A joint venture (JV) between Chancerygate and Bridges Fund Management has acquired an 8.63-acre site in Peterborough to speculatively develop up to 200,000 sq ft of industrial, roadside and trade space. Located on Maskew Avenue, the site has lain vacant for a decade and is around two miles north of
Södra, one of the UK’s foremost suppliers of sustainable timber, has launched a landmark immersive experience that transports viewers to its world-leading Swedish forestry operation. Using the latest 360ᴼ video technology, Södra’s video takes users to the forest – just a small section in its network totalling over two million
If you’re planning to build or renovate a commercial building, it’s good that you consider the uses for industrial metal stairs because they have certain advantages over the wooden ones. Your business needs functional ways to thrive, from the boardroom to the supply chain warehouse. Getting to and from different
One of the UK’s leading build-to-rent developers has submitted a planning application for 370 new homes in the heart of Wolverhampton’s historic Canalside Quarter. The £65M proposal directed by North West-based Placefirst is for a transformational residential scheme, to be located close to Wolverhampton’s new £150m transport Interchange on land off Lower Horseley Fields in the city centre. The ambitious scheme, which will include the sensitive restoration of heritage canal side properties, is designed
Asbestos professional and trade bodies have issued a joint statement to anyone who has responsibility for locations and materials. The statement reminds all duty-holders that asbestos must continue to be managed through the latest lockdown. This comes as there are reports of increasing confusion about the permitted activity in relation
Conservation engineering is about repairing and preserving what is there. However it can also be about developing the future use and purpose of a building to ensure it remains viable. When the iconic Usher Hall opened its doors recently, after being closed for six months, it was not for a
As Abtec Building Technologies seeks to enhance its service offering to industrial and commercial customers, the award-winning smart buildings provider has announced the appointment of Kieron O’Toole as Head of Industrial IoT. In his new role, Kieron will lead the business unit responsible for the design, implementation and management of
For many people, property development is a goal in their future. There are over 25 million property developers alone in the UK, and it’s a sector that is growing while delivering reliable returns at the same time. People always want to buy houses to live in, and there are always
Refurb grants for people to make their homes more energy efficient should be available for an extra year rather than finish at the end of March next year, urges the Federation of Master Builders. The trade body is calling on the chancellor Rishi Sunak in his spending review on November 25th to
Construction work has commenced on a new multi-million-pound sports facility at Backwell School near Bristol, North Somerset. The 1,770-square-meter scheme will deliver a new state-of-the-art four-court sports hall – as well as a fitness suite and changing facilities – to create better sporting opportunities for the school’s secondary and Sixth
A joint venture (JV) between Chancerygate and Bridges Fund Management has acquired an 8.63-acre site in Peterborough to speculatively develop up to 200,000 sq ft of industrial, roadside and trade space. Located on Maskew Avenue, the site has lain vacant for a decade and is around two miles north of Peterborough town centre. It is also immediately adjacent to the established Maskew Retail Park which includes B&Q, Matalan, Aldi and Argos as occupiers. The vacant site’s vendor was Wren Kitchens and the value of the sale is undisclosed. The JV intends to submit plans to the local authority within the next four months which, if approved, will provide the opportunity for a mix of industrial, warehouse, trade counter, self-storage and roadside accommodation. Subject to planning, Chancerygate and Bridges Fund Management have already agreed the sale of one acre of the site to self-storage company Lok’nStore. In addition, the JV is also in advanced negotiations with drive-through food and beverage retailers. Commenting on the acquisition, Chancerygate development director, George Dickens, said: “We are very pleased to have secured this prominent development opportunity and bring back to life a site that has lain dormant for 10 years. “We specialise in speculative development and believe that the Maskew Avenue site is ideally placed for us to do what we do best by creating a mix of industrial, roadside and trade units which will attract investment and jobs to the area. This is already evident by our agreement with Lok’nStore and the positive ongoing negotiations with drive through operators. “We are looking forward to delivering much-needed, high quality accommodation for a wide variety of businesses.” Chancerygate and Bridges Fund Management have been working in partnership on projects for more than 10 years. Investments include the development of ‘The Curve’, a student housing development in London SE1; the regeneration of Beeston Business Park, Nottingham; and the recent acquisition of a site for industrial development in Coventry. Bridges Fund Management partner, Guy Bowden, added: “Our Maskew Avenue site will allow us to regenerate and revitalise a sizeable area of land by creating a new place for both business and the wider Peterborough community. We are looking forward to having the opportunity to deliver another successful project with Chancerygate.” Chancerygate and Bridges Fund Management have appointed property consultancy Savills as agents for the Maskew Avenue site.
Södra, one of the UK’s foremost suppliers of sustainable timber, has launched a landmark immersive experience that transports viewers to its world-leading Swedish forestry operation. Using the latest 360ᴼ video technology, Södra’s video takes users to the forest – just a small section in its network totalling over two million acres – and the ‘Södra neighbourhood’. The virtual reality neighbourhood offers a glimpse of how wood-based products can facilitate a more sustainable way of life. In the forest, users can meet a forest inspector and a family of forest-owners. Södra is run by more than 42,000 forest owners in southern Sweden – many of whom have inherited forests passed on through several generations. As well as narration at each stage, users are able to click, drag and control their own perspective for a truly immersive experience. As they look around, knowledge bubbles appear, allowing users to view information, videos and fun facts relevant to what they’re seeing. For those in the UK’s timber and merchants’ industries this video offers a unique chance to discover the potential of wood-based products and experience Södra’s Swedish operation as close to first-hand as possible, without getting on a plane. Södra Sales Director, Nigel Buckley-Ryan, explains the motivation behind the experience: “We wanted to bring to life wood’s almost endless number of uses. Of course, we’re confident that high-quality, sustainable timber will continue to transform the UK construction industry in the coming years. But some of the perhaps less-obvious by-products of wood as a raw material are fascinating – from biomethanol and tall oil, both renewable fuels, to lyocell and viscose for textiles for clothing, bed linen and soft furnishings (to name just a few).” Nigel continues: “We’re incredibly proud of our Swedish operation and passionate about how sustainably-managed forests can facilitate a truly sustainable future. This video allows us to share this passion with our UK audience – some of whom may not have been aware of the possibilities wood can offer or ever had the opportunity to see what a world-leading forestry operation looks like. People can now experience that from the comfort of their own homes.” Södra’s immersive 360ᴼ experience is available to view at www.sodraexperience.com For more information, visit www.sodra.com/en-gb/gb/
If you’re planning to build or renovate a commercial building, it’s good that you consider the uses for industrial metal stairs because they have certain advantages over the wooden ones. Your business needs functional ways to thrive, from the boardroom to the supply chain warehouse. Getting to and from different areas often means selecting good quality stairs. It’s important you select the type of metal stairs that are right for your needs. Safety There are no shortcuts worth taking when it comes to the health and safety of your employees. When your employees use metal stairways, there is a potential to slip, trip, or fall. If you are using this kind of staircase for a commercial business, you must make sure that it’s up to code. There are federal safety regulations through OSHA and IBC you’ll need to ask about when shopping. Metal stairs are stronger and can hold up to a lot more weight, without being too much of a burden on the body. This is especially important when you have an employee who is carrying a heavy load up and down stairs. You can also purchase special stairs with coatings or textures that prevent slippage, and are easier to clean and maintain. Metal staircases that have been produced by reputable companies usually last for a long time as they’re created with the proper techniques. Affordability Metal stairs are affordable to have installed. If you’re looking for ways to cut expenses, installing stairs that use industrial metal is one way that you can save money. Utility How will you be using your stairs? Are you building them to allow for roof access? Fire escape? As an alternative to the elevator in a commercial building? As a way to get into a multi-level warehouse? Keep in mind what you plan to use the stairs for, and, then, make your decision on how they need to be shaped. Here are different stair shapes and their respective functions: Straight-up stairs are mainly used for roof access L-shaped stairs offer a resting point for people carrying items U-shaped stairs give a little walkway between levels Curved stairs provide a wide radius but can be more costly Winder stairs are more compact and take up less space Functionality There are different types of industrial metal stairs you can use if you want to eliminate risk. Here are some of them: 1. Metal diamond plate stair tread—This type of metal stairs provides a tread surface that’s slip-resistant. Be aware that if you’re in an environment that’s not conducive to noise, this may not be your best option. A person walking up and down this type of stairs can cause noise. 2. Metal stair tread stained with non-slip and abrasive coating—This is the best option if you’re looking for a solid tread surface that’s resistant to slips. 3. Bar grating stair tread—This type is very easy to install, and you can choose the coating to be non-slip if you would like. However, if you want bar grating, this won’t be your best option, especially if the stairs will be used by the general public. Heeled footwear can likely get caught in the openings and cause accidents and injuries. 4. Grip stair tread—If you own a business establishment wherein you need stairs outdoors, this might be the best option for you, especially if you receive high amounts of rain in your area. Grip stair treads are highly slip-resistant in wet conditions. There are holes in the tread to allow for drainage. The drawback is if you have employees or customers who will be carrying small objects, like small tools, because the holes in the treads may be big enough to drop items through the stairs. 5. Metal pan stair tread poured with concrete—If you want a solid tread surface that’s slip-resistant, the metal stair tread with poured concrete is a great option because it’s sturdy and durable. Be aware that this option is costly and takes longer to install because of the time it takes to pour the concrete. Appearance Most people think of attractive stairs as only an option for homeowners. However, there are many more creative industrial architects who can marry your ideas of safety and functionality with stair appeal. A company may have gone to great lengths to use the best-looking metal for their staircase. They may even have had it custom-made to give it a very professional look. This can be done with different railings and different coatings, so long as the functionality and safety aren’t compromised. Knowledge Is Power There are several types of metal stairs available in the market today. If you’re planning to have one installed, it’s best if you take the time to research on what your options are so you’ll know which one to choose. Being knowledgeable about metal stairs and their applications can help manage your expectations, and help you pick one that suits your unique needs.
One of the UK’s leading build-to-rent developers has submitted a planning application for 370 new homes in the heart of Wolverhampton’s historic Canalside Quarter. The £65M proposal directed by North West-based Placefirst is for a transformational residential scheme, to be located close to Wolverhampton’s new £150m transport Interchange on land off Lower Horseley Fields in the city centre. The ambitious scheme, which will include the sensitive restoration of heritage canal side properties, is designed by award-winning architecture practice jmarchitects. The development will deliver the first phase of a canal side community as part of a major regeneration project in the area, providing a mix of townhouses and new build apartments across five acres of brownfield land. Placefirst has worked collaboratively with the City of Wolverhampton Council and undertook an online public consultation ahead of submission. Discussions have also taken place with the Canal and River Trust and West Midlands Combined Authority. WSP is acting as planning consultant. The proposed development will regenerate this historic canalside location, creating a new promenade, public open spaces, landscaping and the restoration of listed buildings. New pedestrian access to the canal towpath will be provided. David Mawson, chief executive for Placefirst commented: “With having delivered major regeneration schemes in the north of England, we’re really excited that our first proposed development in the Midlands will be transformational for such a prominent heritage location. “The vision for this Canalside development is more than new build homes, as our focus is on opening up the canal for public use and creating a thriving community in the heart of the city centre. “We’ve worked closely with the local council and engaged the local community to propose what we feel will be a stunning waterside residential scheme that will unearth the true potential of this historic brownfield site, close to Wolverhampton’s newly opened transport interchange.” Councillor Stephen Simkins, Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: “These plans are aimed at delivering a major residential waterside scheme in our city centre. “Regeneration of Canalside is a large and exciting opportunity that will require determined and skilful leadership by the council and partners to realise the opportunity. “This planning application for a nationally significant development at this wonderful heritage location shows investment in Wolverhampton remains strong and that is critical to our recovery from Covid-19 and relighting our city.” For further information on Wolverhampton’s Canalside Quarter, please visit https://placefirst.co.uk/.
Asbestos professional and trade bodies have issued a joint statement to anyone who has responsibility for locations and materials. The statement reminds all duty-holders that asbestos must continue to be managed through the latest lockdown. This comes as there are reports of increasing confusion about the permitted activity in relation to asbestos during the latest lockdown in England and restrictions across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The reminder emphasizes that the legal duties under the Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2012 remain fully in force. They require all duty-holders to manage asbestos risks, such that exposure to asbestos is either prevented or reduced to as low as is reasonably practicable. HSE remains active in seeking regulatory compliance during lockdown and all concerned must continue to adhere to the requirements including the Control of Asbestos Regulations, the Health and Safety at Work etc Act and the Construction Design and Management Regulations in order to continue to minimise all exposure to asbestos fibre from any source. “Asbestos professionals, such as surveyors and analysts, alongside HSE Licensed Contractors, are proficient in the use of control measures, should have undertaken the statutory COVID-19 risk assessments and should work with site-specific measures,” says Graham Warren of industry body ACAD. Government guidance makes it clear that it is lawful to enter premises (including other people’s homes) in order to deliver services and do work. [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from-5-november]: “It is important that you enable the asbestos specialists who can keep you safe and legal to do their job, even where your site is closed for employees, as part of ongoing asbestos management,” adds Steve Sadley of asbestos industry body ARCA. The bodies have underlined that where sites are totally shut, annual re-inspections can be postponed, but it is essential these are undertaken prior to employees returning to site to guard against deterioration of Asbestos Containing Materials. Across all of those concerned with the protection of people from asbestos, there is a real worry that the important controls to prevent COVID-19 transmission may be misunderstood as protecting people from other potentially lethal exposures,” says Jonathan Grant, Deputy Registrar of the Faculty of Asbestos Analysis and Management. “The professional and trade bodies want to make it clear that the hazards of asbestos have not gone away and that we are all here to help. Graham Warren ACAD, Steve Sadley ARCA, Kevin Bampton BOHS, Jonathan Grant FAAM, Colette Willoughby NORAC For further information on asbestos management: ACAD -Asbestos Removal and general advice ARCA -Asbestos Removal and general advice) ATaC -Surveys, inspections and analytical services, general advice, qualifications BOHS -General Advice, qualifications FAAM -Professional standards HSE -General advice and regulatory matter NORAC -Surveys, reinspection’s and analytical services Keeping everyone safe through the COVID crisis includes, preventing other hazardous workplace exposures. We are all here to help.
Conservation engineering is about repairing and preserving what is there. However it can also be about developing the future use and purpose of a building to ensure it remains viable. When the iconic Usher Hall opened its doors recently, after being closed for six months, it was not for a socially distanced concert, but as a walk through Covid-19 testing centre. Edinburgh City Council recognised that the venue’s new extension, with accessible level access, would provide a good, practical venue for the local community to use in these challenging times. Re-purposing one of Edinburgh’s best-known venues in this way is great to see. I was the structural engineer working with the architect from LDN and Edinburgh City Council on the ambitious plans to renovate the building back in 2010. Our aim was to create an inclusive space that would encourage new audiences to come to concerts. In time there will be music again, but for now this beautiful building in the heart of the city is relevant and has a new lease of life. The Usher Hall Extension was an incredibly complex project. The design intention of the architect was a stunning centre piece staircase that would offer access to every level of the hall. As the lead engineer, my role was to back up the architect’s vision with calculations and work out how the structure could be built and the interventions made within the historic fabric. It was also about finding a solution: a sympathetic approach to the alteration of a historic Grade A listed building. For the staircase we took inspiration from a style found in the tenements in the city. The approach is called a pencheck stair, which traditionally was built in stone. In this instance we replicated it in steel to give it the clean edges and modern feel the architect wanted. This allowed for a structure that was creative, practical and appropriate to the original Beaux Arts interior of the building. The staircase was the gateway to all levels, a necessity for opening up the building to all users. The decision about how and where to cut spaces for the new access points was the next challenge. We needed to be practical; the building is a well-attended venue and the need to get to your seat quickly is important. There was also a need for careful consideration to balance the requirements of the audience against any disruption to the original fabric of the building. Collaboration is always a key element to my work at Will Rudd on this and every other project. Although we are known for are technical skills and understanding of buildings, engineers are at heart problem solvers. With a refurbishment project there will always be something unforeseen and it’s important to approach it with the attitude of “how we can get this right?” A more recent project involving the same principals was working with Page\Park architects to realise their design to re-purpose an old, derelict factory – a part of Edinburgh’s industrial heritage – into a creative hub for printmakers. The original factory was where Wellington boots were made for the troops in the First World War. The Edinburgh Printmakers is now a multi-use art complex open to the community. The welly boot factory is now an art gallery, shop, café, education centre and a studio for print production. The structural challenges brought about were huge and at the outset the whole of the top floor was unable to bear any weight. Our first role on the project posed the question: how are we going to make sure this building is safe? This was before we could be involved in its creative and sympathetic transformation. Our re-purposing respects the fabric, character and heritage of the original building which is now delivering creative, economic and social improvements to the community of Fountainbridge. My work is often hidden from plain sight. The story and complications of excavating tonnes of rubble is not one that gets much notice. But I do remember standing in a large space in the ground, to eventually be the Usher Hall basement level, with the whole of the original building above me thinking: this is why I am a structural engineer.
As Abtec Building Technologies seeks to enhance its service offering to industrial and commercial customers, the award-winning smart buildings provider has announced the appointment of Kieron O’Toole as Head of Industrial IoT. In his new role, Kieron will lead the business unit responsible for the design, implementation and management of IoT and data infrastructure for Industrial and commercial customers – from edge to core to cloud. This will allow Abtec BT to deliver even greater expertise and value in smart buildings and the new wave of smart factories being implemented globally. The Industrial IoT service brings together Abtec’s range of digital services including IT/OT converged data networks; high availability data centres and WAN; cyber security; intelligent lighting, heating and access control; CCTV; presence tracking; and 24/7 infrastructure and energy management. These digital foundations reduce operational cost and risk for customers, but they also form the bedrock of wider Industry 4.0 programmes such as digital twins, supply chain integration, machine learning and AI optimisation, whilst enabling a world of new Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) sensors and applications to be deployed. Prior to joining Abtec at the beginning of October, Kieron has worked extensively across the industrial and enterprise ICT environments in systems engineering and businesses improvement roles for organisations such as Polestar Interactive and BT Global Services. He is also a member of Aston University’s Industrial Advisory Board and the Institute of Consulting. Of his appointment, Kieron comments: “It is an exciting time to be joining Abtec Building Technologies. Industrial IoT will play a transformative role in customer experience and production efficiency and will enable new ways of working across the entire supply chain. Using my knowledge and experience, I am looking forward to being part of Abtec leveraging its unique expertise, assets and service wrap in the industrial market to provide our customers a reliable data infrastructure partner.” Dave Watkins, Director of Abtec Building Technologies, commented: “We are delighted that Kieron has joined Abtec in this new role. He has a proven track record in delivering results, and his expertise will add value to our business as we grow our Industrial IoT service offering.” www.abtecbt.com
For many people, property development is a goal in their future. There are over 25 million property developers alone in the UK, and it’s a sector that is growing while delivering reliable returns at the same time. People always want to buy houses to live in, and there are always investors looking for property to buy and rent out to tenants. The value of property raises over time, which means that if you step into the shoes of a property developer and decide to develop property yourself, you’re going to be gaining some considerable benefits. You may have thought of everything from the architectural company you use to map out blueprints, to the construction company and whether they use laser cutting machines to be more efficient. So, you should consider all of the ways that you can get into property development and we’ve got five of them for you below: You can start with buying residential property to renovate or sell. It’s a good way to get a foot on the ladder in property development, and it’s the quickest way into the business. Run-down, outdated homes need some money injected to fix it up and then sell it on. The makeover that you are giving to the house is what raises the value and helps you to get it on the market again. You could also choose to buy commercial property and convert it to residential properties. You can change an office space into studio flats and turn stores into open homes. The lighting is often better with such huge windows, but there has to be some changes made to make it work as a residential property. Conversions of residential property are becoming more and more popular. Some developers choose to commission construction teams to build a second home on the same land that they already have a property. Those who go this way often start with their own personal land and grow their business from there. You can save a lot of money on a purchase of land when you do it this way. You can also choose to do a ground-up development, where you buy the land in a vacant block and build executive homes in their place. First timer developers will know that this is a challenging first project, but it’s got such exciting profit potential that it’s worth it! Buying up land to sell it on is the last way to get into the property development business. It’s a bold strategy as it comes with risk to spend a lot of money on land, but you risk not having a developer to buy it from you. Usually, if you are smart about the land that you buy, though, this is not a problem. Land is a lucrative way to develop your business, and it’s a good place to start – if a little riskier than the other options. Property development takes time to build – why not get started with researching where you want to begin.
Refurb grants for people to make their homes more energy efficient should be available for an extra year rather than finish at the end of March next year, urges the Federation of Master Builders. The trade body is calling on the chancellor Rishi Sunak in his spending review on November 25th to bring forward a£9.2 bnmanifesto pledge to make existing homes greener. The Federation of Master Builders, FMB, said this would offer a clear pipeline of work. FMB chief executive Brian Berry said: “SMEs in the construction sector stand ready to build back greener, but they will only be able to do so if they are supported to train and recruit highly skilled tradespeople.” He said this would mean identifying skill gaps and investing in businesses that could do the training. “We should also be making the most of the current trend for homeowners to extend and convert their homes, by cutting VAT to 5 per cent on home improvements so consumers have more money to invest in retrofit at the same time,” he added. Extension of green grants gets widespread support Brokers Hank Zarihs Associates said development and refurbishment finance lenders supported an extension of the £3bn green retrofit scheme launched at the end of September. About £2bn is available to help private homeowners upgrade the energy performance of homes, using TrustMark-registered installers. “Our plan to upgrade the nation’s buildings and help build back better is good news for jobs, the environment and people’s back pockets, as we reduce emissions and help cut energy bills,”said business and energy secretary Alok Sharma at the launch of the scheme. The government has said it will fund two-thirds of the cost of energy efficiency work such as new insulation and double glazing up to a cost of £5,000. Only traders registered with TrustMark can do the work but few have signed up which the FMB said was due to the scheme’s short length and need to have the green retrofit PAS2030 qualification. The remaining £1bn is to be funnelled into boosting the energy efficiency of public buildings, including schools and hospitals.
Construction work has commenced on a new multi-million-pound sports facility at Backwell School near Bristol, North Somerset. The 1,770-square-meter scheme will deliver a new state-of-the-art four-court sports hall – as well as a fitness suite and changing facilities – to create better sporting opportunities for the school’s secondary and Sixth Form students. Lancashire-based Collinson Construction is acting as main contractor for the project, which will also provide much-needed additional teaching space for the school with the inclusion of a new block of science classrooms and a staff office. Funded through the Lighthouse Schools Partnership and a Priority School Building Programme grant, the facility was approved by North Somerset Council planners in June, with contractors now bringing the scheme to life on the former site of tennis courts. It is just one of several projects Collinson Construction has started on site this year. The education construction specialist commenced works on a new sports facility at Durrington High School in Worthing, West Sussex, while the firm also completed a £2.6m multi-use sports hall at Thorpe House School, in addition to a new £2.1m arts and music centre for Morecambe Bay Academy. Rob Duxbury, managing director at Collinson Construction, said: “We’ve had an extremely busy year creating inspiring new sports spaces for education providers, but we’ve seen a sharp rise in demand for additional teaching space in response to the current pandemic too. “We’re proud to be working closely with Backwell School to deliver this innovative new facility that will not only help shape the sporting skills of students, but also benefit the wider community by encouraging them to take part in more physical exercise.” Mr Jon Nunes, Headteacher at Backwell School, added: “We are very excited to see the construction beginning on our new building. It is currently a very challenging time for schools and to see the structure come together and the building take shape is providing us all with a positive focus for the future of our school. A project of such scale on a large busy school site like ours can be logistically challenging, however Collinson Construction has managed this incredibly well. “Our new building will provide state of the art facilities for our students and the local community. We will have a new fully sized sports hall and a new teaching block with five classrooms, included three science laboratories. We look forward with great anticipation to using our new curriculum spaces in 2021.” The new sports facility at Backwell School is expected to be completed May 2021.