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Local Cambridgeshire Contractor Shortlisted for Prestigious National Award

Local Cambridgeshire Contractor Shortlisted for Prestigious National Award

Kenneth Booth October 1, 2024

Cutting-edge design elements and construction techniques set project apart from national competitors. A Cambridgeshire based construction firm that places sustainable practices at the heart of its work has been shortlisted for the prestigious National Building and Construction Awards (NBCA) 2024. Spacemaker Developments Ltd, Trading as SMD Ltd, whose Headquarters is

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GMI Construction Group promotes Gareth Jones to Group Managing Director

GMI Construction Group promotes Gareth Jones to Group Managing Director

Kenneth Booth September 27, 2024

GMI Construction Group has announced the appointment of Gareth Jones as Group Managing Director. He has been promoted from Divisional Managing Director for the Midlands, where he has played a fundamental role in the establishment of GMI’s presence in the region.  This has included helping to diversify its portfolio of

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M&G celebrates topping out of The Ribbon

M&G celebrates topping out of The Ribbon

Cristina Diaconu September 26, 2024

M&G Real Estate, in partnership with Wates Group, the UK’s leading family-owned development and construction company, celebrated the structural completion of ‘The Ribbon’, M&G’s state-of-the-art retail and commercial development on Oxford Street, London, with a ‘topping out’ ceremony. This time-honoured tradition marks the achievement of reaching the highest point of

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Metis Homes to start construction at Warsash Maritime Academy

Metis Homes to start construction at Warsash Maritime Academy

Cristina Diaconu September 12, 2024

Metis Homes is to commence construction work at the former Warsash Maritime Academy campus. Situated in the coastal village of Warsash and close to the River Hamble, 117 characterful new homes will be delivered across the historic 7.4-acre (3Ha) brownfield site in collaboration with Juno Developments and McCarthy Stone. Located

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McAleer & Rushe to host Meet the Buyer event in Glasgow

McAleer & Rushe to host Meet the Buyer event in Glasgow

Kenneth Booth September 12, 2024

McAleer & Rushe invites new sub-contractors and suppliers to join their Supply Chain for upcoming projects in Scotland McAleer & Rushe will host a dedicated Meet the Buyer event to discuss the exciting collaboration opportunities available on their strong pipeline of projects across Scotland. With a successful track record of

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HG Construction Turnover climbs to £424m in 2023

HG Construction Turnover climbs to £424m in 2023

Kenneth Booth September 10, 2024

Leading UK contractor HG Construction has exceeded a turnover of £400m for the first time, posting a turnover of £424m in 2023. This represents an increase of 26% from 2022, when the company achieved a turnover of £336m.  The company remained profitable throughout what it described as a very challenging

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McLaren Construction - Phase two commences at Horizon 29 in Derbyshire

Phase two commences at Horizon 29 in Derbyshire

Kenneth Booth September 3, 2024

Construction works to deliver Phase 2 of industrial and distribution hub, Horizon 29, in Bolsover, Derbyshire, have commenced. Horizon 29 is a new landmark distribution development located one mile from Junction 29A of the M1. Once fully complete, it will span 1,150,256 sq. ft and have a total of eight

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Dowds Group appoints new Construction Divisional Director

Dowds Group appoints new Construction Divisional Director

Kenneth Booth August 25, 2024

Ballymena-headquartered multi-disciplinary construction company Dowds Group has appointed Ciaran Tiffney as Construction Divisional Director. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, Ciaran completed a degree and post-graduation in Construction Engineering & Management and Construction Project Management at the University of Ulster, Jordanstown, which took him to a position

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Latest Issue

BDC 322 : Nov 2024

Trades : Builders News

Local Cambridgeshire Contractor Shortlisted for Prestigious National Award

Local Cambridgeshire Contractor Shortlisted for Prestigious National Award

Kenneth Booth October 1, 2024

Cutting-edge design elements and construction techniques set project apart from national competitors. A Cambridgeshire based construction firm that places sustainable practices at the heart of its work has been shortlisted for the prestigious National Building and Construction Awards (NBCA) 2024. Spacemaker Developments Ltd, Trading as SMD Ltd, whose Headquarters is in St Neots, is in the running to win the Project of the Year (£10 million to £25 million) at the NBCA Awards 2024 that will be held at the Leonardo Royal London Tower Bridge Hotel later this year. SMD, who deliver projects across the East of England, have constructed Oak Field Gardens, a new Crematorium in Bedfordshire which uses sustainable systems, has minimal environmental impact and implements innovative resources. The project also delivers a positive impact on the local community, by creating jobs, improving infrastructure and providing a sensitive public amenity. “We are both honoured and delighted to be shortlisted for the prestigious National Building and Construction Awards.” said Moomith Ullah, Operations Director at SMD. “The whole SMD team is committed to building long-term relationships with our clients and using our wealth of experience to bring construction visions to life.” “Our ethos is to leave a lasting legacy,” Moomith Ullah continued, “and that is why we are so proud to be in with the opportunity to win at what is recognised as one of the most prestigious building and construction awards in the UK.” The National Building and Construction Awards 2024 lead the national vision to raise the profile of industrious, hardworking and enterprising building and construction businesses from across the UK. The Awards are made up of 21 categories with entries being judged by a panel of independent and professional judges. “Sustainability is one of our passions and our processes ensure we do our utmost to minimise our impact on the environment.” said Jon Wren, Commercial Director at SMD. Oakfield Gardens Crematorium provides a tranquil and open space with a range of memorial options that make the most of the open landscaping and setting within the Bedfordshire countryside. It is a place where bereaved families are at the heart of everything with options that reflect the choices of the local community. “Being shortlisted for such a prestigious Award is a massive vote of confidence in the work that everyone at SMD undertakes.” Jon Wren, Commercial Director at SMD said. “We are very grateful for everyone’s efforts and feel honoured for the continued commitment our clients continue to make in us.” “We are hopeful to bring the Award home later this year.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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GMI Construction Group promotes Gareth Jones to Group Managing Director

GMI Construction Group promotes Gareth Jones to Group Managing Director

Kenneth Booth September 27, 2024

GMI Construction Group has announced the appointment of Gareth Jones as Group Managing Director. He has been promoted from Divisional Managing Director for the Midlands, where he has played a fundamental role in the establishment of GMI’s presence in the region.  This has included helping to diversify its portfolio of projects, extending its reach further south into the region. As a result, the group’s Midlands division contributes in excess of £85m towards GMI’s revenues, with notable projects for MIRA Technology Park, St Francis Developments, Trebor Developments, Evans Property Group and Alumno Group. With more than 20 years’ experience in construction, Gareth has quickly risen in the industry. He started as a trainee Site Engineer aged 17, also studying for a degree in Construction Management and Civil Engineering.  This became the foundation of a 12-year career with Galliford Try during which time he progressed to site management and project management roles before the age of 24. Gareth Jones joined GMI Construction initially as Construction Manager, before progressing he spent two years as Construction Director for the Midlands before becoming Divisional Managing Director for GMI. Transitioning into the group role during the last quarter of 2024, Gareth will lead the business alongside new Group Commercial Director Richard Davies, previously Commercial Director of the Midlands who Gareth worked closely with over the previous few years. Gareth Jones, Group Managing Director, said, “I am absolutely delighted to be leading GMI in achieving its strategic objectives, alongside continuing to place our people at the forefront of the group.   We have developed a fantastic business working with some outstanding clients across our core regions.  “Our contribution to the development of the built environment in Yorkshire, the North East, North West and the Midlands continues to be an essential part of the UK economy, through the creation of employment opportunities, new homes and business premises.  This is a huge achievement that I’m incredibly proud of and I look forward to working closely with colleagues and clients across our key regions.” Jarrod Best, GMI chairman said, “This is an incredibly well-deserved appointment. Gareth has done a fantastic job delivering for multiple regions and is an asset to the team. Gareth’s dedication and strategic approach to growth will drive the profitable consolidation we are focusing on and will ensure our projects are delivered to a high standard. A huge congratulations to Gareth and we look forward to the new era of GMI”. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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M&G celebrates topping out of The Ribbon

M&G celebrates topping out of The Ribbon

Cristina Diaconu September 26, 2024

M&G Real Estate, in partnership with Wates Group, the UK’s leading family-owned development and construction company, celebrated the structural completion of ‘The Ribbon’, M&G’s state-of-the-art retail and commercial development on Oxford Street, London, with a ‘topping out’ ceremony. This time-honoured tradition marks the achievement of reaching the highest point of the building. Speeches at the ceremony were given by Jonny Wates – Director of Wates Group, Aaron Pope – Head of UK Offices Asset Management at M&G, Steve Holbrook – Regional Director at Wates Construction and Chris John – Head of Development Management at CBRE. Attendees of the event included members of the local council and senior executives from the organisations involved in the project. The Ribbon is due to be completed next year. Once finished, it will comprise 70,000 sq ft of Grade A office space and 21,000 sq ft of flagship retail space on the capital’s iconic Oxford Street. Designed by ORMS with CBRE as Development Managers, the office space benefits from generous floor to ceiling heights, luxury end-of-trip facilities, a client business lounge, smart enabled features and a wellness studio. The ninth floor includes a communal pavilion and a landscaped terrace with views across the London skyline. Jonny Wates, fourth generation family owner, Wates Group board director, and chair of the board sustainability committee said: “At Wates, we are passionately committed to ensuring sustainability across all our projects. We place a high value on the chance to work with clients and supply chain who share our beliefs and priorities We are proud that The Ribbon features a passive design, allowing the building to maximise the use of natural sources of heating, cooling, and ventilation to create optimal conditions inside without the need for polluting appliances – ultimately allowing the building to be net zero carbon in operation.” The building will also be built to exemplary environmental and wellbeing standards, targeting NABERs 5*, BREEAM Outstanding, Wiredscore Platinum, WELL Platinum, Smart Enabled, RESET Air (shell and core certification), and EPC Rating A. This project also demonstrates Wates commitment to social value in all the communities it serves. Through this project so far, Wates has supported 237 students through education programmes, employed 6 local people, and offered 7 work experience placements to equip individuals with the skills and confidence for future success in the construction sector. Through this project, Wates have spent £13k with social enterprises and have contributed over 80 hours of volunteering with causes in Westminster. Wates have also partnered with local charity, the Children’s Book Project, who provide free books to children who need them most. Over the last five years at sites across the country, Wates has donated nearly 50,000 books and The Ribbon is the latest donation point to be installed, with books being donated to local foodbanks, community groups, nurseries and women’s refuges. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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BEAM appoints RED Construction Group to deliver Cat A Office refurbishment at Lancelot Place

BEAM appoints RED Construction Group to deliver Cat A Office refurbishment at Lancelot Place 

Kenneth Booth September 18, 2024

RED Construction Group, the specialist main contractor, has announced its appointment by Berkeley Estate Asset Management (BEAM) to carry out a comprehensive refurbishment of 8 Lancelot Place in Knightsbridge. Delivering the refurbishment is RED Construction Group’s Special Projects team, which will be undertaking some of the works while office tenants remain operational. Spanning 35,000 sq ft, the prominent office development is located at the corner of 8 Lancelot Place and 70 Brompton Road in Knightsbridge, opposite Grade II listed department store, Harrods. Set to undergo a substantial transformation, RED Special Projects will strip-out the current facilities to deliver a CAT A fit-out, across basement, reception, and levels two to seven. A new entrance, feature garden, glazing, and canopy – as well as refurbishment works to the level six terrace and roof – are also part of the project. MEP throughout will be enhanced, with the offices being served by high-efficiency all-electric systems at completion in line with BEAM’s sustainability requirements. It will also see RED Special Projects carrying out works on the live office building, with current tenants operational on levels two, three, and seven. RED Construction Group’s appointment on 8 Lancelot Place marks its second partnership with BEAM, with 21-25 Bruton Place due to complete Q4 2024, offering a contemporary open plan office space in the heart of Mayfair, alongside first-rate retail on the ground floor. Nathan Farrar, Construction Director at RED Special Projects, commented: “Our team is well versed in delivering complex schemes, and the works required at 8 Lancelot Place – while many of the office tenants remain working as normal – plays to our strengths. BEAM’s decision to partner with RED Construction Group for a second project is testament to the team’s extensive experience in delivering both high-quality office accommodation, and navigating unique and challenging logistics in the heart of London.” The appointment follows RED Special Projects’ delivery of the new hub facilities for Merlin Entertainments, at LEGOLAND Windsor’s £35m Woodland Village. The project has added an on-site restaurant, industrial kitchen, entertainment space consisting of various play areas, and a stage and bar, to the internationally renowned destination. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Metis Homes to start construction at Warsash Maritime Academy

Metis Homes to start construction at Warsash Maritime Academy

Cristina Diaconu September 12, 2024

Metis Homes is to commence construction work at the former Warsash Maritime Academy campus. Situated in the coastal village of Warsash and close to the River Hamble, 117 characterful new homes will be delivered across the historic 7.4-acre (3Ha) brownfield site in collaboration with Juno Developments and McCarthy Stone. Located on the western side of Newtown Road, the site and buildings had previously been used by Southampton Solent University’s Warsash Maritime Academy, and will see two listed buildings retained and converted by Juno into 35 apartments. The lower part of the development will remain home to the University’s Warsash Maritime School Safety Training Centre. The regeneration of the waterside site will also consist of 38 new build houses and apartments delivered by Metis, including 18 three-, four- and five-bed houses, and 20 one and two-bed apartments, some with sea views. In addition to the 38 private newbuild Metis homes and Juno’s listed buildings’ conversion, 44 retirement apartments for the over 60s will be delivered by McCarthy Stone. The waterside development will see hundreds of jobs created for the surrounding area, with construction and completion of the development expected to take 20 months. JTP Architects – a nationally renowned London-based practice – has sensitively designed the project, ensuring the newly built homes effectively respond to the existing listed buildings on site and wider coastal surroundings. Adam O’Brien, Managing Director of Metis Homes, said: “We are delighted to get going with this development, which received unanimous approval from Fareham Borough Council’s members. This stunning waterside development will see the creation of a variety of new homes, suitable for a diverse range of buyers and located in a beautiful coastal setting. All the homes will have sustainable technologies and energy-saving features.” A new large public open space is being created as a focal point for future residents and the local community. Some of the upper floor newbuild apartments will enjoy views of the River Hamble and Southampton Water. Steeped in history, the two Grade II listed buildings which will be restored and converted into homes by Juno Developments include the Shackleton building, which was originally opened in 1960 as a cadets’ residence, and the Moyana refectory block, named after the college’s first training vessel. Some of the new Metis houses are designed in a contemporary mews-style townhouse arrangement, with more traditionally designed 2-storey detached homes on the frontage, knitting nicely into the existing character along Newton Road. The new Metis apartment building features a modern design, to complement and enhance the listed buildings. Parking will be provided for both residents and visitors. Close to the sought-after riverside village of Warsash, the new development is just two miles from the M27, which provides access to the wider motorway network and convenient connectivity across the south of England. The closest train station, Swanwick, has frequent services to both Southampton and Portsmouth city centres, with onward travel to London. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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McAleer & Rushe to host Meet the Buyer event in Glasgow

McAleer & Rushe to host Meet the Buyer event in Glasgow

Kenneth Booth September 12, 2024

McAleer & Rushe invites new sub-contractors and suppliers to join their Supply Chain for upcoming projects in Scotland McAleer & Rushe will host a dedicated Meet the Buyer event to discuss the exciting collaboration opportunities available on their strong pipeline of projects across Scotland. With a successful track record of operations in the region, the company is currently on site with a 373-unit build to rent scheme in Leith and is set to commence several projects in Glasgow and Edinburgh within the PBSA, Residential and Hotel sectors. Scotland-based businesses of all sizes are invited to attend the event on Thursday 19th September at 200 Renfield Street, Glasgow between 11am and 2.30pm. Attendees will have the chance to meet senior members of the Commercial and Procurement teams and learn more about current and future opportunities in McAleer & Rushe’s construction projects across Scotland. Date: Thursday 19th September Time: 11am to 2.30pm Location: Ground Floor, 200 Renfield St, Glasgow, G2 3QB To register your interest in attending the event, please click here: https://bit.ly/4cUttnu The family-owned business, founded in 1967, prides itself on its strong and collaborative relationships with supply chain partners and is keen to expand its network in Scotland, strengthening ties with the community and generating local economic opportunities.  Connor Graham, Head of Buying at McAleer & Rushe commented: “We have an exciting order book of upcoming projects in Glasgow and Edinburgh and are eager to establish long-term relationships with local businesses and skilled labour. At McAleer & Rushe, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of Health, Safety, and Quality, with dedicated targets to transition to a low carbon economy. Our goal is to become a partner of choice for businesses in Scotland who share these values and together, we can aim to achieve excellence, and leave a lasting positive legacy in the local communities we are fortunate to work in.” The company is interested in Scotland-based sub-contractors specialising in: Additionally, the company welcomes businesses of all sizes to discuss opportunities in supply packages such as: McAleer & Rushe is committed to Sustainability and strives to protect the environment while leaving a positive legacy with dedicated ESG targets for each project it delivers. As part of its journey to becoming a Net Zero Carbon business by 2045, the company actively seeks ecologists, social enterprises, and sustainability consultants, including Whole Life Carbon Assessors. To register your interest in attending the event on 19th of September, please click here: https://bit.ly/4cUttnu Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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HG Construction Turnover climbs to £424m in 2023

HG Construction Turnover climbs to £424m in 2023

Kenneth Booth September 10, 2024

Leading UK contractor HG Construction has exceeded a turnover of £400m for the first time, posting a turnover of £424m in 2023. This represents an increase of 26% from 2022, when the company achieved a turnover of £336m.  The company remained profitable throughout what it described as a very challenging year, achieving a gross margin of 3.8% and a gross profit figure of £14.7m. Whilst the margin achieved was notably less than the previous year, the contractor believes that 2024 will see a return to stronger margins following the completion of legacy fixed price contracts and with less turbulent trading conditions to contend with. HG Construction has grown significantly in the past five years, entering into new sectors and expanding into regions including Leeds, Manchester and Bristol.  It has also invested into a manufacturing facility in Hull, where the company produces bespoke bathroom pods and utility cupboards for use in its schemes, offering quality, programme and environmental benefits for clients. Adam Quinn, CEO, HG Construction, said: “We are pleased to have achieved our growth targets over what was an extremely challenging year with record price inflation. This impacted our profitability across fixed price contracts in particular, however we continued to invest in our internal delivery capabilities and this offered us some level of protection against escalating costs. “HG Construction has undergone a period of significant growth in recent years, and we have invested in plant, procedures and staff in line with our expansion. Going forward our focus will be on revenue stabilisation and internal strengthening, ensuring that our structure, procedures and processes enable us to maintain the high standards we are committed to.   “We are proud of our teams for their hard work and dedication, keeping safety, quality and delivery at the forefront of our offering and ensuring a consistently high level of service for our valued client base. 2024 is proving to be a year of more certainty and stability and we are pleased to have secured a strong pipeline of work in our core sectors.  Our focus will remain on supporting our teams to deliver exceptional standards and maximising our social value contributions across our sites. We are excited to be working on outstanding schemes across the UK and feel very positive about the next phase in our company’s evolution.” HG’s clients include Dominus, Elysian Residences, Greystar, Manner, Meadow Residential, McLaren Property/Living, Scape, Studio Hive, Southern Housing Group and Tribe Student Housing. Recent contract wins include a 1014 bed PBSA scheme in Manchester, a 375 bed build-to-rent scheme in Leeds and a 706 bed PBSA scheme in Bristol. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Winvic First UK Contractor to Use Innovative Technology that Operates Tower Cranes from the Ground

Winvic First UK Contractor to Use Innovative Technology that Operates Tower Cranes from the Ground

Kenneth Booth September 5, 2024

Winvic Construction Ltd is again leading the industry with another UK first; the main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects is the first to use Skyline Cockpit – a pioneering technology that operates tower cranes from a ground control system. Winvic’s commitment to health, safety and wellbeing were the drivers for the selection of the new technology, but daily and weekly analytics reports available through the Skyline Cockpit cloud portal also allow for efficiencies to be analysed.  A 12-week trial period of Skyline Cockpit has concluded at Crown Place Birmingham, a city centre a Purpose Build Student Accommodation (PBSA) scheme; it’s resounding success now means Winvic will continue to use the remote operation technology for the remainder of the project. Handover of the scheme to client Crown Student Living is scheduled for December 2025. Crown Place Birmingham, containing 814 student beds, is Winvic’s tallest project to date and will tower to nine, 12 and 33 storeys when complete. A 14-tonne capacity Potain MR225 crane is being utilised to facilitate several works packages; constructing the hybrid precast and insitu concrete frame, facilitating the installation of the unitised curtain walled façade, and vertically distributing internal fit out materials, such as prefabricated bathroom pods. Currently the crane reaches to 77 metres, but it will be climbed throughout construction to a maximum height of 102 metres. Progress of the project can be viewed on Winvic Live. Skyline Cockpit negates the need for a crane operator to climb up and down the mast section, to the tower crane cab and instead they control the crane from a specialist ground command centre located in a cabin on a lower floor or ground level. The cabin contains a large panoramic screen measuring 2.1 by 1.2 metres, which shows simultaneous views from the seven cameras placed on the crane. The Skyline Cockpit algorithms combine the output from the cameras to create a panoramic view of the site. They also use augmented reality (AR) to display the load line, expected landing spot, as well as real-time indicators including wind speed, slew, lifting, hoist, jib, and radius data. The benefit of the technology on compact, high-rise projects like Crown Place Birmingham is improved all round visibility; the cameras eliminate blind spots and restricted views created by the building and the close proximity of the lifts to the crane’s mast. They also provide up to 40% zoom resolution, allowing the crane operator to see areas that would typically be out of their line of sight. While safety and efficiency are the most obvious benefits, the physical working conditions for the crane operator are much improved; the cabin comprises kitchenette and welfare facilities. It is predicted that such digital machinery will inspire the next generation to consider tower crane operation as a cutting edge, technological profession. Mark Jones, Winvic’s Managing Director of Multi-room, said: “Winvic is known for embracing innovative technologies, materials and methods of construction and we’re pleased to be the first contractor in the UK to utilise ground control tower crane technology. It is transformational for the safety and wellbeing of crane operators and an important step for the industry. “During our 12-week trial period, in collaboration with Skyline Cockpit and Radius Group, we analysed the data and assessed the benefits and we’re delighted to announce that we will continue to use this game-changing technology at the 33-storey Crown Place Birmingham for the remainder of the project’s construction.” Alan Pulver of Crown Student Living said: “Winvic are doing an amazing job for us at our latest PBSA to be known as Crown Place, Birmingham. Winvic are forward thinking, and it is no surprise that they are using Skyline Cockpit which certainly sounds like a winner. The ground control system for operating tower cranes will be a great advance to the construction industry, and we are proud to be associated both with Winvic and Skyline Cockpit in this groundbreaking venture.” For more information on Winvic, the company’s latest project news and job vacancies please visit www.winvic.co.uk. Join Winvic on social media – visit X (formerly Twitter) @WinvicLtd – and LinkedIn. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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McLaren Construction - Phase two commences at Horizon 29 in Derbyshire

Phase two commences at Horizon 29 in Derbyshire

Kenneth Booth September 3, 2024

Construction works to deliver Phase 2 of industrial and distribution hub, Horizon 29, in Bolsover, Derbyshire, have commenced. Horizon 29 is a new landmark distribution development located one mile from Junction 29A of the M1. Once fully complete, it will span 1,150,256 sq. ft and have a total of eight warehouses, delivered over three phases by McLaren Construction (Midlands and North), on behalf of clients BGO Wire PropCo Ltd and Equation Properties. Phase 2 is the construction of two single-storey base build distribution warehouses. Units 7 and 8 will be 249,995 sq. ft and 249,866 sq. ft respectively, and each will include a two-storey office, with associated mechanical and electrical installations, 23 loading docks and a transport office. The contractor will deliver earthworks, CMC and VSC piling, concrete foundations, steel framing and cladding, lift shaft and stair installations. All external works are also being undertaken by McLaren (Midlands and North) and include general hard standings, car-parking, landscaping, mains services and drainage. There will be cycle racks for 60 cycles per warehouse and a gate house. Sustainable features will include solar PVs, air source heat pumps, enhanced cladding, responsibly sourced sustainable materials, LED lighting, electric vehicle charging points, and bird and bat boxes. The units will be constructed to a BREEAM Rating of ‘Excellent,’ with an EPC ‘A’ Rating. Phase 2 has a 49-week build programme. Gary Cramp, managing director of McLaren Construction (Midlands and North), said: “Horizon 29 is going to be a premier distribution centre for Derbyshire and the wider East Midlands. It provides an ideal opportunity for tenants looking for direct and easy access to the M1 north and south. “Progressing on to Phase 2, we are building two more units at the site – and as with earlier phases – they will be highly energy efficient buildings, with the potential for the whole of the roofs to be used to gather energy from PV to not only power the units, but to put energy back into the National Grid. “We were pleased to be working alongside BentallGreenOak and Equation Properties for the next phase of this landmark scheme.” Phase 1A and 1B of Horizon 29 completed in February of this year, which comprised four warehouse units (units 1, 2, 4 and 5). McLaren Construction serves both the public and private sectors in core areas including commercial offices, residential, education, retail, distribution and logistics, hotels, and leisure. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Dowds Group appoints new Construction Divisional Director

Dowds Group appoints new Construction Divisional Director

Kenneth Booth August 25, 2024

Ballymena-headquartered multi-disciplinary construction company Dowds Group has appointed Ciaran Tiffney as Construction Divisional Director. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, Ciaran completed a degree and post-graduation in Construction Engineering & Management and Construction Project Management at the University of Ulster, Jordanstown, which took him to a position with McLaughlin & Harvey in 2008 as Assistant Site Manager – and later Site Manager – in London. During his eight years at McAleer & Rushe, Ciaran went from Project Manager to Project Director, and came back to Ireland in 2022 as Senior Project Manager at Quintain. Now based at Dowds’ new headquarters in Ballymena, Ciaran will focus on the division’s multi-million-pound confirmed order book and pipeline for the next 18 months. “The construction sector is challenging but it is also an extremely rewarding area to work in, and it is very exciting to join such a key player in the industry,” Ciaran commented. “We have recently announced record sales and a return to profit for the last financial year, and I’m looking forward to leading more opportunities for high-profile projects in Ireland and the UK.”  To find out more about Dowds Group, visit our website at www.dowdsgroup.com  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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