The Paris-based global real estate operator, Groupe IDEC, has bought a minority stake in Simons Group Ltd, it was announced today. The agreement reinforces the trading relationship between the two businesses and comes several months after they signed a Memorandum of Understanding, based on a “shared vision” of being able
Yorkshire-based luxury house builder Duchy Homes has won the prestigious title of ‘Best Residential Developer of the Year 2018’ at the Yorkshire Residential Property Awards last week. Celebrated for their commitment to delivering ‘excellence as standard’ across all their exclusive new housing developments, Duchy Homes was confirmed as having “nailed
Buying a condominium is a great investment and also a means for people to become homeowners at a reduced cost – especially when people cannot afford to buy a house. So, are you looking forward to buying a condo?It is truly quite exciting and fun to be acquiring a new
LIVERPOOL City Council has appointed a fab team to produce a landmark vision and investment strategy for the epicentre of Liverpool’s musical heritage. A team led by P-IE (Planit Intelligent Environments) has been chosen to deliver a Spatial Regeneration Framework (SRF) for the area around Mathew Street – home of
A breakthrough in fire protection from Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine Coatings is offering a combination of durability and ultra-fast curing not previously possible. In most environments 20 years durability can be achieved with FIRETEX FX6002 intumescent coating, even without the need to apply a top coat. The most significant benefit
A new study into the installation costs of underfloor heating versus traditional radiators has shown that the underfloor heating option is far more economical than is generally perceived. The study, conducted by force drying specialist, ForceDry, was based on data from leading contractors for installations in a one, two and
A new 138-bedroom Holiday Inn Express is rapidly take shape just outside Bridgwater, Somerset, hitting its milestone topping out in just six months thanks to innovative construction techniques being used by Midas. The £10 million project is being built by Midas Construction, part of the Midas Group, on behalf of
The building and construction industry reflects changes associated with modern technologies. While artisans and similar experts continue to use the same practices embraced for decades, the fact of the matter is that “business as usual” now appears to be a somewhat outdated term. The rise of the Internet and e-commerce
A new strategic partnership between UK-based NBS and Digital Node’s Australian business, was announced this week, aligning both businesses across the two countries. Rebecca De Cicco, Managing Director for Digital Node, will act as a consultant for NBS in Australia, raising awareness of current tools and services available for construction
GRAHAM has been appointed by Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd (DSRL) to construct a new shielded Intermediate Level Waste (ILW) Drum Store Extension and an Unshielded Waste Store Extension for shielded waste containers next to the existing Dounreay Cementation Plant (DCP) complex. Valued in excess of £22m, the complex works programme
The Paris-based global real estate operator, Groupe IDEC, has bought a minority stake in Simons Group Ltd, it was announced today. The agreement reinforces the trading relationship between the two businesses and comes several months after they signed a Memorandum of Understanding, based on a “shared vision” of being able to reach customers in the UK and internationally with their combined strengths and capabilities. Signing the deal in Paris with Simons’ Chairman Paul Hodgkinson and Deputy Chairman, Philip Hodgkinson, Groupe IDEC said the move underlined its commitment to international expansion, with the partnership enabling both Groups to capitalize on their respective strengths and expertise to target new business opportunities. Simons Group Chairman Paul Hodgkinson said the move was a reflection of the growing and important relationship with Groupe IDEC. “We are delighted to welcome this dynamic European business as a Simons shareholder,” he said. “We are looking forward to increasing our opportunities and workload through working together on projects and expanding our reach into the international markets.” Established in 2000, Groupe IDEC builds three / five million square feet of real estate each year for international corporate and commercial customers, two thirds of whom are in the logistics sector. Tom Robinson, Simons’ Chief Executive, said: “European and international coverage as well as combined resources, shared best practice and solutions can only be of benefit to customers and strengthen our commercial proposition. It’s an exciting step for both businesses.” For further information, contact Lisa Evans, Head of Communications and Marketing, email: lisa_evans@simonsgroup.com, t: 07789 942721
Yorkshire-based luxury house builder Duchy Homes has won the prestigious title of ‘Best Residential Developer of the Year 2018’ at the Yorkshire Residential Property Awards last week. Celebrated for their commitment to delivering ‘excellence as standard’ across all their exclusive new housing developments, Duchy Homes was confirmed as having “nailed it” by the event organiser Variety, the Children’s Charity, at the black-tie awards ceremony on Thursday 11th October 2018. As well as Duchy Homes’ consistently high standards in building craftsmanship, including its insistence in premium interior specifications, a superb customer care ethos and strong home buying support services, the house builder has significantly invested in the customer experience over the last 12 months with new tools such as an enhanced website, personalised Handover Manuals, and an online portal to guide clients from the point of reservation through to aftercare – all of which is testimony to Duchy Homes being deserving of the title ‘Best Residential Developer’. The annual property event, held at Bowcliffe Hall with Gethin Jones as guest presenter, proved that the region’s property industry is rich in talent, innovation and expertise. The best in the business were rewarded and the awards evening also helped Variety, the children’s charity, raise funds for its work with disabled and disadvantaged children in Yorkshire. Jim Cropper, Managing Director of Duchy Homes’ Yorkshire Division, comments: “We are very proud to have won this award! When we established Duchy Homes just seven years ago, everyone in the company agreed that we would only ever build high-quality houses in great locations and it’s fantastic to be celebrated at these awards for having achieved this and being recognised as the best! It really reflects our attention-to-detail and the value we place in our customers’ satisfaction, and it’s a great reward for the hard work and dedication everyone at Duchy Homes delivers.” Duchy Homes has already provided high-quality homes to some of Yorkshire’s most beautiful settings, from idyllic market towns and quaint villages such as Penistone, Sprotbrough, Chesterfield and Braithwell, to locations rich in history and prestige such as Wetherby. Continuing to build homes of which buyers and the local communities can be proud, Duchy Homes’ current Yorkshire developments can be visited at Swanland and Ranskill, plus more prestigious schemes are coming soon across Yorkshire, Northumberland, Cheshire, Lancashire and Warwickshire. For more information about Duchy Homes and its developments, visit www.duchyhomes.co.uk
Buying a condominium is a great investment and also a means for people to become homeowners at a reduced cost – especially when people cannot afford to buy a house. So, are you looking forward to buying a condo?It is truly quite exciting and fun to be acquiring a new property, especially if you’re looking at homes for sale in Cranston. However, in order to avoid any mistake that will cost you your property or leave you in a state of financial catastrophe, take a look at these 7 mistakes to avoid when buying a condo. Not Getting Pre-Approved Getting approval is one of the most important factors to look out for when buying a condo. Some buyers can get so engrossed in the activities of buying a condo, and leave out booking an appointment with a mortgage broker to obtain a pre-approval. Not getting approval will not avail you with the exact information on what you can afford and what you cannot. Not Obtaining Buyer’s Representation Buying a condo is quite an expensive investment that needs the involvement of an experienced attorney in the area. A realtor is only there to give their fiduciary duties to the seller and not to you. So, why rely on just working with the realtor? Get an attorney to help represent your interest. Location When buying a condo, go for one with a location avails you with amenities and basic social facilities. It won’t be nice to be filled with regrets about not opting for other locations at the time of purchase. The aesthetics of a building is only secondary when choosing the perfect condo. Carry out a survey of the location and know of any long-term plans for the area. A city centre location for a condo is quite lucrative if you are looking to get a return on your investment. Say for example, Los Angeles has a lucrative real estate market. You can choose from luxury LA condos for sale. Santa Monica is a popular location in Los Angeles you can consider buying a condo. You can visit the websites of Santa Monica realtors to find so many condo units. Not Checking If the Building is Under Litigation A controversial condo can be a nightmare to buy or live in. with owners of condos suing one another, one has to be careful of the property to buy. However, a lawsuit doesn’t outrightly mean the property is useless, but there are a few matters to be taken seriously to avoid issues in the long run. As such, always involve an attorney before buying a property. This is the best way to decide whether to go ahead with making a purchase. Failure To Check The Conditions, Covenants, and Restrictions (CCRs) CCRs are the rules and regulations that the residentials living in the community abide by. These rules are created by the Home Owners Association (HOA) and outline the appropriate norms and standards for people in the community. Always read and fully understand the CCRs of any community, and know if you will be able to cope there, before buying your condo, to avoid future issues. Not Checking For The Adequacy Of Funds For Reserve Study A reserve for condos is set aside for the sole aim of preparing cost related to building expenses, replacement, and repair of parts of the building, for a particular time. From studies of the physical state of a building, and a thorough financial analysis, a reserve is set aside to make sure the project is well funded when the need for repair arises. Check if the HOA dues can cover for at least 50% of what will be needed for the project. A reserve not being available or well-funded will give you a big increment on the dues from the HOA. Buying for Beauty It is common practice for a property that is put up for sale to get a face beat before inviting buyers. Buyers can easily get carried away with the look of the property and how sparkly and bright it is, even when their criteria for a home is not met. Guess what? That is a very huge mistake to make. Sometimes, sellers can change the look of an old building by using cheap materials, just to make quick money. This is like a temporal cover up that wears off with time. Buyers should carefully look at what they are buying.
LIVERPOOL City Council has appointed a fab team to produce a landmark vision and investment strategy for the epicentre of Liverpool’s musical heritage. A team led by P-IE (Planit Intelligent Environments) has been chosen to deliver a Spatial Regeneration Framework (SRF) for the area around Mathew Street – home of the world famous music venues the Cavern Club and Eric’s. Also encompassing the adjacent Williamson Square area, the framework will enable the council to steer the future use of existing buildings and identify opportunities to attract new investment. P-IE, which has more than two decades experience working on some of the UK’s largest regeneration projects, will deploy their team – comprising urban designers; music historians; destination economists; space-programmers and Planners – to devise a spatial plan which will also embody a new vision document aimed at enhancing the quality of attractions in the area and expanding on the city’s £90m a year music heritage industry – focused around the Beatles – which currently supports over 2,000 jobs. P-IE’s previous work includes the Anfield SRF alongside the design and delivery of the restoration of Stanley Park and the public spaces surrounding Liverpool Football Club’s Anfield Stadium. Outside of Liverpool they were design lead for the award-winning Manchester Residential Quality Guidance and the city’s newest public square – Sadler’s Yard – at the heart of the Cooperative Group’s historic NOMA estate. They are currently involved in strategic and delivery projects across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The SRF masterplan, which will include consultation with stakeholders, local businesses and residents will explore: A more diverse mix of complimentary building uses that could operate throughout the day and evening An enhanced and more coordinated music tourism offer, focused on Liverpool’s recently awarded UNESCO World City of Music status, with enhanced visitor attractions and interpretation The redevelopment of derelict, under-used and undesirable buildings and sites A diverse and inclusive programme for Williamson Square and the Playhouse Theatre A comprehensive public art strategy, building upon the significant investment LCC has made in the public realm over the last decade A way-finding strategy to make the neighbourhood more legible and permeable Active ground floor uses to create a more vibrant and inviting environment – with an equitable focus on the citizens of Liverpool alongside our international visitors Defining a clearer network of streets and squares – focused on the pedestrian experience The report comes as figures show Liverpool’s hotel sector is also booming, with occupancy levels at record breaking levels, and the number of hotel rooms across the city set to grow by 14% to more than 9,300 over the next two years. A recent economic impact report found that the city’s Beatles related industry has been growing at 5-15% a year following the city’s year as European Capital of Culture in 2008 with Cavern City Tours and the Cavern Club alone now attracting 800,000 visitors per annum and 80% of the Hard Day’s Night Hotel guests classed as international. But a tourism report has found visitors are increasingly looking for a quality experiential visit and there is a clear need to curate not just a Beatles Heritage offer, but a clearer proposition around Liverpool’s status as a city with a pivotal role in the story of popular and contemporary music. Joe Anderson, Mayor of Liverpool, who has also created a Beatles Legacy group, said: “Liverpool’s musical heritage is known around the world but we can and must do more to showcase it to visitors who travel thousands of miles from all corners of the globe because of it. “This is about enhancing and expanding what we already have, particularly around Mathew Street which has been at the heart of the city’s music scene for decades, with venues such as Eric’s and the Iron Door being as influential as the Cavern Club. “This is a unique opportunity to establish an experience no other city can offer, with high quality design which will sustain thousands of jobs in the hotel, retail and hospitality sectors for generations to come. “P-IE have a first class track record in delivering quality design and I am delighted that we have been able to secure their services to carry out this crucial piece of work.” Peter Hooton, Chair of The Beatles Legacy Group, said: “Carl Jung famously said that Liverpool is the pool of life, and it is fitting that he is immortalized on Mathew Street, which has been the beating heart of the city’s music scene for generations. “There is a huge amount of untapped potential around the city’s pivotal role in music, which is why it is vital we seize this opportunity to make the most of it.” Bill Addy, Chief Executive of Liverpool BID Company, which represents 1,500 businesses in Liverpool city centre, added: “Mathew Street is one of the city’s key assets and without doubt one of the world’s most iconic music heritage sites. “The Cavern Quarter sits within the Retail & Leisure BID. Our levy payers located there are determined to improve the visitor offer in the area and I know there has been a concerted effort over the years by the private sector to invest in projects and initiatives to achieve this. “We welcome the SRF and the opportunity it presents in working together to maximise the area’s potential for the good of businesses and visitors alike.” Pete Swift, Managing Director at P-IE, added: “We picked our team not just on their experience in producing design and planning guidance but on their knowledge and passion for Liverpool and its wider musical heritage. “We are local and global – as is the appeal of the Beatles and the immense cannon of Liverpool bands, singers and their music. For us then, this is no ordinary planning project, where we might focus on what a place will look like at the end, but rather how to control the journey along which Liverpool will showcase its rightful status as the most influential music city on the planet.
A breakthrough in fire protection from Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine Coatings is offering a combination of durability and ultra-fast curing not previously possible. In most environments 20 years durability can be achieved with FIRETEX FX6002 intumescent coating, even without the need to apply a top coat. The most significant benefit of this new product however is the speed of curing – hard dry and handling times may be as fast as one hour. Bob Glendenning, global fire engineering manager for Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine Coatings, said: “With the substantial advances we have made in intumescent coating technology, we can offer a broader range of benefits and options than ever before whether you’re an architect, a developer or an applicator. In modern construction, speed of build is critical and this product contributes to that goal. “This is game-changing technology and allows for transport of steelwork within hours as compared to days currently for conventional water-based, solvent-based and epoxy-based products. “Projects carried out using the original FX6000 product found vastly reduced damage on shop-painted steelwork once erected. The new FX6002 retains this mechanical durability while at the same reducing the required film thickness, again reducing holistic project cost due to lower material requirements and greatly reduced site touch-up requirements.” For in-shop applicators of intumescent fire protection, FX6002 has Volatile Organic Content (VOC) levels comparable with many of today’s water based intumescent products, it also dries to leave a smooth and aesthetically pleasing finish, worlds apart from that typically achieved with some other exterior durable products. Additionally, when looking to optimise project costs, in many scenarios FX6002 may be specified with or without both primer and top coat depending on the project and applicator’s requirements. Rigorously fire tested under the requirements of British Standards BS476 parts 20 and 21, and the ASFP Yellow Book (Edition 5), FX6002 can offer up to 120 minutes fire protection to traditional rolled steel elements and cell beams. When coupled with the expertise of the Fire Engineering & Estimation Team in prescriptive and fire engineered solutions, and Sherwin-Williams’ independently accredited FDE software, FIRETEX FX6002 can be fully integrated into a project’s design model and BIM operations, offering customers a safe and cost-optimised fire protection solution. FIRETEX FX6000 technology was recently applied to Whitechapel Station in London, bringing benefits in time and cost, and proving its worth for on-site application. Trials of FX6002 have already proved successful, and environmental approvals are being sought from leading organisations including building and sustainability body BREEAM. Sherwin-Williams has supplied its diverse range of fire protection coatings to a number of landmark construction and engineering projects including London’s The Shard, the Leadenhall Building and Azerbaijan’s Flame Towers. The fire protection performance of the patented FIRETEX FX6000 and FX6002 technologies are independently certified under Exova Warringtonfire’s Certifire scheme and in durability testing under ETAG 18 Part 2 it meets the requirements for Type X, internal, semi-exposed and exposed locations.
A new study into the installation costs of underfloor heating versus traditional radiators has shown that the underfloor heating option is far more economical than is generally perceived. The study, conducted by force drying specialist, ForceDry, was based on data from leading contractors for installations in a one, two and three bedroom property. Three specifications were included: traditional radiators and 75mm sand & cement screed, traditional radiators with a 50mm flowing screed, and a 50mm flowing screed with underfloor heating. The findings showed that, for an 80m2 dwelling, installation costs for the sand and cement approach range from £3,003.72 to £3,483.10; for a 50mm flowing screed with radiators costs start at £3,163.72 to £3,563.10 and for a 50mm flowing screed with underfloor heating costs range from £3,464.63 and £4,082.30. The costs for the underfloor heating approach also includes force drying, which facilitates fast, safe drying of liquid screed floors. This approach reduces drying time typically from around 90 days to as little as 28 days, representing a significant time saving and additional cost saving in the construction process. Ross Verity, managing director of ForceDry, said: “There is a perception that underfloor heating is expensive and only practical in commercial terms for installation in higher end properties. However, our study shows that the underfloor heating method is only marginally more expensive to install than radiators, but when combined with force drying with the considerable cost benefits of the time saved factored in, the overall costs could actually be less. This means underfloor heating with a flowing screed can be a viable solution for all kinds of housing, including social and affordable.” Verity also points to the environmental benefits of using liquid gypsum screed flooring, which comprise 98% recycled waste material, require less energy to produce and, because it is thinner, uses less material. These factors result in a carbon footprint over 70% lower than that of sand and cement screeds. Verity said: “This approach is economical to install, environmentally friendly and performs very efficiently. It can save developers and property owners time and money during build and allows them to offer a superior product specification. Home owners and tenants then benefit from the comfort, economy and low maintenance this kind of system offers.”
A new 138-bedroom Holiday Inn Express is rapidly take shape just outside Bridgwater, Somerset, hitting its milestone topping out in just six months thanks to innovative construction techniques being used by Midas. The £10 million project is being built by Midas Construction, part of the Midas Group, on behalf of customer Zeal Hotels, and is believed to be the first in the South West to use a highly-efficient form of offsite and modular construction, delivering high quality finishes combined with considerably shorter build times. The new Bridgwater Holiday Inn Express is situated on Junction 24 of the M5 motorway and will be one of the biggest hotels in the area, featuring a bar and restaurant, lounge area, meeting rooms and parking for more than 60 vehicles. Due for completion in spring 2019, the hotel is being built to Holiday Inn Express group’s Generation 4 specifications and will provide accommodation for visitors to the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station and surrounding areas. The building features perimeter pre-cast, acid-etch external finished and sandwich-insulated concrete panels, which are manufactured off site. These are craned into place and fixed to the frame of the building – also constructed using pre-cast concrete – instantly delivering a high-quality external finish and providing an internal surface ready for decorative finishes. The windows, made by a specialist company in Bristol, are pre-glazed and installed into the pre-cast panels before being delivered to site. Bathroom pods are also manufactured locally, less than 10 miles from the construction site, before being delivered for installation. Neil Lewis, Senior Project Manager at Midas Construction, said: “Off-site manufacturing isn’t new but this particular method of construction, and the standard of finishes it achieves, is a first for Midas and, we believe, the South West. “We are subscribing to modern methods of construction and the innovative use of design and build techniques to deliver a more consistent product and finish for our customer. “We’re impressed by the results and delighted to be leading the way in developing a new approach to hotel construction in the South West, which we hope will see greater take-up in the future.” The scheme adds to a list of prominent construction projects recently completed by Midas in the region; including the award-winning National College for Nuclear Southern Hub for Bridgwater & Taunton College and Yeovil Innovation Centre for South Somerset District Council. Midas Group’s strategy is to become the contractor of choice in the areas in which it operates, by developing long-term relationships through the delivery of its vision to be leaders in customer service and performance. Midas Construction has worked closely with customer Zeal Hotels throughout the project, and representatives of both companies were on hand to celebrate topping out on 25th September as Midas marked reaching the high point of the build. Tim Wheeldon, Managing Director of Zeal Hotels, said: “I am pleased this project is proceeding well, both on time and on budget. This highly efficient form of offsite and modular construction ensures a high quality of finish and we will certainly be looking to replicate this with our pipeline of additional hotel developments. “Topping out is always a milestone and we are pleased to celebrate this today with Midas Construction along with several consultants on site.” Portfolio holder for Economic Growth at Sedgemoor District Council, Cllr Anne Fraser, said: “It is exciting to see the progress being made on this important new asset for the District. It is particularly pleasing to see how many local businesses and people have already benefitted from the construction including the two apprentices taken on. We are now looking forward to the opening next year when Sedgemoor will be able to offer a wider range and choice of accommodation for people wanting to do business here or enjoy our wonderful countryside.”
The building and construction industry reflects changes associated with modern technologies. While artisans and similar experts continue to use the same practices embraced for decades, the fact of the matter is that “business as usual” now appears to be a somewhat outdated term. The rise of the Internet and e-commerce strategies in particular are transforming the ways in which B2B and B2C relations are occurring. This is important for owners to appreciate, as such systems are able to provide them with a competitive edge if they are employed in the correct manner. Let’s take a look at what innovations have already taken place as well as what 2019 could have in store. E-Commerce Trends: Better, Smarter and Faster The first major point to appreciate is that many e-commerce systems are now able to exhibit a sense of flexibility that would have been nearly impossible to imagine in the past. They can be customised to suit the needs of the end user and therefore, common tasks such as invoicing and tracking projects have become much more streamlined. This sense of efficiency translates directly to the customer, as projects can be completed with a greater level of clarity and oversight. The utilities and tools at the disposal of the end user have likewise enjoyed a higher degree of specialisation. As these packages are modular, stakeholders and project managers can choose those which are best suited for their needs. Some examples include: The ability to accept multiple forms of payment. Instantaneous invoicing and inventory control. Complete mobile integration. Immediate communication with warehouses and similar avenues of fulfilment. In other words, those who are involved in the construction industry are now provided with the ability to work smart as opposed to hard. 2019: Embracing an International Presence The main question is what 2019 might have in store. All eyes seem to be pointing to the increased prevalence of the modern international ecommerce platform. This only stands to reason, as many construction companies are now beginning to look past traditional geographic borders when plying their services. Such a methodology will also provide a greater degree of stability when compared to relying upon the whims of a local market economy (as well as the looming Brexit worries). Thus, e-commerce applications which have the capability of dealing with cross-border demands are predicted to take centre stage in 2019. This is great news for the average business owner, as such bundles have been designed with a user-friendly nature. It should also be mentioned that they are equipped with a number of advanced tools and applications. Some examples include:¨ International POS systems. Automatic currency and taxation converters. More than 100 payment gateways. Dual content delivery networks for greater reliability. While some of these options might not be applicable when referring to locally based construction companies, there is no doubt that larger firms will be able to leverage the many benefits that they have to offer.
A new strategic partnership between UK-based NBS and Digital Node’s Australian business, was announced this week, aligning both businesses across the two countries. Rebecca De Cicco, Managing Director for Digital Node, will act as a consultant for NBS in Australia, raising awareness of current tools and services available for construction industry professionals, including the NBS National BIM Library as well as the integrated tools and processes enabling BIM. Having founded Digital Node back in 2013 in the UK, Rebecca and her team have grown the business into a global success story working from offices in Australia and the UK. The team work with clients across multiple continents to help them realise the potential of using BIM processes to suit a particular project. On announcing the partnership, Rebecca said: “I am very happy to support NBS in Australia and strengthen our relationship across continents. I have always had a very close tie to the NBS in the UK and therefore supporting their products, business and people was a priority for me personally and for the business.” The partnership marks another successful step for NBS who set up a subsidiary of the company in Melbourne, Australia back in 2017 and have since launched an update to the NBS National BIM Library and NBS BIM Object Standard to increase the use across the country. Chief Executive of NBS, Richard Waterhouse, said: “Digital Node and Rebecca herself have built a highly respected and authoritative business within the world of BIM in Australia and in the UK. “Collaboration is a term we come across time and time again when we talk about BIM; sharing knowledge and insight and working better together – this is our hope for the partnership.” NBS, who provide technical information, specification and BIM tools, recently launched its first cloud based specification writing platform, NBS Chorus. A collaborative specification platform supporting global design and construction, NBS Chorus is aimed at those professionals who need to produce high quality specifications efficiently. The use of cloud technology ensures that those using the new platform have the latest software and global content at all times, improving collaboration and efficiencies across whole teams and minimising risk. Richard continued: “Some of the biggest issues for our customers when it comes to producing specifications are: unstructured content, barriers to collaboration and lack of connectivity between specifications and the rest of the project. “NBS Chorus allows the whole team to work together as one. It connects the people you need wherever they are, provides the whole team with accurate global standards and classifications and connects this all together in a platform built for BIM on a global scale. “We see NBS Chorus as the future of specification and see true value for anyone who wants to come on this journey with us. NBS Chorus for specification writing and NBS National BIM Library for modelling is a powerful combined solution to help provide efficiencies and reduce risk for project teams around the world.” Head of Partnerships at NBS, Sascia Elliott, said: “Digital Node is at the forefront of promoting the benefits of BIM and together we share the same ambition for BIM technology – it was a natural fit to take this global journey together.” To find out more about NBS Chorus, visit www.theNBS.com/Chorus To find out more about the NBS National BIM Library, visit www.nationalbimlibrary.com/en/ To find out more about NBS visit www.theNBS.com
GRAHAM has been appointed by Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd (DSRL) to construct a new shielded Intermediate Level Waste (ILW) Drum Store Extension and an Unshielded Waste Store Extension for shielded waste containers next to the existing Dounreay Cementation Plant (DCP) complex. Valued in excess of £22m, the complex works programme on behalf of DSRL – the site license company contracted by Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) for the safe and secure clean up of the Dounreay nuclear site – begins later this month. Dounreay is Scotland’s largest nuclear decommissioning project and is widely recognised as one of Europe’s most challenging nuclear closure programmes. The site belongs to NDA, a non-departmental public body of the UK Government. The successful contract award follows a competitive tendering process involving several bidders, with the standstill period elapsing on Monday 24th September. The pre-construction phase is expected to take 25 weeks while construction is scheduled for a duration of 125 weeks. Continued transformation Commenting on the successful contract award Leo Martin, GRAHAM Managing Director – Civil Engineering, said: “Our knowledge of construction and delivery within a nuclear environment, combined with our experience in working with stringent safety systems, will ensure that we deliver assurance in the installation and validation of electrical and control equipment on site. “This is an important project on behalf of Dounreay Site Restoration Limited and will support the continued transformation of the Dounreay nuclear site into a safe, secure area. We have already established a strong partnership with Dounreay Site Restoration Limited, stretching back to early 2011, and will once again apply our collaborative approach and technical expertise to maximise the success of this project.” Long-term storage The project will see an existing above ground waste store extended to house intermediate level waste that is expected to be processed and packaged as part of the site’s clean up. Passively safe containers will be kept in long-term storage within the facility in accordance with Scottish Government policy. DSRL Construction Director, David Hubbard, said: “This contract represents an important step in the long-term management of the site’s waste. It is just one of several contracts being awarded to ensure we continue to reduce hazards and make progress towards the site’s interim end stage. The next few years will see us construct several new facilities to support the programme as well as starting to demolish a number of redundant structures.” Community development Around 100 people are expected to work on the project. GRAHAM is committed to a series of community development initiatives, including work placements and the recruitment of trainee positions. This is part of DSRL’s requirement for its supply chain partners to consider how they can support Caithness and North Sutherland’s socio-economic agenda. GRAHAM also plans to work with local training suppliers to develop its workforce involved in the project, particularly supporting some to achieve NVQ Level 2 and above qualifications. Nuclear expertise GRAHAM has a deep understanding of the Dounreay site and has already successfully completed a Grout Plant Facility and constructed two Low Level Waste Vaults involving the total excavation of 243,000m3 of rock. Demonstrating GRAHAM’s nuclear expertise further, it completed the regeneration of multiple, time-expired manufacturing and support facilities as part of an £80m Core Production Capability (CPC) Regeneration Project at Rolls Royce’s Nuclear Fuel Production Plant (NFPP) in Derby. In addition, GRAHAM is a strategic delivery partner of Low Level Waste Repository Limited (LLWR) as part of a four-year framework agreement, providing technical engineering, design and construction expertise at the UK’s national low level radioactive waste disposal facility in West Cumbria.