Horizon Construction, based in Colchester, has fought off stiff international competition to scoop a prestigious RoSPA Award, demonstrating its commitment to health and safety excellence. Horizon Construction won a Silver Award in the construction industry sector category, demonstrating its dedication to ensuring all personnel in its construction operations get home
For the second time this year, midlands-based contractor, G F Tomlinson, has been announced as a successful partner for a major national Pagabo framework. Running from 2023 to May 2027, the contractor has been reappointed to the National Framework Agreement for Refit and Refurbishment Solutions, which comprises of 93 high-quality
Construction works are now underway at Taylor’s Bellfoundry in Loughborough to protect and enhance the Grade II* Listed Bellfoundry buildings and onsite museum, the last of their kind in Britain. Funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Loughborough Town Deal alongside many others, the project is being led by
A major expansion delivered by Henry Brothers Construction at Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park has achieved Passivhaus Classic accreditation, widely regarded as the most challenging energy efficiency and comfort standards in the world. The first Passivhaus development on the University campus, SportPark Pavilion 4 is the latest development on
SPECIALIST retrofit decarbonisation turnkey provider Sustainable Building Services (SBS) has made two new promotions to its board of directors as annual turnover is forecasted to increase to more than £50 million. Steve Roberts and Ian Jones, both regional directors, have joined managing director Gary Lawson, divisional director Mike Easdon and
IN the latest of several framework announcements, leading procurement provider Pagabo has today (3 May) revealed the 93 suppliers appointed to its £1 billion refit and refurbishment framework, which goes live today. This is the second iteration of the refit and refurbishment framework, including Overbury, Morris & Spottiswood and Lindum.
A female assistant site manager from Dorset has addressed three myths associated with working in construction as a way of encouraging more women into the industry. Victoria Grinnall, 27, works at Barratt Homes’ Quarter Jack Park development in Wimborne. Before joining the leading housebuilder in 2021, she came up against
Beard Construction’s Guildford office has delivered a key £6.3m refurbishment and rebuild project at St Andrew’s Catholic secondary school in Leatherhead. Started in March 2022 and handed over April, the work saw the comprehensive conversion of existing classrooms into science labs, ICT rooms, a drama studio and design and tech
As the UK’s leading specialist in the repair and replication of metal window systems, Associated Steel Window Services (ASWS) was brought in by a long term client to carefully dismantle, catalogue and store all of the components to the listed façade of the Former Daily Express Building. This was done
Winvic has successfully delivered the first hands-on training sessions to Northampton College engineering students as part of the new Winvic Enrichment Programme. The initiative provides students with up to five days of construction industry insights, gives them practical experience related to their studies and develops their soft skills. It also helps Winvic,
Horizon Construction, based in Colchester, has fought off stiff international competition to scoop a prestigious RoSPA Award, demonstrating its commitment to health and safety excellence. Horizon Construction won a Silver Award in the construction industry sector category, demonstrating its dedication to ensuring all personnel in its construction operations get home safely at the end of every working day. The RoSPA Health and Safety Awards is the largest occupational health and safety awards programme in the UK. Now into its 67th year, the Awards have almost 2,000 entries every year, covering nearly 50 countries and a reach of over seven million employees. The programme recognises organisations’ commitment to continuous improvement in the prevention of accidents and ill health at work, looking at entrants’ overarching health and safety management systems, including practices such as leadership and workforce involvement. While most awards are non-competitive – recognising individual organisations’ achievements – competitive awards are presented in 20 industry sectors and for specialist areas of health and safety management. Phil Holding, Horizon Construction’s Managing Director, said: “The achievement and recognition by RoSPA of our Health and Safety practices are crucial in ensuring we are up-to-date and implementing the latest methods in safeguarding our employees and people working on our construction sites. We continuously invest in health and safety and benefit from our in-house HSQE department to develop our culture. “The health, safety and well-being of our people are at the forefront of everything we do. This also demonstrates to our clients, along with the use of other industry-recognised frameworks such as ISO, that we have everyone’s best interests in mind and aspire to be a leader in our field for high-quality construction practices. “This achievement does not occur without an unwavering commitment from our team, so I would like to pay particular thanks to our team for their hard work. We are all very proud of the recognition by RoSPA and being part of a highly esteemed awards community.” Julia Small, RoSPA’s Achievements Director, said: “Accidents at work and work-related ill health don’t just have huge financial implications or cause major disruption – they significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. That’s why good safety performance deserves to be recognised and rewarded. “We are thrilled that Horizon Construction has won a RoSPA Award and would like to congratulate them on showing an unwavering commitment to keeping their employees, clients and customers safe from accidental harm and injury.” The RoSPA Awards scheme is the longest running of its kind in the UK, and receives entries from organisations across the globe, making it one of the most sought-after achievement awards for the health and safety industry. For more information about Horizon Construction visit https://hcgroup.uk and for RoSPA visit https://rospa.com.
For the second time this year, midlands-based contractor, G F Tomlinson, has been announced as a successful partner for a major national Pagabo framework. Running from 2023 to May 2027, the contractor has been reappointed to the National Framework Agreement for Refit and Refurbishment Solutions, which comprises of 93 high-quality contractors covering a range of refurbishment and refit projects across five value bands and 44 regions. G F Tomlinson was also reappointed to Pagabo’s National Framework for Medium Works in January and since 2020, the contractor has partnered with Pagabo on several frameworks including the Major Works Framework, the previous Framework for Refit and Refurbishment Solutions, and the previous Medium Works Framework, which the new iteration now supersedes. As part of the partnership, G F Tomlinson has been appointed to deliver projects from £500,000 up to £15million throughout Yorkshire and the East and West Midlands. Focusing on public sector refit and refurbishment works, G F Tomlinson will deliver schemes across the education, healthcare, civic, leisure, housing, blue light, highways and infrastructure industries. G F Tomlinson demonstrated relevant experience, stability and a strong commitment to social value and the carbon reduction agenda in order to be successful in its framework bid. Alongside providing value for money for clients, it was important that the contractor provided evidence of delivering quality builds on time and to budget, as well as managing the supply chain to a high standard. G F Tomlinson have delivered several projects under the Pagabo suite of frameworks, including the £3.7m extension and remodelling of Cardinal Newman Catholic School and the £6.5m expansion and remodelling of Barr’s Hill School, both for Coventry City Council plus the £2.4m Urgent Treatment Centre for Lincoln Hospital. They are also currently on site constructing the £15.4m new Air and Space Institute (ASI) in Newark for Lincoln College Group. Looking to the future, the contractor has more projects in the pipeline being procured via Pagabo with a cumulative value of over £64.0m. Chris Flint, Managing Director at G F Tomlinson, said: “We’re extremely proud to have secured our place on yet another national high-value framework with Pagabo, which will be our second since January this year. “Our reappointment to the National Framework Agreement for Refit and Refurbishment Solutions is our sixth agreement with Pagabo which continues our success on public sector frameworks where we have delivered in excess of £500 million worth of projects via this procurement route. “We look forward to improving and restoring a range of public sector buildings through renovation and retrofitting techniques, incorporating new technologies wherever possible, and are delighted to be given the opportunity to continually support the regeneration of local communities. “With our expertise, commitment to delivering high-quality projects and our passion to enhance social value for local communities, we are best placed to serve public sector clients on all their project requirements.” Elliott Talbot, Framework Manager at Pagabo, said: “We’re delighted to see G F Tomlinson secure their place on our new Refit & Refurbishment Framework. Their position on our suite of construction frameworks has enabled them to deliver a range of public sector works in recent years. This appointment will allow us to continue to work closely together and we can’t wait to get started.” To find out more about G F Tomlinson, please visit: https://gftomlinson.co.uk To find out more about Pagabo’s Refit and Refurb framework, please visit: www.pagabo.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction works are now underway at Taylor’s Bellfoundry in Loughborough to protect and enhance the Grade II* Listed Bellfoundry buildings and onsite museum, the last of their kind in Britain. Funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Loughborough Town Deal alongside many others, the project is being led by the Loughborough Bellfoundry Trust working in partnership with the ancient bellfounding firm of John Taylor and Company. The Trust was set up in 2016 to begin the work of restoring the bellfoundry’s buildings and redeveloping the site’s museum to protect the ancient craft of bellmaking for generations to come. Taylor’s Bellfoundry – which was built in 1859 just a stone’s throw from Loughborough town centre – has cast more than 25,000 bells located in more than 100 countries. Bells from the foundry hang in famous landmarks including London’s St Paul’s Cathedral, the Washington National Cathedral in the US capital, Australia’s National Carillon in Canberra, and South Africa’s Cape Town City Hall. In spring 2022 contractors were invited to tender to deliver the programme of works, with specialist heritage conservation firm Messenger BCR winning out. The Messenger team will work alongside internationally renowned architects Caroe, who drew up comprehensive plans to restore the Victorian site. Other specialist practices involved include exhibition designers Redman Design and museum retail experts cre8. Phase one of the programme of works is now underway. This includes the stripping out of the existing museum, removing internal walls – which were added to the bellfoundry in the 80s – and replacing the leaking roof. A new lift is currently under construction as are new disabled and baby changing toilets. Major repairs to the roof over the bellfoundry’s main covered yard are also underway. The museum will be improved and enhanced by increasing its footprint to incorporate a multi-function activity room in the old Victorian laboratory and by reimagining the museum displays to provide an interactive and inclusive experience. There will be two primary spaces for visitors to explore within the museum. Firstly, a ground floor timeline detailing the history of both the bellfoundry and the art of bellfounding. Secondly, the Patternmaker’s Gallery, which will display a series of objects that have been recovered from existing foundry spaces, located in the original patternmaking workshop. Throughout the museum visitors will have the opportunity to touch and handle objects, making it an immersive and authentic experience for families, schools, bell enthusiasts and history lovers. Phase two of the project, which will start in 2024, will see the reconfiguration and improvement of the company archive room, offices, and board room, the last of which will be available to hire as a meeting space for outside organisations and community groups. Further ongoing and exciting developments include the restoration of the original historic entrance to the site, used by generations of the Taylor family, and the relandscaping of the Carillon Courtyard for visitors to explore and enjoy the grounds upon arrival. Bellfoundry museum director Dr Chrissie Van Mierlo said: “We are thrilled to see work getting underway. This project has been years in the making and will help preserve and protect our historic buildings for generations to come. “Our vision has always been to create a place where people of all ages can visit and learn about the craftmanship and art of bell making, as well as the history of the Loughborough site. Thanks to generous funders, and National Lottery players, we can now address the most urgent repair and conservation works to bring our vision to life. “Not only will the project allow us to welcome more visitors into the site, but it will also create additional volunteering opportunities for local residents. Our volunteers are the life and soul of the bellfoundry and we wouldn’t be able to do what we do without them.” Robyn Llewellyn, director for England, Midlands and East at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “We are delighted to support The Loughborough Bellfoundry Trust in saving the last, purpose-built bellfoundry in Britain. The funding, which has been made possible thanks to National Lottery players, will secure the future of this industry, unique skills, and rich history in a way that everyone can enjoy and be proud of.” Loughborough Town Deal comprises a number of organisations and people who have come together to deliver over £40 million of investment for the Leicestershire town. The Town Deal secured £16.9 million from the Government’s Towns Fund to boost skills and support the visitor economy and town centre of Loughborough. It is backing 11 projects, including the bellfoundry which it awarded £835,000. John Taylor’s Bellfoundry, also known as Taylor’s Bellfoundry or simply Taylor’s, is the last major bellfoundry in the UK and Commonwealth. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major expansion delivered by Henry Brothers Construction at Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park has achieved Passivhaus Classic accreditation, widely regarded as the most challenging energy efficiency and comfort standards in the world. The first Passivhaus development on the University campus, SportPark Pavilion 4 is the latest development on a site that houses the UK’s highest concentration of sports organisations. The facility presents sports organisations with the unique opportunity to secure environmentally future-proof accommodation, tailored to their needs. Occupants can reduce their carbon footprint thanks to triple glazed windows that can be opened, an enhanced thermal efficient airtight building fabric, external solar shading and a highly efficient heat and ventilation system. Going beyond Passivhaus requirements, the University chose to fit SportPark Pavilion 4’s entire roof with solar panels, to further reduce its energy demand. Ian Taylor, Managing Director of Henry Brothers Construction, said: “We are proud to have completed SportPark Pavilion 4 to help Loughborough University to decarbonise its estate. “This is the latest of several successful schemes we have delivered for the University which adds to the increasing portfolio of sustainable buildings that Henry Brothers Construction has delivered, also aligned with our own journey to net zero.” Martin Channell, Assistant Director of Capital Projects and Programme Management at Loughborough University said: “When SportPark was completed in 2009, it achieved BREEAM Excellent which put it in the top 10% of environmentally rated non-domestic buildings. Pavilion 4’s Passivhaus accreditation sets the benchmark for quality and low energy building efficiency across the University estate to achieve our zero-carbon agenda for 2050. “This outstanding achievement is testament to the commitment of our industry partners Henry Brothers Construction, David Morley Architects, Beyond Carbon Associates and many sub-contractors. Now, we can monitor the efficiency between the original pavilions and the new expansion.” SportPark will be a unique living lab that enhances the University’s cutting-edge building energy research. Joel Callow, Director of Beyond Carbon Associates said: “The construction team has worked closely with Loughborough’s researchers to ensure highly detailed measurement of the performance of the building over the coming years. “This will allow us to draw down even more data on energy efficiency, giving vital feedback. This information can then be used to inform the design of the next generation of zero carbon buildings at the University.” SportPark Pavilion 4 is delivered by the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) as part of the Getting Building Fund. Funds were designated for investment in local, shovel-ready infrastructure projects to stimulate jobs and support economic recovery across the country. The LLEP was allocated £20m, supporting the SportPark expansion with £6m. Further funding support has been provided by Loughborough Town Deal. Andy Reed OBE, LLEP Co-Chair, said: “Sustainability is a pillar of our economic growth strategy, and in funding SportPark Pavilion 4, we enabled development of a superb building at the highest standards of energy efficiency. “In addition, the project has supported more than 410 jobs within the construction phase alone, brought additional sports-related organisations to our region, and created a living lab for local architecture students with an interest in sustainable building design.” Henry Brothers Construction is part of The Henry Group, which comprises a number of manufacturing and construction sector companies, ranging from external construction through to interiors fit out. In partnership with its valued clients, it has a proven track record in education, defence, commercial, industrial, transport and healthcare sectors. For more information, visit henrybrothers.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SPECIALIST retrofit decarbonisation turnkey provider Sustainable Building Services (SBS) has made two new promotions to its board of directors as annual turnover is forecasted to increase to more than £50 million. Steve Roberts and Ian Jones, both regional directors, have joined managing director Gary Lawson, divisional director Mike Easdon and chairman Derek Horrocks on the now-five-man board. These promotions are two of four senior appointments across the business, with Daniel Owens and Dwayne Jones both stepping into roles as regional operations managers. The changes are integral to a wider restructuring, which sees the creation of five regional management teams to facilitate the healthy stream of work that the business has secured. Regional management will be a fluid concept, with the five regional directors and managers in position responsible for multiple projects across the country at any one time. Holding almost 20 years of experience with the business between them, those recently promoted will be integral in the continued endorsement of excellence, meeting PAS 2035 principles, consistent delivery of high-quality resident engagement, innovation, high-quality whole house retrofit projects, and providing career opportunities within the retrofit sector. Steve Roberts said: “Having progressed through the company, I can safely say that there is opportunity here for those that want to seize it. Not only can we learn a lot from recent success and growth, but we can also influence change too. “At a board level, I look forward to contributing more to the business’ overarching strategy, while at a regional level I will continue to ensure that our pipeline of work is carried out to the highest standard and with the passion we all share for improving living conditions, reducing fuel poverty and the impact of the cost-of-living crisis through the decarbonisation of homes.” “Our clients love working with us because of who we are and what we stand for, which makes us relatable. We’re all an important part of the business, from apprentice to director, and our recent growth is a reflection of this.” Sustainable Building Services was recently crowned Retrofit Contractor of the Year by The Retrofit Academy, and is set to deliver multiple circa £15 million projects awarded funding through the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) Wave 2. Gary Lawson, managing director at Sustainable Building Services, said: “The recent changes and appointments are proof that you can work your way to the top at Sustainable Building Services and there is no limit to the rewards that success can bring. “Moreover, there is not just one route for doing so. For example, Daniel Owens has risen from quantity surveyor to regional operations manager, which should inspire others who have similar ambitions to grow as individuals and be the deciders in their own destiny.” To discover more about Sustainable Building Service’s mission to decarbonise the UK’s housing stock, visit its website at:www.sustainablebuildinguk.com
IN the latest of several framework announcements, leading procurement provider Pagabo has today (3 May) revealed the 93 suppliers appointed to its £1 billion refit and refurbishment framework, which goes live today. This is the second iteration of the refit and refurbishment framework, including Overbury, Morris & Spottiswood and Lindum. Meanwhile, new suppliers include the likes of John Sisk & Son, Stepnell and Tilbury Douglas. The framework’s total value has increased to £1 billion to meet the demand for Pagabo’s ever-growing national client base across all major business sectors. Suppliers have been appointed across regional sublots, which sit under the five main value-based lots: The large increase in total suppliers is a result of Pagabo’s dedication to providing fair access for organisations of any size, with 68% of the appointed parties being SMEs. This dedication is to provide ample choice for clients, and to ensure the generation of maximum positive social impact for communities in which schemes will be delivered. Jason Stapley, chief procurement officer at Pagabo and its parent organisation The 55 Group, said: “With the focus on meeting net zero targets, many clients are becoming increasingly aware of the role refit and refurbishment will have on emissions across their assets and estates. It’s why it was so important to us to work with existing client organisations, specialists and the contracting authority to make sure this second-generation framework was absolutely fit for purpose. “It’s been a huge effort from all involved to reach this point and launch the framework to market. Along with making sure everything we bring to market stays at the forefront of best practice and pushing the gold standard in procurement, we have been able to examine what works well and where we could make changes for greater benefit. “The big increase in suppliers is down to a higher level of SME appointment than the original framework – something we’re dedicated to increasing all the time. We know that locality breeds the best social value possible, with SMEs and microbusinesses being absolutely central to this. We’re very much looking forward to seeing the first procurements come through the framework, and to see the difference all these suppliers will be able to make for clients and communities around the UK.” The framework will run for four years, providing a compliant and collaborative route to market for public sector clients to appoint suppliers through both direct award and further competition processes. To fully embed social value into the heart of all procurement activity from the outset of projects, all appointed suppliers and clients will have access to a free version of Loop’s social value calculation tool for Pagabo procured works. The contracting authority for the new framework is Red Kite Learning Trust (RKLT), which is continuing the role from the original framework. The 93 companies that have been awarded a place on the new framework (in alphabetical order) are: For more information, please visit https://www.pagabo.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A female assistant site manager from Dorset has addressed three myths associated with working in construction as a way of encouraging more women into the industry. Victoria Grinnall, 27, works at Barratt Homes’ Quarter Jack Park development in Wimborne. Before joining the leading housebuilder in 2021, she came up against many misconceptions about working in the industry, which she hopes to dispel so that women can see how attractive a career in construction can be. As someone who formerly served in the armed forces as a Royal Engineer, being the first female to drive armoured vehicles before going on to work for a youth engagement programme for schools about careers in the army, Victoria is passionate about encouraging the next generation of construction workers. In her latest video about Women in Construction, Victoria talks to Barratt Homes about what it’s like working in the industry and covers these three myths: Myth 1 – construction is still dominated and run by men “Some roles are still dominated by men, but that’s because there still aren’t enough females – yet,” says Victoria. “My experience of working in construction is feeling supported, valued, and trusted. At Barratt, we have yearly subcontractor meetings, where teams are told by directors in the business how to treat and respect others, as part of the Diversity and Inclusion programme. “Women can bring so much to the role, and I’d encourage them to do as much research as they can if construction is an industry they are interested in. It’s nice to see that Barratt want to bring more women into the business – and it shows.” Myth 2 – there’s a massive stigma around women working in construction “I don’t think there is enough of us just yet to say there isn’t a stigma, but it isn’t as big as it used to be – and I certainly rarely come across it,” Victoria continues. “If anything, I find people to be open minded and curious. They enjoy learning more about what I do – and I am happy to tell them all about the role I love! “There are so many avenues for women in the construction industry and there is a huge variety of career choices, whether that is office-based or site-based. Barratt will help women wanting to get into the industry and you’ll have a really supportive team around you – so I hope one day that stigma wont exist.” Myth 3 – my family won’t approve of my career choice “I think my family knew better than I did that this was the right career path for me!” Victoria said. “I like being outside, I’ve always liked being active, and I have never been someone to sit behind a desk. They often tell me this is what I was made to do! “For those who are worried about how a role in construction may be perceived by friends and family, you might be surprised that their reaction isn’t what you think it’ll be.” Barratt Homes’ Diversity and Inclusion programme officially recognises and celebrates differences across the whole organisation. The Programme was established in 2022 to help challenge behaviours and address specific or unique needs and perspective of all employees, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation. James Dunne, Barratt Homes Managing Director, Southampton Division, said: “Our Diversity and Inclusion programme is an important step in addressing the needs of our workforces and helps us assess the way we work as a company. “Encouraging diversity is key to building a strong business, as we can attract more people who will want to stay in roles where they feel comfortable and can be themselves. “Victoria is a great advocate for women working in construction and has inspired many women into joining the industry – we’re pleased to support her all the way.” The full Women in Construction video is available on Barratt Homes’ YouTube channel here: Barratt Homes is building new homes across the region. For more information on new developments in Dorset, visit: Quarter Jack Park, Compass Point. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Beard Construction’s Guildford office has delivered a key £6.3m refurbishment and rebuild project at St Andrew’s Catholic secondary school in Leatherhead. Started in March 2022 and handed over April, the work saw the comprehensive conversion of existing classrooms into science labs, ICT rooms, a drama studio and design and tech classrooms, the construction of a two-storey extension to create new classrooms and offices and the construction of a new two-storey building to house food technology, ICT, business studies work rooms and a new drama studio. Phases one and two of the work at the 1500 pupil school were carried out to a tight deadline during the summer holidays and saw existing 1950s classrooms stripped back and converted to a suite of state-of-the-art and pupil-ready science laboratories, ICT classrooms, music and drama studio. The finished labs included gas infrastructure and mobile fume-cupboards, while the new drama studio incorporated a new system of lighting rigs and speakers. Phase three saw a standalone classroom block converted to provide new construction, design and technology teaching spaces. For phase four, a new-build extension added two 400m2 floors consisting of nine new English and History classrooms, two offices and two new sets of toilets to the school’s existing Earl Building. Finished in black and gold brickwork, the classrooms are flooded with light by new five-metre windows. Finally, phase five of the project saw the demolition of the school’s Woodlands Building and the construction of a new two-storey block, faced with Bath stone blocks and zinc cladding – which continues upwards to form a zinc roof. The ground floor of this new 1000m2 building houses two huge food technology teaching and preparations areas, alongside a massive drama studio with a 6m-high ceiling including lighting and speaker rigs. Upstairs, the building provides four fully fitted ICT/business studies teaching rooms. The building also includes office spaces and two sets of toilets. All the new and refurbished classrooms include interactive whiteboards. Apart from the initial refurbishment, all of the work has been carried out while pupils used the rest of the school. Beard traffic marshalls and banksmen ensured the safe delivery of materials across a specially constructed track-matting road on the school playing field. Beard Guildford director Pat Hughes said: “Beard has special expertise in the education sector and we are more than aware of the importance of creating spaces which both inspire pupils to learn as well as being great places for teachers to work. This project has transformed the learning experience for the pupils and staff at St Andrew’s School.” St Andrew’s headteacher Alan Mitchell said: “The ambition at St Andrew’s is simple – to be the best school in the country. We set the highest goals and expectations for every pupil and these new classrooms and teaching facilities provide the infrastructure to help us deliver on that ethos. “Not only has the Beard team delivered a quality product on time, but it has done so with no disruption to the school’s day-to-day operation. ” Beard worked in close collaboration throughout the project with architect Hamson Barron Smith. This is the third school project in as many years where the two companies have collaborated – having previously worked together at Chart Wood School, now called Unified Academy, in Dorking and St Paul’s Catholic college in Sunbury-on-Thames. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As the UK’s leading specialist in the repair and replication of metal window systems, Associated Steel Window Services (ASWS) was brought in by a long term client to carefully dismantle, catalogue and store all of the components to the listed façade of the Former Daily Express Building. This was done in order to facilitate the demolition of its later extension, together with the much wider redevelopment of the landmark London site. The contract on 120 Fleet Street is the latest in series of high-profile projects where ASWS has provided its unique enablement service on behalf of demolition specialist, Erith. Previous collaborations have included the nearby 11 Pilgrim Street, 25 Lavington Street, and Olympia, as well as the famous Whiteleys department store. The City of London Corporation, in October 2021, approved the plans for a new 21-storey office-led development and rejuvenation of the Grade II listed former newspaper headquarters at 120 Fleet Street, being led by CO-RE. The art deco Daily Express building will be transformed into a publicly accessible cultural destination with social and educational outreach. The Operations Director for ASWS, Kris Bennell, explained some of the stages involved in overcoming multiple challenges at 120 Fleet Street, saying: “Once we got the call from Erith our survey team not only photographed the entire 200m2 façade of black Vitrolite glass panelling, but also took precise measurements from a datum before compiling very detailed CAD drawings which will allow us to precisely re-assemble the bracketry and frontage when the new structural work is complete.” “It is one of the most famous art deco buildings in London – dating from 1932 – where the Vitrolite panels – basically pigmented structural glass – are glazed into aluminium frames in units some two metres tall and 3.5 metres wide. We removed all of the cappings as well as the transom and mullion cover plates so the Vitrolite could be lifted out and the main frames dismantled.” Kris continues, “This was complicated by the varying contours across the building and variations in the original manufacture. As well as our having the Heritage Asset Register and secure storage facilities, we were also able to bring all of our experience in such forensic type work to bear: so that the façade can be exactly rebuilt in some 18 months’ time.” The Lead Site Manager for Erith, Sean Morris, commented: “We have worked with ASWS on a number of projects in recent years and they have done an outstanding job again on the Express building, enabling our work to proceed on schedule.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Winvic has successfully delivered the first hands-on training sessions to Northampton College engineering students as part of the new Winvic Enrichment Programme. The initiative provides students with up to five days of construction industry insights, gives them practical experience related to their studies and develops their soft skills. It also helps Winvic, suppliers and clients to meet strategic social value goals, while it supports further education establishments to meet their enrichment activity targets. The first Winvic Enrichment Programme is being delivered over a number of weeks in collaboration with client Prologis UK at The Hub at DIRFT, which is a new training, meeting and café facility on the Logistics Park available for occupiers and local businesses to use. A typical programme includes a site tour, an overview of contractor, subcontractor and developer roles and health and safety awareness training, and teaches CV writing, interview and presentation techniques. The first programme has been tailored with Northampton College to meet the needs of the 16 BTEC Engineering students who are in their first and second years of study; therefore sessions include hands-on setting out equipment training, a practical lesson on concrete mixes and a demonstration of concrete slab pouring inside an industrial warehouse. A number of Winvic’s subcontractors are involved to help get the students work ready across a variety of our planned programmes, including Stanford Flooring, Sitecrete and Collins Earthworks, who provided minibus transport for the students’ first day at The Hub at DIRFT and will be delivering a practical session about on-site plant using their machines later in the programme. Winvic delivered the DIRFT III Rail Infrastructure extension project and is currently constructing two large industrial units for Prologis at the site – the 327,000 sq ft DC327 and 628,000 sq ft DC628. Enquiries to training@winvic.co.uk about the Winvic Enrichment Programme are welcome from further education providers across the country; developed to be flexible and delivered over one week or day release, programmes are tailored to the college course or courses. Recent changes to the T-Level pathway mean one third of the required placement hours can now be undertaken as enrichment sessions. Kayleigh Merritt, Winvic’s Talent Development Manager, said: “We have been working to shape the Winvic Enrichment Programme for some time with subcontractors, clients and colleges, so it’s exciting to see it coming to life with students already giving wonderful feedback. Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do at Winvic and our experience in delivering social value activities illustrates that you can always do more and benefit more people when you work together. The Winvic Enrichment Programme supports the objectives of our clients and building occupiers, further education providers – offering numerous qualifications – and students who want to be work ready, armed with practical experience and accomplished soft skills. I’d like to thank everyone who has been involved so far and I’m looking forward to rolling the five-day initiative out to many more projects in the future.” David Mellor, Director – Development Management, Prologis UK, commented: “Early engagement with students from Northampton College has been great fun and we’re delighted to have been able to support Winvic with their initiative here at The Hub at DIRFT. Students have come away from their days with us enthused about the engineering opportunities we presented – whilst developing key skills to support their employment application process.” Paul Bailey, Teacher in Construction and the Built Environment at Northampton College, added: “Thank you to everyone at Winvic, Prologis and other subcontract firms for the time and effort that they have put into the impressive Enrichment Programme. We very much appreciate all of your effort in enabling this to happen for the benefit of the students, to allow them to meet with a range of professionals from the construction industry in an excellent training environment, as well as experience a live construction site and concrete batching plant. This programme has certainly broadened the student’s knowledge and understanding, which has enhanced their teaching experience, as well as providing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for teaching staff – they all clearly enjoyed the day, as did l.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
