Lismore Real Estate Advisors (Lismore) has advised Lothian Pension Fund on the acquisition of a prime logistics warehouse at Eurocentral in North Lanarkshire from Windward Titan Limited. “Titan” is a prime distribution facility and, at 123,850 sq.ft is one of the largest modern industrial buildings in Scotland. The sale price
MC Construction has won a place on a new three-year framework for improvement works at the internationally-renowned Daresbury Laboratory in Cheshire. Salford-based MC Construction has been appointed by the Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC). Part of the Science & Technology Facilities Council, STFC’s Daresbury Laboratory has more than 300
New sites for 25,000 homes around west London’s Old Oak Common HS2 station are being proposed following the collapse of negotiations over the Cargiant site. The Mayor’s Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation, OPDC, has submitted a revised draft local plan after a planning inspector told them in 2019
In her report ‘Building a Safer Future’, Dame Judith Hackitt highlights the need for a system-based approach with a golden thread of information running through the lifecycle of each project. Here Jackie Maginnis argues the case for modular technology in providing a comprehensive information pathway. As made clear in the
British Science Week, which in 2021 takes place from March 8 to 13, celebrates the broad range of jobs and careers available in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) industries and promotes STEM to younger generations by providing activity packs and school projects. While children learn the core sciences, like biology,
On 29 December 2020 central Croatia was hit by strongest earthquake in 140 years and the three waterworks of the cities Sisak, Petrinja and Glina were heavily damaged. With the help of their Croatian partners PTMG, GF Piping Systems organized the donation of 5’000 pieces of ELGEF Plus Fittings in
Baxi Heating UK and Ireland has appointed specification specialist Ryan Kirkwood to the role of Heat Pump Business Development Manager. The move is part of the company’s continuous improvement and development strategy, ensuring it is well prepared for the future as the heating industry makes the transition towards zero carbon
Today there are a huge number of gambling establishments in the world, but everyone can come in and play cards, roulette or slot machines https://nationalcasino.com/ without leaving the computer. So how do you get people to come back to the real world? You can entice people wanting to see firsthand
The completion of a major regeneration project in the centre of Bolton has moved a step closer, as one of the UK’s leading build-to-rent developers is granted planning approval for its £25m Croal Valley development. North West-based Placefirst, in partnership with award winning architects Levitt Bernstein and landscape architects CW
In Q4 2020, Prologis completed the sale of its ‘Platform Portfolio’ to Blackstone for £473 million. This transaction was the largest sale of logistics real estate assets on record in the UK. The majority of assets within the ‘Platform Portfolio’ were acquired from Liberty Property Trust during Prologis’ acquisition of
Lismore Real Estate Advisors (Lismore) has advised Lothian Pension Fund on the acquisition of a prime logistics warehouse at Eurocentral in North Lanarkshire from Windward Titan Limited. “Titan” is a prime distribution facility and, at 123,850 sq.ft is one of the largest modern industrial buildings in Scotland. The sale price of £14,326,000 reflects a net initial yield of 5.01% and capital value of £116 per sq ft. The asset occupies a prominent position within Centralpoint at Eurocentral, Scotland’s premier logistics park. Located within the heart of Scotland’s central belt, Eurocentral provides unrivalled connectivity via the national motorway network and the rail freight terminal. It is home to occupiers such as LIDL, Amazon, Morrison’s, Fedex and Eddie Stobart. Titan is currently let to The Scottish Ministers (NHS) until 31st January 2031, at a rent of £766,094 per annum reflecting £6.19 per sq.ft. Simon Cusiter, director of Lismore, said: “We were delighted to act on behalf of Lothian Pension Fund in relation to the acquisition of Titan. Eurocentral continues to go from strength to strength, resulting in upwards pressure on rents. The strong fundamentals of the location and sector, coupled with the quality of the asset offer scope for strong performance in the short to medium term.” The industrial and distribution market in Scotland remains remarkably robust, reflecting occupiers demand for larger “big box” properties, such as Titan. The development pipeline is limited across the central belt of Scotland and further rental growth is anticipated, as supply remains tight. Nicola Barrett, portfolio manager for LPF added: “It was a pleasure to work with Simon and the Lismore team on this acquisition. We are pleased to have secured the asset for our portfolio and the strong property fundamentals reflect our strategy going forward.” Lismore Real Estate Advisors advised Lothian Pension Fund whilst MWM Consultants acted on behalf of Windward Titan Limited.
MC Construction has won a place on a new three-year framework for improvement works at the internationally-renowned Daresbury Laboratory in Cheshire. Salford-based MC Construction has been appointed by the Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC). Part of the Science & Technology Facilities Council, STFC’s Daresbury Laboratory has more than 300 staff and is located at Sci-Tech Daresbury, which spans nearly 200,000 sq metres. MC Construction achieved the highest overall score in the tendering process for refurbishment, replacement and maintenance projects worth up to £500,000 in value. Its first-place ranking means it will be awarded all works up to £15,000 in value under the terms of the framework. The estimated total spend under the agreement will be up to £2m a year. Projects will range from minor construction works to extensions and lab and office fit-outs. Russ Forshaw, group operations director at MC Construction, said: “STFC’s Daresbury Laboratory is internationally recognised for its world-leading scientific research. “We are thrilled by our appointment to improve and maintain this inspiring campus via the new framework, and coming first in the tender process highlights that our experience, processes and personnel are of the highest standard to deliver a wide range of projects. “The framework will enable us to showcase the flexibility we offer via our core construction business and facilities services division. In addition, our specialist local supply chain, who will be helping to deliver small and large projects, will have an important role to play in the delivery of future schemes. “We look forward to starting projects in the near future and to building a strong relationship with the client.” MC Construction undertakes building projects throughout the north west with a focus on the commercial, education, heritage, hospitality, industrial, local authority, social housing and healthcare sectors. Its other framework partnerships include Manchester Airport, Royal Mail Group, Transport for Greater Manchester, the University of Manchester, Salford City Council, Cheshire East Council, STAR Procurement, the Crown Commercial Service, North West Construction Hub and the Rise Construction Framework. The family-owned business is based on Oldfield Road, Salford, and employs 60 people. It is celebrating its golden jubilee in 2021. Phill Smith, mechanical project manager at STFC’s Daresbury Laboratory, said: “With plans to update and refurbish lab and office space across Daresbury Laboratory, we have a very busy schedule planned for the next few years. “I’m looking forward to working closely with MC Construction at this exciting time.”
New sites for 25,000 homes around west London’s Old Oak Common HS2 station are being proposed following the collapse of negotiations over the Cargiant site. The Mayor’s Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation, OPDC, has submitted a revised draft local plan after a planning inspector told them in 2019 their housing estimates were too large. London’s mayor Sadiq Khan said: “I look forward to seeing this plan adopted and a healthy and inclusive new district emerge in this important part of west London.” He said the corporation’s plan complemented the recently published London plan. The OPDC has moved its focus to around the station, where a lot of the land is public sector owned, to accelerate creating a new urban centre. The corporation points out the site is unique for being the only spot in London where HS2, the Elizabeth Line and Great Western Rail services meet. String of lively neighbourhoods in the pipeline OPDC chief executive David Lunts said: “Our aim though, is not just new homes and jobs; we are creating a desirable, exceptionally well connected and bustling series of districts for London where live, work, play is more than just a slogan.” He said the corporation would be consulting the local community while preparing a bid for government infrastructure funding. Mr Lunts said he expected the new local plan to be adopted by the end of the year pointing out that 6,000 homes were already being constructed. “Our aim though, is not just new homes and jobs; we are creating a desirable, exceptionally well connected and bustling series of districts for London where live, work, play is more than just a slogan,” said Mr Lunts. Hank Zarihs Associates said development finance lenders were looking to back projects in spots with excellent transport links such as those at Old Oak. Existing businesses in Old Oak North will be protected by designating key sites for long-term employment. It is expected to deliver a quarter of a million square metres of additional industrial space over the next 20 years, encouraging new businesses and helping existing ones to grow. OPDC has been working with local landowners to prepare the plans and will continue to work closely with Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham and Brent councils, High Speed Two, the Department for Transport, Network Rail and the local community.
In her report ‘Building a Safer Future’, Dame Judith Hackitt highlights the need for a system-based approach with a golden thread of information running through the lifecycle of each project. Here Jackie Maginnis argues the case for modular technology in providing a comprehensive information pathway. As made clear in the Hackitt report, providing a golden thread of information from concept to completion is a process that many in the construction industry are struggling to implement. Central to the concept is guaranteeing the traceability and availability of project data and all decisions relating to the design, construction, safety performance and maintenance of the building. The ‘thread’ involves the information handed over at the completion of a project which must be right from the start of client ownership and then must remain accurate throughout the building’s lifecycle. With traditional construction often key information such as product specification and maintenance details are not complete or accurate at the point of client handover which means the golden thread required for optimal running and safety cannot be achieved. Currently fire safety is divided into pre-construction regulation, covering the approval of building design, and post-construction regulation for the period of the building’s occupation and use. This two-stage approach can lead to a disconnect at handover and complicates decision making, causing a lack of information which hampers for example, the carrying out of risk assessments. Traceability and Accountability With modular construction all data can be validated and coordinated as part of a structured process, which helps provide accurate and reliable information for clients at the point of handover. It also means it is easier to identify what products and material specifications were used on previous projects should any legislation changes occur. By verifying the materials and products to be used on a construction scheme and by simplifying the onsite assembly process, volumetric modular construction offers developers an opportunity to avoid many traceability issues. Modular construction helps ensure client satisfaction and product assurances through the certainty and quality embedded into the build process. Modular builds are less susceptible to poorly specified manufacturers’ products as time can be taken upfront to validate the correct specification of materials. This allows clients to have confidence in the quality and performance that they can expect from their new building. By completing large elements of construction away from the build location, they can also reduce the length of construction time spent onsite as well as reduce the risk of unforeseen construction issues. It is standard practice for Building Information Modelling (BIM) to be embedded into the design and advanced manufacturing processes involved in modular construction. As an established method of sharing building lifecycle data across design, construction and operation – BIM is also regarded as integral to achieving a golden thread. Since 2016 the BIM mandate has required UK public sector construction projects to use BIM technology. This has helped speed up the pace of adoption during the design and construction phases. It has been predicted that government intervention around the golden thread will accelerate things further. As I have mentioned before, modular construction is not a new industry but through learnings from advanced manufacturing and best practice in other sectors, it represents a genuine opportunity to disrupt an often-disjointed industry which suffers from a lack of data traceability and accountability. With its powerful combination of controlled deliverables and customisable outputs, modular construction provides the repeatable quality and safety needed to meet client demands. It is going to be difficult to achieve the levels of assurance and traceability the UK construction industry will need to actively deliver a golden thread of information from concept to completion – without an even wider adoption of modular technology. About MPBA The MPBA plays a key role in the connecting of sectors in the modular and portable building industry. The association collaborates with specialist technical advisors to enhance innovation in the design and manufacture of modular buildings. These can be designed and manufactured from timber or steel in any size and shape to meet individual client needs while ensuring full compliance with Building Regulations. To discover how modular technology can benefit construction projects go to: www.mpba.biz
British Science Week, which in 2021 takes place from March 8 to 13, celebrates the broad range of jobs and careers available in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) industries and promotes STEM to younger generations by providing activity packs and school projects. While children learn the core sciences, like biology, chemistry and physics as part of the curriculum, many are yet to understand how to apply the knowledge to real life situations. To support British Science Week, Harjinder Randhawa, Laboratory Supervisor at Finning UK & Ireland, discusses his lesser known, but important, role in fluid analysis. While the typical picture of the construction industry is of operators in hard-hats at work on the job site, a lot of science and engineering goes on behind the scenes. Similarly, the traditional picture of a laboratory — white lab coats, goggles and test tubes — is not always the reality, a large amount of research and data analysis will take place outside of the lab environment. My role ties together the two — monitoring the condition of construction equipment using laboratory techniques. The aim is to reduce wear and tear on equipment and avoid unexpected repair costs. Condition monitoring facilities, like Finning’s fluid analysis lab in Leeds, test oil and other fluids from vehicles ranging from excavators and buses, to lifeboats and racing cars. These laboratories carry out techniques including particle count, particle quantification, gas chromatography (GC) and analysis of trace metals, to monitor the condition of the fluid and the equipment it was taken from and report back to the customer, while suggesting proactive steps to take to optimise the life of both. Though condition monitoring labs usually only test the oil and report the data to customers, employing lab technicians and diagnosticians who have science and engineering backgrounds can give a more comprehensive picture to the customer. Diagnosticians can point out specific issues with the equipment, such as a faulty bearing, and explain the different levels of severity to the customer, rather than making them decipher the data themselves. Equipped with a strong understanding of fluid and equipment condition, construction businesses can plan in proactive maintenance to prevent costly breakdowns. Consider this example. An excavator in a quarry has not had its oil regularly checked and a buildup of residue has caused the engine to fail 70 metres underground. The breakdown causes unexpected downtime and reduces the productivity of the workforce, as additional workers and equipment are needed to help pull it to the surface and take it off site to be fixed. Regular oil sampling will help identify any faults that need addressing and allow the site manager to fix them proactively, saving time and money. Lab technicians and diagnosticians who carry out fluid analysis have a varied and vital role in keeping the construction industry running. British Science Week is a great event for busting the stereotypes of STEM careers, sharing the behind the scenes of different industries and encouraging young people to consider STEM in the future. Chemistry skills learnt in school can easily be transferred into a lab technician role, and I hope future generations will consider it as a possible career choice. If you or someone close to you might enjoy a career in fluid analysis, apply for our newly launched Laboratory Technician Degree Apprenticeship programme here.
On 29 December 2020 central Croatia was hit by strongest earthquake in 140 years and the three waterworks of the cities Sisak, Petrinja and Glina were heavily damaged. With the help of their Croatian partners PTMG, GF Piping Systems organized the donation of 5’000 pieces of ELGEF Plus Fittings in various sizes to help repair and replace the damaged water pipes as fast as possible and to ensure sustainable water transport. The earthquake with a magnitude of 6.4 Mw hit central Croatia was the strongest recorded in 140 years, with the epicenter located 3 km west-southwest of the city of Petrinja. The adversely affected areas were mostly in the Sisak-Moslavina County, but the strength of the earthquake was felt in all surrounding countries, even in Austria and Germany. The cities Sisak, Petrinja and Glina along with their surrounding villages were badly damaged, while the center of Petrinja was totally destroyed. The earthquake caused shifts of soil with an amplitude of up to 70 centimeters. The water distribution for the affected areas is provided by three waterworks: for the city of Sisak – Sisacki Vodovod, for the city of Petrinja – Privreda Petrinja and for the city of Glina – Vodovod Glina. Together, they manage almost 600 km of water pipelines.After the earthquake, Sisacki Vodovod managed to deliver water to all habitants, despite numerous water leakages that resulted in a total water loss of almost 3’000 cubic liters per day. But even 30 days after the earthquake, Privreda Petrinja was still not able to produce water because their water stations were destroyed and they are dependent on Sisacki Waterworks. Vodovod Glina’s warehouse collapsed and they had to ask for instant help from the surrounding waterworks. All three waterworks are trying to locate damaged existing pipes. Their next step will be to replace damaged pipes with more suitable material for earthquakes, such as PE material.The donation of almost 5’000 pieces of ELGEF Plus Fittings in various sizes from GF Piping Systems will be a tremendous help to start repairing and replacing the damaged water pipes. It helps the waterworks to act fast and eliminate the water loss that was caused by the earthquake. ELGEF Plus is the correct choice for all water, gas and multiple industrial pressure applications. Corrosion-free, low weight, high chemical resistance, low overall costs and an extensive service life of installations are just a few of the many advantages of the ELGEF Plus system. The extensive customization of ELGEF Plus products, coupled with the system’s flexibility, offers decisive advantages.Using PE material will be a resilient and sustainable flow solution for the future. For more technical product details on ELGEF Plus Fittings, visit: https://www.gfps.com/com/en/products-solutions/systems/elgef-plus.html
Baxi Heating UK and Ireland has appointed specification specialist Ryan Kirkwood to the role of Heat Pump Business Development Manager. The move is part of the company’s continuous improvement and development strategy, ensuring it is well prepared for the future as the heating industry makes the transition towards zero carbon and sustainable solutions, and to meet the changing needs of its customers. Ryan joined the business in 2013 as an area sales manager in Scotland, looking after specification and sales of Remeha gas boilers, biomass boilers and CHP. He explains why he is excited by his new role: “My passion has always been sustainable design. Heat pumps are one of the key technologies we must use properly to ensure our homes and businesses are sustainable in the future. “My background is in mechanical design engineering and building simulation. I’ve worked closely with contractors and consultants over the last 10 years and consider myself to be an absolute geek when it comes to functional design and helping to maximise system performance. Over the years I have seen the good, bad and ugly with both design and installation, and have learned from what I’ve seen. “I am really looking forward to the dynamic aspect of evolving solutions for heating and hot water in the future. No one method works for all building types; the solution must be tailored for each and this is the real challenge. Heat pumps are one of the key technologies that will help us to a more sustainable future. We cannot ignore how important heat networks are in our drive for affordable, low carbon heating and hot water. And we are making important developments with hydrogen. Having a blended solution of both heat pumps and hydrogen boilers in the future may be one of the best ways of delivering sustainable heating solutions. “I love helping our customers deliver conceptual and innovative ideas. Innovation is the key to making all the future carbon targets a reality. We must ensure we have innovative solutions for today’s challenges while developing future solutions for tomorrow,” Ryan concludes. When he’s not working, Ryan enjoys paragliding and building things – anything from model aeroplanes to off-road touring vehicles.
Today there are a huge number of gambling establishments in the world, but everyone can come in and play cards, roulette or slot machines https://nationalcasino.com/ without leaving the computer. So how do you get people to come back to the real world? You can entice people wanting to see firsthand the colorful halls and unprecedented luxury, which even the sheiks did not dream of. On the beauty and grandeur of today’s casinos, we are now going to talk to you. The more so because these giant architectural embodiments really amaze you with their luxury, unusual and daring designs, they can not leave you indifferent to themselves. Casino de Monte Carlo The Casino de Monte Carlo is a jewel in Monaco and the richness of its interior is exquisite; onyx columns, frescoes and marble work add to its grandeur. You’ll not only enjoy your favorite games of blackjack, craps and roulette but also the ballet and opera stars that have performed here for over 100 years. Bellagio The Bellagio, which was opened over 15 years ago, was of course a large-scale casino on a grand scale at the time. The casino has two hundred tables for every kind of game, from roulette to blackjack. In addition to the casino, the building functions as a hotel complex with three thousand nine hundred and thirty-three rooms, all of them richly decorated. But that’s not all! It is, shall we say, its own little town, as here you will find – boutiques and fashionable stores, restaurants and bars. At Bellagio casino, there is a posh pool with a fountain under the pleasant sound of which you can rest and relax, of course after the exciting game. The water is wonderfully soothing and relaxing. Venetian Macao Venetian Macao can rightly be called the Chinese Las Vegas, as its hall can seat over twenty thousand people and it hosts world-famous poker tournaments. The hotel complex has three thousand luxurious rooms, there are stores and everything, but the most interesting and is a highlight of Venetian Macao – a miniature Venice with floating gondolas on the canals. Marina Bay Sands Many tourists want to see this amazing building in Singapore, although the casino opened relatively recently, in 2011. But most likely the tourists are attracted not by the fact to play the slot machines, and there are two thousand of them! There are 500 gaming tables and even video poker. Tourists are attracted by the incredible beauty and uniqueness of the hotel complex with 2500 rooms and a terrace on the fifty-fifth floor with a total area of one hectare! Not only does this terrace offer a magnificent view over the whole of Singapore, so there are cafes and nightclubs, and most importantly the pool and not just a pool, and the illusion that you’re swimming in the sky! Baden-Baden Baden-Baden in Germany was opened in 1809. Of course it’s not as huge and pompous as other modern casinos but Baden-Baden is as beautiful and luxurious as they are. Here you can recharge your adrenaline by playing American and French roulette and other no less gambling. Basically this casino is also considered to be the most expensive, but then again do not get upset if you can not go there, there is online roulette, which will give you the opportunity to feel like a customer of this legendary Baden-Baden. Circus Circus Casino The casino building houses a circus. It is also known for its themed entertainment center. But that’s not all. Circus Circus Casino is associated with the James Bond movie. The building itself is similar to the circus arena. Guests will be able to watch the acrobats flying over the heads of the audience, see the numbers performed by beautiful gymnasts, strongmen and jugglers.
The completion of a major regeneration project in the centre of Bolton has moved a step closer, as one of the UK’s leading build-to-rent developers is granted planning approval for its £25m Croal Valley development. North West-based Placefirst, in partnership with award winning architects Levitt Bernstein and landscape architects CW Studio, will deliver 158 stylish homes, offering a range of quality apartments and houses. The development is designed around a network of pedestrian priority streets, a spacious square, courtyards, rooftop terraces and residents’ gardens. The scheme will also utilise a range of ground floor units to expand on the amount of commercial space available to local businesses. The development will occupy 1.1 hectares at a brownfield site that is currently occupied by vacant buildings and a car park. It is located to the North of Deansgate, opposite the former Beales/Whittakers department store and extending to the River Croal. Placefirst has worked collaboratively with Bolton Council and other stakeholders for the past two years, including holding detailed discussions and putting its proposals to a number of independent design review panels. The new development demonstrates Bolton Council’s £1b masterplan to transform the town centre by complementing the historic fabric of Bolton centre through a mix of interesting, high quality buildings and well-thought-out public spaces. This includes a new courtyard square and improvements to the River Croal such as a river walk, channel widening and extensive landscape treatments. Construction of the project is set to commence in April of this year with final completion of the development expected in 2023 which will see the properties let, maintained and managed by Placefirst as ongoing landlords for the scheme. David Mawson, chief executive for Placefirst commented: “Having worked closely with Bolton Council for the past couple of years to make sure this project offers the right design for the town centre, we are excited to see this scheme move on to the next stage. Our aim has always been to leave positive lasting effects on any development we are involved in and we are confident that the Croal Valley development will prove fantastic for this area of Bolton. “We are proud to be involved in addressing the lack of high-quality housing within the town centre and create a thriving community. We can’t wait to see the transformation this development has, all while offering local people a great option to rent affordable modern properties as an alternative to the financial headache of buying a house.” Deputy Leader of Bolton Council and portfolio holder for regeneration, Councillor Martyn Cox said: “Croal Valley is a vital site in Bolton Councils town centre masterplan. The planning approval for Placefirst’s plans will bring much needed modern housing and attractive public spaces on a brownfield site. The new development is set in the heart of Bolton and will attract more people, create new jobs and position our town centre as a desirable place to live and work.” For further information on the Croal Valley development in Bolton, please visit https://placefirst.co.uk/.
In Q4 2020, Prologis completed the sale of its ‘Platform Portfolio’ to Blackstone for £473 million. This transaction was the largest sale of logistics real estate assets on record in the UK. The majority of assets within the ‘Platform Portfolio’ were acquired from Liberty Property Trust during Prologis’ acquisition of the company in February 2020. The ‘Platform Portfolio’ comprised approximately 4.3 million square feet of buildings as well as approximately 31 acres of consented development land in the UK: 22 stand-alone buildings totaling 4.3 million square feet located principally in The Midlands, England, as well as South West and North West England; Approximately 31 acres of consented development land in Staffordshire and Widnes, England. ”This transaction effectively completed our efforts to realign our UK portfolio with our long-term investment strategy and focus on urban, Last Touch® properties located near consumers,” said Paul Weston, senior vice president, regional head, UK, Prologis. “The outcome achieved demonstrates the strength of the logistics sector as an investment asset class.” “The outcome achieved demonstrates the strength of the logistics sector as an investment asset class.”