Contractor trains up STEM ‘Careers Champions’ to roll out North East Ambition Programme in region’s schools. Esh Construction has partnered with the North East Combined Authority to enhance STEM provision in schools across the region. Working collaboratively through the Combined Authority’s North East Ambition Programme, which aims to champion the
One of the largest privately-owned contractors in the North of England has posted a 50 per cent increase in pre-tax profit for 2023 as its robust business model continues to yield results. While the construction industry continued to wrestle with a range of challenges during the year, Esh Group reported
Spencer Bridge Engineering has been recognised for its outstanding work on the historic Union Chain Bridge with a prestigious industry award. The company received the Historic Bridge Project of the Year Award at the New Civil Engineer Bridges Awards 2024 for its work on the iconic structure which crosses the
Balfour Beatty VINCI SYSTRA’s construction of HS2’s new super-hub station in west London, Old Oak Common, has moved into a new phase as workers on the project completed the excavation of the huge underground box structure where high speed trains will stop. The excavation has taken three years, after permanent
Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has appointed Paul Morris as group commercial director, joining its executive board. With 30 years of experience working in people, project and commercial management roles, Paul will be responsible for leading the commercial function and supporting Costain’s growth strategy. Paul joined Costain in 2011 and
Leading provider of groundworks McCoy Contractors has been appointed to deliver the groundworks and hard landscaping for Phase 4 and 5 of The Oaks Student Village in Coventry. This prestigious project will provide an additional 1,210 rooms in purpose-built accommodation for students attending the nearby University of Warwick. The Oaks
Leading groundworks specialist McCoy Contractors is delivering the earthworks package for the £30 million upgrade of the Arle Court Transport Hub (ACTH) in Cheltenham, as part of the M5 Junction 10 Improvements Scheme. The project aims to support Gloucestershire’s Local Transport Plan and carbon neutral goals by enhancing the park
The main contractor, Balfour Beatty, approached Aquaspira with a request to provide a proposal for an efficient, low carbon solution for a Network Rail culvert alongside a rail embankment at Hook in Hampshire. Sub-contractor DDL installed a dam at each end of the fast-flowing river below the rail line at
UK ground engineering specialist Mainmark has been shortlisted for a major industry accolade. Mainmark has been shortlisted for the “UK Project with a Geotechnical Value of up to £500K’’ category which recognises leading projects with a focus on innovation, quality, sustainability, health and safety and value engineering. The annual Ground
Following an extensive and thorough tender process, Rutland County Council has awarded their Highways Term Maintenance Contract (HTMC) to the highest scoring bidder, Thomas Bow Ltd. Rutland County Council’s current HTMC ended on 31st May 2024. Thomas Bow Ltd then commenced with their contract on 1st June 2024 and this
BDC 322 : Nov 2024
Contractor trains up STEM ‘Careers Champions’ to roll out North East Ambition Programme in region’s schools. Esh Construction has partnered with the North East Combined Authority to enhance STEM provision in schools across the region. Working collaboratively through the Combined Authority’s North East Ambition Programme, which aims to champion the full potential of the region by connecting communities and giving people the skills to succeed, Esh has provided six bespoke kits to support a wider understanding of STEM-related construction careers. Through the programme, Esh is currently training up six Careers Champions, who will then host a ‘Get into STEM’ session in participating schools, with the kits available for schools to book out and use for extra-curricular sessions that will promote STEM careers. Already, 55 primary schools have expressed interest in getting involved. Esh’s award winning ‘Get into STEM’ programme is designed to positively shape career aspirations whilst developing skill sets essential for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers. Since 2015, Esh has delivered the programme to more than 16,900 primary school students across the North East, Tees Valley and Yorkshire. Kate Marshall, Social Value Manager for the North East at Esh Construction said: “Our team has been working closely with the Careers Champions to demonstrate programme delivery of the STEM kits, so that they can train up teachers and classroom assistants to use the kits within their own schools. The initiative to enhance STEM understanding to more students across our region will ultimately raise awareness of a range of career options in the construction and built environment sector. “At a time when our industry is dealing with a skills shortage, engaging with students from a young age will provide opportunities as we move into the 2030s and beyond. Our relationship with the North East Combined Authority continues to prosper to bring through the next generation of STEM workers, and we’re excited to watch as this programme develops over the coming months.” Two Careers Champions are based in Northumberland, as well as one covering Newcastle and North Tyneside, one for Sunderland and South Tyneside, one for Gateshead and one for County Durham schools. Each STEM kit contains bright and vibrant resources such as foam bricks, measuring equipment, literature and personal protective equipment, with a vision to raise student awareness of the world around them, consider STEM topics and reinforce important construction health and safety messages. Through its North East Ambition programme, the Combined Authority is supporting schools to broaden horizons, raise aspirations, challenge stereotypes and help children connect their learning to the world around them. Experience of real-world careers such as those demonstrated through the use of the STEM kits and Careers Champions is a key part of meeting these aims. Councillor Tracey Dixon, North East Combined Authority Cabinet member for Education, Inclusion and Skills, said: “This STEM kit rollout will support our work delivering careers related learning for primary schools in the region, by providing an opportunity for meaningful employer engagement within a key sector. The kit will help challenge gender stereotyping, support numeracy and literacy, and give the children a chance to learn about different progression pathways that will be available for them in the future, including apprenticeships and T Levels.” The school rollout will commence in autumn, with a system being set up for schools to contact the Career Champions to book the kit out through a booking and collection point. Schools may then deliver their own sessions as per the lesson plan outlined, or may choose to use the kit alongside other STEM-related lessons. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
One of the largest privately-owned contractors in the North of England has posted a 50 per cent increase in pre-tax profit for 2023 as its robust business model continues to yield results. While the construction industry continued to wrestle with a range of challenges during the year, Esh Group reported pre-tax profits of £3.1 million, up from £2 million the previous year. The firm’s portfolio centres on work for local authorities, utility and environmental companies, registered affordable housing providers, as well as the private housing sector, and Chief Executive Andy Radcliffe is looking to the future with the largest forward order book in its 25-year history on the horizon. He said: “Our strategically designed business model stands out for its inbuilt resilience. At its core is the ability to even out the peaks and troughs of the construction industry’s demand profile over the economic cycle – this design has proven a success and seen us through the challenging times that the industry has experienced over the last few years. “Our headline order book figure is substantial, and crucially it provides over 10 years of pipeline visibility for the group. Having invested heavily in capacity, resources and technology, we are equipped to execute our strategic growth plans and are actively seeking further opportunities within our core markets, and so expect to see both turnover growth and margin expansion over the coming years. Despite the broader economic picture demonstrating a degree of volatility, we remain optimistic about the future.” Esh Group continued its focus on driving capital efficiency across all operations, leading to an increase in liquidity to £23 million, up £4 million from the previous year, whilst remaining debt free with nothing drawn on its £6 million credit line. Whilst turnover remained at £261 million, improvements in both its contracting and development performance resulted in the reported increase in pre-tax profits. Radcliffe added: “During the year, we concluded a wide range of projects that were heavily impacted by post-pandemic supply chain and inflationary pressures, which was no mean feat and a major milestone which gives rise to a more favourable back drop for 2024. These negative factors were more than offset by stronger performances on newer contracts, which were supported by considerable improvements in operational execution. “Coupled with the inflationary environment remaining relatively benign, we are continuing to see buoyancy in our target sectors. The desire to rebalance economic prosperity across the country is driving funding for major infrastructure and regeneration schemes, whilst the ongoing demand for new social housing stock and retrofitting of existing stock in line with decarbonisation targets has continued to fuel growth. “We are also confident that the core policy agendas for the new Government will provide a favourable back drop for our chosen market segments, and therefore see only positives for our business on the back of the election result.” Esh Group’s forward order book across its civil engineering, affordable housing, commercial build, and private housebuilding divisions has seen a remarkable increase in the year. The investment programmes for improving wastewater and flood management infrastructure have skyrocketed – the AMP 8 period will be the biggest programme of work the sector has seen – and Esh has secured its place on five capital delivery frameworks with Northumbrian Water Group and the Environment Agency. The 750-strong contractor has seen considerable market share growth within the affordable housing sector, most notably the Seaham Garden Village development where work has begun on the first phase of 750 affordable homes in partnership with Karbon Homes. The pivot towards increasing land led developments is also paying dividends, with Esh having the largest pipeline of this route-to-market since embarking on the strategy. In the private housing market, Esh’s private housebuilding division, Homes by Esh, is on course to nearly double its number of live developments in the North East before the end of 2024. Flagship schemes including the landmark restoration of the Tyne Bridge – one of the most complex and challenging engineering projects the North East has seen in recent years – and the ‘transformational’ Stockton Waterfront Urban Park feature in Esh’s civil engineering major projects portfolio. Radcliffe concluded: “We will strive to become the trusted expert for our clients, with a laser focus on quality, health and safety, dependability, and innovation, whilst continuing to deliver one of the most comprehensive social value offerings in the industry. “In April this year, we held an event which brought the whole group together to learn about our overarching strategy and divisional business plans. We did this because we are a business of many parts, specialities and expertise, and a key factor in delivering the next stage of our strategy is our team of highly skilled and dedicated colleagues, each of whom have a part to play in this exciting journey – and as always, we are enormously grateful to our valued clients and our loyal supply chains for their continued support.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Spencer Bridge Engineering has been recognised for its outstanding work on the historic Union Chain Bridge with a prestigious industry award. The company received the Historic Bridge Project of the Year Award at the New Civil Engineer Bridges Awards 2024 for its work on the iconic structure which crosses the border between England and Scotland. Opened in 1820, Union Chain Bridge crosses the River Tweed. It’s the world’s oldest suspension bridge still carrying traffic and was the longest wrought iron suspension bridge in the world when it opened. Designed and built by Royal Navy officer and bridges design pioneer, Captain Samuel Brown, the crossing was credited with being a catalyst for bridge innovation and influenced the design and construction of suspension bridges around the world. Spencer Bridge Engineering was appointed by Northumberland County Council to dismantle the bridge and carry out a complete refurbishment and rebuild, ensuring the 200-year-old structure continues to provide safe passage for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists for many years to come. A key element of the project was to ensure all modifications were in keeping with the heritage and historical significance of the bridge and, where possible, structural elements, including the main suspension chain rods, links, pins and hanger caps, were refurbished rather than replaced. The existing masonry towers were also refurbished using stone from the same quarry that was originally used. Working in partnership with local stonemasons and heritage bodies, the Spencer Bridge Engineering team conducted masonry trials to determine the exact stone facing and pointing techniques required to best match the existing structure. Using a combination of bespoke temporary works and a highly-skilled workforce, the Spencer Bridge Engineering team was able to carry out the refurbishment, giving the structure a new lease of life in a sustainable way and ensuring future access for maintenance and inspections. The Spencer Bridge Engineering team has been recognised for its work on the bridge on several occasions, after recently winning the Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT) Infrastructure Award. This followed accolades for “Gold Winner” of the Restoration Project of the Year Award and the “Silver Winner” of the Community Engagement Award for the Union Chain Bridge project at the National Building and Construction Awards 2023. Joe DiMauro, Engineering Director, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have been honoured with prestigious industry awards for our work on Union Chain Bridge. “This recognition further reinforces Spencer Bridge Engineering’s reputation as an industry leader in specialist bridge works, including the delivery of projects on historic structures. “Our expertise, experience and wide-ranging capabilities across the company mean we can be trusted to complete complex bridge works to exceptional standards. “I’d like to thank the team for their tremendous work which made this project so successful and these awards possible.” The New Civil Engineer Bridges Awards judges paid tribute to Spencer Bridge Engineering’s delivery of the project and positive collaboration with partners and stakeholders. The citation for the winning entry said: “The judges found this to be a particularly exciting project which demonstrated an excellent example of stakeholder engagement and collaboration across a broad range of organisations. “The project scored very highly across all categories, and the panel particularly liked the innovative solution to temporary work implemented within this project. “The extensive refurbishment rather than replacement really helps to keep its sense of place in the local environment and has significant carbon saving. Well done!” Spencer Bridge Engineering’s emergency works project on the Menai Suspension Bridge, between the Welsh mainland and the island of Anglesey, was also shortlisted in the same Historic Bridge Project of the Year Award category at the awards ceremony. The project saw the Spencer Bridge Engineering team carry out emergency works on the historic bridge to protect users and allow time for engineers to consider ways to solve the problem at hand, while once again preserving the original structure and functionality of the bridge. The project is another outstanding example of preservation of a historic structure, using innovative techniques and solutions developed under high pressure and at pace. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Balfour Beatty VINCI SYSTRA’s construction of HS2’s new super-hub station in west London, Old Oak Common, has moved into a new phase as workers on the project completed the excavation of the huge underground box structure where high speed trains will stop. The excavation has taken three years, after permanent construction to form the walls of the box began in June 2021. The vast underground box has a 1.12 mile fibre-reinforced concrete diaphragm wall around it, and 1.3million tonnes of London Clay has been removed from inside – enough to fill over 300 Olympic sized swimming pools. Balfour Beatty VINCI SYSTRA joint venture (BBVS JV), working with their specialist structures contractor Expanded, completed the excavation with apprentice Miguel Jardim removing the last of the London clay from the box. In a further breakthrough, more than 1,500 apprentices have now started work on HS2 – putting the project firmly on track to meet its target to generate 2,000 apprenticeships. Miguel, 19, a civil engineering apprentice from Surrey Quays, south east London, joined in the landmark excavation at Old Oak Common as the 1,500th apprentice to start a role helping to build HS2. Miguel said: “It is quite an honour to be part of celebrating such a massive excavation milestone – the opportunity came along very unexpectedly! “The best thing about my job here at Old Oak Common is all the experience I’m gaining from going out onsite daily, seeing progress coming along. I would 100% encourage others to start working on HS2, as it’s a massive project where you get to work with lots of people with similar goals. There is also a great network of people that you can learn from and connect with.” Steve O’Sullivan, Project Director, Balfour Beatty VINCI SYTRA joint venture, said: “This achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team, and in particular the valuable contributions of our apprentices like Miguel. “The progress here at Old Oak Common moves us one step closer to completing this key transport hub, which will enhance connectivity and drive regeneration in the area. We are excited to move forward to the next phase of construction and continue delivering this transformative project.” The excavation was completed section by section within the box starting from the west and the east of the structure and meeting in the middle. The box is 20m in depth and a reinforced concrete base slab up to 2m in depth is being poured throughout. 32,000 tonnes of steel rebar, assembled by hand on site, has been used in the box alongside 160 reinforced concrete columns which have been installed inside the outer wall to help support the structure. All steel used was 100% responsibly sourced and most of the concrete used is produced by the London Concrete batching plant on site, which reuses rainwater in its mixes. Now the box has been full excavated, the team will be working to pour the final sections of base slab to fully complete the box. Six 450m platforms will be constructed in the underground box for HS2 services. Above ground, eight further platforms are being built, and will be served by the Elizabeth Line, Great Western Mainline services and the Heathrow Express. Old Oak Common station will become one of the country’s most vital transport hubs which will be directly connected on the UK’s railway network to more than 170 destinations. Sam Clark, Head of Delivery for HS2 Ltd, said: “The tremendous progress made by our construction team to complete the excavation of the box is an exciting milestone for the project as it signals the next phase of construction where high speed platforms will be built, as well as the station building itself. “HS2’s Old Oak Common station will be transformational for local and regional connectivity and attract huge investment, development and regeneration to the surrounding area.” The huge amount of London Clay removed in the excavation has been taken away from site by conveyor, reducing lorry movements on local roads. The conveyor, run by the Subcontractor Fairport, took the spoil to the nearby London Logistics Hub, managed by Skanska Costain STRABAG (SCS JV), from where it has been transported by rail to beneficial reuse sites in Kent, Warwickshire and Cambridgeshire. Coinciding with the excavation of the box, HS2 has decommissioned the Old Oak Common station conveyor which has removed over 75,000 lorries from the road since it’s operation in November 2022. Further spurs of the conveyor being used for HS2’s tunnelling operation in the area remain in use. HS2 has also been working with local artists on projects to reuse the London Clay. Absolute Beginners is an arts project led artist Tom James, where local young people are learning to use the clay to make objects. The group began using the clay to make a simple plate, learning how to process, manipulate and fire the clay. The group are now making a dinner service of 100 plates and 100 bowls from some of the excavated materials. The east end of the underground box has been handed over to HS2’s London Tunnels contractor, SCS JV, who are preparing to construct HS2’s running tunnel to Euston. Two giant tunnel boring machines will be lowered into the underground box later this year, before the station team commencing building the roof structure of the super-hub station. Timings and funding for the construction of the Euston Tunnel are being confirmed with government. When HS2 opens, Old Oak Common will be the temporary terminus in the capital. Plans to transform the wider area around the station, a former railway and industrial site, are being led by the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC). Plans are in place to deliver 25,000 new homes and 56,000 new jobs in the area surrounding the station, transforming London’s biggest brownfield site into a thriving community for businesses and residents alike Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has appointed Paul Morris as group commercial director, joining its executive board. With 30 years of experience working in people, project and commercial management roles, Paul will be responsible for leading the commercial function and supporting Costain’s growth strategy. Paul joined Costain in 2011 and has held a number of commercial leadership roles across the organisation, most recently as commercial services director. He takes over the role from David Taylor, who has chosen to step down from the executive board after 10 years as Costain’s group commercial director. David will remain in the business, using his extensive experience to provide commercial support for specific projects. Alex Vaughan, CEO at Costain, commented: “Paul has a wealth of commercial experience, more than a decade of which has been spent with Costain, and we’re pleased our strategic planning has allowed us to maintain such strong commercial continuity. Paul will help ensure our business strategy remains firmly aligned with the needs of our customers in the UK’s critical infrastructure sectors.” Paul Morris, group commercial director, added: “The UK faces significant, strategic infrastructure decisions over the next few years and Costain will play a pivotal role. I’m looking forward to helping our customers solve their challenges and fulfil their business plans.” Paul has held the position on an interim basis since October 2023. During that time Costain has seen commercial success with significant contract wins with Northumbrian Water Group, United Utilities and with bp as part of a landmark carbon capture scheme in Teesside. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading provider of groundworks McCoy Contractors has been appointed to deliver the groundworks and hard landscaping for Phase 4 and 5 of The Oaks Student Village in Coventry. This prestigious project will provide an additional 1,210 rooms in purpose-built accommodation for students attending the nearby University of Warwick. The Oaks Student Village, designed by architects Corstorphine & Wright, comprises nine buildings ranging from five to six stories. Phase 1 delivered 378 beds in 2021, with Phase 2 and 3 adding 639 more rooms. Phase 4 and 5 will deliver a further 1,209 rooms. Having successfully completed the groundworks for Phases 1-3 to the client’s satisfaction, McCoy was awarded the latest £8 million groundworks package by main contractor McLaren Construction. McCoy is delivering a range of groundworks including earthworks, foundations, reinforced retaining walls, external drainage, attenuation tanks, service trenching, and hard landscaping across the extensive site. Despite challenging weather and groundwater conditions, McCoy is working ahead of schedule, underscoring their commitment to delivering complex projects efficiently. “McCoys has made a fantastic start to our project at 120 Longwood Close.On a project with some challenging details the team have performed to a very high standard through a difficult and wet winter,” said Alex Derbyshire, Construction Manager, McLaren Construction. “McCoys has been very agile through change and have enhanced our project team with their vast knowledge and expertise in groundworks. The helpful and approachable nature of the team at McCoys has gone a long way to the current successes at Longwood Close moving into the summer months,” added Alex Derbyshire. “We are extremely proud to continue our involvement in this landmark student accommodation development,” said Chris Haughey, Managing Director of McCoy Contractors. “Being re-appointed by McLaren Construction for Phases 4 & 5 is a testament to our team’s dedication and expertise in delivering high-quality groundworks on large-scale projects. The Oaks Student Village is setting new standards for purpose-built student living in the Midlands, and we’re excited to play a key role in bringing this exceptional development to fruition.” McCoy’s strong health and safety practices have also been recognised on-site, recently ranking 3rd out of 45 subcontractors – further highlighting the company’s professionalism and commitment to creating safe working environments. The final phase of McCoy’s works at The Oaks Student Village is scheduled for completion in 2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading groundworks specialist McCoy Contractors is delivering the earthworks package for the £30 million upgrade of the Arle Court Transport Hub (ACTH) in Cheltenham, as part of the M5 Junction 10 Improvements Scheme. The project aims to support Gloucestershire’s Local Transport Plan and carbon neutral goals by enhancing the park and ride facility with expanded parking, electric vehicle charging points, a café, and an indoor bus passenger terminal with amenities. Appointed by principal contractor Kier, McCoy Contractors is responsible for delivering the comprehensive groundworks package. Working ahead of the project programme, the team is committed to completing all final groundworks by June 2024. McCoy’s scope of works for the 14,000 m2 project encompasses earthworks, foundations, ground floor concrete slabs, external drainage, service trenching, reinforced concrete upstands, and hard landscaping. The company’s expertise in groundworks construction is vital for establishing the infrastructure required for the new four-storey, wood-faced steel-framed car park building and bus hub. “We are honoured to contribute our groundworks capabilities to this sustainable transport initiative that will benefit the entire Gloucestershire region,” said Chris Haughey, Managing Director of McCoy Contractors. “Our team is working diligently to lay a solid foundation that will enable the seamless delivery of this modern transport hub.” Once complete, the upgraded Arle Court facility will offer expanded park and ride services with additional bus routes, improved connections to walking and cycling paths, and electric vehicle charging amenities. It is hoped this will reduce congestion and pollution levels in Cheltenham’s city centre whilst promoting a greener, more connected transportation network. The M5 Junction 10 Improvements Scheme is a transformative infrastructure project funded through the UK Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF) to reduce congestion, enhance safety and support economic growth in the area while aligning with environmental targets. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The main contractor, Balfour Beatty, approached Aquaspira with a request to provide a proposal for an efficient, low carbon solution for a Network Rail culvert alongside a rail embankment at Hook in Hampshire. Sub-contractor DDL installed a dam at each end of the fast-flowing river below the rail line at Hook in Hampshire. This created a 40-metre-long channel to facilitate the delivery of a new 26-metre buried culvert. Needing to overcome the challenge of an incredibly confined space, two lines of Aquaspira 1,650mm composite steel reinforced (CSR) pipe was laid once the water had been pumped out and a metre of silt removed from the riverbed. These were finished with a new 4.8 metre, 350m-wide headwall. The pipes were then backfilled and built up to existing ground line and an access road was installed to provide Network Rail plant access to the above railway line. With Aquaspira CSR pipe, the embodied factory gate and transport carbon was reduced by 48% (12.4T CO₂e¹) when compared to a traditional rigid pipe solution. The lightweight pipes also increased site safety and reduced site installation time. The steel reinforced pipes were designed to withstand the weight of trains, so Aquaspira is delighted to have been selected to deliver the ideal solution for this challenging job. Gareth Green, Aquaspira’s project manager, explained: “The existing open culvert was relatively narrow, so maximising the capacity of the new piped culvert within the available width was crucial. “Aquaspira CSR pipes were specified as, with their 43mm thick wall, the pipe’s footprint width was less than 3.8m and, as each pipe weighs less than 250 kgs, they could be handled and installed with small site machines. This, coupled with the push-fit joints and integral seals enabled quick and simple joining of them within a limited working space, dramatically shortening the programme time.” Josh Moore, DDLWorks Manager, added: “The Aquaspira service and product was excellent. The 1650mm OD pipes were the largest I have installed, and it was made so simple through their design and self-explanatory installation guide provided, along with assistance via phone call at any moment required. I would 100 per cent recommend you to any client or customer and look forward to working alongside again in the future.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
UK ground engineering specialist Mainmark has been shortlisted for a major industry accolade. Mainmark has been shortlisted for the “UK Project with a Geotechnical Value of up to £500K’’ category which recognises leading projects with a focus on innovation, quality, sustainability, health and safety and value engineering. The annual Ground Engineering Awards brings together leaders in the industry to celebrate major achievements. This year’s awards will be held at a prestigious event on 19 June at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London. Mainmark’s shortlisted project highlights its work on the construction of the 43-storey tower, Arena Point in Leeds, set to be the world’s tallest purpose-built student accommodation. The £95m project on Merrion Way features over 700 bedrooms, with a mix of studio apartments and shared cluster flats, replacing a previously underutilised office block. The construction was halted due to unstable ground, and was only able to progress thanks to the expertise of Mainmark who successfully strengthened the ground prior to excavation using its innovative Teretek® geopolymer resin injection technology. Mainmark’s Teretek engineered resin injection technology solution was chosen to strengthen the ground in a controlled and timely manner. With the proximity of nearby buildings, infrastructure and the restricted site traditional piling and ground anchor techniques were unsuitable for the specific challenge. Teretek® technology, developed by Mainmark, was injected at high-density levels to fill any voids, compact the ground and bind together large cobbles and brick fragments. It was completed in just 10 days, without the need for heavy plant, allowing the construction to continue as scheduled. Tom Kavanagh, General Manager at Mainmark UK, comments: “We’re thrilled to have been shortlisted for this award, it showcases the passion, skill and expertise that our team puts into developing new solutions, allowing the sector to better tackle site specific challenges. “We take great pride in not just meeting but exceeding our clients’ expectations and enabling the Arena Point construction to progress as planned is just one great example of where are dedication to formulating new solutions has been a success.” Mainmark has previously been recognised for its work with the post-earthquake resurrection of the Christchurch Art Gallery which won International Project of the Year. Chosen from seven high calibre of finalists, the re-levelling of the gallery was a landmark project for Mainmark and the industry, setting a new benchmark in the earthquake remediation for large scale buildings. Mainmark Ground Engineering (UK) Ltd is a subsidiary of the Mainmark group of companies established in 2016, with its headquarters located in Milton Keynes. For over three decades, Mainmark has established itself as a pioneering force in the industry, leading the way in developing and delivering cutting-edge ground improvement solutions. With an impressive track record of over 200,000 successful projects across Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the UK, Mainmark has earned international recognition as an award-winning and leading ground engineer. https://mainmark.com/uk/ @mainmark(UnitedKingdom) Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Following an extensive and thorough tender process, Rutland County Council has awarded their Highways Term Maintenance Contract (HTMC) to the highest scoring bidder, Thomas Bow Ltd. Rutland County Council’s current HTMC ended on 31st May 2024. Thomas Bow Ltd then commenced with their contract on 1st June 2024 and this will run for a period of ten years to 31st May 2034. There will be an option to further extend the contract by a further 2 x 5 year periods if a number of Key Performance Indicators are met. Rutland County Council’s Strategic Director for Places, said: ‘Thomas Bow Ltd have a breadth of industry experience and have a significant number of highway contracts around the country. ‘We are pleased to be able to shape the new contract to ensure it has an emphasis on social value and positive benefits to the local community, ranging from employment to community engagement. There is also a focus on carbon reduction, innovation, an opportunity for potential income generation and a cost reduction on the depot lease. ‘We are looking forward to working with Thomas Bow Ltd to deliver proactive maintenance measures, ensuring the highway network is kept safe and maintained in a sustainable manner for all residents and visitors to the County.’ Thomas Bow Ltd Managing Director Alistair Bow commented ‘This is an exciting contract for Thomas Bow and demonstrates our in-house capability to deliver multi discipline contracts for clients. We are extremely happy to secure this long term contract and we look forward to working with Rutland County Council to deliver improvements identified in the recent survey and also having a positive impact on the local community.’ In 2023 Rutland County Council scored well in The National Highways and Transport (NHT) Public satisfaction survey results. The survey was carried out in June 2023 and Rutland County Council was ranked joint 5th in the country along with Manchester and Solihull out of a total of 111 authorities that took part. The NHT Public Satisfaction Survey collects public perspectives on, and satisfaction with, Highway and Transport Services in Local Authority areas. It is a unique, standardised, collaboration between Highway Authorities across the UK enabling comparison, knowledge sharing, and the potential to improve efficiencies by the sharing of good practice. Over four million households have been sent a copy of the NHT Survey since it was first launched in 2008 and over a million members of the public have responded to date. For further information about the NHT Survey please visit www.nhtnetwork.co.uk/home Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
