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
The British Association of Landscape Industries has unveiled its new look ahead of its 50th year in business in 2022, marking the start of a new chapter in the Trade Association’s prestigious history. Spearheading the brand is the Association’s fresh, contemporary new identity, boldly updated for 2021 while celebrating its
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has launched a ‘Certificate in International Construction Management’. To reflect the increasingly international nature of the sector and provide construction professionals with the knowledge and skills in global construction management best practice, CIOB has produced a programme on international construction management. The course provides the learner with the skills and knowledge to
The parliamentary Suburban Taskforce has today unveiled an Update Report summarising its workstreams and emerging considerations since it formed in March 2020. This includes key feedback from its public “Call for Evidence” and initial data analysis. The cross-party Taskforce was established, with the backing of the Government, to shine a
The Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) has launched a series of briefings exploring how Project Speed can improve delivery of hospitals, schools, homes and rail. The output from four industry roundtables hosted by ACE in partnership with construction firms Laing O’Rourke, Mace and Reds10, as well as Network Rail
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).
The British Association of Landscape Industries has unveiled its new look ahead of its 50th year in business in 2022, marking the start of a new chapter in the Trade Association’s prestigious history. Spearheading the brand is the Association’s fresh, contemporary new identity, boldly updated for 2021 while celebrating its heritage. Following a three-year development cycle which saw the team at Landscape House carry out research and analysis, a series of stakeholder interviews and a brand positioning exercise, several significant changes were decided upon to improve the Association’s continued efforts to promote, support and inspire its members, the wider landscape services industry and the public. From 1st April 2021, Association members who have passed its stringent vetting procedures will be referred to as Accredited members, replacing the previous ‘Registered’ name. The team at Landscape House, supported by its board of directors, felt the replacement term was a more suitable choice for explaining the process companies went through in order to attain accreditation. Affiliate, the label used to promote members offering trade and public-facing products and services has been dropped in favour of Supplier, a word that better describes that category of membership. So, in simple terms, a Registered Affiliate will now be known as an Accredited Supplier. The brand refresh has also brought with it changes to the way the Association communicates, including a focus on high quality content to inform, educate and inspire. It will use its position as a thought-leader in British landscaping to draw attention to issues affecting the industry and lobby government, as well as developing its technical support offering. The rebrand will also bring a new approach to the Association’s identity, dropping the acronym ‘BALI’. Often confused with non-industry terms, the Association’s new identity advertises a greater public-friendly position, simplified so it only displays the full company name that better describes the service offer. Chief Executive Wayne Grills commented, “This is an important moment for our Association and its members. We recognised, through talking with key stakeholders, that we needed to make changes to our brand to continue to build on our strong foundation and provide the high level of customer service our members expect. Next year our Trade Association celebrates 50 years and we wanted to be in the best shape possible to take full advantage of what that special milestone will bring. Expect further announcements of what we have planned later this year.” To support the launch of the new brand the team at Landscape House have refreshed all marketing and promotional materials for members, with the website bali.org.uk, suite of newsletters and popular journal Landscape Newsall receiving major design and/or functionality updates. Members can login to their member’s area bali.org.uk/login to download the new Accredited logo and brand guidelines (if their membership category permits), order vehicle stickers, download Use the Professionals leaflets and access their membership benefits portfolio which have also been updated.
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has launched a ‘Certificate in International Construction Management’. To reflect the increasingly international nature of the sector and provide construction professionals with the knowledge and skills in global construction management best practice, CIOB has produced a programme on international construction management. The course provides the learner with the skills and knowledge to plan, develop and execute construction projects, whether in foreign markets or within their home countries. The course comprises three technical modules running over six months, looking at best practice, the fundamentals of understanding global markets, rules and regulations, and managing international projects throughout the construction cycle. In addition, the course will also contain a short module with essential information on CIOB and how to become a member or fellow of the institute. The course is being led John Hayes, a Fellow of CIOB and industry veteran, with more than 30 years’ experience as a quantity surveyor and commercial director. John has extensive experience of multi-million pound global framework and construction projects in the UK, Europe and Australia. The course begins on 20 April 2021 and you can register here.
The parliamentary Suburban Taskforce has today unveiled an Update Report summarising its workstreams and emerging considerations since it formed in March 2020. This includes key feedback from its public “Call for Evidence” and initial data analysis. The cross-party Taskforce was established, with the backing of the Government, to shine a light on the suburbs in order to identify and secure the clear, long-term and properly resourced policies needed to support thriving, sustainable and inclusive suburban areas. The Taskforce has spent the past twelve months reviewing evidence on the state of Britain’s suburbs in order to make recommendations to the Government on policy initiatives to enhance them. It is co-chaired by Dr Rupa Huq MP and David Simmonds MP, assisted by UCL as Knowledge Partner and with an expert Advisory Board chaired by leading British urbanist Jonathan Manns, Executive Director at Rockwell. The Taskforce has collated and reviewed quantitative data, such as those related to land use, built form, population, transport and infrastructure. It also held a public “Call for Evidence” which ran from August to October 2020 in addition to hosting a range of workshops and meetings with Government Ministers. The emerging analysis suggests that suburban areas can be seen as distinct from urban or rural locations but cautions against a one-size-fits-all approach and indicates that it may be more appropriate to understand them against a spectrum of characteristics. It also highlights the continued relevance of long-established ‘suburban debates’ about their relationship to urban centres and management of growth pressures, in addition to the potentially transformative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. Commenting on the recent update, Dr Rupa Huq MP stated: “Almost exactly to the day, a year ago a bunch of MPs from three parties met to start the ball rolling with the Suburban Taskforce. Since then, suburban society has changed in ways unimaginable at the time with working from home for white collar staff, a new appreciation of space, and lockdown all subsequently normalised. “As this interim report shows densification, sustainability, decline of pubs, all bracketed under need for renaissance and anticipation of the new normal were all identified. This provides a solid basis for the next phase of this groundbreaking work to build on… and I personally can’t wait.” Jonathan Manns, Executive Director at Rockwell and Chair of the Suburban Taskforce’s Advisory Board added:“England’s suburbs are long-overlooked and the potentially transformative impacts of Covid-19 on the way we live and work make this cross-party review yet more pressing and relevant. There has been strong engagement to-date, supported by fresh new data, which is shining a light on the importance of managing change in a way that is both contextual and popular. The next steps will be to focus on the implications of the evidence-gathering stage for policy-makers and decision-takers.” www.suburban-taskforce.org About the Suburban Taskforce The Suburban Taskforce is an independent inquiry into the state of the suburbs and charting a course “Towards a Suburban Renaissance”. It is a cross-party parliamentary taskforce, comprising representatives of both Houses of Parliament, from all political backgrounds. It seeksto set out an agreed agenda for change. Its goals are: To illuminate the nature of social and economic activity in the suburbs. This is to include patterns of work, life and play and associated conditions in terms of investment, expenditure, built and natural environment. To illustrate the potential differences between suburban areas and those which are either more central or more rural, in addition to wider spatial distinctions which may exist, for example between larger and smaller settlements. In doing so, to inform our understanding of what constitutes a “suburb” in 21st Century Britain. To identify policy mechanisms and interventions which may assist in supporting the long-term sustainability of suburban areas. This will have particular regard to supporting polycentric centres, not least through fiscal considerations such as taxation and investment and the management of change through the planning system. The Taskforce currently comprises the following members: Co-Chairs: Rupa Huq MP (Labour) and David Simmonds MP (Conservative) Vice-Chairs: Jon Cruddas MP (Labour) and Gareth Bacon MP (Conservative) Lords Liaison: Baroness Susan Kramer (Liberal Democrat) Current Members Karen Buck MP Seema Malhotra MP James Murray MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP Steve Reed MP Sam Tarry MP About the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for London’s Planning and Built Environment The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for London’s Planning and Built Environment will act as the Secretariat to the Suburban Taskforce. It was inaugurated in October 2015 to provide a cross-party forum for consideration of planning and development matters in London. It has been Chaired since inception by Dr Rupa Huq, MP for Ealing Central and Acton. It was convened by Jonathan Manns, Executive Director at real-estate developer Rockwell and widely recognised as one of the country’s leading urbanists, as an important step in helping develop a coherent political voice on key issues affecting the future shape of London. About UCL UCL is the number one London university for Research Strength, recognised for its academic excellence and global impact. The Bartlett School of Planning is one of the leading research-led planning schools within Europe. As Knowledge Partner to the Suburban Taskforce, UCL’s support will be coordinated by Dr Lucy Natarajan and assisted by Dr Dimitrios Panayotopoulos-Tsiros. About the Advisory Board An independent Advisory Board has been assembled to assist the Suburban Taskforce in its work. The Advisory Board is Chaired by Jonathan Manns; Board Director at Rockwell, Visiting Associate Professor at UCL and Convenor of the APPG. Representatives from both professional built environment organisations and civil society include: Richard Blyth, Royal Town Planning Institute; Nicholas Falk, URBED Trust; Katie Perrior, InHouse Communications; Will Tanner, Onward; Tony Mulhall, Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors; Peter Murray, New London Architecture; Phineas Harper, Director of Open City, and Prof. Laura Vaughan, Professor of Urban Form and Society and the Director of the Space Syntax Laboratory at the Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL.
The Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) has launched a series of briefings exploring how Project Speed can improve delivery of hospitals, schools, homes and rail. The output from four industry roundtables hosted by ACE in partnership with construction firms Laing O’Rourke, Mace and Reds10, as well as Network Rail and housebuilder Thakeham, the briefings explore how the industry can meet aspirations to deliver “faster, better and greener”. Taking inspiration from the rapid delivery of NHS Nightingale hospitals, the briefings explore practical steps that need to be taken to unlock delivery. Case studies shared from across the UK demonstrate the tangible measures that can already be taken to make Project Speed a reality. Common themes that emerge from the four briefings on rail, homes, hospitals and schools include: Strengthening the evidence base and use of data in project development and decision making. The digitising of previously paper-based process such as planning consultations, assurance and approvals processes. Focusing projects on an new approach to value-based decision making which goes beyond the purely financial. A recognition that making time for good design can significantly improve health, education, housing and transport outcomes. Hannah Vickers, chief executive of ACE said: “I have no doubt that we have the vision, creativity, and problem solving skills to meet the Project Speed challenge head-on, which is why we brought the industry together for our roundtables.” “The briefings will form the basis of our engagement with Westminster over the coming weeks and months as we reinforce the message that our members, and the industry more widely, are key partners for Government if Project Speed is to become a reality.” The industry roundtable discussions covered a range of issues that are seen as vital to speeding up delivery in each sector: Hospitals – Programmes rather than distinct projects, project sequencing and early detailed design, and digital design models. Schools – More collaborative and value driven design and procurement, how a product mindset is needed to deliver with Modern Methods of Construction, and making use of live ‘performance’ data. Homes – The importance of the planning regime to this debate, how to create a sustainable vision, digitising the process to speed-up delivery, and the use of design codes and guides. Rail – How to best focus design on the start of projects, the role of the design integrator and a ‘one team’ approach, and how digital approaches lead to more efficient assurance. The four Project Speed briefings are available for everyone to download now at: www.acenet.co.uk/project-speed