Kenneth Booth
Construction begins on multi-million pound SEN school in Greenwich

Construction begins on multi-million pound SEN school in Greenwich

MARKING a key development milestone, work has begun to construct a brand-new secondary school for pupils with special educational needs (SEN) in Greenwich. Located on Hargood Road, Rowan Wood School will provide 128 places for children aged 11-19 with autism (ASD) and complex needs, and is set to complete later

Read More »
Poor quality operations and maintenance lead to underperforming solar systems for landlords and property owners, says Longevity Power

Poor quality operations and maintenance lead to underperforming solar systems for landlords and property owners, says Longevity Power

Strategic renewable energy consultancy calls on property asset managers to prioritise the performance and safety of their commercial solar PV assets to boost profitability Landlords and property asset managers should pay closer attention to the operations and maintenance of the solar systems installed on their buildings otherwise they risk devaluing

Read More »
Hendrik Veder Group UK Amplifies Partnership with Lift-Tex

Hendrik Veder Group UK Amplifies Partnership with Lift-Tex

To help businesses streamline heavy lifting operations with safer, more efficient, and cost-effective solutions, Hendrik Veder Group UK has strengthened its strategic alliance with Lift-Tex®. This partnership will ensure that industries reliant on heavy lifting across the UK, including maritime, shipping, construction, oil and gas, and renewables, will gain direct

Read More »
UK Government must consider ‘unintended consequences’ of High Street Rental Auction powers, NAEA Propertymark Commercial Advisory Panel suggests

UK Government must consider ‘unintended consequences’ of High Street Rental Auction powers, NAEA Propertymark Commercial Advisory Panel suggests

The ‘unintended consequences’ of High Street Rental Auction powers given to local councils must be considered by the UK Government, the NAEA Propertymark Commercial Advisory Panel has suggested.   The Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHLCG) has confirmed that more vacant shops and other empty premises will be

Read More »
Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions champions female voices in construction

Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions champions female voices in construction

Women in construction are breaking barriers, driving change, and shaping the future of the industry. Their voices and experiences prove that progress is happening – but there’s still more to be done. This International Women’s Day, British Gypsum and Isover – businesses that are part of Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions –

Read More »
Flagship London project The Elephant on Oxford Street tops out

Flagship London project The Elephant on Oxford Street tops out

A new landmark in adaptive reuse and sustainable development… The Elephant, a landmark building undergoing a transformative £132m redevelopment in the heart of the capital, has officially reached its topping-out milestone. The iconic former House of Fraser building at 318 Oxford Street, London W1 is being reimagined as a vibrant

Read More »
McLaren Living secures approval for 314-home mixed-use development in Watford

McLaren Living secures approval for 314-home mixed-use development in Watford

Residential developer McLaren Living has received planning permission for a 314-home build-to-rent (BTR) mixed-use scheme in Watford, Hertfordshire. The development will transform the former Watford Police Station and Magistrates Court on Clarendon Road, incorporating co-living units alongside the residential offering. The 1.75-acre brownfield site will also feature a new public

Read More »
MILWAUKEE® Delivers the Next Generation of Deep Cut Band Saws

MILWAUKEE® Delivers the Next Generation of Deep Cut Band Saws

Providing user demanded performance, MILWAUKEE® introduces the next generation of deep cut band saws, the M18 FUEL™ Deep Cut Band Saw Gen 2 and the M18 FUEL™ Dual-Trigger Deep Cut Band Saw with ONE-KEY™, delivering an overall better cutting performance for users. The next generation of band saws are the

Read More »
Latest Issue
Issue 330 : Jul 2025

Kenneth Booth

Construction begins on multi-million pound SEN school in Greenwich

Construction begins on multi-million pound SEN school in Greenwich

MARKING a key development milestone, work has begun to construct a brand-new secondary school for pupils with special educational needs (SEN) in Greenwich. Located on Hargood Road, Rowan Wood School will provide 128 places for children aged 11-19 with autism (ASD) and complex needs, and is set to complete later this year. The two-storey SEN facility will be situated on the site of former primary school Kidbrooke Park, which has been demolished to make way for the new purpose-built school. Designed to Department for Education (DfE) regulations and Building Bulletin 104 (BB104) guidelines, Rowan Wood will consist of three modular buildings which will be linked together, with one building dedicated to administration and dining, and the other two designed for teaching. Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard is behind the project, providing project management, cost management, and health and safety services via the Crown Commercial Service Construction Professional Services framework, working in close collaboration with contractor Galliford Try and architects Haverstock. Simon Hembury, associate director of project management at Pick Everard, said: “It’s always rewarding to work on SEN schools and consider the unique design requirements that staff and pupils will need from their space. “At Rowan Wood, that means we’re consulting extensively with various stakeholders to ensure we are designing an inclusive space for all, in line with DfE regulations. “The site is located in a residential area, so we have worked very closely with both the Royal Borough of Greenwich and Galliford Try to ensure minimal disruption and ensure everyone is on board with a project that will really transform local educational need in the area. “We’re looking forward to seeing the site evolve over the course of the year and have a positive impact on the region.” As part of the project, the team cleared a large amount of asbestos from the previous school building onsite, ensuring the area is safe for future construction. Helping maintain quality and efficient standards of delivery, offsite construction methods will be used to construct the new school, with transport routes carefully determined to deliver goods and materials to the site. PV panels will also be installed on the roof, with the project targeting BREEAM Excellent. Gavin Bridge, managing director for building southern at Galliford Try, said: “This event marked the start of our collective journey towards providing an exceptional SEN school. We are excited to work alongside the Royal Borough of Greenwich and our partners to bring Rowan Wood school to life. Providing every child with the opportunity to thrive, to learn, and to grow in a setting designed to meet their unique needs and aspirations.” Cllr Majid Rahman, cabinet member for planning, estate renewal and development, said: “This day marks the start of an exciting new chapter for our local education and planning sectors. This is tangible proof of the resource we are inputting into much needed positive developments for our residents. We are working on building more provisions like this in the borough to meet demand which I am eager to see come to fruition.” For more information on Pick Everard’s services, head to https://www.pickeverard.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Poor quality operations and maintenance lead to underperforming solar systems for landlords and property owners, says Longevity Power

Poor quality operations and maintenance lead to underperforming solar systems for landlords and property owners, says Longevity Power

Strategic renewable energy consultancy calls on property asset managers to prioritise the performance and safety of their commercial solar PV assets to boost profitability Landlords and property asset managers should pay closer attention to the operations and maintenance of the solar systems installed on their buildings otherwise they risk devaluing their asset and also missing out on potentially lucrative returns, according to Longevity Power, the independent strategic renewable energy consultancy. As the global solar market continues to grow, the losses from underperforming solar assets grow with it. 2024 research by RaptorMaps, the solar asset management company, found that worldwide, underperforming solar PV systems are estimated to have led to USD$4.6 billion in preventable losses in 2023. Anthony Maguire, Managing Director at Longevity Power, explained, “A commercial solar PV system is an investment that needs to be properly maintained and monitored in order to deliver a reliable ongoing return for the owner. Real estate investors who install solar PV systems on their properties often rely on the installer to oversee the operations and maintenance of their new asset. This approach may seem easier, however installers are often not well placed to provide a sufficiently high quality of service”. Correctly maintaining and optimising a solar PV system can be challenging without the right expertise. Maguire makes the point that the potential revenue missed can quickly add up without owners realising or taking any steps to rectify it. “Without properly tracking performance, there is no recourse for the asset owner to trigger performance damages or remediation work for which the installer may be contractually liable” said Maguire. “In reality, companies that install systems are often not well equipped to carry out maintenance and monitor performance because they lack both the dedicated in-house expertise and the appropriate platform, often relying upon the free portal provided by the inverter manufacturer.” Maguire continued, “At a basic level, failing to monitor your asset can be a significant fire safety risk but further to this, it can have a big impact on projects return on investment.” “For example, there is a very real possibility that the asset owner might be receiving an export tariff for the energy generated from their building’s solar system that is below market rate.By tendering this regularly you can secure a higher rate. And in markets where there are negative export prices during periods of peak generation, systems that are not managed in a dynamic, smart way will actually incur a cost. “Poor solar PV maintenance and management also causes problems further down the line when the time comes to sell a property. We are increasingly seeing prospective buyers pull out of sales where onsite solar PV systems are lacking a data bank of historical performance data and as-built specification documentation. “Missed revenue opportunities can quickly add up too, including the potential for the co-location of battery storage. By continually evaluating the consumption pattern of the building, owners can identify opportunities to install batteries for the storage of surplus electricity rather than exporting it back to the grid. Investing in on-site battery storage becomes financially sensible and delivers significant cost savings as both the consumption pattern of the asset and the market price of consumed electricity and surplus generation inevitably change over time. Maguire identified the following important steps for asset managers and property owners to follow to ensure poor performance doesn’t eat into potential returns. “Fundamentally owners need to be smart about how they manage these assets. To get the best out of an asset, owners need to remotely monitor their system on a platform that is able to collate a wide variey of data points to ensure that it is performing in line with expectations,” he said. “This way, the platform can conclusively determine whether there is a safety fault that merits further investigation, or based on the cost of cleaning and the forecasted drop off in performance, whether it is worthwhile having the panels cleaned.” “Without careful operation, maintenance and management of their solar PV systems, asset owners are not only compromising the safety of their tenants and their buildings, but also leaving money on the table and delaying a worthwhile return on their investment.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Bobcat Introduces New Lithium Batteries, Forklifts and Warehouse Equipment at LogiMAT

Bobcat Introduces New Lithium Batteries, Forklifts and Warehouse Equipment at LogiMAT

Bobcat is presenting several new developments at LogiMAT 2025 as part of a comprehensive display of the company’s material handling product lines, including diesel, LPG and electric forklifts, reach trucks and warehouse equipment such as pallet trucks and stackers. Bobcat is showing three new developments in the range including: Introducing Bobcat Lithium (Li-ION) Batteries At LogiMAT 2025, Bobcat is announcing the upcoming launch of the company’s new Li-ION battery range, available in various capacity options. This reliable, high-quality battery technology has been developed by Bobcat and will be installed in each series. With a lifespan 2–3 times longer than lead-acid batteries – plus fast, efficient charging – lithium battery power can ensure that work can be kept flowing more flexibly. Moreover, with a 5-year/10,000 hour warranty and seamless forklift integration, Bobcat’s lithium batteries deliver lasting value for any application. Key specifications include: •           400 and 600 Ah available for each voltage •           Integrated with truck CANBUS, no need for a separate display •           Cell chemistry: LiFePO4 (LFP) = Lithium iron (ferro) phosphate •           Heat management system applied •           Monitoring and diagnostics app available New Bobcat Li-ION Chargers The battery range is complemented by new Li-ION Chargers from Bobcat. The chargers are optimised for quick and reliable charging, ensuring equipment is powered and running efficiently. Where the customer needs a rapid stand-alone charger, Bobcat Li-ION Chargers provide the flexibility and performance to keep operations running smoothly. New Warehouse Equipment (Class 3) Bobcat is updating its warehouse equipment portfolio with three new product series. In addition, the company’s current LSM12N-7 and BSL12/16N-7 stackers are now available in initial lift versions. The new warehouse products will also be available with Li-ION batteries from production. New warehouse product series: •           BPM16/20N-7: pedestrian powered pallet trucks: 1.6 & 2 t capacity •           BPR20/25N-7: powered pallet trucks with platform: 2 & 2.5 t capacity •           BSR12/16N-7: powered platform stacker trucks: 1.2 & 1.6 t capacity •           BSR16N-7i: powered platform stacker truck with initial lift: 1.6 t capacity The new BPM16/20N-7 pallet trucks are the perfect match for all kinds of applications in and around SMEs, manufacturing and warehousing. The long tiller arm provides optimal, highly ergonomic operation. It requires less effort, and the operator maintains an optimal distance from the truck. Top-quality components, robust construction, a travel speed up to 6 km/h, and simplified maintenance make the pallet trucks in this series reliable partners for every task.  The BPR20/25N-7 powered platform pallet trucks feature a travel speed of up to 8 km/h, ensuring the trucks are built for optimal horizontal transportation over extended distances. Equipped with Electric Power Steering (EPS), these trucks offer ergonomic and safe operation. The suspension flip-down platform minimizes body vibrations, and the sideways protective arms provide additional stability and protect the operator during turns. In walking operation mode, the platform and arms are folded compactly within the truck’s outline, conserving space. The 1.2 and 1.6 t capacity BSR12/16N-7 powered platform stacker trucks are designed for high efficiency, excelling in storage and picking operations involving heavy weights. The ergonomic, suspension flip-down platform – paired with protective arms – greatly enhances operational efficiency. These trucks are capable of reaching lift heights up to 5.5 m and they are also perfect for tasks over extended distances. Thanks to the robust 8 mm metal skirt, strong chassis, durable mast and metal battery cover – along with premium components from leading suppliers – these models lower service costs and ensure constant readiness for professional use. The EPS system, coupled with the proportional lifting function, enables smooth and effortless stacking operations. Bobcat’s First Li-ION 3-wheel Forklifts The company is introducing the BNT series, Bobcat’s first Li-ION 3-wheel forklifts, designed for light to medium-duty applications. These models — B16NT, B18NT and B20NT — offer a cost-effective, eco-friendly solution tailored to the growing electric forklift market. The new range extends Bobcat’s electric counterbalanced line-up. Manoeuvrability is the key aspect in the design of these forklifts, making them ideal for use in tight environments. Despite their compact size, these forklifts boast an ergonomic design that ensures large leg room and exceptional operating comfort for the operator. Setting a new standard in confined space material handling, these forklifts provide a smooth ride and high stability in every job. Three different load capacity models are available: •           B16NT – 1.6 t load capacity at 500 mm •           B18NT – 1.8 t load capacity at 500 mm •           B20NT – 2.0 t load capacity at 500 mm Key Highlights •           Dual Drive: equipped with 4.5 kW dual-drive motors to boost productivity •           Maintenance-free 51.2V 300 Ah Li-ION (LFP) battery and 150A charger (380V) •    Comfortable dimensions: designed for compact environments, while still offering comfortable spacious dimensions for the operator Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Hendrik Veder Group UK Amplifies Partnership with Lift-Tex

Hendrik Veder Group UK Amplifies Partnership with Lift-Tex

To help businesses streamline heavy lifting operations with safer, more efficient, and cost-effective solutions, Hendrik Veder Group UK has strengthened its strategic alliance with Lift-Tex®. This partnership will ensure that industries reliant on heavy lifting across the UK, including maritime, shipping, construction, oil and gas, and renewables, will gain direct access to the Lift-Tex® advanced Extreema® round sling product line, known for its superior strength, flexibility, and ease of use. As a key supplier of Lift-Tex® Extreema round slings in the UK, Hendrik Veder Group UK has reinforced its position as a provider of premium heavy lifting solutions. This collaboration is particularly valuable for the growing renewable sector, where the slings play a critical role in handling and transporting the blades used in offshore wind farm foundations. Manufactured in the Netherlands, the Extreema® slings incorporate cutting-edge ‘parallel laid fibre technology,’ making them up to eight times stronger than steel on a weight-for-weight basis. They also reduce overall weight by up to 80% compared to wire rope, making lifting operations safer, more flexible, and more cost-efficient. By integrating these high-performance slings into its offering, Hendrik Veder Group UK enhances its ability to support businesses in achieving safer and more efficient lifting operations. Bertwin Zonneveld, Managing Director of Hendrik Veder Group UK, commented: “This collaboration is a strategic step forward for our customers. By bringing Lift-Tex®’s innovative Extreema® slings to the UK market, we provide industries with a lifting solution that is lighter, safer, and more durable than traditional alternatives. Whether for long-standing marine and shipping clients or those developing the UK’s renewable energy infrastructure, this partnership ensures that our customers receive the best lifting technologies available. We look forward to connecting Lift-Tex® products to our loyal customers.” Bert Snel, Director of Lift-Tex added: “We are committed to supporting lifting requirements worldwide, and the long-term partnership with Hendrik Veder Group allows us to do just that. Our Extreema® slings have already proven their value across Europe, and through Hendrik Veder Group UK’s strong network, we are confident they will make a difference to UK industries, particularly in the fast-growing renewables sector.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
UK Government must consider ‘unintended consequences’ of High Street Rental Auction powers, NAEA Propertymark Commercial Advisory Panel suggests

UK Government must consider ‘unintended consequences’ of High Street Rental Auction powers, NAEA Propertymark Commercial Advisory Panel suggests

The ‘unintended consequences’ of High Street Rental Auction powers given to local councils must be considered by the UK Government, the NAEA Propertymark Commercial Advisory Panel has suggested.   The Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHLCG) has confirmed that more vacant shops and other empty premises will be transformed as councils use their new powers to revive high streets throughout England, which is part of the UK Government’s growth mission.   High Street Rental Auctions powers, which provide local councils the power to auction off leases for commercial properties that have been vacant for a considerable period, will be implemented by eight more local councils that have committed to this programme.   Councils include Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, Broxtowe Borough Council, Camden London Borough Council, Hillingdon London Borough Council, Lichfield District Council, North Northamptonshire Council, North Somerset Council and Westminster City Council.  This brings the total number of councils signed up to the programme to 11, as Bassetlaw, Darlington and Mansfield councils became Early Adopters in November to set an example to other councils.  Propertymark supports the scheme, but when the professional body responded to the public consultation on the measures back in July 2023, they recommended that local authorities should have the power to design and implement High Street Rental Auctions as they see fit depending on their area.  It also encouraged councils to guarantee that properties subject to a High Street Rental Auction have a reserve price to safeguard market prices and to ensure the price covers the costs of any mortgages.   Michael Sears, NAEA Propertymark Commercial Advisory Panel member, comments:   “The UK Government needs to consider the main unintended consequence of these measures. In areas where there are high numbers of vacancies, by auctioning off property where supply outstrips demand, this could only result in rents being driven down further, and investment in town centres where returns would be low would cease. The effect of this would be negative towards regeneration and inward investment.  “When a commercial rent review is due, are the results of high street auctions going to be used as evidence of market price by tenants’ surveyors? In which case commercial property investment and lending on commercial property could become problematic, given the heightened risk. There needs to be protections in place to avoid this downward spiral.”  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions champions female voices in construction

Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions champions female voices in construction

Women in construction are breaking barriers, driving change, and shaping the future of the industry. Their voices and experiences prove that progress is happening – but there’s still more to be done. This International Women’s Day, British Gypsum and Isover – businesses that are part of Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions – are proudly celebrating the women who are making an impact in the construction sector. By sharing their stories, we’re championing their achievements, amplifying their voices, and paving the way for an even more inclusive industry. Katie Anderson is Performance Manager at British Gypsum East Leake Works which produces bagged plaster and plasterboard. She has seen the business take proactive steps to help more women into its workforce. “We have got a lot more women coming through which is great,” she said. “It will take a while to change but I definitely see positive movement in that regard.” Katie joined British Gypsum in 2019 as a project leader and has progressed rapidly through the ranks. She is encouraging other women to consider construction manufacturing as a fulfilling career. “British Gypsum has really helped me with my training,” she added. “So even if you don’t have the skills initially, they can help you to develop those skills.” However, Katie says she still occasionally encounters gender bias. “Sometimes it can take a bit more time to build up a rapport or respect with people, it’s important to get to know people as individuals and learn to communicate with them in the most appropriate way.” Last year, Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions supported the launch of I am a Housebuilder. Founded by a cross-parliamentary group, it aims to grow the number of women working in the housebuilding industry. It is fronted by seven women who hold prominent roles in construction – dubbed the Magnificent 7. One of them is Xuan Meng, CEO of Cozy Haus. She started in property development after taking maternity leave from an investment fund. “It took me a lot of effort and mental determination to plunge myself into building Cozy Haus because it is something I’ve never done,” she said. “I thought to myself, if I could make this a success, it could give me the flexibility to be my own boss and also the flexibility to look after my daughter and the financial stability I wanted for my family. This was my chance, I took it, and I think that it was the best decision I ever made.” Cozy Haus now employs over 30 people and has more female staff than male. “I think that 60% of our staff members are female and a lot of them are single mums,” added Xuan. “I believe that, because you are a mum, you have more reasons to work hard not only because you have to provide financially but also because you have to lead by example.” As part of their mentoring programme, each of the Magnificent 7 will give one-to-one mentoring to women taking their first steps into the housebuilding sector. Georgina Hammond, Co-Founder of Beau Property, has taken 21-year-old graduate Abbi Bird under her wing as her mentee. Abbi saw the Magnificent 7 announced on LinkedIn and reached out to them about mentorship. She first became interested in construction aged 13 when her dad asked her to help with a building project. As a teenager she relentlessly pursued her passion, even switching schools to study construction and engineering before going on to complete a university degree. She is now shadowing Georgina while looking to start her career in construction management. “I really want to help her to navigate her career, to grow within her next role and be able to set goals for what her career is going to look like,” said Georgina. “I hope that she achieves becoming an MD of a PLC housebuilder because I know that she’s got it in her. She’s incredibly determined, she’s so enthusiastic, and she loves building houses. She’s incredibly technically minded. “It is so amazing and encouraging that people from that next generation have the enthusiasm and want to get into this industry because they feel so passionately about it and love it. So, I think from Abbi’s perspective, the sky is the limit and she can achieve anything. “Women need this support in an industry that is male dominated. I think that if we had this conversation again in ten years’ time, that would look very different. But while we go through that transition period, there needs to be role models and support for women that are making the move to enter this industry, to help them thrive.” The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is Accelerate Action, focusing on driving progress for gender equality. Rachel Kelly, Head of Brand for British Gypsum and Isover said: “We are proud to support International Women’s Day and are accelerating our efforts to bring talented women into our workforce. “Women remain underrepresented in construction, facing barriers such as gender bias, lack of career visibility, and limited opportunities for progression. We are committed to addressing these challenges by amplifying female voices, promoting inclusivity and providing pathways for women to thrive in the sector.” The Building Better Hub provides resources and talking points on workforce gender diversity and other major industry issues. To hear more from some of the industry leaders featured in this article or to discover more about what women in construction have to say, visit the Building Better hub: https://www.saint-gobain.co.uk/building-better-hub/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Flagship London project The Elephant on Oxford Street tops out

Flagship London project The Elephant on Oxford Street tops out

A new landmark in adaptive reuse and sustainable development… The Elephant, a landmark building undergoing a transformative £132m redevelopment in the heart of the capital, has officially reached its topping-out milestone. The iconic former House of Fraser building at 318 Oxford Street, London W1 is being reimagined as a vibrant mixed-use office and retail destination, featuring a marquee restaurant on the 8th floor with 360-degree views across the city. Set for completion in autumn 2026, The Elephant will offer 366,000ft² of premium commercial space including a state-of-the-art gym, a 25-metre swimming pool, and 42,600ft² of retail units. The project has been designed to preserve and enhance the structure with upmost attention to adapting the existing building structure and minimizing embodied carbon. The plans include the provision of new, attractive shopfronts, extensive refurbishment of the existing façade, and the creation of highly flexible, open floorplates for varied uses. They are also incorporating a large-scale elephant sculpture crafted from recycled steel, symbolising the project’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in urban placemaking. On the interior, the existing sixth and seventh floors have been removed and replaced with three new floors. Originally constructed in 1937 with high-quality materials that have stood the test of time, the iconic building is being carefully restored to retain its historical integrity, while embracing modern green building standards. The redevelopment process includes a focus on key features such as the grand double-height entrance preserved to maintain the building’s original character and a transition from gas boilers to energy efficient air-source heat pumps. Paul Davis, director at project and cost management firm MGAC, comments: ‘‘The Elephant exemplifies a forward-thinking approach that minimises environmental impact. The conversion from gas boilers to air-source heat pumps is a direct response to tenant requirements for greener infrastructure, reinforcing the building’s future-proof credentials. Located within a conservation area, the project underscores the importance of adaptive reuse in an evolving urban landscape. This moment marks a significant step forward for this landmark building as well as our firm commitment to set a new benchmark for responsible urban regeneration in London”. Through a heritage-led approach, the revitalization improves the streetscape while integrating cutting-edge energy efficiency measures. The project aims to achieve a high BREEAM rating, with improved ventilation strategies to enhance air quality and reduce airborne disease transmission. MGAC is providing project management, cost management, and health + safety services for the project which is reflective of a wider shift in the industry to reduce embodied carbon through the strategic reuse of existing building materials. The topping out ceremony will take place on 28 February 2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
McLaren Living secures approval for 314-home mixed-use development in Watford

McLaren Living secures approval for 314-home mixed-use development in Watford

Residential developer McLaren Living has received planning permission for a 314-home build-to-rent (BTR) mixed-use scheme in Watford, Hertfordshire. The development will transform the former Watford Police Station and Magistrates Court on Clarendon Road, incorporating co-living units alongside the residential offering. The 1.75-acre brownfield site will also feature a new public green square, 31,441 sq ft of workspace, 4,485 sq ft of retail space, including a café, and approximately 6,000 sq ft of children’s play areas. The plans include enhanced public spaces, landscaping, parking, and 400 cycle spaces. McLaren has committed to reducing the project’s embodied carbon by repurposing some existing structures, targeting an overall carbon reduction of 72.5%. Patrick Joyce, development director at McLaren Living, said: “We very much look forward to delivering on our plans for Clarendon Road and bringing forward a new mixed-use urban quarter for Watford. It is an exciting opportunity to revitalise this part of Clarendon Road and to deliver much-needed homes, workspace, a new garden square, and public realm on an underutilised town centre site. We will continue to work with Watford Borough Council, the local community, and stakeholders as we bring our proposals forward.” As part of the development, McLaren will contribute £3.5 million through Section 106 agreements. Hertfordshire Police Constabulary vacated the site in February 2024. Details regarding construction timelines and costs have yet to be disclosed. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
MILWAUKEE® Delivers the Next Generation of Deep Cut Band Saws

MILWAUKEE® Delivers the Next Generation of Deep Cut Band Saws

Providing user demanded performance, MILWAUKEE® introduces the next generation of deep cut band saws, the M18 FUEL™ Deep Cut Band Saw Gen 2 and the M18 FUEL™ Dual-Trigger Deep Cut Band Saw with ONE-KEY™, delivering an overall better cutting performance for users. The next generation of band saws are the lightest in their class, weighing up to 1.4 kg lighter than our previous generations and are 30% faster than the previous generation.  With an enhanced handle design for overhead cuts, the new band saws provide comfort for users to deliver decreased fatigue and allow them to stay more productive on the job site. The POWERSTATE™ brushless motor delivers maximum power and best in class cutting experience. Providing users with up to 78 cuts per battery charge on a M18™ REDLITHIUM™ 5.0 Ah Battery Pack, the band saws eliminate multiple trips to the charger onsite, increasing productivity. Supplied with 4-step speed mode and variable speed trigger, the band saws feature a new trigger design allowing for better control over the speed of cut on a variety of metals. The tool-free adjustable shoe helps guide the user through a straighter cut, and an LED work light illuminates their application for increased visibility. The band saws are equipped with features to enhance the control of their cut while maximising their cutting experience throughout the day. Delivering additional safety and control, the M18 FUEL™ Deep Cut Band Saw Gen 2 and M18 FUEL™ Dual-Trigger Deep Cut Band Saw with ONE-KEY™ provides enhanced safety to onsite cutting. Equipped with cut-stop technology, the tool will shut off automatically after the cut and an integrated blade cover protects users from injury by preventing any access to the blade, increasing user safety. MILWAUKEE® is committed to improving productivity by providing performance-driven and trade-focused solutions so users can perform an entire day’s work on one battery system. The M18 FUEL™ Band Saws is fully compatible with the entire M18™ line, now offering more than 315 solutions. *M18 FUEL™ is engineered for the most demanding tradesmen in the world. Delivering unrivalled performance, all M18 FUEL™ products feature three MILWAUKEE®-exclusive innovations—The POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor, REDLITHIUM™ Battery Pack and REDLINK PLUS™ Intelligence Hardware and Software—that deliver unmatched power, run-time, and durability on the job site. Simply put, M18 FUEL™ tools are the most powerful 18V cordless tools in their class. Specifications M18 FUEL™ Deep Cut Band Saw Gen 2 M18 FBS127-502C Kit Includes: (1) M18 FUEL™ Deep Cut Band Saw Gen 2, (2) M18 B5 Battery Packs, (1) M12-18 FC Charger, (1) Kitbox M18 FUEL™ Dual-Trigger Deep Cut Band Saw with ONE-KEY™ M18 FBS127DO-0C Kit Includes: (1) M18 FUEL™ Deep Cut Band Saw Gen 2, (1) Kitbox Perfect Match: M18 FUEL™ Deep Cut Band Saw Gen 2  M18 FUEL™ Dual-Trigger Deep Cut Band Saw with ONE-KEY™ (48390601) To find out more M18 FUEL™ Band Saws, see video footage of it in action or find your nearest store, please visit www.milwaukeetool.euVisit Milwaukee Tool UK’s Instagram and LinkedIn for further information Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Work will complete in spring on one of Europe’s most advanced clinical and hazardous waste incinerators

Work will complete in spring on one of Europe’s most advanced clinical and hazardous waste incinerators

Work will complete this spring on a multi-million-pound state-of-the-art incinerator at Newton Aycliffe in County Durham that will process up to 10,500 tonnes of clinical and hazardous waste each year and transform it into a low-carbon heat source for local businesses. The 75,000 sq ft facility at Merchant Park is being development managed by INDEV Projects on behalf of Fornax Environmental Solutions and Gresham House, which is an £8.3billion asset management fund. Yorkshire based Tate Consulting is providing full mechanical and electrical design services on the project and GMI Construction Group is the principal contractor. The high-temperature treatment facility, which is set to create more than 17 highly skilled jobs, will be operated by Fornax Environmental Solutions and will process waste that cannot be sent to landfill, recycled or go to other types of energy-from-waste plants. The site’s innovative technology will produce a zero-carbon district heating scheme within Merchant Park. The development is part of an initial £15million investment, excluding the incinerator installation, which will be undertaken as a second phase by renewable heat specialist, Nordheat. The site is set to open in 2026 and has been designed to comfortably meet and surpass new regulations on emission controls, which will be introduced later this year. Currently there are only three high-temperature treatment facilities for clinical and hazardous waste in the UK. Once the site is operational, it will process all types of clinical waste from hospitals, nursing homes, dental clinics, GP surgeries and veterinary practices. It will also be used for certain items of hazardous waste which could include electrical items, DIY related materials and certain beauty products. Ray Cavanagh, who is a director at Yorkshire headquartered Tate Consulting, said: “This is the first thermal treatment project that we’ve worked on, but it’s a perfect fit for us because it plays to our strengths of adding value to pioneering and high-quality developments that are environmentally astute, highly sustainable and institutionally funded. “We have designed and will be implementing cutting-edge solutions at every stage of the project spanning the mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) services, a highly advanced sprinkler system as well as integrating the site into a 5.6MW district heating system.” Nick McTague, from INDEV Projects, which is a joint venture between Tate Group and Generate Real Estate, said: “Once complete, the facility will boast the latest energy-from-waste technology, which will be complemented by a wide range of green credentials. “The whole building will be highly insulated and constructed with low or zero volatile organic compound materials, Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood, some recycled steel, eco-friendly paint, solar panels and a sustainable urban drainage system. All this will combine to create one of the most advanced, high-temperature treatment facilities of its kind in Europe.” Other companies in the development team include architects, ASA, structural engineering practice, Burrows Graham and quantity surveyor and employer’s agent, KAM. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »