Inspirational local women have been honoured with street names at a brand-new Orbit Homes development in Hastings. Eversfield Rise on Harrow Lane is a joint venture with modular housebuilder ilke Homes and will deliver 140 affordable properties. The five street names were selected in partnership with Hastings Borough Council and
Energy experts at Leeds Beckett University are leading a new project to investigate the benefits of using infrared heating systems in homes. The research will inform the UK Government in their mission to achieve Net Zero by 2050. The research will gather wider data on the effectiveness of different types
Leading developer City & Country is hosting its first webinar titled ‘Next Stepping in the Current Market’ on Wednesday 31st May at 6pm which will provide digestible and practical information on how to navigate an ever-changing property landscape. The webinar will be the first in a series aimed at supporting buyers at every market entry point. The webinar will be hosted by renowned property and finance journalist and former editor
The latest research from Searchland, the development site sourcing specialists, has revealed that reclassifying just 1% of the nation’s green belt could unlock the potential to deliver almost 738,000 new homes with an estimated market value of £317.5bn. The green belt across England currently covers an estimated 1,638,150 hectares, or
A family-run homebuilder with sites across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, which has faced the challenges of labour shortages head on in recent years, has welcomed new plans for skilled migrant workers to support the UK construction industry. Fairgrove, established in 1995 in Nottingham, is currently building new homes in both Kimberley
The NHBC Foundation’s latest report, Hazardous ground gas – an essential guide for housebuilders, is available to download now. Compiled by experts in the field this comprehensive report offers guidance and insight for housebuilders covering everything from what constitutes a hazardous ground gas, initial investigations and assessment of ground gas
When Designer Contracts was asked to develop two very different show home interiors for a new development within striking distance of Edinburgh airport, the team passed the challenge with flying colours. The Barratt Homes development at West Craigs in eastern Scotland involved creating two unique show house schemes marketed toward
As a long established and well-respected manufacturer of high-quality cast stone, Haddonstone has built strong relationship with the UK’s housebuilders; embracing both the large national and smaller regional developers, tailoring its operational structure over the years to ensure their needs are fully met. Already with over a quarter century of
Independent housebuilder Dandara has officially launched its first national partnership with Lighthouse Club, a charity which provides mental health and wellbeing support to people working in the construction industry. Dandara was established in 1988, but for the last three years has achieved a period of unprecedented growth. With the creation
A brand new affordable housing development on the site of the former Lairdsland Primary School, Kirkintilloch, has welcomed its first tenants. The 38 affordable homes are situated in a mixture of three and four-storey buildings which contain one and two-bedroomed flats and will be used as council housing. The
Inspirational local women have been honoured with street names at a brand-new Orbit Homes development in Hastings. Eversfield Rise on Harrow Lane is a joint venture with modular housebuilder ilke Homes and will deliver 140 affordable properties. The five street names were selected in partnership with Hastings Borough Council and recognise local women who had significant personal achievements or contributed to the Hastings community: Brian Nearney, Regional Managing Director at Orbit Homes, said: “We’re delighted to be paying tribute to these five inspirational local women. Naming streets in this way carries real significance and will help to build our new community, as well as reinforce its important links to the wider local area. We’re thrilled and proud to place their names at our new development and very much see this as a celebration of their achievements, that have helped inspire generations.” Matthew Suggitt, Development Director at ilke Homes, added: “In partnership with Orbit Homes, ilke are proud to be delivering an exemplar development employing the use of pioneering Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). Paying tribute to these local women’s trailblazing work and capturing it with permanence through the street naming of this innovative development is a fitting celebration of their resilience and relevance.” Cllr Maya Evans, Lead Member for Housing, commented: “Hastings is a town full of strong women both past and present, it’s very fitting to celebrate some of these incredible women by commemorating them in name with these much-needed high quality, sustainable, affordable homes, which are being delivered during an acute housing shortage. I have no doubt that these dwellings will be the birthplace of many more revolutionary women who challenge the status quo and strive for equality and justice. This is a proud and historical moment for Hastings.” Eversfield Rise will consist of 70 affordable rent and 70 shared ownership properties. A mixed tenure of apartments and houses will be offered, ranging in sizes from one to four-bedroom homes. Eighty-four of the properties will be zero-carbon, helping to protect consumers from rising energy bills. The new homes will be available from Autumn 2023. Orbit Homes currently has seven brand-new thriving communities underway in the South of England, comprising a range of affordable two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom homes. A choice of purchasing options are also available including market sale and shared ownership. To find out more about the properties on offer at your nearest Orbit Homes development, please visit: www.orbithomes.org.uk.
Energy experts at Leeds Beckett University are leading a new project to investigate the benefits of using infrared heating systems in homes. The research will inform the UK Government in their mission to achieve Net Zero by 2050. The research will gather wider data on the effectiveness of different types of infrared heating, to produce recommendations for future infrared heating evaluation field trials. The project is led by Professor David Glew, Director of the Leeds Sustainability Institute (LSI) at Leeds Beckett University, and is a collaboration with the University of Salford. Professor Glew explained: “Infrared heaters are electric panel heaters which emit a proportion of their heat in the infrared frequency. The theory is that the user can heat the whole house to a lower temperature than normal but still feel comfortable. The aim of this project is to provide robust evidence to investigate if this theory turns to reality in people’s homes, which could result in less energy use, lower fuel bills and fewer carbon emissions”. The researchers are conducting laboratory tests with 120 volunteer members of the public at the Salford University Energy House, a test house set within an environment chamber. The volunteers are trialling different types of infrared heating systems and describing their experiences of comfort. Alternative heating systems include air source heat pumps, hydrogen boilers, night storage heaters and electric radiators, and a combination of these may be needed for the UK’s transition to net zero. The research has received funding of £160,000 from the Department for Energy, Security and Net Zero through its Net Zero Innovation Portfolio/Energy Innovation Programme. Professor Glew said: “It is important that the Government gets robust, fair, data on all options available for low-carbon heating. We cannot keep using gas – and it is the Government’s aim to stop installing new gas boilers from 2035. “We are very proud to have been chosen by the Government to lead this project and help the UK answer its Net Zero challenge. We are pleased to be recognised as leading experts in the field of low carbon heating.” The research will also include a plan for what a large-scale field trial would look like. Using the findings from the first phase of the project, the Government will decide whether to embark on a UK-wide field trial as phase two. This project builds on the extensive research by the LSI’s Sustainable Behaviour research team, investigating the range of potential future low carbon heating systems. Research led by Professor Fiona Fylan has investigated what reassurances people want before accepting hydrogen boilers into their homes – alongside a series of hydrogen heating trials. Research by Dr Martin Fletcher has evaluated people’s experiences of switching to using heat pumps. Current research by Dr Kate Morland is exploring whether people would be willing to exchange their boilers for heat pumps, and attempting to understand how to encourage people to use heat pumps more efficiently in their homes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading developer City & Country is hosting its first webinar titled ‘Next Stepping in the Current Market’ on Wednesday 31st May at 6pm which will provide digestible and practical information on how to navigate an ever-changing property landscape. The webinar will be the first in a series aimed at supporting buyers at every market entry point. The webinar will be hosted by renowned property and finance journalist and former editor of the Times’ Bricks & Mortar segment Anne Ashworth, with panellists made up of experts from leading property agents Savills; well-known property search portal, On The Market; mortgage specialists, The Mortgage Brain; alongside City & Country’s Sales Manager. The webinar will focus on the challenges buyers are facing in the current market, with the well-experienced panel offering advice and guidance to combat this. There will also be a question – and – answer section, with attendees able to submit questions live and receive personalised advice about their property situation from specialists in the field. City & Country’s interactive approach also allows attendees to submit their queries prior to the event through a selection of platforms, for example, via Instagram and emailing cityandcountry@building-relations.co.uk. David Cox, panellist and Sales Manager at City & Country, said: “The webinar is a fantastic opportunity for those buying for the first time, upsizing, downsizing, or otherwise to really get an understanding of what is happening in the market at the moment. Demand has been steadily increasing since the beginning of the year and with house prices recently rising for the first time in seven months, we are potentially starting to see a bounce back from the economic turbulence since the mini-Budget; as a result many people are dusting off their previous plans to move – it’s an important time to be informed. We would encourage anyone who’s interested in making a move this year to sign up – it’s a great chance to get the very best advice from our experienced panel.” Alex Leigh, panellists and head of office and head of new homes at Savills Chelmsford, said: “There’s no doubt the market has been a little more subdued when compared to the heights of the previous two years or so. The cost of living and rising interest rates have forced many buyers to reassess their budgets. However I think we’re now starting to see things settle down and return to what you might describe as a ‘post pandemic-norm’. Demand remains robust and long-term house price forecasts are broadly positive. Reports the Government is considering reviving the Help to Buy scheme could also be good news for first time buyers. Although some way from becoming a reality, it has at least brought the challenges in the housing market to the front pages of newspapers; the hope being that it may prompt a more balanced debate about housing policy. “Our own buyer/seller survey shows that commitment to move continues to be strong – especially among those at the higher end of the market who are perhaps less reliant on borrowing to fund a move. Consequently, while there might not be quite the same level of urgency in the market as there was 12 to 24 months ago, there are grounds for cautious optimism. For those selling, setting a realistic guide price remains key to driving activity, while for those buying it’s important to have all your ducks in a row. If you have a property to sell make sure it’s on the market, instruct a solicitor as soon as possible and – if you need a mortgage – make sure all your finances are agreed in principle. It’s also important to understand exactly what it is that you want – both in terms of the property itself and the location. Take some time to view a variety of properties and visit the area you’re hoping to move to. Looking at somewhere as a buyer is very different from if you’re on holiday or just passing through.” City & Country offer a number of initiatives for prospective buyers including the Deposit Unlock scheme at selected developments across England and Scotland, which allows buyers to purchase with just a 5% deposit*, as well as providing customers with competitively priced mortgage products. The developer also offers schemes such as Assisted Move, helping buyers who are facing the challenge of selling their current property, as well as Early Bird reservation which allows buyers to secure their dream home before it is put on the market. City & Country is a family-owned business, with over 60 years experience in the restoration and conversion of the very best of Britain’s historic and listed buildings. As the UK’s leading heritage developer, the company has one of the most eclectic porfolios in the industry with sites including former schools, hospitals, factories, and mansions. Current projects include Bristol’s former General Hospital, King Edward VII Hospital, FN1, Donaldson’s College in Edinburgh, Springfield Hospital in South West London and the Mansion at Sundridge Park. Increasingly, the business is taking the expertise, skill, and attention to detail demanded by heritage sites to creating beautifully crafted new build homes, often within the grounds of nationally important heritage assets or within sensitive conservation area. Recent developments include Manningtree Park, Sanderling Reach and St Osyth Priory developments in Essex and Burderop Park in Wiltshire. To find out more about City & Country, call 020 3811 6170 or visit www.cityandcountry.co.uk. To register for the webinar, please visit: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XpohIR1MRYCcjAH419szpQ *Terms and Conditions apply. Visit https://www.cityandcountry.co.uk/promotion-terms-and-conditions/ for more information. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The latest research from Searchland, the development site sourcing specialists, has revealed that reclassifying just 1% of the nation’s green belt could unlock the potential to deliver almost 738,000 new homes with an estimated market value of £317.5bn. The green belt across England currently covers an estimated 1,638,150 hectares, or 16.382bn square metres, accounting for some 12.6% of the nation’s total land area. With the average new-build plot requiring an estimated 222 square metres of space, England’s entire greenbelt could facilitate some 73.790m new homes. Its development has long been a controversial topic but there have been numerous calls for wrongly classified areas of green belt to be opened up for development in order to help address the housing crisis. Should just 1% of the nation’s green belt be reclassified for housing development, it would enable the delivery of an estimated 737,905 new homes across England. With the average new-build commanding £430,229 in the current market, that’s a potential £317.468bn in new housing stock reaching the market. The South East is home to the greatest level of green belt property development potential, with the region home to 18.6% of England’s total green belt. Developing on just 1% of this green belt would enable house builders to deliver 137,581 new homes with a total market value of £72bn. Developing just 1% of green belt land across the West Midlands (119,347), Yorkshire and the Humber (118,144), the North West (115,063) and East of England (104,306) would also enable the delivery of more than 100,000 new homes in each region. Even in London, where green belt land accounts for just 2.1% of the national total, reclassifying and developing on 1% would bring a housing stock boost to the tune of 15,667 new homes. Co-founder and CEO of Searchland, Mitchell Fasanya, commented: “With whisperings of yet another Help to Buy reboot, it seems as though the government intends to maintain their strategy of fuelling buyer demand while maintaining a head in the sand approach to actually building more homes. The result of which is a dangerously inflated market and record high house prices that the average homebuyer simply can’t afford. The development of green belt land is an unpopular solution, largely due to the misconception that it involves concreting over areas of outstanding natural beauty. The reality is that there is a great deal of green belt that simply isn’t classified correctly and the green belt itself is actually a buffer between urban sprawl and the countryside. There have been recent examples whereby green belt land has been successfully reclassified to provide much needed homes and it really does beg the question, why does the government remain so intent on ignoring a solution that is staring them in the face?” Data tables Data tables and sources can be viewed online, here.
A family-run homebuilder with sites across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, which has faced the challenges of labour shortages head on in recent years, has welcomed new plans for skilled migrant workers to support the UK construction industry. Fairgrove, established in 1995 in Nottingham, is currently building new homes in both Kimberley and Alfreton and has been hit hard by the lack of quality labourers available to work on its sites – which is why MD Steve Midgley has welcomed the Government’s announcement to add construction roles to its ‘Shortage Occupation’ list. Steve said: “The labour shortage has snowballed due to a combination of factors, from the challenges with workforces in a post-Brexit state, to the pandemic causing work to grind to a halt, as well as other circumstances such as the Ukraine war and cost-of-living crisis adding to tough financial situations for many employers and, critically, workers. As a result, skilled workers have been harder to come by, and home-building targets have been negatively impacted.” The recent announcement, made by Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt MP in the Spring Budget, saw many roles within the construction industry added to the ‘Shortage Occupation’ list. This was the result of an interim report, published by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), with a full report due in June 2023. Positions to be added to the list include bricklayers and masons, roofers, roof tilers and slaters, carpenters and joiners, plasterers and dryliners. Steve added: “The impact of these roles being added to the ‘Shortage Occupation’ list is that they are now deemed to be in short supply and are subject to relaxed eligibility criteria for sponsored work visa applications. “This effectively unlocks the potential for skilled migrant workers to support the UK construction industry. “And while the addition of key construction roles to ‘Shortage Occupation’ list won’t directly impact us at Fairgrove immediately, we will feel the benefits of it indirectly.” Businesses such as homebuilders who wish to benefit from the scheme will need to take up the Government’s offer of a sponsorship licence which will allow them to bring in migrant workers to help ease shortages. Steve said that in time, Fairgrove may consider taking a licence but wanted to review the impact of the initiative for larger homebuilders first. He added: “It is great to see the construction industry being supported in this way, as we have needed the help of the Government over the last few years, due to all kinds of factors that have caused disruption to work and the missing of house-building targets all over the country. “We’re currently building new homes across the Midlands, at Swanwick Fields in Derbyshire, as well as the Nine Corners and Brewery Yard developments in Kimberley, Nottinghamshire. As a result, we need a diverse, skilled workforce, that can help us continue to build our properties with the high-quality finish we aim to achieve. “We are optimistic that this intervention will bring about positive change and allow the construction industry to move forward, after what has been a very difficult few years.” To learn more about Fairgrove’s developments, please visit: https://www.fairgrove.co.uk
The NHBC Foundation’s latest report, Hazardous ground gas – an essential guide for housebuilders, is available to download now. Compiled by experts in the field this comprehensive report offers guidance and insight for housebuilders covering everything from what constitutes a hazardous ground gas, initial investigations and assessment of ground gas to gas protective measures. Developed in partnership with Buro Happold and Environmental Protection Group Ltd (EPG), the advice detailed is applicable to all sites, whether large or small, and all development types. The guidance will help housebuilders to: The report guidance also addresses the current gap between the conclusions and recommendations of ground investigation reports and the structural design of buildings where gas protection measures are not always included. Hugh Mallett, Director, Ground Engineering, Buro Happold said, “This new NHBC guide on hazardous ground gas will help housebuilders and their advisors to better assess and manage gas risk and ensure the efficient building of new homes. Buro Happold, EPG and NHBC have worked hard to ensure the guide delivers current good practice and that the advice is practical and relevant to all housebuilders. Following the six-stage process and recognising the importance of competence at each stage will help housebuilders get it right first time and avoid potential pitfalls, saving time and money, whilst delivering homes safe from the potential risks of hazardous ground gas.” “Adoption of the good practice procedures described in this report will lead to better quality practice, cost savings and a greater understanding of specific issues around detailing, construction and verification,” commented Richard Smith, Head of Standards, Research & Technical Competency at NHBC Foundation. “Early consideration of the risks of hazardous ground gas is essential for all developments and we are pleased to be able to guide housebuilders through this potentially complex process.” Written specifically for housebuilders wanting to get up to date and widen their knowledge on this important subject, Hazardous ground gas – an essential guide for housebuilders is available to download here.
When Designer Contracts was asked to develop two very different show home interiors for a new development within striking distance of Edinburgh airport, the team passed the challenge with flying colours. The Barratt Homes development at West Craigs in eastern Scotland involved creating two unique show house schemes marketed toward first and second time ‘move up’ buyers, for its four bedroomed show homes – The Crombie and The Campbell. The Crombie house type is aimed at a second move up family with two older children (a teenage child and a child at university). They love the outdoors, have a dog and the father is a keen golfer. The Campbell is aimed at a first move up family with much younger children – toddler twins and another young child. Said Abbie Lockett, design sales manager for Designer Contracts: “The brief was both challenging but very exciting and gave us an opportunity to incorporate some local touches and develop a sustainability story. We did some real out-of-the-box thinking to come up with two very different stories for house types with a similar footprint.” For The Crombie, a four-bed home with separate study, the chosen colour scheme was ochre, tan and creams with darker woods and gold finishes. The lounge has a neutral base with pops of rich colour in the soft furnishings. The design team also worked alongside an artist to create abstracts of Edinburgh which are showcased above the cream sofa. The second bedroom was themed towards a young girl who plays football for the local team and so features a wraparound football net headboard on the four-poster bed. The oldest child is studying engineering at Edinburgh university which inspired the team to incorporate a nod to structural form and the environment within the design which includes a wallpaper mural of the Forth Bridge, a popular local attraction. Said Abbie: “We worked with our suppliers to source sustainable, recyclable fabrics and used these for the cushions on the bed. Barratt Homes installed a small monitor screen to the desk wall which streams a video showing their Zed House. This is the first Zero Carbon Home built by a major housebuilder that goes substantially beyond the future home’s standard.”
As a long established and well-respected manufacturer of high-quality cast stone, Haddonstone has built strong relationship with the UK’s housebuilders; embracing both the large national and smaller regional developers, tailoring its operational structure over the years to ensure their needs are fully met. Already with over a quarter century of experience at the family run firm, Toby Marlow is the Director leading Haddonstone’s Building and Construction team. He is engaged on a day-to-day basis with ensuring client architectural projects are run and completed to achieve best possible outcomes. Callum Jensen fills the complementary role of Export and Business Development Manager, overseeing all the company’s sales and other activities outside the UK. Also, over the past decade at Haddonstone, Callum has further worked in business development, technical support and as a key accounts manager: affording the pair a full understanding of sales, production and client services. As a founding member of the UK Cast Stone Association, Haddonstone has always invested to ensure its diverse range of standard products, as well as its continuous output of bespoke items, are manufactured to exceed industry standards, whilst also respecting the environment. In fact, over 80% of the Building and Construction team’s components are produced to meet their clients’ precise requirements: involving the unique skillset of the craftsmen in Haddonstone’s moulds workshop, constant monitoring of the mixes which fill them, and rigorous testing of the finished products. The latter includes water absorption rate, compressive strength and pull-out strength, as well as visual inspections and regular independent testing. Toby Marlow commented: “Here at Haddonstone we are fully committed to meeting our customers’ needs, whether they relate to a major new housing development, a one-off Georgian style property, or the repair and restoration of a listed period property. We can offer site surveys where required, supply of very detailed CAD drawings or building elevations, guidance on installation and after sales service – to ensure quality and durability are achieved every time. We have our own transport fleet, can recommend experienced installation specialists local to projects and will always work with our clients to resolve their issues.” For more information on Haddonstone’s products and services, including from the Building and Construction team, please visit https://www.haddonstone.com/en-gb/building-and-construction/ For further information, call 01604 770711 or visit www.haddonstone.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Independent housebuilder Dandara has officially launched its first national partnership with Lighthouse Club, a charity which provides mental health and wellbeing support to people working in the construction industry. Dandara was established in 1988, but for the last three years has achieved a period of unprecedented growth. With the creation of two new divisions the housebuilder’s operations now span across the South of England, Wales, Scotland, Jersey and Isle of Man, as it is set to become a national player in the housebuilding market. Trevor Dempsey, CEO of Dandara, said: “Following our recent expansion and looking to the future of the company, it is our priority to ensure our ethos is upheld; our first national partnership with Lighthouse is a vital part of this. “The construction industry has a tragically high suicide rate, which has been increasing in recent years, so it was incredibly important to us to work with a charity like Lighthouse Club that provides practical support to not only our employees, but our subcontractors and any other workers on our sites – alongside their family members. We want to help break the stigma of mental health in the industry, and the grassroots support this partnership offers across our sites is a meaningful first step.” Lighthouse Club provides a range of support services for all construction workers, including subcontractors, agency workers and people in allied trades. It operates a confidential helpline and has over 350 volunteer drop-in centres that provide a safe, supportive environment for people to talk about the problems they face or have faced. It also offers a 24/7 text-back counselling service, a support app with information about medical conditions and coping strategies, and masterclasses to help people deal with a range of issues including stress, bullying and financial management, as well as alcohol and drug problems. Bill Hill, CEO of Lighthouse Club, said: “We are excited to welcome Dandara as one of our company supporters. We receive no public funding, so it is only through the generosity of people in the industry that we can provide much-needed support to people working in construction and their families.” Suicides in the construction industry throughout England and Wales hit their highest level last year since analysis began. * On average, two construction workers take their own life every working day in the UK and Ireland, and over 20% of recorded work-related absence is caused by stress, anxiety or depression.* Trevor Dempsey, CEO of Dandara, added: “I’m incredibly proud that we selected Lighthouse Club to work with and I’m looking forward to seeing the positive and meaningful impact of this partnership as we work to change attitudes across the industry.” For more information, please visit www.dandara.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A brand new affordable housing development on the site of the former Lairdsland Primary School, Kirkintilloch, has welcomed its first tenants. The 38 affordable homes are situated in a mixture of three and four-storey buildings which contain one and two-bedroomed flats and will be used as council housing. The new development, part of the Kirkintilloch Town Centre Masterplan, includes four wheelchair accessible flats and eight amenity flats on the ground floor for tenants with specific health needs. The remaining flats are general needs housing. The Council worked in partnership with Cruden Building and Coltart Earley Architects to ensure that the homes were designed and built to complement surrounding buildings on Kerr Street and Queen Street, which sit within Kirkintilloch Town Centre Conservation Area. The development, which included the demolition of the old school, was complete within two years and the final flats were handed over to the Council in April. Councillor Paul Ferretti, Convener of Place, Neighbourhood and Corporate Assets, said, “I am delighted to see the completion of this smart and sympathetic development in the heart of Kirkintilloch. “This site forms just one part of the Council’s affordable housing investment programme, which is helping to meet the needs of local people who are finding it increasingly difficult to get on the housing ladder.” Site works included the creation of new parking spaces and soft and hard landscaping. Artefacts from the original school have been incorporated into the new building including the school’s date stone, now displayed in the new landscaped courtyard, and original stonework, which has been used to create boundary walls, bin stores and bicycle sheds. In addition, two cast iron columns from the world-famous Lion Foundry are now being used as streetlighting in the courtyard. Colin Kennedy, Construction Director at Cruden Building, said, “In addition to creating spacious, energy efficient homes, the projects have also delivered community benefits including the employment of local people, including labourers and cleaners, site visits for young people, mentoring by Cruden staff, Q&A sessions with apprentices and work placements.” Megan Cassidy, partner Mikey Hanlon and dog Lily have moved into one of the new wheelchair accessible flats. Megan said, “We are really happy with the flat. You can tell it has been specially designed and adapted for a wheelchair user, which is amazing. “It is a lovely area and all our neighbours seem really nice. I think we will be here for a long time.” Works have been carried out at nearby Holy Family and Lairdsland Schools as part of the Community Benefits Programme. Community projects included the construction of “Mud Kitchens” and the refurbishment of planters at local schools, the combined total of which was over £5,000. Artefacts from the original Lairdsland building, including coat hooks and a section of banister, are now part of a dedicated display at the town’s Auld Kirk Museum. The display, which runs until September 2023, gives an overview of the history of the school and includes objects from the museum collection and images from EDLC Archives. A mural from the original building, which dates from the 1930s and was hidden under new decor, and original wall tiles were removed and conserved by specialist conservators are also part of the Museums Collection. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
