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.

Planning to elevate holiday home living to the highest level, Raithwaite Village by Maritime Capital is a completely unique luxury holiday home development, spread across 98 acres of North Yorkshire’s wild and dramatic coastline. The perfect holiday home investment, whether to buy or to let, Raithwaite Village comprises an exclusive collection of sustainable lodges, cottages and coastal villas in the sought-after area of Sandsend, North Yorkshire.  “Our vision is to build properties in which to create memories with loved ones, relax, and enjoy the slower pace of life surrounded by nature. Our sustainable designs are made to last, so that properties can be passed down through the generations, in turn creating a new historic village within its own right,” said Toby Hunter CEO of Maritime Capital.  The development is located in Sandsend, known for its wide sandy beach that is perfect for families and surfers alike. Sandsend is also the gateway to so many of Yorkshire’s most beautiful sites, from the North York Moors and The Yorkshire Dales providing a range of thrilling adventures such as hiking and biking as well as culture in the nearby seaside town of Whitby, with its bustling quayside, pretty fishermen’s cottages and ruined abbey. In addition some of Yorkshire’s finest market towns including Malton and Helmsley as well as the historic city of York, are all just under an hour’s drive away. In total planning has been approved for 190-second homes, which will be developed in four phases and completed over a four-year period. This landmark development will also include a village square that will be the bustling heart of the development, hosting Parisian style cafés, artisan shops, a bakery, and galleries that showcase the very best of Yorkshire artistic talent. The first phase commences in January 2021, unveiling three property types – Coastal Villas, Lodges and Cottages, each with their own distinctive architectural style. There is a property to suit all design tastes, from the three contemporary Coastal Villas set back, offering unparalleled views of the coastline whilst simultaneously blending seamlessly into the landscape, to the four woodland lodges, built on stilts in order to carefully preserve the land. Plus 14 individual cottages, built in traditional Yorkshire stone that are located close to both the Raithwaite Village square and with easy access to Sandsend beach.  Designed by the esteemed Holder Mathias Architects and the interiors are by leading British design experts and interiors retailer Neptune. Each property bought will come with a highly desirable Neptune kitchen, bathroom vanity unit and interiors scheme inspired by the developments unique location which draws on the colours and textures of the beach, coast and moors. As an added bonus, every property sale also includes a £10,000 Neptune voucher to spend on additional decoration and furnishings, to kick-start kitting out your holiday home in style. Custom design and build scope is available including movement of walls and a choice of one of three Neptune kitchen designs plus a beach, moor or coast interior design scheme. The level of customisation for buyers is dependent on what stage of the build, that their property is at, at the point of purchase.  Sustainability as well as respecting and protecting the environment is at the heart of the ethos behind the design and build of Raithwaite Village. Maritime Capital has partnered with construction consultants to establish robust, transparent sustainability measures that are in place and monitored throughout the construction process, ensuring owners and investors know they are buying a genuinely environmentally-friendly property which, with its beautiful natural surroundings, will stand the test of time for generations to come. Sustainable elements will include green roofs for biodiversity, construction using sustainably sourced materials, and use of renewable energies. Raithwaite Village’s elegant lodges, cottages and villas are set within a vast estate, which also includes Raithwaite Sandsend, a chic yet relaxed coastal hotel. Facilities at Raithwaite Sandsend include a spa and swimming pool, as well as surfing, stand-up paddle boarding and beach yoga. The hotel can also organise boat excursions to catch your own lobster for dinner as well as offer the opportunity to spot local sea life including seals and dolphins. The hotel is also home to an outstanding brasserie serving delicious dishes made with fresh, locally sourced produce as well as a new bar.  In addition Raithwaite Village’s dedicated on-site Concierge team will help owners look after their property and assist them with as much or as little as they need. From property maintenance and top-level housekeeping, including everything from a ‘chocolate-on-pillow’ turn down service to arranging for a ‘Deliveroo style meal’ from the Brasserie at Raithwaite Sandsend to be delivered straight to your door.  An in-house team of experts is on hand to advise throughout the buying process, while owners have a range of options to help them let, manage and maintain their properties. Investing in a relaxing rural, coastal lifestyle couldn’t be easier.

A new collaborative workspace is set to open at the Enterprise Centre on Moorfield Group’s Energy & Innovation Parks in Bridge of Don. Co-Lab will offer workstations, as either a flexible hot desk or dedicated desk. Both options come with reception services, kitchen facilities, free car parking, access to meeting rooms and super fast broadband as standard. The parks also have a cafe and day nursery, which is ideal for those working on-site. Cherry Paton, Parks Manager said: “We are excited to introduce Co-Lab as an alternative office solution. The Co-lab has been designed to cater to start-up businesses that are looking to increase their available office space and have a touchdown base. “It is ideal for businesses looking to move up a gear with an Aberdeen office address within a bright and vibrant environment. Terms are extremely flexible, from as little as three months, with an affordable monthly cost from just £125.” The launch of Co-Lab coincides with the most significant shift in office working patterns in living memory. Throughout the pandemic there have been extensive debates about the future of offices, with many industry experts now predicting that the role of the office is likely to become even more vital once lockdown restrictions have been lifted. Whilst working from home has brought many advantages, many businesses and office workers are simply missing face-to-face interaction and the ability to collaborate with colleagues. Many are now looking to actively move away from full-time working from home into a more blended approach. Co-Lab offers a completely flexible approach which will match well with new post-Covid work practices. Watch our new video at ABERDEEN COLAB or speak with Cherry Paton on 01224 933004 to find out more.

THE ANNUAL in-depth review of the commercial property market across the East Midlands – published and presented by commercial property expert Innes England – will be going digital this year, for the first time ever in its 14-year history. The Innes England Market Insite report has been monitoring the regional property market for more than a decade – providing individual focuses on Nottingham, Derby and Leicester and an insight into activity across a range of sectors including office, industrial, retail and investment markets. The event – which will take place on Thursday 11 February as a webinar including industry insights from the firm’s property experts as well as a live Q&A session – will examine the latest developments, property trends and the opportunities presented during a remarkable 12 months and consider ‘what next’ for the regional property market into 2021. Matthew Hannah, managing director at Innes England, said: “The last ten months have challenged us all to think differently and to innovate – and we are embracing that as we move to deliver our very first online Market Insite event. Our annual events are attended by some 400 people across the region so we are very much looking forward to delivering it in a digital format this year, with an engaging and interesting webinar – something that we have never done before. “We were determined to go ahead with the event and continue to deliver and present our annual review, despite the circumstances and challenges of not being able to hold a physical event. We hope that attendees will find Market Insite a useful reference point when considering market opportunities within the East Midlands and we are confident that people will really enjoy the webinar. “We will still be providing our well-respected market commentary that attendees can expect from Market Insite and people will have the opportunity to ask questions and interact with the key speakers, as they normally would – albeit without the traditional coffee and bacon sandwich. “As we all know, it has been a very challenging year for everyone, one of the most unpredictable years of many peoples’ lives – and the property sector has been no different. Flexibility has been a key theme as we move into 2021 and ensuring that people are well equipped with the right technology to deliver their best work has never been more important than it is now.” Key speakers for the Market Insite 2021 webinar from Innes England include director Peter Doleman, who will be discussing industrial and distribution trends, director Craig Straw who will be delivering the report on offices and managing director Matthew Hannah who will be overseeing the investment and retail report. To attend the Innes England Market Insite 2021 webinar, taking place on Thursday 11 February 9.30-10.30am please register here. Find out more at http://www.innes-england.com or join the conversation at @InnesEngland. 

PATRIZIA (UK) and Warwickshire County Cricket Club Appoint Contractor for Infrastructure Works and BTR Scheme Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of multi-sector construction and civil engineering projects, has been appointed by two new clients for concurrent works at Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham. The firm will be delivering improvement works for Warwickshire County Cricket Club (WCCC) ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Games and also constructing a mixed-use scheme for PATRIZIA (UK), which comprises 375 build-to-rent (BTR) apartments. Winvic began the £93 million GDV project this week. The PATRIZIA privately rented sector (PRS) project – The Residences – will not only provide 189 one-bedroom, 169 two-bedroom and 17 three-bedroom apartments for the people of Birmingham, but also circa 20,000 sq ft of commercial space across five units on the ground floor. Winvic will be constructing the five concrete-framed blocks of five, seven, eight, 13 and 18-storeys in-situ utilising two tower cranes. A landscaped podium deck with undercroft car parking will be created and also a rooftop amenity space for residents to enjoy, which is almost 3,000 sq ft. Full fit-out will also be undertaken by Winvic and the project handover will take place over five phases, facilitating the cricket club, car park, conference facilities and practice nets to remain open throughout the works. Other challenges for Winvic include installing various underground services whilst managing the water and sewage mains that run through the site and working considerately adjacent to residential housing and the junction of two major routes into Birmingham city centre. Edgbaston Road will be realigned and a new opening on Pershore Road will be formed by Winvic as part of the programme, plus an access road through the site will also be constructed. The work is scheduled to be completed in the second half of 2023. Initial activity for WCCC on the western side of the stadium will include ground works as well as the demolition a derelict building. This is in preparation for the reconfiguration of the existing car park and creation of new parking areas, resulting in a further 229 spaces than the current provision. A new 56,500 sq ft entrance plaza will also be constructed, which will enhance the main arrival space for visitors as well as help improve accessibility and circulation around the famous cricket stadium. Works will also comprise major drainage attenuation, lighting and landscaping, with circa almost 3,000 trees and shrubs planted. The whole of this project – as well as the landscaping programme for the BTR scheme – will be fully completed in the run up to summer 2022 when the Commonwealth Games Women’s T20 cricket will be held at Edgbaston.    Mark Jones, Winvic’s Director of Multi-room, commented: “The Residences BTR project and redevelopment works for Warwickshire County Cricket Club are both exciting schemes in different ways, and winning these contracts illustrates Winvic’s breadth of experience across the various areas of construction. Winvic is as comfortable delivering 18-storeys of luxury apartments for PATRIZIA and highways works for WCCC as it is creating over 76,000 sq ft of car parking and a large piazza which will be welcoming people to watch the Commonwealth Games in 18 months. We have already built a great relationship with these two new clients and we’re looking forward to exceeding their expectations.” Daniel Williams, Head of Development UK and Ireland at PATRIZIA, said: “With this new development we are building a vibrant community where people will want to live. We are at the same time addressing Birmingham’s acute need for first-rate and affordable rental accommodation aimed at local residents, as well as those visiting Edgbaston Stadium. We have worked closely with both Warwickshire County Cricket Club and Homes England to ensure these plans are right for the local community, as well as for the iconic Edgbaston Stadium, the Club and its visitors. Of course those partnerships now also extend to Winvic, and we are delighted to be working with such a delivery focussed contractor that has a wealth of experience in the build-to-rent sector.” Craig Flindall, Chief Operating Officer at Warwickshire CCC, said: “Despite the barriers created by the COVID pandemic and national lockdowns, we have been able to navigate a way through and are delighted that we can now get this major redevelopment project underway, which will transform our stadium footprint and the surrounding facilities. It has taken great efforts to keep things moving in the current climate, but today’s start by our construction partner Winvic ensures that key elements of the project will be completed ahead of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and everything will be completed by Autumn 2023. In the coming weeks we intend to reveal plans for the third phase of the Edgbaston Masterplan, which will include the next phase of the redevelopment of the stadium”. For more information on Winvic, the company’s latest project news and job vacancies please visit www.winvic.co.uk. Join Winvic on social media – visit Twitter @WinvicLtd – and LinkedIn.