A state of the art £100 million nuclear submarine building complex, built by construction and infrastructure company Morgan Sindall, has been opened by defence secretary, Gavin Williamson. The 175,000 sq ft Central Yard facility in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, used to outfit and test the most advanced submarines in the Royal NAVY’s
Despite important progress made in recent years, Aggregate Industries’ Contracting Division has stated there is still a massive job to do in creating a more inclusive and diverse workforce in the construction industry – one which requires a brand new mind-set. According to latest figures, around 5% of working adults
The £75 million Triple Road Decker Project in North Tyneside is approaching its final stages. The scheme, which aims to lower the A19 under the A1058 Coast Road and Coast Road roundabout, is being delivered by the Sisk Lagan joint venture (JV). Since the construction began in June 2016, there
SSE Enterprise Rail has been awarded a five-year programme of works through Network Rail’s building and civils framework. Awarded to SSE Enterprise Rail, the work has a potential value of more than £200m in multiple regions and will be delivered between 2019 and 2024 [with early works commencing in 2018].
QTS Group Limited has been acquired by Leeds-based engineering services group Renew Holdings plc in an £80 million deal. This acquisition will add complementary services to Renew’s existing rail offering and increase its market share, footprint and positioning in the rail market. “We are delighted to welcome the management and
Newcastle International Airport has launched its Masterplan 2035, a blueprint for competing in the global economy, while delivering economic benefits for the region. Ahead of its 100th anniversary since it has been in operation, the new Masterplan is expected to drive continued growth. The passenger numbers are forecast to continue
National building and engineering company, Britcon has announced that it is taking part in the Stop. Make a Change campaign across its 400-strong workforce in the UK. The initiative, driven by the Civil Engineering & Contractors Association (CECA), is a national stand down which aims to raise better awareness about
Progress on the award-winning Acton Gardens development in West London is steaming ahead, with Mick George Demolition Ltd appointed on behalf of Countryside Properties and L&Q to complete the forthcoming demolition works of Charles Hocking House as part of Phase 6.2. This sequence of work will focus on community facilities
Renfrewshire Council has invested £7.2 million of its budget to improve routes across Renfrewshire. Part of the continuing physical and economic regeneration of the area, the programme is set to be delivered in 2018/19 and it will include the resurfacing and improvement of a number of high profile routes and
A new proposal that includes reducing congestion and improving passenger experience at Gatwick Airport railway station was submitted by Network Rail, in partnership with Gatwick Airport Ltd, Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership and the Department for Transport. The aim is to reduce crowding at the station, improve passenger flow
A state of the art £100 million nuclear submarine building complex, built by construction and infrastructure company Morgan Sindall, has been opened by defence secretary, Gavin Williamson. The 175,000 sq ft Central Yard facility in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, used to outfit and test the most advanced submarines in the Royal NAVY’s fleet. Now, the Central Yard Facility comprises production, workshop and office facilities, as well as featuring two cranes, each with a 150 tonne capacity and a 60m span. “The complexity and scale of the site, coupled with the building’s design requirements meant that the project required a team with particular expertise, and experience of working in partnership with defence contractors,” said Andrew Parker, director of defence at Morgan Sindall. “We are incredibly proud to have successfully delivered this project in collaboration with our sister company, BakerHicks. It is not only of vital importance to both BAE Systems and the MOD, but also to the people of Barrow,” he added. During his visit, the defence secretary announced a further £2.5 billion investment into the country’s nuclear submarine programme, by awarding BAE Systems a £1.5 billion contract for delivery of the seventh Astute class submarine, alongside a further £900 million for the next phase of the Dreadnought submarine programme. He also named the seventh and final submarine Agincourt. The investment has been hailed as a huge vote of confidence in the Barrow facility and vital for the wider region. It will secure more than 8,000 jobs across BAE Systems and thousands more in the wider supply chain, providing new opportunities across the country. “Not only is this a massive boost for our armed forces, but it’s huge for Barrow, the heart of sub-building in this country,” said defence secretary, Gavin Williamson.
Despite important progress made in recent years, Aggregate Industries’ Contracting Division has stated there is still a massive job to do in creating a more inclusive and diverse workforce in the construction industry – one which requires a brand new mind-set. According to latest figures, around 5% of working adults in the UK are currently employed in construction-related jobs but being a male-dominated industry, women make up just 20% of that workforce1. This gender equality gap is particularly alarming when you consider that like many industries, construction continues to face a major skills deficit. In a recent report, Highways UK estimates that in order to meet the Government’s ambitious £15bn investment into the Strategic Road Network it will require an additional 40,000 engineering and constructions workers by 20202. With this in mind, the Contracting Division of leading building materials supplier Aggregate Industries, has started by setting equality targets to achieve a 30% gender balance by 2030. It believes that the industry needs to adopt a new way of thinking if it is to succeed in attracting more women and young people into operational roles. Paddy Murphy, Managing Director of Contracting Services at Aggregate Industries, commented: “Attracting a more diverse workforce to the sector is no longer just about addressing gender equality, but is increasingly an essential part of building the highly skilled and trained workforce we require to meet the government’s ambitious plans for upgrading the UK’s road infrastructure. “In order to make a meaningful impact in driving recruitment in what is traditionally a man’s world, the industry must adopt new techniques to better accommodate a diverse range of people. This starts with a root and branch approach, one that looks at changes that must be made to behaviours, working conditions, equipment and recruitment policies.” What’s often overlooked, reveals Aggregate Industries, is that much of the equipment and machinery used in the industry such as rollers and pavers, are old fashioned; with manual controls; featuring steep gradients and hard-to-reach entry points that essentially make it inaccessible to some. Paddy adds: “By incorporating measures such as upgrading to more captivating automated machine controls; folding steps; and all-round vision into all equipment and machinery going forward, is just one of the ways to ensure our working environment is inclusive. “Meanwhile, to make it easier to spot and nurture talent other policies to consider are increasing the visibility of operational roles with a variety of audiences and removing gender bias in recruitment. We are attending schools and colleges and encourage a 50/50 split of male and female candidates during the interview stages when recruiting for new operational-related roles. After all, with studies showing firms with a diverse workforce boast better business performance3, it is now more important than ever to address diversity and inclusion if we are to retain our position as a world-class industry that leads the way in innovation.” For further information about Aggregate Industries, visit www.aggregate.com.
The £75 million Triple Road Decker Project in North Tyneside is approaching its final stages. The scheme, which aims to lower the A19 under the A1058 Coast Road and Coast Road roundabout, is being delivered by the Sisk Lagan joint venture (JV). Since the construction began in June 2016, there have been three bridges built – one to support the A1058 Coast Road over the Coast Road roundabout and two to carry the Coast Road roundabout over the newly lowered A19. More than 580 piles have been installed, covering seven miles from end to end, in order to support the new structure. In addition, around 80,000 m3 of soil is being removed and being used to help form the embankments on the nearby A19 Testos scheme. “This is a busy junction used by more than 80,000 drivers every day and we have produced a video to show the incredible transformation that has already taken place. We are nearly three quarters complete now with the main bulk of the work digging out the 80,000 cubic meters of soil as the last major milestone,” said Highways England assistant project manager Steven Cox. Over the following 10 months, improvements will be carried out to the 1,175 metres of cycleway and an extra 247 metres will be created. The gantries for improved signage will also be installed and the roundabout completely resurfaced. “Drivers who use this junction regularly will already be able to see progress as the earth is removed to create the third layer of the junction which will mean drivers will be able to continue straight along the A19 underneath the roundabout,” said Steven Cox. “The final supports for the A1058 westbound bridge were lifted into place a few days ago and we have started the foundation work on the pedestrian and cycle bridges.”
SSE Enterprise Rail has been awarded a five-year programme of works through Network Rail’s building and civils framework. Awarded to SSE Enterprise Rail, the work has a potential value of more than £200m in multiple regions and will be delivered between 2019 and 2024 [with early works commencing in 2018]. The framework consists of mechanical and electrical engineering services, building services and fabric works on a wide range of Network Rail infrastructure assets in the South of England and Wales. SSE Enterprise Rail has secured works in the Wales region which covers both the North and South Routes, and will use its new Taff Wells offices as its headquarters for all Welsh operations. Western region works comprise of both the West Country and Thames Valley routes. The business was also successful with bids for the Wessex route and London North West, where it will complete works on both the North and South routes. Tom Smith, SSE Enterprise Rail’s Director of Operations, said: “The award of this framework is fantastic news for SSE and our highly committed and focused Rail team. Competition for the work was incredibly strong. The contract underscores our team’s exceptional skills and capabilities and our exclusive geographical presence in UK rail – with 3,500 people available across 62 office and depot locations UK-wide. “We look forward to working with Network Rail over the coming months and years as we continue to demonstrate our ability to deliver projects safely and to a high standard. Our commercial team, under the leadership of Colin Robertson, put together a fantastic bid and we are delighted to have been awarded such a significant contract so early on in the CP6 process.” Raj Sinha Managing Director of SSE Enterprise Rail, said: “Our rail offer continues to grow stronger and, with a turnkey service incorporating financial support, design, deliver/build, maintenance and asset ownership, SSE is ideally placed to offer a very different strategic perspective and delivery system to support the rail industry. “This contract reinforces our clear intent to become a supplier of choice on Britain’s railways and signals how proficient we have become in this field of work. “With other strong opportunities on the horizon, we are working collaboratively to identify and deliver value-adding solutions through initiatives such as asset/project funding, asset ownership and alliances with Network Rail and other organisations including HS2 and Transport for London. “We believe we have something truly unique to offer the industry and this contract award, we anticipate, will be the first of many significant initiatives we will be actively involved with over the next five years and beyond.” SSE Enterprise Rail is a multi-disciplinary rail contractor that has worked across Britain’s railways for the last 17 years. Specialising in M&E and E&P projects, SSE Enterprise Rail has aspirations to support the ownership and funding of electrical infrastructure and provide greater energy services into the UK rail network. SSE Enterprise Rail is part of SSE plc, which employs more than 20,000 people UK-wide.
QTS Group Limited has been acquired by Leeds-based engineering services group Renew Holdings plc in an £80 million deal. This acquisition will add complementary services to Renew’s existing rail offering and increase its market share, footprint and positioning in the rail market. “We are delighted to welcome the management and staff of QTS to the Renew group. This is a very complementary and earnings enhancing acquisition that aligns with our established and proven strategy, strengthening our position in the UK infrastructure market,” said Paul Scott, CEO of Renew. “QTS has grown to become a leading and well respected brand in the Rail sector and we very much look forward to supporting its ambition for continued growth including opportunities via collaboration across our expanded range of services in this sector,” he continued. On behalf of Renew, Numis has placed 12,676,056 new ordinary shares of 10 pence each at a price of 355 pence per share with new and existing investors, raising £45 million and representing approximately 20% of the company’s existing issued share capital. The net will be then used to fund part of the deal, along with a £35 million four year term loan, £20 million revolving capital facility and £10 million overdraft facility provided by Renew’s existing lending bank HSBC. “QTS is delighted to be joining the Renew Group and we very much look forward to the future as part of a larger group. The transaction will provide opportunities to expand our market share and benefit from the synergies with their existing successful brands working in highly regulated sectors,” said Alan McLeish, managing director of QTS. Walker Morris advised Renew on the proposed acquisition of QTS and the placing. The law firm’s team of multidisciplinary specialist lawyers included Debbie Jackson, Richard Naish, Laura Cavell and Sonia Lonsdale (Corporate), Peter Considine and Laura Lister (Banking & Finance), Andrew Rayment and Charlotte Smith (Employment) and Sarah Bruce (Tax). The deal is expected to be completed on the 10th of May 2018, following the completion of the placing.
Newcastle International Airport has launched its Masterplan 2035, a blueprint for competing in the global economy, while delivering economic benefits for the region. Ahead of its 100th anniversary since it has been in operation, the new Masterplan is expected to drive continued growth. The passenger numbers are forecast to continue growing during that time, reaching up to 9.4 million passengers by 2035. It is hoped that the Masterplan will also help deliver a framework to allow for improved connectivity, ensuring people don’t have to use airports outside the North East. Remaining in draft form until the public consultation is complete, the blueprint outlines aims of supporting an increase in inbound tourism. As one of the biggest job providers and economic generators in the North East, Newcastle International employs 3,500 people on site and supports an estimated 18,900 roles throughout the region. The airport currently makes a GVA contribution of £1.16 billion for the economy, but the number could rise to £2.03 billion by 2035, while the jobs supported could reach 27,800. “Newcastle International has gone from strength to strength in recent years and we’ve set out a clear plan of action to continue to grow our airport to ensure it can compete in the global economy,” said Nick Jones, CEO at Newcastle International. “In the years to come, the connectivity provided by the airport will be even more important, and that’s why this plan seeks to safeguard for the future of not just the Airport but the whole region,” he continued. The Masterplan includes a possible extension of the runway, which will improve aircraft performance, as well as allow future destinations to be served from the existing runway. Other points raised include ways of minimising the airport’s impact on surrounding communities and the environment, and a Surface Access Strategy for continued improvement of the region’s road and public transport infrastructure. The consultation period to find out the public’s views on the Masterplan consists of drop-in sessions and meetings hosted at the airport and running from the 10th of May until the 13th of September.
National building and engineering company, Britcon has announced that it is taking part in the Stop. Make a Change campaign across its 400-strong workforce in the UK. The initiative, driven by the Civil Engineering & Contractors Association (CECA), is a national stand down which aims to raise better awareness about construction industry health and safety and mental health. In April 2017 the campaign was launched for organisations from across the UK infrastructure sector to take part. Sites, offices and production facilities stopped current works to focus on working together to build a healthier and safer industry. In 2018, the campaign expanded to the wider industry. The campaign focuses primarily on two key priorities, Mental Health and Plant Safety. Currently, one in four people will suffer from mental health issues each year, with more than 400,000 days being lost to work-related stress, anxiety and depression in construction. Construction relies heavily on the use of mobile plant to support delivery on site and with 217 people killed in the industry over the last five years and around 10 per cent hit by moving vehicles, awareness and training needs to happen continually. Paul Clarkson, Managing Director at Britcon said, “By taking part in Stop. Make a Change, we have committed heavily by signing up to cross-industry initiatives and leading our own change programmes within the company. “Through planning and organisation our Health & Safety team has developed a bespoke training programme and visited all of our current and live sites to conduct a training programme on both mental wellbeing and plant safety. Staff welfare is paramount at Britcon. CECA chief executive Alasdair Reisner commented “We are delighted by the impact that Stop. Make a Change has had in 2018. Across the country more than 80,000 people at companies like Britcon have joined forces to commit themselves to make a better, safer industry for everyone that works in it.” Britcon is committed to continue this training year-round and has also been awarded funds from the CITB to support further training which will starting in May 2018. Established for more than 26 years, Britcon is £50 million turnover business headquartered in Scunthorpe and directly employs over 100 people and more than 300 through subcontractors on its project sites across the UK. Key contracts includes a £13.5 million contract to deliver a new anaerobic digestion (AD) plant in Dagenham for food waste recycler ReFood (UK) Ltd, a series of new developments, extensions and refurbishment projects valued over £10 million for Lidl, and contracts worth over £4 million for global chemicals business Kemira for which it won ‘Contract of the Year 2017 from CECA. Britcon is listed by the London Stock Exchange in its report of ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Europe’. @Britcon_Limited
Progress on the award-winning Acton Gardens development in West London is steaming ahead, with Mick George Demolition Ltd appointed on behalf of Countryside Properties and L&Q to complete the forthcoming demolition works of Charles Hocking House as part of Phase 6.2. This sequence of work will focus on community facilities designed to support a reinvigorated neighbourhood. A new nursery, doctor’s surgery, retail space and incubator office locations are all set to be created, anticipated for completion by Summer 2020. The project will coincide with Phase 6.1 and will see new homes built above ground floor retail units, residing on the former Hardy Court. The retail space will contain Oaktree Community Centre, Bollo Youth Club, a dental surgery, supermarket and Café operations. L&Q, the landlord for the new buildings will also have a permanent office built here. In its entirety, a total of 308 residential properties will be available on phase 6. Acton Gardens is one of the largest residential regeneration schemes in London, aiming to transform a 52-acre site of the former South East estate in to a vibrant new urban quarter. When complete, the £600m scheme will deliver over 2,500 new homes, along with enhanced transport links, retail and community facilities and extensive public open spaces, throughout a 21 multi-phased initiative that is anticipated to be complete in 2026. Mick George Ltd has already completed Asbestos Management and Demolition works on former stages of the Acton Gardens development, with this contract bringing the total valuation of works undertaken to date beyond the £2.1million mark. Michael George, Contracts Director at Mick George Ltd commented: ‘’Having worked in partnership with Countryside Properties on a number of developments in the past, we’re pleased that they have recognised our credentials in providing multiple services on a project of this magnitude. Our contracting services are becoming increasingly sought after up and down the country, which is a testament to the quality of service that the business is providing.’’ George continued: ’’Acton Gardens is undergoing a tremendous transformation. This purpose-built community section will be crucial in developing a strong communal spirit at the heart of any desirable location.‘’
Renfrewshire Council has invested £7.2 million of its budget to improve routes across Renfrewshire. Part of the continuing physical and economic regeneration of the area, the programme is set to be delivered in 2018/19 and it will include the resurfacing and improvement of a number of high profile routes and a large number of busy rural and residential streets. “We recognise that a key concern for the Renfrewshire community is the quality and safety of our roads network which is why a significant investment has been made to make improvements,” said Councillor Cathy McEwan, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board. “While all roads cannot be repaired overnight, the investment we are making will ensure that the community begin to see tangible improvements immediately and a continual progress in the quality of our roads throughout the year.” The programme will focus on carriageway resurfacing, such as patching and surface dressing, as well as on addressing drainage improvements, footway resurfacing and crash and safety barrier installation. It will coincide with an enhanced schedule of pothole repairs, which will tackle the effects that severe weather has had on Renfrewshire’s roads. “We recognise there is a significant issue regarding potholes, which is affecting our roads due to the severe weather we faced this winter, with the freezing conditions causing the road surface to crack,” said Councillor McEwan. “This is an issue which has been seen nationally, even occurring on out motorways, and we have invested accordingly to ensure our teams can carry out the necessary repairs. We recognise the frustrations of road users and want to assure them that we are committed to providing a roads network that is fit for purpose and will work hard to address all problems across the area,” she concluded. The initial repairs that are part of the roads resurfacing programme are already underway, while the more extensive resurfacing work is set to begin shortly.
A new proposal that includes reducing congestion and improving passenger experience at Gatwick Airport railway station was submitted by Network Rail, in partnership with Gatwick Airport Ltd, Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership and the Department for Transport. The aim is to reduce crowding at the station, improve passenger flow and provide better connections between the railway station, airport terminals and onward travel destinations. “The proposals will transform passenger experience, support airport growth and, along with other upgrades of the Brighton Mainline – the £300m reliability fund and our proposals for Croydon – improve journeys and provide a boost to the local, regional and national economy,” said John Halsall, Network Rail manager director for the South East route. “Our proposals for the station are still being developed in detail and the submission of the planning application is an important step forward in this process.” The plan includes the following features: almost doubling the size of the rail station concourse, installing eight new escalators, five new lifts and four new stairways to improve accessibility and passenger flow, widening platforms 5 and 6 to reduce overcrowding, upgrading connections to the south terminal with improved passenger information, and create a new attractive roof structure. “The new Gatwick station is set to reduce congestion and give passengers a much improved experience, including a more seamless transition between airport and station,” said Guy Stephenson, Chief Commercial Officer at Gatwick Airport. “More than a million local commuters and business people also use the station each year and will benefit from this fantastic example of the public and private sector working together to deliver a world class transport hub.” If the project received planning permission and funding from all parties involved, then construction could begin in 2019 and be completed by 2022.
