Public Sector : Local Authority News
Sheffield’s flagship office welcomes first occupant

Sheffield’s flagship office welcomes first occupant

DLA Piper has signed up to take the top two floors of Elshaw House, Sheffield City Council’s new zero carbon-ready office building. DLA Piper’s move into Elshaw House will see one of the world’s largest law firms, and a key employer in the city, maintain its presence in Sheffield City

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LED-ing the Way: Leeds £22.5m LED lighting scheme completed

LED-ing the Way: Leeds £22.5m LED lighting scheme completed

The scheme officially completed last week with the final light being installed at Edith Sykes Drive in east Leeds. Leeds City Council today announces the completion of its LED lighting scheme, an extensive project aimed at improving energy efficiency in street lighting throughout the city. Initiated in December 2018, the

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PLANNING APPROVED FOR £9 MILLION REGENERATION PROJECT IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE

Planning Approved for £9 Million Regeneration Project in Gloucestershire

A STATE-OF-THE-ART leisure, enterprise and education centre being developed by leading multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard is one step closer to realisation, following council approval. The Five Acres site in Berry Hill, Coleford, is set to undergo transformation via Pick Everard and contractor BAM Construction Limited, after unilateral agreement on plans

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Woeful planning statistics are unacceptable with average processing times for major housing developments now taking over a year on average

Woeful planning statistics are unacceptable with average processing times for major housing developments now taking over a year on average

Critical government action required against backdrop of Local Authority housing emergencies and research showing 693,000 Scottish households in some form of housing need  New planning application statistics published today have been described as “woeful” and “unacceptable” by sector body Homes for Scotland (HFS). The figures highlight a 41 per cent

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Newton Heath social housing development celebrates final completion

Newton Heath social housing development celebrates final completion

69 low carbon homes for social rent have now been completed and residents have been welcomed to their new homes on Silk Street in north Manchester.   The long-term brownfield site overlooking the Rochdale Canal has been developed and brought back into use by the Council delivering 36 one-bedroom apartments, 12

Read More »
Willmott Dixon to build £55m police headquarters

Willmott Dixon to build £55m police headquarters

Letchworth-based company, Willmott Dixon, has been appointed to conduct the £55m redevelopment of Hertfordshire Constabulary’s police headquarters in Welwyn Garden City. Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd has approved the proposals, which had already received planning permission. The redevelopment, in Stanborough, will involve demolishing eleven of the 1960s-era buildings

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National Apprenticeship Week celebrated in Enfield

National Apprenticeship Week celebrated in Enfield

This National Apprenticeship Week, Enfield Council will be highlighting several success stories based at the landmark Meridian Water regeneration project. Local apprentices working with Enfield Council’s project partner, Taylor Woodrow, have been gaining site experience whilst completing their training. Their courses prepare them for the varied roles in the construction

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Latest Issue
Issue 324 : Jan 2025

Public Sector : Local Authority News

Major Woodside Ferry Terminal upgrade to start as part of £23m plan to create ‘unique waterfront destination’

Major Woodside Ferry Terminal upgrade to start as part of £23m plan to create ‘unique waterfront destination’

A £8.6m Woodside Ferry Terminal upgrade is set to start as part of a major project between the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Wirral Council to turn the area into a ‘vibrant and unique waterfront destination’. The upgrade is being made possible by Levelling Up funding from Wirral Council, which is currently consulting on a £23m Masterplan to breathe new life into the area. The terminal is set to reopen from summer 2025 following complex engineering work to install a new landing stage and linkspan bridge. It follows a multi-million-pound modernisation of Seacombe Ferry Terminal, supported by a £7m investment from Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram and the Combined Authority, which completed in October 2022. The Woodside scheme is part of a wider investment to secure the future of the iconic tourist attraction. In December last year, Mayor Rotheram signed a £26m contract with nearby Birkenhead shipyard Cammell Laird to build the first new Mersey Ferry in 60 years. Cllr Steve Foulkes, Chair of the Liverpool Combined Authority Transport Committee, said: “The Woodside Ferry Terminal was constructed in 1985, it’s almost 40 years old and in need of modernisation so we’re able to keep up with the needs of a growing and diverse population. This is a great opportunity for us to improve the area for residents however, it’s also a prime time to start encouraging even more tourists to explore the other side of the water by bringing Mersey Ferries back to the area and restoring the service between Woodside and Pier Head, improving the transport links for residents and visitors alike.” Leader of Wirral Council, Cllr Paul Stuart, said: “We’re excited about the next stage of plans to develop the Woodside Ferry Terminal. This latest regeneration will include developing the space from Argyle Street/Conway Street roundabout down to the Terminal and include improving the landscaping around the area. It will also create more accessible walking and cycling spaces and better connections between the Central Birkenhead retail area and the Waterfront, for pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport users.“In addition to the plans which are to be delivered over the next couple of years, part of the process in drafting the masterplan has been to generate new ideas to be implemented in the longer term such as the extra-large floating pontoon or a historic ship in the dock as part of a visitor attraction. The consultation, which is open now, is giving everyone to the chance to view these proposals and have their say and we’re encouraging everyone to take part.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Sheffield’s flagship office welcomes first occupant

Sheffield’s flagship office welcomes first occupant

DLA Piper has signed up to take the top two floors of Elshaw House, Sheffield City Council’s new zero carbon-ready office building. DLA Piper’s move into Elshaw House will see one of the world’s largest law firms, and a key employer in the city, maintain its presence in Sheffield City Centre. Fit out of the two-floors, as well as an adjoining private terrace on the top floor, will be completed in this spring. The space will span over 17,000 square feet in total. Having reached completion last month, Elshaw House is the flagship office development within Heart of the City – the £470m mixed-use development scheme led by Sheffield City Council and its Strategic Development Partner, Queensberry. Located on Carver Street, next to Pound’s Park, Elshaw House is the pinnacle of sustainability and will achieve a five-star BREEAM green energy rating, making it a key part of the Council’s green goals. Additionally, Elshaw House has also recently achieved an ‘excellent’ five-star NABERS UK rating due to its lean design, providing a structure with 40% lower than average carbon usage. This places it in the top 1% of office buildings in the UK for energy efficiency. Cllr Ben Miskell, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council, said:“We are thrilled that DLA Piper has signed a lease on Elshaw House. It is one of the world’s largest law firms. For such an established business to reaffirm its commitment to the city shows a real confidence in everything we’re doing to drive Sheffield forwards and continue growing our economy. “Elshaw House represents the very best in office space and is delivering new headline rents for Sheffield. Alongside the world class Pound’s Park, Grosvenor House – home to HSBC and CMS – and Europe’s largest food hall, we’re creating a truly transformational new city centre district.”      Andrew Davison, Project Direct at Queensberry, added: “In our opinion, DLA Piper has secured the best office space in South Yorkshire, with unrivalled sustainability, location and employee wellbeing benefits. World class commercial spaces like this are helping to take Sheffield to the next level on the national stage. “Interest in the other floors in Elshaw House is incredibly high and the ground floor retail and F&B spaces are also attracting potential occupants.” Elshaw House has six ground floor units suitable for retail or food and drink venues, complementing the seven storeys of quality workspace above. Access to Elshaw House connects directly to the new urban park, Pound’s Park, and is integrated into Sheffield’s active travel strategy which focuses on ease and accessibility, with the building featuring bike storage, service centre and showers to help keep the city moving. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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LED-ing the Way: Leeds £22.5m LED lighting scheme completed

LED-ing the Way: Leeds £22.5m LED lighting scheme completed

The scheme officially completed last week with the final light being installed at Edith Sykes Drive in east Leeds. Leeds City Council today announces the completion of its LED lighting scheme, an extensive project aimed at improving energy efficiency in street lighting throughout the city. Initiated in December 2018, the programme has successfully converted over 89,000 streetlights to new LED lamps, in partnership with street lighting partner Enerveo (subcontractor to Tay Valley Lighting). The completion of the LED Lighting Scheme is expected to bring significant annual savings of £3.4 million in electricity costs at current energy prices. Additionally, the conversion to LED lighting is projected to reduce street lighting energy consumption by approximately 62%, resulting in 7,050 tonnes of carbon savings, with savings already being made throughout the lamp replacement. The new LED lanterns offer increased durability and recyclability, leading to enhanced efficiency and reduced emissions from maintenance visits. Public consultation, conducted from November 2017 to January 2018, showed strong support for the upgrade, with over 80% of respondents endorsing the initiative. Councillor Helen Hayden, Executive Member for Sustainable Development and Infrastructure, attended the installation of the final LED light on Edith Sykes Drive in east Leeds this week, marking the conclusion of the project. Councillor Hayden said: “The completion of the LED Lighting Scheme represents a significant milestone in our efforts to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability in Leeds. This investment will deliver immediate cost savings and lay the groundwork for future advancements in smart technology” Tom Cunningham, Tay Valley Lighting (Leeds) Director, said: “We have been delighted to support Leeds City Council investment on the LED lantern works, the investment has provided many benefits, local employment opportunities during the period, reducing energy consumption and maintenance activities resulting in significant cost savings to Leeds City Council and carbon reduction impact from the project”. As Leeds continues its commitment to environmental stewardship and technological innovation, the completion of the LED Lighting Scheme underscores the council’s dedication to building a more sustainable future for the city and its residents. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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PENTRE AWEL PROJECT MARKS ONE YEAR OF CONSTRUCTION WITH INSTALLATION OF FINAL STEEL STRUCTURE

Pentre Awel project marks one year of construction with installation of final steel structure

Bouygues UK and Carmarthenshire County Council have marked 12 months of construction of the landmark Pentre Awel project by completing the steel structure of the first Zone of the development. The significant milestone in the project comes just a year after building work started and marks a pivotal stage of the build. The multi-million-pound development is being delivered by Carmarthenshire County Council. It will bring together life science and business innovation, community healthcare and modern leisure facilities at the 83-acre Delta Lakes site on the Llanelli coastline. It is part-funded by the Swansea Bay City Deal (£40million) and is the largest regeneration scheme in south west Wales. Lead contractor on Zone 1, Bouygues UK is dedicated to using local subcontractors as part of its commitment to provide employment, training and skills opportunities to local people and underrepresented groups. Dyfed Steels provided the reinforcement bar for the project’s foundations which has 98% recycled content, and the structural steel for the building which has 80% recycled content, was supplied by Shufflebottom. With a commitment to the heritage of the area, the steel frame also provides the historical link to the previous industrial buildings that were located on the site, namely the South Wales Tinplate Works and the Richard Thomas (Tinplate) Mills. Peter Sharpe, Bouygues UK’s Pentre Awel Project Director, said the completion of the steel structure marks a significant milestone in the project: “In just 12 months the site has been transformed as the development has rapidly taken shape. The completion of the steel frames for all buildings has been a key activity during this period. The hydrotherapy, learner and main pools have been cast and successfully undergone water testing ready for the next stage.” Cllr. Hazel Evans, Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Culture, Leisure and Tourism said, “It is remarkable how far construction has come in just a year. Bouygues UK have shown their dedication to the Pentre Awel masterplan, not only through their outstanding engagement with local schools, but by employing Carmarthenshire businesses to undertake the work on site. The community is truly at the heart of Pentre Awel, I congratulate everyone involved in the construction of Zone 1 and I look forward to opening.” As well as Shufflebottom and Dyfed Steels, other local companies contracted to work on Pentre Awel include: Green4Wales, Redsix Partnership, Gavin Griffiths Group, Davies Crane Hire, Dyfed Recycling Services and Owen Haulage.  As part of Bouygues UK’s commitment to provide significant social value and engagement to surrounding schools, colleges and universities, Pentre Awel also has a school ambassadors scheme, where children from local schools visit the site to share their ideas and help shape the project.  A broader programme of community benefits is also being delivered during the development of Zone 1 of Pentre Awel to realise social, economic, cultural, and environmental benefits. This includes targeted recruitment and training, community engagement (such as community ambassadors), STEM activities and supply chain engagement. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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PLANNING APPROVED FOR £9 MILLION REGENERATION PROJECT IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE

Planning Approved for £9 Million Regeneration Project in Gloucestershire

A STATE-OF-THE-ART leisure, enterprise and education centre being developed by leading multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard is one step closer to realisation, following council approval. The Five Acres site in Berry Hill, Coleford, is set to undergo transformation via Pick Everard and contractor BAM Construction Limited, after unilateral agreement on plans submitted by Forest of Dean District Council. The work, which will commence after the Easter holidays, will be completed in phases. The first of these will focus on repurposing classrooms at an existing educational building – Speedwell House – to create new office and community spaces, alongside a cafe and outreach space for Hartpury University’s Aspiration Centre. The new building will connect Speedwell through a glazed atrium and include the construction of a new multi-purpose four-court sports hall, small performance space, party rooms/dressing rooms and internal changing rooms. Outside there will be a separate external changing block, a secure cycle hub and a new car parking layout, which will introduce 12 electric vehicle charging spaces on the site for the first time.   The project, accelerated through the SCAPE Consultancy direct award framework, designed to drive collaboration, efficiency, time and cost savings on construction projects, will be delivered by Pick Everard, operating through Perfect Circle to provide a wide range of services, including project management, cost management, health and safety, and sustainability consultancy. Guy Rossiter, principal project manager at Pick Everard, said: “This is a significant milestone in a journey to bring a host of benefits to the community of Berry Hill and further afield. It is a fully encompassing project, that reflects a shift in the way we view and design our local hubs – bringing, leisure, education and business opportunities all under one roof, helping drive future prosperity from one generation to the next. “With planning approved, we look forward to the next phase of this development, collaborating closely with the project team and the council to bring its vision to fruition.” The planning application for the Five Acres site was submitted in November 2023, following community outreach on the proposed redevelopment plans. It is part of the UK government’s wider Levelling Up Fund, with 52 Levelling Up Together grants awarded across the Gloucestershire region in recent months. Councillor Johnathan Lane, cabinet member for economy at Forest of Dean District Council, said: “It’s fantastic to hear that planning permission has been granted to refurbish the Speedwell building and support the new building designs at Five Acres. “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the hard-working council staff and partners, including demolition experts Armac, architects AHR, project and cost consultants Pick Everard and leading construction and property developer BAM, who have all helped make Five Acres a reality. I’d also like thank all our residents for their comments and suggestions, which have allowed us to shape Five Acres into a project that the whole community can be proud of. “The regeneration of Five Acres is hugely important for the community of Berry Hill and the Forest of Dean as a whole. Once completed it will provide leading sport and education facilities, and I can’t wait to see it starting to take shape once construction has begun.” Full details for the Five Acres site redevelopment, as well as documents including designs and comments and questions from previous public forum events can be found here: https://www.fdean.gov.uk/planning-and-building/regeneration/five-acres-redevelopment-site/ To learn more about Pick Everard and its range of services, visit here: https://www.pickeverard.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Places for Everyone plan for new homes, jobs and growth goes to final stage following inspectors’ report

Places for Everyone plan for new homes, jobs and growth goes to final stage following inspectors’ report

The plan for new homes, jobs and sustainable growth in Greater Manchester has reached its final stage, following a report by planning inspectors. In their report, published last Thursday, the inspectors have concluded that the Places for Everyone plan, with the modifications recommended as part of their rigorous, extensive and robust independent examination process, is sound and legally compliant. The publication of the report marks the end of the examination process, which included public hearings and consultations between November 2022 and December 2023. Places for Everyone will now be presented to each of the nine councils to consider the recommendations and whether to adopt the plan in line with Government’s expectations for a plan-led approach to development, which is in line with theNational Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). Full details of the council meetings will be published in due course. Places for Everyone is a long-term plan of nine districts in the city-region: Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Tameside, Trafford, and Wigan. It is a comprehensive joint development plan of the districts that will determine the kind of development that takes place in their boroughs, maximising the use of brownfield land and urban spaces while protecting Green Belt land from the risk of unplanned development. It will also ensure all new developments are sustainably integrated into Greater Manchester’s transport network or supported by new infrastructure. For further information please contact the Communications and Engagement team on: news@greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk. Find us on social media @greatermcr. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Woeful planning statistics are unacceptable with average processing times for major housing developments now taking over a year on average

Woeful planning statistics are unacceptable with average processing times for major housing developments now taking over a year on average

Critical government action required against backdrop of Local Authority housing emergencies and research showing 693,000 Scottish households in some form of housing need  New planning application statistics published today have been described as “woeful” and “unacceptable” by sector body Homes for Scotland (HFS). The figures highlight a 41 per cent drop in in the volume of applications for major housing developments (those for 50 or more homes) in the first two quarters of 2023/24 compared to the same period a year prior.  This continues the decline in such applications coming forward for the fourth consecutive quarter. Despite a continuing fall in applications, the average processing time for Q1 and Q2 2023/24 was 62.1 weeks (a rise from 36.4 weeks on Q1 and Q2 2022/23) against a statutory timeframe of 16 weeks.    The number of local housing development applications has also fallen by 18 per cent across the same period, with average processing times for these being 17.8 weeks (more than double the eight week statutory timeframe).  HFS Chief Executive Jane Wood said:  “With the National Planning Improvement Champion yesterday concluding that there is no overall agreement on what successful planning looks like, I’m certain that we can all be united in the view that these woeful figures aren’t it and are simply unacceptable.   “The Scottish Government must get Scotland’s planning system sorted if we are to ensure this and future generations are able to access warm sustainable homes that meet their needs and they can afford.  “These figures highlight the scale of investment in planning services that is required at a time when the Scottish Government has announced a 43% reduction in the Planning budget from £11.7m to £6.6m.    “They also show the critical need for immediate short-term solutions.  We have already submitted the urgent actions we believe need to be taken by the Scottish Government and want to work with Ministers and officials to implement meaningful change as quickly as possible so that Scotland’s people have the range and choice of homes that they both need and deserve.”   Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Newton Heath social housing development celebrates final completion

Newton Heath social housing development celebrates final completion

69 low carbon homes for social rent have now been completed and residents have been welcomed to their new homes on Silk Street in north Manchester.   The long-term brownfield site overlooking the Rochdale Canal has been developed and brought back into use by the Council delivering 36 one-bedroom apartments, 12 two-bedroom apartments, 17 two storey, three-bedroom houses; and 4 three storey, four-bedroom houses.   16 of the apartments will be made available to people over the age of 55, who are right-sizing from larger council properties in Newton Heath, and across north Manchester.  Each of the townhouses feature solar panels, a new kitchen and bathroom, generous gardens and private driveways with electric charging points.  Each of the apartments have a balcony alongside shared outdoor space – and the building will be greened through living walls and living green roofs.   The properties will make use of Ground Source Heat Pumps and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery to keep utility costs down for residents.    The apartments have been built to HAPPI design principles that provide larger internal space as standard, which accommodate someone using a wheelchair, along with extra storage space. This means they can also be adapted to meet the needs of the tenants.  Meet the neighbourhood   Christine Durber – video case study available below Christine moved into her apartment in Chiffon House in September.  She had lived in her four-bedroom home in Clayton for 27 years, and it was perfect for bringing up her three children. Now the kids have moved on, Christine was starting to feel uneasy living in such a big property on her own.   This is where the Council’s right-sizing officer was able to help. Christine was shown a new apartment, and she was offered extra help with the move.   “I fell in love with it,” Christine said. “The Council arranged the removal company for me, and I was given some money to help with the extra costs. It paid for new blinds and flooring. It was great to get that bit of help, it really took the hassle out of the move.”  Christine’s apartment has been built to low carbon specifications, there is no gas supply to the property and her electric comes from a ground source heat pump.   “The flat’s lovely and warm and the bills are great,” she said, “I was paying £160 a month in my old house and I’m now paying around £58, and this will come down even more in the summer because I won’t need the heating on.”  Christine’s apartment was one of 16 set aside for people aged over 55 who are rightsizing into a more manageable home and the move has brought her so many benefits.  “I feel very content here. I sleep better, I love the views and I can’t wait to see how they change when the summer comes.   I used to rely on my kids to take me shopping, but now with so many shops on my doorstep I can do my own, I’m getting out most days and feeling more independent.”  Donna Smith  Donna moved into her ground floor apartment in November 2023.  Donna and her husband have five grown-up children but as they moved out, their larger three-bedroom homes in Newton Heath became too much for them.   Donna has suffered with arthritis for many years and the condition is worsening as she gets older. The stairs had become a daily challenge, and the large garden was too much for her to manage.  The Council was able to step in and offered them a new ground floor two-bedroom apartment in the development.   “I was delighted to be offered an apartment on one level. We have so much space and everything is so much easier for me.” Donna said.  With everything on one level Donna no longer has stairs to worry about and the bathroom is a fully accessible wet room so that Donna no longer has to struggle to get in and out of the bath.  The use of local labour, apprentices, and local suppliers has contributed to the overall impact of the scheme. A close relationship was also built with site neighbours including Bright Futures nursery with help provided towards improving outdoor spaces and equipment together with VIP visits for the nursery children.  This investment is part of Manchester City Council’s commitment to build 36,000 new homes through to 2032 – part of the city’s ambitious housing strategy. 10,000 of these homes will be genuinely affordable to Manchester people, supporting our residents to live safe, happy and prosperous lives.   Leader of the Council Cllr Bev Craig, said:  “We are investing in our communities across the Manchester with a real focus on our district centres and affordable housing investment to meet the needs of our residents in their local areas.   “Through our housing strategy we have committed to help build 36,000 new homes across the city in the next decade – and at least 10,000 of these will be genuinely affordable for Manchester people.  “At this development, using Council-owned land, we have made sure that every house is available at social rent to help meet demand for high-quality affordable homes in this area – and ensure that as many people as possible can access these properties.”  Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and employment, said:   “I have followed this development from day one – through planning and I was onsite when the first diggers arrived. This development is a great example of what we want from our affordable housing investment.   “Not only are we delivering new social housing for our residents and supporting them to move from larger homes into properties that better suit their needs – we have also brought a long-term brownfield piece of public land back into use.   “These low carbon homes are also cheap to run, well insulated and heated through ground source heat pumps – supporting these residents to spend less on their energy during the cost-of-living crisis.   “But most importantly, we aren’t just building property

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Willmott Dixon to build £55m police headquarters

Willmott Dixon to build £55m police headquarters

Letchworth-based company, Willmott Dixon, has been appointed to conduct the £55m redevelopment of Hertfordshire Constabulary’s police headquarters in Welwyn Garden City. Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd has approved the proposals, which had already received planning permission. The redevelopment, in Stanborough, will involve demolishing eleven of the 1960s-era buildings at the site to make way for a brand new working environment for over 600 operational staff that will achieve a BREEAM Excellent for ultra-high sustainability standards. Taking up 9,000 square metres, the new headquarters will reduce the current Stanborough estate’s long-term running costs as well as provide a new home for services and departments based at the site including the Major Crime Unit, victim services and the dog unit, along with the senior leadership team and operational support staff. Vincent & Gorbing Associates have designed the building, and the work is expected to conclude in summer 2026. Procured via the SCAPE Construction framework, it is hoped that the building will respond to new police working methods by providing a space that addresses staff wellbeing. It is targeting WELL Platinum Certification, a benchmark for advancing health and wellbeing within a single building. Stewart Brundell, Willmott Dixon’s managing director for North London and the Northern Homes Counties, said: “We are delighted to be working alongside Hertfordshire Constabulary to deliver their new headquarters. “As a proud Hertfordshire-based company, it is fantastic to be starting on site to provide a new facility for our county’s police force. This project follows on from our successful delivery of the Bedfordshire Police’s new custody suite. “The new HQ will provide Hertfordshire Constabulary’s people with a sustainable, flexible working environment which can be utilised for police and community groups as well.” Mark Robinson, group chief executive at the SCAPE group, added: “The redevelopment of the headquarters of Hertfordshire Constabulary will provide a considerable boost to policing services in the area, bringing positive change and benefits to the local community. “Through our close-working relationship with Willmott Dixon, we are dedicated to providing efficiency and cost savings throughout the project, alongside delivering social value for the public.” Willmott Dixon have been contracted to work on a variety of projects for the emergency services, including a forensics centre for Thames Valley Police, and a fire station and training centre for West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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National Apprenticeship Week celebrated in Enfield

National Apprenticeship Week celebrated in Enfield

This National Apprenticeship Week, Enfield Council will be highlighting several success stories based at the landmark Meridian Water regeneration project. Local apprentices working with Enfield Council’s project partner, Taylor Woodrow, have been gaining site experience whilst completing their training. Their courses prepare them for the varied roles in the construction industry, such as engineering and quantity surveying. Currently, seven young people, all from Enfield, have benefitted from the opportunities created by Taylor Woodrow. Five of those apprentices have recently been supported to progress onto degree apprenticeships to further develop their learning and careers, with some learning from on-site experience at Meridian Water. Construction and Built Environment apprentice, Cameron Flanagan from Edmonton said,  “The beginning of the apprenticeship was a whirlwind, but I quickly found my feet, leading to winning the NCE Apprentice of the Year award. I am now an Assistant Engineer with a lot more experience and responsibility. I’ve enjoyed every minute and I’m excited for what the future holds. I would encourage anyone who is unsure of what they want to do, to take advantage of the opportunities on their doorstep.” Quantity Surveyor Apprentice, Yassir Karram also from Edmonton said, “No two days are the same. Setbacks happen, but they’re part of the journey. Taylor Woodrow has always supported me to keep progressing. I’m pleased to finally be on site on such an impactful project and I’m really looking forward to absorbing as much as I can over the coming years.” The Deputy Leader of Enfield Council, Cllr Ergin Erbil, said, “Improving jobs and skills within the local community is a key objective of the Council. Projects like Meridian Water act as the foundation for us to regenerate the local area which enables the Council with its partners to provide apprenticeships and countless other opportunities.” Taylor Woodrow has two new live apprenticeship opportunities on offer at Meridian Water. Click on these links for the Level 4 Corporate Social Responsibility Apprentice and the Level 3 Health and Safety Apprentice to find out more information: https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeship/1000224840 https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeship/1000224839 Apply now, as these apprenticeships are in high demand. The closing date is 29 February 2024. National Apprenticeship Week takes place from 5 to 11 February and celebrates the achievements of apprentices around England. It aims to highlight the positive aspects of apprenticeships and encourage more people to consider an apprenticeship. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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