RLB UK continues to make tracks in the Midlands by commencing this week on the third phase of Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council’s innovative Very Light Rail (VLR) project, having value engineered a £3m cost saving to the client. RLB UK has also played a key role in Coventry City Council’s
National office fit out and refurbishment specialist Overbury has delivered the first two phases of a comprehensive staged refurbishment project to transform the student teaching and learning experience at Stratford-upon-Avon College. Overbury has redeveloped Blocks A and B of the college campus as part of a significant investment in specialist
More encouraging volumes in the second half of the year signal a cautious return of confidence and investor appetite for 2021 Leading independent property advisory firm, Lismore Real Estate today released its comprehensive quarterly review of the Scottish investment market. In a year like no other, with challenges across the
A significant weight of capital will be chasing limited stock in 2021, according to new research from leading independent property advisory firm, Lismore Real Estate. Three quarters of investors surveyed by Lismore plan on being acquisitive during 2021, with the majority of those being funds and property companies. Stock is
The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically altered how we live, work, and do business. With health protocols requiring work-from-home schemes and social distancing requirements for office environments, conducting training can be quite tricky as you need to ensure competencies are met without compromising the health of the participants. Safety training becomes
The real estate industry is one of the best performing businesses in the world today. Part of this success has been due to the adoption of technology in the industry. The constant advancement of technology has forced almost everyone to adapt, changing how the real estate industry operates. In the
An air compressor is a machine that takes in normal air and converts it into a denser, high pressurized output. Compressed air is the air that is at a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure. Air compressors are applied in various industries, construction, mining, manufacturing, automobile, and even DIY or
The future is here as Merchant Square positions NI as a global centre of innovation Leading construction and fit-out company, Gilbert-Ash, has embarked on a groundbreaking project which will help position Northern Ireland as a global centre of excellence for innovation and business. The award-winning company was appointed as fit-out
Lendlease has announced plans to eliminate the use of diesel on its construction sites in Europe and ensure that all the electricity the company procures is from clean renewable sources. The international property and investments group has set itself challenging environmental targets, including a commitment to becoming a 1.5°C aligned company
Building firm J.G. Hale Construction has officially handed over the keys to a £4.3 million innovative housing development on De Clare Drive (Cwrt Idris) in Radyr, Cardiff, to its partner on the project, Taff Housing Association. The innovative development, built by J.G. Hale Construction in partnership with Taff Housing Association, comprises of 36
RLB UK continues to make tracks in the Midlands by commencing this week on the third phase of Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council’s innovative Very Light Rail (VLR) project, having value engineered a £3m cost saving to the client. RLB UK has also played a key role in Coventry City Council’s recently securing almost £1.8m from the Getting Building Fund through Coventry and Warwickshire LEP. Appointed by Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council and Coventry City Council respectively, the RLB UK team is responsible for providing cost management and employer’s agent solutions on both projects, as well as supporting both councils in gaining funding for the pioneering transport technologies and associated transport schemes. Following commencement in September 2019, Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council has so far seen the successful completion of phase one – site preparation works, followed by the start of phase two – construction of Test Track 1 (TT1) which will complete in January 2021. The 2.2km single test track will be fundamental to the evaluation of VLR technology. Phase three of the project will deliver the new national innovation centre, overseen by the recently formed Black Country Innovative Manufacturing Organisation (BCIMO). The objective is to create a new Very Light Rail industry, supporting the manufacture and uptake of lower cost VLR solutions across the UK. With Coventry City Council’s VLR demonstrator vehicle currently under assembly and expected to be delivered to Dudley early 2021, urban Very Light Rail systems takes a step closer to being implemented on the streets of towns and cities across the UK. Innovation partner Ingerop and Warwick Manufacturing Group have been appointed to design a revolutionary track system to reduce the track form depth of this light rail system, which in turn reduces costs. RLB has been working with Coventry City Council and their design partners to ensure these objectives are met. Andy Stamps, Head of Infrastructure for RLB UK comments, “The Very Light Rail programme is far more than just a way of connecting people. What this technological advancement does, is allow us across the UK to build transportation systems that deliver far greater value, without the traditional impact on the environment they occupy. This will bring accessibility and encourage social mobility to areas where the cost of other solutions prohibits investment. We are delighted to be involved in such innovative projects and ones that will surely shape the way we provide sustainable transportation solutions – not only in the UK but worldwide.” Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council said: “The Very Light Rail test track and national innovation centre is a key project for our borough. The new facility will develop innovative ways to reduce the weight and cost of railcars and track for a more affordable alternative to traditional rail and Metro transport. “The world’s eyes will be on Dudley as we work with partners to develop very light rail projects, which will revolutionise light rail technology globally. I’m looking forward to this project moving quickly through to delivery.” Nick Mallinson, Chief Executive of the BCIMO continues “this initiative is about developing a new form of low-cost rail based transport which will be manufactured and installed by UK companies and in particular supported by manufacturing companies in Dudley and the wider Black Country. We are pleased to be working closely with RLB who are demonstrating great vision and foresight in their involvement in the project.” Nicola Small, VLR Programme Manager at Coventry City Council comments “We opted to appoint RLB for our quantity surveying requirements due to their breadth of experience in the VLR field, their innovative approach, and their favourable and competitive rates. We have been delighted with their input into the VLR programme – it’s refreshing to work alongside innovative thinkers with a desire to solve complex problems by thinking laterally.”
National office fit out and refurbishment specialist Overbury has delivered the first two phases of a comprehensive staged refurbishment project to transform the student teaching and learning experience at Stratford-upon-Avon College. Overbury has redeveloped Blocks A and B of the college campus as part of a significant investment in specialist facilities and equipment that began during the national coronavirus lockdown. The contractor worked with Associated Architects to reimagine the exterior of the 1960s building, with the creation of a new eye-catching main entrance to attract visitors from the A422 Alcester Road and adjacent Stratford-upon-Avon Train Station. The modern looking structure is complemented by the addition of new revolving entrance doors, stone flooring, new curtain walling and a feature entrance canopy, as well as a respray to existing cladding and windows to create a more welcoming approach. Overbury has delivered a full overhaul of the interior, with a rejuvenated reception area boasting sustainable features including LED lighting and feature timber clad walls. New management offices, breakout areas, toilets and meeting and teaching spaces have been created, with new tiled flooring and furniture throughout. Both blocks benefit from improved ventilation, with new data and feature acoustic, timber raft ceilings and reconstructed stairwells. Work on the 24-week refurbishment project began in a live campus environment in the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic and was completed in time for the start of the academic year. The project team included Novus as project manager, M&E engineer Couch Perry Wilkes and quantity surveyor RLF. Lindsey Stewart, chief operating officer, Stratford-upon-Avon College, said: “The College has embarked on an ambitious refurbishment project to re-imagine the campus at Stratford-upon-Avon College. We have been impressed at Overbury’s ability to continue working safely during the COVID-19 pandemic, and despite all the challenges that this entailed they had delivered two refurbished blocks for us by September. Overbury has been a key part of that project in the first two phases and provided us with a high standard and level of quality which will be the benchmark we use going forward in future phases.” Alan Hastings, director of operations, Stratford-upon-Avon College, said: “Overbury has delivered a refurbishment project for the College that is a real step change for our campus and for how we are viewed by our stakeholders. One of the reasons young people choose a College like ours is because they are looking for a path and an experience that is very different to school. The refurbished buildings set us apart from that school experience. They deliver on the tone and feel we wanted, are visibly striking and visually interesting to students. From the start, the Overbury team has been very committed to meeting our needs. They have been responsive to change, pre-emptive and worked collaboratively with us in suggesting better alternatives to building solutions that we had not considered. We are delighted with the newly refurbished spaces, and our staff and students enjoy using them.” Penelope Mitchell, education and public sector business development manager for Overbury, said: “This refurbishment project represents a considerable investment in transforming the overall student experience and delivers new facilities that are second to none throughout Warwickshire. The focal point is the striking new entrance that provides a stronger street presence, drawing visitors into the college and supporting the future growth of the campus. It is especially pleasing to have completed the project given the challenges posed by a national lockdown. We’ve taken a really collaborative approach, working closely with colleagues at Stratford-upon-Avon College and the wider project team to find new ways of delivery that ensured the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone on site.” Overbury specialises in the fit out and refurbishment of higher and further education facilities. The contractor recently completed projects worth more than £4.4 million at the University of Birmingham and delivered the £1 million fit out of an Arts and Design Centre at Dudley College of Technology.
More encouraging volumes in the second half of the year signal a cautious return of confidence and investor appetite for 2021 Leading independent property advisory firm, Lismore Real Estate today released its comprehensive quarterly review of the Scottish investment market. In a year like no other, with challenges across the entire property market and global economy, Lismore reflects on 2020 and looks forward to 2021. Transaction volumes for Q4 are anticipated to end at circa £420m, which is some 30% up on Q3 at £320m. Against the annual five-year average, this will be around 50% down, but in the face of such significant headwinds, it is not surprising and more positive than many were predicting earlier in the year. After a relatively subdued first half of the year, volumes in the second half of the year have been more encouraging, meaning that total volumes for 2020 will end up at close to £1bn. Against this backdrop and with the roll-out of a national Covid-19 vaccine programme, Lismore predicts a brighter year ahead, with investor appetite continuing across the hottest ‘in vogue’ sectors of the market, including distribution and multi-let industrial assets, along with food anchored and well-located retail warehouse parks. Recent deals including the £31m sale of Sainsbury’s regional distribution centre in East Kilbride clearly illustrate this trend. The residential market will remain resilient in 2021, particularly student accommodation, senior living, care homes and build-to-rent. Indeed the BTR sector will chalk up its most successful year on record, including the £81.5m sale of Candleriggs Square, Glasgow, a 346-unit scheme in September. The rapid emergence of life sciences as a stand-alone asset class will continue, with a significant weight of money starting to discover the sector and its burgeoning opportunities. The standout office deal of the quarter was the £45m sale of Quartermile 3 in Edinburgh by M&G to the German KanAm Grund Group. Colin Finlayson, Director at Lismore, said: “The outlook for 2021 is reliant on a successful vaccine roll-out to provide a much-needed literal and economic shot in the arm, along with the resultant lifting of Government lockdown restrictions. “If this happens we will see confidence returning and fear subsiding in the market, albeit Brexit will continues to loom in the background and cause uncertainty.” “Despite some concerns last quarter that the core plus sector was softening slightly, this has not (yet) happened and the continuing weight of capital circling this sector is helping to maintain pricing. “2021 is likely to see more opportunity for private equity. Patience remains a virtue and it makes sense for asset managers to add value where they can.” In terms of investor activity, some of the UK open ended funds have resumed trading and there has been orderly selling, with strong pricing being achieved for sales in the liquid sectors. Acquisition activity has been very focused on the safest sectors of distribution, industrial, long income and residential. Overseas investors remain prevalent and once current travel restrictions ease, we anticipate a strong comeback. The weight of global capital looking for a home has not diminished. Colin Finlayson concludes: “It is difficult to put into words the dramatic changes that the pandemic has caused to the economy and property market this year, but we are cautiously optimistic and look forward to increased activity and brighter times in 2021.” The Lismore Quarterly Review includes research on investor appetite and the evolution of real estate financing for 2021. In addition, it also features two in-depth interviews, one with a leading high street lender (RBS) and the other with Aberdeen Standard Investments. (Note from FR – may move this para into notes to editors) The full Lismore Quarterly can be seen here
A significant weight of capital will be chasing limited stock in 2021, according to new research from leading independent property advisory firm, Lismore Real Estate. Three quarters of investors surveyed by Lismore plan on being acquisitive during 2021, with the majority of those being funds and property companies. Stock is likely to be limited, as only 6% anticipate being net sellers and 20% remaining neutral. The research confirmed an appetite for more secure assets and, not surprisingly, the top three favoured sectors were distribution, followed by multi-let industrial, with food stores and residential in joint third place. More interesting is the tier below with both retail warehousing and offices receiving good interest. Private equity was the strongest supporter of retail warehousing. In the office sector, support came from private equity and investment managers. Funds surveyed do not view offices as a prime target next year. Hotels and high street retail, which have felt the full force of the pandemic downturn. were the two lowest ranked sectors. Opinion is split on bank appetite for lending to real estate in 2021, with funds and property companies being more bearish with 25% indicating a decrease against 15% indicating an increase. The overwhelming majority of private equity respondents were supportive of an increase. Lismore had a significant number of comments confirming that the increase in lending was from a fairly conservative base, and would be focused on the safer sectors of distribution, industrial, food stores and residential. Colin Finlayson, Director of Lismore, said: “Against the backdrop of the global pandemic, our research clearly illustrates that there still remains an appetite to invest in resilient sectors in 2021. The weight of capital towards real estate remains strong and much of it has been patient this year, waiting for some certainty to return. Outside of the most resilient sectors, transaction underwriting has been challenging this year which has curtailed activity. But with a successful vaccine roll-out, we expect more confidence and transparency in the market in 2020, leading to an increase in activity.” The research was undertaken by Lismore during November 2020, with more than 80 insightful and qualitative interviews with a wide range of investors, including funds, property companies, investment managers and overseas/private equity. It forms part of the Lismore Quarterly Review, which also features two in-depth interviews, one with a leading high street lender (RBS) and the other with Aberdeen Standard Investments. The full Lismore Quarterly Review is here
The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically altered how we live, work, and do business. With health protocols requiring work-from-home schemes and social distancing requirements for office environments, conducting training can be quite tricky as you need to ensure competencies are met without compromising the health of the participants. Safety training becomes even more challenging since it sits right in the intersection between necessary and potentially delayed due to the pandemic. But fires are still dangerous, and regulations in place to preserve safety must continue, so the need for fire evacuation drills can’t be put on hold. The use of immersive technologies, such as virtual reality (VR), serves to address this imperative and poses many advantages in line with existing measures against the virus. Virtual Reality in Fire Safety Training Fire evacuation drills often entail convening people to a designated venue so that social distancing can be problematic if not impossible. Aside from this, additional training regarding fire safety can be hampered considering the implementation of work-from-home arrangements and restricted hours in the office. The conduct of routine fire safety training may even become a burden to a small skeletal building workforce or completely inaccessible to those who are working in other regions. Virtual reality training, like SafetyNet VR offered by AK Preparedness, can address these concerns. Its technology allows for practice to continue despite everyone not being in the same location. VR fire safety drills can act as a tool in continuing fire safety for establishments as it only requires, at minimum, smartphone and internet capabilities to simulate fire scenarios. The above-mentioned benefits of immersive technologies can be readily transplanted into fire safety education to produce the same outcomes. VR fire drills allow businesses to conduct fire safety education by ensuring that employees are given first-hand education not just in where to go but become well-versed in using fire alarms and fire extinguishers. In the simulation, users can click on life safety equipment as well as hear instructions for evacuation while navigating the building. The safety drill can be accessed anytime and anywhere that time and location are not hindrances to continuing fire safety education. SafetyNetVR also serves as a cost-effective tool that not only provides means for employees to gain essential information in the event of a fire, but also to heighten their response in case of an emergency. The use of VR fire safety drills is not only beneficial to employees and office personnel—this can also be used to educate residential building occupants without requiring them to step out of their units or calling them to gather at a specific location. Given the changes that will continue in construction and high-rise living spaces that call for more people living in ‘denser environments,’ technologies such as VR fire safety training can provide due rewards for both tenants and building owners. Advantages in VR Fire Safety Training Virtual reality allows participants to gain first-hand experience in real-life situations. It is multi-sensory and accurate, making it a remarkable experience. Studies on this immersive technology have also shown its benefits for the corporate world, most notably in delivering fire safety training because of the following advantages: Creates an engaging learning environment: fire safety drills that use immersive technologies employ real-life situations and engage actual emotions and responses. It serves to inform employees and occupants of the fire evacuation plan as well as allow them to navigate their way and use fire prevention tools for safety. Accounts for all possible scenarios: simulations not only portray ordinary fire circumstances, but they also allow for ‘impossible’ situations to prepare participants in the occurrence of such disaster. Practical hands-on training: VR fire safety training operate with the hands-on principle by teaching personnel how things are actually done. Allows mistakes without suffering consequences: mistakes can be costly in real-life fire situations as it can cost lives and severe property damage. Virtual reality settings allow trainees to commit errors and encourage them to learn from them without causing injury. Improve employee performance: fire safety training operates on a series of levels that can be unlocked whenever a task is accomplished. It also has built-in metrics to measure the depth of learning and response of every participant. Reduce training costs: virtual reality training do away with expensive locations and equipment, resulting in more significant savings. Remote implementation: training can be accessed with minimal smartphone and internet capabilities and can be accessed at the user’s convenience. Safety: perhaps the greatest advantage of VR is that of long-term safety—not only in preventing risks that may come from actual demonstrations, but also to the health of its learners. VR as an Emerging Trend in Fire Safety Education Virtual reality is an innovative way of offering continuing education at this crucial time. It has found relevance in training employees despite restrictions on health and movement—those engaged in ensuring office safety would do well to include virtual reality training as part of their occupational safety plan. Virtual reality fire safety drills are not only applicable to workers. It can also be integrated into familiarization tours with tenants and occupants of high-rise buildings to ensure that everyone is knowledgeable in case a fire occurs. VR training is both time and cost-efficient, making them a welcome addition to an existing fire safety plan for any business. As an integral part of a new mode of training brought about by the circumstances surrounding the pandemic, virtual reality allows for participants to undergo fire safety training without sacrificing their well-being and other’s health. Immersive technologies enable learners to engage in a realistic setting that not only familiarizes them with actual fire scenarios, but it also allows for measuring individual performance in accomplishing tasks that can spell the difference between survival and fire casualty.
The real estate industry is one of the best performing businesses in the world today. Part of this success has been due to the adoption of technology in the industry. The constant advancement of technology has forced almost everyone to adapt, changing how the real estate industry operates. In the real estate industry, we have all processes taking place through technology. For instance, when one starts a home search, getting the home, closing the deal, and even making payment. All these processes have been reshaped by technology trends in the real estate industry. APIs in the Real Estate Industry APIs are the biggest contributors to the changes discussed above. They are software intermediaries through which applications communicate and share data. APIs help developers, real estate agents, product managers, and other real estate professionals to extract rental, mortgage, and housing data for use in the daily operations of their businesses. Google Maps is one of the most important tools in the real estate industry. In this article, we will discuss a number of ways through which Google Maps can be used in the real estate industry. 1. Google Maps API Most real estate agents have a website or an application for showing their listings. To complement this and make it better, they use real estate APIs such as the ones listed on Rapid API. This creates exceptional experiences for their customers when using the applications. The Google Maps API can also be implemented on the websites and applications to give customers a chance to search and browse the listings using features from Google Maps. They can see exact locations, the neighborhood, any amenities around, and directions directly from the website or the application. 2. Showing Properties with Street View Google Maps comes with a street view feature that allows property owners to employ another perspective when showing their properties. Customers are able to see photographs of various places that Google has added to their maps application. Street View also allows customers to see the neighborhood and any amenities near the property. This way, real estate professionals are able to give their customers an insight into where their properties are, how the neighborhood looks like, and what to expect if they are to buy the properties. 3. Building Custom Maps Google Maps allows one to build custom maps for their applications. Real estate agents can use this feature to build custom maps that show all the listings that their customers might be interested in and to create a timetable for their showings. When building custom maps, you can use polygons, lines, and icons to define specific neighborhoods and regions. You can also invite your customers and colleagues to make sure that everyone is involved. 4. Getting Found on Local Searches Google has integrated Google Maps with their local searches making it possible for real estate agents to market their properties and appear on searches. Your properties will appear automatically on Google Maps provided that you have claimed and verified them using Google Places. After verification, you can add more information such as contact information, pictures, and hours of operation to make sure that customers that find you on Google Maps have everything they need to initiate a transaction. Finally, make sure that you give your customers an exceptional experience, whether they found you on Google or not. To prove to your potential clients that you are capable of offering what you claim to offer, encourage those that found you on Google Maps to leave reviews of their experience while transacting with you. This way, you might end up getting more positive reviews that might persuade a potential client to transact with you.
An air compressor is a machine that takes in normal air and converts it into a denser, high pressurized output. Compressed air is the air that is at a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure. Air compressors are applied in various industries, construction, mining, manufacturing, automobile, and even DIY or home projects. Air compressors are highly useful on the construction site as workers use them to generate power for other on-site tools like drills, saws, air guns, power hammers, amongst others. The most common drawback of air compressors is the noise, which fortunately can be avoided by acquiring low noise air compressors, which we will look at shortly, amongst other air compressors. How To Choose The Right Compressor? If you want to get an air compressor, you must consider a few factors before deciding. Does the compressor work with or without oil? Can it use natural gas? What of its portability? These are all questions you need to get answers to. So, before you decide, let’s take a look at these characteristics of compressors. Oil-Free Compressors Compressors that use oil to lubricate their internal mechanisms are the most common. Still, the oil usually gets into the actual compressor contaminating the released air because of the sealing style. This creates an obvious problem for clean manufacturing environments. Though oil-free compressors are generally more expensive, their use mitigates the problem of contaminated air and is a better choice for facilities that promise clean manufacturing. Energy Efficiency Energy-efficient compressors may cost more initially, but this pays off in the long run, especially for long-term projects. There are two options when it comes to this characteristic of compressors. Fixed Speed Compressors These have a constant working speed that is fine while the unit is in use, but as it tries to power down, the motor continues to run, consuming energy but having no output. Variable Speed Compressors On the other hand, variable speed compressors can reduce or increase output as required. Hence, saving energy, and by extension, money. Portability Regardless of size, energy output required can still be delivered by compressors of small, compact builds. This is especially useful if you will be transporting your equipment over different locations. Though they might not produce as much energy as big, powerful compressors, they are still sufficient for small projects. Natural Gas Usage Air compressors that use natural gas are generally more efficient and more energy-saving, although they might be more suited to industrial use. If your goals are to cut energy costs, these air compressors might be the ones for you. Why Are Air Compressors So Loud? Compressors usually produce noise of about 40-92 decibels; 80 and above is unsafe for our ear health. For the sake of worker’s safety and health, construction engineers and supervisors often seek more silent air compressors. If we take a moment to understand how air compressors function, we can pinpoint the factors that contribute to the noise air compressors produce and if there can be a quiet air compressor. Friction Most methods of compressing air require the compressor to have many moving parts. As they make contact with each other, a great deal of friction is created. You will most likely find that quieter compressors are generally more expensive than noisy counterparts. Power Source The power source also influences decibel output. Gas-powered compressors make more noise because of the engine. Electric compressors are generally the quietest. Type of Compressors With the variety of compressors out there, finding the one that fits your needs might still be a hassle. Yes, electric compressors are quieter than gas-powered ones, but that still leaves many compressors to pick from. Reciprocating Piston These have regular pumps that use the same pistons you would see in an engine chamber, rotating to compress air. There are the most common compressors broken down into single-piston and dual or duplex piston. These are typically found at smaller work sites such as garages and home construction projects. The single-piston models tend to be louder than the duplex as the duplex requires fewer revolutions to produce more air. Dual-pistons also have a higher tolerance and allow for better cooling. Rotary Screw These compressors are much quieter than their reciprocating compressor cousins because their helical screws touch each other while working. Unlike the reciprocating piston, the rotary screw is suitable for more prolonged usage. A considerable benefit of this characteristic is that rotary screws can be installed close to workplaces without requiring hearing protection. As discussed earlier, the oil-free ones are more expensive than the oil-injected types. Still, they are of superior quality and are usually a requirement in the food and medical industries. Scroll Scroll air compressors are the most efficient and silent air compressor. Their mechanism employs two spiral-shaped metal pieces, one stationary while one moves over the other to create compression. Scroll air compressors are designed to run all day. They are employed in various industries, including pharmaceutical, food, medical, laboratory, electronics, textile, and production facilities, amongst others, with the only drawback of unlimited, clean air.
The future is here as Merchant Square positions NI as a global centre of innovation Leading construction and fit-out company, Gilbert-Ash, has embarked on a groundbreaking project which will help position Northern Ireland as a global centre of excellence for innovation and business. The award-winning company was appointed as fit-out contractor at Merchant Square, a £14million project which will see the creation of 200,000 sq ft of Grade A office space over nine floors. The offices, which are exclusively let by PwC, will accommodate up to 3,000 employees at the former Oyster and Royston buildings, in the heart of Belfast’s business district and adjacent to the City Hall. Belfast’s future as a global centre of innovation is cemented as Merchant Square is set to become one of the most advanced digital spaces in the city. The landmark building will incorporate technology-enabled client collaboration and event spaces, as well as a state-of-the-art digital hub that will provide the infrastructure and environment to inspire and support innovation. Gilbert-Ash Managing Director Ray Hutchinson said the company is delighted to be working on one of the most prestigious projects to be undertaken in Belfast in recent years. He said: “It is always great to be working on a landmark building in our home city of Belfast, but this is extra special as Merchant Square really will be a leader on the international stage. We have been working with excellent local partners to bring this stand out fit-out project to life, with advanced logistical planning and management during what has been a challenging year for many industries, including construction. “Earlier this year we completed our new £5million headquarters at Boucher Place in the city which was a very proud moment for Gilbert-Ash and it is a privilege to follow it up with this project which has the power to be transformative for the city, in terms of helping to position Belfast on a global stage as a centre of innovation. “The designs for Merchant Square are a celebration of Belfast’s industrial and linen heritage as well as a number of Northern Ireland’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Harland & Wolff cranes. The themes running throughout the building will give nods to the city’s ship building and aviation industries as well as Belfast’s history as a centre of the linen industry. “The building will also reflect the geography of Belfast with the River Lagan and Botanic Gardens incorporated into designs. “This will be a building which will help foster an excellent working environment and help inspire and attract the best people to work in Belfast.” Gilbert-Ash attributes its continued success to its ‘As One’ approach and its unique working culture and family environment as an employee-owned company. It continues to complete a broad portfolio of successful construction projects across sectors including arts and culture, workplace, hotels and leisure, science and technology, retail and residential. To find out more about Gilbert-Ash visit www.gilbert-ash.com
Lendlease has announced plans to eliminate the use of diesel on its construction sites in Europe and ensure that all the electricity the company procures is from clean renewable sources. The international property and investments group has set itself challenging environmental targets, including a commitment to becoming a 1.5°C aligned company and achieving Absolute Zero Carbon by 2040. Today (15 December) the company released its Roadmap to Absolute Zero Carbon, which sets out how the business will achieve those targets in Europe. Sustainability has always been at the heart of Lendlease’s approach to its business around the world. And as the company operates an end to end business model, which encompasses Development, Construction and Investments the company’s carbon commitments span the entire property lifecycle. The roadmap released today details some major interventions that Lendlease will make across its business in Europe. They include: Eliminating the use of diesel on Lendlease construction sites and trialling alternative technologies and fuels. Ensuring that all the electricity Lendlease procures is REGO-backed (Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin certificates) from clean renewable sources (e.g. solar, tidal, wind, not energy from waste). Working in partnership with the Lendlease supply chain, from material extraction through to manufacturing and delivery, and delivering a sustainability focused supply chain conference. Developing a new generation of ‘green leases’ across the company’s commercial, retail and residential operations. Lendlease’s Chief Executive Officer in Europe, Neil Martin, said: “Setting targets is important, but it is how we deliver against those targets that really matters. In our roadmap to absolute zero we recognise that this is not going to be an easy task and that we don’t yet have all the answers, but it is vital that we take action and we are committed to doing so.” The United Nations has described climate change as the defining crisis of our time and no corner of the globe is immune from its devastating consequences. Rising temperatures lead to environmental degradation, natural disasters, weather extremes, food and water insecurity and economic conflict. The built environment is responsible for contributing approximately 40 per cent of global carbon emissions and Lendlease has recognised that, in order to minimise the impact of climate change on livelihoods and ecosystems around the world, global temperatures must be prevented from rising above 1.5°C compared to pre-industrial times. The company has already taken a number of steps to prioritise action to address climate change across its business. In 2019 Lendlease Europe signed the Better Buildings Partnership’s Climate Change Commitment. And this year Lendlease has already become one of the first companies to join SteelZero, a global initiative aimed at driving market demand for net-zero steel. Lendlease Europe also signed up to the World Green Building Council Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment, challenging businesses to reach net zero carbon in operation for buildings under their control. The Chief Executive Officer of the Better Buildings Partnership, Sarah Ratcliffe, said: “ The global business of Lendlease has committed to make the business absolute zero carbon by 2040 and the establishment of a Group wide Decarbonisation Investment Group certainly provides an indication of how serious the business is about meeting that target. As one of the signatories to the BBP Climate Commitment, it is therefore fantastic to see this roadmap for Lendlease Europe detailing how they intend to deliver this across all areas of the business with short term targets that cover Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions together with a clear action to address embodied, operational and whole life carbon.” Julie Hirigoyen, the Chief Executive Officer of the UK Green Building Council, said: “It’s really encouraging to see Lendlease set an absolute zero carbon target for 2040, and map out how it intends to achieve this stretching goal. Without all the solutions at our fingertips yet, we need the vision and determination of industry leaders to set the bar high and collaborate to deliver it. By publishing this roadmap Lendlease is doing just that.” The Lendlease Europe Roadmap to Absolute Zero Carbon is attached and can be downloaded here: https://www.lendlease.com/better-places/roadmap-to-absolute-zero-carbon/
Building firm J.G. Hale Construction has officially handed over the keys to a £4.3 million innovative housing development on De Clare Drive (Cwrt Idris) in Radyr, Cardiff, to its partner on the project, Taff Housing Association. The innovative development, built by J.G. Hale Construction in partnership with Taff Housing Association, comprises of 36 units: 18 one-bedroom apartments, 10 two-bedroom apartments and eight three-bedroom homes. Aspects of the development have been designed specifically to cater for the needs of individuals with physical disabilities, with four of the homes suitable for wheelchair users. As there is a shortage of affordable housing in South Wales, the Welsh government aims to deliver 20,000 affordable homes in its current term, which ends in 2021. As well as helping to address this problem, the development will create local jobs, as well as several apprenticeships. J.G. Hale Construction is a Wales-based firm recognised for its commitment to innovative, eco-friendly design, quality materials and finishes and sustainable building practices. The company is committed to using local sub-contractors and suppliers. Taff Housing Association is responsible for over 1,500 homes across Cardiff and provide specialist support services to people across four local authorities in South East Wales. As well as delivering reliable services and building and maintaining quality homes, Taff work with local communities to create great places to live. Helen White, Chief Executive of Taff Housing Association, said: “We are thrilled this development is now complete. It will make a much-needed contribution towards addressing the serious shortage of affordable housing in Cardiff” John Taphouse, Interim Director of Property Services at Taff Housing said: “We are delighted to be able to provide these high-quality affordable homes in Radyr. Thanks to J.G. Hale Construction and others involved in delivering this project.” J.G. Hale Construction’s Contracts Manager, Tom Bevan, said: “We’re delighted to have completed this project working in collaboration with Taff Housing Association, to improve the lives of those needing housing support in our communities…. “As a company, we constantly strive to deliver projects that will successfully accommodate each specific individual, whilst also engaging and supporting the local community. By including aspects which explicitly address the needs of people with physical disabilities, as well as homes for people who need them in the Radyr area, we believe this scheme has certainly achieved those aims.”