 summit whilst staying at the Carbis Bay Hotel days before world leaders are due to descend. Chairman of Nottinghamshire based Gusto Group, Steff Wright has been building sustainable, renewable focused residential developments for over 20 years and talked passionately on camera about his vision for the future on key topics such as the climate emergency and empowering local communities. Steff said “During a stay at the Carbis Bay Hotel and seeing the preparations underway for the G7 summit I started considering what should be discussed at a more local level. Whilst the G7 message is aimed at political leaders and global businesses mine is aimed at small local businesses, community leaders and the people in those communities who can use their lifestyle and purchasing choices to change the world.” Steff was quick to point out that this wasn’t a rant at the current landscape as so much an opportunity for SMEs to embrace net carbon business practices far earlier than legislation might demand. “I think we should be creating healthier and more sustainable communities because that’s what people want, not just because the Government might dictate it in decades to come” Steff added. Gusto Homes has already pledged to be net zero carbon by 2025 and vowed that no new house built by them from 2022 will be heated by gas. Steff was critical of the slow move of house builders to follow suit – “We need local planning authorities to make it mandatory for all new developments to be net zero carbon. It’s not difficult, don’t wait for Barrett’s to switch to Zero carbon in 2040 or for the likes of Persimmon who use whatever method they can to reduce their build costs and maximise profits. By ensuring all new homes are built to zero carbon standards now, the building systems and technologies needed will become more mainstream and reduce in cost enabling the bigger challenge of improving the older existing homes in communities so they too can stay warm without burning gas and oil. Every year we delay starting this process we end up with more homes that are not fit for the future.” Video – https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XgueDbQ8k0JQrO0fxPRCXUmYuM0kUJ4E/view?usp=sharing
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.