Kenneth Booth
Lambeth Palace Completes £40m Green Retrofit to Embrace a Sustainable Future

Lambeth Palace Completes £40m Green Retrofit to Embrace a Sustainable Future

Lambeth Palace, the historic London residence of the Archbishops of Canterbury, has undergone a major £40 million refurbishment, bringing 800 years of ecclesiastical history into the modern, low-carbon age. The extensive programme of works, delivered by contractor Walter Lilly, included a full upgrade of the building’s heating and energy systems,

Read More »
Ernest Park Breaks Ground on £100m+ Basildon Regeneration Scheme

Ernest Park Breaks Ground on £100m+ Basildon Regeneration Scheme

Construction has officially commenced on a major residential-led development in Basildon, as contractor Ernest Park begins work on a £100 million-plus project for Orwell Real Estate and Canadian firm Starlight Investments. Following months of demolition and site preparation, building work is now underway on the transformative scheme, located within Basildon’s

Read More »
Marks & Spencer Unveils New Store Concept for Merry Hill

Marks & Spencer Unveils New Store Concept for Merry Hill

Marks & Spencer is set to launch its latest store concept at Merry Hill in Dudley, following a substantial investment into the retail destination. The retailer, which has maintained a presence at Merry Hill since 1990, will debut a new store layout along with an M&S Café—marking the first time

Read More »
Balfour Beatty Secures £833m Contract for World-First Carbon-Capture Power Station in Teesside

Balfour Beatty Secures £833m Contract for World-First Carbon-Capture Power Station in Teesside

Balfour Beatty has been awarded an £833 million contract by Technip Energies to deliver the Net Zero Teesside Power project—set to become the world’s first gas-fired power station equipped with full-scale carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. The landmark onshore development will include power generation, carbon capture, and compression facilities.

Read More »
Willmott Dixon Begins £30m Redevelopment of Barnes Hospital

Willmott Dixon Begins £30m Redevelopment of Barnes Hospital

Willmott Dixon has commenced a £30 million regeneration scheme at Barnes Hospital, set to transform the site into a modern NHS mental health facility and a new special educational needs (SEN) school. The redevelopment will see the creation of a dedicated mental health hub, providing accommodation for a range of

Read More »
McLaughlin & Harvey celebrate opening of Janet Harvey Hall

McLaughlin & Harvey celebrate opening of Janet Harvey Hall

Recently on 25 June 2025, representatives from McLaughlin & Harvey joined client BAE Systems to celebrate the official opening of the Janet Harvey Hall. The project combined expertise from McLaughlin & Harvey’s construction and civil engineering teams to deliver a new, more efficient and safe shipbuilding facility for BAE Systems.

Read More »
Vivalda now offering Cedral Facades nationally

Vivalda now offering Cedral Facades nationally

Vivalda has underpinned its status as a national supplier of Cedral facades, following its extensive UK-branch network and investment in warehousing, logistics and fabrication technology. As one of the UK’s largest stockists of non-flammable facades, Vivalda is able to supply Cedral’s most popular products to contractors and merchants within just

Read More »
Latest Issue
Issue 334 : Nov 2025

Kenneth Booth

Building new homes and protecting renters – Greater Manchester is ready to turn the tide on the housing crisis

Building new homes and protecting renters – Greater Manchester is ready to turn the tide on the housing crisis

Greater Manchester is ready to turn the tide on the housing crisis with its comprehensive plan to build new homes, connect communities to new jobs and opportunities, and drive up standards across the rental sector.  By driving an increase in new homes across the region, including affordable, social and net zero housing, and by raising the standards of current rental homes, we will fulfil our Housing First ambition to give everyone access to a safe, secure and affordable home by 2038.   This week has already seen a renewed focus on driving up housing standards with the unveiling of the first supporters of the Good Landlord Charter – Greater Manchester’s bold twin-track approach to recognising good practice, while holding rogue landlords to account with increased enforcement activity and fines.  New analysis shows that our Brownfield Housing Fund, set up in 2020, has provided grants to deliver over 15,000 homes – with an average of just over 45% being affordable housing. This success, linked to our ambitious plans to boost regeneration across Greater Manchester, will support plans to deliver more social housing than is lost across the region.  Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “If we are serious about securing the long-term success of Greater Manchester, we need to free ourselves from the grip of the housing crisis.   “Because of the decisions we’ve taken, Greater Manchester is now building more affordable homes than at any point since the turn of the millennium.   “We need to keep building on that momentum until we reach a tipping point where we build more social homes than we lose.  “We’re determined to ensure that every person in Greater Manchester has access to the safe and secure home they need in order to thrive.”  Unlocking brownfield land  Since 2020, Greater Manchester has invested £135.4m from the Brownfield Housing Fund to redevelop underused brownfield land and deliver thousands of new homes.  Brownfield land can be difficult to bring forward for development, owing to issues including soil contamination and the need to remove existing structures. These challenges are often expensive to overcome – and can deter developers from building on brownfield sites.  In those five years, we have provided grants delivering more than 15,000 homes – with just over 45 per cent on average being affordable tenure types, compared with an average of 20 per cent for all Greater Manchester developments in that time. A fifth of all homes supported by the Brownfield Housing Fund to date are for social rent.   Around a quarter of all homes funded through grants have reached practical completion, ahead of schedule.   As part of the Trailblazer devolution deal signed in 2023, Greater Manchester agreed an extension to the Brownfield Housing Fund to accelerate building the good, affordable homes we need. This additional funding has allowed us to continue developing on challenging sites across the region.  The Brownfield Housing Fund also puts a greater focus on energy efficiency – helping Greater Manchester deliver the net-zero homes we need to reduce emissions and ease pressure on household energy bills.  The Fund has also enabled us to deliver key infrastructure and unlock the full potential of brownfield developments – including at Victoria North, the biggest urban regeneration project in the North of England, set to deliver more than 15,000 new homes, employment space, schools, and GP surgeries.  Further funding allocations are anticipated for the summer, supplementing those approved previously and the successful delivery of thousands of new homes to date.  Paul Dennett, Deputy Mayor and Greater Manchester Lead for Housing First, said: “Through our pioneering Housing First model, we’re ensuring that people with the most complex needs are supported into stable housing with wraparound care. And with the upcoming launch of the UK’s first Good Landlord Charter, we’re raising standards across the rental sector, giving tenants stronger protections and ensuring that everyone in Greater Manchester has access to a safe, secure, and decent home.  “The Brownfield Housing Fund has been a vital tool in unlocking land for development, allowing us to build thousands of much-needed homes, while protecting our green spaces. With the right investment, we can deliver high-quality, sustainable, affordable housing across our city-region.”   Regenerating our towns and building new homes  We are using the power of Mayoral Development Corporations to unlock regeneration opportunities to deliver housing across the city region.   These pioneering tools bring together local partners and drive forward our ambitions to build new homes, bring jobs and investment, and support economic growth.   They are statutory bodies, set up by the Mayor, designed to speed up development and attract investment within a specific area. They can take on broad powers including land acquisition, planning and infrastructure functions.   These include Old Trafford (part of the proposed Western Gateway Mayoral Development Zone), the expanded Stockport MDC and the Northern Gateway MDC (part of Atom Valley). Together, these three alone are expected to deliver 27,250 homes over the next 15 years to help address the housing crisis.  We have a proven track record of successfully implementing an MDC in Stockport, where this joined-up approach to regeneration has helped us to deliver well-connected developments, with the right transport links and infrastructure to support thriving communities.   Mayoral Development Zones, meanwhile, set out the strategic vision for regeneration over larger parts of the region in which MDCs can sit.    Next week (Friday 27 June) will see new proposals discussed by leaders in Greater Manchester for a Mayoral Development Zone to drive forward development in the Western Gateway.  The Western Gateway, recognised by the Chancellor for its importance as a key development location, includes Port Salford, Trafford Wharfside, and the Old Trafford Regeneration area, where a Mayoral Development Corporation is proposed.    The Mayoral Development Zone will ensure the connections between these major opportunities are understood and the benefits of those links are maximised.  Cllr Bev Craig, Portfolio Lead for Economy, Business and Inclusive Growth said: “Greater Manchester is leading the way in delivering new homes, jobs and infrastructure, using our devolved powers to drive growth.   “We have pioneered

Read More »
Plans submitted to transform city’s iconic Cables Wynd House and Linksview House

Plans submitted to transform city’s iconic Cables Wynd House and Linksview House

The City of Edinburgh Council’s retrofit project has taken a major step forward this month with the submission of a planning application by Collective Architecture. Built in the 1960s and now designated as Category A listed buildings, Cables Wynd House and Linksview House collectively provide 310 homes, the majority of which are owned by the Council for social rent. These landmark buildings have served generations of residents, and this project represents a significant investment in securing their future as safe, high-quality homes. The proposed works are being driven by the need to meet the Scottish Government’s Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing – EESSH2. Achieving compliance will require substantial upgrades to both the building fabric and mechanical systems. Alongside this, the Council has identified the opportunity to deliver wider improvements that will bring the buildings in line with modern new-build standards. Key elements of the proposal include: Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener Lezley Marion Cameron said: I am delighted that the proposals for the Council’s £69 million investment in Cables Wynd House and Linksview House have now been submitted to the CEC Planning Service, setting out our plans to make our residents’ homes safer, more comfortable and more energy efficient.   Cables Wynd and Linksview House residents have long campaigned for this much needed and substantive investment in their homes to happen.  Their influence and input into our consultation sessions have shaped these proposals and is hugely valued.  I look forward to continuing this positive engagement with Cables Wynd and Linksview House residents and Leith Ward Councillors as the project progresses. Carl Baker, Architect, Certified Passivhaus Designer – Collective Architecture said: Collective Architecture is proud to be working with The City of Edinburgh Council on the retrofit of Cables Wynd House and Linksview House. Our proposals place residents at the heart of the process, aiming to provide greener, warmer homes, while celebrating and sensitively enhancing the unique character of the Category A listed buildings. As part of a just transition, our carefully considered interventions will improve the thermal and environmental performance of the iconic structures – boosting energy efficiency and alleviating the risk of fuel poverty. As with many of our projects, meaningful resident engagement has been central to the design process and will remain a key focus through the final design stage and into construction. Subject to planning approval, the Council will continue to engage closely with residents throughout the design and construction process, ensuring their needs remain at the heart of the project. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Lambeth Palace Completes £40m Green Retrofit to Embrace a Sustainable Future

Lambeth Palace Completes £40m Green Retrofit to Embrace a Sustainable Future

Lambeth Palace, the historic London residence of the Archbishops of Canterbury, has undergone a major £40 million refurbishment, bringing 800 years of ecclesiastical history into the modern, low-carbon age. The extensive programme of works, delivered by contractor Walter Lilly, included a full upgrade of the building’s heating and energy systems, featuring double glazing, air source heat pumps, and rooftop solar panels. The palace, which dates back to the 12th century, is now set to transition away from fossil fuels entirely, thanks to the installation of a new energy centre that enables operation solely via on-site renewable energy. Key sustainability upgrades include the installation of three air source heat pumps, the replacement of 140 radiators, and the double glazing of 160 historic windows. In addition, more than 39 tonnes of timber were recycled throughout the project. One of the most notable elements of the refurbishment was the restoration of the 17th-century Great Hall, whose timber roof—damaged during the Second World War—has now been fully repaired. In collaboration with Historic England, the project called upon expert timber specialists, stonemasons and conservation professionals. The team replaced 1,450 sqm of floorboards, repaired and cleaned 800 sqm of stonework, and completed 13,500 sqm of plastering and painting. Chris Butler, Managing Director at Walter Lilly, said: “The successful completion of the re-servicing works at Lambeth Palace represents a major milestone in the conservation and modernisation of one of the UK’s most treasured historic buildings. Despite the complexities of working in a live, occupied environment and addressing archaeological discoveries during underground works, we’re immensely proud to have delivered a sustainable solution that supports the Church of England’s net-zero ambitions. This project is a clear demonstration of how heritage sites can be sensitively adapted to meet future needs.” The architectural design was led by Wright & Wright, with engineering provided by Arup. The entire £40 million cost was funded by the Church Commissioners. Whoever the next Archbishop of Canterbury may be, one thing is certain: their heating bills will be significantly lower.

Read More »
Ernest Park Breaks Ground on £100m+ Basildon Regeneration Scheme

Ernest Park Breaks Ground on £100m+ Basildon Regeneration Scheme

Construction has officially commenced on a major residential-led development in Basildon, as contractor Ernest Park begins work on a £100 million-plus project for Orwell Real Estate and Canadian firm Starlight Investments. Following months of demolition and site preparation, building work is now underway on the transformative scheme, located within Basildon’s wider £600 million town centre regeneration masterplan. The development, comprising three mid-rise blocks, will deliver 492 build-to-rent homes, alongside 1,218 sqm of shared residential amenities and 1,652 sqm of commercial space. “This development marks a major step forward in the regeneration of Basildon town centre and provides exactly the kind of high-quality, future-focused housing we want to see in our borough,” said Councillor Gavin Callaghan, Leader of Basildon Council.“Our ambition has always been to create a modern, vibrant town centre that works for everyone — from young professionals and families to local businesses. This project brings that vision closer to reality, delivering hundreds of much-needed new homes and commercial opportunities in the heart of Basildon.” The scheme is being delivered by Ernest Park as the main contractor, on behalf of Orwell Real Estate and real estate investment and asset management company Starlight Investments. Technical consultancy Rund is supporting the project with pre- and post-contract due diligence, principal consultancy, and clerk of works services. “This milestone marks an exciting chapter for Basildon and in our collaboration with Starlight Investments,” said Neil Strelitz, Founder of Orwell Real Estate.“Together, we are delivering a thoughtfully designed scheme that embodies the future of rental living and supports the development of a thriving, dynamic urban community.” Starlight currently has nine build-to-rent developments underway across six UK cities, comprising a total of 4,000 rental units. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Marks & Spencer Unveils New Store Concept for Merry Hill

Marks & Spencer Unveils New Store Concept for Merry Hill

Marks & Spencer is set to launch its latest store concept at Merry Hill in Dudley, following a substantial investment into the retail destination. The retailer, which has maintained a presence at Merry Hill since 1990, will debut a new store layout along with an M&S Café—marking the first time the café has featured at the centre. In collaboration with the centre’s owners, M&S will consolidate its two existing units into a single, significantly larger space. The expanded store, located next to Primark, will span approximately 93,000 sq ft. It will offer an extensive fashion range across womenswear, menswear, and childrenswear, along with enhanced home and beauty departments and a revamped, larger Foodhall. The new store is expected to open in late 2025. Graeme Jones, Executive Director at Sovereign Centros (part of CBRE), speaking on behalf of Merry Hill, commented: “The last couple of years have been transformational for Merry Hill, and securing this investment from M&S allows us to build on that momentum. M&S has a long-standing presence here, and this consolidation into a flagship store creates a fantastic platform for their growth while enhancing the overall customer experience at the centre. It’s no coincidence that M&S has chosen Merry Hill for their latest store concept—joining the ranks of major regional destinations that feature cutting-edge retail environments. This partnership underscores M&S’s continued commitment to Merry Hill and its role as a key anchor tenant.” M&S is the latest major brand to invest in Merry Hill in recent years. The centre is now home to leisure anchors such as Hollywood Bowl and XF Gym, and hosts the UK flagship store for international retailer Harvey Norman. Retailers including H&M and Next have also undertaken significant upgrades to their stores. Merry Hill is represented by JLL, Time Retail Partners, and Font Real Estate. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Balfour Beatty Secures £833m Contract for World-First Carbon-Capture Power Station in Teesside

Balfour Beatty Secures £833m Contract for World-First Carbon-Capture Power Station in Teesside

Balfour Beatty has been awarded an £833 million contract by Technip Energies to deliver the Net Zero Teesside Power project—set to become the world’s first gas-fired power station equipped with full-scale carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. The landmark onshore development will include power generation, carbon capture, and compression facilities. Balfour Beatty will work in collaboration with Technip Energies and GE Vernova, supported by technology partner Shell Catalysts & Technologies, to construct a state-of-the-art combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plant. The project is led by Net Zero Teesside Power, a joint venture between energy giants BP and Equinor. In addition to the main power station, Balfour Beatty will construct a post-combustion carbon capture system capable of removing up to two million tonnes of CO₂ per year. Once captured, the carbon will be compressed and transported via an offshore pipeline for permanent storage beneath the North Sea by the Northern Endurance Partnership—a joint venture involving BP, Equinor, and TotalEnergies. When completed, the power station is expected to generate up to 742 megawatts of low-carbon electricity—enough to meet the average annual energy needs of over one million UK homes. Leo Quinn, Group Chief Executive at Balfour Beatty, said: “Net Zero Teesside Power is an ambitious and pioneering scheme, forging the path towards sustainable infrastructure and establishing the UK as a global leader in clean energy innovation. The project will not only be instrumental in achieving net zero targets but will also stimulate economic growth across the North East, creating thousands of jobs both during construction and for the long term.” This major contract follows the UK Government’s announcement in October 2024 of a £21.7 billion funding commitment for carbon capture and storage projects in the energy, industrial, and hydrogen sectors. Net Zero Teesside Power and the Northern Endurance Partnership received final investment approval in December 2024, paving the way for delivery of this transformative infrastructure. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Willmott Dixon Begins £30m Redevelopment of Barnes Hospital

Willmott Dixon Begins £30m Redevelopment of Barnes Hospital

Willmott Dixon has commenced a £30 million regeneration scheme at Barnes Hospital, set to transform the site into a modern NHS mental health facility and a new special educational needs (SEN) school. The redevelopment will see the creation of a dedicated mental health hub, providing accommodation for a range of community-based services. These services were temporarily relocated to the South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust’s Livingston House in Teddington in 2023. Once Barnes Hospital reopens in 2027, the Trust’s expanded community services will operate across both sites, improving accessibility and continuity of care throughout the borough. In addition to the healthcare provision, the site will also be home to the London River Academy, a new SEN school offering 90 places for children with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs. The school will be operated by the Beckmead Trust, a specialist education provider. The Barnes Hospital project forms part of a wider strategy to modernise mental health services across southwest London. The programme began with the £150 million redevelopment of Springfield University Hospital in Wandsworth, completed in 2022/23. It will continue with the opening of the Richmond Royal Wellbeing Centre this summer, followed by the Barnes Hospital relaunch in 2027, and will conclude with the £110 million redevelopment of Tolworth Hospital in Kingston, scheduled for completion in 2028. Richard Poulter, Managing Director for Willmott Dixon in the South of England, commented: “We are excited to have been chosen to deliver this vital project, procured via the Southern Construction Framework (SCF). It will create modern centres of excellence for mental health and education, with sustainable, inclusive, and high-quality spaces that will help shape a healthier future for people in Barnes.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Back in the office? Here’s how to keep your people happy, motivated and staying put

Back in the office? Here’s how to keep your people happy, motivated and staying put

By Blueprint Interiors With the hybrid tide turning and more businesses bringing people back to the office, the conversation has quickly moved from “how do we get them back?” to “how do we make them want to stay?” The answer lies not just in desks and deadlines – but in design, culture and purpose. We’ve spent over two decades helping businesses create workspaces that are more than just functional. They’re places where people want to be. And with recent stats showing that nearly 40% of global workers value a positive work environment over salary (Microsoft Work Trend Index, 2024), now’s the time for employers to rethink what a return to the office really means. Here are our top tips for keeping your people happy, productive and loyal once they’re back through the door: 1. Design spaces that inspire collaboration The traditional “rows of desks” model doesn’t cut it anymore. The office isn’t just a place to complete daily tasks – it’s a space for culture, collaboration and connection. Research shows that people want to come into the office to collaborate, build relationships and be part of something bigger. It’s not just about getting people back into the office; it’s about creating spaces that make them want to stay. By creating collaborative spaces that encourage teamwork and innovation, businesses see a significant boost in creativity and employee satisfaction. Top Tip: Use spatial zoning to create different environments – quiet zones, collaboration hubs, social spaces. These spaces will inspire creativity and make employees feel more connected. It shows you understand that work isn’t one-size-fits-all. 2. Prioritise employee wellbeing in design A great workspace isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s about creating an environment where employees feel physically and mentally supported. With employees increasingly prioritising wellbeing over salary, the design of your office space plays a crucial role in retention. Top Tip: Integrate biophilic design elements such as plants, natural lighting, and outdoor views to enhance mood and productivity. Include quiet zones for relaxation and focus, and ensure ergonomic furniture is a priority to prevent burnout. 3. Tailor the office to your culture We take a bespoke approach to each client, ensuring the office design mirrors the values, mission, and personality of the company. The workspace should reflect your company’s unique culture, encouraging employees to feel part of something bigger than just their job. Top Tip: Use branded elements in your workspace design, such as custom wall art, colour schemes, or interactive displays that reflect your company’s ethos. Integrate spaces for informal team building, brainstorming, and socialising, ensuring employees feel a sense of belonging. Partnering with a professional team building company can further enhance these efforts by creating tailored activities that strengthen collaboration and engagement. 4. Flexibility still matters Flexibility remains a top priority for employees, and we champion flexible, hybrid-friendly office designs that allow businesses to adapt to evolving work styles. Creating adaptable workspaces helps employees feel empowered and trusted in their roles. Top Tip: Design spaces that can accommodate various work styles. Include adjustable desks, movable partitions, and multi-purpose areas to ensure that the office meets both personal and team needs. 5. Enhance productivity through acoustic design One area that often gets overlooked is acoustics. Poor acoustics can significantly impact employee focus and satisfaction making sound management a priority in creating a better working environment. Top Tip: Use acoustic panels, ceiling baffles, and carpeting to reduce noise in open-plan areas. Offer employees quiet rooms and phone booths for private calls, ensuring they have spaces to focus without distractions. 6. Listen to your people and measure what matters One of the biggest mistakes we see is businesses assuming they know what people want. Is your workspace actually doing what it’s supposed to? Track key metrics like engagement, retention, and productivity – but also qualitative feedback on how the office really feels to your team. We work closely with our clients to evaluate the success of office transformations, measuring not only how well the space works but how it impacts employee experience. Top Tip: Define success criteria and assess progress over time. Conduct regular employee feedback surveys to identify areas for improvement and ensure your office space evolves to meet their needs. At Blueprint, we believe the office should be more than a place to sit – it should be a place to belong. The employers getting it right aren’t just filling their desks – they’re building spaces that fuel purpose, connection and growth. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
McLaughlin & Harvey celebrate opening of Janet Harvey Hall

McLaughlin & Harvey celebrate opening of Janet Harvey Hall

Recently on 25 June 2025, representatives from McLaughlin & Harvey joined client BAE Systems to celebrate the official opening of the Janet Harvey Hall. The project combined expertise from McLaughlin & Harvey’s construction and civil engineering teams to deliver a new, more efficient and safe shipbuilding facility for BAE Systems.   In phase one, civil engineering experts drained and infilled the wet basin where the Janet Harvey Hall would be situated. Over 430,000 tonnes of sand and stone was used to infill the site, including around 318,000 tonnes of sand dredged directly from the River Clyde. Before constructing the foundations with reinforced concrete, 5000 metres of steel piles were installed.  John Mariner, Operations Director – Civils at McLaughlin & Harvey, said: “This is a brilliant example of the emphasis on collaboration at McLaughlin & Harvey. Our ability to take what was once a wet basin, infill it and create a solid structure for our construction team to build on demonstrates McLaughlin & Harvey’s ability to work across disciplines seamlessly.”   After the initial civil engineering works, phase two was completed by McLaughlin & Harvey’s construction team. Using over 6,000 tonnes of steel and over 20,000m3 of concrete, this vast shipbuilding facility houses two electric overhead travelling cranes and two Goliath cranes weighing an incredible 280 tonnes in total. “A project of this scale offers many challenges, but working together as one team with BAE Systems, our supply chain partners and internal teams, we have built a significant structure that will be part of the next chapter in Glasgow’s shipbuilding legacy.” Martin Keys, Operations Director at McLaughlin & Harvey. Named after the World War II shipyard electrician, Janet Harvey, the hall is situated on the banks of the River Clyde. Spanning 170 meters in length and 80 meters in width, it is sure to become a staple on the Glasgow skyline. At the end of the ceremony Janet’s nieces joined the Lord Provost to cut the ribbon across the towering 33m long by 54m wide hall door- a symbolic gesture that officially opened the facility and marked a new era for shipbuilding in Scotland. Simon Lister, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Naval Ships business, said: “The Janet Harvey Hall marks a major step forward for shipbuilding in Glasgow and will help enable efficient and safe shipbuilding for decades to come. It’s a symbol of pride not just for our skilled workforce who bring these ships to life, but for the entire city.” This project is another example of McLaughlin & Harvey’s expertise in the defence sector and its ability to deliver complex infrastructure projects to support the UK armed forces and supply chain. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Vivalda now offering Cedral Facades nationally

Vivalda now offering Cedral Facades nationally

Vivalda has underpinned its status as a national supplier of Cedral facades, following its extensive UK-branch network and investment in warehousing, logistics and fabrication technology. As one of the UK’s largest stockists of non-flammable facades, Vivalda is able to supply Cedral’s most popular products to contractors and merchants within just 72 hours. This development also ensures the core range of Cedral’s most popular colours (Black, Platinum Grey, Slate Grey, Steel Grey and White) are available, along with the full range of supporting accessories, for immediate collection across its branch network. Using its West Midlands headquarters as a central hub, Vivalda is also making available the full range of Cedral Click, Lap and Smooth products via its branches in Birmingham Manchester, Hull, Cheltenham, Glasgow and London – all on a five-day order cycle. Wes Hague, commercial director at Vivalda, said: “Poor product availability is one of the key frustrations faced by contractors, especially on domestic projects. That’s why we are so pleased with our ability to offer Cedral readily available and nationally – which ensures peace of mind to installers and homeowners across the UK.” Lewis Walsh, head of national accounts at Cedral UK, added: “As one of the UK’s leading brands of high-performance fibre cement cladding, we are constantly exploring ways to make life easier for installers to work with us. While we already provide seamless delivery of our range nationwide, this investment from Vivalda will make availability of our cladding boards and accessories even easier.” The UK-wide distribution deal includes all Vivalda UK branches, including BBS Facades’ outlet in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »