Gilbert-Ash has been appointed as main contractor for a major reimagining of the landmark gallery on Royal Albert Dock, Tate Liverpool. This £29.75 million redevelopment will transform one of the UK’s most important spaces for modern and contemporary art. Designed by 6a architects, the plans have recently been granted planning
The Grade II listed former Post Office building in Lowestoft, has won a prestigious accolade at the East Suffolk Council’s Quality of Place Awards 2023, winning first place in the Conservation category. The awards recognise and encourage an interest in the quality of the built and natural environment of the
McLaughlin & Harvey picked up three awards at the Considerate Constructors Scheme’s 2023 Leading Lights Awards. The awards, held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London on 27 November, recognise sites, organisations and individuals who have gone above and beyond the Code of Considerate Practice in the areas of Community,
More than half of SME builders reported the planning system as their biggest barrier to delivering new homes, according to the Federation of Master Builders, FMB, annual survey. Respondents cited ‘inadequate resourcing’ of planning departments as the main reason for delays in applications followed by poor communication. FMB chief executive
Construction has begun in Antarctica for the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) with specialists arriving at Rothera Research Station to progress several projects to secure the future of polar operations and research. In a first for the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme (AIMP), some of the construction team along with BAS team
Leading construction and fit-out contractor, Gilbert-Ash has launched the second volume of its Landmark Landscapes publication at an exclusive event at the National Portrait Gallery. The beautifully designed book features a bespoke collection of standout buildings Gilbert-Ash has worked on in recent years and features projects including the Everyman Theatre,
Leading construction company, Henry Brothers, has received an award for Environmental Best Practice at the Green Apple Environment Awards. Designed to recognise organisations across the world that show innovation and commitment to being environmentally responsible, Henry Brothers received the prestigious accolade for its work on SportPark Pavilion 4, built for
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects has given 16 Design, Surveying and Planning T-Level students from Walsall College hands on experience at three sites as part of the Winvic Enrichment Programme. Over
Rotherham Council recently celebrated an important milestone towards achieving its aim to provide more affordable housing to the area. The completion of 12 homes at Harron Homes’ The Paddocks development in Wickersley marked the 500th home built and was celebrated by an event hosted at the development. Harron successfully put forward
Willmott Dixon has completed the structural phase of a new £12m facility for Army musicians at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) being delivered under the Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) Army Programme. A topping out ceremony took place to mark completion, with military officials and project partners from the Army delivery
Gilbert-Ash has been appointed as main contractor for a major reimagining of the landmark gallery on Royal Albert Dock, Tate Liverpool. This £29.75 million redevelopment will transform one of the UK’s most important spaces for modern and contemporary art. Designed by 6a architects, the plans have recently been granted planning permission and listed building consent. This year Gilbert-Ash completed work on the National Portrait Gallery in London and previously worked on the Stirling Prize winning Everyman Theatre in Liverpool. They have also acted as the main contractor for other celebrated cultural capital projects, including Battersea Arts Centre and Bristol Old Vic. Their heritage portfolio includes the refurbishment and restoration of the Grade II-listed City of London Freemen’s School and the refurbishment and extension of the Grade I-listed kitchen and dining building at Jesus College, Cambridge. Emma King, Capital Director, Tate, said: “Gilbert-Ash’s track record of working to the highest standards on both cultural and heritage buildings makes them the perfect contractors to deliver the reimagined Tate Liverpool. We look forward to collaborating with the architects and contractors to deliver this once-in-a-generation renewal, creating an art museum fit for the 21st century.” Raymond Gilroy, Construction Director, Gilbert-Ash, said: “We are delighted to have been selected to deliver this landmark and transformational project at Tate Liverpool. It is another unique project to add to our extensive portfolio in the Cultural, Arts and Heritage sector. Project Director, Rodney Coalter, who recently completed the National Portrait Gallery, London, will head up the team. The team is already in place finalising plans to deal with the many logistical and technical challenges that lie ahead, in advance of a start on site in early 2024. We are looking forward to developing successful and collaborative relationships with both our new client at Tate Liverpool, the wider project consultant team, and to a very successful project delivery.” Tate Liverpool is housed in an iconic 1846 warehouse that was redesigned by Sir James Stirling and Michael Wilford in the late 1980’s as the cornerstone of the reinvention of the Royal Albert Dock. It helped establish Tate as a pioneer for arts-led regeneration in the UK. The upcoming transformation will reimagine the gallery to meet the scale and ambition of today’s most exciting artists and to welcome visitors into a brand new museum environment. The designs include a new public ‘Art Hall’ on the ground floor, opened up to admit daylight and views across the historic dock. New gallery spaces over three floors will showcase the incredible diversity of Tate’s collection and are interspersed with public riverside foyers. Opening up the gallery’s façade will increase its visibility on the waterfront and within the Royal Albert Dock, creating an inviting destination with striking spaces for learning, play and relaxation. Environmental standards and thermal performance will be significantly improved with new services replacing fossil fuel, with renewables and natural ventilation introduced to the building to ensure better energy performance. Planning permission and listed building consent for the project was granted by Liverpool City Council in October and construction will commence early in 2024. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Grade II listed former Post Office building in Lowestoft, has won a prestigious accolade at the East Suffolk Council’s Quality of Place Awards 2023, winning first place in the Conservation category. The awards recognise and encourage an interest in the quality of the built and natural environment of the district and promote an awareness of the need for high standards in all forms of design, including planning, architecture, sustainable development, landscaping and community engagement. Purchased by East Suffolk Council in 2018 as part of a wider programme to boost regeneration in the town centre, the project to restore this 19th century building was made possible through the London Road, Lowestoft Heritage Action Zone project, funded by Historic England, East Suffolk Council and the Towns Fund. Local contractor R G Carter, started restoration works to the building at the start of 2022, working with architects Chaplin Farrant and Kings and Dunne, and heritage specialists to restore the external façade of the Grade II listed building. The completed works included over 60 sash windows refurbished and restored by carpenters from R G Carter, with Oak Hill stripping and preserving each frame with traditional linseed oil. The roof was also reinstated with natural Welsh slates and the ground floor restored to its original appearance. The conservation to the external fabric of the building, led by Aldis & May, started with steam cleaning all three storeys of stonework, followed by air lime repointing, consolidation and mortar repairs to walls and decorative features such as cornices and balusters, as well as removing algae, sulphation crusts, dirt, and a linseed oil surface coating. Heavily weathered balusters at the parapet were replaced, and repairs to the chimneys and leadwork and rainwater goods renewed. On their site visit in October, the Quality of Place Awards judging panel were impressed with the scope of the work, and the attention to detail that was behind every decision. They praised the team for their dedication to ensuring that every intervention was sensitive to the historic materials, and for their engagement with the local community during the project. They were happy to see the positive impact that the restoration has already had London Road North and excited to see the Post Office become a lively place once more, which this restoration will enable. Gavin Leeks, from R G Carter says; “We are delighted that the Post Office has received this conservation award in recognition of the craftmanship and commitment of everyone involved. It has been an honour to be part of this unique project and to play our part in bringing this important local building back to its former glory and preserve the rich architectural heritage in Lowestoft.” Tony Calladine, East Regional Director, Historic England, said: “Congratulations to everyone involved in the restoration of the former Post Office in Lowestoft on this well-deserved award. This important local landmark has been a central project of the London Road Heritage Action Zone and it’s wonderful to see the building repaired, restored, and ready for a new life. I’m looking forward to seeing people exploring and enjoying the revitalised space.” In May 2023, the high quality of the conservation repairs project was also recognised with the RIBA Suffolk Individual Craftmanship Award. Thanks to this flagship restoration project, the Post Office will once again benefit the people of Lowestoft. A conversion phase will commence in 2024 for the Post Office to become a new cultural arts space run by Messums, recognised for revitalising old buildings and embedding them within communities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
McLaughlin & Harvey picked up three awards at the Considerate Constructors Scheme’s 2023 Leading Lights Awards. The awards, held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London on 27 November, recognise sites, organisations and individuals who have gone above and beyond the Code of Considerate Practice in the areas of Community, Environment and Workforce. The company was presented awards in three categories: one for our work on West Asset Resource Centre (ARC) for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service; one for our Eden Campus project in Kingston Upon Thames; and an individual award for our Site Agent Matthew McAdam. West Asset Resource Centre (ARC) project for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Improving lives and creating lasting legacies was at the heart of McLaughlin & Harvey’s Community Matters Programme at the Scottish Fire and Rescue West Arc project. Partnering with local community groups, McLaughlin & Harvey targeted its resources directly to those in crisis, supporting hundreds of people experiencing the high cost of living and ongoing cuts to local services. Initiatives included a community lunch providing 100 hot meals; volunteering at a local foodbank; theatre ticket donations to tackle social isolation in the elderly; and monetary support to other charities and social enterprises. Delivering a positive impact to individuals and families experiencing isolation and poverty, the programme has generated £6.67m in Social Value and inspired teams to deliver similar initiatives across other projects. Eden Campus Our Eden Campus project was successful in the Physical Wellbeing category. McLaughlin & Harvey prides itself on being a good employer and considers the health, safety and wellbeing of both its workforce and those affected by its activities, fundamental to its business. An example of its commitment is evident on the Eden Campus project where McLaughlin & Harvey, together with the building’s end user, Unilever, helped create a positive and proactive health, safety and wellbeing culture. Working together the teams co-designed and implemented an employee engagement programme, supporting staff affected by the rising cost of living with donations and discounted Unilever products, uplifting morale with an ice cream van, and upskilling 226 individuals through CPD courses. The initiative has gained an overwhelmingly positive response and is expected to put £6,772 back into the community, increasing further as the engagement plan develops. Matthew McAdam, Site Agent Our Site Agent, and STEM Ambassador, Matthew McAdam received an Individual Champion Award in the Community category for his Snowy Waring The Explorer initiative. Matthew delivered a highly engaging and thought-provoking STEM programme to raise awareness and educate children on the importance of civil engineering and sustainable construction. Inspired by the Frozen Planet 2 TV series, Matthew used his professional network to find the resources to send ‘Snowy’, a local school mascot, on a round-trip to Antarctica. Matthew took the time to write a regular blog to accompany the adventure, he created a series of supporting resources and hosted a number of STEM events at local schools. Highlighting the damaging impact of climate and sea level change, and the significance of designing and constructing projects sustainably and responsibly to protect our planet, Matthew is inspiring a new climate-conscious generation. Commenting on the award wins, Alastair Lambe, Group SHEQ Director, said: “We’re proud to have accepted these awards in front of our industry peers, showcasing the efforts of our teams and individual employees to go above and beyond on our projects. The wins reflect the added value McLaughlin & Harvey creates for society through our business operations to improve the environment, economy and social well-being. “McLaughlin & Harvey is committed to improving the image of the industry by raising standards, building trust and ensuring that all our projects are working to the core values of the Considerate Constructor Scheme.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
More than half of SME builders reported the planning system as their biggest barrier to delivering new homes, according to the Federation of Master Builders, FMB, annual survey. Respondents cited ‘inadequate resourcing’ of planning departments as the main reason for delays in applications followed by poor communication. FMB chief executive Brian Berry said: “For small builders, the survey is clear that the system is too complex and costly. Communication from local planning authorities is also poor. Without changing this, planning issues are likely to loom large as a barrier for some time.” Extra expense due to planning delays was the most significant cause of additional costs. Out of the 127 members surveyed only 12 per cent had a ‘high degree of certainty’ in the planning process. Nearly half, 45 per cent, had medium certainty with a third, 32 per cent, seeing a low degree followed by 11 per cent with a very low degree of certainty in the planning process. The second biggest barrier was restricted mortgage availability with just over half, 51 per cent, indicating this was a problem. Buyer demand was at its lowest since 2015, when the survey began recording this data, with an average score of two out of five, with five being very good and nought being very poor. “This issue has seen a rapid rise over the last two years, reflecting the devastating impact the wider economy can have on the small house builders. With many consumers choosing not to take out mortgages it would appear the market is only getting smaller, resulting in less homes being built,” said Mr Berry. He added that this would be tough for SMEs whose housebuilding market share has dwindled from 40 per cent more than 30 years ago to just ten per cent now. Nearly a third of respondents, 63 per cent, said small site opportunities are decreasing, down from 82 per cent last year, with five per cent reporting that the number is increasing. And 60 per cent reported obtaining planning for small sites was worsening with 59 per cent believing national planning policy framework requirements on councils to identify sites wasn’t helping. “Lack of available land is also frustrating small builders and without proper incentives for local authorities to promote small sites it seems unlikely there will be much change,” added Mr Berry. Interest rate charges hold SME developers back Access to finance received the lowest rating in six years of just under two out of five with interest rate charges on new loans quoted as the most significant issue restricting the ability to build new homes. More than half, 53 per cent, cited self-build or custom contracts as the most popular source of funding for a new project. Brokers Hank Zarihs Associates said there were still development finance lenders out there offering a property development mortgage at a good rate. Nearly all respondents, 94 per cent, said it had become more expensive to build over the last 12 months. More than half, 53 per cent, said it had become 20 per cent more expensive with one in five saying it was 30 per cent more expensive per site. Just under a quarter, 24 per cent, plan to grow their on-site workforce over the next year with 57 per cent planning to keep roughly the same numbers and 12 per cent planning to decrease headcounts. Half of respondents said they would be upskilling their workforce with 36 per cent reporting they would hire one or more apprentices down slightly on last year’s 40 per cent. Over 70 per cent of respondents said they were not confident about the new rules on biodiversity net gain which go live next year. More than half said there would be increased costs associated with future homes standards in 2025 when gas boilers can no longer be installed. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction has begun in Antarctica for the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) with specialists arriving at Rothera Research Station to progress several projects to secure the future of polar operations and research. In a first for the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme (AIMP), some of the construction team along with BAS team members will be working through the Austral or Antarctic winter, known as ‘wintering’. This will see eight construction team members stationed at Rothera for seven months during Antarctica’s winter season from May through to November, in which some periods are spent in 24-hour darkness, with harsh polar weather. The season will see the team take further steps towards completion of Rothera’s science and operations facility – the Discovery Building – as much of the mechanical and electrical installation and internal fit-out is delivered. Across the next six months, teams will also be installing windows, completing flashings and finalising most of the cross-site utility works. During the upcoming season, teams will commence the critical work to resurface Rothera’s runway, which has been in operation for over 30 years. The runway resurfacing work will maintain safe flying operations in and out of Rothera to guarantee field science operations for UK and international scientists, and is expected to be completed by Spring 2024. There are over 100 construction specialists working on the project this season, with around a third of the team returning from previous years. The team consists of civil and structural engineers, as well as mechanical and electrical trades for the internal fit-out of the new building. BAS has commissioned a team of its scientists to conduct a comprehensive pre-construction environmental baselining survey for an infrastructure project. The findings from this survey will become an important part of informing future work in the region as the AIMP team and BAS scientists continue to work together to deliver solutions. The programme forms part of the UK Government’s long-term investment in the Polar Regions, enabling the UK to continue to lead climate, biodiversity and ocean research and innovation in the southernmost continent of the globe. The programme is delivered in partnership with BAM, Ramboll and Sweco. Since 2017, BAS has utilised the expertise and knowledge of the partners, and their extended supply chains, to ensure the success of delivering complex engineering solutions in the world’s harshest environment. Elen Jones, Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme Director at the British Antarctic Survey, said: “Following last season’s success, we’re gearing up for another important construction season for BAS and the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme. We are continually upgrading and improving our infrastructure at Rothera to make sure that the valuable and vital scientific research and support in this critical region can continue for the next generation. For the first time during the modernisation programme, some members of our team will be wintering at Rothera; experiencing something that very few people in the world can say that they have done. We’re immensely proud of their commitment and are excited to see us approaching the final stages of the Discovery Building as well as progressing key elements of our other projects.” Graham Hopper, Project Director at BAM, said: “The start of the new season brings a whole host of new challenges and an exciting next chapter in the development of Rothera. Planning and preparing for work like this requires a monumental effort from all the partners. We’ve been fortunate to work as a partnership for a number of years now, and the excellent progress we’ve made during that time is a testament to each of the partners. We look forward to another successful season of delivery.” Bruce Wulff, Framework Director at Ramboll, said: “Our team is fortunate to be a partner of AIMP and to have the opportunity to upgrade one of the most exciting workplaces anywhere in the world. There’s a lot of work to be done, which is critical to the site’s continued operation, and we’re delighted to be a part of it once again. We wish the team on site luck for this exciting season ahead!” Stewart Craigie, Technical Director at Sweco, said: “We are looking forward to achieving many more milestones this year as a result of our collaborative approach and partnership to design and construction and the technical skill and knowledge of a committed team, working together to transform polar science through innovative solutions and engineering in one of the most remote parts of the planet.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading construction and fit-out contractor, Gilbert-Ash has launched the second volume of its Landmark Landscapes publication at an exclusive event at the National Portrait Gallery. The beautifully designed book features a bespoke collection of standout buildings Gilbert-Ash has worked on in recent years and features projects including the Everyman Theatre, the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the Royal College of Music. Having delivered the largest redevelopment of the National Portrait Gallery since it opened in 1896, Gilbert-Ash chose the iconic venue as the perfect backdrop to celebrate the launch of the second volume of Landmark Landscapes. Gilbert-Ash’s special guest at the launch, which took place on Wednesday 22nd November, was renowned artist Colin Davidson. His portraits of Ed Sheeran and Sir Kenneth Branagh currently hang in the Gallery. In conversation with the National Portrait Gallery’s Chief Curator, Dr Alison Smith, Colin spoke about his artistic approaches and the importance of the landmark building in London. Speaking at the launch event, Gilbert-Ash’s Managing Director, Ray Hutchinson said the latest edition highlights exactly what is possible when Gilbert-Ash’s people work together, as one. He said: “Gilbert-Ash has a reputation for taking on landmark projects which require innovation and collaboration to succeed. “The standout projects in this volume demonstrate how we go above and beyond for our clients and work as one with our trusted supply chain to deliver iconic buildings. They highlight how we excel in working across a number of different sectors and this volume offers a pause for reflection and celebration of the satisfying results our efforts can achieve. “I am already looking forward to the next volume of Landmark Landscapes which will proudly feature our work on the National Portrait Gallery alongside our pipeline of other exciting projects.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading construction company, Henry Brothers, has received an award for Environmental Best Practice at the Green Apple Environment Awards. Designed to recognise organisations across the world that show innovation and commitment to being environmentally responsible, Henry Brothers received the prestigious accolade for its work on SportPark Pavilion 4, built for Loughborough University. Ian Taylor, Managing Director at Henry Brothers Construction, said: “It is fantastic to have been recognised on an international level for our efforts to help Loughborough University decarbonise its estate. “Having achieved Passivhaus Classic accreditation, widely regarded as the most challenging energy efficiency and comfort standards in the world, SportPark Pavillion 4 adds to our already impressive portfolio of sustainable builds. “This accolade is testament to the dedication of our staff to make a meaningful impact on the communities in which we operate and further strengthens our commitment to net zero.” In 2022, Henry Brothers launched its ‘Journey to Net Zero’ strategy, outlining its ambitious plans to reduce its carbon emissions by 2% each year by 2030. The award, which was presented at the Houses of Parliament, builds on these commitments and affirms the company’s dedication to sustainable partnerships. Joel Callow, Founding Director of Beyond Carbon Associates, worked alongside Henry Brothers to obtain Passivhaus Classic accreditation for the build. Joel said: “We are delighted that one of our favourite Passivhaus projects has won this prestigious award. “A notable achievement for Henry Brothers and setting a great example both for the region and nationally, as Sportpark Pavilion 4 is one of the very few certified Passivhaus office buildings in the UK. “Great leadership by Loughborough University.” For more information, visit henrybrothers.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects has given 16 Design, Surveying and Planning T-Level students from Walsall College hands on experience at three sites as part of the Winvic Enrichment Programme. Over a three-week period, the students spent a total of six days across three projects. Kent St Baths is a 406 apartment build-to-rent scheme in the centre of Birmingham being delivered for Edmond De Rothchild and Stoford’s Redditch Gateway is an industrial project where two facilities are being constructed. West Midlands Interchange is a 734-acre site where civils and infrastructure works have recently commenced for Oxford Properties Group and Logistics Capital Partners. The six days of on-site education not only upskilled and improved the confidence of students in further education, but it also contributes to the three projects’ social value commitments and Walsall College’s 35-hour enrichment activity aims. In total the sessions have provided 465 enrichment activity hours. Sessions in the Winvic Enrichment Programme have been designed to showcase several elements of a construction project, but they can also be tailored to meet the needs of each cohort and their course subject. Sessions enjoyed by Walsall College students included digital engineering, earthworks, planning, quantity surveying, CV writing, mental health and fairness, inclusion and respect (FIR); they were given activities to complete, site tours, got hands on and up close with various construction processes and were encouraged to ask questions at any time. The feedback received from the students and tutors was outstanding and a number of students contacted Winvic after the programme to express their thanks. One said: “I enjoyed meeting the QS and doing the task he provided us. I also enjoyed seeing how tasks are done and how knowledgeable the site team are and how they treat the site with respect and care.” Another student emailed: “I feel like I have learnt a lot in the past 6 days we’ve had on the different sites. I liked being able to meet new people and get their advice and opinions on the different sectors of the industry. I’ve definitely taken in a lot of information from everyone there and I think the thing that will stick the most is how you can always work your way up in the industry as long as you’re willing to put in the time and effort in.” “These 6 days gave me real experience and understanding of different processes in construction,” said another T-Level student. “Thank you to all the professionals who allocated time for us during their working day and showed us and told us about their tasks at construction sites, the work process, what difficulties they encountered, and what experience they had. It was very informative to listen to and ask each of the professionals questions.” The Programme has led to more engagement in the coming weeks including the provision of on-site block placements for four students; the new HTQ Level 4 in Construction Management for England students will also be visiting Crown Place Birmingham – Crown Student Living’s Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) project comprising 814 beds – for a bespoke one day site visit. Furthermore, Winvic collaborated with Walsall College over the summer to provide Continued Professional Development (CPD) training to two tutors, on site at IM Properties’ Peddimore industrial project, supporting them to gain knowledge about the very latest construction technologies, materials and methods of construction. Kayleigh Merritt, Winvic’s Talent Development Manager, commented: “This is the fourth time we have delivered an Enrichment Programme to students, and it has been wonderful to hear how much the students enjoyed each session and how the experience opened their eyes to different roles. Because we have a large number of projects in and around Birmingham, the students were able to visit projects in our three key sectors – multi-room, industrial and civils and infrastructure – and that was an added bonus to be able to show them even more than one site could offer. It’s no small task to organise a six-day programme so I’d like to thank our site teams and the numerous subcontract partners who contributed to providing this engaging learning experience.” Martin Lake, Lecturer in Advanced Construction at Walsall College, said: “We would like to thank Winvic’s talent and site teams for providing an excellent experience for our students and ourselves. A number of students have expressed that the induction placements provided an excellent insight into different sectors within the industry and have helped shape their future career choices.” For more details on the Winvic Enrichment Programme, please contact traning@winvic.co.uk. For more information on Winvic, the company’s latest project news and job vacancies please visit www.winvic.co.uk. Join Winvic on social media – visit X (formerly Twitter) @WinvicLtd – and LinkedIn. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Rotherham Council recently celebrated an important milestone towards achieving its aim to provide more affordable housing to the area. The completion of 12 homes at Harron Homes’ The Paddocks development in Wickersley marked the 500th home built and was celebrated by an event hosted at the development. Harron successfully put forward a bid to provide all 12 of the affordable homes to Rotherham Council. The 12 homes are made up of six rented units and six shared ownership homes which were purchased at a discount rate in line with Rotherham Council planning policy. Harron Homes’ Sales Manager Paul Walters welcomed Rotherham Council’s Deputy Leader Councillor Sarah Allen, and Assistant Director of Housing, James Clark to The Paddocks for the official handover of keys. The Council serves the residents of the city and surrounding areas. The affordable housing scheme is the latest in a series of measures to help families in the area find and maintain a home, with a target of acquiring hundreds of more homes by the end of March 2026. Councillor Sarah Allen said, “We are grateful to Harron homes for participating in the scheme and helping us reach this all-important milestone. Rotherham Council works to provide support for all those in our community and we are glad we can offer affordable housing to those who need it most. As a Council we have an important part to play in addressing the challenges faced and achieving better outcomes for the people of Rotherham.” Paul Walters added, “It was an honour to celebrate this important milestone with Councillor Allen and Mr Clark. Our teams dedicate themselves to delivering the highest quality in all areas and we are proud our homes can assist Rotherham Council in its goal of providing families with affordable housing. We look forward to continuing this relationship to support our local communities.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Willmott Dixon has completed the structural phase of a new £12m facility for Army musicians at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) being delivered under the Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) Army Programme. A topping out ceremony took place to mark completion, with military officials and project partners from the Army delivery team and Defence Infrastructure Organisation joining Willmott Dixon to celebrate the project’s progress. The purpose-built facility has been designed to house and support the talented musicians who serve in British Army Band Sandhurst, offering a modern and acoustically optimised environment for rehearsals, performances and musical collaboration. It can accommodate all 54 members of British Army Band Sandhurst, which performs at passing out parades and Sovereign’s parades, as well as supporting military sporting events and dinner nights with smaller ensembles. The new and refurbished buildings feature an instrument store, music library, offices, rehearsal rooms, storage, changing and toilet facilities, and a crew room. The facility also has sustainable features, with two of the blocks being installed with solar panels and heat source pumps. Major General Richard Clements CBE, director of Army basing and infrastructure said: “I am delighted to see the excellent progress on these modern, bespoke facilities for British Army Band Sandhurst and I congratulate the project team on reaching this significant construction milestone. “We trust this building will become a flagship facility to inspire future generations of Army musicians, who play such an important role in enhancing the reputation of UK Defence both at home and on the global stage.” The project is being delivered under the DEO Army Programme, which is investing £3.35bn over 10 years across 35 projects. The programme aims to improve the lived experience for soldiers by delivering an effective and sustainable Army Regular estate. William Phillips, national director at Pick Everard, said: “Our close collaboration across the range of project management and NEC supervisor services is providing an inspired space for army musicians. “At Pick Everard, we’ve worked on many projects with the British military over the past 30 years, understanding the unique processes, procedures, and security requirements of the sector. “We now look forward to this new venue taking shape and becoming an integral part of the army’s plans for generations to come.” Hazel Ide, senior programme manager for the Defence Estate Optimisation Programme said: “This project has brought old and new together brilliantly and is going to be a fabulous facility which reflects the history of this site alongside a state of the art new and very modern facility. “The teams, DIO, Army, the site personnel, Willmott Dixon, HLM and Pick Everard have worked together to resolve issues, understand risks, and come up with innovative solutions to some challenging problems to keep the project on track. Only by working together could we have delivered this project the way we have.” Adam Worrall, director at Willmott Dixon said: “I am delighted to be part of such a unique project that will serve as a sanctuary for musical talent within the Army. It will provide a new and modernised building that is high-quality and fit for purpose. I am looking forward to seeing its further progression over the coming months.” Construction will complete in 2024. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
