Panattoni is delivering a 2.3 million sq ft logistics centre in Swindon for a major internet retailer which will be the biggest single-asset logistics letting, and funding deal, ever negotiated in the UK. The building in Swindon occupies a 68-acre site with dual carriageway access five minutes north of the
National engineering specialist, SES Engineering Services (SES), is set to save 8,000 labour hours by using offsite to deliver £23m of works at the Springfield Hospital redevelopment in Tooting, South London. Working alongside main contractor Sir Robert McAlpine, SES will provide all mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) works for a
The Willows near Whitstable will provide 54 family units The area is a prime example of a location that will see significant extra pressure on housing post-pandemic as millions choose to work mostly from home Covid-19 is fuelling a rapid expansion in the commuter belt, with workers willing to go
A seismic shift in the way homes are bought and sold has placed technology at the core of the property industry. And that’s where it is set to stay, according to a tech entrepreneur who is celebrating the first anniversary of his software launching today. Yourkeys launched its sales progression
Dexter Moren Associates (DMA) has announced the completion of its latest two residential projects for Grainger plc at Millet Place, Pontoon Dock in East London, and Solstice Apartments in Milton Keynes. World-leading hospitality design practice DMA were commissioned by the UK’s largest listed residential landlord to help design the amenity
Plans to transform the city’s iconic college tower, dubbed the Met, into a hotel with leisure and grade A office space are set to become a reality. Glasgow city council has granted developers Osborne & Co detailed planning permission to convert the 11-storey tower into a 260-bed hotel with grade
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
Panattoni is delivering a 2.3 million sq ft logistics centre in Swindon for a major internet retailer which will be the biggest single-asset logistics letting, and funding deal, ever negotiated in the UK. The building in Swindon occupies a 68-acre site with dual carriageway access five minutes north of the M4 J15. With a footprint of 625,000 sq ft, the building includes three internal, multi-level structural floors totalling 1,642,000 sq ft, 66,000 sq ft of offices on the ground floor and a further 70,000 sq ft of amenity areas. Planning was awarded in August 2020 and the first of 3,500 steel piles were driven a month later. Practical Completion of the BREEAM Excellent rated facility is due Q4 2021. A spokesman from Panattoni said: “The tenant requires the facility to be operational in Q4 2021, to achieve this demands a highly accelerated programme and complex phasing to facilitate fit-out of the MHE. When we acquired the site it already benefited from an outline consent, by bringing forward a separate Reserve Matters application we were able to implement works to construct the development plateau and 45 acres of structural landscaping, wetland and ecological habitat concurrent with the detailed planning application, thereby saving several weeks on over-all duration.” This deal follows on from Panattoni completing the biggest deal in continental Europe for the same client, at Gliwice in Poland. The Gliwice building is also 2.3 million sq ft, spread over four storeys, and boasts one of the most advance fit outs in Europe. Panattoni is this internet retailer’s largest delivery provider in Europe, and currently have globally around 60 – 70 transactions with this party. The need for buildings on the scale of these giants is only going to grow, driven by the demands of online retail. Panattoni are uniquely placed to meet the need for such buildings across Europe and in the UK, with development opportunities in strategic locations across the country, most, like Swindon, with the necessary planning in place to respond quickly to occupier demand. The spokesman added: “The selection of these locations is key to attracting major international businesses, including the biggest retail brands. We acquire sites that offer easy access to the trunk road network and are easy to reach for locally recruited employees. This gives occupiers the strategic reach required for an RDC or NDC while making it easy to recruit the right people. “While all our sites are available for bespoke warehouses, on many of them, we continue to roll out our spec build programme and we remain, by some measure, the biggest spec developer in the UK. “Our proactive approach to land acquisition, combined with our ability to leverage global capital markets, puts us in a uniquely strong position to continue delivering the very large warehouses the modern economy needs,” he said.
National engineering specialist, SES Engineering Services (SES), is set to save 8,000 labour hours by using offsite to deliver £23m of works at the Springfield Hospital redevelopment in Tooting, South London. Working alongside main contractor Sir Robert McAlpine, SES will provide all mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) works for a state-of-the-art mental health centre set across two new buildings. This will include ventilation and heating systems, VRF cooling and domestic services, as well as specialist electrical systems including nurse call alarms, security, a large image data package and car charging points. Targeted towards a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’, the builds will be delivered next to Springfield Hospital’s existing Grade II listed main site on Glenburnie Rd. The new three-storey non-forensic building will include the main hospital reception, various wards, outpatient departments and training facilities, while the neighbouring forensic building will include four secure wards and a facility management workshop. SES will use its offsite manufacturing facility, Prism to deliver a significant part of the works for the BIM level 2 project, including 150 corridor and riser modules – saving a total of 8,000 labour hours on site. The new hospital project is part of a wider regeneration of the former Springfield University Hospital site that will also include the development of more than 800 new homes, a 32 acre park and a new primary school, all of which is set to be delivered by 2024. Other consultants on the project include architects CF Moller, Arup and EA-RS. SES has recently started on site, with construction expected to complete at the end of 2021. Steve Joyce, SES’ managing director, said: “This project is central to a wider development scheme, so from the outset we evolved a modular strategy to give the programme surety. “The building has to be delivered by the end of next year so we had to consider any staffing or material issues that could arise due to the potential challenges of Covid and Brexit, so introducing as much offsite as possible allowed us to really challenge and protect the programme. “We’ve already worked with Sir Robert McAlpine on healthcare projects in the capital before – including a healthcare facility in Belgravia – and recognise them to be excellent delivery partners with a similar approach to SES in terms of their ethos and approach. It’s fantastic to be part of their team again delivering this exemplary scheme, and delivering similar complex healthcare builds – in London and beyond – forms a key focus of our business strategy moving forward.” The appointment is the latest project to demonstrate SES’ expertise in delivering complex healthcare projects, with the team most recently completing an expansion at the Royal London Hospital for Barts Health NHS Trust. This award-winning project should have taken 12 months to complete, yet through impeccable collaboration with all the project partners, was delivered in only 5 weeks to support the hospital’s capacity in its fight against Covid-19.
The Willows near Whitstable will provide 54 family units The area is a prime example of a location that will see significant extra pressure on housing post-pandemic as millions choose to work mostly from home Covid-19 is fuelling a rapid expansion in the commuter belt, with workers willing to go further if travelling into London less frequently Developer Southern Grove has today unveiled a substantial £18million housing development that will create dozens of premium family homes on the beautiful Kent coast. The Willows near Whitstable, will provide 42 houses, consisting of a mixture of semi-detached and detached family accommodation, as well as 12 apartments. Hundreds of thousands of Londonders have moved out of the capital in search of more space following the pandemic, repeated lockdowns and a shift towards remote working. The commuter belt will witness a rapid expansion as workers show a willingness to live further out if travelling into London less frequently. Whitstable is a prime example of the type of community that will see increased demand for housing as that trend takes hold, leading to pressure on property prices. Whitstable & Swalecliffe railway station can deliver residents into London Victoria in as little as an hour and 25 minutes and there is easy access to the M25. The Willows, designed by On Architecture in Canterbury, will meet Southern Grove’s signature high standards for design and build quality. The scheme will be situated off Thanet Way, roughly halfway between Whitstable and popular Herne Bay, and only a 5-minute drive from the coast. It is adjacent to a much larger housing development that forms part of the area’s housing master plan. The Grasmere Gardens project, just south of the John Wilson Business Park, received planning approval for 300 homes in late 2019. The Willows is already the second scheme announced by Southern Grove this year, after the company revealed plans to create a £7m development of mews houses on Powys Lane in Enfield, north London, at the start of the month. Tom Slingsby, CEO of developer Southern Grove, commented: “Whitstable is a beautiful location on the Kent coast. With wonderful surroundings and less than an hour and half from London Victoria, this is exactly the kind of location that will benefit from a rise in demand for larger homes outside of London. “Covid-19 has already been credited with fundamentally altering buyers’ working lifestyles and their property priorities. These shifts will have the power to improve local economies across the Home Counties. “At the same time, areas like this will need to keep up with demand in order to moderate house price increases but we know local authorities won’t just be focused on the numbers. Planning departments are going to be keeping an eagle eye on the quality as well as the numbers of new homes. We’re confident that The Willows will set a high bar for others to follow in terms of design and we look forward to bringing this opportunity forward.”
A seismic shift in the way homes are bought and sold has placed technology at the core of the property industry. And that’s where it is set to stay, according to a tech entrepreneur who is celebrating the first anniversary of his software launching today. Yourkeys launched its sales progression platform for new homes in January 2020 and soon added a feature to facilitate remote sales. CEO Riccardo Iannucci-Dawson believes remote viewings, reservations and sales progression, born of necessity, will remain a vital part of the sales process. He said: “Yourkeys came about in a bid to fix slow and broken processes in the property market. As we sought to automate transactions, we identified a need to process remote reservations from overseas buyers. Then lockdown hit and the whole industry was working remotely. “We launched our online reservation feature and immediately saw 60 to 70 per cent of transactions becoming fully remote. “Since then, while face-to-face viewings have resumed, more than 60 per cent of reservations are still taken remotely. “Buyers’ expectations have changed. They want to complete the administrative tasks associated with buying a home at a time that suits them. They don’t see the need to travel to the development to reserve once they have seen the home they want to buy.” Yourkeys connects mortgage providers, conveyancers, search providers and even CRM systems. The company’s technology will be available to estate agents by the middle of 2021 and there is scope for further diversification. Riccardo said: “The past year has demonstrated that a whole host of tasks associated with residential property sales can be digitised. While some advances were necessitated by the health crisis, the industry has discovered that technology can solve many problems and transform outdated processes. “Crucially, this is a change that the industry has embraced. Perceptions have shifted and there is a real openness to consider new tech solutions.” Yourkeys currently works with more than 50 new homes developers and agents. It has 9,000 homes listed on its platform, with a total value in excess of £2bn. More than 70 per cent of all sales through Yourkeys progress to exchange in 28 days or fewer. Riccardo said: “While it’s easy to refer to a number of ‘properties’ or ‘units’, these are people’s new homes. We take great satisfaction in helping our clients to provide a better customer experience and to progress the sale as quickly and seamlessly as possible.” For more information on Yourkeys, or to book a demo, see Yourkeys.com.
Dexter Moren Associates (DMA) has announced the completion of its latest two residential projects for Grainger plc at Millet Place, Pontoon Dock in East London, and Solstice Apartments in Milton Keynes. World-leading hospitality design practice DMA were commissioned by the UK’s largest listed residential landlord to help design the amenity spaces in a number of its rental schemes. As part of this partnership, DMA is now developing a set of brand standards to be rolled out across the Grainger portfolio. “The build-to-rent sector is driven by people wanting to live in quality schemes from established landlords, and provide a real opportunity to offer renters security, well-designed living and amenity space, but most importantly, a home. Our hospitality experience is perfectly suited to the demands of the sector and gives us a deep understanding of how to create flexible communal spaces in which people want to spend time,” explains Lindsey Bean-Pearce, Head of Interior Design at DMA. “There is a trend within many hotels to create a more residential setting for guests. When we design hotels, we always take care to instil a ‘home away from home’ feel, blending hospitality elements with a residential mood. Within these two schemes for Grainger we were able to take these ideas further, using our design experience to create spaces that residents will find easy and comfortable to use.” The amenity spaces at both Millet Place in East London and Solstice Apartments in Milton Keynes reflect DMA’s design philosophy, taking their inspiration in individual neighbourhood stories to ensure each property is authentic, timeless and unique. The concept narrative has been skilfully communicated through finishes, FF&E and accessories selection and ensures each scheme is embedded in the local community, creating a real sense of place for residents. Millet Place | Pontoon Dock, East London This 154-home Build to Rent project is located on the doorstep of Pontoon Dock DLR station, near to the Thames Barrier and Thames Barrier Park. Drawing inspiration from the local area’s colourful past and bustling present, the interior design reflects the transition from old to new, encompassing the natural agricultural history, creative atelier workshops and raw materials such as recycled glass, rope and natural timbers. Industrial elements for partitioning spaces are used throughout the scheme not only to pay homage to the past, but also to create intimate nooks to relax in, with focal points deliberately positioned to encourage interaction between residents. A double-height atrium links the open ground-floor entrance to the first-floor resident amenity space. Feature rope artwork and an industrial staircase encourage residents up to the amenity space that bridges the two apartment blocks. Residents can enter a fully equipped gym and intimate yoga studio on one side of the amenity space through the co-working lounge area, or book out a cosy screening room, lounge or dining room on the other to entertain friends. Solstice Apartments | Silbury Boulevard, Milton Keynes Much like Milton Keynes itself and its deep ties to ancient sun worship, the property design has been inspired by the sun’s paths and energy lines. The colour palette across the public spaces is inspired by the summer solstice, making reference to the changing hues of light that emanate from the sun throughout the day. Residents are welcomed by a highly polished brass reception desk, feature hanging pendants and bold signage. With bold geometric wall panelling connecting the ground floor to the mezzanine & linking into the concept, there is space for coworking or lounging with feature joinery throughout making the mezzanine feel connected, flexible & well-considered. This space encourages accidental meetings between its residents. Bold feature wall coverings, curated artwork, wall lights and cork-clad lifts create a warm atmosphere, and spark curiosity in this modern & progressive area that is trying to push boundaries. The downstairs gym is an active frontage onto the street attracting the eye with stong lines and brave colours. To create residential areas with longevity for Grainger, DMA has designed intimate spaces in both developments; spaces where people want to dwell and that encourage “accidental meetings.” Rachael Reid, Interior Designer, said: “The desire to promote accidental meetings between people is an important driver in our design. Research shows that residents are far more likely to stay for longer if they know who their neighbours are. This sort of interaction can’t be forced. It requires a subtle approach embedded across the public spaces. Having said this, it is also important that people retain their privacy if they don’t want interaction. It is their home after all. The reception/concierge desk is a functional space rather than a social hangout allowing residents to go directly to their apartment if they prefer to avoid socialising. Whilst both Millet Place and Solstice Apartments showcase such interior design flourishes as designer furniture and bespoke joinery, a less fussy selection of FF&E has been specified, more akin to the type that someone might buy for their house. Jennie Walton, Interior Designer, explains: “Our philosophy at Dexter Moren Associates is always to explore the neighbourhood and its history and to reflect both through the mix of materials and furniture, lighting, colour palette and artwork. Given the residential context of these developments, we have adopted a subtler approach than there would be in the vibrant public areas of a hotel scheme. We feel guests in a residential setting prefer a more subdued scheme allowing them to relax more. For example, we have incorporated feature wall coverings in corners where they can be ‘discovered’, rather than revealed at first glance.” The completion of Millet Place and Solstice Apartments for Grainger follows DMA’s successful delivery of the design for the amenity spaces at Grainger’s Brook Place scheme in Sheffield which has been shortlisted in the Mixology Awards 2020 for commercial interior design.
Plans to transform the city’s iconic college tower, dubbed the Met, into a hotel with leisure and grade A office space are set to become a reality. Glasgow city council has granted developers Osborne & Co detailed planning permission to convert the 11-storey tower into a 260-bed hotel with grade A office for up to 1,200 people. The redevelopment of the 1960s B-listed building on North Hanover Street will also offer 25-23,000 sq ft of retail leisure, food and drink space. Osborne & Co development director Will Hean said: “Achieving planning consent comes at a critical time in the real estate market which continues to be challenged because of the coronavirus pandemic. “Despite this, we are committed to investing significantly in Glasgow as we recognise the strength and diversity of the Glasgow economy. Glasgow’s tech sector in particular will be significant as the economy works its way back to strength.” Tower set to be tech magnet The building lies in the city’s innovation district close to the University of Strathclyde’s technology and innovation centre and the Inovo building which have attracted a host of tech firms. Brokers Hank Zarihs Associates said development finance lenders regarded the area as a business hot spot and were keen to offer funding for refurbishment and new building schemes. Osborne & Co plans to demolish an existing ‘podium’ building facing Cathedral Street to make way for the hotel, which would connect to the Met Tower via a landscaped plaza. A flexible double-height auditorium space is to be created below the plaza which could also suit a market hall, co-working space or suite meeting rooms and theatre-style conferencing facilities. This would link to the reception level of the tower and will have its own separate entrance on North Hanover Street. The project team for the refurbishment of the tower and surrounding developments include architects Cooper Cromar and structural engineering firm Woolgar Hunter. Environmental design and mechanical & electrical consultants Atelier Ten, planning and property advisors Savills, construction consultants Gardiner & Theobald and quantity surveying consultants Thomas & Adamson are also involved. Glasgow’s College of Building and Printing was opened in 1964 by Labour prime minister Howard Wilson and was designed by Wylie Shanks Architects. LinkedIn Question: How important will the development of regional cities be for kick-starting the UK economy post the pandemic?
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