The construction industry has come together to develop a mandatory licensing scheme for all UK construction companies to transform the sector into a high quality and professional industry, announces the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). A new Construction Licensing Task Force, supported by a range of leading industry bodies, will
Professional service organisations can now demonstrate their considerate credentials. The Considerate Constructors Scheme – the organisation established to improve the image of construction – has expanded to offer professional service organisations the opportunity to register with the Scheme. Eligible organisations providing professional services to the construction industry, such as architects,
ISG celebrated reaching the highest point in the construction of the new campus building at Richmond upon Thames College by hosting a topping out ceremony where Liberal Democrat Party leader and MP for Twickenham, Sir Vince Cable, tightened the final bolt on the steel frame. More than 100 guests from
GRAHAM is pleased to announce completion of the new £5.6m Portrush Train Station. The station will be officially opened on 25th June 2019 by Translink. The new station comprises upgrading of the three platforms, with GRAHAM extending the permanent way for Platforms 1 and 2 at the existing station. The
RCM have recently purchased their own branded delivery vehicle in order to guarantee a better service to their customers. RCM, the complete though wall solutions provider, have invested in their own company delivery vehicle in order to better meet customer’s requirements. In the past, RCM, part of the Benx group
At a ceremony that bucked usual built environment trends, an all-female team championed the best people, initiatives and companies from across the industry and presented deserving winners of the ACE 2019 Consultancy & Engineering Awards. The winners, chosen by a panel of expert industry judges headed by Roger Bailey of
A new image of the Central Towers, which will form part of the £1billion redevelopment of London’s Olympia Exhibition Centre, in West London, has been released by multi-disciplinary engineering consultancy Pell Frischmann. The project, which is being spearheaded by Deutsche Finance International (DFI) and Yoo Capital (YC) will revamp the
For the first time, RoSPA has rewarded an organisation for its efforts in promoting safety outside of the workplace through its internationally-recognised awards scheme. Hindustan Coca Cola Beverage Pvt Ltd’s (HCCBPL) DASNA Plant in India has been announced as the first winner of the Safe@Work, Safe@Home Award, a new category
Energy Assets Group is lighting up the ‘final mile’ network market, with more than 5,000 live electricity connections taken into ownership, and 25,000 more contracted, since the launch of Energy Assets Networks (EAN) just over a year ago. EAN is an independent distribution network operator (IDNO) and has landed a
London’s newest station Meridian Water in Enfield, was opened today by Rt Honourable Chris Grayling MP Secretary of State for Transport and Heidi Alexander, Deputy Mayor of London for Transport. Representatives from Network Rail, Enfield and Haringey councils and Greater Anglia, who will manage the new station, also joined the
The construction industry has come together to develop a mandatory licensing scheme for all UK construction companies to transform the sector into a high quality and professional industry, announces the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). A new Construction Licensing Task Force, supported by a range of leading industry bodies, will lead the development of the licensing scheme. Key statistics relating to licensing and the need for such a scheme are as follows: • One third (32%) of homeowners are put off doing major home improvement works requiring a builder because they fear hiring a dodgy builder; • This means that the UK economy could be missing out on £10 billion of construction activity per year because of anxiety over rogue building firms; • More than three-quarters (77%) of small and medium-sized (SME) construction firms support the introduction of licensing to professionalise the industry, protect consumers and side-line unprofessional and incompetent building firms; • 78% of consumers also want to see a licensing scheme for construction introduced; • Nearly 90% of home owners believe that the Government should criminalise rogue and incompetent builders; • Over half of people (55%) who commission home improvement work have had a negative experience with their builder. The decision to establish a Construction Licensing Task Force follows a recommendation in an independent research report by Pye Tait published last year entitled ‘Licence to build: A pathway to licensing UK construction’, which details the benefits of introducing a licensing scheme for the whole construction industry and puts forward a proposal for how it could work. The Task Force will be chaired by Liz Peace CBE, former CEO of the British Property Federation, and the following organisations will sit on it: • Association of Consultancy and Engineering • British Property Federation • Chartered Institute of Building • Construction Products Association • Electrical Contractors Association • Federation of Master Builders • Glass and Glazing Federation / FENSA • Local Authority Building Control • Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors • TrustMark • Which? Trusted Traders Liz Peace CBE, Chair of the Construction Licensing Task Force, said: “Mandatory licensing has the potential to transform our industry into a world-leading sector. Licensing will help drive up standards and help address the issue of quality and professionalism, which is some areas, is falling short. At the heart of what we’re trying to do is increase protection for the ordinary person who engages with the construction sector. Indeed, according to research by the FMB, one third of homeowners are so worried about having a bad experience with their builder, they are putting off commissioning construction work altogether. This could be costing the economy as much as £10 billion per year. Enough is enough and the industry itself recognises that.” Peace continued: “Licensing has support in principle from more than 30 construction organisations and consumer groups. The Task Force will be supported by major players and in an industry that is often criticised for being too fractured and disparate, I am heartened by the fact that the sector is coming together to lead the industry in a new direction. I’m also pleased that senior civil servants from BEIS and MHCLG will sit on the Task Force as observers as Government engagement right from the outset is crucial to the successful development of the scheme.” Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “The vast majority of builders and homeowners want to see the construction industry professionalised. It’s unacceptable that more than half of consumers have had a negative experience with their builder. However, we shouldn’t be surprised by this given that in the UK, it is perfectly legal for anyone to set up a building firm and start selling their services without any prior experience or qualifications. This cannot be right given the nature of the work and the potential health and safety risks when something goes wrong. In countries like Australia and Germany, building firms require a licence and we want to develop a scheme that regulates our industry in a similar manner. I am delighted to be part of the Construction Licensing Task Force and will ensure that any such scheme works for small building firms.”
Professional service organisations can now demonstrate their considerate credentials. The Considerate Constructors Scheme – the organisation established to improve the image of construction – has expanded to offer professional service organisations the opportunity to register with the Scheme. Eligible organisations providing professional services to the construction industry, such as architects, engineering consultancies, surveyors, accountants and lawyers, are now able to join the 7,000 plus construction sites, companies, suppliers and clients of construction projects who register with the Scheme each year. Professional services account for around 11% (£186 billion) of the UK’s Gross Value Added and employ around 13% (4.6 million) of the UK’s population.* This exciting development comes at the request of those already registered with the Scheme to ensure their entire supply chain is part of the Scheme, as well as an increasing number of professional service organisations wishing to be part of the Scheme to help improve their standards in considerate construction. Edward Hardy, Chief Executive of the Considerate Constructors Scheme said: “We are delighted to welcome eligible professional service organisations to the Scheme. This is a significant development for our entire construction industry, as professional services form an integral part of the industry’s supply chain. “The impact such organisations can have in becoming part of the Considerate Constructors Scheme to improve their standards will no doubt have a significant influence on improving the overall image of our industry.” Click here to find out more and to apply to become a Scheme Registered Professional.
ISG celebrated reaching the highest point in the construction of the new campus building at Richmond upon Thames College by hosting a topping out ceremony where Liberal Democrat Party leader and MP for Twickenham, Sir Vince Cable, tightened the final bolt on the steel frame. More than 100 guests from the college, ISG’s supply chain and its associated partners attended the event to mark the completion of the building’s shell and core, bringing the College’s vision to create a world class post-16 centre of excellence closer to realisation. As he addressed the attendees, Sir Vince Cable said: “This outstanding building will turn this college into place of distinction for vocational and educational training and apprenticeships in the region, and I’m really proud to be associated with the project. “We have to make sure the further education sector in the UK is properly supported. Post-school education is not just about universities and having a successful further education sector is absolutely critical to the future of the country. I am delighted that the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames is hosting such a forward-thinking project and I would like to say well done to everybody who has been involved in bringing it to fruition.” Steven McGee from ISG, as well as project partners, including Fusion, Atkins and Faithful+Gould also addressed the delegates on the day, alongside Gerard Toplass from procurement and management services provider, PAGABO, who revealed that the £35 million project has generated more than £53 million of social value in Richmond, including the creation of 10 apprenticeships and 41 new jobs, to date. Steven McGee, managing director of ISG’s UK Construction South division, explained: “A great deal of hard work, creative thinking and collaboration has bought this project to this key milestone. This event marks a significant moment in the delivery of this legacy project for the region, and it’s a moment to pause and reflect on the strong partnerships and joint endeavor that is bringing this exceptional facility to life.” “The Richmond Building will act as a beacon for the community, attracting the brightest students in the region, and the best talent in FE teaching, and ISG is already playing its part in this vision. Throughout the course of the project, we have engaged with young people in Richmond to drive employment and upskilling opportunities. Our Level 3 Diploma in Professional Construction Practice (PCP), which will be rolled out – in conjunction with the college – from this September. We welcome the engagement from our partners, the college and the local community as we continue to create a positive legacy in Richmond for generations to come.” Robin Ghurbhurun, RuTC’s Chief Executive and Principal added: “The vision is to create a flagship college that will not only benefit Richmond borough residents but also become a major careers hub and community destination for students and employers. Colleges are vital in driving social mobility and providing the skills to boost local and regional economies by providing high quality technical and professional education and training for young people, adults and employers.” The building is due for completion, early 2020.
GRAHAM is pleased to announce completion of the new £5.6m Portrush Train Station. The station will be officially opened on 25th June 2019 by Translink. The new station comprises upgrading of the three platforms, with GRAHAM extending the permanent way for Platforms 1 and 2 at the existing station. The station now accommodates 6-car train sets to provide increased capacity. GRAHAM has installed modern facilities, providing enhanced passenger information and a new public address system. The new station also includes increased cycle storage space to encourage active travel and ‘greener’ tourism links. Funding for the station was secured from the Department for Communities (£4.7m) and Department for Infrastructure (£900k+). The new Portrush Train Station has been completed ahead of the 148th Open, Portrush, to be held in the town this July. The event is expected to attract around 190,000 visitors and offers a significant opportunity to sustainably develop the economy of Portrush town and the wider North Coast and will bring substantial benefits to the area in terms of visitor numbers, spend and investment. The new train station is one element of a wider £17m Portrush Regeneration Programme, led by the Department for Communities, which also includes a major public realm and revitalisation scheme for the town. The station is a contemporary design to complement the surrounding public realm works. Jonny Kerr, Contracts Director at GRAHAM, said: “We are very excited to be handing over the completed train station at Portrush to Translink and eagerly await the response from the travelling public to what is a gateway to the town and North Coast. “Portrush is one of Ireland’s most popular seaside resorts. The new station’s increased capacity will allow for further passenger and visitor growth as well as delivering wider economic benefits to the region. Jonny added: “I’d like to thank the project team and all of our partners for their hard work and collaborative approach in delivering this project safely and ahead of schedule and in time for the upcoming 148th Open taking place in the town. This is a proud achievement for GRAHAM and we look forward to seeing the lasting impact this project has for both residents and visitors of Portrush and the wider North Coast for many years to come.” Richard Knox, Translink’s Head of Rail Service Operations, said: “We are delighted to take possession of Portrush Train Station from our contractor, and we look forward to welcoming the public to make use of what is above all their facility. “As Translink continues our journey towards making public transport ‘your first choice for travel’ in Northern Ireland, investments like Portrush Train Station are of critical importance. We are proud of what Portrush Station has to offer the travelling public, and we’re certain that those passing through this summer will be impressed by what they encounter, from modern waiting facilities, improved passenger information and signage to local amenities and attractions, as well as enhanced cycle storage to promote more ‘active’ travel. “We’re looking forward to the official opening of the site later in June, which will mark a formal end to our work on the new station. To mark that event, we’ll be installing a time capsule on-site, complete with contributions from local organisations, to commemorate this eventful year in Portrush’s history, which won’t be completed until 2069. “Portrush Train Station provides a real sense of ‘place’ for the town and is a great gateway for the world to come and see what Portrush has to offer.”
RCM have recently purchased their own branded delivery vehicle in order to guarantee a better service to their customers. RCM, the complete though wall solutions provider, have invested in their own company delivery vehicle in order to better meet customer’s requirements. In the past, RCM, part of the Benx group of companies, arranged deliveries of their building boards and facades through large third party hauliers. Whilst still utilising this delivery network, the additional ownership of a 26t rigid vehicle brings with it many advantages. Investing in process improvements that will benefit and support their customers by providing more efficient and cost-effective services has been one of RCM’s main commitments. Some of the obvious benefits will include the ability to exercise greater control over the distribution to better address customer’s requirements. Operating costs will be better managed and there will be clear improvements on driver’s MPG. The number of drops per day can also be better managed, thus ensuring optimization and efficiency on a national scale. RCM will be able to improve their customer service, by reducing the reliance on third party providers. There will be a guaranteed capacity at all times, with the ability to support RCM’s customers on a postcode/network basis. The latest specification Euro 6 vehicle brings improved fuel consumption and less emissions and therefore is better for the environment. “Delivery of our building boards and façades ranges to high value projects is now even better serviced by the recent investment in the company owned delivery vehicle. It will allow us to act much quicker and more efficiently to our customer’s needs and requirements.” (Ian Quinton, Managing Director, RCM)
At a ceremony that bucked usual built environment trends, an all-female team championed the best people, initiatives and companies from across the industry and presented deserving winners of the ACE 2019 Consultancy & Engineering Awards. The winners, chosen by a panel of expert industry judges headed by Roger Bailey of Tideway, were announced at ACE’s black-tie dinner on Thursday evening. The event, hosted by CBRE’s Amanda Clack, and AECOM’s Charlotte Jones, herself the winner of last years’ Apprentice of the Year award, featured Heathrow’s Emma Jane Houghton, Huda As’ad of the Infrastructure Projects Authority, the DfT’s Catherine de Marco OBE, Dr Tauni Lanier of Eco-Capital, and Georgia Hughes of Arcadis, and Chair of the ACE Emerging Professionals group. ACE Chief Executive Hannah Vickers challenged attendees to spot the difference between the ACE and every other industry event they had attended, saying “To those of you who say there aren’t enough women in the industry or you just can’t find female speakers, I’m sorry, but you’re just not moving in the right circles. Try harder.” Hannah also challenged attendees to use every business situation and opportunity to develop and celebrate the success of staff at every level. “Instead of focusing on the usual corporate entertainment for tonight’s celebration, we felt it more productive and intuitive to invest that money in further training and development for our co-host this evening, Charlotte Jones of AECOM. As business leaders, we should be supporting our teams from the ground up. “I’d like to congratulate all of our winners and nominees, who have shown that the future of consultancy and engineering is incredibly exciting.” Future of Consultancy – Integrated Project Team of the Year, Public Sector Client Winner – Arup Future of Consultancy – Integrated Project Team of the Year, Private Sector Client Winner – Arup – Welsh Water Alliance Highly Commended – BuroHappold Engineering Best UK Business Performance – micro organisation (<10 employees) Winner – Rail Power Solutions Best UK Business Performance – small/medium sized organisation (10+ employees but less than 250) Winner – Geo-Environmental Services Ltd Best UK Business Performance – large organisation (>250 employees) Winner – Pick Everard Highly Commended – Curtins Future of Consultancy – Strategic Planning & Placemaking Champion Winner – WYG Highly Commended – Arup Future of Consultancy – Data Led Asset Performance Champion Winner – Amey Consulting Environmental Initiative of the Year Winner – IMC Social & Environmental Safeguarding Team – Freetown Landfill Feasibility Study Highly Commended – Mott MacDonald – Embedding PAS2080 across a global business Emerging Professional Employer of the Year Winner – WSP Highly Commended – IMC Worldwide & Stantec Emerging Professional of the Year Winner – Philippa Jefferis – IMC Worldwide Highly Commended – Elizabeth Side – Jubb Consulting Engineers Limited Apprentice of the Year Winner – Elliott Webb – Arup Highly Commended – Willow-Athena Hempell – WSP
A new image of the Central Towers, which will form part of the £1billion redevelopment of London’s Olympia Exhibition Centre, in West London, has been released by multi-disciplinary engineering consultancy Pell Frischmann. The project, which is being spearheaded by Deutsche Finance International (DFI) and Yoo Capital (YC) will revamp the existing exhibition halls, and add 51,000m² of office, studios and co-working space across its site. The new centre will also house a four-screen arthouse cinema, a 1,000-seat performing arts space, a 1,500-seat theatre, 900m² of performance and rehearsal space, a new jazz club-style restaurant and venue, shops, cafés, hotels and new public space, including pedestrianised squares and a sky garden. The historic façades of the exhibition centre, on Olympia Way, will be fully restored and spaces, such as the historic Pillar Hall, will be opened to the public. UK consultancy Pell Frischmann is providing lead structural engineering services across the development. The site, in Kensington, West London, was built in 1886 as the National Agricultural Hall, according to the designs of architect Henry Edward Coe. Today, it is one of city’s premier venues and hosts more than 220 exhibitions and events each year, including the ‘Olympia Horse Show’ and ‘Stylist Live’. Events will continue to be held during development. Key features of new £1bn project, which will welcome its first tenants in 2023, will include: A 1,500-seat theatre A 1,000-seat performing arts venue Two hotels A 4-screen cinema 670,000 sq. ft. of creative office space, including new co-working space Upgrades to the existing event and exhibition spaces A 200,000 sq. ft. logistics centre The revamp of this historic London site is expected to create more than 3,000 new construction jobs over the next five years, as well as approximately 5,400 new jobs across the local area upon completion. Pell Frischmann’s Division Director of Structural and Civil Engineering, Mike Hitchens, said: “We are excited to be working on the redevelopment of the Olympia estate, with its many challenges it is a real opportunity for us to show what we can do. “The site has a rich history and is an important landmark for UK industry and the local community – and the project will create the latest go-to destination in the capital with not just an exhibition centre but a wealth of public realm and creative facilities.”
For the first time, RoSPA has rewarded an organisation for its efforts in promoting safety outside of the workplace through its internationally-recognised awards scheme. Hindustan Coca Cola Beverage Pvt Ltd’s (HCCBPL) DASNA Plant in India has been announced as the first winner of the Safe@Work, Safe@Home Award, a new category in the RoSPA Health and Safety Awards. Sponsored by L’Oréal, the award places emphasis on good health and safety practice being taken beyond the threshold of the shop floor and out into the community. The Safe@Work, Safe@Home Award initiative reflects an increasing focus on “carry-over” programmes, which recognise that employees and their families and friends are affected by injury and ill health outside of the work environment. RoSPA chief executive Errol Taylor said: “A simple look at accident rates will tell you that our workplaces are the safest place you can be, while accidents at home and during leisure pursuits are rising at an alarming pace. “We feel that employers can and should have a large part to play in helping to protect not just their workforce, but the wider community, utilising sound health and safety practice developed over many years to share vital, preventative skills and knowledge. And not just for reasons of corporate social responsibility – an injury or ill health suffered by an employee, or a family member, in the home or during leisure time will lead to lost working hours and reduced productivity. “I congratulate HCCBPL DASNA Plant on being the first recipient of the Safe@Work, Safe@Home Award – it’s no mean feat, and the judges, including L’Oréal’s corporate health and safety director Malcolm Staves, were hugely impressed by their inspirational programme of work in the community. “I also want to thank L’Oréal for sponsoring and helping us to develop this award – their own carry-over health and safety programmes have been a huge inspiration to us here at RoSPA.” HCCBPL DASNA Plant was praised by RoSPA Award judges for its “Me We World” programme, which typifies the ethos of Safe@Work, Safe@Home, and its holistic approach to conversations about home accidents as part of the overall safety management programme, including “My Home, My Safety”. HCCBPL DASNA Plant has also won the Initiative of the Year in the Inspiration Awards category for its My Health Index programme, RoSPA Gold Award, and a Silver RoSPA Fleet Safety Award. The first RoSPA Awards gala dinner presentation ceremony took place in Birmingham last night (June 6). Other RoSPA Award ceremonies are taking place alongside Safety and Health Expo at London’s ExCeL on June 18, and in Glasgow on September 12. For more about the RoSPA Awards, see www.rospa.com/awards As part of its national accident prevention strategy, “Safe and active at all ages”, RoSPA is encouraging employers to develop carry-over programmes. See www.rospa.com/national-strategy for more info.
Energy Assets Group is lighting up the ‘final mile’ network market, with more than 5,000 live electricity connections taken into ownership, and 25,000 more contracted, since the launch of Energy Assets Networks (EAN) just over a year ago. EAN is an independent distribution network operator (IDNO) and has landed a significant number of asset ownership contracts thanks to its partnerships with contractors, housebuilders and developers across Britain – and its flexible approach to asset adoption. The company has quickly built a portfolio comprising thousands of domestic connection points, but a key success factor has been its approach to other asset types, including industrial and commercial schemes, EV charging infrastructure and data centres. “Rather than focusing on any one asset type, we have chosen to support independent connection providers (ICPs) and developers with a degree of flexibility that gives us a competitive advantage in the marketplace,” said Jayson Whitaker, Managing Director of EAN. “This business ethos enables our team to work closely with ICPs to find the most cost-effective network construction solution and to provide a competitive asset value.” EAN has made significant progress under Jayson’s leadership as part of the Group’s wider asset management activities. Its agile approach has seen the adoption of electricity assets linked to housebuilding, retail and office and industrial development, while simultaneously tapping into the rapidly growing electric vehicle charging sector. “The 5,000 connected asset milestone represents an exciting stage in our development and is testament to our partnership ethos with ICPs,” said Jayson. “However, this is just the beginning – with our flexible business approach and other asset-based innovations in the pipeline, we anticipate a strong period of growth ahead.” www.energyassetsnetworks.co.uk
London’s newest station Meridian Water in Enfield, was opened today by Rt Honourable Chris Grayling MP Secretary of State for Transport and Heidi Alexander, Deputy Mayor of London for Transport. Representatives from Network Rail, Enfield and Haringey councils and Greater Anglia, who will manage the new station, also joined the official opening. Meridian Water is at the heart of a £6bn development of the area being led by Enfield Council which will see 10,000 new homes and the creation of thousands of jobs. It replaces the existing Angel Road station providing improved accessibility for passengers with stairs and lifts providing step-free access across the railway and to the enclosed concourse that features a bespoke golden panel design. The station is part of the Lee Valley Rail Programme and has been delivered by Network Rail and its principal contractor, VolkerFitzpatrick. A package of upgrades to this part of the West Anglia line that runs from Stratford to Meridian Water, include: • 5.5km of new track to enable two more trains per hour to run between Stratford and Meridian Water from this September. • Improvements at Tottenham Hale station including a new platform and a new accessible footbridge with lifts and an escalator, reducing congestion around the station. • Upgrades at Northumberland Park station, including building an additional platform and new step-free footbridge across the railway for passengers and the community. •Refurbishing or replacing several rail bridges, upgrading signals, installing power cables and additional overhead power lines. Chris Grayling, Secretary of State for Transport, said: “As part of our commitment to modernise the rail network, I am delighted to announce the opening of the new, state of the art Meridian Water station. “By working closely with Enfield Council and Network Rail, we have provided significant investment to improve this vital rail link, which will allow more people access to the railway and facilitate the council’s plans to increase housing in the area.” Heidi Alexander, Deputy Mayor of London for Transport, said: “The Lee Valley Rail Programme is an excellent example of how investing in transport directly supports regeneration and growth. “I’m delighted that the GLA and TfL have worked alongside Network Rail and other organisations to fund this important improvement to the West Anglia line, including the new Meridian Water station. These improvements to the transport network will make this part of London an even more appealing place to live, work and visit.” Meliha Duymaz, Network Rail’s route managing director for Anglia, said: “The delivery of the Lee Valley Rail Programme is the culmination of years of hard work. Reducing congestion at busy stations and building a brand new one for the people of Enfield will transform journeys as our network gets busier. “This collaborative programme shows how the rail industry can work together with external partners to fund and deliver rail upgrades that will not only benefit passengers by improving their travelling experience but also benefit the communities where they live through regeneration.” Cllr Nesil Caliskan, The Leader of Enfield Council, said: “Over the last year Meridian Water project has gathered real pace and many of the elements of this £6bn project have coming together. “With the station now open and service improvements to follow we are forging ahead with this scheme, to deliver thousands of new homes and jobs for local people. “We have also selected a developer to deliver the first phase of homes and workspaces with the first completions due in 2022 and we have already started work on the second phase of the development which will be 100 per cent affordable housing. “There will also be fantastic opportunities for local people and businesses to locate their enterprises on excellent sites within Meridian Water which are not due to be developed as part of the wider scheme for a number of years. “The opening of the station – which has been project managed and funded by Enfield Council underpins the whole development and we are very pleased that it will act as a springboard to allow the whole of the project to thrive as well as massively benefiting the existing population of Angel Edmonton.” Martin Moran, Greater Anglia’s Commercial and Customer Service Director, said: “We are very pleased to welcome passengers to Meridian Water station. North London is a region full of potential. It’s an area deserving of investment and improved transport connectivity for the people who live and work there. “The station provides the area with better rail options, initially with weekday peak time direct trains running south to Stratford, enabling connections to London Liverpool Street, and north to Bishops Stortford, for connections to Stansted Airport and Cambridge. “From September 2019 there will be a much better service, including at weekends, as the third track provides the additional capacity that enables us to operate two trains per hour throughout the day between Meridian Water and Stratford. “We are committed to improving rail travel for all customers. By continuing to work in partnership with local authorities, the London Local Enterprise Partnership and Network Rail and other key stakeholders, we believe Meridian Water will have a positive impact. Further benefits will also follow with the introduction of our entire fleet of new trains, which are due to be rolled out across our network, including on Meridian Water services, by the end of 2020.” Northumberland Park has a new platform served by the third track. An accessible footbridge with ramps has also been constructed and opened to facilitate a safe place for passengers to wait for their trains particularly during event days at the nearby stadium on White Hart Lane. The ramps provide an accessible route across the railway for wheelchair users, bicycles and buggies while a lift will be available to serve the new island platform. Tottenham Hale station is a busy interchange between the main line services and the Victoria Line. For that reason, we have built a new accessible footbridge with stairs, lifts and an escalator to ease congestion and provide better passenger flow around the