Celsa Group, one of the largest steel producers in Europe, is the first manufacturer to attain certification for UK production facilities under the British Board of Agrément’s new UKAS-accredited Reinforcing Steel Scheme. The BBA revealed details of the scheme – designed to offer a straightforward and robust route to demonstrating
Building Transparency is proud to partner with The Passive House Network (PHN) and the Association for Environment Conscious Building (AECB) for the US launch of the PHN PHribbon, a toolbar add-on for Excel. Developed in association with the PHN, AECB and Building Transparency, this add-on enables Passive House designers to calculate the embodied carbon of a given
Influential electrical body SELECT has launched a new Associate Membership scheme that will give manufacturers and service providers the chance to become part of Scotland’s largest construction trade association. Eight leading industry organisations have already signed up as founder members of the new scheme rolled out by the campaigning trade
The Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) has published a Best Practice Guide, Servicing Operable Walls, which comprises representation from key suppliers of operable walls. This Best Practice Guide is intended to help facility managers and owners of operable walls understand the importance of regular servicing to ensure the correct operation
SCAPE, one of the UK’s leading public sector procurement authorities, has appointed Rachel Sudlow as its R&D Lead in a newly created role designed to increase digital innovation across public sector construction. Rachel joins SCAPE following more than 10 years at Balfour Beatty, where she started as a quantity surveyor
Two engineering services bodies have stepped up their health & safety advice in time for a return to more regular working conditions after ‘Freedom Day’ on July 19. The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) and ECA, the engineering and electrotechnical services body, have joined forces to produce free guidance notes
The Housing Forum (THF) has set up a Futures Network for a cohort of prospective future leaders who are at an early and promising stage of their development. THF is in a unique position to actively support the growth of the skills the housing industry needs and to widen diversity
A panel of industry experts gathered to discuss how the construction industry can and will meet zero emissions targets. The clear message was that the opportunity to reach this target is there, but more support is required from the Government for this to cascade at pace throughout the industry. Support
New proposals to recognise architects’ international qualifications Wider transformation of architects’ register to maintain standards Part of ongoing reforms to improve competence of professionals across the built environment sector A new recognition system to acknowledge architecture qualifications from around the world will be implemented as part of the Professional Qualifications
DESCRIBED as one of the most transformational developments delivered in the East Midlands in more than a decade, Unity Square – the new UK Government Hub in Nottingham, which will be home to HM Revenue and Customs’ (HMRC) and other government departments – has now completed construction. The Grade A
Celsa Group, one of the largest steel producers in Europe, is the first manufacturer to attain certification for UK production facilities under the British Board of Agrément’s new UKAS-accredited Reinforcing Steel Scheme. The BBA revealed details of the scheme – designed to offer a straightforward and robust route to demonstrating industry compliance – in December following months of collaboration with the rebar sector and wider supply chain. The Celsa Group was one of the first producers to engage with the new initiative, going on to achieve BBA Reinforcing Steel Scheme certification for Celsa Manufacturing UK’s production facilities in Cardiff. BBA Technical Director Professor Bill Hewlettsaid: “We view the scheme as a natural progression to our renowned certification services and are excited to announce Celsa as the first recipient of this new robust and technically rigorous certification. “When we announced the scheme we were already in talks with rebar manufacturers wanting certification services so really hit the ground running, being open for business from day one. Our decades of certification experience and impartiality no doubt helped in ensuring a smooth transition for Celsa and the other clients currently going through the process.” Chris Hagg, Head of Sustainability and Strategy for CELSA Steel UK said: “We are delighted to be the first company to achieve this new UKAS-approved accreditation. The BBA has been at the forefront of certification of a broad range of construction products for well over 50 years and the addition of reinforcing steel to its portfolio is very welcome. In a post-Grenfell world of doubts being cast on the validity and authenticity of product testing, this scheme offers additional independent, third-party verified, trusted approval and brings extra value, confidence and reassurance to our customers.” The Celsa Group produces more than seven million tonnes of steel each year, with Celsa Steel UK being the largest producer of reinforcement in the UK and one of the biggest manufacturers of other steel long products, shipping around one million tonnes of finished product from its Cardiff factory annually. The Reinforcing Steel Scheme covers production at steel mills, cold rolling and processing plants, assessing manufacturing, process control and management systems to industry defined standards backed by continual benchmarking through material testing. The BBA samples products and witnesses in-house testing to determine compliance. Samples are also submitted to third party UKAS-accredited labs for confirmation on material compliance. Professor Hewlett added: “The scheme is very much client-focussed and assures the supply chain of a high quality, consistent product verified by a third party auditing process. It is straightforward yet robust, providing assurance that reinforcing steel products manufactured within its scope meet the relevant standards. It is a natural progression for us to apply our experience to the rebar market to assist in upholding industry best practice and a professional supply chain whilst working with product manufacturers to support their innovation.”
Building Transparency is proud to partner with The Passive House Network (PHN) and the Association for Environment Conscious Building (AECB) for the US launch of the PHN PHribbon, a toolbar add-on for Excel. Developed in association with the PHN, AECB and Building Transparency, this add-on enables Passive House designers to calculate the embodied carbon of a given design within the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP), an easy-to-use planning tool for energy efficiency. Integrated with the Embodied Carbon in Construction Calculator (EC3), PHribbon gives users unparalleled power to forecast the carbon emissions impact of their designs. Tim Martel, Certified Passive House Designer, Chartered Architectural Technologist AECB expert and course tutor on the AECB CarbonLite ™ Retrofit Course wrote PHribbon. It is an Excel add-on that makes using PHPP quicker and easier and draws on existing national and global database information for materials and products’ environmental impact. It estimates cradle-to-grave carbon emissions, helps users build PHPP models, and includes several useful tools and features. The PHPP energy balance design tool contains everything necessary for designing a properly functioning Passive House, a building standard that is energy efficient, comfortable, affordable and ecological. The program prepares an energy balance and calculates the annual energy demand of the building based on the user input relating to the building’s characteristics. Ken Levenson, Executive Director of PHN said: “As more leaders across the building industry are prioritizing a positive climate impact for their structures, by utilizing the PHribbon, designers can tackle both operational and embodied building carbon emissions within the PHPP tool, and comprehensively push for carbon neutral and negative buildings across the US.” PHribbon leverages existing information beyond just energy, pulling from Building Transparency’s EC3 database, and EPA carbon figures for electricity, the end-of-life of materials, and the end-of-life pathway. Stacy Smedley, Chair and Executive Director of Building Transparency said: “Building Transparency’s mission is to provide the open access data and tools necessary to enable broad and swift action across the building industry in addressing embodied carbon’s role in climate change. Partnering with PHN to support programs like the PHribbon furthers that mission. We are proud to work with PHN to integrate EC3’s 50,000 materials records into the tool to help clarify whole life carbon emissions for a building’s design and influence positive procurement decisions.” Andrew Simmonds, CEO of AECB said: “Collaboration with PHN and Building Transparency marks a step-change in the AECB’s strategic goal to build more and stronger international partnerships. We enthusiastically welcome the positivity and synergy that is already flowing from this joint initiative.” For further details please contact: Sue Garland, AECB Development & Communications Manager – sue@aecb.net
Influential electrical body SELECT has launched a new Associate Membership scheme that will give manufacturers and service providers the chance to become part of Scotland’s largest construction trade association. Eight leading industry organisations have already signed up as founder members of the new scheme rolled out by the campaigning trade body for the electrical sector in Scotland. As well as offering Associate Members a wide range of benefits, the initiative will also allow them to build beneficial relationships with SELECT’s 1,260 member businesses, who between them have an annual turnover of around £1 billion. Iain Mason, Director of Membership & Communications at SELECT, said: “Associate Member schemes are frequently used by modern trade associations to help develop a mutually complementary network of industry-specific partners. “Designed to accommodate organisations who don’t meet the usual criteria of membership, our new scheme will give some of the industry’s biggest names the opportunity to ally themselves with an established and successful trade body. “At the same time it will allows us trade to build stronger relationships with organisations that can offer relevant and useful services to our members.” The eight founding members of the new SELECT scheme are: Aico – European market leader in home life safety Flexel – manufacturer of innovative electric heating systems and accessories Linian – innovative UK manufacturer of cable-fixing products Luceco Group – global manufacturer and distributor of high-quality electrical products Megger – industry leader in electrical test and measurement simPRO – leading job management software solution for service, project and maintenance contractors Tala Training – leading provider of health and safety training and consultancy services Thorn Lighting – internationally leading supplier of integral lighting solutions. Mr Mason said: “The response to our new category of membership has been extremely positive, with these leading enterprises enthusiastically signing up well before the official launch. “We are delighted that so many well-respected industry names have already joined us and we look forward to welcoming many more in the weeks and months to come.” The scheme, which was formally launched on January 1, is open to service providers, manufacturers and any other commercial organisations related to the electrical industry. They do not have to be UK-based and may have a European or international remit. Among the benefits are a prominent logo and biography on a dedicated section of the SELECT website, networking and promotional opportunities, the chance to host webinars and events and the ability to promote goods and services via a wide range of member communications. Associate Members will also be eligible for preferential discounts on advertising, sponsorship and events, including the association’s popular Toolbox Talk roadshows, which are due to tour Scotland in May and June after a two-year absence. Mr Mason added: “SELECT has always been a strong advocate of collaboration and cooperation within the construction sector and we believe this new initiative will allow members and Associate Members alike to enhance and expand their networks to everyone’s benefit.” Founded in 1900, SELECT was first trade association in the world to serve the electrical industry and is today regarded as an exemplar in the construction sector, especially in the fields of training, technical skills and communications. It delivers a wide range of services to around 18,500 professionals and apprentices, trains more than 3,500 electricians each year, and is committed to regulation of the electrical industry for a safer Scotland.
The Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) has published a Best Practice Guide, Servicing Operable Walls, which comprises representation from key suppliers of operable walls. This Best Practice Guide is intended to help facility managers and owners of operable walls understand the importance of regular servicing to ensure the correct operation of walls and ongoing safety of everyone. It will also help by identifying the type of wall that has been installed, its performance, sound, fire and robustness, servicing required, and enable users to identify competent service engineers. Widely used in educational and leisure facilities, offices, exhibition halls and conference centres, moveable walls are often operated by a member of staff or a maintenance crew where damage and undue ware can be caused through not fully understanding the operating procedure or even through incorrect maintenance such as applying grease to moving parts. Furthermore, acoustic integrity can also be compromised due to damaged or poorly working peripheral seals and as a result of a lack of servicing. A good service and maintenance regime, underwritten by a service agreement is key to the wall’s serviceability and the welfare of those operating them. “The importance of this guide to ensure the ongoing performance and safety of everyone using or working around these walls is paramount. The Best Practice Guide, Servicing Operable Walls will help to identify the competence expected of the engineers and allow facility managers and owners meet their legal obligations,” commented on the launch of the guide, Julian Sargent, Chair of the FIS Operable Wall Working Group. With some operable wall panels exceeding heights of 6M and weighing 100kgs to 500kgs, training in working at height and the competence to work with specialist equipment such as chain lifts is important to check and address any health and safety legislation, where the facility team could become liable. Building managers or owners of the business have a responsibility under current health and safety laws to ensure that these systems are properly maintained and recorded as being serviced. “The FIS Operable Wall Working Group employers have developed a National Occupational Standard from which formal qualifications for service, maintenance and repair of operable walls will be derived. To get involved in this work, express your support or to see the details please go to: Interior systems reviews,” added George Swann, FIS Skills and Training Lead. FIS is the representative body for the £10 billion finishes and interiors sector in the UK. The FIS has close to 500 members drawn from contractors, manufacturers and distributors of ceilings, steel framing systems, partitions, operable walls, plastering, drylining, and specialist interior fit-out and refurbishment businesses.
SCAPE, one of the UK’s leading public sector procurement authorities, has appointed Rachel Sudlow as its R&D Lead in a newly created role designed to increase digital innovation across public sector construction. Rachel joins SCAPE following more than 10 years at Balfour Beatty, where she started as a quantity surveyor but was most recently focused on innovation and research, working with bodies such as Innovate UK to drive improved digital standards in the construction industry. The new role will see Rachel work closely with SCAPE’s clients and delivery partners to develop, encourage and apply new technologies and building methods to create more innovative, sustainable buildings. Rachel will also collaborate with various private and public sector partners outside of the construction industry, including funding bodies, research institutions and academia, as it continues to help shape the public sector’s response to the climate emergency. This includes a significant focus on BIM modelling utilised by SCAPE projects across the UK, ensuring that data from partners and clients is collected and used effectively to enhance strategic decision-making, improve efficiency and environmental performance at every stage, from procurement through the full life cycle of the building. Her appointment follows the launches of SCAPE’s latest suite of net-zero-ready construction and consultancy frameworks – SCAPE Construction, SCAPE Scotland Construction, SCAPE Consultancy and SCAPE Scotland Consultancy – which incorporate dedicated tools to help public sector organisations procure projects in a way that meets their sustainability and climate ambitions. SCAPE’s suite of construction and consultancy frameworks is used by more than 1,200 public bodies across the UK. The framework provider currently operates with a buying power of £18bn. Rachel Sudlow, R&D Lead at SCAPE, said: “At a time of significant regeneration across the public estate, it’s critical that the next generation of public sector buildings and infrastructure sets new standards for construction. Innovation will play a critical role and ultimately be supported by continually striving for better outcomes through the application of R&D. “Working with our clients and partners, and the wealth of data their projects produce, we have an outstanding opportunity to stimulate truly impactful innovation and ensure that the UK continues to be seen as a centre of excellence for construction.” Rachel will report directly to Chris Clarke, Director of Performance and Improvement at SCAPE. He said: “There’s little doubt that a combination of ingenuity and resource is needed to help address the complex needs of the public sector, including the climate emergency that has been declared by organisations across the UK and the world. Rachel’s addition to the team signals our commitment to both and will further set our clients’ projects apart in terms of adopting market-leading R&D in addition to best-in-class procurement. Through digital innovation, we can ensure an even greater legacy for the wave of public sector regeneration that is currently driving the UK’s economic recovery.”
Two engineering services bodies have stepped up their health & safety advice in time for a return to more regular working conditions after ‘Freedom Day’ on July 19. The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) and ECA, the engineering and electrotechnical services body, have joined forces to produce free guidance notes for members and the wider industry alongside a warning that the pandemic has still not relaxed its grip on the industry. This updated advice draws on the expertise of more than 30 health and safety practitioners from the construction and related sectors combined with the latest government guidelines to help employers keep their operatives and members of the public safe. Although the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has announced that its Site Operating Procedures (SOPs) will no longer be mandatory from July 19, BESA and the ECA are still urging caution. “Removing legal requirements does not mean it makes sense to immediately drop all the measures that have kept people safe over the past year,” said BESA’s head of health and safety Becky Crosland. “Common sense should prevail, and we expect most sites will choose to retain a number of voluntary measures including risk assessment, the wearing of face coverings and social distancing wherever possible.” Paul Reeve, ECA’s Director or CSR and Public Affairs added: “Many in construction and wider services sectors are increasingly looking beyond 19 July to 16 August. The government announced that, from that date, double vaccination will begin to provide exemption from having to self-isolate. Implications “Many in the industry would like the 16 August date brought forward, even in the face of the practical difficulties. These range from how to encourage workers to achieve double vaccination, to the implications of government advice that workers should take a PCR test following a ‘COVID positive ping,” he added. The new publication ‘BESA/ECA Health and Safety Guidance Notes and Support for COVID 19’ will help employers navigate the next few months, according to the two bodies. It contains nine separate pieces of guidance designed to reduce the spread of the coronavirus in workplaces. It covers travel arrangements, working on-site and continues to reflect the latest version of the SOPs. “Although we are seeing a gradual return to something like normal life, this actually increases the risk of another surge in infections in many workplaces,” said Crosland. “That is why it is more important than ever to have robust safety regimes in place and to be aware of the latest guidance on reducing exposure and the possibility of transmission. “The industry has done an amazing job over the past 16 months to keep operating under the most difficult of conditions and still managing health and safety, but we absolutely must not relax now, or we risk another lockdown,” she added. “That is why we are urging everyone across the sector to take advantage of this free guidance and of the expertise both associations can provide on a daily basis.” The notes, which are downloadable for free from the BESA and ECA websites, provide advice on social distancing, hand washing/ sanitising, cleaning of all contactable surfaces and equipment etc. There is also guidance on how employers should plan activities to avoid unnecessary proximity (less than 2m) and carry out risk assessments. Communication is a key part of this planning with employers urged to consult their workforces and remind them of their responsibilities to themselves, colleagues, and the public. BESA was also the first training provider to fully integrate Site Operating Procedures (SOPs) into its health and safety courses. The online BESA Academy embedded a series of mandatory SOP questions into the SKILLcard application process making it a requirement for anyone wanting to work on site. The Academy also developed an online SOP training module which leads to a certificate proving the individual worker understands the requirements and has been trained to work safely on site. This standalone module is freely available to all and can be completed online in 15 minutes. “There has been and continues to be a fantastic collaborative effort to ensure members of both associations and the wider industry are kept updated on the latest safe operating procedures,” said Reeve. “We are extremely grateful to everyone who has given up their time to help with this effort, in particular, members of the BESA Covid-19 Panel, ECA’s Covid Business Recovery team, and the sector’s Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum, which has done a fantastic job of co-ordinating all of our effort,” added Crosland. To access the new free guidance visit here and for a wide range of other Covid-19 resources go to: www.theBESA.com/covid19 and www.eca.co.uk/business-industry-support/coronavirus-back-to-work
The Housing Forum (THF) has set up a Futures Network for a cohort of prospective future leaders who are at an early and promising stage of their development. THF is in a unique position to actively support the growth of the skills the housing industry needs and to widen diversity and build new networks. Through this initiative, THF will benefit from access to different approaches and enable THF to actively address succession and relevance to the membership and industry. Stephen Teagle, The Housing Forum Chairman said ‘This Futures Network supports a group of prospective promising future leaders who will be empowered to provide a unique perspective and sustain the future of the work of The Housing Forum, learning from board mentors as they contribute to and promote the benefits of the network during their careers’. The first cohort nominated by their organisations are – Will Gregory and Mustab Ahmed from Baily Garner Daniel Love from Polypipe Building Products (part of the Genuit Group) Phena MacNamara, Kotey Nikoi from Pollard Thomas Edwards Thomas Bugler, Anna Barrett from Bugler Group Richard Johnson from Platform Housing Group Phil Wilsdon from Airey Miller Scott Batty, Mary Zhang from The Guiness Partnership Emma Colin from Vistry Stuart Brown from Trowers & Hamlins Rory Kemp Camilla Budd from Wates Development Eleni Stathi from HTA Design Lauren Williams from Fusion Build
A panel of industry experts gathered to discuss how the construction industry can and will meet zero emissions targets. The clear message was that the opportunity to reach this target is there, but more support is required from the Government for this to cascade at pace throughout the industry. Support in the form of legislation and incentives around Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) were outlined as the driving factors for real change in the construction industry. With Government support a clear path forward will become apparent rather than developers scrambling to make this reality at the final hour. This legislation must be brought forward in the form of ensuring the building materials that are used in construction are renewable and sustainable. Cement contributes 8% to the overall 40% of the carbon emissions in the construction industry. Timber is an obvious renewable alternative that is a regulated building material, with many homes in the UK constructed with timber frame. The Welsh Government have committed to all affordable housing being built with timber frame by next year. The panel was unanimous in agreeing that this is the kind of leadership seen in Wales is what is needed across the board. “There has never been a better time to change how we build our homes in the UK. The pandemic has given us time to stop and consider our industry’s impact and as the world regains some normality, we, as an industry, should want to move forward rather than simply returning to how we have always done things, as it is clear from the figures that this is devastating the planet,” said Panellist, Andrew Carpenter, Chief Executive of the Structural Timber Association (STA). “There are two things that will drive this forward and two things that will drive the change. The former is a collaborative culture and an integrated supply chain. The later, regulation and legislation from the government, and housebuilders getting on board with the larger vision. MMC is the answer to achieving a carbon neutral construction industry.” In a traditionally fragmented industry, the resounding notion in the room was for all sectors within the construction industry to come together to inform a collaborative approach to really move towards carbon neutrality. The last 12 months have been a time of reflection for many, with industries across the globe forced to pause and take stock of their impact on the planet. With the government’s net zero by 2035 initiative, this reflection has been vital for the construction industry. “Legislation will give the industry clear direction in how exactly we will move forward to meet the government’s targets, but in order to change the mindsets of the decision makers in the industry, this needs to be incentivised. The benefits for building with timber frame are widely known, if the government is truly behind building back greener, then buildings constructed from timber frame should be subsidised or at the very least incentivised,” added Richard Swayne, Managing Director of Paramount Timber Group.
New proposals to recognise architects’ international qualifications Wider transformation of architects’ register to maintain standards Part of ongoing reforms to improve competence of professionals across the built environment sector A new recognition system to acknowledge architecture qualifications from around the world will be implemented as part of the Professional Qualifications Bill, ensuring the UK remains a leading, global destination to practise architecture. The Government has responded to a consultation on proposed amendments to the Architects Act, which will ensure professional standards within the sector are maintained and enable international architects to practise in the UK. To support this, the Architects Registration Board (ARB) – the profession’s regulator – will allow architects with certain international qualifications to join their UK Register. Wider proposals to drive up professional competence in the sector will be implemented via the Building Safety Bill. Under these new measures, ARB will be given new powers to monitor the way architects manage their Continuing Professional Development (CPD), in line with other regulated professions – encouraging architects to develop their competence to practise. Housing Minister Chris Pincher MP said: “Following an overwhelmingly positive response to our consultation from the architecture profession, we are delighted to be moving forward with firm proposals that will make a real difference to the lives of architects around the world. “This fundamental realignment of the profession will reassert the United Kingdom’s reputation as a global leader in architecture, ensuring we continue to attract the best architects from around the world to build back better on the homes and infrastructure in this country.” This forms part of ongoing reforms to improve the competence of professionals across the built environment sector, who have a responsibility for designing, constructing and managing homes and buildings. These reforms build on major legislative improvements being made by government in relation to fire and building safety. Minister for Investment Lord Gerry Grimstone said: “Britain has a global reputation for professionalism and excellence in services like architecture, and this important change will ensure that UK architecture qualifications remain the gold standard around the world. “Our new laws will enable world-class architects to continue working in the UK and can make it possible for the Architects Registration Board to open up opportunities for British architects working with our global partners.” Alan Kershaw, Chair of the Architects Registration Board, said: “Today the Government has confirmed its intention to create new powers for the ARB, which we will use to introduce a scheme to monitor the Continuing Professional Development of architects. “This is an opportunity to recognise formally the considerable amount of development activity that most architects already do. We will develop our approach in collaboration with architects and use our regulatory powers to promote consistency across the profession. “ARB’s new role in recognising international qualifications is another positive step. We are going to ensure all individuals registering under this new process are held to equivalent standards, to maintain excellence across the architectural profession, whilst also ensuring the United Kingdom continues to benefit from the varied skills and experience international architects bring with them.” The government’s response to a consultation on proposed amendments to the Architects Act 1997 include: strengthening the Architect Registration Board’s role in monitoring and maintaining the competence of architects on their register increasing public confidence by listing disciplinary orders against an architect on the register allowing the Architect Registration Board to expand its list of chargeable services to cover the full range of services by the Architect Registration Board.
DESCRIBED as one of the most transformational developments delivered in the East Midlands in more than a decade, Unity Square – the new UK Government Hub in Nottingham, which will be home to HM Revenue and Customs’ (HMRC) and other government departments – has now completed construction. The Grade A office scheme in Queensbridge Road, Nottingham has been eagerly anticipated since it was announced in late 2018 that HMRC, which is leading the delivery of Phase 1 Government hubs, had entered a 25-year pre-let on the development for the Government hub with Peveril Securities and its joint venture partner Sladen Estates. The provision of this ultra-modern, state-of-the-art, ten-storey office building will serve as a catalyst for regeneration in the Southside area of Nottingham and give the firms the momentum to bring forward their other office developments at Broadmarsh West and Unity Phase Two. Ralph Jones, managing director of Peveril Securities and main board director of Bowmer + Kirkland, said: “HMRC’s decision to award this Government Hub in the heart of Nottingham to Peveril Securities and Sladen Estates shows the confidence that HMRC had in our ability to fund and deliver this important scheme above other locations and developers that could have been in the running. It is hugely significant for the region, as well as for everyone who lives and works here, transforming the area around the city’s train station. With thousands of people set to work in the offices, businesses in the area will benefit from the increased footfall of workers in the area. “Those working in the building will benefit from Nottingham’s superb transport links, being right next to bus, train and tram services. The structure also serves as a remarkable landmark for commuters arriving at the train station, providing the sort of impressive development you would expect on arrival in one of the UK’s major cities.” The official handover of the regional hub took place today (Tuesday 11 May) via a virtual ceremony. Colin Casse, locations programme director at HMRC, said: “HMRC has a long-standing presence in Nottingham and the new Government Hub will be home to our Nottingham Regional Centre. A stunning building, right in the heart of the city, 1 Unity Square will provide a flexible modern working environment that can be adapted as our ways of working develop in the future. We are looking forward to the first colleagues moving into the building early in 2022.” The scheme has been constructed by Derbyshire based Bowmer + Kirkland, with the contractors having to contend with the coronavirus pandemic during the final stages of the build. Steve Chambers, regional director at Bowmer + Kirkland, said: “We are very pleased to have completed this significant project on time in what has been a very challenging environment. Working closely with Peveril Securities, Sladen Estates, HMRC and L & G has allowed us to overcome the challenges we have encountered – particularly during the past year – and I would personally like to thank all of the staff, trades people and companies involved in the project who have worked extremely hard in very challenging circumstances to deliver the scheme.” Designed by Manchester-based award-winning architecture firm 5 Plus, the development is set to be one of HMRC’s largest regional offices, accommodating more than 4,000 colleagues. Nick Sladen, chief executive of Sladen Estates, said: “Every development has faced challenges over the past year, but we are really pleased that despite the coronavirus pandemic, Bowmer + Kirkland have been able to keep Unity Square construction on track. “Unity Square will have a positive impact on job creation and the economic growth of the area. It should prove to be a spark for significant regeneration in the Southside of Nottingham and provides a striking addition to the city skyline. We are really pleased that despite the coronavirus pandemic and all of the labour and material sourcing issues that caused that the scheme continued on track for its original target completion date.” Peveril Securities and Sladen Estates purchased the 1.14-hectare site in Queensbridge Road – opposite Nottingham train station – in 2015 and demolished the existing derelict car parks before embarking on the city’s largest and most eagerly anticipated scheme, with the government hub being forward funded by LGIM Real Assets (Legal & General).
