GMI confirms appointment as contractor on new 14-storey, 331 room hotel development on last remaining plot. GMI Construction Group has today announced that is been appointed by property management business Marrico as the contractor for the construction of a new 14-storey high, 331 room hotel development within the high profile
A turf cutting ceremony has taken place to officially mark the start of a multi-million pound scheme to transform leisure provision in Berwick. Work is due to commence on Berwick’s new state of the art £20 million leisure centre which is being funded by Northumberland County Council and will be
Vibrations caused by walking is known in engineering as human induced vibrations. This is less like the collapse of a structure and more like a bit of a wobble that can cause discomfort. Although less serious, it’s vital that engineers minimise vibrations for security and comfort. In this article we’ll
The pioneering programme is now even easier for contractors to use. The pioneer of ceiling recycling schemes, Armstrong Ceiling Solutions, has fine-tuned its award-winning* programme to make it as simple and as accessible as possible. It is now even easier for contractors to reduce their environmental impact and divert waste
Doosan Portable Power To Show 7/31+ Compressor Generator Bobcat’s E10e, the industry’s first battery driven, zero tail swing mini-excavator in the one tonne class, will be shown on the Doosan Bobcat Stand I40 for the first time at the Executive Hire Show (EHS), the UK’s annual national exhibition for the
Leading building controls manufacturer, Priva says the National Trust’s recent 125th Anniversary celebration is not only to be celebrated, it is a perfect opportunity for heritage professionals to give more time and thought to the protection of historic buildings through control-based technologies. Priva has long provided building management solutions to
Actively managing sun exposure and providing nudging messages via text message are a few ways in which organisations can better protect outdoor workers from harmful UV radiation, a new study led by Heriot-Watt University has suggested. In Britain each year there are almost 1,500 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer caused
Industrial asset manager Chancerygate has sold more than half of the available units at its £33m Novus business park in Knutsford, after selling a further four units to two companies. Industrial valve manufacturer Oliver Valves acquired three units totalling 17,300 sq ft at the under-construction business park, increasing the company’s
The employee-owned business has recently expanded their range of oversized bags, polythene furniture bags, shrink covers and continuous shrink tubing. The range expansion is supported by the company’s ongoing effort to ensure that a wide range of products can be effectively protected in order to prevent unnecessary waste. Often businesses
Having recently completed the first phase of the new state-of-the-art £25million testing facilities for M Sport Limited in West Cumbria, Northern Developments (Cumbria) Limited are progressing at pace and are on target for an autumn 2020 completion. The first phase of works comprised the design and construction of a 2.5km
GMI confirms appointment as contractor on new 14-storey, 331 room hotel development on last remaining plot. GMI Construction Group has today announced that is been appointed by property management business Marrico as the contractor for the construction of a new 14-storey high, 331 room hotel development within the high profile Sovereign Square scheme in Leeds. Marrico have submitted a planning application for the new hotel development which sits on the last remaining plot. The scheme once complete will feature a high-profile frontage onto the popular Sovereign Square and offer short and long stay accommodation catering for both business and leisure guests. It will include an on-site gym, meeting facilities, bar, restaurant and coffee shop fronting the square. It has been designed by Leeds-based architectural practice DLA Design, with the façade taking inspiration from the surrounding architecture and Leeds merchandising and textile history. The project will support around 190 construction jobs over the life of the project with the hotel creating 80 full-time jobs upon completion. Talking about the project GMI Divisional Managing Director Lee Powell said: “Sovereign Square is one of the most sought-after destinations within Leeds and an extremely high-profile development. GMI are delighted to have been appointed by Marrico to deliver the final phase of this development and bring forward another high-quality hotel development. This project serves as the 12th hotel project that GMI has been entrusted to deliver including 5 in the past 3 years and testament to the strength of our credentials in this growing sector” Also commenting Mark Barnes, partner at Marrico, said: “We are pleased to be able to share plans for a new hotel within the final remaining development site at Sovereign Square. The site is superbly located for hotel use from both business and visitors to the city being adjacent to the station, business core and the vibrant retail and leisure offer Leeds provides.”
A turf cutting ceremony has taken place to officially mark the start of a multi-million pound scheme to transform leisure provision in Berwick. Work is due to commence on Berwick’s new state of the art £20 million leisure centre which is being funded by Northumberland County Council and will be built on the site of the current Swan Centre in Tweedmouth. Tolent has been appointed as the official contractor and the centre will be constructed in phases to ensure that the existing Swan Centre continues to operate at all times until new facilities open to replace them. Work on Phase 1, which includes a new swimming pool and fitness suite will start on January 6 next year and is due to open in March 2021. The new centre is expected to be fully complete and open to the public in summer 2022. Designed by GT3 Architects, the new centre will feature a five-lane, 25m swimming pool, a teaching pool and leisure pool and spa facilities. There will be a sports hall, indoor bowls, fitness studios, cafe and a sensory room. Outside there will be a 3G full-size playing pitch, play park and trim trail and parking for 175 cars. Northumberland County Councillor Cath Homer, Cabinet Member for Culture, Arts, Leisure and Tourism, said: “This significant investment will create outstanding new facilities for the town and surrounding communities and there is a real sense of anticipation as we mark the start of this work today. “The current Swan Centre has millions of pounds worth of backlog maintenance issues and is no longer fit for its intended purpose. The landmark new centre will be a focal point not just for local residents but for visitors from further afield and will add to the area’s ever growing tourism offer.” Mark Tweedie, Chief Executive of Active Northumberland, the organisation that will manage the centre said: “One of Active Northumberand’s key aims is to get more people, of all ages involved in physical activity to improve and maintain a healthy lifestyle. This new centre and the facilities within it have been designed with this vision in mind. There will be something for all members of the local community and we hope that it will offer opportunities for more people to be active, more often.” Berwick’s three County Councillors, Cllrs Georgina Hill, Gregah Roughead and Catherine Seymour have also welcomed the news that work on the new leisure centre has commenced Cllr Gregah Roughead, local ward for Berwick West with Ord said: “ It’s an exciting day and I am thrilled that spades are in the ground and work is starting on the development. The local community have had a real say in deciding the facilities within it and I am sure the new centre will be a real asset for the town for generations to come. ” David Thompson, Regional Director for Tolent, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed to such a significant project for Berwick and the wider area. This project will not only deliver outstanding leisure and sports facilities but the unique design of the building will be sure to bring interest from far and wide. “We look forward to working closely with Advance Northumberland and the wider design team to ensure we deliver something that the local community are proud of.” Advance Northumberland, a new regeneration company established by Northumberland County Council is responsible for delivering the project. They appointed a design team that includes lead consultant Henry Riley LLP and GT3 Architects. To find out more about Tolent visit www.tolent.co.ukFor all media enquires please contact Jennifer Scullion at jscullion@tolent.co.uk
Vibrations caused by walking is known in engineering as human induced vibrations. This is less like the collapse of a structure and more like a bit of a wobble that can cause discomfort. Although less serious, it’s vital that engineers minimise vibrations for security and comfort. In this article we’ll explain why vibrations are important for engineers to consider. Resonance and Fluttering Structures can be affected by vibrations through resonance and aeroelastic fluttering. Resonance occurs when Object A vibrates the same as Object B’s natural frequency. Object B resonates with this and begins to vibrate too. Think singing to break a wine glass! Although the person singing isn’t touching the glass, the vibrations of their voice are resonating with the glass’s natural frequency, causing this vibration to get stronger and stronger and eventually, break the glass. Although similar, aeroelastic flutter is different in that when force is applied to Object B it shakes. It’s not necessarily at the same frequency as Object B’s natural vibration, but it makes Object B move all the same. If an object resonates, it also flutters. But not everything that flutters is necessarily resonating. This is how confusion over disasters such as the Tacoma Bridge collapse occur — for a long time, and to this day, the event is used as a textbook example of resonance. However, it’s been argued that the bridge’s collapse wasn’t caused by resonance, but by fluttering. In regard to human induced vibrations, when force is applied and causes a structure to vibrate, it’s also categorised as fluttering. Some instances would also see resonation happening too, but it wouldn’t be a certainty. Engineers must, of course, design to reduce the damage or discomfort caused by either fluttering or resonating. Possible Effects from Human Induced Vibration Resonation and fluttering can result in several effects upon the structure and its users. These include: Effects on human health. According to research, vibrations in buildings and structures can cause depression and even motion sickness in inhabitants. Buildings naturally respond to external factors such as the wind or human footfall within. This low-frequency vibration can be felt, even subconsciously, by people. It has been argued that modern designs featuring thinner floor slabs and wider spacing in column design mean that these new builds are not as effective at dampening vibrations as older buildings are. Bridges swaying. One of the most famous examples of resonance, human induced vibrations, and fluttering all impacting a structure occurred with the Millennium Bridge. As people walked across the bridge, the vibrations and swaying caused oscillations in the bridge. Everyone crossing the bridge would then sway at the same time to avoid falling over, resulting in a cycle of increasing and amplifying the swaying effect. Risking structural integrity. The build-up of constant vibrations on a structure can, eventually, lead to structural integrity being compromised. A worse-case scenario would be the complete collapse of said structure. For example, retaining wall solutions are effective for sustaining the role of holding back tonnes of soil. Impeding sensitive equipment. Depending on the building’s purpose, what it houses can be affected by the vibrations of people using the building. Universities, for example, may have sensitive equipment whose accuracy and performance could be damaged by vibrations. Ways to Avoid it Contemporary designs tend to include thinner slabs and wider column spacing sensitive to vibrations. Using structural design and analysis software at the design stage is an effective method for engineers to test footfall on a design and see the resulting vibrations. Vibrations are a natural effect of movement, so it’s imperative that engineers’ designs reduce the overall impact. Sources:
The pioneering programme is now even easier for contractors to use. The pioneer of ceiling recycling schemes, Armstrong Ceiling Solutions, has fine-tuned its award-winning* programme to make it as simple and as accessible as possible. It is now even easier for contractors to reduce their environmental impact and divert waste from landfill which also saves them money from the subsequent taxes as well as from skips and transportation costs. All contractors are now required to do is simply take down the old Armstrong acoustic mineral ceiling tiles** and stack them on pallets. In partnership with the local distributor, Armstrong will arrange collection free of charge*** and the old tiles will be 100% recycled into new ceiling tiles at the company’s production facility in Gateshead. The scheme for the UK and Ireland, which has been in place since 2003, enables Armstrong to minimise its impact on the environment by not only diverting its old products from landfill but also producing mineral ceiling tiles with even higher post-consumer recycled content, currently up to 82%. As well as the support it gets from distributors, Armstrong has also developed a “green” branch of its Omega network of approved sub-contractors, specifically for those installers with proven recycling expertise .. and they claim that as well as saving them landfill tax it also makes then more attractive for main contractors to use. Armstrong’s recycling programme for demolition, construction and renovation schemes has saved 15 million m2 of old ceiling tiles globally and diverted 61,000 tonnes of waste from landfill. And with 2,000m2 of recycled ceiling tiles equating to 7.6 tonnes of waste diverted from landfill, that is a 14,000 kWh saving on energy. Projects have included the headquarters of main contractor Kier Construction, the temporary beach volleyball venue at Horse Guards Parade in London, and the Southern General Hospital in Glasgow. A member of the UK Green Building Council, Armstrong also a partner in the Ceilings Sustainability Partnership, a working party of the AIS (Association of Interior Specialists) technical committee, which delivers on the actions within the Mineral Wool Ceiling Tile Resource Efficiency Action Plan (REAP). The REAP plan is intended to help the sector reduce the amount of mineral wool ceiling tiles going to landfill. Armstrong recycling case studies also feature as WRAP exemplars, including Birmingham University Hospital where almost 43 tonnes of ceiling tiles were diverted from landfill and an estimated 19.5 tonnes of embodied CO2 were offset. A new recycling programme leaflet, which has all the criteria information and steps to follow, is available from https://www.armstrongceilingsolutions.co.uk/en-gb/performance/sustainable-building-design/recycling-programmes.
Doosan Portable Power To Show 7/31+ Compressor Generator Bobcat’s E10e, the industry’s first battery driven, zero tail swing mini-excavator in the one tonne class, will be shown on the Doosan Bobcat Stand I40 for the first time at the Executive Hire Show (EHS), the UK’s annual national exhibition for the tools, equipment and plant hire industry, being held in Coventry, England from 5-6 February 2020. The Doosan Bobcat stand will also present the 7/31+ compressor generator from Doosan Portable Power, which incorporates an 8.5 kVA generator and is aimed at the utilities industry and rental companies serving this sector. Launched in 2007, the Executive Hire Show is a trade-only event open to rental company executives throughout the UK and Ireland, and it has also attracted hire industry visitors from Europe and beyond. Senior executives from the procurement and purchasing departments of the national hire operations attend the Show, along with large numbers of independently-owned entrepreneurial hire outlets. Game Changer for Indoor Work As well as indoor work such as demolition and basement projects, there are many other sites where zero emission, low noise machines are required such as urban/city centre developments, night-time work and contracts in quiet zones such as hospitals, cemeteries, schools and so on. Until now, particularly for indoor applications, there has been no standard OEM solution for such work – many jobs had to be worked on manually with less effective tools or with aftermarket conversions providing third party machine adjustments (that often did not meet desired standards). The new Bobcat E10e mini-excavator is a unique proposition in this area. Developed at the Bobcat EMEA Innovation Center, in conjunction with electric vehicle suppliers, the E10e is based on the design of the very successful diesel powered E10 1 tonne mini-excavator, which has achieved sales of well over 10,000 units in just 10 years [the E10 is now called the E10z to reflect that it is a zero tail swing (ZTS) mini-excavator]. The new E10e has the same ZTS profile and identical external dimensions as the standard E10/E10z machine and offers equal or better performance. For example, the E10e offers very low noise levels on site with an LpA of only 71 dBA vs 80 dBA for the standard E10/E10z. As the new machine is designed to be used in demanding indoor applications such as breaker work in demolition, it is equipped with auxiliary lines and an efficient oil cooler system for continuous hydraulic breaker operation. The cooling system capacity has been increased to meet extended demolition application requirements. Amazingly Compact Like the E10/E10z, the E10e is easy to transport. In addition to the access provided by its retractable undercarriage reducing its width to only 710 mm, the integrated foldable TOPS (Tip Over Protective Structure) facilitates passage through openings with low headroom, for work inside buildings and in basements. Once the excavator is positioned and ready for work, the undercarriage on the E10e can be expanded to 1100 mm, for maximum stability in all working conditions. The E10e’s minimal width enables excellent manoeuvrability in confined spaces, while the ZTS design is an additional advantage when working in tight areas. The E10e and E10z are part of a comprehensive selection of mini-excavators from Bobcat covering models from 0.8 to 8.5 tonne, alongside a full line-up of skid-steer, compact track and all-wheel steer loaders, telehandlers and attachments, all aimed at the tool and plant hire industry and the markets it serves. Doosan Portable Power: Meeting the Needs of the Utilities Market Compressor generators from Doosan Portable Power are aimed at the utilities industry and rental companies serving this sector. The larger 8.5 kVA generator option meets a specific requirement in utility work to meet the demands of the latest fusion welding equipment, providing electrical power that can also be used for lights and tools together with compressed air for powering breakers and other pneumatic equipment. The generator option is available on two machines – the 7/31+ model, providing a free air delivery of 3.0 m3/min at an output pressure of 7 bar and the larger 7/41+ portable compressor, supplying 4.0 m3/min of compressed air at 7 bar output pressure. Another option on these compressors is the ‘Tough Top’ polymer canopy combining durability with aesthetic design, making it an especially attractive investment for everyday applications in the toughest working conditions. In addition to its outstanding durability, the Tough Top canopy is also non-corrodible. It can be supplied in customer colours and retrofitted to existing Doosan compressor units. Like all Doosan compressors, the modular design of the 7/31+ and 7/41+ ensures that a wide range of optional equipment can be added easily. As well as the polymer canopy, they can include LED lights, a Heavy Duty light grill, a number plate clip, wheel nut indicators and a ‘bunded base’. Doosan Portable Power offers a comprehensive range of portable compressors, generators and lighting products for the plant and tool hire industry. Completing the line-up are construction tools such as air-powered chipping hammers, pickhammers, jackhammers and paving breakers for work in demolition, utilities, quarrying and industrial markets. For more information about Bobcat and Bobcat products, visit www.bobcat.com For more information about Doosan Portable Power products, visit the website: www.doosanportablepower.eu
Leading building controls manufacturer, Priva says the National Trust’s recent 125th Anniversary celebration is not only to be celebrated, it is a perfect opportunity for heritage professionals to give more time and thought to the protection of historic buildings through control-based technologies. Priva has long provided building management solutions to the heritage sector -including the National Trust, the Historic Royal Palaces and high-profile sites such as St Paul’s Cathedral. The company has seen first-hand the benefits of future-proofing special and listed buildings with leading-edge building control technology. Protecting the fabric of the historic or listed buildings is undoubtedly the ultimate priority for anyone associated with building conservation. However, Priva believes that many in the conservation sector may be unaware that it is possible to future-proof heritage buildings with the same control-based technologies found in modern structures. Priva’s UK & Ireland Sales Manager Gavin Holvey explains: “Organisations such as the National Trust take incredible care of special buildings – and we are delighted that Priva technology is playing an active part in this process. Our message is simple – we want to make sure more UK buildings are future-proofed, and in turn help owners and conservators improve building efficiency and reduce emissions through greater control of heating, ventilating and air-conditioning services. All of this is achieved whilst maintaining a pleasant and welcoming environment for staff, conservators and visitors.” To support heritage building consultants and professionals in the sector, Priva has published a guide which includes case studies covering the integration of building and energy management systems at some of the world’s most famous buildings. Entitled ‘Future-proofing Britain’s Historic Buildings’, this 20-page book offers a non-technical overview of the outcomes and benefits of control technology. The document explains in clear language how Priva’s technology – which is in use at sites such as St Paul’s Cathedral; Westminster Abbey; and Rosslyn Chapel – is delivering significant energy savings; improved indoor climate conditions and greater visibility of energy use. Copies available To request a copy of Priva’s Future-proofing Britain’s Historic Buildings book, please contact the UK Sales office on: T +44 (0)1923 813 480 or contact.priva@priva.co.uk
Actively managing sun exposure and providing nudging messages via text message are a few ways in which organisations can better protect outdoor workers from harmful UV radiation, a new study led by Heriot-Watt University has suggested. In Britain each year there are almost 1,500 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer caused by exposure at work to UV radiation from the sun and around 250 cases of malignant melanoma. During winter, workers get insufficient sun exposure to make enough vitamin D to maintain good health. A new paper, published in the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health’s (IOSH) journal, Policy and Practice in Health and Safety, has outlined some of the key recommendations for workplaces to consider in order to better protect outdoor workers, including: – Workplace health promotion initiatives to ‘nudge’ workers towards healthier dietary choices, including dietary supplements over winter, to boost serum vitamin D levels in their workers. – Sun-safety remains a low priority on construction sites and awareness of current sun-safe measures is low. Employers should adopt a risk-based approach to manage exposure to solar UV proactively, in which risk management measures should be prescribed and the use of these measures enforced. – Provide health surveillance to detect skin cancers among outdoor workers because of the likely high UV exposure and the consequent increased risk of skin cancer. Nudging messages can be easily delivered via text messages or location-driven phone apps to help a workforce stay safe in the sun. The recommendations follow on from an IOSH-funded study published last year led by Heriot-Watt University, which found almost half of outdoor workers on the construction sites they investigated had insufficient vitamin D during the winter. However, the team found during the summer the desire to get a sun tan remained high among workers, with many being exposed to high UV radiation, increasing their risk of developing non-melanoma skin cancer. Professor John Cherrie, Principal Investigator on the research from Heriot-Watt University and the Institute of Occupational Medicine, said: “In Britain we love the sun and having a sun tan, but unprotected exposure to the summer sun can cause irreversible damage to our skin and ultimately may lead to a diagnosis of skin cancer. “Employers must take the lead in managing sun exposure for outdoor workers and make sure their employees have regular skin checks to look for the early signs of cancer.” Mary Ogungbeje, Research Manager at IOSH, said: “The findings highlight that there’s still work to do in promoting good sun safety behaviour in the workplace. Both workers and employers have a part to play in reducing the risks of excessive UV exposure. “We encourage workers and employers to be more aware of occupational cancer and take positive steps to reduce the risks.” The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has produced a range of resources and guidance on the risks of solar radiation and how to reduce exposure as part of its No Time to Lose campaign to tackle occupational cancer. More information is available here: https://www.notimetolose.org.uk/free-resources/solar-pack-taster/ The paper, ‘Nudging construction workers towards better sun-safety behaviour: summary of the evidence for practitioners’, published in the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health’s journal, Policy and Practice in Health and Safety, is available here: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14773996.2019.1708614 The study team included researchers from Heriot-Watt University, the University of Edinburgh and the Institute of Occupational Medicine and was funded by IOSH.
Industrial asset manager Chancerygate has sold more than half of the available units at its £33m Novus business park in Knutsford, after selling a further four units to two companies. Industrial valve manufacturer Oliver Valves acquired three units totalling 17,300 sq ft at the under-construction business park, increasing the company’s presence at the Parkgate Industrial Estate, which lies to the east of the Novus development. Oliver Valves’ chairman, Michael Oliver, said: “We have been present on Parkgate Industrial Estate for more than 40 years and Novus provided the perfect opportunity for us to buy a Grade A industrial facility and ensure our long-term growth plans were catered for.” Meanwhile, cosmetics distributor Wellness Trading acquired a single unit measuring 6,000 sq ft. The values of the deals were not disclosed. Novus is a 252,000 sq ft industrial and warehouse development across 16-acres of the established Parkgate Industrial Estate, and is currently Chancerygate’s largest scheme in the north of England. Work to develop the first phase of the scheme is underway after Caddick Construction was awarded a £10.7m contract last September, and is expected to complete in September 2020. This week’s deals mark the first tranche of speculative sales at the development and mean 55% of the nine available units have been acquired. A further four units, ranging from 14,000 sq ft to 25,000 sq ft, remain available. Chancerygate development manager Chris Brown, said: “Securing occupiers for more than half of our flagship North West development only two months into the build is an excellent achievement. “The swift take-up of these units is testament to the pent-up demand in Knutsford from owner-occupiers for high-quality industrial and warehouse space, and the limited options available to businesses for many years now. We look forward to continued discussions with potential occupiers ahead of completion in September 2020.” Phase two of the project will comprise 12 units ranging between 3,500 and 70,000 sq ft in size with work expected to begin in the summer. Last March, car dealer Sytner secured a long-term lease on a 36,361 sq ft unit on the development.
The employee-owned business has recently expanded their range of oversized bags, polythene furniture bags, shrink covers and continuous shrink tubing. The range expansion is supported by the company’s ongoing effort to ensure that a wide range of products can be effectively protected in order to prevent unnecessary waste. Often businesses are not aware of how they can effectively protect larger heavy duty goods and items such as pallets and furniture and extremely large products however, with the new range everything is catered to. Oversized bags Commonly used in a wide range of applications for any large item that will fit into the usable dimensions (over 15 sizes available), Kite’s oversized bags are available in both light and heavy duty to suit different applications, light being ideal to protect items in storage against elements such as dust and moisture and heavy duty offering a more robust protection against extreme weather conditions, scrapes, scratches and dirt. Polythene furniture bags Kite’s range of furniture bags are the ideal solution when storing and transporting furniture. Available in light duty to protect items in storage from dirt and dust and heavy duty to protect furniture against dirt, dust, scrapes and extreme weather conditions. Each option is available as either gusseted, which fits better to items with even sides such as mattresses, or centre folded suitable for items that don’t have even corners such as sofas. Shrink covers Specifically designed for covering full pallets and for use with Kite’s range of shrink guns, Kite’s range of pallet shrink covers offer heavy duty protection against moisture, dirt and theft. Stronger than standard pallet wrap they are manufactured from shrinkable 100 micron high strength blend polythene and are available perforated on a roll or boxed as singles. Continuous shrink tubing For use with Kite’s range of shrink guns and produced from 100 micron high strength shrink polythene Kite’s shrink tubing fits pallets with a base size of 1200mm x 1000mm and 1200mm x 1200mm but as its continuous, the height is determined by the user by cutting when required, making it perfect for pallets of any height and awkward loads. For more information on Kite Packaging and their range of products or services, visit kitepackaging.co.uk.
Having recently completed the first phase of the new state-of-the-art £25million testing facilities for M Sport Limited in West Cumbria, Northern Developments (Cumbria) Limited are progressing at pace and are on target for an autumn 2020 completion. The first phase of works comprised the design and construction of a 2.5km test track. This civils works to facilitate this involved moving 200,000 Tonnes of earth, whilst ensuring a cut and fill balance to ensure that no materials needed to be removed from site. 6.5km of drainage to the track links to a number of balancing ponds to ensure no negative impact on the local watercourse. The groundworks for the associated 111,000sq/ft production facility commenced in May of this year, and construction is now well underway, with 550T of structural steelwork and roofing virtually complete, and all external precast concrete walls now installed, all in little over 6 months. Eddie Ward, Commercial Manager for Northern commented, “this project has been on the drawing board with us since 2010, it is a significant and complex Design & Build of which we’re very proud; we are pleased to finally see it on site, taking shape so quickly”. The MEC will provide M Sport with the ability to further expand into the wider automotive R&D sector. Northern managed the construction of the existing site facility back in 1999, and it was not long before M Sport were looking to expand further. The new building is more than twice the size of their existing production facilities, providing significant expansion and creating over 100 jobs in the process. Malcolm Wilson OBE, Managing Director at M-Sport, said “It’s always been important for me to keep the business in Cumbria, and with the help of Cumbria LEP we’re seeing the growth of more and more businesses in our region. The M-Sport Evaluation Centre will provide a unique centre of engineering excellence – allowing world leaders in automotive technology to follow their concepts from design and development, right through to production. Our region is fast becoming a great place for business, and we’re proud to be a part of that.” Established in 1985 Northern Developments work throughout the UK, recently completing more than £16million worth of purpose-built student accommodation developments through new build and refurbishment. Currently, Northern are evaluating several large scale private rented sector schemes. Managing Director Martyn Boak commented “we continually look for development opportunities, the depth of our experience allows us to look at all sectors and our proven track record of delivering consistently for over 3 decades counts for an awful lot today, the current political backdrop is certainly adversely affecting the real estate sector and Business’s as a whole which none of the Politicians even begin to understand, however we’re agile, opportunistic and open for Business”.