Civil engineering costs are forecast to rise by 15% over the next five years to 2Q 2029, while civil engineering tender prices are predicted to increase by 23% over the same period, according to the latest forecast from the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS). New work infrastructure output is expected
The Institution of Civil Engineers Northern Ireland (ICE NI) has appointed Emer Murnaghan as Chair for 2024-2025. Emer’s appointment was confirmed at the ICE NI Annual General Meeting on Thursday 5th September, at the MAC, Belfast, following her in-person Chair’s address and supper. Speaking about her appointment Emer said: “I
Eric Wright Civil Engineering has been appointed by Salford City Council for the plans that will transform Chapel Street and New Bailey. The decision was made through the Procurement Board. The £3,896,590 works will transform a section of Chapel Street on the Bee Network including the junction of Chapel Street
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
Demolition of the former Riverside shopping centre and medical practice is underway, kickstarting the transformation of the Smithfield Riverside area in Shrewsbury town centre. To mark this significant milestone, Shropshire Council is asking for the public’s help in compiling a history of the area over the last 50 years. Named
A NEW report from the RAC has revealed that pothole related damage is the leading concern for UK drivers, costing them an average of £460 per year in repairs. Six out of ten drivers cite it is their top issue as a regular road user. However, while funding has been
STRABAG UK have completed the 1.2km long exploratory tunnel for SSE Renewables on the banks of Loch Lochy using the drill and blast technique. The multi-disciplinary team of over 100 members of staff set up a fully operational tunnel construction site in a remote location 20 miles from Fort William,
Costain has scooped a multimillion-pound front-end engineering and design (FEED) contract by bp for a new hydrogen pipeline network in the Teesside area. Costain’s multi-disciplinary in-house engineering team will deliver the FEED to enable the construction for a new, 31km onshore pipeline distribution network that will deliver purified and dehydrated
The third and final tower crane has now arrived at Griffiths Farrans JV site at Bristol Airport where the main contractors are delivering a transformational public transport project. Works are progressing well with the structure now visible above ground. Level one and two slabs are underway and all stair cores
Fulcrum Group, the leading multi-utility infrastructure and services provider, has reported significant growth and a return to profitability in its latest financial results, as part of its strategy to deliver sustainable, progressive improvements across its divisions. In its latest set of annual results for the financial year ending 31st March
BDC 322 : Nov 2024
Civil engineering costs are forecast to rise by 15% over the next five years to 2Q 2029, while civil engineering tender prices are predicted to increase by 23% over the same period, according to the latest forecast from the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS). New work infrastructure output is expected to decline by 3% in 2024, before recovering from 2025 onwards. Output in this sector is forecast to rise by 19% over the next five years, driven by strong growth in the electricity sub-sector. Dr David Crosthwaite, chief economist at BCIS, said: “Although infrastructure output has historically remained relatively high, it has declined over the past year. We forecast that output growth will resume in the second half of this year and plateau through 2025, before showing marginal growth later in the forecast period. “Output will be driven by continued work in the energy sector and large-scale projects like HS2, Hinkley Point C, and offshore wind developments within the electricity sub-sector. “The government has made various announcements around its infrastructure plans, proposing a 10-year infrastructure strategy but, as with other sectors, much of the detail will not be clear until at least the Autumn Budget. “Investment is crucial for infrastructure so, while the government is at pains to describe the dire state it has inherited, it also needs to inspire confidence in the sector and encourage investors to come here. Hopefully that will be reflected in spending plans and policy moving forward.” For further information about BCIS please visit: www.bcis.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Institution of Civil Engineers Northern Ireland (ICE NI) has appointed Emer Murnaghan as Chair for 2024-2025. Emer’s appointment was confirmed at the ICE NI Annual General Meeting on Thursday 5th September, at the MAC, Belfast, following her in-person Chair’s address and supper. Speaking about her appointment Emer said: “I am committed to leading the institution in its mission to advance civil engineering in the region and promote sustainable infrastructure. Together with our members, we will continue to address the challenges facing our built environment and work towards a more sustainable future, Delivering Better Together! Leo Martin, GRAHAM Managing Director Civil Engineering said: “Emer brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role, having served in various leadership positions within the ICE NI. Her passion for civil engineering and her dedication to the profession will undoubtedly be invaluable in guiding the institution in the coming year.” The ICE NI is a leading professional body dedicated to advancing civil engineering in the region. For over 150 years, ICE NI has been at the forefront of shaping the built environment, promoting sustainable infrastructure, and fostering innovation. Through its network of members, events, and initiatives, ICE NI plays a vital role in addressing the region’s engineering challenges and ensuring a sustainable future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Eric Wright Civil Engineering has been appointed by Salford City Council for the plans that will transform Chapel Street and New Bailey. The decision was made through the Procurement Board. The £3,896,590 works will transform a section of Chapel Street on the Bee Network including the junction of Chapel Street and New Bailey Street, which is the final phase of the New Bailey Gateway project. Eric Wright will also carry out improvements to Chapel Street between New Bailey Street and Blackfriars Street as part of the Salford Chapel Street East Phase 1 project. Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “It is fantastic news that this contract has been awarded so works can begin soon. The works are part of a long-term plan for the city centre which is designed to make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists with better road crossings and cycling provision. “Public realm improvements will also support the wider regeneration of the area to make it a much more attractive area for people. “The approval also means that the contractor will use local suppliers and subcontractors where possible. Staff will use volunteer hours to be spent at local school and college visits with extra support for getting young people aged 16 to 24 into work. There will be work placements as well as staff volunteering hours on community projects. “The artists impressions of what the scheme will look like when finished are very impressive and I can’t wait to see works finished and open for everybody to use.” The scheme will use a ‘complete streets’ approach to rebalance the space in favour of pedestrians and cyclists while also catering for buses, general traffic and loading. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
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
Demolition of the former Riverside shopping centre and medical practice is underway, kickstarting the transformation of the Smithfield Riverside area in Shrewsbury town centre. To mark this significant milestone, Shropshire Council is asking for the public’s help in compiling a history of the area over the last 50 years. Named ‘Riverside Remembered,’ the social history initiative will see Shropshire Council and the Shropshire Archives work together to curate a collection of memories from the area between the years of 1974 and 2024. Members of the public are encouraged to submit their photos online at smithfieldriverside.com for inclusion in the project. For those with physical photographs, videotapes or even mementos, a drop-in event will be held at Shropshire Local in the Darwin Centre on 5th September from 9am – 3pm. On 1st October, an event will be held at Shropshire Archives on Castle Gates, Shrewsbury, which will include a display of images submitted, and screening of a film about the historical development of Raven Meadows. The demolition marks the first visible sign of change as part of the wider Smithfield Riverside regeneration scheme – an ambitious plan led by the Council and its development manager, RivingtonHark, to revitalise the area between the River Severn, The Darwin centre, Roushill and Raven Meadows in Shrewsbury town centre. Funded by £19 million from the UK Government, the demolition – carried out by specialist demolition contractor Cawarden – is expected to take around three months. Once the site has been cleared, work can begin on the first phase of the Smithfield Riverside project – the creation of a landmark park adjacent to Roushill. This attractive green space has been designed to help breathe new life and vibrancy into the area, as well as improve biodiversity and flood resilience in the town centre. It will feature play equipment, accessible facilities for visitors of all ages, and a dedicated events and performance area. Mark Barrow, Shropshire Council’s Executive Director of Place, said: “This is a significant moment for Shrewsbury. The start of demolition at the Riverside site is the first step in an exciting period of change for this area of our town centre – one that will ultimately help us attract new visitors, residents, businesses and jobs. We’ve been working hard with the project team towards this moment for many months, so it’s truly fantastic to see the project now officially moving forward. “The Riverside area has a rich history going back centuries, and for many people in Shrewsbury and across Shropshire the old nightclubs and shops in this area held a wealth of happy memories. Riverside Remembered is the perfect way to celebrate those memories and mark the beginning of a new chapter for this part of the town centre” Spencer Winter, Project Director at RivingtonHark, added: “Seeing work start on site is naturally an exciting moment for ourselves, having been involved in the project since 2022, but it is truly a testament to the hard work of Shropshire Council and the entire project team over the last 12 months. “This is the beginning of a transformational journey for Shrewsbury town centre. Phase One of the project is taking full advantage of the Levelling Up funding by delivering a high-quality public space that reflects the town’s character, but also creating the right conditions and environment to drive forward further regeneration as part of the Smithfield Riverside masterplan.” The next planning application for Smithfield Riverside will be submitted later this year, introducing ‘outline’ plans to the develop three plots located between Smithfield Road, Raven Meadows and the new park. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A NEW report from the RAC has revealed that pothole related damage is the leading concern for UK drivers, costing them an average of £460 per year in repairs. Six out of ten drivers cite it is their top issue as a regular road user. However, while funding has been allocated to address our road issues, civil engineering expert, Dave Sanders, from leading specialist supplier Wrekin Products has warned that there is no quick fix solution. Earlier this year it was reported that 2023 saw 630,000 potholes being reported across England, Scotland, and Wales between January and November, with estimates suggesting it is costing UK drivers as much as £500 million in repairs – a five year high. Dave said: “Unless there is a real push for long term pothole repair solutions instead of quick fixes, we will not be able to solve the pothole crisis – regardless of the budget allocated. We are seeing a growing number of local authorities unhappy with the approach of patch repairing already subpar pothole repair works, but this is happening far too often. “More guidance on how potholes are formed and the innovative solutions available to combat this issue will allow more local authorities to address the root causes effectively. “Other underlying causes of potholes include road ironwork failures, which also needs to be addressed. Potholes form when weaknesses exist in the road surface, potentially due to surfacing joints, remedial works, or the use of poor-quality materials. Installing a piece of ironwork in a road can create a potential weakness, as well as the cuts in the road needed to remove ironwork, therefore, replacement or repair of ironwork also poses an increased risk. “Selecting alternative robust systems with the correct, appropriate materials can reduce the potential for surface weakness. Durable ironwork that is sympathetic to its bedding materials and surrounding environment is key to preventing potholes.” To find out more about Wrekin’s pothole insights and read its recent industry report on the nationwide issue, visit: www.wrek.in/potholes Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
STRABAG UK have completed the 1.2km long exploratory tunnel for SSE Renewables on the banks of Loch Lochy using the drill and blast technique. The multi-disciplinary team of over 100 members of staff set up a fully operational tunnel construction site in a remote location 20 miles from Fort William, Scotland in December 2022. The exploratory works are at the site of the proposed large-scale pumped storage scheme for SSE Renewables. With a potential capacity of up to 1500MW and energy storage of around 30GWh, the Coire Glas hydro scheme would double the United Kingdom’s existing electricity storage capacity, providing homegrown renewable energy when the demand is high or if other variable generation decreases. These exploratory works awarded to STRABAG UK involved the creation of a tunnel approximately 4.5 metres wide, cutting into the hillside towards the proposed location of the underground powerhouse complex, and subsequent ground investigation. The purpose of the tunnel is to acquire information on the geological conditions of the proposed location to inform the detailed design of the main works. Now that tunnelling is complete, the remaining investigation can take place over the coming months. STRABAG UK’s experts have utilised the drill and blast technique, rarely used in the UK, to adapt to the variations in rock type and the geological conditions on site. Holes are first meticulously drilled into the rock using advanced machinery tailored to the rock’s hardness and composition, followed by blasting, where the holes are filled with explosives and detonated in a controlled manner. The blast fractures the rock, facilitating its removal and allowing for the tunnel to progress. With works carried out in compounds surrounded by a nearby forest in the West Highlands, the steep hillside, and the shoreline of Loch Lochy, environmental protection was of paramount importance. Working collaboratively with Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) meticulous monitoring and surveillance of both tunnel effluent and noise emissions was carried out to minimise the impact on the natural environment. The team, combining international expertise with local knowledge, work in shifts across 24 hours, seven days per week. STRABAG UK’s preference for working with local construction partners and suppliers has also created many further jobs in the region. In addition, as well as providing local schools the opportunity to visit the site, apprentices, graduates and young engineers from across the country also spent time on the site to learn about hard rock tunnelling. Managing Director of STRABAG UK, Simon Wild said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have completed the exploratory tunnel at the Coire Glas project. To set up a fully operational tunnel construction site from scratch with all the necessary infrastructure in such a remote location has been a huge achievement for our team. Our use of the drill and blast technique in particular demonstrates our industry leading expertise.” Mike Seaton, Director of Development at Coire Glas for SSE Renewables, added: “Completing the tunnelling is testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved and a positive step forward in de-risking the project. The works progressed to plan, and samples of the materials excavated from within the hillside are currently being analysed. The findings of the tunnelling works will be used to inform the final design, including the detailed design of underground structures, and will be a key consideration in any final decisions related to the project.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Costain has scooped a multimillion-pound front-end engineering and design (FEED) contract by bp for a new hydrogen pipeline network in the Teesside area. Costain’s multi-disciplinary in-house engineering team will deliver the FEED to enable the construction for a new, 31km onshore pipeline distribution network that will deliver purified and dehydrated hydrogen from bp’s new hydrogen production facility to industrial end users. Costain is expected to complete the FEED project in 2025. Operated by bp, as part of the East Coast Cluster, H2Teesside (H2T) is aiming to be one of the biggest blue hydrogen production facilities in the UK and will produce approximately 160,000 tonnes of low carbon hydrogen per annum. The blue hydrogen that H2T creates will ultimately displace natural gas consumption by industrial end users, establishing the hydrogen economy and enabling decarbonisation across the region. Earlier this year, Costain successfully completed the FEED for the onshore CO2 pipeline and associated utilities and was recently selected by bp to continue the work to the next stage and oversee and manage the engineering, procurement and construction of the CO2 system. Detailed engineering design and preparatory works will commence later this year, subject to final investment decisions. Sam White, managing director of natural resources at Costain, said: “This exciting project is a step change for UK decarbonisation. Our in-house engineering expertise will design a world-leading network that will safely transport hydrogen to provide industrial users with an alternative to natural gas, a key step in the development of the hydrogen economy. “In addition to the environmental benefits, this is a project that will be transformative for Teesside and its people, creating jobs and developing skills throughout the region. In transportation, water, and energy, we’re committed to delivering critical infrastructure that improves lives and prosperity across the North-East of England.” In addition, Technip Energies has been selected by bp to deliver FEED for the H2Teesside hydrogen production site. This will include establishing the execution methodology, a robust schedule and project cost. It is expected to complete FEED in 2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The third and final tower crane has now arrived at Griffiths Farrans JV site at Bristol Airport where the main contractors are delivering a transformational public transport project. Works are progressing well with the structure now visible above ground. Level one and two slabs are underway and all stair cores are progressing in advance of the floor slabs. The new Public Transport Interchange at Bristol Airport will have an improved internal road system and an additional multi-storey car park which will provide customer enhancements such as waiting rooms and rest facilities. The project forms part of Bristol Airport’s overall multi-million-pound transformational development plan enabling 12 million passengers a year to use the Airport. Andrew Goodenough, Infrastructure Director, Bristol Airport said: “Bristol Airport is investing £60 million in our new Public Transport Interchange and associated works, to help increase public transport usage at the Airport and transform the customer experience. “The project is progressing at pace, and we’re excited about utilising the facility next Summer. “We’re proudly enhancing local job opportunities, apprenticeships and spend in the local economy. Key to our development is sustainability, which is why we’re recycling over 95% of material on site, and we’re keen to ensure we minimise impacts on our local communities.” Ian Grimstead, Operations Director, Griffiths Farrans JV, said: “We are pleased to report that the construction of the new multi-storey car park at Bristol Airport is making excellent progress. Our dedicated team is working diligently ensuring that all key milestones are met. Significant earthworks operations have been completed on programme to allow the car park construction to commence. Our team have aligned with Bristol Airport’s sustainability goals and have successfully processed 80,000 tonnes of site won material for reuse on the scheme. Also, we have been the first to trial with Volvo the UK’s first electric 22T excavator within the earthwork’s operations. We look forward to the scheme completion and the positive impact it will have on the airport’s operations.” Glenn Gilmore, Regional Director, Griffiths Farrans JV, said: “Our project team is making excellent progress on site at Bristol Airport and, now that work is taking place above ground, passengers coming to the airport will be able to see as each new level is added. Milestones like this one provide our local stakeholders with the confidence that work is underway and progressing quickly. We are currently on programme and looking forward to more settled weather throughout summer to continue with our planned timelines.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Fulcrum Group, the leading multi-utility infrastructure and services provider, has reported significant growth and a return to profitability in its latest financial results, as part of its strategy to deliver sustainable, progressive improvements across its divisions. In its latest set of annual results for the financial year ending 31st March 2024, the Sheffield-based group achieved revenue of £53.4m, up from £50.6m in its 2023 financial year, with an operating profit of £522,000. Fulcrum Group’s turnaround has been delivered following a comprehensive strategic review of the organisation and its four divisions during the last 18 months. This has led to a new Fulcrum Group leadership team, the streamlining of its corporate operations, enhancing the shared services utilised by its divisions, and a sharper focus on its core markets. The group’s High Voltage (HV) connections specialist, Dunamis, is an Independent Connections Provider (ICP), which specialises in HV electricity infrastructure. Dunamis has delivered exceptional growth in the past 12 months as it strengthens its position in thriving markets that include renewable energy, by connecting large-scale solar farms, battery storage sites and onshore wind projects. The demand for Dunamis’ highly-specialist HV electrical engineering capabilities, coupled with the strengthening of its management team, has enabled the division to leverage a strong pipeline of opportunities. Also operating in the HV electricity market is the group’s Maintech Power division, which provides HV installation and maintenance services. Maintech Power has contributed to the organisation’s financial success with a series of contracts for clients including EDF Renewables and Cambridge University. Maintech Power has benefited from the surge in activity in renewable energy and the electrification of the UK’s power requirements as demand for its established and specialist services grows, overseen by its recently expanded management team of highly experienced HV specialists. Fulcrum’s multi-utility operations division delivers multi-utility connections to housing developments and Industrial & Commercial schemes, nationwide. In the period it has supported a portfolio of projects across the UK and secured its first significant framework contracts with a Gas Distribution Network. The division, led by a new management team, is well placed to contribute to the new government’s proposed house building policies, utilising its expertise in securing grid capacity and delivering multi-utility connections on time and on budget. The group’s Asset Ownership division owns and operates gas and electricity networks that generate healthy and recurring revenues for the group. It consolidated its position in this financial year as it prepares for growth through future ownership opportunities. Lindsay Austin, CEO of Fulcrum Group, said: “The group’s leadership team is exceptionally proud of the turnaround we’ve achieved, and the contribution made by our excellent people, that has delivered a return to profitability. The strong, collaborative approach we have brought to the group, with the full support of our highly engaged major shareholders, has ensured the outcomes of the strategic review were successfully implemented and have set us on a path to sustainable, progressive improvements. “Over the past 18 months we have optimised the expertise within the group, delivered cost improvements and efficiencies through streamlined processes and allowed our divisions the autonomy to pursue and secure new relationships and build on long-term partnerships. In particular, Dunamis and Maintech Power are operating in booming, high-growth markets, offering in-demand specialist services, which is accelerating their growth and access to future opportunities.” Jonathan Jager, Chief Financial Officer at Fulcrum Group, said: “The pace and agility of the change we have brought to the group has ensured a solid foundation for further sustainable growth. “Focusing on our core strengths in sectors where we are very experienced, alongside the increased efficiency of our central operations and workforce development, have been fundamental to our success and will be central to the delivery of our next five-year strategy of growth and profitability. “This, combined with the advent of a new government with an ambitious housebuilding agenda, and far-reaching energy policies, including its publicly owned GB Energy and the resurrection of onshore wind farm developments, presents significant and exciting opportunities for the group.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
