BDC

Search
Linkedin
Trades & Services : Construct & Build News
A double whammy for Balfour Beatty as the company features on TalkTV and Construction News during National Apprenticeship Week

A double whammy for Balfour Beatty as the company features on TalkTV and Construction News during National Apprenticeship Week

BDC News Team February 12, 2024

In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week, Balfour Beatty has featured on TalkTV and in Construction News, outlining the multitude of benefits Apprenticeships bring to businesses and individuals, the importance of industry collaboration, and the rewarding career opportunities the construction and infrastructure sector offers.     During the live TalkTV broadcast, Ryan

Read More »
GRAHAM secures Lakes Estate Renewal Project contract

GRAHAM secures Lakes Estate Renewal Project contract

Cristina Diaconu February 7, 2024

Milton Keynes City Council has announced the appointment of construction firm, GRAHAM as the principal contractor for Phase A of the Lakes Estate Renewal Project in Bletchley through Pagabo’s Major Works Framework. This two-stage design and build contract, valued at £70 million, represents a landmark moment in the rejuvenation of

Read More »
Stoford starts work on BBC’s new Digbeth home

Stoford starts work on BBC’s new Digbeth home

BDC News Team February 5, 2024

Work has started on transforming the former Typhoo Tea factory in Digbeth into the new BBC’s new Birmingham home. Stoford, the leading developer behind the new landmark 84,001 sq ft custom-built broadcast centre to be called The Tea Factory, located on Bordesley Street, marked the occasion with a start on

Read More »
Birkenhead Priory transformation plans approved

Birkenhead Priory transformation plans approved

Cristina Diaconu February 5, 2024

Plans to transform the museum area and overall visitor experience at Birkenhead Priory have been approved. It is benefitting from investment of more than £350,000 under the Town Deal grants awarded to Birkenhead that will enable significant improvements to be carried out at the historic site, which originally dates back

Read More »
Latest Issue
Issue 324 : Jan 2025

Trades : Construct & Build News

A double whammy for Balfour Beatty as the company features on TalkTV and Construction News during National Apprenticeship Week

A double whammy for Balfour Beatty as the company features on TalkTV and Construction News during National Apprenticeship Week

BDC News Team February 12, 2024

In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week, Balfour Beatty has featured on TalkTV and in Construction News, outlining the multitude of benefits Apprenticeships bring to businesses and individuals, the importance of industry collaboration, and the rewarding career opportunities the construction and infrastructure sector offers.     During the live TalkTV broadcast, Ryan Mayor, Early Careers Development Manager and Jalilah Chesshire, former Balfour Beatty Apprentice and current Assistant Quantity Surveyor, sat down with Presenter Ian Collins. Ryan explained: “It’s been transformational for Balfour Beatty. We’ve brought Apprentices into our business for many decades now and it’s absolutely critical. We are developing that skilled workforce for the future and without the Apprentices, we wouldn’t be able to have the presence on some of the projects we do have.” Ryan Mayor was also featured in Construction News discussing why collaboration is so crucial in addressing the skills gap in the infrastructure and construction industry. Commenting, Ryan said: “As we navigate the successes and challenges, we must collectively commit to improving our Apprenticeship programmes. By embracing innovation, fostering collaboration, and engaging with students early, we can create an Apprenticeship environment that not only meets current industry demands but also sets the stage for the future.” Balfour Beatty is committed to attracting the next generation of talent, with 6.5% of the company’s UK workforce made up of Apprentices, Graduates, Trainees and Sponsored Students as part of its membership of The 5% Club –  a dynamic movement of employers committed to providing ‘Earn & Learn’ positions. To watch the Talk TV interview, click here. Balfour Beatty is live from 44:50.  Or read the Construction News article in full, here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Telford based civil engineering and building contractor is celebrating 60 years of trading

Telford based civil engineering and building contractor is celebrating 60 years of trading

BDC News Team February 12, 2024

‘Safety, Quality, Value and Production’, were the watchwords of Jim McPhillips, founder of McPhillips Wellington, words that continue to underscore the work of the company today as it celebrates sixty years of trading in 2024. In the beginning it was all about digging footings and drainage for local house builders. This was followed by expansion during the 1980’s into larger industrial buildings for businesses moving into Telford. Further expansion saw complex civil engineering projects bearing the name of McPhillips on site banners. Today McPhillips provides industry leading design, construction and development to the residential infrastructure, public civil engineering and building sectors throughout the Midlands, North West England and Wales. This diverse experience of civil engineering and building contracts provides a unique ‘single source’ solution. McPhillips have always been based in Shropshire, the firm moved to its current purpose built headquarters at Hortonwood, Telford in 1989. Over the decades McPhillips has recognised the value to the business of directly employing its workforce. In contrast to a growing industry trend for subcontracting on a project by project basis, McPhillips employs over 240 personnel including a 170 strong in-house workforce for on-site labour, eighty percent of whom live within 20 miles of Head Office in Telford. Over 20% of McPhillips’s direct workforce began life as apprentices. Every year a fresh intake of apprentices are placed into suitable teams, each fulfilling genuine roles within the company, they receive a competitive wage whilst also studying towards an NVQ Level 2 in Construction Operations at Telford college. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Gilbert-Ash appointed to deliver new £31million St Paul’s Junior School in West London

Gilbert-Ash appointed to deliver new £31million St Paul’s Junior School in West London

BDC News Team February 9, 2024

An award-winning construction company has been appointed to deliver a £31million building project at a school which was founded more than 157 years before the Great Fire of London in 1666. St Paul’s School, which is located on a 45-acre site adjacent to the River Thames in Barnes, West London, has awarded Gilbert-Ash the contract to construct a new junior school along with playgrounds and associated landscaping works. The project will consist of two new buildings. Junior School West will be a three-storey building housing a teaching block and changing facilities while Junior School East will be a two-storey facility comprising a teaching block and double height hall. The Junior School West building forms the central ‘heart’ space of the school. It will provide generous multi-functional exhibition space, surrounded by teaching spaces to encourage high levels of social interaction between pupils and staff. The Junior School East building will be linked to the West building by a covered external play space named ‘The Barn’. Gilbert-Ash Managing Director, Ray Hutchinson, said the company is delighted to be taking on such a prestigious project and to be teaming up once again with Hawkins\Brown Architects. He said: “St Paul’s School is steeped in history and has been providing first class education for boys for hundreds of years. This project will ensure this legacy continues in Barnes for generations to come. “Gilbert-Ash has a growing reputation for delivering excellent projects in the education sector, with many of these in partnership with the team at Hawkins\Brown. “Together we have delivered stand-out projects at both City of London Freemen’s School, Central Foundation Boys’ School and The Bartlett School of Architecture. “We are looking forward to once again working in collaboration with Hawkins\Brown, St Paul’s School and of course the other teams on this exciting project.” Targeting a BREEAM rating of excellent, the new buildings will be heated with air source heat pumps with photovoltaic panels on the roof which will also house a green roof system. External drainage incorporates storm and foul water diversion, porous surface overflow pipework and a rain garden. Interior fit-out plans include acoustic wall panels and slatted timber acoustic panels and lining, while flooring will vary from engineered hard wood flooring, linoleum and carpeted areas. Soft landscaping will include shrub herbaceous planting, hedge planting and grassland meadow, in addition to a rain garden. Hard landscaping will include linear concrete block paving, permeable black and coloured tarmac, permeable resin bound aggregate, play bark and a hybrid turf system, in addition to insitu rubber safety surfaces. School life will continue during the construction period, which is due to complete in autumn 2025, with pupils and staff decanted to temporary accommodation. The school was founded in 1509 by John Colet, the Dean of St Paul’s. Its governance was entrusted to the fellowship of the Mercers of London, the Premier Guild of the City of London, to act as governors of the new school. Following the great fire of London in 1666, St Paul’s School moved location four times before settling in 1968 at the present site at Barnes where it provides education for around 1,000 boys from the ages of 4-18 years old. Its initial renewal campaign was successfully achieved with the redevelopment of on-site buildings between 2011-2019. In 2014, the construction of the new drama centre and Samuel Pepys Theatre was completed, in addition to a general teaching building, dining hall and library build completed in 2020. The majority of previous work has been focused on the senior school, with current works seeking to redevelop and provide new facilities for the junior school. Gilbert-Ash has a unique approach to construction, fit-out and refurbishment based on the belief that great buildings come about through hard work, inspired innovation and genuine collaboration.   To find out more about Gilbert-Ash visit www.gilbert-ash.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Midlands and North contractor completes first phase of Yorkshire logistics hub

Midlands and North contractor completes first phase of Yorkshire logistics hub

Kenneth Booth February 9, 2024

McLaren Construction Midlands and North has delivered phase one of Konect 62 – a speculative industrial and logistics development located in Knottingley, West Yorkshire. Comprising three sustainable units across the 60-acre first phase which are now available to let, the contractor worked together with C4 architects to complete the first phase for joint venture partners, Henderson Park and Cole Waterhouse. With a capability of providing over 1,500 jobs, phase one units include 161,000, 151,000 and 61,000 sq. ft options alongside a 30-acre service plot, which was delivered with utilities and access to accommodate several Build-to-Suit options. The entire Konect 62 development, which will include multiple phases, will be adopting low carbon building design and technology to target a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating. McLaren Construction Midlands and North inducted 1,350 people during the delivery of the first phase, and a combined total of 138,200 work hours were required for the build. The Konect 62 site is located on the previous site of Kellingley Colliery, the last deep mine in the UK which opened in 1959 and closed in 2015. Gary Cramp, Managing Director of McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “We’re pleased to have delivered phase one of this landmark industrial and logistics hub, for joint venture partners Henderson Park and Cole Waterhouse, of which we’ve received excellent feedback. “Our dedicated team and subcontractors worked exceptionally hard to ensure the quality, sustainability and timeliness of the phase, which was completed in 12 months, using predominantly local labour from the surrounding community. The scheme will provide essential jobs and opportunities for the sector in a prime location.” David Nuttall, Managing Director of Industrial & Logistics at Cole Waterhouse, said: “McLaren has delivered an excellent first phase at Konect 62, exactly 12 months from signing the build contract. The three units and 30-acre plot set the tone for the remainder of the site and firmly establish Konect 62 as a genuine business location. A year ago, the site was featureless, and all traces of the former mine had been cleared. The change today is dramatic, and it is now a first-rate logistics park offering a variety of existing units and Build-to-Suit opportunities.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
GRAHAM secures Lakes Estate Renewal Project contract

GRAHAM secures Lakes Estate Renewal Project contract

Cristina Diaconu February 7, 2024

Milton Keynes City Council has announced the appointment of construction firm, GRAHAM as the principal contractor for Phase A of the Lakes Estate Renewal Project in Bletchley through Pagabo’s Major Works Framework. This two-stage design and build contract, valued at £70 million, represents a landmark moment in the rejuvenation of the Lakes Estate, marking one of the first regeneration projects of its kind for Milton Keynes. Originally built in the sixties, the Lakes Estate has played a crucial role in Bletchley’s history but now needs renewal. With planning approval granted in 2022, the Lakes Estate Renewal Project aims to breathe new life into the area, addressing the need for new homes, improved amenities, and healthier living conditions. This phase of the project focuses on the construction of 183 new homes. New community facilities will be also created, including a nursery, a community hub, and two retail units, envisioned as a pharmacy and food takeaway, catering to the needs of residents living on the estate. Rob Joyce, Development Director at GRAHAM, said: “We are proud to have been selected by Milton Keynes City Council to deliver this crucial phase of The Lakes Estate. This renewal project signifies not only a substantial investment in community regeneration but also a commitment to enhancing the wellbeing and vitality of the residents who live there. We are committed to working closely with the council to transform the Lakes Estate into a thriving and sustainable living space for the community.” Cabinet Member for Adults, Housing and Healthy Communities, Cllr Emily Darlington said: “We’re delighted to be delivering this project with GRAHAM which will make a lasting difference for the whole community on the Lakes Estate. The building work is part of a much wider programme to deliver real change for local people and empower them to live healthy and prosperous lives.” Ben Jones, Head of Delivery – South of England at Pagabo, added: “Pagabo is really proud to have supported Milton Keynes City Council (MKCC) on such an important project for the community, and the City. We’ve worked with the project team at MKCC since early 2021 to support and deliver the procurement, via our Major Works 2020 framework. The delivery of social value for MKCC has been vital to this project. We’re really looking forward to seeing GRAHAM deliver that, as part of this flagship project.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Stoford starts work on BBC’s new Digbeth home

Stoford starts work on BBC’s new Digbeth home

BDC News Team February 5, 2024

Work has started on transforming the former Typhoo Tea factory in Digbeth into the new BBC’s new Birmingham home. Stoford, the leading developer behind the new landmark 84,001 sq ft custom-built broadcast centre to be called The Tea Factory, located on Bordesley Street, marked the occasion with a start on site launch event, which was attended by Tim Davie, Director General of the BBC, as well as Hayley Valentine, BBC Head of Midlands; Councillor John Cotton, Leader of Birmingham City Council; Neil Dobson, Director, Aviva Investors; Andy Street, the West Midlands Mayor; Dave Hartley and Alan Bell of BAM Construction. Gerard Ludlow, Stoford Director, said: “After months of planning and preparing the site, it’s exciting to start work on revitalising this historic building and, in time, working with our partner The Gooch Estate, we will bring forward a much larger mixed-use scheme known as Typhoo Wharf which sits around the wider area adjacent to the Bordesley Street landmark. “With our strategic partners, we have created an exciting blueprint that will provide a stunning home for the BBC, which will be the corporation’s most sustainable and flexible centre yet. Over the next three years, as work progresses, anyone visiting Digbeth will be able to see the scheme unfolding.” When it completes in 2026, the custom-built scheme, which is located next to Digbeth Loc Studios, will house several BBC editorial teams, including The Archers, BBC Asian Network, BBC Newsbeat, BBC Radio WM and Midlands Today. Stoford is committed to retaining the historic legacy of the almost 100-year-old factory but also delivering a pioneering scheme using low carbon principles. The reuse of the original iconic 1930s building will be the heart of the Typhoo Wharf scheme and is on target to achieve a BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ and EPC ‘A’ rating. BAM Construction is the appointed contractor to deliver the scheme, which is majority-funded by Aviva Investors on behalf of its Lime Property Fund, with a grant from Birmingham City Council. Neil Dobson, Director, Real Estate, at Aviva Investors, said: “As one of the largest investors in UK real estate, we are really pleased to contribute towards the development of this scheme, revitalising an area of underutilised land in the city and with the potential to add significant social value to the local economy through job creation and local business opportunities. We look forward to working with our partners in bringing the project to life as an enviable flagship site, whilst reflecting our focus on high-quality, sustainable and low carbon real estate.” Tim Davie, BBC Director-General, said: “This is a significant step, not just for the BBC, but for invigorating the wider creative industries in the Midlands. We are transforming The Tea Factory into a world-class state of the art production facility which will benefit the region for generations to come. “Digbeth will deliver world-class programmes, be a centre for excellence and bring investment and new opportunities to one of the most vibrant parts of the country.” Birmingham City Council leader Cllr John Cotton said: “The council has worked closely with the BBC, Stoford and The Gooch Estate, providing vital funding through the Enterprise Zone, to get this exciting project to this stage and I’m delighted that building work is now underway. “The Tea Factory will further cement Digbeth’s growing reputation as a hub for media and creativity and the rebirth of this historic site will be a catalyst for the wider regeneration and development, creating jobs and opportunities for the people of Birmingham.” Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “This latest announcement marks a major step forward in the wider story of the resurgence of the creative industries in the West Midlands. The Tea Factory – set to be the BBC’s new home in Birmingham – has been years in the making and the spades now in the ground will help supercharge the regeneration already underway in Digbeth.” Over the next decade, Stoford plans to deliver up to 800,000 sq ft of new residential, office and hospitality accommodation around the new BBC building. The wider scheme will see more than 10 acres of underutilised land around Typhoo Wharf and the adjoining canal basin transformed into a new mixed-use neighbourhood characterised by attractive public spaces and open thoroughfares.  The scheme will also benefit from a new tram stop and is just a couple of hundred metres from the planned HS2 Curzon Street terminus.For more information about Typhoo Wharf, visit: www.typhoowharf.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Birkenhead Priory transformation plans approved

Birkenhead Priory transformation plans approved

Cristina Diaconu February 5, 2024

Plans to transform the museum area and overall visitor experience at Birkenhead Priory have been approved. It is benefitting from investment of more than £350,000 under the Town Deal grants awarded to Birkenhead that will enable significant improvements to be carried out at the historic site, which originally dates back to the year 1150. A key part of this investment will see the transformation of one of the most eye-catching parts of the existing Birkenhead Priory into a much-improved visitor attraction. The revamp of the ‘Undercroft’, which dates back to the 14th century and features an imposing – and intact – vaulted stone ceiling, will make for a much-enhanced visitor experience, enabling residents and visitors to gain an even-greater insight into the history and heritage of this unique attraction. Improvements supported by the Town Deal grant will also include the reinterpretation of displays to exhibit even more artefacts that tell visitors about the former monastery’s fascinating history, some using state-of-the-art museum equipment and technologies. Visitors will be able to get a better view of the historic floor, with a new system to protect it from harm installed. Proposals have also been made to improve access to the Refectory space on the floor above with the installation of a platform lift. Other improvements to the wider site included in the overall investment are repairs to the historic Chapter House chapel and the installation of a new landmark lighting system on the tower of St Mary’s Church, the only remains of the church, which occupied the site between 1819 and 1977. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Balfour Beatty secures contracts valued at £43 million to construct two new primary schools in Scotland

Balfour Beatty secures contracts valued at £43 million to construct two new primary schools in Scotland

Kenneth Booth January 31, 2024

Balfour Beatty today announces that it has been appointed by Hub South East to deliver two new primary schools, valued at £43 million, in East Lothian, Scotland. Balfour Beatty will be responsible for the design and construction of the two new primary schools, located in Craighall and Blindwells, which will house state-of-the-art, modern teaching facilities and learning spaces for over 840 students. The primary schools are required to meet demand from ongoing and planned house building in the local area, and on completion, will support East Lothian Council’s vision to develop a modern, safe, sustainable learning estate that enhances and supports communities whilst improving the lives of families. The primary schools will be constructed using Passivhaus principles – a quality assurance process for the design and construction of low energy buildings – and will utilise high-performance windows and doors as well as mechanical ventilation with heat recovery to reduce carbon emissions, improve indoor air quality and reduce energy demand and heating bills. In addition, as part of its commitment to leaving a lasting, positive legacy in the communities in which it operates, Balfour Beatty has committed to provide at least 20 employment opportunities for local people, as well as deliver a number of employability workshops, including drone and virtual reality sessions, at nearby schools and colleges. Hector MacAulay MBE, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s regional construction business in Scotland, said: “This latest contract award is testament to our expertise and experience in delivering high-quality, sustainable educational facilities in Scotland and our proven track record of giving back to local communities. “We look forward to working closely and collaboratively alongside Hub South East and East Lothian Council, to successfully deliver these new schools which will provide an exciting and inspirational learning environment for hundreds of children.” Construction is due to commence next month with completion expected in 2025. At construction peak, Balfour Beatty will employ 200 people with 5% of its workforce made up of apprentices, graduates and trainees to support its commitment to The 5% Club.   Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Red Construction Group announces FY23 Results, Lauds Stepping Stone Year for over 60 per cent growth

RED Construction Group announces FY23 Results, Lauds Stepping Stone Year for over 60 per cent growth 

BDC News Team January 25, 2024

RED Construction Group, the specialist main contractor, has announced its results for the 2022/23 financial year. Alongside stabilising its revenue, the Group has used the year – and subsequent months – to set the company up for more than 60% growth in 2023/24. Across the financial period, from 1st April 2022 to 31st March 2023, RED Construction Group reported a turnover of £62.15m, maintaining a pre-tax profit of more than £1m, and growing the team by a third. This represents a stabilised income stream when comparing with the previous year, with the 12-month period solidifying RED Construction Group’s reputation for delivering quality developments throughout London and the South West. The last financial year, and the nine months that have since passed, has allowed RED Construction Group to implement the infrastructure required to expand the business. The Group has already secured £100m in contracts for the current financial year, with expectation of this rising further, and including significant growth for the South West division – which launched in late 2021 – going from returns of £12m in 2022/23 to a predicted £35m in 2023/24. RED Special Projects, created to deliver on schemes valued between £2m and £10m, will itself turnover more than £25m in the current financial year, while across the Group, staff numbers have risen from 132 in April 2023 to now just under 200. The evolved business structure, alongside investment in back-of-house processes, has given RED Construction Group the ability to scale to meet the needs of new and existing clients. Graham Sturge, CEO, RED Construction Group, commented: “The focus of the last financial year was to stabilise the business, while investing in key areas that would enable us to grow in the future. I’m delighted to say we have achieved both and are already seeing the benefits of it. The past two years have been challenging, with a volatile construction market and many businesses suffering along the way. In spite of this, we laid the foundations for growth, have doubled our team size and are contracted on projects that will guarantee us a more than 60% revenue uplift. With a record year already on the horizon, we’ll continue to push what RED Construction has built its reputation on: creating long-lasting relationships, channelling real enthusiasm for the work, and delivering great schemes our people and our clients are proud of.” Key project wins and completions in that timeframe include Phase One of the £35m LEGOLAND Woodland Village scheme in Windsor for Special Projects, the London team’s delivery of a £26m commercial scheme in the City of London, the appointment on landmark office projects with Grosvenor and Hines, and a £13.5m contract in the South West to construct extra-care apartments for the St Monica Trust. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
MC Construction begins work on scheme to transform Crewe’s Civic and Cultural Quarter

MC Construction begins work on scheme to transform Crewe’s Civic and Cultural Quarter

BDC News Team January 25, 2024

A multimillion-pound scheme to transform the civic and cultural quarter of Crewe town centre is under way. The project involves: Salford-based MC Construction has completed the first phase of the scheme, which involved enabling works to strip out the former library next to Memorial Square where the history centre will be developed, clearing the structure over the existing Civic Centre car park and erecting a temporary entrance to the magistrates’ courts. MC Construction will begin the next phase in February when it dismantles the former library building and the existing concourse. This phase is expected to be completed by summer 2024. The works by MC Construction are being undertaken for Cheshire East Council. Russ Forshaw, managing director of MC Construction, said: “This scheme will transform the civic and cultural quarter of Crewe town centre by providing new and greatly improved facilities for the public. “Having successfully completed numerous other projects for Cheshire East Council, we are proud to be working with the authority once again and to further strengthen our relationship with this valued client.” The revamp is being supported by the government’s Towns Fund and Future High Streets Fund. The history centre, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, will co-host the regional’s written and pictorial history collections with a second history centre being built in Hoole, Chester. This scheme has been driven by Cheshire Archives and Local Studies, a shared service of Cheshire East and Cheshire West and Chester councils. The centres will replace the archive service’s current facility and open the collections to new audiences across Cheshire. The centres will have climate-controlled environments and will feature event and gallery areas to host performances, workshops and exhibitions, more space for people to conduct research and better spaces to make the collections more accessible to the public. Other professionals involved alongside MC Construction include Bowker Sadler Architecture, Davis Partnership and Wardell Armstrong. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »