National contractor Wates Construction has been awarded a £16m contract to build the new state-of-the-art The Whitehaven Academy School, its second educational facility in the area after completing Campus Whitehaven last year. The development will replace the existing Whitehaven Academy School on Cleator Moor Road, which will be demolished to
Contractors must be prepared for the growing popularity of smart control technology in residential and commercial building heating systems, according to Warming The Next Generation, a new downloadable guide from polymer specialists REHAU. With space heating methods continuing to change and develop as efficiency and sustainability becomes an increasing priority,
40-acre former BAE site when developed will accommodate 803,000 sq. ft of new industrial warehouse space. St Francis Group, a leading UK-based property development and investment group and an expert in brownfield development and regeneration has today announced that a planning application has been submitted for the redevelopment of a
The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) is supporting redundant workers by allowing them to apply for and renew SKILLcards free of charge. Anyone who suffered redundancy as a result of the Covid-19 crisis since March 1 will have their fees waived if they apply between August 1 and October 31.
THE LATEST completion of an 11,000 sq. ft warehouse by Stepnell has been a project with a difference, with the construction firm not only acting as the landlord, developer, principal contractor, and employer’s agent, but also successfully implementing its “whole team” approach to deliver in an efficient manner. Acting as
A local development corporation has plans to redevelop an area of 4,500 acres in the North East of England in order to house several new industries. The former steelworks at Redcar will first need to undergo major demolition works, but clearing the land could pave the way to a prosperous future for
~ Company joins an elite group ~ Finning UK Ltd, exclusive dealer of Cat® equipment, has been awarded a prestigious gold standard employer award in acknowledgement of its continuous support for the armed forces community. The award highlights Finning as an exemplar within the industry sectors that it works including
Construction and civil engineering specialist GRAHAM has secured its first two contracts on Network Rail’s Control Period 6 (CP6) Western Route framework. The workload which will consist of asset renewals covering design and construction of all rail categories, including building and civil engineering, electrification, power, signalling telecommunications and track, is
In response to the further easing of lockdown restrictions, HAE EHA (Hire Association Europe and Event Hire Association) is to restart SafeHire Certification audits to help get the industry back on its feet – in line with recovery strategies of the UK governments and the Republic of Ireland. HAE EHA
Marine plywood is made with waterproof glue and has excellent quality. However, this type of plywood is not decay-resistant because it is not chemically treated. It is also a common choice for boat parts and constructing boats. It is used for outdoor furniture because of its durability, especially when it
National contractor Wates Construction has been awarded a £16m contract to build the new state-of-the-art The Whitehaven Academy School, its second educational facility in the area after completing Campus Whitehaven last year. The development will replace the existing Whitehaven Academy School on Cleator Moor Road, which will be demolished to make way for a new three-storey education facility and sports hall, together with associated parking and landscaping. The main school building will contain a mixture of general teaching spaces for 900 pupils aged 11-16, with a focus on specialist teaching spaces for subjects as science, PE, design and technology. It has also been designed with flexibility and future expansion in mind, with plans to accommodate a 150-pupil sixth form centre in the next five years. Wates is carefully phasing the works and strictly adhering to social distancing guidelines to help minimise any disruption and protect workers and pupils at the school. Government mandated BIM 4D modelling will also be used to foster greater collaborative planning, design co-ordination, and clash detection. Work started on site in late June, with handover of the new school set to take place in early 2022. It will be delivered in partnership with supply chain partners SES Engineering Services, Cubby Construction and Elland Structures. The Whitehaven Academy School has been procured by The Department for Education via its Construction Framework, further bolstering Wates’ already expansive education portfolio in the North West, with the firm also delivering Maghull High School and the Star Academies Eden schools in Blackburn and Manchester. Wates has enjoyed a 12-year relationship with the Department for Education, delivering 22 schools worth a total of £400m and benefitting 20,000 pupils. Dave Saville, business unit director for Wates Construction in the North West, said: “We’re looking forward to delivering another outstanding educational facility to the people of Whitehaven, after completing Campus Whitehaven last year. “After years of collaboration, we fully share the Department of Education and Cumbria Education Trust’s vision for what schools could and should be like – world-class educational spaces and facilities that inspire both pupils and teachers, promoting the learning process at every stage and futureproofed for the next generation. “As with any live school construction site, there will always be challenges when it comes to building close by to current school buildings. However, by making use our offsite facilities and with decades of experience in the education sector, we have the skillset and capability to minimise disruption to the school – which was crucial to us gaining a place on the framework.” Nick Polmear, operations director at Cumbria Education Trust, added: “It’s time to replace the Whitehaven school buildings, with a new, modern design that is fit-for-purpose, provides the best learning environment for students, and can be adapted to accommodate further expansion in time. “This is an important development to get right, which is why we made the decision to work with Wates, one of the most valued suppliers on our Construction Framework bringing years of experience and sector expertise to the table.” The project is the latest for Wates Construction in the North West, with the team currently delivering St. Helens Fire Station, Sands Leisure Centre in Carlisle, and a new leisure hub in Widnes.
Contractors must be prepared for the growing popularity of smart control technology in residential and commercial building heating systems, according to Warming The Next Generation, a new downloadable guide from polymer specialists REHAU. With space heating methods continuing to change and develop as efficiency and sustainability becomes an increasing priority, REHAU’s new guide focuses on smart controls and their role in this shifting landscape. Specifically, it explores the use of underfloor heating (UFH), and its flexibility in commercial and residential properties when combined with such smart technology. The guide explores trends in modern space heating requirements in multiple environments, including co-working spaces and home offices. It goes on to outline the growth of smart controls within the heating and energy markets and offers practical advice for developers and contractors looking to implement smart control and underfloor heating technology into their projects. “We are moving towards a smart future and the role of technology in our everyday lives is increasing exponentially,” says Franz Huelle, Head of Technical at REHAU Building Solutions. “With guides such as Warming The Next Generation, we aim to raise awareness of this ongoing trend, the factors behind it, and what it means for building professionals. Equipped with clear, concise information about the future of UFH and smart controls, contractors and developers can ensure they are best placed to react to this growing demand for greater levels of modular control within residential and commercial buildings.” Referencing the introduction of 5G and the ever-growing smart technology market, the guide goes on to highlight the importance of keeping abreast of the latest smart innovations as the construction sector moves toward a connected future. Using REHAU’s own NEA Smart 2.0 UFH smart control as an example, it explores how internet connectivity, machine learning and geofencing technology can optimise space heating, simplify installation and maintenance, and give any building heating system flexibility and adaptability long into the future. Franz continues: “Alongside government bodies and contractors, suppliers have a major role to play in ensuring the country’s building stock is sustainable and efficient, and this guide is part of our commitment to achieving this. We want to show construction professionals that, regardless of their project’s size or complexity, expert advice and comprehensive, flexible solutions that improve overall sustainability are available.” For more information and to download Warming the Next Generation, visit: www.rehau.uk/smartguide
40-acre former BAE site when developed will accommodate 803,000 sq. ft of new industrial warehouse space. St Francis Group, a leading UK-based property development and investment group and an expert in brownfield development and regeneration has today announced that a planning application has been submitted for the redevelopment of a former BAE site at Radway Green in Crewe. Working in conjunction with the current landowners, plans have been submitted for 803,000 sq. ft of new industrial warehouse space on the 40-acre site part of which has already been demolished and cleared. Working collaboratively with Tilstone Industrial Limited, the proposals will see the creation of a high-quality multi-unit estate replacing the existing old, outdated stock as well as significant infrastructure improvements. Talking about the announcement Gareth Williams, Development Director at St Francis Group said “We are delighted to be working with our partners at Tilstone Industrial and Radway 16 will be a regionally significant industrial warehouse scheme. With quick and easy access off junction 16 of the M6 it will attract a broad range of occupiers looking for a quality of space currently lacking in the area”. Andrew Bird of Tilstone added “As we build the portfolio of well located estates across the UK, there are a number of opportunities to regenerate buildings which, on this occasion, will replace many of the existing warehouses. We will work with existing occupiers to phase the scheme, respecting the interests of all stakeholders.” The planning application will seek detailed consent for two units of 208,000 sq. ft and 143,000 sq. ft and outline consent for an additional 452,000 sq. ft. Infrastructure improvements will include work around the sites access off Radway Green Road. Units could be made available for occupation by the end of 2021. Joint sole letting agents are Gerald Eve, DTRE and Savills.
The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) is supporting redundant workers by allowing them to apply for and renew SKILLcards free of charge. Anyone who suffered redundancy as a result of the Covid-19 crisis since March 1 will have their fees waived if they apply between August 1 and October 31. Engineering Services SKILLcard is one of the construction industry’s largest skills certification registers with more than 64,000 card holders across the UK. As a BESA group company, SKILLcard is the card and registration scheme for the mechanical sector of the building engineering services industry in the UK and is used by heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration specialists to provide proof of competence and qualifications. Applicants must still hold the relevant qualifications and certificates, but if they can provide evidence of redundancy they will not be charged the £40 fee when completing their renewal or application process. “We are acutely aware that many people in our sector are going through a torrid time,” said BESA Director of Certification Rachel Davidson. “Waiving SKILLcard fees may seem a relatively small gesture, but it represents a significant financial investment by BESA in the future of our people and our industry. Uncertain “It is also shows that we are serious about retaining skilled people in our sector and is just one of a number of ways in which the Association is trying to support workers faced with uncertain futures,” she added. BESA’s gesture is in line with the government-backed Construction Talent Retention Scheme that is designed to help redundant workers find new positions within the industry and avoid a repeat of the last recession when more than 500,000 people left construction. “Holding the relevant card is an essential part of finding work in our sector, enabling individuals to demonstrate relevant qualifications and experience so their skills can be re-deployed if they have lost their job,” said Ms Davidson. “This is a short-term downturn that could have very serious long-term consequences if we allow skills to drain away from our industry. We already had a serious skills gap before Covid-19 and if we don’t act now we will struggle to find the people we need to deliver the vital building engineering projects required to support the economic recovery,” she added. BESA is also launching its online Academy, which will make it easier for anyone working in building engineering services to access the training they need to refresh and update their skills.
THE LATEST completion of an 11,000 sq. ft warehouse by Stepnell has been a project with a difference, with the construction firm not only acting as the landlord, developer, principal contractor, and employer’s agent, but also successfully implementing its “whole team” approach to deliver in an efficient manner. Acting as a “complete construction partner”, the detached warehouse is part of the latest phase at OGEE Business Park in Wellingborough. Stepnell provided master-planning to create more than 350,000 sq. ft. of high-quality warehouse, industrial and office space. The 24-acre OGEE Business Park offers design and build opportunities available for sale or to let through Stepnell’s property team. The warehouse unit is being leased by one of Stepnell’s existing tenants at the business park, Double R Glass and Roofing Systems Ltd. The double-glazing supplier is expanding from its current warehouse at Ogee Business Park that it has leased since the unit was first built by Stepnell ten years ago. The new warehouse, located at the entrance to the business park, features fully fitted office space, including kitchen areas, a reception space and private offices. Edward Wakeford, property director at Stepnell, said: “We are delighted to have completed our latest project at OGEE Business Park. The development showcases our ability to offer a complete service; from planning and construction, all the way through to the development overseen by our dedicated team. “Using our own in-house expertise and property management team, we’ve been able to manage the project as a whole rather than having to tackle each part individually, making for an efficient build. We are proud to be able to offer this end-to-end approach, helping to provide continuity and consistency throughout the development. “We are really pleased to have supported our tenants Double R Glass and Roofing Systems on this development as part of their business growth and to provide the new warehouse facility, which they will now expand into. Stepnell built the first unit that Double R Glass and Roofing Systems occupied for the past ten years and it is great that we are able to continue the relationship.” Made up of a steel portal frame construction, the building also features fully landscaped external areas, providing a loading area with two five metre high loading doors as well as a dedicated car park for up to 17 vehicles. Once fully complete, OGEE Business Park – situated on the Finedon Road Estate and approximately a mile and a half north of Wellingborough town centre – will bring new investment and commercial opportunities to the area, providing new jobs for the Midlands region. Stepnell’s in-house property management experience includes an £8 million commercial development at Stepnell Park, which features ten industrial warehouse buildings and will eventually house a new head office for the 154-year-old family-owned firm. Badby Leys in Rugby, a development of three homes, which was completed at the end of March 2020 was also fully developed, built and managed by the construction company. Other occupiers at OGEE Business Park include Bedford Battery Company Ltd, Double “R” Glazing, Robinson Manufacturing and Tripal International. To find out more about Stepnell visit: www.stepnell.co.uk or join the conversation at @Stepnellltd
A local development corporation has plans to redevelop an area of 4,500 acres in the North East of England in order to house several new industries. The former steelworks at Redcar will first need to undergo major demolition works, but clearing the land could pave the way to a prosperous future for the local area. When transforming large sites for new construction developments, it’s easy to see the long-term benefits that land clearing can bring. However, even on a smaller scale, the removal of dangerous materials, diseased trees or potentially hazardous dry wood can ensure its suitability for use and improve the safety of nearby communities. Preparing Land For Construction Following the completion of constructions in Shanghai, Berlin and Nevada, the next Tesla Gigafactory is to be built near Austin Texas on a site covering over 2,000 acres. Preparation is key for such a large construction, and Tesla have now commenced clearing and preparing the land for development. Clearing a large site like this is a huge undertaking and requires state of art equipment and land development experts to complete the project to the highest standard. Professional land clearing and property clean up services will clear away brush and trees. In addition, by liaising with local authorities, sites with potential issues such as power lines or pipelines are quickly dealt with, allowing construction to commence without delay. As it took just 168 days to finish the gigafactory in Shanghai, a prompt start to the project would be highly desirable. Removing Diseased Trees And Plants When land has been abandoned and left unused for a long period of time, the rotting wood it houses may attract pests and encourage disease, which can quickly spread to surrounding areas. If the land is to become useful again, extensive clearing is necessary to wipe out any infestation. Although only recently discovered in the UK, serious fungus-like bacteria have also been found to cause damage to a range of trees and plants in both the USA and Europe. As the disease spreads quickly to otherwise healthy trees and plants, infected trees can be completely removed, even in environmentally protected areas. To thoroughly destroy the disease, a larger area of containment is cleared to stop it from spreading further. Preventing The Spread Of Wildfires Even if it doesn’t house pests and other infestations, land filled with debris, rotting wood and dead tree stumps can be hazardous to anyone who needs to access it. In California, dry brush and wood are also highly flammable. By clearing it away and thinning out trees, local authorities hope to prevent the spread of deadly wildfires. Although there are strict regulations in place to protect land from potential environmental damage, these have been eased in areas close to communities that could become vulnerable to fire damage. To offset major clearing projects, other initiatives are planned that will help to naturally balance the protection of valuable forests, while at the same time managing the destructive spread of wildfires. From preparing huge construction sites to ensuring the safety of local communities, there are many reasons to use professional services to clear land of hazardous debris, pests and dead wood. Land clearance is an integral to the construction of new developments as the building work itself.
~ Company joins an elite group ~ Finning UK Ltd, exclusive dealer of Cat® equipment, has been awarded a prestigious gold standard employer award in acknowledgement of its continuous support for the armed forces community. The award highlights Finning as an exemplar within the industry sectors that it works including construction, power generation, waste management and paving, by advocating support for the armed forces. The company joins an elite group of organisations that includes Microsoft, Greater Manchester Police and the Post Office who have been granted the Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award by the Military of Defence, with the Secretary of State for Defence making the official announcement on July 30, 2020. The scheme, now in its seventh year, recognises those companies that support the armed forces by proactively demonstrating a forces-friendly approach as part of their recruitment process, as well as having distinct HR policies for employees that are military veterans, reservists, volunteers or family members of those serving in the armed forces. In addition, companies are recognised because of their efforts to advocate the benefits of supporting those within the armed forces community and encouraging others to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and to engage in the Employer Recognition Scheme. Finning currently employs 27 military veterans and two reservists across its UK operations. Lisa Craddock, recruitment manager for Finning, submitted the nomination on behalf of the company. One of her team, Chris Clarke who is himself a military veteran, helped with the application. Clarke joined the army in 1999, eventually being promoted to Lance Corporal working as a Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineer where he repaired armoured vehicles. He left the service in 2007 and after working for a number of plant and HGV companies, joined Finning in 2012 to work as a repair rebuild engineer at the company’s Llantrisant depot in Wales. “As a former member of the armed forces it’s very important that employers are recognised for the ways in which they provide support to the armed forces communities,” explained Chris Clarke, “I nominated Finning for the scheme because I’ve seen first-hand it’s unwavering commitment and support for those coming out of the military to work as a civilian, which can be a real challenge. Finning has recognised my potential and given me many opportunities that I didn’t have in other civilian jobs, allowing me to learn skills and challenge my abilities.” “This is a tremendous honour for Finning and is a testament to the company going the extra mile to support our armed services,” said David Primrose, Managing Director of Finning UK. “Finning has always had a good relationship with the military and is proud to be part of the Armed Forces Covenant. The gold award emphasises our respect for all of the armed forces as well as their families and the wider community. Our support highlights the contribution of former service personnel and volunteers and we’re proud to play an active role during and after their service to our country.” Phillip Sinclair, Regional Employer Engagement Director for the Military of Defence said: “I am pleased to confirm that Finning UK Ltd has been awarded Gold level recognition for the fantastic support and advocacy the company displays for the Armed Forces Community. I am delighted for Finning, having been a part of that journey and look forward tremendously to an ongoing business relationship. Welcome to the Gold Alumni!” This year’s 127 award winners join a group of 226 winners from previous years bringing the total to 353 organisations who can share their knowledge and experience on the benefits of employing those from the Armed Forces community.
Construction and civil engineering specialist GRAHAM has secured its first two contracts on Network Rail’s Control Period 6 (CP6) Western Route framework. The workload which will consist of asset renewals covering design and construction of all rail categories, including building and civil engineering, electrification, power, signalling telecommunications and track, is part of the framework’s strategic plan to deliver 140,000 more trains every year by 2024. The framework runs for five years and can be extendable for a further three. The contract wins will see GRAHAM deliver works at Stocks Overbridge and the River Avon Evesham bridge and Kelston Park. Stocks Overbridge is a single span elliptical masonry road over rail arch structure between Kingham and Moreton-in-Marsh in Gloucestershire. The project will involve the demolition of existing masonry arch to be replaced with a new superstructure which will be installed by GRAHAM’s project team over the course of three 30-hour rail possessions. River Avon Evesham bridge is a two-span rail underbridge spanning the river. The work involves structural repairs to both abutments and the central pier and scour protection works in the river with associated works. The second project at Kelston Park, which comprises a 1.75-mile-long embankment that is situated on the flood plain of the River Avon, is to install a cantilevering kingpost wall at the toe of the embankment on both sides of the railway. Network Rail’s Western route stretches from London Paddington to Penzance, through Bristol and up to the boundaries with Wales, Worcester and Basingstoke. It has re-organised into a Route-based delivery organisation, fully focused on customer outcomes. It is seeking to work with organisations that have the right culture, behaviours and ethics and are committed to delivering a safer, sustainable, better performing and more efficient railway. Leo Martin, Managing Director for the civil engineering division at GRAHAM, said: “We’re delighted to have been awarded our first two schemes on the CP6 Western Framework and are determined to ensure they are delivered successfully in every respect to demonstrate our capabilities further in the rail sector. “Both GRAHAM and Network Rail are committed to creating a safe and inclusive workplace, one which recognises and respects differences between people and facilitates a culture which embraces innovation and change and where collaborative working practices are passed down through the entire supply chain, generating mutual benefit to the industry as a whole.” Leo added: “These contracts will build on the great work we have achieved so far on the Crossrail project and enhance our presence in the West of England on the back of our work at Marsh Barton in Exeter. They also provide the opportunity to develop our rail team further and increase our profile with Network Rail which is an important and very valued customer for GRAHAM.” Works will commence at both projects in August this year.
In response to the further easing of lockdown restrictions, HAE EHA (Hire Association Europe and Event Hire Association) is to restart SafeHire Certification audits to help get the industry back on its feet – in line with recovery strategies of the UK governments and the Republic of Ireland. HAE EHA took the decision to resume safety audits as construction workers and those involved in the hire sector make their way back to work, though to address members’ concerns a ‘Point of Work Risk Assessment’ will be conducted to ensure that there is an agreed and safe method of conducting the audit process. During the coronavirus pandemic, HAE EHA had provided a three-month extension to members who’s SafeHire Certification had expired or was about to expire. Now that many businesses in the tool, plant and equipment hire sector are reopening their operations for customers, the team at HAE EHA is urging members to book dates for audits as the service resumes as near to normal as possible. The trade association’s Director of Certification Services, Carl Bartlett, acknowledged that things will have to be done differently for the foreseeable future but the need to provide the safest possible working environments when hire operations reopen is crucial for a sector that plays such a vital role in the wider UK economy. He added: “In order that we continue to support our members to maintain the highest of standards in the hire and rental industry we are recommencing our audit services from July. We will of course observe any safety requirements implemented within an organisation and communicate these to our team whilst conducting the desktop and site audits.” In response to the interruption of services due to Covid-19 the association has been hosting webinars and produced updated practical guidance for hire centres which can be accessed through the HAE EHA website. HAE’s SafeHire Certification Scheme was formalised into a private standard by the British Standards Institute, and HAE is now working to raise awareness of the SafeHire scheme at local and national governmental levels. In order for hire firms to achieve certification, participation in the SafeHire scheme requires that businesses are inspected annually and everything from paperwork, day-to-day operations, staff training and environment is checked for continued compliance with the scheme’s rigorous standards. SafeHire Certification allows customers to approach event, tool and plant hire companies with confidence, as it proves a firm’s competence in upholding high standards in health, safety, environment and quality of equipment as well as a well-trained workforce to support customers as fully as possible. For more information visit www.hae.org.uk
Marine plywood is made with waterproof glue and has excellent quality. However, this type of plywood is not decay-resistant because it is not chemically treated. It is also a common choice for boat parts and constructing boats. It is used for outdoor furniture because of its durability, especially when it gets a solid protective finish. What Is Marine Plywood? Almost all marine plywood is made from peeling a massive sheet of veneer from a spinning log – imagine a tissue paper coming off its roll. There are two species of plants used for marine-grade plywood: Douglas-fir and western larch. All plies shouldn’t have knotholes but may have knots. Marine plywood come in different grades: Cases of Use Marine plywood is preferred in the construction of boats and docks thanks to its waterproof nature. It is proven to perform longer in wet and humid conditions. It can also resist fungal attack and delamination. It can also be used for kitchen and bathroom walls. These two areas in the house are prone to moisture; that’s why you need waterproof plywood. Using marine plywood for your kitchen floor will prevent it from deforming and rotting. Woodworkers also love using marine plywood in making outdoor furniture such as: What makes it Special? Marine plywood is super strong because: Whether you are planning to DIY or work with a professional, you need to use high quality materials for your home construction/renovation. Luckily, Sheet Materials Wholesale got your backing. Here you will get quality class 3 plywood at the most competitive prices.