A loan scheme which enables homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties is needed if the UK is to reduce energy consumption, cut carbon emissions and bring down consumer bills, says the leading professional body for the construction sector. The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), in its response
In an era marked by a growing emphasis on sustainability and energy efficiency, WSW Refurbishments has emerged as a trailblazer in the commercial property sector. Specialising in innovative refurbishment projects, WSW Refurbishments has executed a series of solar panel installations across London and the South East, signalling a significant step
Wakefield-based Henley Group restores derelict Grade II listed mill set to become the largest creative hub outside of London. Yorkshire-based construction company, Henley Stone Restoration & Remedials Ltd, part of the Henley Group, is restoring the traditional brickwork on a 19th century Grade II listed building complex, Rutland Mills, in
VolkerFitzpatrick, one of the UK’s leading engineering and construction companies, has successfully reduced fuel wastage by a third (34%) on its Magna Park construction site in Corby, Northamptonshire. This remarkable achievement was made possible through the installation of fuel monitoring systems provided by Invisible Systems, a leading Manchester-based Internet of
BECOSAN® has announced the successful completion of the UK’s largest strip out, demolition, and refit project at the former GAP Warehouse in Rugby. This milestone accomplishment culminated with the property being leased by retail giant Sainsbury’s, marking one of the most substantial single property deals of the year. In a
Huge opening for Scottish firms as refurb framework launches… BUSINESSES across Scotland are being called on to grab a lucrative opportunity to vie for work worth up to £100m to support the country on its net zero journey. A leading procurement expert is urging firms of all sizes to
As the immigration rules for construction workers are relaxed to cope with the ongoing skills shortage, UK developer Shore Construction highlights the importance of strong compliance checks for all migrant workers. Despite the construction industry attracting over 170,000 new workers each year, the CITB estimate that over 225,000 additional workers
Contractor Henry Brothers Construction has delivered a £12m refurbishment scheme for The University of Manchester. The project involved the complete refurbishment of floors four and five of the Chemistry Building, along with work to the level eight plantroom, roof and external ductwork and services. It included reorganising the layout of
Work has commenced on the £74 million industrial warehouse scheme – Project Holst – located in Coventry’s renowned Prospero Ansty Park. A ground-breaking ceremony held on 12 July marked the start of the pivotal scheme at the landmark technology hub, attended by representatives of McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) and
Southend Council has appointed Willmott Dixon as its construction partner for a proposed major upgrade of the Cliffs Pavilion. Under a pre-construction agreement with the council, Willmott Dixon will undertake essential tasks, including design development and preparation of a pre-construction health and safety plan. Additionally, they will create a construction
A loan scheme which enables homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties is needed if the UK is to reduce energy consumption, cut carbon emissions and bring down consumer bills, says the leading professional body for the construction sector. The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), in its response to the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee’s recent ‘Heating our Homes’ inquiry has reiterated previous calls for Government to support the Construction Leadership Council’s National Retrofit Strategy. It includes a “help to fix” scheme which provides homeowners with an interest-free government loan to cover the full costs of home improvements. CIOB says previous government schemes such as the Green Homes Grant and Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) have failed for several reasons, most notably that homeowners were required to part fund energy efficiency work in a lump sum. For many this simply wasn’t an option at the time the schemes were on offer, and certainly isn’t amid a cost-of-living crisis says CIOB’s policy team. In February 2023, the House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee noted if the current take-up rate of the BUS continues, only half of the allocated budget will be used. CIOB adds that a scheme where the full cost of home improvements such as double glazing, insulation, new heating systems and even bigger jobs like loft conversions or extensions, are covered by a loan, is the only way many homeowners could afford to have work carried out, and government should develop such a scheme if they seriously want to meet its energy and carbon reduction targets. David Parry, CIOB’s parliamentary and public affairs officer, said: “We and the wider industry have been calling for a national strategy for retrofitting for years now but we’re not being listened to. Poorly planned, ad-hoc schemes such as the Green Homes Grant have been failures because homeowners are still expected to find a percentage of the cost of having work carried out on their home and people just don’t have that disposable income. “A long-term initiative where homeowners can borrow the full cost of improvement works would in our view incentivise a big upturn in demand which in turn will help improve the energy efficiency and quality of the nation’s housing stock, reduce energy use and associated costs for consumers, while also cutting carbon emissions and accelerating the move to net zero. Factored into a wider strategy, developed with industry experts, which considers the training of a skilled workforce, a “Help to Fix” scheme could go a long way to achieving the goals the Government has set itself but is currently nowhere near meeting.” CIOB adds that funding isn’t the only reason previous schemes have failed, and issues with promoting them, consumer confidence and ensuring skilled tradespeople were available to meet the demand for their services, also contributed to their downfall. The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee also noted that public awareness of low-carbon heating systems is limited, and the promotion of the BUS was inadequate. This was echoed in CIOB consumer data, which indicated that, of 2,000 UK adults polled in February 2023, 53 per cent had not heard of the BUS, Home Upgrade Grant, ECO Plus/ECO+ Scheme or the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund. Eurostat data and research from the Building Research Establishment indicates that energy consumption in buildings accounts for 45 per cent of the UK’s carbon emissions*. Notably the UK has one of the oldest housing stocks in Europe, with the smallest proportion of homes built after 1970 and the second highest proportion built before 1919.** Parry added: “Our response to the “Heating our Homes” inquiry has given us the opportunity to once again reiterate our belief, and that of the wider built environment sector, that a national strategy is required if progress is to be made on retrofitting UK homes. Any such strategy must be created with multiple future governments in mind and have a broad consensus across the political spectrum if its to deliver results at the pace and scale required so we hope our calls will no longer continue to fall on deaf ears.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
In an era marked by a growing emphasis on sustainability and energy efficiency, WSW Refurbishments has emerged as a trailblazer in the commercial property sector. Specialising in innovative refurbishment projects, WSW Refurbishments has executed a series of solar panel installations across London and the South East, signalling a significant step towards energy-conscious commercial property use and valuation. Embracing Solar Power for Low Energy Costs and Ratings Sustainability lies at the heart of modern commercial property operations in the United Kingdom, and WSW Refurbishments has taken the initiative to integrate solar energy solutions into its commercial property refurbishment projects. By strategically installing solar panels, WSW Refurbishments empowers clients with reduced energy costs, higher energy efficiency ratings, and a cleaner energy supply. These installations contribute to cost savings and underscore WSW Refurbishments’ commitment to a greener future. Regulatory Compliance and Energy Efficiency Mandates As part of its proactive approach, WSW Refurbishments is keeping pace with evolving regulatory standards. Commencing 1 April 2023, new regulations dictate that commercial property landlords must not lease properties with energy performance ratings of “F” or “G” unless specific exemptions apply. Non-compliance with these guidelines could result in penalties starting from £5,000 for single infractions lasting less than three months. Looking ahead, an even more ambitious target looms on the horizon. Beginning in 2025, all newly rented residential and commercial properties must achieve a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of ‘C’ or higher. Existing rented properties are also not exempt, requiring an EPC rating of ‘C’ or above by 2028. WSW Refurbishments recognises the importance of aligning with these mandates to foster energy-efficient environments. Navigating the Electric Vehicle Revolution Amidst the evolving landscape of electric vehicle adoption, WSW Refurbishments remains steadfast in its commitment to innovation. Despite the unclear messaging from Government agencies surrounding electric vehicle charging points in the United Kingdom, WSW Refurbishments perseveres in its efforts to install car charging stations wherever possible. By proactively catering to the growing demand for electric vehicle infrastructure, WSW Refurbishments helps clients proactively embrace the future of transportation while ensuring compliance with impending energy efficiency and employee requirements. With the automotive industry poised for a comprehensive shift towards electric vehicles by 2030, WSW Refurbishments’ forward-thinking approach ensures that clients are well-prepared to embrace the changes. As WSW Refurbishments continues to lead the charge in energy and electric vehicle refurbishments, its dedication to sustainable practices paves the way for a brighter, cleaner, and more energy-efficient future in commercial warehousing. Established in 2008, WSW Refurbishments was created to set the standard in the refurbishment space. A family-owned private company that has strong values in ensuring a high standard of quality to provide all clients with a strong level of service. We believe that every space has the potential to inspire, and we are committed to helping out. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wakefield-based Henley Group restores derelict Grade II listed mill set to become the largest creative hub outside of London. Yorkshire-based construction company, Henley Stone Restoration & Remedials Ltd, part of the Henley Group, is restoring the traditional brickwork on a 19th century Grade II listed building complex, Rutland Mills, in Wakefield. The restoration and repair project will honour the 200-year-old architecture to transform the derelict building into a world class creative hub, Tileyard North. Once a thriving textile mill adjacent to the contemporary Hepworth Gallery at the edge of the river Calder, the 9,300sqm historical industrial complex has been derelict for 20 years and many of the spaces have significantly deteriorated. Award-winning restoration and remedial expert, Henley Stone Restoration & Remedials Ltd, has been appointed to oversee the restoration required to return the Grade II listed building to its former glory, honouring its original fabric and the region’s industrial heritage. The extensive work includes complete façade restoration, structural alterations and strengthening, as well as repairs to the existing building. Alongside Furness Brick & Tile Co Ltd and HSRR, Henley Group has identified replacement brick and mortar samples that match sensitively to the existing 19th century brickwork. Tom Cardoe, Head of Restoration at Henley Group, commented: “We’re proud to bring decades of restoration and remedial expertise to the regeneration of Rutland Mill, a landmark project which will significantly enhance the local economy – it will be The Battersea Power Station of the North”. “By carefully repairing and restoring the building’s fabric, we will bring this historical site back to its former glory and breath life back to this once forgotten part of Wakefield. Regeneration projects bring immediate benefits to the local area and these are the kind of projects we pride ourselves on.” Led by developers City & Principal, Stainforth Construction, architects Hawkins Brown and project manager, Opera, the site will become a thriving cultural hub with facilities for music and digital studios, start-ups, creatives, and the local community. The scheme will also create educational space, a hotel, food and drink and facilities complementary to the Hepworth Gallery. Adam Standeven, Contracts Manager at Stainforth Construction, said: ‘It’s great to work in collaboration with a local Wakefield Restoration company, especially one that always provides a professional service, with a team who have an incredibly positive attitude towards delivering top quality work on this heritage project.” Rutland Mills is the final stage in completing a ten-acre regeneration plan that is revamping Wakefield’s riverside. The wider plan converts the space into a mixed-use, inclusive, creative, and cultural cluster with world-class facilities. The first phase of works, comprising of four buildings across 60,000sqft, for several uses including a work and education space, event space, bistro café and gin bar, and a central courtyard, was completed in December 2022. The new central courtyard allows for breakout activity at the ground floor, as well as providing the opportunity for large scale events, such as music and food and drink festivals. The second will be completed phase by the final quarter in 2024. For more information on Henley Group, visit: https://www.henleystoneremedials.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
VolkerFitzpatrick, one of the UK’s leading engineering and construction companies, has successfully reduced fuel wastage by a third (34%) on its Magna Park construction site in Corby, Northamptonshire. This remarkable achievement was made possible through the installation of fuel monitoring systems provided by Invisible Systems, a leading Manchester-based Internet of Things (IoT) solution provider. Following the highly successful trial, that also resulted in considerable savings in costs and reductions in carbon emissions, the monitoring systems have been permanently implemented and usage recommendations have been shared across other divisions within the VolkerFitzpatrick business portfolio. Magna Park in Corby, Northamptonshire is one of the UK’s largest dedicated logistics and distribution parks, with VolkerFitzpatrick responsible for construction. Invisible Systems’ intelligent I-System monitoring solution was installed, to deliver data and insights on energy usage on site, together with the company’s energy management system Eco Lync. Eco Lync intelligently switches off your non-essential assets when the demand for energy spikes, subsequently reducing carbon emissions and saving on business costs. VolkerFitzpatrick was then able to analyse the performance data from the systems to identify unnecessary fuel usage, with a focus on reducing fuel wastage. This in turn, led to the implementation of a range of improvements both on site and to their supply chain to ensure the plant is performing at its most optimal. One example of this is the monitoring discovered that there were more than 300 litres of fuel being used over the weekend when nobody was on site. Therefore, the on-site team, with the support of Invisible Systems’ partner Sunbelt Rentals optimised EcoLync to ensure all power to the heating and hot water would be switched off during evenings and weekends. During the trial phase, VolkerFitzpatrick saved an average of 550 litres of fuel per week and reduced on-site weekly fuel consumption by 34%, driven by a massive 89% reduction in overnight fuel usage and a 40% reduction in weekend fuel consumption. This led to a financial saving of hundreds of pounds weekly and a substantial weekly carbon reduction of 1.26 Tonnes of CO2e. Following the trial, VolkerFitzpatrick has continued to use the systems and in addition, VolkerFitzpatrick has recommended monitoring should be used on all projects with a battery storage unit and Eco Lync going forward. Jamie Robertson, CEO of Invisible Systems, highlighted the significance of monitoring energy consumption from the construction stage, stating, “Working with our client’s means giving them data and insights that can then lead to proven results –ultimately saving them money and contributing to cutting carbon emissions. This partnership with VolkerFitzpatrick is a great example of how our monitoring systems have made a clear impact on their bottom line and supported their push for more sustainable ways of working. Both things of increasing importance to the industry, especially given the need to provide Scope 3 emission reporting to clients.” Toby Harvell, Sustainability Engineer for VolkerFitzpatrick said: “Invisible Systems has provided VolkerFitzpatrick with a best practice method that ensures our innovative Magna Park plant operates according to our standards. The insights shared by Invisible Systems were invaluable in identifying areas where we were wasting fuel. Through the date provided our on-site team has then been empowered to take smart, and essentially simple actions, leading to positive impacts on carbon emissions and cost savings. This further demonstrates our commitment to achieving Net Zero of our operational emissions by 2035.” For more information on reducing energy usage in the construction industry and working towards achieving net zero goals, visit https://www.invisible-systems.com/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
BECOSAN® has announced the successful completion of the UK’s largest strip out, demolition, and refit project at the former GAP Warehouse in Rugby. This milestone accomplishment culminated with the property being leased by retail giant Sainsbury’s, marking one of the most substantial single property deals of the year. In a collaboration with Sunrise Real Estate Limited and Total Project Integration, BECOSAN® played a pivotal role in delivering this monumental project, encompassing 661,000 sq. ft. (60,000 m2). Sunrise Real Estate, the owner of the industrial building, orchestrated a comprehensive refurbishment of the property, which has now been officially handed over to Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Limited. Sunrise Real Estate’s strategic acquisition of the property from Gap Inc. in September 2022 marked the beginning of an ambitious revitalisation initiative. The project was successfully completed within a two-month timeframe thanks to the dedicated efforts of all involved stakeholders. This transformational endeavour involved a complete renovation of the Rugby 661 site. The renovation project, overseen by Total Project Integration (TPI), included innovative pavement enhancements through the application of the cutting-edge BECOSAN® treatment. BECOSAN® project director Martin Kerrigan and treatment coordinator Oliver Sanz Wittrowksi were involved in the project, which is one of the largest the company has undertaken. Martin said: “We are thrilled to have worked on this project, which has been an outstanding effort for all involved. The building has been comprehensively refurbished to an exceptional standard and it is great to see the BECOSAN® treatment being applied to a site of this scale.” Oliver said: ”The BECOSAN® treatment not only revitalises the pavement’s aesthetics but also ensures enhanced durability and sustainability. The treatment has ensured that the Rugby 661 site has been future-proofed for years to come.” For more information about BECOSAN®’s revolutionary concrete treatment solutions, please contact BECOSAN® UK at www.becosan.com/contact/ or call +44 (0)203 1296424. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Huge opening for Scottish firms as refurb framework launches… BUSINESSES across Scotland are being called on to grab a lucrative opportunity to vie for work worth up to £100m to support the country on its net zero journey. A leading procurement expert is urging firms of all sizes to apply for its latest framework, offering property refurbishment and modernisation specialists the chance to bid for a huge range of environmental, electrical, joinery, plumbing and decorative works. One of the key targets of the Scottish Procurement Alliance’s (SPA) latest framework is geared towards tackling Scotland’s 2045 net zero targets by seeking to retrofit and repurpose a wide variety of social housing and public buildings across the country. Lesley Anderson, Regional Director at the Scottish Procurement Alliance, the country’s biggest, free-to-join procurement organisation, says the framework will help public bodies to manage their assets more effectively, comply with regulations, and improve their financial performance, ensuring that public assets are safe, reliable, and cost-effective. Lesley said: “Retrofitting projects will play a huge role in making sure that we take the necessary steps to achieving Scotland’s net zero targets. We are helping councils, social landlords, the NHS and a host of other bodies to achieve what they need to in the most efficient and effective ways. “The framework is an exciting opportunity for SMEs and larger organisations to get the chance to deliver on meaningful projects within the public sector. It has a huge emphasis on encouraging local supply chains, so we’re also hoping it will have huge benefits to local economies too.” SPA’s 17 frameworks offer an efficient and compliant route to market for the construction, refurbishment and maintenance of social housing and public buildings. It works with 120 partners, including councils, blue light services, the NHS and is particularly renowned for its work with an extensive range of social landlords. Its latest refurbishment and modernisation framework, known as RM3, covers a huge range of works including kitchen and bathroom refits, heating system installations, extensive electrical works, mould prevention, fire safety upgrades, landscaping and other external works and energy efficiency. Lesley added: “Our frameworks are constantly evolving to look at how we can support the public sector and the country as a whole – we’re confident the RM3 will do just that, playing a part to support the country’s wider drive to protect the planet.” Five workstreams for the framework have been split into a series of project value bands to cater for a mix of SMEs able to take on refurbishment works. The workstreams individually contain different value bands ranging from £0 -£2m+. Bidders can apply to operate in Eastern Scotland, West Central Scotland, Scottish Borders, Dumfries, and Galloway, East and North Ayrshire Mainland, South Ayrshire and South Lanarkshire but are required to be able to demonstrate a turnover of £500k. SPA has emphasised the importance of having SMEs apply and has attended a variety of events targeted to SME’s to raise awareness and discuss opportunities. SPA has also hosted a talking tender session where they help businesses to understand about potential tender opportunities and how to apply. SPA’s 120 partners cover a diverse range of public sector entities from small cooperatives, regional and national registered social landlords (RSLs), as well as local authorities. It also works with 300 suppliers, mostly SMEs, who deliver services to SPA’s partners. As a proud not-for-profit, SPA’s surpluses are reinvested into Scottish communities through its Community Benefit Fund (CBF) by working with its dedicated charity, Lintel Trust. Since 2017, the CBF has allocated over £1.7 million in grants and match funding to support community groups, charities, and causes, delivering social value of more than £3.9m. Those interested in the framework can apply here: https://in-tendhost.co.uk/lhc/aspx/Tenders/Current Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As the immigration rules for construction workers are relaxed to cope with the ongoing skills shortage, UK developer Shore Construction highlights the importance of strong compliance checks for all migrant workers. Despite the construction industry attracting over 170,000 new workers each year, the CITB estimate that over 225,000 additional workers are needed by 2027 to deliver the projected demand. And with acute shortages of bricklayers, plasterers, roofers and carpenters impacting projects already, the Government’s recent decision to relax immigration rules for these roles, brings much needed relief. However, with increasing numbers of migrant workers entering the workforce, maintaining high compliance standards becomes vitally important. Construction companies already must manage multiple factors to maintain safe and lawful working environments including health and safety, right to work, modern slavery and financial regulation compliance. As the numbers of migrant workers increases, so does the does the complexity that contractors face. Advocating strong compliance for everyone on a construction site, Shore Construction Managing Director James Hobden says, “Maintaining 100% compliance for construction workers must be the benchmark at all times. The risks for non-compliance are too significant however urgent your need for a particular skillset is.” With this in mind, Shore Construction shares the key pillars of its compliance strategy as part of the industry-wide effort to ensure high compliance standards. Compliance processes are frequently seen as an additional cost burden within construction companies. By including compliance within your business strategy and culture, each cost becomes an investment as part of your brand and competitive advantage. “When you step back from the processes and checks, we’re playing a crucial role in making sure that our construction sites are safe, that our workers are protected from risks like modern slavery and low pay, and that the supply chain is robust. Legislation aside, these are all things that are simply right to do.” Culture and reporting lines play a huge role in effective compliance. Aligning compliance and health safety teams and creating direct reporting lines and communication with the board is vital for all employees and contractors. With over 15% of compliance checks failing due to fake or incomplete worker documentation, utilising technology and automation is essential to ensure genuine documentation, complete compliance documentation and accurate processing. “We see increasingly sophisticated forgeries being used to try to get illegal workers on to our construction sites. Technology screening aligned with human checks is essential to stay ahead.” The risks don’t start and end at the site gates; contractors are potentially liable for breaches throughout their supply chain making robust compliance processes for all suppliers essential. Including your supply chain within your process and making sure they have the right skills and processes is vital. “We create open partnerships with our supply chain to identify and manage risks. Our relationships with sister companies The Shore Group for recruitment and BoostPay for payroll ensure we can manage compliance with complete transparency at every link of the supply chain.” Measuring your compliance performance and reporting the results at board level is vital to make sure you’re on track. Avoid setting any targets that are less than 100% compliance however as the human and financial risks are too great for any non-compliance. Supporting the industry efforts to solve skills shortages and grow the construction sector, Shore Construction is proud to be at the forefront of compliance assurance by sharing its expertise in this area. For more information on Shore Construction… www.shore-construction.co.uk
Contractor Henry Brothers Construction has delivered a £12m refurbishment scheme for The University of Manchester. The project involved the complete refurbishment of floors four and five of the Chemistry Building, along with work to the level eight plantroom, roof and external ductwork and services. It included reorganising the layout of the two floors to create flexible lab space to feature new fume cupboards and fixed benching, dedicated write-up spaces with glazed screens for visibility throughout the lab, modern offices, and attractive break-out areas. One of the key features of the project was the external ventilation ducts running up the side of the building which feed into floors four and five (and the other floors in future refurbishment phases). These ducts were connected to the existing fans in the 1960s-built, seven-storey building, which houses one of the largest Chemistry departments in the UK. Managing Director of Henry Brothers Construction Ian Taylor said: “We were delighted to have been appointed on our first contract at The University of Manchester, which represented an expansion for Henry Brothers into the North West. “The result of this refurbishment scheme on floors four and five of the Chemistry Building, along with work to the level eight plantroom and services, is first class. Researchers will now be working in and enjoying modern laboratories, offices, and break-out areas. These upgraded new facilities give researchers access to some of the most up-to-date amenities, helping the University to retain its position as one of the best places to study Chemistry.” The project was the latest in a number of schemes that Henry Brothers has delivered at UK universities and followed a £30m refurbishment scheme at the W and S Buildings at Loughborough University. Procured through the Crown Commercial Services Framework, The University of Manchester contract marked Henry Brothers’ expansion into the North West last year following sustained growth across the Midlands.The design team for the refurb included Gardiner and Theobold as NEC project manager, RLB as quantity surveyor, Halliday Meecham Architects, structural engineers Curtins and EDPI for M&E services, with sub-contractors William Bailey and Electract providing mechanical and electrical services for Henry Brothers. 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 clients, it has a proven track record in education, defence, accommodation, commercial, industrial, transport and healthcare sectors. For more information, visit www.henrybrothers.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Work has commenced on the £74 million industrial warehouse scheme – Project Holst – located in Coventry’s renowned Prospero Ansty Park. A ground-breaking ceremony held on 12 July marked the start of the pivotal scheme at the landmark technology hub, attended by representatives of McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) and Manse Opus. Consisting of four industrial warehouses with associated offices, construction works led by McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) on behalf of Manse Opus, started earlier this year and are due to complete in March 2024. Spanning a total of 1,739,598 sq. ft, the four commercial speculative units will predominantly comprise a cladded portal frame with a CAT A open plan layout and the site will feature an external logistics yard with a level and dock access area and dedicated car parking spaces with electric charging points, alongside landscaped communal areas. Designed to meet a BREEAM Excellent rating, units will be highly energy efficient in design with the application of roof top PVs and rainwater harvesting tanks. Offices have been designed as largely open plan to provide flexibility to prospective tenants, and the architecture has focused on the business culture and purpose of the technology park, reflecting the current variety of highly skilled professions already present within the surrounding developments. The scheme will also entail a large and complex earthworks operation prior to construction with extensive infrastructure works needed to access the plots and associated balancing ponds to accommodate storm water. All removed earth will also be reused back within the site to reduce waste and provide a greater circular approach. Prior to works commencing, great crested newts were identified and relocated, and protective fencing was erected to the perimeter of the site. As part of the wider landscaping scheme, new ecological areas will continue to be developed during the construction and population of the site. Giving back to the local community, voluntary works are due to be carried out at the Grace Academy during the summer, to create a sensory open space for the students to enjoy. Last year, McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) completed construction works for Manse Opus, on a new 94,000 sq. ft regional headquarters for Cadent Gas – the UK’s largest gas distribution network. Project Holst marks the second scheme at the park that McLaren Construction and Manse Opus have partnered together for, following more than three years of collaboration. Managing director, Gary Cramp, said: “It’s excellent to be partnering with Manse Opus again for the further expansion of Prospero Ansty Park and we have a strong relationship formed over many years successfully working together. “Prospero Ansty Park is a fast-growing business and industrial hub for the West Midlands, and we’re very pleased to be bringing our client’s vision to life with Project Holst, providing central high-specification commercial office space, ideally positioned to cater to clients in the industrial and logistics sector. “We have managed to overcome challenges with this site – including battling with the wettest March on record in 20 years. However, our dedicated team of skilled contractors managed to stay dedicated to the programme and timeline.” Richard Smith, director of Manse Opus, said: “I am delighted for the third time now to be working with McLaren in delivering this massively important logistics and industrial scheme comprising four buildings between 117,000 sq. ft and 300,000 sq. ft, to be completed between December 2023 and March 2024.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Southend Council has appointed Willmott Dixon as its construction partner for a proposed major upgrade of the Cliffs Pavilion. Under a pre-construction agreement with the council, Willmott Dixon will undertake essential tasks, including design development and preparation of a pre-construction health and safety plan. Additionally, they will create a construction methodology and program planning, including phasing strategies. Once these preliminary stages are complete, the company will finalise a full contract, contingent on planning approval, an agreed cost plan, and a works program. The work at Cliffs Pavilion Theatre will help secure its long-term future as one of the top ten regional theatres in the country. It is owned by the council and operated by Trafalgar Theatres (for Trafalgar Entertainment). Over £8 million is set to be invested into the theatre to fund a major expansion of the restaurant, a new entrance and lobby to improve the customer experience, upgraded ventilation, a new outdoor piazza and several other improvements to the bars, toilets, lifts and other areas. The theatre will remain open throughout the project, which is expected to start in January 2024, with £5.5m of the project funded through Round 1 of the Levelling Up Fund announced by Government on 27 October 2021, with additional investment from the City Council and Trafalgar Entertainment. A revised planning application will be submitted in July, when a resident event will take place and artists impressions will be available. Cllr Derek Jarvis, cabinet member for arts, culture, heritage and leisure, said: “The Cliffs Pavilion Theatre is one of Southend’s key venues for culture, arts and events and adds so much to our reputation as a cultural destination and brings millions of pounds into the local economy. This work will ensure that we reinforce its position as one of the top ten regional theatres in the country. “The proposed expansion and upgrade of the theatre will also help us to secure the future success of the Cliffs Pavilion, in the hopes of benefiting from larger touring shows and bringing larger audiences to Southend whilst also benefitting our local economy.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
