Construction managers overseeing domestic and commercial projects incorporating green roofs are being reminded to plan especially carefully over the coming months to best manage supply chain issues created by Brexit. Many of the roll-out green roof systems popular in the UK are European imports of sedum and wildflower blankets and rely
Lakeside living is the dream of most of us, with a dock part of the attraction of moving to a waterside home. Choosing docks for a property should be done with care and with decisions made that suit your region. Whether you have an aging entry to your body of
For some, the life of a trucker is one they could never reconcile with; it’s demanding, tiring, you’re away from home for days, perhaps weeks at a time, and some would say it’s not great for your health either. Others look at truckers with envy, loving the idea that they
2020 in a Nutshell December is always a slow month for construction contract awards; and in 2020, the prospects were made worse by a resurgence of COVID-19 that resulted in further restrictions; and by the final completion of Brexit negotiations. What happened next from research carried out by Builders’ Conference
CBRE Secures Sale to Major Housebuilder for 400 Unit Residential Development Acting on behalf of Willsgrove Developments Ltd, the UK Development and Residential team at CBRE in Manchester has secured the sale of a strategic 40 acre site at Glebe Farm in Middlewich in Cheshire, with joint agent Harris Lamb,
Bywater Properties and its joint venture partner Ashmour have started construction work on their comprehensive refurbishment programme of a well-known building on Belfast’s Donegall Place. The prominent city centre site has been home to Boots Chemists for decades and the redevelopment of its upper floors will now breathe new life
Colin Abrey of Nextivity explains why the NHS Digital transformation will be neither feasible nor achievable in the long-term without a mobile connectivity overhaul The universal problem of unreliable cellular coverage has far reaching implications for business and individuals. Nowhere is this more apparent than in healthcare. Ubiquitous mobile connectivity
Recent government reports have pinpointed the procurement sector as a key driver to support the construction industry and solve the challenges faced by the public sector. GERARD TOPLASS, executive chairman of framework provider Pagabo, discusses the need for creating a new quality benchmark – or ‘gold standard’ for frameworks –
GLP, a leading investor and developer of logistics warehouses and distribution parks, announced today that it has completed the development of over 1.25 million SQ FT of modern logistics space at Magna Park South, Lutterworth. The new development includes three units of 746,000 SQ FT, 126,000 SQ FT and 300,000
A pivotal residential development featuring 250 properties with photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, has completed in Nelson and Colne, Lancashire. Delivered by social housing provider Together Housing Association, with supply chain partners Avonside Group and structural engineers Howard Ward Associates (HWA), the scheme is the result of a pioneering three-year project,
Construction managers overseeing domestic and commercial projects incorporating green roofs are being reminded to plan especially carefully over the coming months to best manage supply chain issues created by Brexit. Many of the roll-out green roof systems popular in the UK are European imports of sedum and wildflower blankets and rely upon delivery within a set timeframe to ensure the sedum arrives in a suitable condition for the roof to establish successfully. However high levels of freight traffic in ports, compliance with new import regulations and border disruption could delay deliveries, creating issues in the supply chain and potential delays on-site. “Maintaining close contact with your green roof supplier or manufacturer will be critical over the coming months for two reasons,” said Julian Thurbin, Director of UK grower and system supplier Wallbarn. “Firstly, the sedum element of roll-out green roofs is usually delivered to site on a ‘just in time’ basis because the plants are delicate and should not, we believe, be left rolled up for longer than 72 hours. If the blankets are held up at borders it could impact their long-term performance and create delays on-site. Clients therefore need to know how their supplier is managing the situation and the plans in place to ensure on-time deliveries. “Secondly, many British producers such as ourselves are already seeing higher than normal levels of enquiries from specifiers and purchasing departments looking to secure a home-grown green roof supply through the first quarter of 2021 and onwards. We don’t foresee demand outstripping supply but we are advising customers to plan well ahead. They should also keep dialogue open and frequent with their chosen supplier especially for larger projects or where timescales are particularly critical,” added Julian. Green roofs are a buoyant sector of the construction industry and bring huge benefits to environments they are installed into, encouraging and supporting pollinators and wildlife, controlling stormwater run-off, regulating city centre temperatures, improving air quality and being great to look at. Research has confirmed they also prolong the life of flat roofs, making them an environmentally friendly, long-lasting roofing solution. Wallbarn pioneered the M-Tray modular green roof system which contains all elements of a roll-out green roof within a portable tray that can be hand lifted into position on-site. M-Tray sedum and wildflower plants are grown in Hampshire and Wallbarn endeavours to source all elements of the system as locally as possible to maintain a low environmental footprint.
Lakeside living is the dream of most of us, with a dock part of the attraction of moving to a waterside home. Choosing docks for a property should be done with care and with decisions made that suit your region. Whether you have an aging entry to your body of water that needs to be replaced or is shopping for docks for the first time, you will need to follow some simple rules. The options to consider include your plans of use and the type of weather you face. Consider your Plans Before you start shopping for docks, you should take some time to decide what you plan on using your entrance to the water for. There are several reasons why this is a good option for you and your family, including the chance to enter the water safely. Mooring boats is not the only reason why you will want to install docks at your lakeside property. Swimming in a lake is safer when you have a properly installed entrance point to the water. Cabin Life reports the inclusion of a sundeck and ladders to allows easy access to the water are popular additions to docks around the U.S. Other reasons why you could want to install docks at your property include having a secure location for fishing. Enjoying the ease of access to the water for fishing, photography, and access to the water provided by docks can add value to your lakeside home. Homeowners looking for a place to moor and store a boat need to make sure the chosen addition is long enough to house your chosen boat. Consider Rules and Regulations There are many rules and regulations at lakes around the nation regarding the installation of different docks. If you have chosen to live at a lakeside home in a private community your choices are limited by HOA rules. The rules and regulations at private lakes cover many areas, from size to construction materials, with floating designs the most popular. State and local regulations can change the way you approach the construction process. In some areas, you can ask a neighbor or your realtor about the rules of living on the lake. A call to the local government will improve your chances of avoiding problems when you apply for a permit to start construction. What Type of Dock to Choose? Once you have decided why you are looking at docks and what type you can install, your attention should turn to the options you can choose. The first option is the floating dock, which is popular in areas of the country where the water levels of a lake fluctuate by a large amount. Floating docks are used in lakes where the bottom is mud and unstable. Deepwater lakes are the site of floating docks because of the difficulty of installing other types, according to Cottage Life. The most expensive option for you to install at your lakeside home are permanent docks. These are expensive because of the difficulty of installation that must be carried out by a qualified professional. Permanent docks are a good option for parts of the nation where there is little risk of ice. Damage can be caused by the buildup of ice around permanent docks that shifts the metal frame drilled into the bottom of the lake. Other options to consider include pipe options built from aluminum materials. These docks are popular because they are constructed in straight lengths. Pipe docks can be constructed with sundecks and entertaining areas that suit your needs. In parts of the nation where ice and snow are a problem, you need to consider the use of lift-up docks. Docks are installed in areas where ice and snow are a problem requiring the ability to be winched out of the water each winter and their deck removed. Think about the Shoreline The shoreline around your lakeside property plays a role in any decision you make regarding the installation of docks and other additions. Some construction specialists use their skills to create a permanent base on the shoreline to ease the installation process. The installation of a stone wall on the shoreline of your lakehouse will make it easier to install docks of any form held firmly in place with a metal plate. The use of a metal plate is a good option for those areas where a lift-up structure is desired. A qualified construction expert will examine your property to make sure the correct choice is made for the type of docks you are considering. A long, sandy beach allows experts to install several kinds of docks that are placed permanently. The choice between different docks is one that needs to be explored in detail before a final decision is made about your property. Choosing between different docks is made simple when you are sure about the options working best for your needs.
For some, the life of a trucker is one they could never reconcile with; it’s demanding, tiring, you’re away from home for days, perhaps weeks at a time, and some would say it’s not great for your health either. Others look at truckers with envy, loving the idea that they can have complete solitude as they work, enjoy a great deal of flexibility, and get paid well for the privilege. If you’re thinking of becoming a truck driver, it’s wise to work out which of these two camps you fall into – or rather, which of these two camps is correct. In truth, there is a little bit of accuracy on both sides, which is why trucking isn’t for everyone. Read on to find out if it might be for you. Early Starts And Long Days If you like driving, and you’re able to do it for long stretches at a time, you may be well suited to the trucking lifestyle. Truck drivers often work 70-hour weeks (over eight days, that is). You can’t, of course, drive for more than 11 hours each day, and you have to have a 10-hour break each night. This means some early starts to get in enough driving hours, especially if you need to get to a destination before it closes for the night. Although this might seem like a hardship, the fact that, to some extent (and certainly if you’re freelance), you are free to run your own schedule as long as you stick to the rules is always a benefit, and having to take 34 off between working weeks also means that you can have plenty of downtime. Beautiful Views Even if you’re going to be in the cab of your truck for a number of hours each day, the fact that you can enjoy some of the most stunning views from an elevated position means that you really can enjoy every second. For some, driving is a bore and something that they will only do when they absolutely have to, but for a truck driver, it’s a pleasure. Driving a truck is much more enjoyable today than it has ever been. With so much automation and driving tools included in each vehicle, and so much attention to detail given to the design (the designers know that those using these trucks will be sitting in them and driving for long periods of time, and often sleeping in them too, not to mention cooking and eating), driving a truck can be a highly comfortable experience. In High Esteem Truck drivers are often held in high esteem. There is something exciting about them, especially as they can see so much of the country and experience so many things as they go about their daily work. There are even specialist truck accident lawyer companies that will help truckers if they are involved in an accident, as well as a national appreciation week. If you like the idea of always having a story to tell and of being appreciated wherever you go, maybe the life of a trucker will suit you perfectly.
2020 in a Nutshell December is always a slow month for construction contract awards; and in 2020, the prospects were made worse by a resurgence of COVID-19 that resulted in further restrictions; and by the final completion of Brexit negotiations. What happened next from research carried out by Builders’ Conference confounded all good sense and leaves Builders’ Conference CEO Neil Edwards in equal parts bemused and delighted. 2020 was the year in which forecasts became futile; when predictions became pointless; when the runes were rendered redundant. So, in a year in which the unprecedented became the norm, the fact that the UK construction industry recorded more than £12.2 billion in new contract awards really was the most 2020 way in which to see out an erratic and unpredictable year. History will show that figure was boosted by more than £8.0 billion in work related to HS2. But even without that, the final month of 2020 would have been unusually busy for a December. As it is, the UK construction industry strides into the New Year with well over 12 billion reasons for renewed positivity and some much-needed and non-house building work to which to look forward. The largest of the month’s mega contracts was awarded to a Balfour Beatty/Vinci joint venture. Valued at approximately £6.0 billion, the contract requires the construction of the West Midlands section of HS2’s Phase One route between Long Itchington in Warwickshire, to the centre of Birmingham then on to Handsacre in Staffordshire. The 80 kilometre long contract includes more than 11 kilometres of viaducts (42 in total), 66 overbridges, and 30 kilometres of cuttings. That single contract propelled the Balfour Beatty/Vinci joint venture to the top of the UK’s only live league table of contract awards BCLive for the rolling year. Although conservationists and environmentalists might have a different perspective, HS2 is the gift that keeps on giving for the UK construction sector. And it delivered another £2.5 billion worth of new work for EKFB, a joint venture comprising Eiffage, Genie Civil, Kier, BAM Nuttall and Ferrovial. This joint venture organisation will tackle the North Portal Chiltern Tunnels to Brackley and Brackley to South Portal of Long Itchington Wood Green Tunnel. Costain stormed into the number three position on the BCLive league table in December, courtesy of a single £482 million refurbishment and repair contract with Highways England as part of the Regional Delivery Partnership North project in and around Newcastle upon Tyne. ISG picked up three new contract awards valued at a combined £403 million to claim the number four spot. The largest and most intriguing of these is the £300 million construction of a lithium-ion battery production facility on a 95 hectare site that was formerly Blyth Power Station. Underlining its green credentials, the new plant will exclusively use renewable energy, and includes the potential to use hydro-electric power generated in Norway and transported beneath the North Sea via the world’s longest inter-connector from the North Sea Link project. Battery production is expected to commence in 2023. Six new contract awards valued at a combined £249 million saw Bowmer & Kirkland claim the number five position. This includes a £100 million dwelling refurbishment and repair framework agreement with Leeds City Council. With 10 new contract awards worth a total of £193.5 million, Vistry Group took the number six slot. Kier Group, meanwhile, maintained its astonishing run of winning roughly one contract per working day in 202, collecting 25 worth a combined total of £191.5 million. Those two HS2 projects ensured that the rail sector trumped the housing sector to claim top spot on the monthly breakdown by project category. With 109 new contract awards, housing still accounted for a respectable £2.139 billion. The larger of the two HS2 contract awards saw the West Midlands claim the number one position on the monthly regional countdown; while the smaller of the two projects pushed Buckinghamshire into second place. London fell slightly short of the £1.0 billion that has become the norm (£829 million) but still took third position ahead of the North with £827 million. Amidst a second wave of Coronavirus infections and stricter lockdown rules, Scotland slipped back to just £77 million with Wales accounting for £76 million. Although it would take a lunatic to make predictions at this point, it seems unlikely that the UK construction sector will repeat such an incredible haul of new contract awards in January 2021. However, thanks to an astonishing end of year rally, the sector enters the New Year with huge confidence and the promise of a veritable glut or work to be undertaken. Against the background of Brexit, new variant COVID and the accompanying government restrictions, which is more than any of us could have hoped for. Quick review of BCLive table for December 2020 210 no companies were detailed as winning new contracts during December 2020 360 no new construction orders were researched by Builders’ Conference all detailed on the UK’s only Live league table of construction contract awards BCLive A Balfour Beatty/Vinci Joint venture secured overall top spot with over £6.0 billion Kier Group secured most number of new construction orders in the month with 25no totaling £191.5 million Builders’ Conference real-time verified, independent, construction information, sales leads and research has neverbeen more important in allowing all types of businesses to receive LIVE construction information. Ensure your business has access to evidenced based premier construction project information from across the UK by becoming a member of the Builders’ Conference. Discover what is really happening in UK construction as well as critically analysing ALL our data via our built in report writing service. Go to www.buildersconference.co.uk/how-it-works for more information. We are a not for profit organisation who are dedicated to maintain our high level of services for as long as possible with the financial support of our membership. We firmly believe because it is the UK construction industries own information which we analyse no one should be paying vast sums to read it! Proud
CBRE Secures Sale to Major Housebuilder for 400 Unit Residential Development Acting on behalf of Willsgrove Developments Ltd, the UK Development and Residential team at CBRE in Manchester has secured the sale of a strategic 40 acre site at Glebe Farm in Middlewich in Cheshire, with joint agent Harris Lamb, to a major housebuilder for an undisclosed sum. Taylor Wimpey plans to build circa 400 homes with outline planning consent already in place for the residential development. The site is located less than two miles to the south east of Middlewich town centre and is well connected via the A533, A54 and M6 and is in an established residential area. With good transport links, the site nears railway stations in Winsford to the west and train connections into Manchester, as well as several bus services running along the A533 connecting Sandbach to the south east and Crewe and Nantwich to the south and south west. The site has good access to schools, including Cledford Primary School, Middleton Primary School and Middleton High School located nearby. Outline planning consent has been agreed on the site for circa 400 residential units. However, Taylor Wimpey are looking to revise the consent. Contributions towards playing fields, affordable housing and a large commuted sum towards the planned Middlewich Eastern Bypass which is anticipated to open in 2023 will be made by the developer. Jessica Coombes, who leads the North West Land Team at CBRE said: “We are delighted to secure the sale of this strategic site in Cheshire to Taylor Wimpey especially in this challenging climate. The site is perfectly placed for good quality housing which will complement the surrounding land uses and existing residential developments to the north east of the site.”
Bywater Properties and its joint venture partner Ashmour have started construction work on their comprehensive refurbishment programme of a well-known building on Belfast’s Donegall Place. The prominent city centre site has been home to Boots Chemists for decades and the redevelopment of its upper floors will now breathe new life into the significant mixed-use development. Revised plans to transform the building, which has frontages on both Donegall Place and Fountain Street, into Grade A office space were approved in November 2020. The completed project, which will be branded as “35DP” will deliver 28,777 sq.ft. of modern office accommodation with shower facilities, cycle storage and drying rooms. The development will also create a coffee kiosk adjacent to the main office entrance on Donegall Place and a 1,300 sq.ft. retail unit facing on to Fountain Street. Ashley Stewart, director of Ashmour, said the scheme represented a great solution for the current market as it puts occupiers at the heart of the city centre with access to all of its amenities. “Bywater and Ashmour have invested in a number of different projects in Belfast since 2014 as we strongly believe in its potential as a city. The commencement of on-site works at 35DP demonstrates our belief in the future potential of Belfast city centre to bring people together to live, work and relax. “The city centre will need to be re-energised post-Covid 19 and bringing the best out of under-used buildings like DP35 will play a big role in that. The pandemic has shown us that workspace needs to be flexible, sustainable and geared towards helping people collaborate. People now want to be excited by their place of work. Our design keeps this front of mind and we are confident there will be strong demand.” Images of the proposed design provide an insight into the high specification, light-filled scheme, which incorporates some impressive floor to ceiling heights, a roof terrace and a glass-roofed meeting space. The industrial edge of the shell of the building is to be maintained but the re-design will provide a modern dedicated entrance foyer, new services throughout and will play to the character of the space. Bywater/Ashmour also confirmed that leading local construction firm GRAHAM has been awarded the contract to deliver 35DP. Commenting on the contract award, Mark Gibson, GRAHAM Managing Director – Interior Fit-Out, said: “GRAHAM is at the forefront of the development and delivery of Grade A office space in Belfast, and our selection to complete the 35DP project in the city underlines our reputation as a trusted contractor, with a proven track record of enhancing outcomes for our clients and partners. Despite the obvious challenges facing the office sector, the commencement of 35DP is a clear indication of the continued demand for innovative, vibrant and modern working environments. We are proud to be working collaboratively with Bywater/Ashmour to create a forward-thinking development that will infuse fresh dynamism into a landmark city centre location.” Savills have been appointed as letting agents to market the scheme which is anticipated to be ready for occupation from June 2021. “35DP offers fantastic Grade A office accommodation with a unique character and feel. With floors ranging in size from 3,300 sq.ft. to approximately 9,000 sq.ft., this flexible office space offers a range of multi-let opportunities or a prominent single-let office,” said Gareth Howell, Divisional Director at Savills.
Colin Abrey of Nextivity explains why the NHS Digital transformation will be neither feasible nor achievable in the long-term without a mobile connectivity overhaul The universal problem of unreliable cellular coverage has far reaching implications for business and individuals. Nowhere is this more apparent than in healthcare. Ubiquitous mobile connectivity is not only essential for day-to-day logistics and first responder communications, seamless mobile coverage will be the technology underpinning the success of the NHS’ digitized future. When the NHS initially published its long-term digital transformation plan, it outlined how technology could be used to improve performance targets, reduce waiting times, streamline routine processes and deliver higher standards of patient care. In tandem, the NHS has also pledged to adopt a mobile first strategy, so it can truly harness the power of smartphones and tablets to improve health and social care services, particularly as pagers and DECT phones are slowly being phased out. Covid-19 has highlighted gaps in the NHS’ ICT infrastructure While the NHS has truly embraced the power of technology over the last few months and launched an abundance of digitized services such as virtual consultations, virtual ward rounds, digitized prescription processing, as well as a range of health wellbeing Apps in response to Covid-19, what has become increasingly apparent are the huge gaps in the associated ICT infrastructures needed for the smooth running of these new online services. This holds particularly true for mobile communications, which is not only essential for day-to-day communications, it’s fundamental to first responder communications, to the quick mobilization of in the field teams and is continuously used by paramedics and other 999 services. In our digitized society driven by all things IoT, a reliable mobile coverage inside any building, regardless of its size or type, along with highspeed access to the internet should be a given. However, ensuring seamless mobile coverage in sprawling hospital facilities isn’t a straightforward process due to their complex layouts and the sheer number of internal corridors, clinics, wards, stairwells and basement areas, all of which are notorious mobile black spots. This is without taking into account the different building materials; metal, glass, reinforced concrete etc used in the first place, all of which hamper the transmission of mobile phone signals. Ambulance bays and A&E Admissions are notorious mobile black spots Ensuring seamless coverage is particularly challenging in subterranean locations, which are typically home to CCTV control rooms, A&E admissions, operating theatres and ambulance bays. These underground areas, more often than not, have the worst mobile coverage levels. In contrast, the use of smartphones, and indeed other wireless devices in these very same locations, is fundamental to safety critical communications between the different teams involved. Ensuring ubiquitous mobile coverage in a hospital’s emergency and stabilization facilities, regardless of the provider, should by default form part of its critical communications infrastructure. In reality, however, ensuring seamless connectivity in basement areas and other challenging locations is often overlooked. 4G coverage set to become even more prominent Seamless mobile connectivity is not just limited to regular comms and to power digitized service either. It’s set to become the enabling technology to public safety communications as the UK presses on with plans to replace its legacy TETRA network with 4G over the next two years. Referred to as the ESN (Emergency Services Network), this new public safety communications network will allow paramedics, police and fire services to leverage digital applications such live video feeds, location-based services or wearable tech so they can better respond to emergency situations. On the downside however, if a hospital does not have adequate coverage throughout the building, including basement locations, first response teams won’t be able to effectively co-ordinate an emergency situation. Once the new network has gone mainstream, the only way to guarantee the levels of voice and data coverage needed is to take the outside signal indoors using supplementary signal boosting equipment. This hasn’t always been straightforward either because of the high costs involved, lengthy deployment times, and strict rules governing their usage. Fortunately, this is no longer the case, thanks to relaxation to the mobile repeater rules for inbuilding usage. The caveat is that any installed equipment must satisfy the regulator’s mobile repeater licence exemption spec and not many do. Cel-Fi by Nextivity is one option that does meet all requirements and is legal to use on all 3G and 4G networks. A trigger for change Healthcare organisations are long overdue a technological overhaul, but this has been held back by a myriad of factors, including implementation cost, existing infrastructure and legacy systems/technologies. Following years of warnings that the NHS is becoming less and less able to cope with even routine demands, the current health crisis could be the driving force needed to trigger a change. Not only does it provide the perfect opportunity to ensure that all hospital buildings are ESN-ready, uninterrupted mobile connectivity is central to the adoption of next generation technologies that will be the make or break of the NHS’ digitized future.
Recent government reports have pinpointed the procurement sector as a key driver to support the construction industry and solve the challenges faced by the public sector. GERARD TOPLASS, executive chairman of framework provider Pagabo, discusses the need for creating a new quality benchmark – or ‘gold standard’ for frameworks – to ensure that the public sector and communities around the UK benefit from the best procurement processes possible. “What is evident from recent government legislation, including the National Infrastructure Strategy and The Construction Playbook, is the need to support public sector partners in their bid to create the very best buildings. From schools and hospitals to prisons and major infrastructure, the government has shown that it is committed to delivering ‘better, faster, greener’ solutions to support our recovery from COVID-19 and build the economy of the future – and is asking the construction sector to be very much part of that. “The focus on procuring for value is a big step in the right direction. The government is trying to get purchasers to understand the whole life cost of schemes, rather than just the upfront costs, which is a drum that many people in the industry have been banging for some time now. “This means there is a big education piece with purchasers on what ‘best value’ and ‘whole life value’ actually is – it is not just about monetary cost, and we need to work with public sector organisations to define this. “Central to this will be framework providers. They are an efficient method for government to procure public works – but many clients across the public sector also use frameworks in order to get the best possible outcomes. This is where the creation of a ‘gold standard’ for frameworks would be at the benefit of everyone working in procurement across the industry. It would enable authorities to get the best from procurement processes and achieve the best outcomes in terms of social value. And indeed, this is something that is detailed in The Construction Playbook. “Pushing for this ‘gold standard’ is something that we welcome for procurement, particularly as it’s clear that the government expects that use of frameworks is going to grow and recommends their use. This will lead to more frameworks and even potentially more framework providers, so having an industry standard for this practice will be really important in enabling such public sector bodies – and the communities they serve – to reap the benefits. “For example, some frameworks are much more expensive to procure works through than others, and so transparency of these costs will be important so that authorities aren’t caught out by hidden extras. In the same ways that the public sector needs to consider the suitability of a consultant or contractor, it must choose a framework provider equally as carefully. This means that framework providers must provide simple, affordable and accessible solutions, but more than this they must be transparent about costs and compliance. “We would urge the government to consider setting out a kitemark approach so that public sector procurement professionals can feel assured that they are working with the right framework provider – and ultimately that they can rely on the organisation they are procuring works through. “However, with a radical change in the procurement process within the public sector, as well as the sector itself undergoing changes, there will be a need for providing excellent consultancy and training to public sector workers. This has to happen so that both the wider construction sector and procurement can effectively work together, and work at the same pace. “A big challenge is also going to be how procurement professionals will be trained on what is needed. The use of technology is going to be really important with this to help us remove red tape and bureaucracy for the public sector’s benefit. Digital technology and digitally enabled procurement and delivery could be enormously helpful in ensuring that the rest of the principles are achieved in practice. “A prime example of this is modern methods of construction (MMC), and the way they are being used more widely. Our view at Pagabo is that MMC is not a separate function, but rather a function of construction overall – and where it can be used, it should be used. We want public sector organisations to be able to look at a scheme that’s being procured and be able to not only procure the expertise but also the best delivery methods – which will only drive better social return – on a scheme-by-scheme basis. “This is an area that Pagabo is currently working to improve within the sector. We are currently working with Social Profit Calculator on the creation of a ‘Smart Construction Calculator’. This software aims to use historical data on MMC projects to build a baseline measurement for social value – this software will allow a client to look at the social impact of a scheme built with traditional methods and compare this to the use of MMC for the same scheme. “But most importantly in the sector, we need to work towards talent density within procurement, properly set up frameworks that have good coverage of suppliers, lots and geographies, and the use of digital technology – all wrapped up in compliant practice with social value at its heart. “Ultimately, if stakeholders adopt what has been outlined in recent government reports and play by those rules, then it will get the traction it needs within the industry. Mavericks will adopt the practices outlined early on, and there may be some criticism to the changes, but then will come widespread adoption. But it all starts with ensuring these rules are widely understood everyone in the industry from public sector bodies, to procurement professionals and the wider construction sector.” For more information, please visit https://www.pagabo.co.uk/
GLP, a leading investor and developer of logistics warehouses and distribution parks, announced today that it has completed the development of over 1.25 million SQ FT of modern logistics space at Magna Park South, Lutterworth. The new development includes three units of 746,000 SQ FT, 126,000 SQ FT and 300,000 SQ FT which are all available for immediate occupancy. Unit 4 which comprises a 99,000 SQ FT has been leased prior to completion on a ten-year term and will be operational for the customer in January 2021. In line with GLP’s sustainability ambitions, the development includes a range of features such as environmental analytics, resulting in 15% less operational carbon emissions and 12% less embodied carbon. The unit is also 100% PV-ready and designed to WELLprinciples. Magna Park Lutterworth is the UK’s first and Europe’s largest dedicated logistics and distribution park. The development of this unit was part of its ongoing expansion from 9 million SQ FT of floor space to nearly 16 million SQ FT in the coming years. GLP is also developing a series of new amenities, including wellness and recreation facilities as well as the new Logistics Institute of Technology (LIT). Magna Park Lutterworth benefits from excellent transport links to the rest of the UK, with 59.3 million people, or 85% of the UK population, within a four-hour drive of the development as a result of its easy access to the M1, M6 and M69 motorways. Olivia Hinds, Development Surveyor, GLP, said: “The recent expansion of Magna Park South and leasing of the first unit solidifies its position as the leading dedicated logistics and distribution park in Europe. We are pleased to have leased Unit 4 prior to its completion date and look forward to working with the new customer as it becomes operational at the unit next year. “We now have a total of 1.17 million SQ FT of logistics space available to lease at Magna Park South, Lutterworth, spread over 3 units. We are confident that this will be in high demand as ecommerce growth in our sector continues to fuel interest for warehouse space across the UK in a supply constrained market.”
A pivotal residential development featuring 250 properties with photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, has completed in Nelson and Colne, Lancashire. Delivered by social housing provider Together Housing Association, with supply chain partners Avonside Group and structural engineers Howard Ward Associates (HWA), the scheme is the result of a pioneering three-year project, partly funded by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), to help revolutionise the sector’s usage of renewable energy. The £2million project sees 170 of Together Housing’s homes in Colne and 80 properties in Nelson fitted with solar panels, as well as on-site battery storage units which fill with solar energy during the day, storing power for use whenever it is needed. There is also scope for any excess energy generated by the systems to be sold back to energy suppliers, effectively creating a small-scale energy provider. The solar panels were delivered by Avonside Renewables, a division of national building envelope contractor Avonside Group. Avonside Group appointed Nottingham-based HWA in 2019, to provide structural surveys and assess the different types of properties; determining which were suitable and had the capacity for solar panels and battery systems. As well as work on-site, HWA produced desktop studies which provided the groundwork for moving the project on to completion. The project marks a significant step towards converting England’s homes to renewable energy sources, and to the UK’s target of becoming a net zero country by 2050. At the time that the works were carried, it was the largest deployment of solar and battery storage in the UK, for any social housing provider. Residents of the properties have reported substantial cost savings during the first few months since the solar panels and battery storage units were installed, and can expect to save as much as £300 per year on their energy bills. Once the success of this landmark project has been assessed, there is the potential to roll it out to 20,000 of Together Housing’s 37,000+ homes across the country, providing a huge reduction in its carbon footprint. Giles Ward, director at HWA, said: “This was an important, energy-efficient project which the team and I are really pleased to have been a part of. We have worked on numerous PV schemes since the sector was in its infancy and it is one of our specialisms as a firm. “As one of the largest projects of its kind in social housing, we were proud to impart our expertise to help determine the feasibility of the properties. “It was a pleasure to work with Avonside Group, which has worked with many businesses and organisations in multi sectors, to reduce carbon emissions.” Etienne Hilaire, branch manager at Avonside Group, said: “Solar and storage systems offer social housing providers the opportunity to open up many cost-saving and energy-reducing benefits to both their tenants and their business. “This was a substantial project for Together Housing and it’s fantastic what has been delivered. We have already seen the positive impact this is having, with tenants in Colne and Nelson reporting a reduction in their energy bills, thus helping to combat fuel poverty. “The potential to roll this project out to similar housing schemes around the UK could have an incredible impact on our energy consumption on a national scale.”