Bullet Express, one of the UK’s fastest-growing logistics, distribution and storage businesses, has opened a new 67,000 sq ft logistics centre at Westway Park, Renfrew, Scotland’s largest fully enclosed industrial distribution and office park. The new logistics centre will see Bullet Express increase its storage and distribution capacity by 14%,
HS2 recently announced the start of construction at the site of its first innovative ‘green tunnel’, designed to blend the high speed railway into the landscape and reduce disruption for communities. Unlike a normal underground tunnel, the one-and-a-half mile (2.5km) Chipping Warden green tunnel in Northamptonshire is being built on
Portsmouth International Port’s terminal transformation has officially begun, as contractors Knights Brown started construction on Monday (23 May) on a new carbon neutral terminal extension, which will strengthen the city’s position a major UK port and is one of the UK’s first Levelling Up projects to get underway. The port
HS2 Ltd has reached an agreement with Bruntwood, one of the UK’s leading property providers, to purchase Square One on Travis Street in readiness for construction of Manchester’s brand new high speed railway station. The sale marks HS2’s second major property acquisition in the city centre in just over 12
Canterbury Road Vent Shaft site in South Kilburn becomes HS2 Ltd’s first completely diesel-free construction site Major moment for the project in its journey towards net-zero carbon emissions by 2035 HS2 Ltd – the company building Britain’s new high speed, low carbon railway – has today [Thursday 12 May] announced
Vehicular access to CGX Connect site is now complete Flagship Gloucestershire development has the potential to deliver new jobs Works supported by £1.885 million Growth Deal funding through GFirst LEP CGX Connect, the flagship commercial development at Gloucestershire Airport has reached a critical delivery milestone with access to the site
A new online tool to help the rail industry measure the social value of its investments, infrastructure projects and day-to-day operations has been launched today. The Rail Social Value Tool (RSVT), co-funded by Network Rail, is provided by the Rail Safety Standards Board (RSSB) and Loop (formerly Social Profit Calculator).
Work on the much anticipated £53m Poynton Relief Road scheme has reached a major milestone. The final five bridge beams have been lifted into place for the new Chester Road bridge. A 500-tonne crane was used to lift the 22.5m-long beams into position, with each beam weighing 37.8 tonnes. The
One of the leading worldwide providers of portable accommodation and the secure storage container, Mobile Mini, is asking clients, customers, and industry peers to ensure they are fully prepared to transition fuel requirements ahead of red diesel taxation changes set for next month. Red diesel refers to a normal diesel
The Connecting Leeds £25million transformational Corn Exchange project is due to complete following resurfacing works which are happening later this month. Once fully complete, the area around the Corn Exchange will see restrictions to general traffic, allowing for bus priority measures, enhanced bus stop signage and facilities, safer cycle tracks
Bullet Express, one of the UK’s fastest-growing logistics, distribution and storage businesses, has opened a new 67,000 sq ft logistics centre at Westway Park, Renfrew, Scotland’s largest fully enclosed industrial distribution and office park. The new logistics centre will see Bullet Express increase its storage and distribution capacity by 14%, creating job opportunities for warehouse and inventory personnel within the local area. The facility at Westway, which provides Bullet Express with easy access to the M8 and the new road link to Glasgow Airport, will have capacity for 12,000 pallets – 10,000 for racked storage and 2,000 for floor storage. The new facility in Renfrew is the latest addition to Bullet Express’ rapidly expanding network which includes: Bothwell, Express Pallet Centre and HQ totalling 200,000 sq/ft. – network distribution. Baillieston, flagship Storage Centre totalling 210,000 sq/ft. – racked and floor storage. London Road, Glasgow Storage Centre, totalling 32,000 sq/ft. – high-bay racked storage. Glespin, Storage Satellite, totalling 50,000 sq/ft. – floor storage. Established more than 30 years ago, Bullet Express is a full service logistics business with 150 employees providing a European road freight service, worldwide air and sea freight support and stacked storage for customers. Westway, owned by Canmoor and Ares Management Corporation (ARES) provides industrial, warehousing, distribution and office space for companies of all sizes across a number of industries. David McCutcheon, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer at Bullet Express, said: “With our expanding client base, we simply needed additional storage space to facilitate this demand and business growth. Our new centre at Westway offers quality secure space, along with good eaves height, which enables optimum storage space. “The location also offers excellent connectivity, particularly allowing for easy access to the M8 and the new road link to Glasgow Airport. “We are installing racking throughout the site to accommodate 12,000 pallets of which 10,000 will be racked storage and 2,000 floor storage.” Toby Saul, Asset Manager of Canmoor, added: “The new team was established in March this year and we are delighted to welcome Bullet Express as our first new occupier. “Bullet Express is an excellent addition to the quality occupier mix here at Westway and we wish David and the team every success with their expansion plans. “We will continue to asset manage the park and continue the ongoing investment programme, which includes the refurbishment of Block J and Unit G1, with further infrastructure improvements and projects to be announced shortly.”
HS2 recently announced the start of construction at the site of its first innovative ‘green tunnel’, designed to blend the high speed railway into the landscape and reduce disruption for communities. Unlike a normal underground tunnel, the one-and-a-half mile (2.5km) Chipping Warden green tunnel in Northamptonshire is being built on the surface using a pioneering off-site manufacturing approach to speed up construction and improve efficiency. This approach will see more than five thousand giant concrete tunnel segments made in a factory in Derbyshire before being assembled on site. The completed tunnel will then be covered by earth, with trees, shrubs and hedgerows planted to fit in with the surrounding countryside. Chipping Warden is one of five ‘green tunnels’ that are being built on phase one of the HS2 project, which is designed to improve links between London, Birmingham and the north, help level-up the economy and provide a low carbon alternative to car and air travel. Applying lessons from the construction of the latest French high speed lines, the off-site approach was developed by HS2’s main works contractor, EKFB – a team made up of Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial Construction and BAM Nuttall. The tunnel segments are being made by Stanton Precast in Ilkeston Derbyshire as part of a contract which is set to create up to 100 local jobs. HS2 Ltd’s Project Client Rohan Perin, said: “The Chipping Warden green tunnel is a great example of what we’re doing to reduce disruption for people living close to the railway – and it’s fantastic to see the first arches in position. “Our trains will be powered by zero carbon electricity but it’s also important to reduce the amount of carbon embedded in construction. The off-site manufacturing techniques being used will help cutting the overall amount of carbon-intensive concrete and steel in the tunnel and make the whole process faster, more efficient and therefore less disruptive for the community.” Designed as an m-shaped double arch, the tunnel will have separate halves for southbound and northbound trains – each one the height of two double-decker buses. Instead of casting the whole tunnel on site, five different concrete precast segments will be slotted together to achieve the double arch – one central pier, two side walls and two roof slabs. All 5,020 segments will be steel reinforced, with the largest weighing up to 43 tonnes. Concrete and steel are some of the biggest sources of carbon emissions within the construction industry and by reducing the amount of both materials needed for the tunnel, this lighter-weight modular approach is expected to more than halve the amount of carbon embedded in the structure. It also requires less people and equipment on site, improving safety and reducing disruption for residents. EKFB’s Project Manager, Jeremie Martin, said: “Seeing the first set of precast units being installed is a milestone that the whole team is very proud of. This three-year construction programme will benefit from off-site manufacturing making the green tunnel build more efficient than the traditional on-site building method. “The HS2 green tunnels are a first of its kind in the UK. We have designed them as a twin arch ‘M’ shape which is more efficient than the standard box structure, reducing the amount of concrete required, which is a great example of how innovative engineering design can reduce carbon impact.” The tunnel will be built in sections, with construction expected to be complete in 2024. A relief road has also recently been completed, which will take HS2 vehicles – and other local traffic – away from the centre of the village of Chipping Warden. This will later be extended, to take the A361 over the top of the green tunnel. Similar green tunnels will also be built at nearby Greatworth as well as Wendover in Buckinghamshire and Burton Green in Warwickshire, stretching for a combined total of more than four miles. The tunnels will all have specially designed ‘porous portals’ at either end to reduce the noise of trains entering and exiting the tunnel, along with small portal buildings to house safety and electrical equipment. Tailored landscaping design plans will be developed for each tunnel, with thousands of native trees and shrubs typical to the local area such as Silver Birch, Oak, Beech and Willow planted to create new woodland areas around the portals and recreate the hedgerows and field boundaries on top of the tunnel. All 13,290 segments for Chipping Warden, Greatworth and Wendover are being made by Derbyshire-based Stanton Precast Ltd, in a deal that is set to create up to 100 jobs at their Ilkeston factory – an increase in their workforce of around 50%. New production sheds, casting and storage areas are also being built at the factory to accommodate the new work.
Portsmouth International Port’s terminal transformation has officially begun, as contractors Knights Brown started construction on Monday (23 May) on a new carbon neutral terminal extension, which will strengthen the city’s position a major UK port and is one of the UK’s first Levelling Up projects to get underway. The port has been awarded £11.25m funding from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, to build new facilities. Due to an increase in cruise ships calling at the port the transformation is necessary to create capacity to manage an anticipated additional 250,000 passengers a year, in addition to the port’s current two million. The carbon neutral extension will feature: – a sky garden, where passengers can enjoy views of the port – new walkway from the current terminal to the new check-in area – interior living walls – expansive baggage hall – exclusive cruise lounge It will create over 2500 jobs nationally, including 550 in the city. Cruise ships are forecast to increase in Portsmouth with each call expected to generate up to £1.5m through port charges, passenger and crew spend on local goods and services such as hotels and attractions, and also supplies to the ship. Cllr Steve Pitt, Portsmouth City Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Economic Development said: “This is fantastic news for the city, providing employment opportunities and promoting Portsmouth’s offer as the UK’s leading marine and maritime city. “Portsmouth lends itself ideally as a cruise port, with wonderful heritage assets and a spectacular waterfront for arrivals and departures. We expect the improved facilities to kick start further investment in the city, from hotel capacity to an increase in tourism spending. “We are determined retain our environmental values, so the terminal will be carbon neutral when completed. “We are proud of our position as the UK’s most successful local authority owned port, and this new extension will see the port go from strength to strength.” Mike Sellers Portsmouth International Port’s director said: “We are delivering on our masterplan, which focuses on making space so business can continue to thrive. “The extension is essential as we are currently relying on a temporary terminal to accommodate additional passengers, so this permanent addition is crucial as the port gets busier. It is also crucial that this development meets our sustainability ambitions, which is why the extension will be 100% carbon neutral – complementing our existing terminal. “Our increase in passengers is a result of responding to growth in the cruise and ferry industry, which the port is ideally positioned to deliver thanks to its enviable waterfront location. “We are delighted to secure business from major cruise lines, as the industry continues to grow in popularity there is a desperate need for more berth capacity so our expansion plans are critical to meet market demand.” Rt Hon Penny Mordaunt, Portsmouth North MP said: “I am delighted the port was successful in its Levelling Up bid, which will generate thousands of jobs for the region. “The success of Portsmouth International Port requires investment in facilities so it can meet industry demand. There is a real opportunity to provide employment now and for future years as it continues to grow as a major UK port. “The Levelling Up bid also includes additional funding for Linear Park, which will be a remarkable urban park with a rejuvenated Lido, providing another asset for the port’s passengers to enjoy. Portsmouth appeals to the small and mid size, luxury, boutique, expedition cruise sector who are looking for a port that sets them apart from the conventional mass market. The port is competing with European destinations and has an opportunity to secure additional revenue for UK GDP, with each cruise call is anticipated to generate up to £1.5 million to the region’s economy. Mike Crook, Divisional Director for Knights Brown said: “Knights Brown successfully completed the extension to the cruise berth in July 2020 that opened up much more of the cruise market to Portsmouth by allowing significantly larger vessels to berth. We’re thrilled to be back here and working with the team at Portsmouth International Port once again. We’re looking forward to getting the terminal extension underway and to helping the city council and port achieve their ambitions to bring investment to the area and benefit local people.” The transformation will be cutting-edge in environmental development, helping the port achieve its ambition to become carbon neutral by 2030 and zero emissions by 2050. The port was part of a successful £20m bid called Transforming the Visitor Economy, which also includes funding for Hilsea Lido and the creation of the UK’s longest urban park ‘Linear Park’ in the north of the city. The creation of the longest urban Linear Park in the UK, connects the west of the city to the eastern edge, with enhanced cycling and walking facilities providing a tourist offer that is local, national and international. Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
HS2 Ltd has reached an agreement with Bruntwood, one of the UK’s leading property providers, to purchase Square One on Travis Street in readiness for construction of Manchester’s brand new high speed railway station. The sale marks HS2’s second major property acquisition in the city centre in just over 12 months, following its purchase of the Store Street site in April 2021. Both sites have been purchased by HS2, on behalf of the Department for Transport, and are pivotal to the creation of the new high speed station that will be built adjacent to the existing Piccadilly Station. Manchester’s new station is forecast to open between 2035 and 2040 and includes six platforms at surface level, allowing passengers to access both HS2 and future NPR services. The plans also include provision for a new four platform Metrolink station beneath the HS2 station. Ruth Todd, Chief Commercial Officer at HS2 said: “Following submission of the Bill earlier this year, seeking powers to construct and operate the railway between Crewe and Manchester, this acquisition represents another major milestone in our programme to bring high speed rail to the North. “HS2’s purchase of Square One is a vote of confidence for investors locally and internationally to leverage the wider regeneration potential of the surrounding area, knowing that Manchester is set to become so brilliantly connected.” A large proportion of the area surrounding Piccadilly station is underdeveloped, making it a prime location for investment in new commercial space, housing and public realm. Investment would see businesses, residents and visitors benefit from a 41 minute connection to Birmingham on HS2 (a 46-minute saving), with direct services from London Euston set to more than halve, cutting one hour and 12 minutes off the current fastest journey time. Bruntwood, who sold the Square One site to HS2, has already set out its ambition to use the proceeds to continue investing in the UK’s regional centres. Pete Bearpark, Asset Management Director at Bruntwood, said: “We are committed to creating thriving places and communities, and after 15 years under Bruntwood stewardship, we have agreed to the sale of Square One and the land surrounding it to HS2 in advance of a formal compulsory purchase process. “We will use the proceeds to continue to reinvest into regional cities to drive economic growth and have a positive impact on businesses and communities.” Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
Canterbury Road Vent Shaft site in South Kilburn becomes HS2 Ltd’s first completely diesel-free construction site Major moment for the project in its journey towards net-zero carbon emissions by 2035 HS2 Ltd – the company building Britain’s new high speed, low carbon railway – has today [Thursday 12 May] announced its first completely diesel-free site is the Canterbury Road Vent Shaft site in South Kilburn, where HS2’s civils contractor Skanska Costain STRABAG joint venture (SCS JV) have introduced a range of diesel-free technologies and greener equipment. Earlier this year, HS2 Ltd announced that the project aims to be net-zero carbon from 2035, with the target of achieving its first diesel-free construction site in 2022, and all of its construction sites being diesel-free by 2029. HS2 Minister Andrew Stephenson said: “HS2 is boosting transport across the UK, creating thousands of jobs and levelling up communities throughout the North and Midlands, all while leaving the environment better off than how we found it. “This, the first of many diesel-free sites, is another example of how the country’s biggest infrastructure project not only delivers on its commitment to be Net Zero from 2035, but is a pioneer in leading the whole industry to cleaner, greener construction.” Innovations on this site include one of the UK’s first 160 tonne emissions-free fully electric crawler cranes; the use of biofuels (Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil) to power plant and machinery on site; an electric compressor; and access to mains power on a 100% renewable energy tariff. HS2’s Net Zero Carbon Plan sets out how HS2 will achieve new carbon reduction milestones, support the decarbonisation of the UK construction sector and reduce the carbon footprint of the programme. Other sites are set to follow suit, with innovations including retrofit technologies, biofuels, hydrogen and solar power helping to cut carbon across the whole of the route. Peter Miller, HS2’s Environment Director said: “We’re delighted to reach this key milestone in our Net Zero Carbon Plan. HS2 is playing a major role in the decarbonisation of the construction industry, collaborating with the industry and our supply chain to accelerate innovation in low-carbon technologies. Reducing emissions and improving air quality on HS2 construction sites is crucial for both the environment and surrounding communities.” James Richardson, Managing Director of SCS said: “We’re thrilled that Canterbury Road Vent Shaft has become the first diesel-free site on the HS2 project. We’re working hard with our supply chain to introduce renewable energy, green hydrogen and sustainable biofuels to help us remove diesel entirely from our sites by 2023.” Innovations being trialled and introduced on other sites include: ‘Clean Air Gas Engine’ funded through Innovate UK and led by OakTec, which replaces diesel power with ultra-low (bio-LPG) emission engines in Advante Welfare units and standalone units. ‘EcoNet’ developed by Invisible Systems, Balfour Beatty and Sunbelt which controls and reduces energy output from key appliances, reducing power demand by 30%. Non-Road Mobile Machinery retrofit solutions which adds pollution control equipment onto older vehicles as an alternative to replacing the machine or the engine, reducing emissions. CESAR Emissions Compliance Verification which is a resilient system to show the EU Stage engine emission class of all construction plant. Proactive dust management solutions reducing impacts associated with on-site activities. Fully Electric Renewable Energy using solar and wind to power noise and air quality monitors, site security cameras and site briefing areas and solar pods powering sites by combining solar PV, battery storage and a back-up generator. Hydrogen Technology trials across sites considering both fuel-cell technology and combustible hydrogen solutions.
Vehicular access to CGX Connect site is now complete Flagship Gloucestershire development has the potential to deliver new jobs Works supported by £1.885 million Growth Deal funding through GFirst LEP CGX Connect, the flagship commercial development at Gloucestershire Airport has reached a critical delivery milestone with access to the site now complete and future development unlocked. Karen Taylor, Managing Director, Gloucestershire Airport, has described this as a “significant” step toward delivering the final scheme which, when complete, will provide around 30,000 sqm of flexible floor space in a prime location for businesses operating in the logistics and industry sectors, while also potentially creating up to 1,500 employment opportunities. Montel Civil Engineering, instructed by Gloucestershire-based project manager Vitruvius Management Services as principal contractor, has delivered the work to date. This has included building a new entrance into the development, the diversion and protection of existing and new services, and the widening of access to the B4063 to allow a dedicated right turn for those coming from the west, alongside enabling works to clear the site, construct pedestrian refuges, and put in place new streetlights, signage and road markings. GFirst LEP provided £1.885 million in Growth Deal funding to support the infrastructure work needed to deliver CGX Connect. Karen Taylor, Managing Director, Gloucestershire Airport, commented: “These are exciting times for Gloucestershire Airport and CGX Connect. We’ve already seen strong interest in CGX Connect from businesses in Gloucestershire and the West Country, as well as those with national operations. “Now that there’s vehicular access to the site, we expect things to move quickly. Before now no one could access the site to build. This access road will unlock future development and brings us one step closer to realising a landmark development with the potential to unlock so much growth for the region.” David Owen, Chief Executive, GFirst LEP, said: “We’re proud to deliver Growth Deal funding for such an ambitious project in the county, delivering up to 1,500 quality jobs. It’s an exciting time for Gloucestershire as this project nears fruition.” Mark Price, Managing Director, Vitruvius Management Services, said: “Vitruvius would like to thank civils contractor Montel and our wider consultancy team for completing the construction of the park infrastructure works. Unlocking development at CGX Connect marks a significant milestone in delivering this project.” Simon Turbutt, Managing Director, Montel Civil Engineering, said: “This was an exciting opportunity to work with both Vitruvius and Gloucestershire Airport on the infrastructure for CGX Connect and a great example of how infrastructure improvements can be an enabler and catalyst for significant economic growth within the region.” Karen Taylor concludes: “These are transformational times for Gloucestershire Airport. CGX Connect, along with ongoing work to upgrade the airport’s runways, will elevate the quality and status of the airport as a ‘gateway for growth’ for the many significant developments being brought forward across the region.” Alongside CGX Connect, work to upgrade the airport’s runways is well underway and due to complete this summer. The airport’s crosswind runway (04-22) has already re-opened. Work is currently ongoing to resurface the main runway (09-27), install new lighting, upgrade signage and drainage, and install below ground infrastructure. For all commercial enquiries, contact Gloucestershire Airport by emailing communityrelations@gloucestershireairport.co.uk or calling 0800 062 2985. Montel Civil Engineering has a dedicated 24-hour helpline for any issues relating traffic management measures for CGX Connect: 07795 415752.
A new online tool to help the rail industry measure the social value of its investments, infrastructure projects and day-to-day operations has been launched today. The Rail Social Value Tool (RSVT), co-funded by Network Rail, is provided by the Rail Safety Standards Board (RSSB) and Loop (formerly Social Profit Calculator). The RSVT allows the rail industry to forecast, monitor and evaluate the social value of its activities. This is about measuring the impact on the welfare and wellbeing of both individuals and wider society, the net positive (or negative) social, economic and fiscal value that a project, organisation or specific initiative generates. With 500 indicators, organised across 12 social impacts, the RSVT can measure and monetise a wide range of benefits. These include: Improving safety Jobs created, apprentices employed and training provided Change to air quality Increasing biodiversity, by protecting and boosting plant and animal life, and planting trees Curriculum enrichment support for young people Design features that make rail travel more accessible and inclusive Employee and community volunteering Co-designing infrastructure and services with communities The RSVT has undergone extensive testing since November 2021 by early adopters, including Network Rail and companies in its supply chain. Liz Holford, Network Rail’s Sustainability Strategy manager (Social Performance) said: “The launch of the Rail Social Value Tool is an important milestone which enables our industry to make a step-change in how we understand and manage our impacts on people. “We’re already using the tool to forecast and maximise the social value of station redevelopments and infrastructure enhancements as well as current projects and some completed ones, and we’re looking forward to using it further to manage and improve the impact our railway has on society.” George Davies, RSSB’s Director for Sustainable Development said: “It’s fantastic to see the Rail Social Value Tool launched today. It’s a first for the rail industry, and I would like to thank everyone involved in its development. “Rail is one of the most sustainable forms of transport. However, until now, we haven’t been able to measure its social value in sufficient detail. “We can now assess, and importantly place a financial value on the effect the railway has in a number of areas including the natural environment, communities, people and their health, cultural heritage, housing, inclusivity, and distribution of opportunities. “As we transform the Railway and deliver the vision of the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail, the Rail Social Value Tool will guide decisions on rail development across the country to ensure the best return on those investments for society.” Gerard Toplass, Group Chief Executive, Loop said: “We are proud to have worked with RSSB and the wider rail sector to help them deliver the Rail Social Value Tool. Together we have developed 449 measures (KPIs) across 12 social value impact areas that cover people, sustainability and economic activity. “It is a first for the industry, and our software team worked in true collaboration with RSSB to develop a simple and accessible tool that can be used throughout the supply-chain and is aligned to the sector’s needs and objectives.Over the next 5 years we look forward to further developing the tool and helping the rail sector continue to deliver measured social value.”
Work on the much anticipated £53m Poynton Relief Road scheme has reached a major milestone. The final five bridge beams have been lifted into place for the new Chester Road bridge. A 500-tonne crane was used to lift the 22.5m-long beams into position, with each beam weighing 37.8 tonnes. The operation was completed within a day and the beams now form part of the largest structure in the scheme. The 3km Poynton Relief Road will relieve Poynton and neighbouring areas of high traffic volumes and congestion as well as improve air quality for residents and open up employment land. During March, concrete will be poured to form the west abutment for the Adlington bridge, marking the completion of all major concrete works across all the project’s structures. Other ongoing works include installation of drainage systems. A second season of major earthworks will start early next month. The road is due to open to traffic at the end of the year. Councillor Craig Browne, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council and chair of the authority’s highways and transport committee, said: “This is an impressive achievement by our construction contractors Graham, and a key milestone in progressing this important and long-awaited scheme. I congratulate all on a smooth operation. “This scheme shows the council’s commitment to deliver major infrastructure improvements for Cheshire East and will improve links to Macclesfield, the surrounding area, south Manchester and the airport. It will also open up some much-needed employment land, reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality in the area.” The relief road will include two overbridge crossings for use by walkers, cyclists and farm vehicles and a 3.5m-wide combined cycle and footway, which will run beside the length of the route in the western verge. Nick Hodder, project manager at Graham, said: “We’re pleased with the progress being made on the Poynton Relief Road scheme and reaching the milestone of the beam lifting for the new Chester Road bridge. The lift was a delicate operation delivered carefully by our project team to ensure a safe and timely installation of the beams, which will support the new bridge. “We now focus our attention on completing the remaining concrete works and earthworks to prepare for the opening of this much-anticipated relief road later this year.” Cheshire East Council contributed £21m towards the cost of the road scheme with Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership providing £5.6m from the government’s Growth Deal and the Department for Transport providing £16.4m. A total of £7.7m is planned to come from developer contributions. For more information on the Poynton Relief Road and to read the latest updates, visit: graham.co.uk/poynton-relief-road
One of the leading worldwide providers of portable accommodation and the secure storage container, Mobile Mini, is asking clients, customers, and industry peers to ensure they are fully prepared to transition fuel requirements ahead of red diesel taxation changes set for next month. Red diesel refers to a normal diesel that has been dyed to show it is for use on untaxed off-road vehicles or equipment. Historically this distinction would see the fuel achieve a low duty rate, but from 1st April 2022, red diesel will no longer be made available at a rebated rate for most commercial applications. These reforms were announced by the Government two years ago as part of the ongoing task to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Losing tax-free status and business entitlement means viable alternatives to red diesel must be found. These changes will typically affect any business that hires generators, lighting, static & mobile welfare facilities, fuel management services or any other diesel-powered equipment. As with any major industry change, accepting and adapting as soon as possible is usually in the best interest of all involved, which is why the storage container company has acted fast to source new approaches. The company recently sent out correspondence to all customers and partners outlining their approach and advising others to act quickly to ensure a seamless transition with no negative impact endured. Bernard McGovern, Mobile Mini UK Managed Services, said, “To put it simply, it will no longer be legal to use red diesel to fuel most products required on construction projects. This is not a matter of choice and is something we must all adhere to. At face value, existing alternative fuels are costlier, so it will become more essential than ever to work with partners that have a well thought out efficiency strategy and can help ensure customer savings are made elsewhere. “A fundamental way we have maintained our long-standing reputation is by providing bespoke solutions to individual customers and never taking a one-size-fits-all approach, including the correct solution regarding fuel. Mobile Mini will advise all customers on what the best solution appears to be for their needs and will factor in current industry standards to this advice. Ensuring no costly modifications are required for equipment to change over will help make transitions both quick and efficient.” One of the alternative fuels the storage container expert is suggesting to suitable customers is HVO (Hydrated Vegetable Oil) fuel, which is a fossil-free fuel consisting of 100% renewable, biodegradable and sustainable properties. For others, dual power options supplied through the inclusion of a battery pack will be the most appropriate alternative and the business is already working with innovative suppliers that offer the next generation of hybrid solutions. Mobile Mini UK, headquartered in Stockton-on-Tees, has a fleet of over 40,000 portable units for a variety of storage solutions and 16 strategically placed sites throughout England, Scotland and Wales. The company has had an enviable record of zero reportable accidents for over two years and earlier this year furthered its reputation for excellence after being named the GOLD winner of the Customer Experience category at the 2022 UK Business and Innovation Awards. 7% of employees at Mobile Mini are qualified Mental Health First Aiders and the business was proud to support the NHS with units throughout COVID-19, as well as rolling out life-saving defibrillator equipment to all branches and investing in new safety features on an upgraded fleet of crane-mounted trucks.
The Connecting Leeds £25million transformational Corn Exchange project is due to complete following resurfacing works which are happening later this month. Once fully complete, the area around the Corn Exchange will see restrictions to general traffic, allowing for bus priority measures, enhanced bus stop signage and facilities, safer cycle tracks and pedestrian crossings. There will also be a new public realm space created directly outside the Corn Exchange, more greenery and wider pavements, making room for al-fresco dining on Lower Call Lane. Also part of the scheme, New Briggate will now be partly pedestrianised with upgraded cycle tracks. Traffic has been removed from this route onto Vicar Lane which allows the creation of outdoor opportunities for the growing restaurant and bar sector in the area. The resurfacing, which is due to happen later this month, involves removing 50mm of existing road surface, re-setting drainage covers and manhole lids and re-painting white lines and other road markings. Night-time closures will be in place, with roads closing at 8pm to general traffic and re-opening at 5am each morning. The pavements will still be open to pedestrians and businesses in the area will be open as usual. Buses will be temporarily diverted, and signs will be placed at bus stops with information on alternative stops. Work is scheduled in the following locations and dates: Kirkgate, Crown Street and New York Street: Sunday 27 February, 8pm – Thursday 3 March, 5am Call Lane: Monday 7 March, 8pm – Wednesday 9 March, 5am Meadow Lane (near old Asda filling station): Monday 7 March, 8pm – Tuesday 8 March, 5am Meadow Lane and Hunslet Road cycleway: Thursday 10 March, 8pm – Friday 11 March, 5am Call Lane (near Blue Rinse): Wednesday 9 March, 8pm – Thursday 10 March, 5am Lower Briggate cycleway: Wednesday 9 March, 8pm – Thursday 10 March, 5am New Briggate: Sunday 13 March, 8pm – Thursday 17 March, 5am New Briggate cycleway: Monday 21 March, 8pm – Tuesday 22 March, 5am The work is weather dependent and any adverse weather conditions will mean that it will need to be rescheduled. All works on this scheme are due to be complete by the end of spring and form part of the Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme which will see £173.5million investment into public transport and road improvements in Leeds. The improvements to the public realm around the Corn Exchange is funded by West Yorkshire Combined Authority under the Government’s Getting Building Fund. It involves £8.6million of match funding which is part of Leeds’ £12.2million Grey to Green programme. While resurfacing work is taking place, the council is urging people to plan journeys in advance by visiting the Connecting Leeds website or visiting the WY Metro website for bus diversions. Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for infrastructure and climate said: “It’s exciting to see the final resurfacing works happening on this scheme. It gives these historic streets and buildings the surroundings it deserves whilst increasing opportunities for active travel and providing extra public space in the city centre. “We appreciate this next phase of work will be disruptive, but our contractors will make every effort to keep noise to a minimum and carry out noisy works as early on in the shift as possible. We would like to thank people and businesses for their patience while this project has been ongoing and ask that people continue to plan ahead to experience minimal disruption to their journey.” Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire said: “The Corn Exchange is a real gem and is a beacon of culture and creativity, so it’s fantastic to see these changes, which will make the historic landmark more welcoming to the people of Leeds and visitors from far and wide. “Improving cycling, walking and public transport provisions form a key part of my pledge to tackle the climate emergency, so I’m also delighted that we are part of this scheme that will see more green spaces and provisions for active travel.”
