THERE is no doubt that many across the construction industry expect The Construction Playbook to be a driver of truly transformational change. One thing that has resonated with national framework provider Pagabo is that ten of the 14 key policies outlined by the government fall within the first of the five phases of procurement.   With a goal of demystifying the Playbook, Pagabo is leading on a series of webinars over the coming months – the first of which saw executive chairman, Gerard Toplass, being joined by a panel of experts, including Jane O’Leary, strategic advisor for education at ISG; Peter Masonbrook, associate director at Faithful+Gould, and Jan Grant, managing director at ProQual.   As well as this, the panel was joined by Fergus Harradence, deputy director for infrastructure and construction at the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), who was involved in bringing the Construction Playbook to publication.  Gerard said: “One of the key focuses within the construction industry as we emerge from the coronavirus pandemic is to ‘build back better’. The Construction Playbook is just one way in which the government is showing its commitment to doing this and will be one of the most important building blocks for us to do this – but it will take a joined-up effort from the whole industry.”  Cultural and behavioural change will be key  Many of the policies outlined in the Playbook will be underpinned by the need for behavioural change. This was highlighted by Peter Masonbrook of Faithful+Gould when it comes to social value and a ‘whole life’ approach. These are terms that the industry is extremely familiar with at this point, but there are still attitude changes needed.   There is an appetite from the public sector for social value measurement, but as professionals we need to be measuring that social impact beyond asset delivery. As we would measure ‘whole life costs’ from a capital point of view, we must be considering how the local community will benefit from our projects in years to come. The overriding driver of the Playbook is to maximise the benefit for the public purse – and the Playbook is a clear directive that this cannot stop the moment a project is handed over.   There has also been a clear direction of policy set out by the government when it comes to a widespread adoption of modern methods of construction (MMC) with recent legislation, with an expectation for wider adoption to permeate throughout the wider industry.   It is important to remember that MMC is not simply ‘big Lego’, but a wider term, embracing a range of manufacturing and construction techniques. Indeed, we are seeing this permeate throughout the industry – with Fergus highlighting the education and housing sectors as particularly strong but noting that other more complex areas of the industry may take longer due to their nature, such as infrastructure. However, the panel expect to see an acceleration of MMC throughout the industry – and as more clients and contractors embrace these methods, the quicker adoption will accelerate to a point where they are the primary options.   Again, this leans into the cultural and behavioural changes that continue to arise in conversations around the Construction Playbook. Jane O’Leary, strategic advisor education at ISG, highlighted that contractors must make sure that their cultures work with that of the client. Flexibility to client’s requirements must go beyond the project itself and into the way in which we collaborate.   The pandemic has shown that construction can prove its reputation wrong by adapting and responding very quickly when needed. A huge part of this has been thanks to digital technology and is an attitude that the industry cannot lose. As an industry, we are second only to agriculture when it comes to digitisation, and through adoption of technology we have the potential to see the kind of step change seen in the retail world during the 1990s – so we need to use the momentum built by the pandemic to drive this even further.   Training for the future – Playbook and beyond  It’s clear that truly delivering on the government’s agenda here goes beyond simply reading the Playbook. Fergus Harradance detailed the work being done by government to upskill people on the elements within the document to ensure that they are in the best position to adapt to it. The Playbook covers so much ground – taking you from the point where you decide what you want to build, to asset handover and beyond, as well as several key government agendas – so it’s clear that every organisation within the built environment is going to have to adapt its behaviour in some form in response.   As the panel agreed, there is a huge emphasis on changing culture and behaviour in order to deliver on the aims of the Playbook, but this goes beyond projects and processes. Jan Grant, managing director of awarding body ProQual, brought a fresh perspective to the discussion, focusing on the need to not just adapt the way the industry works – but how it learns too.   ProQual’s digital-led approach ties into the principles of the Construction Playbook, allowing a competency passport to be delivered that gives a visual confirmation of skills and competency, and corroborates the authenticity of an individual and their core skills.   The future emphasis, however, is for organisations like ProQual to work closely with the industry to identify what skills are needed, rather than dictate this. This is the only way to develop truly fit-for-purpose qualifications that help the industry progress. This in itself creates opportunity for the industry to lead, adapt and tackle issues quickly through training.  An example of this is the current need for recladding buildings following Grenfell, which is an ongoing process that would greatly benefit from more training specific to the task at hand. Through close collaboration, specific qualifications could be developed, accredited, and rolled out to deliver expertise to a specific issue. And another consideration would be to ensure that this – or any new qualification – allows for transferable skills to keep our skilled workers within the industry.   Gerard concluded: “To reflect the need for industry wide collaboration to deliver on the principles of the Construction Playbook, we’re really pleased to be bringing together expert panellists throughout this series of webinars on the topic. Together we must work

Bristol City Council has given planning permission to First Base’s £175 million Soapworks development, which will incorporate a mix of workspace, affordable homes and a food and drink offer close to the city centre. The grade II-listed former soap factory, dating back to the 1860s, will be restored, alongside two new buildings, a public square and new pedestrian routes. Moreover, the doors of the former Gardiner Haskins warehouse will again re-open to the public, housing an independent food and drink offer, including a purpose-built food hall. The Soapworks is set to introduce more than £200 million in long-term community benefits, which will provide up to 243 much needed sustainable and affordable homes. In addition, there will be new flexible workspace to meet demand in the city centre. “We are delighted our plans to bring the Soapworks back to life have been granted by Bristol City Council. These proposals will help drive Bristol’s inclusive and sustainable recovery by delivering the new homes and modern flexible workspace needed in the city,” said Lucinda Mitchell, project director at First Base. “Soapworks will be a live, work, play neighbourhood, with supporting people and planet with a new ecology of independent retailers, food operators and cafes, as well as cultural uses, to attract and retain talent in the city centre. We are already seeing strong demand for the workspace and homes and look forward to working with Bristol City Council and the local community to deliver this exciting project,” Lucinda added. Masterplanned by Woods Bagot, the development will be set around a new public square including biodiverse green spaces, and will create new pedestrian and cycle routes to the city’s commercial centre at Temple Quay and the cultural quarter at Old Market.

COMPLETE construction partner Stepnell has made progress on four commercial schemes for long-standing clients throughout the East Midlands, helping to boost economic growth across the region and supporting the expansion of local businesses.  These projects include a scheme for repeat client MHR – a HR, payroll and analytics software and services firm. After recently completing works on the business’ new car park, the construction firm has been appointed to build its new £9 million two-storey office building with associated under-croft parking, which includes a Grade A fit out, associated mechanical and electrical installation, and hard and soft landscaping.  Tom Sewell, regional director at Stepnell, said: “Our East Midlands office is working hard to support business growth and commercial development in the region in a bid to facilitate economic recovery – both locally and on a national scale. By establishing solid relationships with existing clients, we’ve been able to pick up new commercial projects that will help to expand our portfolio and contribute towards the government’s ‘Build Back Better’ initiative.”  John Mills, chairman at MHR International, said: “At MHR, we are looking to offer our employees the best working environment possible. Last year Stepnell successfully completed our new multi-storey car park project and we are delighted to continue this relationship with phase five of our plan to build two new two-storey office buildings. This will further enhance our facilities at our Britannia House site, which are due to open in March 2022.”  Stepnell’s East Midlands schemes also include two Leicester project completions for Brackley Property Developments, which commissioned the construction of two purpose-built office buildings.  Brackley’s first development, located in the city’s Waterside Regeneration quarter, includes the creation of an attractively designed two-storey office building with ancillary facilities, car and bicycle parking and on-site landscaping.  Tom continued: “With a breadth of experience working on commercial schemes, the team has been able to expertly navigate the limitations of the pandemic to remain on site throughout lockdown, implementing strict health and safety precautions in order to keep our staff members safe and our projects on schedule.”  Brackley’s three-storey high Dock 2 extension of the Dock campus at Pioneer Park in Leicester has also reached completion, boasting 14 individual commercial workspace units for expanding and new businesses. This building will help to support the growth of technology and knowledge-based businesses in the city, offering office and light industrial workspace across three floors.  Stepnell has also started on site at Parker Offices in Market Harborough on behalf of Parker of Leicester Ltd. The scheme, which has been designed by Corporate Architecture Ltd, was awarded to Stepnell following the successful completion of two previous residential projects with Corporate Architecture Ltd and a competitive two-stage tender process, in which the team demonstrated its commitment to the client’s programme drawing on its broad experience and expertise in this sector.  The development includes the creation of a new, three-storey office building with associated drainage, external works and service connections to provide high-end office space for the client to inhibit and lease to local businesses. Stepnell will also be creating a roof top terrace, kitchen facilities and a 32-space car park – incorporating exposed hardwood and external stone detailing to reflect the building’s surroundings.   Tom said: “Establishing strong relationships with our clients is essential, so it’s always rewarding when we win work off the success of previous projects. Client care is a key part of our company ethos and something we take great pride in, so working on multiple projects with clients or receiving recommendations from businesses we’ve worked with in the past helps to reiterate the high-quality work that goes into each and every build.”  To find out more about Stepnell, visit https://www.stepnell.co.uk or join the conversation at @Stepnellltd.      

Foxhills Club & Resort has underlined its family values and value to the local economy by forging ahead with the launch of its new venue, the Pavilion. The new £7m facility is the latest to be unveiled by the Surrey resort as it continues to invest in its array of leisure amenities – despite the unprecedented difficulties of the last 12 months. It is further proof of Foxhills’ role as a leading hub for the local community for when life returns to some kind of normality. As one of the borough’s largest local employers, Foxhills is set to play a pivotal role in helping the local economy get back on its feet. The Pavilion will not only create even more jobs, but will also be an attractive proposition for holidaymakers ahead of the expected staycation boom this summer. The Pavilion follows 2019’s investment in the refurbishment of The Fox dining rooms, the opening of the Practice Den – a floodlit short-game area which adds to the club’s extensive golf practice facilities – and the Yoga Cabin, which has already gained huge popularity among the members and guests. Opening in May, just in time for the easing of most restrictions and ready for when leisure and socialising will be cherished the most, The Pavilion is one of Foxhills’ most exciting developments in its 46-year history. Designed by Michaelis Boyd, the architects behind Soho Farmhouse, the brief was to build “beautiful boxes filled with optimists”. The building is now just a few weeks away from completion and will feature indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a crèche, art studio, playroom with soft play and role-play ‘high street’, three more studios for dance, functional fitness and group cycling, a games room, a new restaurant and two terraces – all set within a Victorian walled garden overlooking one of the resort’s golf courses.  The Pavilion joins an Olympic range of leisure facilities already at the club, offering more than 200 weekly activities for both adults and children. Highlights include group cycle, yoga, combat, reformer Pilates, Zumba, arts and crafts, Nordic walking, dance, judo, orienteering, tennis, table tennis, cycling and running clubs, basketball, football and golf. And with the new facility opening in a completely different world than expected, every step has been taken to make sure that it is Covid-safe and adaptable to the times we find ourselves in. The building itself is spacious and airy, with a state-of-the-art air exchange system to improve ventilation, while the design has also made the most out of outdoor space with two terraces – the larger with heaters and an awning for year-round dining and relaxing. More classes will also take place outdoors with yoga, boot camps and power walking on the 4km woodland trail on the estate, as well as the opportunity for most of them to be live-streamed or on demand so they can be enjoyed at home. Social distancing will be easy with three studios which are larger than the existing, with one being used for private one-to-one personal training. Swimming outside in the new 25m outdoor pool is better for limiting transmission and it will be possible every day as the pool will be heated all year. Takeaway food and drink will be available, a strict cleaning regime will be in place to thoroughly sanitise any touchpoints – although automatic doors, sinks and showers on sensors, as well a counter service, will also limit these. Hand sanitiser will also be available throughout. Marc Hayton, Foxhills managing director, said: “At this extraordinary time, we all need something to look forward to. The Pavilion will not only help to cement our place as a family club, but also as a valued business at the heart of the local community and will give a well-needed boost to the local economy. “Family is a vital component to Foxhills’ ethos and has always been the bedrock of the resort. We want to give our members and the local community the facilities they deserve – even more so after the tough year everyone has had. “We’re delighted that The Pavilion will arrive just in time and will provide the community with space to exercise, socialise and unwind in a safe environment.” Foxhills takes its role in the community seriously. In time for Christmas, the club organised an initiative which saw its members donate £25k to food banks in Weybridge and Runnymede and £100,000 has been committed to summer camps for local children providing those most in need with up to a month of activities.