Expanded metal is obtained by cutting and simultaneously ironing the sheet metal. This process creates diamond-shaped openings in the material that allow the free flow of air, fluids or light. This type of metal is produced from a sheet of any solid metal, including stainless steel, aluminum, galvanized steel, titanium
Cladding work to Stephen George + Partners’ £7.3 million office building, now named No1 Great Central Square, at the old Stibbe factory site in Leicester is nearly 90% complete. Part of a £45 million masterplan designed by Stephen George + Partners LLP (SGP) for Charles Street Buildings Group, No1 Great
One of the UK’s leading manufacturers of timber- and metal-faced composite insulated panels has made two senior appointments to help drive planned growth, aimed at satisfying the building industry’s need for materials used in Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). Ingrid Lovatt is a particularly apt choice as Finance Director at
Clegg Construction has completed a new Students’ Union building at a West Midlands university. The build was carried out by the Nottingham-based company at Aston University in Birmingham, on behalf of Aston Students’ Union as part of a £6.1m design and build contract. The modern new build replaces the 1960s
For those who sit outside of the plastering trade, a question that gets commonly asked is ‘what is the difference between plastering and rendering?’ While some may just want to seem more in-the-know when they’re talking to the plasterer, others may be struggling to distinguish between what are two very
The team at UK packaging supplier, Kite Packaging, were delighted to welcome Sir Oliver Heald MP last week, an opportunity which enabled them to give him a deeper insight into the Kite brand and their environmental commitment. Sir Oliver Heald MP was able to explore the Kite site and meet
Naturgy, a company led by Francisco Reynés, has presented the results for the first quarter of 2019, focused on progress in the implementation of its Strategic Plan with a great challenge ahead such as renewable energy, which highlights the great industrial plan of the energy company, both nationally and internationally.
Having steadily increased in popularity in recent years, bifold doors make for a fantastic addition to any home or workplace. Not only do they create the illusion of a bigger space and bring in lots of much-needed natural light, but they can also increase the value of a property too.
In a £4.5 million project which will be its second biggest to date, Edinburgh engineering firm Applied Engineering Design (AED) is working with Simon Laird Associates (SLA) architects on what may become a new landmark for the industrial and commercial heartland of West Lothian. AED has been appointed to carry out full
Transport Minister Andrew Jones MP, visited Birmingham today to see how works are progressing at the region’s main HS2 sites. As one of the most intensive construction sections along the 140 mile London to Birmingham section of the route, the West Midlands is set to benefit from two brand new
Expanded metal is obtained by cutting and simultaneously ironing the sheet metal. This process creates diamond-shaped openings in the material that allow the free flow of air, fluids or light. This type of metal is produced from a sheet of any solid metal, including stainless steel, aluminum, galvanized steel, titanium or copper. Expanded Metal, a versatile product Expanded metal includes diamond shaped openings, which distinguish it as a versatile and commonly used product in areas such as platforms, walkways, conveyor belts and railway fences, and others. It can also be retrofitted to existing gratings, floors or diamond sheets and in many areas is a cost-effective solution. Here are four common types of expanded metal. The most common forms of use of expanded metal for Industry are circles, squares and diamonds, of which diamonds are the most requested forms because of the form’s ability to absorb energy and resist mechanical deformation after installation. Other aspects of construction are represented by the dimensions and angles of the shapes, which also influence the way in which the metal absorbs energy and the point where the energy spreads throughout the expanded metal. Wire cloth can be used in many specific applications and is available in many fabric and material versions. This type of product is an element that allows the use of different types of protection, support and custom applications. The metallic fabric is braided together with a manufacturing process specialized in industrial production factories. Expanded Metal as durable material for construction Expanded metal is commonly used for the construction of fences, walkways and grids, as it is a very robust and durable material. Wire mesh, on the other hand, is lighter and also less expensive. Thanks to the small openings of the material, it is possible to pass through air, water and light, while maintaining a mechanical barrier to larger objects. A further point in favour of using expanded metal, unlike simple metal, is that the exposed edges of expanded metal offer greater adhesion, which has led to its use in walkways or drainage covers. Metal mesh screen is a particularly ductile material for use in many applications. Flexible, individual, resistant and eco-sustainable, the decorative wire mesh is available in different models. Expanded metal in the Construction Industry Expanded metal is used by the construction industry as metal strips to support elements such as plaster, stucco or adobe in walls and other structures. Expanded Metal in Modern Architecture In the field of modern architecture, expanded metal or steel mesh are an exposed or screen material that can be transformed into simple or complex decorative forms. Photographic images can be printed on the surface, creating textures or large graphic images that allow light to filter through the external surface of a building. Wire Mesh for Industry Wire mesh is widespread in the industrial, transport, agricultural, horticultural and food sectors. The characteristic that makes wire mesh such a versatile product is that it can be produced in an unlimited number of specifications. Depending on the manufacturing possibilities, there are almost countless possibilities for combinations of aperture sizes and wire diameters that can be achieved, depending on whether we are talking about woven or welded construction. Wire Mesh in Modern Architecture Wire mesh has significant benefits for conventional architectural materials leading to greater freedom of modern and flexible design. Its very nature allows it to be used in a very wide range of architectural projects, starting from the interior and ending with the exterior and external applications. You can create impressive visual effects while being strong, durable and flexible. Whether it is a single part or a combination of parts, the wire mash can be tailored to any architectural project or construction.
Cladding work to Stephen George + Partners’ £7.3 million office building, now named No1 Great Central Square, at the old Stibbe factory site in Leicester is nearly 90% complete. Part of a £45 million masterplan designed by Stephen George + Partners LLP (SGP) for Charles Street Buildings Group, No1 Great Central Square is the latest component in the transformation of the 1.89 hectare site into the wider Great Central Square redevelopment, which is set within the Waterside Strategic Regeneration Area. The building will offer up to 33,000sq.ft of Grade A offices whilst the scheme will also feature two new hotels, the refurbishment of the Great Central Railway Station and a new public plaza, all of which are overseen by SGP. Adjacent to the All Saints conservation area and flanked by several listed buildings, the five-storey office’s V-shaped form evolved with the design of SGP’s masterplan. Double storey height curtain walling at ground and high level achieves a critical lightness whilst the twisting roof parapet adds further visual interest to the building, creating an attractive and aspirational place for future tenants to work and do business. The slanting element in the façade was a conscious design decision to reduce the building’s scale in respect of its neighbours, creating street harmony and bringing forward the once neglected Great Central Railway Station. To further emphasise the sleek modern design, joints were kept to a minimum. This was achieved through large cladding panels up to 5m long together with specially constructed 3D pre-formed corner panels. SGP’s meticulous detail is crucial to give a quality edge to the building. Explains Hing Ow, Associate at SGP: “Due to the twisting form and building tolerance, precision is of utmost importance to ensure correct installation can be achieved. Furthermore, there are nearly 250 individual aluminium panels and up to 270 different sizes of ceramic panels used in the building. To avoid errors, we had to use a 3D modelling tool to draw up each panel, so each panel can be precisely cut in the factory and correctly installed on site.” For the cladding, aluminium with a natural muted colour was chosen to give a light contemporary feel that contrasts and highlights the softer finishes of the hotel. On at the bottom level, ceramic panels were specified in a similar colour tone to ground the building, as well as giving a visual connection between No1 Great Central Square and the hotels. Continues Hing: “We worked closely with the client and the contractor through a number of design reviews and cost analysis exercises to uphold the essence of the design while meeting the budget constraints.” Explains Ian Yallop, Chairman at SGP: “The new development is a key piece in the central Leicester jigsaw, transforming a neglected site into a vibrant and engaging destination as well as a safe and welcoming link between the city centre and the City Council’s ambitious Waterside development.” Work started on site in March 2018 and is expected to complete in December 2019. Morgan Sindall is the contractor for the highway works, hotels, and new office building, and the contractor for the refurbishment of the station is Charles Street Buildings (the client’s construction arm).
One of the UK’s leading manufacturers of timber- and metal-faced composite insulated panels has made two senior appointments to help drive planned growth, aimed at satisfying the building industry’s need for materials used in Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). Ingrid Lovatt is a particularly apt choice as Finance Director at St Helen’s-based Hemsec; her background and wide experience as a big-four-trained Chartered Accountant, combined with a Master’s Degree in Architectural Engineering gives her a well-informed viewpoint from which to help build the company. Ingrid started her career working in engineering in the 1980’s, and is heartened by how the profession has since turned itself around here in the UK. An engineering consultancy role led her into accountancy, where her background has spanned big-four mergers and acquisitions with UK and International clients, as well as strategic financial roles at both FTSE 100 PLC’s and owner-managed businesses. On her move to Hemsec, Ingrid comments, “I was looking for a business that had aspiration as well as strong foundations, where I could be part of the journey. To find one that also has a heart, made it easy for me to agree to join Hemsec.” Chris Griffin is equally well-matched with Hemsec, joining as Commercial Manager. His background in logistics, international warehousing, commodity storage and port distribution led to a move into commercial in 2015. He spent the last four years developing industrial supply chain solutions before joining Hemsec to support Managing Director Stephen Painter to realise his vision of ‘Doing business differently and better.’ Chris comments: “It feels like a real privilege to join Hemsec at this stage in its history. The commitment to ensuring Hemsec’s values influence responsible decision-making really attracted me to this company. I am excited about investing my time and effort in helping to fulfil its potential in a sustainable way. The insulated panels the company produces play a vital role in significantly reducing fuel usage in buildings, at the same time as improving living standards. It is really important that we help the construction industry to access the volume of materials it needs to stimulate MMC in the UK and Europe. Widespread usage will play a pretty significant role in fulfilling the environmental targets set in the Kyoto and Paris agreements. As a collective, we must reduce energy and any part I have in making this happen more easily and effectively, motivates me.” Hemsec is developing educational materials to facilitate SIPs usage in the construction industry, and is in talks with secondary education colleges and the CITB to provide accredited learning. For more information please contact the company through Hemsec.com.
Clegg Construction has completed a new Students’ Union building at a West Midlands university. The build was carried out by the Nottingham-based company at Aston University in Birmingham, on behalf of Aston Students’ Union as part of a £6.1m design and build contract. The modern new build replaces the 1960s Students’ Union building and is located at the heart of the university campus. The two-storey steel framed building was designed by architects Robothams and has striking full height glazing. There are a range of facilities inside including a café, bar and restaurant, shop, social spaces, prayer room and washing facilities, games area, media room, multi-exhibition and rehearsal space and office space for the union’s student officer team and services. Sustainability is a key factor of the new building which includes district heating, use of sustainable timbers, photovoltaic panels and a strict recycling policy – the building has also achieved an A-rated Energy Performance Certificate. Simon Blackburn, Managing Director of Clegg Construction, said: “This is a fantastic new venue for the Students’ Union and is among the most modern and sustainable of its type in the country.“We were delighted to work with Aston University once again having also completed the new labs for the Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies.” Amna Atteeq, Students’ Union president said: “It’s been a pleasure working with Clegg Construction over the last 12 months on the new SU, I know students are going to absolutely love it and it’s going to become a home from home whilst they are studying at Aston. I’m going to be finishing my studies next year and I can’t wait to spend time enjoying the amazing new building.” This was the third project Clegg Construction has completed at Aston University in recent years. It completed the new facility for the Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies in November 2017. Prior to that it carried out a £5.2m remodelling of the School of Engineering and Applied Science’s chemical engineering and applied chemistry facilities. Clegg Construction has completed schemes for the University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham and last year the new £10.1m Science Centre for the University of Wolverhampton.
For those who sit outside of the plastering trade, a question that gets commonly asked is ‘what is the difference between plastering and rendering?’ While some may just want to seem more in-the-know when they’re talking to the plasterer, others may be struggling to distinguish between what are two very similar practices. Fundamentally, the two main differences lie in their use and their composition. In terms of practical use, rendering is the coating of external walls, whilst plastering is the coating of interior walls. Whilst both are composed primarily of cement, sand, water and lime gypsum, render features a much heavier composition. Here, we discuss the purposes of both so you can help separate the two once and for all. The Purpose of Rendering Rendering is the process of coating the exterior surfaces of buildings; a process used to waterproof and fireproof the exterior, as well as enhance the aesthetics. Render material is made up of the same ingredients as plaster but features a much heavier cement base, which makes it fit for external purposes. Fine sand and lime gypsum are utilised in the mixture in order to provide a smooth finish. Render represents the final layer on exterior walls, and can be finished as smooth, flat, textured or patterned, depending on the requirements of the client. The Purpose of Plastering Plastering is the process of coating the interior walls and ceilings of a building, so they’re fit for painting or wallpapering. The mixture contains less cement than that of render and utilises less coarse sand, which provides a lighter, smoother finish than its external counterpart. Whilst both are mortar coatings that rest on top of blockwork, plaster is not weather resistant, offering more of a decorative function that is water repellent and easily cleaned. It also holds fireproofing qualities, particularly in older buildings that are constructed from mud or clay. Of course, both share strong similarities. Their makeup includes the same ingredients, and their functional purpose is more or less the same. The important point to distinguish is their differing anti-abrasion properties. For a new house build, it’s essential the exterior is comprehensively rendered to avoid damage and potential collapse from moisture build up. When plastering, make sure to leaves freshly laid plaster for anywhere from a week to a month to dry before beginning painting or wallpapering. Naturally, such jobs are best carried out by a professional, so search for ‘local plasterers near me’ to find a quality, good value tradesmen to do the job for you.
The team at UK packaging supplier, Kite Packaging, were delighted to welcome Sir Oliver Heald MP last week, an opportunity which enabled them to give him a deeper insight into the Kite brand and their environmental commitment. Sir Oliver Heald MP was able to explore the Kite site and meet the innovating team behind Letchworth’s packaging operations. Mr Heald and Kite Packaging’s Letchworth Managing Partner, Paul Mustard discussed the business’s 120 tonne plastic reduction challenge and the demand for environmental packaging. The day was a success with many Kite customers and suppliers attending the day, Sir Oliver Heald MP commented: “I was delighted to visit this innovative company which is at the forefront of packaging technology and keen to improve the environmental profile of the industry. I was also impressed that the company is owned by its workers. I was pleased to meet Paul Mustard and the team and I found their enthusiasm inspiring.” Having moved to its new Letchworth location in 2016 after 15 years situated in Harlow, Kite’s continued growth necessitated a planned expansion being brought forward to the summer of last year. The Kite site oversaw a 12,000 sq. ft extension, gaining an extra 2300 pallet spaces, bringing Letchworth’s total capacity to 36,000 sq. ft. With a regional branch network across the UK, the employee-owned company also has sites in the Midlands, Rotherham, Swindon, Sittingbourne, Portsmouth and Gateshead as well as a Packaging Regulations compliant scheme, Kite Environmental Solutions. For further information on Kite’s environmental packaging or for more about the employee-owned business’s 120 tonne plastic reduction challenge, please visit kitepackaging.co.uk.
Naturgy, a company led by Francisco Reynés, has presented the results for the first quarter of 2019, focused on progress in the implementation of its Strategic Plan with a great challenge ahead such as renewable energy, which highlights the great industrial plan of the energy company, both nationally and internationally. The company has also lowered its risk profile and increased its exposure to regulated assets with innovative investments. From the outset, Francisco Reynés has focused on cash generation, reducing his net debt and complying with shareholder remuneration at the end of the dividend payment against the previous year’s results. Francisco Reynés Massanet, executive president of the company, indicated that the “group continues with its industrial project, investing in renewables and networks, which allows us to adapt to the energy mix of the future and the quality of service that customers need and demand. We also continue to meet the commitments we made a year ago in terms of shareholder remuneration, while maintaining stable debt levels. Naturgy continues to make progress in implementing the Strategic Plan, with significant progress in efficiency and in reducing Naturgy’s risk profile. This progress has been made in part thanks to the tariff updates in some Latin American countries and undoubtedly to the progressive improvement in the risk profile of the liberalized businesses. The results recorded in the first quarter show that the strategic plan launched by Francisco Reynés on his arrival in 2018 has borne fruit with ordinary EBITDA reaching 1,167 million euros, 6% more than in the same period of the previous year, and ordinary net profit of 377 million. This represents an increase of 16%. Reynés commented that investments amounted to 301 million euros in the period and show primarily the development of a new renewable capacity planned by the electricity company, as well as growth in distribution networks, always complying with the Strategic Plan 2018-2022. The growth in investments has led to progress in Naturgy’s industrial project, which includes 138 MW of solar and wind projects put into operation in Spain in the first quarter and another 777 MW that will come into operation during the year. All in all, the installed capacity in the country now stands at around 1,320 MW, an increase of 15%. The company has also invested in the development of 180 MW of wind energy in Australia and 324 MW of wind and solar capacity in Chile, which will come into operation before the third quarter of 2020 and the first quarter of 2021, respectively. During the first quarter of 2019, net debt amounted to 15,003 million euros, 2% less than on December 31, 2018, thanks to a greater focus on cash generation, after having allocated 560 million for the payment of the final dividend for 2018 and a total of 135 million for the share buyback program during the quarter. Efficiency plan and risk profile reduction Naturgy by the hand of Francisco Reynés, has continued to make progress on its efficiencies plan and the gradual de-risking of its business profile. The efficiencies achieved since the launch of the SP 18-22 are noticeable across the businesses and will remain a key driver of performance going forward. In this respect, the company has incurred additional capture costs of €50m during 2019, accounting for the bulk of non-ordinary effects in the quarter. Naturgy is on track to deliver the €100m additional efficiencies expected for 2019, and reiterates its total commitment of €500m efficiencies by 2022. Shareholder remuneration Naturgy, the company chaired by Francisco Reynés, continues to comply with the remuneration promised to shareholders. Furthermore, and since the beginning of its strategic plan until 31 March 2019, Naturgy has invested €238m on a share buyback program, as part of its €400m annual schedule to be completed by the end of June 2019. In this respect, the Ordinary General Shareholders’ Meeting, held in March 2019, approved a share capital reduction of the company through the amortization of the shares bought under the abovementioned program. Results by business unit By business units, Gas & Power recorded an ordinary EBITDA of €409m, an increase of 1.2%, mainly due to the fact that the group’s new commercial policies which, together with efficiencies and new renewables capacity, have helped offset the global decline in gas prices during the quarter. Infrastructure EMEA increased its ordinary EBITDA by 7.7% to €475m euros, as a result of a good performance across all business. In gas infrastructures, the efficiencies achieved have compensated for the lower volumes due to the mild temperatures recorded this winter. The reduction of costs has also been key in the electricity networks, together with the entry into operation of new assets. The result of Infrastructure South LatAm (Chile, Argentina and Brazil, mainly) grew significantly, with an ordinary EBITDA of €194m (+ 15%), thanks to the efficiencies achieved and the tariff indexation. In the case of Infrastructures North LatAm (Mexico and Panama) the ordinary EBITDA was €101m, with a rise of 68% compared to the same period of 2018, on the back of positive regulatory impacts, higher demand and efficiency improvements.
Having steadily increased in popularity in recent years, bifold doors make for a fantastic addition to any home or workplace. Not only do they create the illusion of a bigger space and bring in lots of much-needed natural light, but they can also increase the value of a property too. Read more as we discuss 7 reasons to invest in bifold doors right away. Bring in natural light One of the core reasons why people choose to install bifold doors is that they provide a room with a generous amount of natural light, whether they are open or closed. Having more natural light in a room gives the illusion of extra space, making it feel brighter and larger than it actually is. These doors typically have large, slim, glass frames, which draws the eye to the outdoor space and also makes the room feel bigger. Moreover, natural light has many health benefits, including an improvement in overall mood, a Vitamin D boost and a better night’s sleep! Save space Sliding bifold doors take up very little space, which is especially beneficial in smaller properties. Unlike typical doors, which must be pushed or pulled open, taking up space, bifold doors, instead, collapse in on themselves, offering the maximum amount of space available. Bifold doors also remove the barrier between a garden and indoor area, allowing people to effortlessly blend their indoor and outdoor spaces. This provides a lovely addition to any home and makes hosting BBQ’s, parties and social gatherings much nicer. Modernise a property Bifold doors are an incredibly stylish and sleek way to modernise a property – a reason for their increased popularity in recent times. Though they blend well with modern interiors, they can also bring a contemporary feel to an older property. Versatile Available in a huge range of colours and materials, bifold doors provide a versatile solution to any home or workspace. All the customer has to do is decide the width within the frame at which they want the doors to open, as well as whether they want the doors to open into or out of a room, and fold to the right or left. The means that bifold doors can be tailor-made to fit most customer requirements and to suit any interior style. Buyers may also choose to have an access door fitted within the frame, which works like a normal door and creates an easy point of entry and exit when quick access is required. Low maintenance There are various styles and materials to choose from when selecting a bifold door, but aluminium tends to be the most popular, since there is minimal maintenance required to keep the doors looking fresh and clean. All people need to do is wipe down the glass and frame every now and again, making their household chores as hassle-free and efficient as can be. Long-term investment While the cost of purchasing bifold doors isn’t exactly cheap, the value they add to a property can make them, in the long run, a very worthwhile investment. Furthermore, high-quality doors, fitted by professionals and using the best materials available, can last for many decades. Their durability means they are able to withstand extreme weather conditions, without affecting the quality and performance of the door. Secure Keeping our homes safe is a constant concern for homeowners, particularly if the home is left unattended for long periods. Backdoor access is often the easiest place for burglars to enter, especially where a homeowner has not taken the appropriate steps to secure the area. With bifold doors, multi-point locking systems are fitted, which makes breaking in very tricky. Traditional sliding and French doors normally don’t come with this level of security, instead of having just one locking point.
In a £4.5 million project which will be its second biggest to date, Edinburgh engineering firm Applied Engineering Design (AED) is working with Simon Laird Associates (SLA) architects on what may become a new landmark for the industrial and commercial heartland of West Lothian. AED has been appointed to carry out full structural and civil engineering services at the new corporate headquarters in Broxburn for Ian Macleod Distillers, a third-generation Scottish independent distiller. And, as is fitting for a brand which includes names such as Glengoyne, Tamdhu, Isle of Skye and Smokehouse Scotch whiskies in its stable, AED and SLA are including two prominent glass towers in the scheme, which will be modelled on the louvred ventilation shafts found on most traditional Scottish distilleries. Applied Engineering Design Director Tim Hetherington said: “The building will be the new administrative HQ for Ian Macleod Distillers, which is moving from a nearby location which it has outgrown. “Our input will relate to the main office building, a storage building, a car park with integral rainwater attenuation tanks and the necessary highway upgrades adjacent the site. However, the attractive glass towers are what really sets the scheme off and they will give the building a strong local prominence and identity. “This will be the biggest project AED has undertaken apart from a £7 million instruction from Tesco last year. It is being built on vacant ground in the shadow of the nearby shale bing, which reflects another part of Scotland’s industrial heritage.” The car park area will house 600 cubic metres of attenuation tanks which will collect and store rainwater on site and will allow progressive discharge into the sewage system at the same rate as if the water was running off a green field. The project, which is being overseen by Axiom Project Services Limited, with landscape architecture by Rankin Fraser Landscape Architects, will go live on site at the beginning of July and Mr Hetherington is anticipating completion in the summer of 2020. Ian Macleod Distillers is the world’s 10th largest Scotch whisky company. It currently produces and sell more than 15 million bottles of spirits every year. A major supplier to the Own Brand market, it has also supplied own label spirits to some of Europe’s largest supermarket groups for more than 40 years. Applied Engineering Design was founded in 2008 and now has offices Edinburgh and Bath. It has a turnover of £500,000 and employs 10 people. The company serves individuals and businesses in sectors including industry and commerce, sport and education, infrastructure and property maintenance.
Transport Minister Andrew Jones MP, visited Birmingham today to see how works are progressing at the region’s main HS2 sites. As one of the most intensive construction sections along the 140 mile London to Birmingham section of the route, the West Midlands is set to benefit from two brand new stations and an infrastructure maintenance depot, creating jobs and opportunities for local people now and into the future. Work at the city-centre based Curzon Street site has transformed the area in preparation for Birmingham’s brand new HS2 station: The site spans 25,000 square metres, and 20,000 tonnes of concrete have been broken up, crushed and ready be re-used on site. Two building are being demolished at the site of the former Unite student accommodation which covers an area of 3,000 square metres. This will yield around 30,000 tonnes of material, with works being undertaken by the Birmingham-based demolitions firm, DSM. The extensive archaeology programme on site is already revealing facts about the development of Birmingham, and archaeology works will continue into the summer. Signs that Birmingham is getting HS2-ready continue 2.5 miles away in Washwood Heath, as another local Midlands firm Total Reclaims Demolition makes way for HS2’s new train maintenance depot: The immense old site of the Alstom Rail Depot is 110,282 square metres – the size of 15 football pitches – and will yield 412,000 tonnes of material that will be recycled. With 50,000 hours of labour required to clear the site, the team is now 75% of the way through the work programme. Situated in the heart of one of Birmingham’s most deprived wards and constituencies, the site has been neglected for almost 15 years. The new depot will play a pivotal role in regenerating the area, and once complete over 500 jobs will provide opportunities for local people. Through HS2 Ltd’s supply chain, twelve local residents have already been supported into jobs through early works contractor LM-JV and security firm Servest. They are playing a crucial role in ensuring that safety standards are maintained at HS2’s work sites right across the West Midlands. Birmingham based LM, a joint venture of Laing O’Rourke and J Murphy & Sons Ltd, has been working on behalf of HS2, paving the way for the new high speed line. Work over an 80 km trace across the West Midlands has included route clearance and ecological habitat creation as well as demolition works. Fifteen miles further afield, in the borough of Solihull, vegetation clearance works and trenching have now been carried out at the triangular-shaped site which will be home to the brand new Interchange station site. Transport Minister Andrew Jones MP said: “HS2 is an incredible project that will transform our railway network, boosting capacity on our busiest lines, better connecting Birmingham with large cities across the country and building the Midlands Engine. “The scale of works happening in Birmingham show the huge progress being made on HS2; they also show first-hand the fantastic jobs and opportunities HS2 is providing people across the country; I cannot wait to see the results of further construction, and for this vital railway to become a reality.” Mark Thurston, HS2 Ltd’s CEO said: “Curzon Street will be the cornerstone of the new railway, putting Birmingham at the heart of the network. The transformation around this area demonstrates exactly how Britain’s new high-speed railway will drive forward regeneration and economic growth across the West Midlands. “Across Phase One, we’ve now carried out environmental and ecological mitigation works, utility diversions, archaeology, demolition and land clearance works, all of which are drawing to a close ready for major construction works starting later this year.” Paul Faulkner, CEO of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce said: “HS2 is already playing a huge part of the Midlands’ success story, and when completed will add £14 billion to the West Midlands economy, supporting 100,000 jobs. Hundreds of Midlands businesses are already supporting the project, and there are more opportunities for firms across the region as the programme progresses.” Photo caption: L-R Liam Evans (LMJV) Christina Wallace (HS2), Argiro Alexandri (HS2), Andrew Jones MP, Paul Faulkner (Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce), Richard Kirkham (LMJV),