The jaw-dropping scale of the steep-tiered south stand at Everton Stadium is visible for the first time following the installation of terracing. Virtually all of the double-stepped concrete terracing units are now in place in the stand, which will eventually house over 13,000 Evertonians. The next major visual change will
Leading Cheshire based glazing specialists, RED Systems have announced the launch of their new SFS Division, RED Optimal. The new division was formed following RED Systems’ acquisition of Liverpool based Optimal Building Solutions (OBS) earlier this year. Headed up by owner, Steve Williams, OBS had been operating successfully in the
Award-winning contractor Beard has started work on a trailblazing Design, Technology & Engineering (DTE) building at Stowe School in Buckinghamshire. The £5.9 million project will see Beard’s Oxford office build a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility at the school’s campus in the grounds of the historic Stowe House. The two-storey building will
As an acknowledged specialist in dealing with the presence of lead paint, as well as the restoration of all types of metal windows, Associated Steel Window Services (ASWS) has carried out a detailed contract on behalf of Collins Construction during the refurbishment of 35 Dover Street in London. The London-based
Regional construction company I&G have opened new premises in the North East, following a growth in demand for work in the area. I&G, who are headquartered in Elland, West Yorkshire, with additional offices in East Yorkshire and Leeds, specialise in complex construction projects in the health, education, food and commercial
The final phase of an ambitious 18-month project to refurbish the renowned Warburg Institute in Woburn Square, central London started in September 2023. The institute has been part of the University of London since 1944 and is one of the world’s leading centres for research and teaching on the interaction
Teagan Hudson has been promoted to Improvement and Compliance Manager, which is a newly created role at award-winning Leeds based contractor Priestley Construction. Teagan will be responsible for updating and revising the company’s processes and systems to ensure they are as efficient and effective as possible. She will also oversee
Construction is now under way on the comprehensive refurbishment of the Grade II listed Adelaide House in the City of London. Originally completed in 1924 on the site of the original London Bridge, Adelaide House was the City of London’s first steel frame building. At the time of construction, it
As part of its commitment to upskilling the next generation, McLaren Construction (Midlands and North), has welcomed four new interns to its construction division, helping young individuals to gain valuable experience and strengthen their skill set. Apprentice planner, Tommy Bordicott; trainee quantity surveyor, Robbie Yusuf; trainee quantity surveyor Ellie Marnell
Nationwide refurbishment contractor, Fortis Vision, has welcomed seven new team members into brand new positions as part of its national growth strategy. Tom Lewis – a new quantity surveyor, Tracy Lamont – a new project coordinator and Sam Wise – a new HR manager have joined the business this spring.
The jaw-dropping scale of the steep-tiered south stand at Everton Stadium is visible for the first time following the installation of terracing. Virtually all of the double-stepped concrete terracing units are now in place in the stand, which will eventually house over 13,000 Evertonians. The next major visual change will see blue seats installed in the upper sections, as part of the ongoing programme which has spread across the north stand – and aims to have them in place across the whole upper tier of the bowl by Christmas. Externally, the south stand is also showing off its new façade following the installation of glazing in the second level concourse. The angled panels, which stretch across the entire face of the stand, have been designed to reflect the water from the adjoining Nelson Dock and help tie the stadium into its maritime surroundings. Meanwhile, the first giant speakers have been positioned into the roof spaces of the north stand. The curved units will hang from all four stands as part of the PA system. This has coincided with the departure from site of the last 600 tonne crawler crane, which was used mainly in the complex construction of the roof. A service tunnel, left open in the east stand to provide vehicular access to the pitch area, can therefore be closed off now in preparation for lower terracing units being installed. Work also continues to finish off the restoration of the historic Hydraulic Tower and Engine House. The buildings, dating back to 1883, have been lovingly renovated using existing and salvaged brickwork, new zinc roofing and the installation of windows sympathetic to the original design. A decorative capstan was this week reinstated at the entrance to the Hydraulic Tower, again as a nod to the building’s huge importance in the dock’s rich maritime history. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading Cheshire based glazing specialists, RED Systems have announced the launch of their new SFS Division, RED Optimal. The new division was formed following RED Systems’ acquisition of Liverpool based Optimal Building Solutions (OBS) earlier this year. Headed up by owner, Steve Williams, OBS had been operating successfully in the SFS and fit-out sectors for over 20 years. Steve Williams will now join the RED team as Managing Director of RED Optimal, to help integrate the new division into the company and provide invaluable expertise in the SFS space. By combining their market-leading expertise in commercial glazing, curtain walling and SFS, the RED group will now be able to offer a single, competitively priced solution for two critical path packages, which in turn will improve envelope procurement and delivery for their clients. The wide-ranging benefits of this approach for the main contractor includes less packages to let, one design solution, fully covered by PI, with coordinated delivery on site that is all fully Building Safety Act compliant. Speaking about the new venture, Mike Green, Managing Director of RED Systems said: ‘This development will offer huge benefits for our clients here at RED. The advantages of appointing a single contractor to deliver the combined SFS & Glazing package are massive in terms of logistics, programme delivery and cost and we are delighted to be working with Steve and the team on this new venture.’ RED Optimal will offer complete building structure and shell solutions. Driven by early engagement, the team will provide a full design service at pre-construction stage, working in tandem with the glazing team to provide a full scope review of projects I order to deliver the most appropriate solution. RED Optimal Managing Director, Steve Williams commented: ‘By combining our expertise, we will be able to offer clients a speedy, accurate, compliant and cost-effective solution, with one point of contact, which will add value of every stage of project delivery.’ The RED Optimal partnership has already been successful in delivering a full glazing / SFS, dry envelope solution for the high-profile Stockport Interchange scheme. Working with colleagues from Willmott Dixon, the team installed 3,570 m2 of windows and curtain walling, utilising Metal Technology products including: 5-35 hi+ glazing system and System 17 for the curtain walling aspect. Feedback from colleagues at Willmott Dixon was universally positive with Principal Surveyor, Michael Blackburn commenting: “From our perspective, RED Systems performance on Stockport Interchange was exemplary. The quality of in the installation, the attitude of their supervisor, the productivity on site as well as how they worked with us on any programme or commercial matters and their knowledge of wider issues in the industry, such as Reg 38, meant for us, they were one of our highest performing Supply Chain Partners on the project. Combining the SFS and Curtain Walling packages with one partner worked fantastically well for us. It allowed for greater co-ordination on site and gave us tangible programme benefits. The use of protection screens meant that the sequence between trades was critical, and RED pulled out all the stops for us.” The RED Optimal team have also been successful in securing the SFS and glazing package for the new Manchester College City Campus (Phase 2) at the former Boddingtons Brewery site on Great Ducie Street. ‘Early engagement and helping educate our clients on the benefits of full envelope procurement is key,’ commented Mike Green. ‘We have been delighted with the feedback from our key clients so far and look forward to working on some exciting schemes over the next few months and beyond.’ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Award-winning contractor Beard has started work on a trailblazing Design, Technology & Engineering (DTE) building at Stowe School in Buckinghamshire. The £5.9 million project will see Beard’s Oxford office build a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility at the school’s campus in the grounds of the historic Stowe House. The two-storey building will comprise of modern teaching spaces, studios and workshops, and will serve as its own educational resource. Instead of many of the internal finishes traditionally found in other buildings, the structure, joints, beams and bolted connections will be purposely left exposed. All services will be colour-coded and will remain uncovered, allowing students to observe the infrastructure of pipes through internal walls, right through to the plant room. Working alongside architects Design Engine, the project aims to minimise material use and be suitable for deconstruction, should the area ever need to be restored to woodland. With a clear emphasis on structural embodied carbon, the Beard team will be working with key supply chain partner B&K Hybrid Solutions on the timber frame construction consisting of glulam and CLT (cross-laminated timber). Beard has already begun work on the foundations, completing the installation of helical piles ahead of the steel framing and ground floor concrete slab. The project itself is set to complete next autumn. While the site is secured with fencing and hoardings, Beard is working closely with the school to minimise disruption and ensure students and staff remain safe. In addition to scheduling deliveries outside of high-traffic periods, the team are using a separate entrance for heavy goods, helping to protect the weak bridge at the main school entrance. Beard will also be engaging with students in the new year through talks and site visits, allowing pupils to not only experience the finished project, but to ask questions and follow along in its build. Dean Averies, Beard director for Oxford, said: “With our reputation in the education sector, Beard has had the privilege of being involved in a number of prestigious builds across the region. This innovative project is another fantastic example, and we’re incredibly proud to support Stowe School in delivering a state-of-the-art facility to truly bring these exciting subjects to life. “Beard is well known for delivering ambitious buildings to a high standard of quality. This project is a great opportunity for us to demonstrate this and our commitment to prompt and faultless delivery. Not only is there nowhere to hide with many elements of the building remaining exposed, but the entire build and installation must be exemplary, to provide an educational tool and benchmark for students.” Dr Anthony Wallersteiner, head of Stowe School, added: “We are delighted to see Beard start work on the new Design, Technology & Engineering building. Nestled in the grounds of historic Stowe and in the shadow of Silverstone and the UK’s engineering heartland, the cutting-edge DT&E Centre will complement its surroundings, all while providing an extraordinary educational resource for our future architects, designers and engineers. “We look forward to the project completing next autumn and working closely with Beard to share their insight and expertise throughout the build.” Lee Roberts, pre-construction director, B&K Hybrid Solutions, said: “We’re delighted to be delivering the innovative Stowe School alongside Beard and the local authority. BKHS have a great wealth of experience in the education sector, and are excited to add another premium, low-carbon building to our repertoire. The project shows a real commitment to low-carbon building solutions and we look forward to sharing the journey with the students and faculty at Stowe School.” Through its offices in Swindon, Oxford, Guildford and Bristol, Beard has completed education projects across primary, secondary, further education and SEND provisions. In addition to extensive work with Oxford University and its colleges, Beard has worked closely with the likes of Abingdon School, Marlborough College in Wiltshire and Mary Hare School in Newbury – the UK’s largest school for the deaf. For more information, please visit www.beardconstruction.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As an acknowledged specialist in dealing with the presence of lead paint, as well as the restoration of all types of metal windows, Associated Steel Window Services (ASWS) has carried out a detailed contract on behalf of Collins Construction during the refurbishment of 35 Dover Street in London. The London-based company was selected to carry out the painstaking work, which required multiple applications of a non-toxic poultice strip, as the result of its previous involvement with the main contractor on other high profile projects. ASWS’s team of highly trained operatives was involved across four of the five storeys to the former ‘Empress Club’ and office building, striping and restoring a total of 36 large steel windows and screens. The use of lead paint was banned 30 years ago on health grounds, which means its presence is almost always masked by later coats of modern gloss paint; but trying to remove the build up by sanding or heat risks exposing workers to inhaling the harmful heavy metal. ASWS can offer other methods of paint removal, but chemical stripping was the best option for Dover Street, to take the frames back to bear metal for repairs to commence. Director of ASWS, Kris Bennell, commented: “The options for on-site paint removal are limited, but they do include grit blasting which can be noisy, has to be tented, and requires the provision of cleaning and changing facilities allocated just to the operatives involved. The second alternative is using hand-held chipping and scraping tools, which still generate significant vibration and dust hazards; or there is the poultice chemical removal.” Kris continues, “At Dover Street we applied between five and seven coats of the epoxy paste to the windows – some of which were quite large – and this has to remain for 24 to 72 hours before being scraped off. Not only is the paint retained within the ‘poultice’, but the lead is neutralised and converted into a manageable form, which is bagged and removed by an approved waste management company. The actual repairs involved replacing broken hinges and some corroded frame sections and the overhaul and the fitting of new single glazing into the very shallow, 3mm upstands. We also undertook the full redecoration of the windows.” ASWS can provide a full range of services for the repair or replica replacement of metal windows – from the early wrought iron and traditional Medium Universal section, through to mid and late century aluminium curtain walling. Options include the addition of draught-striping and a switch from single to double-glazing for improved energy performance, as well as the replacement or polishing of all ironmongery. For more information on ASWS, please visit asws.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Regional construction company I&G have opened new premises in the North East, following a growth in demand for work in the area. I&G, who are headquartered in Elland, West Yorkshire, with additional offices in East Yorkshire and Leeds, specialise in complex construction projects in the health, education, food and commercial sectors. They are known for being experts at working in live environments, such as hospital wards, food production facilities and educational spaces. Recent major successes have included the new Critical Care Unit at Barnsley Hospital, the £6m refurbishment of the ophthalmology unit at St James Hospital in Leeds, and a food production factory extension in Pontefract for KP Snacks. The company have opened a new office in Stockton-on-Tees, giving them a base to be closer to their North East clients, and creating new employment opportunities throughout the region. I&G Managing Director Christopher Carline said: “In the last five years, we’ve seen our turnover increase from £6m to over £21m, as we’ve taken on multi-million-pound projects and seen our partnerships with existing clients develop. “We’re now getting more and more work in the North East, so it feels like the right time to expand into the area. Our new Stockton office will give us a base from which we can work across the North East, giving us more opportunities to work on projects across the area. “As an employee owned business, our people are really important to us, and we’re keen to create more opportunities for existing staff, whilst also looking to recruit locally.” The I&G team will also be looking to develop their supply chain in the North East, and are inviting interested local subcontractors and suppliers who would like to work with them to get in touch via www.iandgltd.co.uk. I&G was founded over 50 years ago, initially as a specialist joinery contractor. Since their early years, they’ve diversified and moved into refurbishments, design and build, taking on complex projects that others would think twice about tackling, such as acute care ward refurbishments in live hospital environments and working in operating food production facilities. In 2017 I&G joined the Sewell Group, a multi-disciplined group of built environment businesses, headquartered in Hull, which is expanding across Yorkshire and the North of England. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The final phase of an ambitious 18-month project to refurbish the renowned Warburg Institute in Woburn Square, central London started in September 2023. The institute has been part of the University of London since 1944 and is one of the world’s leading centres for research and teaching on the interaction of ideas, images and society. Leading contractor Quinn London is working with architects Haworth Tompkins to realise the vision to renovate and expand the long-neglected building, which was designed in 1958 by architect Charles Holden. The building is being refurbished and extended to secure its future, provide more space and make it more accessible to the public. The institute has a rich history. Pioneering historian Aby Warburg, the eldest son of one of Europe’s great banking families, founded a private library in Hamburg in 1900. He famously made a deal with his younger brother to forfeit his right to take over the family firm, provided that his brother would provide him with all the books he ever needed. When the Nazis rose to power in 1933, the vast library was relocated to England and today is the only institution saved from Nazi Germany to survive intact. The current library holds 360,000 volumes of books and a photographic collection of more than 400,000 images. The three-phase project started in July 2022 and completion is estimated for early 2024. In the first two phases, the four upper floors were refurbished and areas opened out to accommodate the growing library over the next 20 years. Existing materials were used wherever possible and features including doors, joinery and skirtings were retained to maintain the ambience of the original building. Essential repairs were also made to the façade, roof and services. The institute has remained open to the public throughout the project and the books in the library remained on site. Close communication with the institute ensured these valuable assets were protected and minimised disruption by setting fixed ‘noisy times’ for the works. The current phase involves redesigning the ground and lower ground floors. A new extension is being built in the existing courtyard to house a 140-seat lecture theatre above a new reading room for the archive and photographic collection, together with a new and improved exhibition space. The concrete frame of the extension has been especially challenging, as Alex Butt, site manager at Quinn London explains: “The architects set an extremely high bar for the visual impact of the concrete frame. As concrete is extremely difficult to control it took many meetings to decide the best type of concrete to use. We settled on self-compacting concrete for its ability to flow under its own weight and to fill the formwork completely with no need for vibration. The sharp lines for the frame and columns were very tricky to achieve, but we are all very pleased with the result which delivers the required aesthetic impact.” A standout feature of the expanded lecture theatre is a large concrete elliptical lantern on the soffit, around a metre in depth, which features both internally and externally. The design echoes a structure in the original library in Hamburg, but is expressed in a modern form. The ellipse was an important symbol for Warburg, representing concepts of freedom, and links between thought and research. Quinn London has also replaced the external fire escape stairs with a new steel powder-coated staircase which rises seven storeys from the courtyard to top of the building. At 25 metres high and weighing more than 7.8 tonnes, it was no mean feat to lift the staircase over the building and drop it into the small courtyard space below. The works are restoring a tired building into a superb modern space that honours Aby Warburg’s vision and will inspire the public for many years to come.
Teagan Hudson has been promoted to Improvement and Compliance Manager, which is a newly created role at award-winning Leeds based contractor Priestley Construction. Teagan will be responsible for updating and revising the company’s processes and systems to ensure they are as efficient and effective as possible. She will also oversee staff training and provide inductions to new recruits spanning Priestley’s procedures and policies. In addition, she will manage the implementation of new IT solutions and software, as well as providing relevant training, to streamline how the company stores, accesses, monitors and distributes information internally and externally. She will also explore and implement new standards from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that could benefit the company. Teagan joined Priestley Construction almost 18 months ago as a buyer and estimator. Teagan said: “The construction industry is evolving fast, and companies must be as proficient and capable as possible in today’s market in order to be successful and genuinely add value to their clients and projects. This role is all about identifying and implementing potential improvements in a wide range of areas to make Preistley Construction even better at what it does. “It feels very rewarding that the directors have created this new role and given me this opportunity to drive so many positive changes forward.” Nathan Priestley, founder and CEO of the Priestley Group, said: “Teagan boasts a wealth of analytical skills and when this is combined with her superb attention to detail and overall knowledge of the construction industry, there’s no doubt this is a role that she’ll thrive in. “We’ve shaped the job around her specific skillsets, and she will now be responsible for promoting, improving, updating, revising and monitoring all of our operational and commercial processes, with the overall aim of driving continuous improvement across our business. This makes it an exciting opportunity for both Teagan and Priestley Construction alike.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction is now under way on the comprehensive refurbishment of the Grade II listed Adelaide House in the City of London. Originally completed in 1924 on the site of the original London Bridge, Adelaide House was the City of London’s first steel frame building. At the time of construction, it was also considered the tallest building in the City. Designed by Scott Brownrigg for St Martins Property Investments, the refurbishment will enhance and celebrate the existing structure of the building, whilst improving accessibility and weaving in contemporary services and facilities as required by tenants today. New interventions and materials pay homage to the building’s historic elements, whilst referencing the modern context. Staff and visitors will have access to high quality amenities onsite which include a new business lounge within the reception area on the ground floor. The roof top, originally a rose garden and putting green for building occupiers, will once again be accessible to tenants as it is converted into a communal terrace with extensive views over the River Thames. The BREEAM Excellent design will provide double the number of cycle parking spaces and changing facilities than currently recommended by the British Council of Offices, facilitating a greener commute to work. With Galliford Try appointed as the Main Contractor, the building us expected to be complete in early 2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As part of its commitment to upskilling the next generation, McLaren Construction (Midlands and North), has welcomed four new interns to its construction division, helping young individuals to gain valuable experience and strengthen their skill set. Apprentice planner, Tommy Bordicott; trainee quantity surveyor, Robbie Yusuf; trainee quantity surveyor Ellie Marnell and construction apprentice, Rhys Collins joined the team this summer. Tommy will be assisting the lead planner on the Longwood Close project, in Coventry, where he will be creating programmes to support key activities throughout. He hopes to further develop his interpersonal and time management skills while building in-depth knowledge of the industry. Attracted to McLaren’s vision and values, Tommy said of his new position: “McLaren embodies both a community and a team. They are actively supporting my skill and career growth and I hope to one day be in the position where I can provide someone else with the same fantastic opportunity that they have given to me.” Trainee quantity surveyor, Robbie, will be working onsite, measuring drawings using Bluebeam (CAD), and issuing revisions alongside producing purchase orders and completing administrative duties. When asked what you are most excited about for his internship, Robbie said: “It is a real privilege to be taught by industry-leading experts who can share their knowledge and help me develop my skills.” Ellie joins the McLaren team with an eagerness to learn new skills, gain industry knowledge and support on site to see projects come to life, all of which will contribute to her achieving a future career goal of becoming a senior quantity surveyor. Ellie was initially drawn to McLaren Construction due to its strong focus on personal development and support. She said: “The company prioritises their employees’ well-being and I am fortunate to receive guidance and mentorship from experts at the forefront of the construction industry, who I greatly admire.” Construction apprentice, Rhys, will be gaining experience across multiple departments, as well as on-site, where he is looking forward to developing engineering and management skills allowing him to see projects all the way from inception to completion. Hoping to be a long-term member of the McLaren team, Rhys said: “I have been inspired by McLaren for a number of years, having been particularly interested by their Aston Martin headquarters and Leicester City training projects. I am looking forward to working hard in this new role and putting all my efforts into achieving the best I can.” McLaren’s comprehensive apprenticeship scheme is designed to provide aspiring individuals with an opportunity for growth and development. As part of the program, apprentices work closely with McLaren’s site teams, gaining invaluable exposure to the dynamic world of construction. The program provides successful applicants with a tailored development plan to guide them towards achieving their apprenticeship qualification in their chosen discipline, while being mentored and coached by McLaren’s experienced managers, ensuring they receive the guidance and support they need to thrive. Gary Cramp, Managing Director of McLaren Construction, said: “We’re delighted to welcome four enthusiastic interns to our company. We are passionate about supporting them with their career journeys by helping them to enhance their skills through mentorship and valuable hands-on experience in construction, preparing them for their future careers. Investing in the upskilling of the next generation will positively contribute to the bright future of our industry.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Nationwide refurbishment contractor, Fortis Vision, has welcomed seven new team members into brand new positions as part of its national growth strategy. Tom Lewis – a new quantity surveyor, Tracy Lamont – a new project coordinator and Sam Wise – a new HR manager have joined the business this spring. Tom joined the Bristol office and will be commercially managing iQ student accommodation projects from tender stage, through to handover. With a BSc in Commercial Management and Quantity Surveying and a background working as a quantity surveyor at a renowned national construction group, he is highly skilled in cost management and planning, procurement, and risk management. Tracy is a highly organised, methodical, and pro-active project coordinator with a proven record of project on-time delivery and many years of project planning experience, in public and private sectors. Tracy is supporting the project delivery team from tender through to practical completion and is also assisting with the management of PR and social media for the company. Sam has 13 years of HR experience working in a variety of industries including Storage and Warehousing, Oil and Gas, Childcare, Education and Training, Hospitality, and the Motor trade. In her new role she will be focusing on applying her experience to the company’s vision for the future, striving to ensure Fortis Vision is an employer of choice by providing an inclusive and forward-thinking culture. The business has also invested in the role of a logistics manager based in the Bristol office and is delighted to welcome Joel Phillips into the role. Joel has a background in outdoor pursuits and will be assisting in several upcoming outdoor charity events. Project manager Ian Armstrong has also joined the team and will be fully engaged in the Midlands and London areas, working on a range of dynamic student accommodation schemes. In addition, the company has invested in two new trainees in separate disciplines – Ollie Dowde as an undergraduate placement surveyor in building surveying and Charlie Borthwick as a management trainee in an operations discipline. Both will be completing degree qualifications in their respective disciplines. David Borthwick, managing director at Fortis Vision, said: “We’d like to welcome all of the new starters from diverse backgrounds to Team Fortis, all will contribute to differing degrees, as we support them on their career journeys.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
