Vinci Construction Grands Projects and Bachy Soletanche JV, the Costain, demanded mining support to install an air treatment unit (ATU) at Tideway’s Deptford Church Street site in Lewisham. The ATU will control and treat air exhausted from London’s 25km long “super sewer” tunnel. The Costain has installed the ATU alongside
Doka, one of the world’s leading suppliers of formwork with headquarters in Amstetten, Austria, completed the 100% acquisition of scaffolding manufacturer AT-PAC. Both companies initially partnered in 2020 to provide comprehensive global site solutions. The acquisition positions Doka as a single source for formwork and scaffolding for the global construction
Contractor Bouygues UK and temporary works specialist Mabey Hire have collaborated on the basement propping scheme on Swansea Council’s 71/72 Kingsway office development. The new £33M Swansea city centre office scheme is being developed on the site of the former Oceana nightclub, which closed in 2014. The five storey development,
As part of the safe management of Madeira Terrace, temporary structural propping work will take place to four of the 152 bays beneath the terrace from next week. The Grade II* listed terrace is regularly inspected to identify any recommended works, such as propping, which may be required to prevent
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of multi-sector construction and civil engineering projects, has been given its first contract within National Highways’ new Scheme Delivery Framework (SDF). Routine investigations to the M62 Ouse Bridge, located between Goole and Howden in Yorkshire –
Industry leading multi-disciplinary bridge works specialist Spencer Group has come up with a unique method to carry out essential works on an historic structure. Spencer Group is carrying out the design, construction, installation and maintenance of a temporary walkway for Grade II listed Connel Bridge, in Scotland, ahead of major
New research by the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) has found that over a third (35%) of British employers have not spoken to their staff about their mental health and wellbeing over the past year. A survey conducted on ACAS’s behalf by YouGov, asked businesses in Britain about whether
In November 2020, the Government published its 10-point plan for a Green Industrial Revolution. It set out a path to Net Zero by 2050. CO2nstructZero is the construction sector’s response. It sets out how the industry can collectively meet Net Zero and uses the Climate Change Committee’s 6th Carbon budget to establish the priorities
Barhale Scotland has been awarded a key contract by urban regeneration body Clyde Gateway Developments Limited to carry out remedial works to an unstable section of embankment alongside the River Clyde. The civil engineering and infrastructure specialist will carry out a £2.8 million package of works adjacent to the River
A new stainless steel and concrete bridge, the first of its kind in the UK, has opened to pedestrians and vehicles in Pooley Bridge, Cumbria. It replaces its 250-year-old stone predecessor, which was destroyed during severe flooding as a result of Storm Desmond in 2015. The new single-span bridge has
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
Vinci Construction Grands Projects and Bachy Soletanche JV, the Costain, demanded mining support to install an air treatment unit (ATU) at Tideway’s Deptford Church Street site in Lewisham. The ATU will control and treat air exhausted from London’s 25km long “super sewer” tunnel. The Costain has installed the ATU alongside a 60m deep, 16m diameter shaft that is said to move effluent from street level to the main sewer tunnel downward. In turn, Groundforce Shorco supplied a sheet piling and structural support solution for the ATU excavation. It is located in a confined area adjacent to the main shaft and includes three separate sections. The section engineer, Freddie Gorman, pointed out: “When the sewer is operating, air will build up inside and needs to be vented,” “We can’t just let it come straight out; it needs to be filtered. When the shaft is completed, it will be capped and any air trapped inside will be fed through the ATU, where it’s treated. It then goes into a ventilation chamber before being vented out into the atmosphere.” For supporting the excavation, Groundforce supplied KD6 sheets and Larssen sheet piles with its Mechshore, Maxi and Mega Bracing frames. Three levels of the frame with the larger capacity Mega Brace frames located at the bottom to support the higher loads were installed. Arpad Nagy, Groundforce area manager, illustrated that the temporary works design was complicated since the three sections of the excavation, each a distinct size and depth, were built back-to-back. Nagy expressed: “The frames work with and against each other and are interdependent. That means we couldn’t make any changes to one frame without affecting all of the others.” In addition, the steel sheets lining the excavation act as the outer skin of the formwork necessitates to pour the reinforced concrete walls of the ATU chamber. He continued: “The original plan was to use formwork to construct the ATU walls, but by pouring the concrete against the sheet piles the project cost has been reduced.” The excavation’s complexity, merged with varying ground levels and the proximity of the main shaft, meant the temporary works design process was tough. Nagy claimed: “The whole evolution of the temporary works design took around seven months and went through eight different versions.” The first design meeting was in April 2021, and the first delivery of equipment to the Tideway site was not until December 2021. Another obstacle for the site team was the ground conditions on the site, which were extremely hard and stony. This made it challenging to install the steel sheet piles just with the excavator-mounted vibrating hammer. Therefore, a pre-augering method had to be acquired. Also, several sheet piles still remain to be installed. However, the proximity of the current shaft resulted in additional problems. Ross Hope, a senior engineer, explained: “We were tasked with designing a system to allow the removal of the sheets which were blocking the connection, as well as providing enough clearance to allow the concrete walls to be fully cast. We came up with using a trapezoidal frame in order to transfer loads to the existing capping beam, followed by a secondary temporary frame propping off the top of the capping beam in order to allow the removal of the frames below.” The task has now advanced onto a second phase which was the excavation to obtain a long culvert that channels the filtered air from the ATU to the ventilation chamber. Nagy clarified: “This excavation will be just as complicated, but we’ve learned a few things in phase one, so I’m sure we can provide a suitable solution.” The ATU is located near the historic St Paul’s Church in Deptford and is an element of the £4.3bn Thames Tideway Tunnel project. It is said to create a combined sewer, running mainly beneath the tidal section of the River Thames across London, to capture, store and convey 95% of the raw sewage and rainwater which presently overflows into the Thames. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Doka, one of the world’s leading suppliers of formwork with headquarters in Amstetten, Austria, completed the 100% acquisition of scaffolding manufacturer AT-PAC. Both companies initially partnered in 2020 to provide comprehensive global site solutions. The acquisition positions Doka as a single source for formwork and scaffolding for the global construction industry and strengthens the company’s new global business segment, “Industrial Scaffolding”. For AT-PAC this means full access to a global market. The potential for cooperation between the formwork expert and the US headquartered scaffolding specialist was already impressively demonstrated at bauma 2022 in Munich and generated significant interest from customers worldwide. Doka and AT-PAC highlighted their strong partnership and successful collaboration with a dual-branded stand that was visited by over 100,000 visitors. The impressive 30m-high Ringlock scaffolding landmark tower was climbed by 7,000 selfie-takers to enjoy the spectacular views of the show grounds from the 20m viewing platform. The opportunities presented by combining the world’s leading formwork company with the global scaffolding specialist are enormous. Opportunities for customers & employees Robert Hauser, CEO of Doka, says: “I am very enthusiastic about the opportunities that will be offered to existing and future customers, providing them with a wealth of knowledge, integrated products and turnkey solutions for formwork, shoring and scaffolding from a single source. This will allow us to continue to expand together and further strengthen our market position”. Josh Dundon, previously COO, has been announced as the new CEO of AT-PAC. Commenting on the acquisition, Dundon said: “It is an exciting milestone for AT-PAC to become 100% part of the Doka and thus the Umdasch Group family. It further strengthens and demonstrates the success of our partnership since its inception 3 years ago. The combination of Doka’s industry-leading formwork solutions and extensive global sales network with AT-PAC’s high quality products, services and talent will create incredible value for our customers and opportunities for our employees worldwide.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Contractor Bouygues UK and temporary works specialist Mabey Hire have collaborated on the basement propping scheme on Swansea Council’s 71/72 Kingsway office development. The new £33M Swansea city centre office scheme is being developed on the site of the former Oceana nightclub, which closed in 2014. The five storey development, with two underground levels, will include 10,590m2 of commercial floor space and 600 co-working spaces for the tech, digital and creative industries. Swansea Council appointed Bouygues UK to deliver the complex project. The main contractor has been involved in early stage collaboration with Mabey Hire on the temporary works on the scheme. Working closely with structural engineer Bingham Hall, Mabey Hire was responsible for supplying and installing the equipment required. The original proposed scheme design included the use of steel walers and bracing struts for the basement excavation. This approach, however, was not suitable for the 71/72 Kingsway project due to concerns that the groundworks shoring equipment would clash with the piling rigs. Instead, an alternative solution was put forward featuring Mabey Hire’s Mass 25 props, which were used to create portal frames in specific areas within the basement area. This enabled the extensive piling operations to be undertaken without disruption. Mabey Hire’s Enviroguard monitoring solution was also installed. It remained on site during the temporary works installation and throughout the piling works themselves. This provided real-time data and insight as to the site behaviours, so that any movement of the existing retaining wall was captured. Mabey Hire major projects manager Lee Matthews said: “Working closely and collaboratively with structural engineers Bingham Hall and the main contractor, Bouygues UK, we remained on hand throughout the works. On a project of this scale, it’s inevitable that there will be some changes required as construction progresses, and we were able to deliver those changes speedily on site too.” Bouygues UK site manager Chelbie Jones commented: “Mabey Hire has done a great job for us in terms of the design and delivery in facilitating our logistic constraints and programme requirements. Despite the challenges the site presents, the works carried out have been executed well and collaboratively by Mabey Hire and the Bouygues UK delivery team.” The 71/72 The Kingsway project is being part-funded by the £1.3bn Swansea Bay City Deal and supported by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government. The development is due for completion this summer. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As part of the safe management of Madeira Terrace, temporary structural propping work will take place to four of the 152 bays beneath the terrace from next week. The Grade II* listed terrace is regularly inspected to identify any recommended works, such as propping, which may be required to prevent further weakening of the structure. Following recommendations from the latest inspection, structural steelwork will be installed at four locations along the length of the terrace. This is important preparatory work ahead of Phase 1 of the major renovation project, which begins in the autumn. That covers 40 arches between the Royal Crescent Steps and Shelter Hall – the Concorde 2 venue. It is important that this preparatory work is carried out to provide extra support to the historic structure. The Green Wall The propping work specifically excludes any elements relating to the Green Wall. Consultation on this work has been undertaken with Brighton & Hove Building Green (a local community group closely involved with Madeira Terrace and the Green Wall), the council’s Biodiversity Officer, Planning Conservation Officer and the Madeira Terrace Restoration Project Team. The Fig Tree To enable the propping work to take place the fig tree to the eastern end of Madeira Terrace will need to be coppiced, as this is currently preventing access to two of the bays which require structural support. This work has been discussed and agreed with James Farrell of Building Green, and with the council’s Biodiversity Officer. Coppicing is a traditional method of tree and shrub management which involves cutting the plant to ground level. This promotes the fresh growth of many smaller shoots, which quickly grow upwards. High level vegetation Where plants are growing at a high-level in the bays and covering the beams on the underside of the arches, these will be cut back to allow a structural inspection of these beams to be done. Without being able to fully survey the structure concealed deterioration to the beams could weaken the Terrace. Contractors will also remove metal and timber debris beneath the arches to allow safe access for the propping work to be carried out. This will be carefully managed to ensure that the Green Wall to the rear is protected, even where vegetation has started to grow around the debris. No pesticides will be used in this work. Rejuvenating a valued asset Council Leader Phélim Mac Cafferty said: “Over the last 130 years it’s inevitable that the coastal weather has weakened some of the structure of Madeira Terraces. In order that we fully understand the nature of the problem, specialist teams are now inspecting the structure so restoration can get underway. Extra steel supports will be installed to help prop up the Terraces to keep the structure safe as this necessary work happens. “Local experts are working with council teams to secure this next step on the path to a restored Madeira Terrace. Longer term, the new Terrace will signal a rejuvenated eastern seafront with a valued asset for generations to come.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of multi-sector construction and civil engineering projects, has been given its first contract within National Highways’ new Scheme Delivery Framework (SDF). Routine investigations to the M62 Ouse Bridge, located between Goole and Howden in Yorkshire – or between junctions 36 and 37 of the M62 – identified a partial failure of a joint on the eastbound carriageway. Therefore, Winvic has been appointed as one of the organisations on the SDF undertaking temporary and then permanent repairs on the structure and highway. It was discovered that increased vibration from traffic had started to damage the concrete under lane three and a bridge joint, which allows the carriageway to expand and contract with the weather. A contraflow was immediately put into place, reducing traffic on the eastbound carriage to one lane, to allow temporary works to begin, while a series of overnight road closures during the week commencing 13 June facilitated a second eastbound traffic lane to open on Saturday 18 June minimising disruption to road users. Winvic installed temporary metal bridging plates across parts of the eastbound carriageway, which enabled a further eastbound lane and the eastbound exit slip road at junction 37 to be reopened on Friday 8 July. Winvic has employed its ‘one-team’ approach and is working closely with a number of National Highways project partners; Jacobs is designing the repairs, traffic management is being led by Amey and Winvic, along with specialist Contractor VSL, is heading the joint repair and replacement. Together the companies are currently working on the complex design process required to replace all eight joints across both carriageways towards a solution that reduces the need for full closures in the future as much as possible. Temporary bridging plates have been installed over the damaged bridge joints as a temporary mitigation measure, and a second set will be added this autumn. The two most critically damaged joints on the eastbound carriageway will be replaced by spring 2023 and the project will be fully complete in Autumn 2023. Winvic won its place on the National Highways SDF in September, along with 49 other contractors that will deliver £3.6 billion of road renewal works on England’s motorways and trunk roads over the next six years. Rob Cook, Winvic’s Director of Civils and Infrastructure, commented: “We have been working hard with National Highways and the Yorkshire North East region to mobilise the Scheme Delivery Framework since we were awarded our place on it in September, so we were able to mobilise rapidly on this project on the M62 Ouse Bridge to begin the necessary immediate temporary works. We put multiple interfaces in place with the National Highway team and the other project partners, so we could work as one-team, towards one-goal with safety as the ultimate priority. “The surfacing and bridging plate works have met programme expectations, meaning road users have been able to go back to using multiple carriageways and the programme is in place to install more plates this Autumn; while the priority always must be safety, it’s also crucial that disruptions to people’s journeys is minimised as quickly as possible and negate the need for full road closures as much as possible. Once the permanent solution has been fully designed and fabricated, we will undertake these permanent works, facilitating the long-term safe use of the Ouse Bridge.” Members of the public can keep up to date about the project and any related traffic disruption, by visiting https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-work/yorkshire-and-north-east/m62-ouse-bridge/. Phil Jepps, National Highways Programme Delivery Manager, added: “The temporary repair work around the bridge joint and the permanent replacement of all eight joints on the Ouse Bridge is a very complex project. To complete this as quickly, safely and effectively as possible, it’s important we work with outstanding partners who share our commitment to working towards the highest possible standards. We would like to thank Winvic and our other partners on the Scheme Delivery Framework for their ongoing support to keep traffic moving safely while completing the vital resurfacing and bridging plate work.” For more information on essential safety work taking place on Ouse Bridge, visit the National Highways dedicated web page for the bridge https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/yorkshire-and-north-east/m62-ouse-bridge/ or follow National Highways Yorkshire on Facebook. Winvic will be attending the Highways UK event at The NEC, Birmingham, on 2 and 3 of November 2022 – find them at exhibition stand number E6 or contact the firm to pre-book a meeting. For more information on Winvic, the company’s latest project news and job vacancies please visit www.winvic.co.uk. Join Winvic on social media – visit Twitter @WinvicLtd – and LinkedIn.
Industry leading multi-disciplinary bridge works specialist Spencer Group has come up with a unique method to carry out essential works on an historic structure. Spencer Group is carrying out the design, construction, installation and maintenance of a temporary walkway for Grade II listed Connel Bridge, in Scotland, ahead of major deck replacement works. The walkway, which will be cantilevered off the east side of the bridge, will allow for pedestrian and cyclist access during the works to replace the entire deck, which will take place over the course of the next two years. The walkway is expected to be completed in four months, with the possibility of retaining the facility depending on a feasibility study and full public consultation. The walkway construction has been programmed to cause minimal disruption to traffic and the local community. The A828 Connel Bridge was the second largest cantilever bridge in Europe when it was built by Sir William Arrol in 1903. It links the villages of Connel and North Connel, close to Oban. Originally a railway bridge, it was used for both rail and road traffic from 1914, until the railway closed in 1966. The new steel walkway design will be in-keeping with the heritage of the bridge, with Spencer Group also self-delivering integrated street lighting. Spencer Group is carrying out the project for BEAR Scotland, a service provider in the Scottish roads maintenance sector, on behalf of the national transport agency for Scotland, Transport Scotland. The temporary walkway is part of the critical enabling works ahead of the deck replacement scheme and Spencer Group, which specialises in providing innovative solutions to complex engineering projects, is mitigating the impact the walkway works will have on traffic and the local community. Luke Fisher, Sector Lead for Bridges and Structures at Spencer Group, said: “We’re delighted to have been selected to carry out this important project, which is the latest in our growing portfolio of heritage bridge works. “During the tender process, we focused our proposals on a sympathetic walkway design and methodologies that reduced traffic management during the construction works. “Our designers proposed a traditional steel walkway design that was in-keeping with the heritage of the bridge, clamping to the existing structure where possible, to minimise invasive construction works to the bridge interface points. “A key element of the project is also to minimise the impact on local residents and traffic, both on Connel Bridge and on the A85 below. “The original design intent was to install support brackets over the side of the masonry viaducts that would require rope access for installation, meaning traffic management would have needed to be in place on the A85. “We’ve come up with an alternative design solution that mitigates this, with brackets that can be installed from the confines of the bridge parapets. In addition, we’ve developed an installation methodology that allows our teams to install the new walkway progressively from the leading edge, almost eliminating the requirement for traffic management on the bridge during the works.” Eddie Ross, BEAR Scotland’s North West Representative, said: “We appreciate the historical importance of the A828 Connel Bridge and the vital transport link it provides to local communities. “This project will allow teams to install a temporary footway on the east side of Connel Bridge, in advance of the deck replacement works which are scheduled to take place next year. The temporary walkway will maintain a route across the bridge whilst the bridge deck is replaced, as we will need to close the existing footpath and carriageway. “Alongside Transport Scotland, we are currently considering making the walkway a permanent facility and will carry out a feasibility study of the options available, which will include consultation with all key stakeholders.” Spencer Group delivers innovative engineering and construction solutions in the transport, infrastructure, materials handling, energy and industrial sectors. For further information about Spencer Group’s extensive bridge project capabilities, visit https://thespencergroup.co.uk/our-work/bridges/.
New research by the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) has found that over a third (35%) of British employers have not spoken to their staff about their mental health and wellbeing over the past year. A survey conducted on ACAS’s behalf by YouGov, asked businesses in Britain about whether they had personally talked to their staff about their mental health in the last 12 months. The poll found that: Robert Candy, Chief Executive of the Scaffolding Association said; “Businesses must do more to support employees with their mental health and wellbeing. It is inevitable that the pandemic will have exacerbated pre existing concerns. It will have also created new mental health and wellbeing issues among individuals and employees. The easiest thing a business can do is to talk with their staff, so it is concerning that over a third have not taken this basic step”. Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures show that more than 2,000 construction workers took their own lives in the UK in the decade to 2017 which is more than four times the number of construction workers killed during the course of their duties for the same period. The Scaffolding Association recently established a Health and Wellbeing Committee which aims to help employers in the sector improve the support they provide in relation to mental health and to encourage employees to talk with employers and colleagues. For more information on the latest ACAS research visit: 1 in 3 employers have not talked to staff about their mental health over the past year | Acas
In November 2020, the Government published its 10-point plan for a Green Industrial Revolution. It set out a path to Net Zero by 2050. CO2nstructZero is the construction sector’s response. It sets out how the industry can collectively meet Net Zero and uses the Climate Change Committee’s 6th Carbon budget to establish the priorities that frame an action plan of how they will measure their progress and hold themselves to account. Launched in March 2021 by the Construction Leadership Council (CLC), CO2nstruct Zero brings together organisations that are demonstrating leadership in relation to carbon reduction, sharing their good practice with others from across the UK construction sector, and providing a set of metrics that enables the sector, quarterly, to collectively measure its progress to Net Zero. Since its launch more than 70 Business Champions have committed to targeted carbon reduction, and to provide details of how they are achieving this to help those from across the wider sector. Robert Candy, Chief Executive of the Scaffolding Association said “The Scaffolding Association has always been a strong advocate for moving to a sustainable future. This initiative is a step in the right direction to provide individuals and businesses with scalable practical help, support and the tools they will need to understand and play their part. Climate change is happening. Every industry has a part to play in reducing carbon emissions and meeting net zero by 2050. The construction industry is no exception”. For more information on CO2nstructZero visit CO2nstructZero » Construction Leadership Council
Barhale Scotland has been awarded a key contract by urban regeneration body Clyde Gateway Developments Limited to carry out remedial works to an unstable section of embankment alongside the River Clyde. The civil engineering and infrastructure specialist will carry out a £2.8 million package of works adjacent to the River Clyde between Rutherglen Bridge and Dalmarnock Smart Bridge in the Shawfield area. This will help pave the way for the future development of office, industrial and residential space. The programme will include ground investigation works; habitat and ecology mitigation works; the design and construction of soil mixed columns and soil mixed capping slabs; and the diversion and reinstatement of an existing outflow pipe and headwall. Works will be completed with the construction of a new geogrid reinforced earthworks slope and associated soft landscaping. To facilitate the scheme, Barhale will design and install an extensive series of temporary works. They will enable the safe and controlled construction of the permanent works. Clyde Gateway Developments Limited is the urban regeneration company set up to drive inward investment and improvement for the people and communities across the east end of Glasgow and South Lanarkshire. It is formed of a partnership between Glasgow City Council, South Lanarkshire Council and Scottish Enterprise. Lee Hollywood, who leads Barhale’s Scottish operation, welcomed the award and underlined the importance of the Clyde Gateway programme. “This is one of the largest urban regeneration projects being undertaken in the UK today,” he said. “Overall it is tackling an area of 840 hectares and it will bring long term benefits to the communities in Bridgeton, Dalmarnock and Rutherglen. “We are very proud to have the opportunity to play our part and to be able to prepare the ground for the next phase at Shawfield.” The construction programme is expected to complete in December 2022.
A new stainless steel and concrete bridge, the first of its kind in the UK, has opened to pedestrians and vehicles in Pooley Bridge, Cumbria. It replaces its 250-year-old stone predecessor, which was destroyed during severe flooding as a result of Storm Desmond in 2015. The new single-span bridge has been designed to withstand extreme weather conditions and is in keeping with its location in Ullswater on the edge of the Lake District National Park. Hanson UK worked with contractor Eric Wright Civil Engineering Ltd to create a bespoke concrete mix for the lower arch of the steel bridge, designed and constructed to provide structural strength, and also supplied and laid the asphalt to complete the project. The steelwork for the new bridge was manufactured off-site in two sections, fabricated and welded on an adjacent piece of land, where the concrete lower arch was installed to allow the whole structure to be lifted into place over the River Eamont. The high early strength concrete mix included Hanson Regen GGBS (ground granulated blastfurnace slag), a cement replacement product which enhances the durability of the concrete while adding to its sustainability credentials. It is a by-product and using it to replace one tonne of Portland cement reduces the embodied CO2 of the concrete by around 780kg. Its use in large pours also helps minimise the production of heat, reducing the risk of thermal cracking. In total 1,200 cubic metres of concrete containing Regen have been supplied by Hanson’s nearby Penrith concrete plant to create the lower arch, bridge deck, bridge abutment and walls, highway approach retaining walls and several temporary works. “Concrete supply to this project was always going to be a challenge due to the location, unique characteristics of the bridge and the tight deadline,” said Nick Graham, technical sales officer at Hanson Concrete. Technical services manager Terry Balmer added: “Our technical team was involved early in the design stage due to the complex concrete requirements, especially for the high-quality visual concrete that makes up the deck composite, and this partnership working was fundamental to the success of the project.” To complete the project, Hanson supplied 275 tonnes of asphalt from its nearby plant at Shap, which was laid by the company’s specialist contracting team. This included 130 tonnes of Tufflex, chosen for its durability and high resistance to cracking, for the surface course. In addition to the complex nature of the bridge, the final abutment work, concrete arch and composite deck – as well as the asphalt – were all supplied under the added pressure of the Covid-19 pandemic and the associated issues entailed with furloughed staff and social distancing protocols.
