Development is being built for leading UK confectionary manufacturer Swizzels at the new MA6NITUDE logistics/industrial development in Middlewich, Cheshire. GMI Construction Group PLC has today announced that it has been appointed by Magnitude Land LLP, a joint venture between Tritax Symmetry, the development arm of Tritax Big Box and NPLL
Offsite construction specialist Rollalong is using its expertise to provide accommodation for homeless families near Wokingham, Berkshire. The Dorset-based company is due to deliver 23 modular two-bedroom homes at Grovelands Park in Winnersh, replacing existing outdated temporary accommodation for homeless families. The homes were manufactured in controlled factory conditions at
Deanestor, one of the UK’s leading furniture and fitout specialists, has been awarded a £3.1m contract by Robertson Group to manufacture and install bespoke kitchens and wardrobes for a new £80m build-to-rent neighbourhood in Glasgow developed by Moda Living. Holland Park is Deanestor’s first build-to-rent contract in Scotland. It follows
A campaign emphasising the importance of working safely to avoid falls from the platform when using Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) to enable temporary work at height has been launched by the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) at its annual Summit in London, UK, on 10 March 2022. IPAF’s Don’t
Knight Architects’ design for a new bridge has been granted planning permission as part of Urban&Civic’s extraordinary vision for Waterbeach Barracks in Cambridgeshire. The transport infrastructure throughout the 716-acre site will embody the wider development’s well-connected, sustainable and landscape-led design approach, with Knight Architects’ unique bridge across the A10 supporting
St. Modwen’s dedicated housebuilding business plans to double in size over the next five years as it brings together internal capabilities in land buying, planning, pre-construction, and customer delivery. Experts within its previously standalone strategic land business, Strategic Land & Regeneration, will be combining with St. Modwen Homes to accelerate
Around 500 mobile generators will be supplied to keep lights on in Ukraine, enough to power around 20,000 homes or equivalent buildings. Responding to the UK Government’s announcement, David Smith, Chief Executive of Energy Networks Association, which represents the UK’s energy network businesses said: “We are deeply concerned and saddened by the
A Shropshire building contractor has secured the contract for a new £5.1m girls’ house at one of the UK’s top independent schools. The new facilities for day and boarding students at Shrewsbury School will be the 12th scheme Pave Aways has completed at the co-educational school for 13 to 18-year-olds. Other
Mace Dragados joint venture has appointed Barhale to a major supplier contract at London’s HS2 Euston station. The award will see civils and infrastructure specialist Barhale undertake an extensive schedule of utilities infrastructure works at the site of the new high speed rail terminus. The programme will include the installation
As organisations redesign their workplaces for the future, leading workplace services provider Sodexo Ireland has announced a new strategic alliance with Sensori Facilities Management, as it continues to build its Vital Spaces proposition. Sodexo’s Vital Spaces is the company’s approach to serving adults at work, wherever they work and brings
Development is being built for leading UK confectionary manufacturer Swizzels at the new MA6NITUDE logistics/industrial development in Middlewich, Cheshire. GMI Construction Group PLC has today announced that it has been appointed by Magnitude Land LLP, a joint venture between Tritax Symmetry, the development arm of Tritax Big Box and NPLL to commence work on a new 158,000 sq ft facility for leading UK confectionary company Swizzels at the MA6NITUDE logistics/industrial development situated in Middlewich, Cheshire. To herald the announcement of the project a ground-breaking ceremony was held onsite involving dignitaries from GMI and Tritax together with members of the extended project team. Construction of the AEW designed new facility started at the beginning of 2022 and is expected to be complete by the end of 2022. The facility represents the first phase of Swizzels’ expanded manufacturing/distribution capacity, which could grow up to 458,000 sq ft as future phases are added. To the northern area of the site at MA6NITUDE, Tritax Symmetry and GMI are delivering two new build facilities which are being built on a speculative basis and will comprise 149,000 sq ft and 41,000 sq ft. and expected to be available in June 2022. Speaking about the announcement Marc Banks, Divisional Marketing Director GMI Construction Group said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been instructed by Tritax to construct this important new facility for famous UK Confectionery manufacturer Swizzels. This follows our successful appointment on the adjacent plot where GMI is well along presently with the construction of new two speculative warehouse units of 149,000 and 41,000 sq ft respectively. GMI enjoys a strong and expanding working relationship with Tritax and we look forward to delivering another high-quality outcome for them.” Also Speaking about the next phases of development at MA6NITUDE, David Nuttall, development director at Tritax Symmetry, commented: “MA6NITUDE continues to evolve and with the two new speculative buildings available in the summer, we are well placed to welcome new high-quality occupiers to the area. Swizzels’ new manufacturing building will be an exceptional facility for their business and also opens up a further plot to enable us to deliver a 230,000 sq ft building by early 2023.”. Matt Pochin, director at Legat Owen, joint agents for the scheme with Savills and B8 Real Estate continued: “MA6NITUDE is already a major business destination in its own right and the high-level of activity, coupled with the fact that the speculatively developed units are constructed to net zero carbon in construction, will certainly appeal to businesses looking for more sustainable accommodation in line with their own ESG values”. Magnitude Land is being advised by project team including RPS (PM/QS), AEW Architects, civils and infrastructure specialist SGI, and CMS Solicitors.
Offsite construction specialist Rollalong is using its expertise to provide accommodation for homeless families near Wokingham, Berkshire. The Dorset-based company is due to deliver 23 modular two-bedroom homes at Grovelands Park in Winnersh, replacing existing outdated temporary accommodation for homeless families. The homes were manufactured in controlled factory conditions at Rollalong’s headquarters near Bournemouth. Phase one has now been transported to the site and work to complete the installation of all 23 homes is expected to be completed by August 2022. The project will double the number of homes on the Wokingham Borough Council site, and they will be far more energy efficient than the old units. The modular homes will allow more families to be accommodated safely and comfortably while they wait for somewhere permanent to live, and they have their own toilet and bathroom as well as an open-plan lounge, dining room and kitchen. One will be specially adapted for households with people who have disabilities. Laurie Garside, Projects Manager at Rollalong, said: “We are delighted to be working with Wokingham Borough Council’s housing team. The accommodation we have installed for the initial phase of the project is of a very high standard and will provide the local area with a much needed boost for temporary housing.” Councillor John Kaiser, Executive Member for Finance and Housing at Wokingham Borough Council, said: “Homelessness is a fast-growing issue across the country and, sadly, Wokingham borough is no different. We’ve seen an increase during the coronavirus pandemic and coupled with the rising cost of living, this trend is likely to continue. “Improving and increasing the amount of temporary accommodation at Grovelands Park will ensure that we have a safe, suitable supply to meet future need while helping people to live in comfort and dignity at a distressing, uncertain and vulnerable period in their lives. “The new homes will also reduce our reliance on bed and breakfasts, which are expensive, generally have shared facilities and are always outside of the borough, which can increase the sense of isolation for those facing homelessness.” All councils are required to provide temporary emergency housing for homeless families with children or families and individuals who are vulnerable until they find a settled home. At Grovelands Park the old prefabricated units had to be replaced as they were originally built as holiday homes and not intended for long-term occupation. The new timber-clad homes have modern and reliable heating systems and are highly insulated which will prevent pipes from freezing in winter, reduce heating costs and limit their carbon footprint. They also feature the latest fire safety and sustainability measures such as sprinkler systems, double glazing and solar panels, and they are fully furnished with internet access. Some homes are also trialling the latest air source heat pump technologies, an environmentally friendly system that draws heat from outside into the home.
Deanestor, one of the UK’s leading furniture and fitout specialists, has been awarded a £3.1m contract by Robertson Group to manufacture and install bespoke kitchens and wardrobes for a new £80m build-to-rent neighbourhood in Glasgow developed by Moda Living. Holland Park is Deanestor’s first build-to-rent contract in Scotland. It follows its successful delivery of multiple fitout projects for private rental schemes in other parts of the UK, and the company’s long track record of providing furniture solutions for major new developments across Scotland. Deanestor will provide 433 contemporary kitchens and 599 wardrobe sets for the high-tech studios and apartments in Holland Park. Set around a new public courtyard, the development will provide 433 homes for rent in four buildings up to 22 storeys, creating a vibrant community of around 900 people. The scheme is designed by Haus Collective and delivered by Ryder Architecture. Deanestor is manufacturing L-shaped and linear kitchens in 18 different configurations for the 1, 2 and 3-bed apartments. These will have a dark grey woodgrain finish for the base cabinets and matt arctic grey wall units with contrasting white quartz worktops and splashbacks. According to Ramsay McDonald, Managing Director of Deanestor Scotland, “We engaged with Robertson at the early pre-construction planning stages of this project and so were able to develop the furniture solutions to meet Moda Living’s stringent design, cost, quality, and programme requirements. We look forward to starting on site, and to completing the furniture and fitout works by Spring 2023.” “Holland Park will help to address a significant under-supply of quality homes for rent in Glasgow whilst contributing to the cityscape. Demand for our kitchen and fitted bedroom furniture solutions continues to rise in the fast-growing UK build-to-rent sector. We are delighted to be involved in this exciting new city living scheme for Moda Living in Scotland.” The kitchen cabinets will have integral formed handles and integrated appliances including extractor fan, ceramic or induction hob, combi or dual fan oven, dishwasher, built-in fridge/freezer or under-counter fridge, microwave, and washer/dryer fitted in a specially designed utility cabinet. The bespoke, full height fitted wardrobes for Holland Park will have a woodgrain finish and will be installed with mirrors, shelving, and hanging rails. Deanestor’s sister company, Offsite Solutions, is also working on the Holland Park project, manufacturing bathroom pods in its third contract for Moda Living. Deanestor provides a complete furniture and fitout service for both bedrooms and kitchens, working on major residential schemes for some of the UK’s leading developers and contractors. Its high specification cabinets are built for longevity and crafted using robust glue and dowel constructions which provide a durable finish for build-to-rent developments. The units are all pre-assembled in the factory for consistently high quality and to reduce work on site. For further information, visit www.deanestor.co.uk/buildtorent call 01623 420041 or email enquiries@deanestor.com .
A campaign emphasising the importance of working safely to avoid falls from the platform when using Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) to enable temporary work at height has been launched by the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) at its annual Summit in London, UK, on 10 March 2022. IPAF’s Don’t Fall For It! safety campaign outlines the possible underlying causes of falls from the platform when using MEWPs, which almost always lead to serious injury or death. It offers operators and managers key advice to mitigate the most common risks and avoid accidents of this type, as identified in IPAF’s ongoing incident reporting and analysis via the www.ipafaccidentreporting.org portal. Peter Douglas, CEO & MD of IPAF, comments: “MEWPs are designed to safely conduct temporary work at height in just about every environment, but every year the most common type of accident we see reported are falls from the platform, which as you can imagine nearly always lead to serious injury or death if they occur while using machines at height. “We are determined that our new Don’t Fall For It! targeted global safety campaign will help to instil safe working practices and remind operators and managers of some fairly basic positive steps they can take to reduce the risk of such incidents occurring. The messaging is really simple – select the correct machine for the job, don’t take risks, don’t cut corners, and wear the correct personal fall protection equipment in boom-type platforms.” Brian Parker, IPAF’s Head of Safety & Technical, says: “Operators can help avoid this type of accident by focusing on the principles we’ve set out as part of this campaign. If they are properly trained and familiarised on the MEWPs being used, then hopefully none of this guidance should be new, but we know that complacency breeds contempt, and that too often corners are being cut or fundamental principles of safe use ignored. “With this safety campaign, IPAF is saying that, if you find yourself tempted to do something different to what you know is the right and proper way to work, or if you are ever asked to do something that you think just isn’t safe by a work colleague or supervisor, then ‘don’t fall for it!’ Far better to think twice and save a life – whether it is a workmate’s or your own!” Key points of guidance in the IPAF Don’t Fall For It! global safety campaign include: Plan thoroughly – conduct a proper MEWP site survey/assessment, select the correct machine for the work and use professionally trained operator(s) and supervisor(s). Know your machine – operators should be trained on the machine type they are using and familiarised on the specific model. Operators should assess that the machine is suitable for the task and conditions, and adequate in terms of reach, articulation, and load-bearing capacity. Machine knowledge includes whether personal fall protection equipment (PFPE) should be used and, if so, what type to use, and how to attach it. Clip on – If personal PFPE is required, all occupants of the platform must attach their lanyard to the correct anchor point. Ensure movement within the platform is possible while attached, and do not move the machine or elevate the platform until and unless all occupants are attached. Set up and manoeuvre the machine/platform effectively – occupants should never need to over-reach, unfasten PFPE, step or climb on guardrails or otherwise extend the safe working envelope of the platform. Ensure vertical MEWPs are positioned and repositioned as necessary to allow easy access to the area of work to be undertaken; operators should not overreach or stand on guardrails to access a work area instead of taking the time and effort to correctly reposition the machine. Stay inside the platform/attached – the guardrails of the platform form the primary fall prevention and define the operational envelope of the machine being used. Always stay inside the platform. Where there is a requirement for PFPE, you must wear it. Do not exit the platform at height; unclip/exit only on completion of work when safely lowered to the ground. IPAF offers further guidance on using MEWPs that provides more detail on specific risks and advises on safe operating procedures. For more information on all of IPAF’s safety campaigns and links to relevant technical guidance visit www.ipaf.org/safe or see www.ipaf.org/contact to find your nearest IPAF office or representative. ● Please visit www.ipaf.org/training and www.ipaf.org/resources for the full range of IPAF training course and the latest safety and technical guidance materials from IPAF.
Knight Architects’ design for a new bridge has been granted planning permission as part of Urban&Civic’s extraordinary vision for Waterbeach Barracks in Cambridgeshire. The transport infrastructure throughout the 716-acre site will embody the wider development’s well-connected, sustainable and landscape-led design approach, with Knight Architects’ unique bridge across the A10 supporting active mobility along the Mere Way cycleway for pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians. The new bridge will provide a distinctive architectural landmark for the development. The simple, elegant form reaches down to ground level at the entrance to the Barracks in a graceful sweep. The structure is instantly recognisable from the A10, the main road which runs parallel to the western edge of the development. It connects seamlessly with the active mobility routes either side of the bridge which represent a multi-million pound investment to upgrade a historic Right of Way into a new active mobility connection to one of Cambridge’s largest employment centres – the Cambridge Science Park. The form of the bridge pays homage to both the aviation history at Waterbeach and the natural landscape in the area, while the contrasting use of white and dark grey in the sculpted edge beams and deck / parapet sections respectively help to accentuate the bridge’s silhouette. The bridge sits modestly in the low fen-edge landscape, minimising impacts on the environment and has been arranged to respect the ancient Roman drainage and canal system of Car Dyke and Old Tillage, which run parallel to the A10. The approaches to the bridge are designed as gently sloped and vegetated embankments, blending the structure with the immediate landscape and providing users with an accessible, comfortable and enjoyable experience as they cross the bridge. Knight Architects Associate and project architect, Laura Langridge comments: “Our contextual and place-making design will form a fitting and recognisable entrance to the new Waterbeach development whilst supporting the sustainable aims of improving active mobility for this exciting neighbourhood and the wider community. We are excited to see it progress to installation next Spring.’’ Caroline Foster, Project Director for Waterbeach at Urban&Civic, added: “The new A10 bridge highlights our vision, commitment to and investment in sustainable transport. Not only will it provide a robust connection for the new cycle connection to the Science Park for future commuters, but it will also support connections between Waterbeach and Landbeach to help local people access the new services and amenities coming forward within the development in a sustainable way. We’re delighted to have secured planning for this elegant structure and excited about making sure its delivery is a key part of the sustainable delivery of the new community.”
St. Modwen’s dedicated housebuilding business plans to double in size over the next five years as it brings together internal capabilities in land buying, planning, pre-construction, and customer delivery. Experts within its previously standalone strategic land business, Strategic Land & Regeneration, will be combining with St. Modwen Homes to accelerate growth. St. Modwen’s residential and community focus will continue through St. Modwen Homes which last year delivered almost 1200 new homes. It has one of the highest customer satisfaction ratings for a housebuilder of its size in the UK (HBF), an award-winning track record in health and safety, and a progressive and sustainable approach to housebuilding. Acquired by Blackstone, the world’s largest alternative asset manager, in August 2021, St. Modwen’s strategic focus on the high growth sectors of logistics and housebuilding has attracted ongoing support and investment. St. Modwen Homes is selling homes across 24 sites and is making significant land acquisitions to support its ambitious growth plans. Meanwhile, St. Modwen Logistics delivered 1.4m sq ft of new warehouse space during 2021, with high levels of growth planned in 2022, backed by one of the UK’s largest pipelines at c. 19m sq ft. Sarwjit Sambhi, CEO of St. Modwen, commented: “Over recent years, St. Modwen has become one of the UK’s leading developers of new communities and high-quality homes. Bringing together our land capabilities is natural progression for St. Modwen Homes and we hope a catalyst to double the size of this business.”
Around 500 mobile generators will be supplied to keep lights on in Ukraine, enough to power around 20,000 homes or equivalent buildings. Responding to the UK Government’s announcement, David Smith, Chief Executive of Energy Networks Association, which represents the UK’s energy network businesses said: “We are deeply concerned and saddened by the war in Ukraine and the UK’s network operators have been working closely with the government to identify what help we can provide.“We hope these generators can offer civilians the very basic necessities of warmth and power, and we will continue to offer our support however we can.”
A Shropshire building contractor has secured the contract for a new £5.1m girls’ house at one of the UK’s top independent schools. The new facilities for day and boarding students at Shrewsbury School will be the 12th scheme Pave Aways has completed at the co-educational school for 13 to 18-year-olds. Other significant projects it has carried out at the school include the academic building Hodgson Hall, the Chatri Design Centre and the extension and refurbishment of the Barnes Theatre. The new house will be the fifth house for female students and has been designed by Adrian James Architects, which was responsible for Hogdson Hall. It will provide single and communal bedrooms for students and staff accommodation with shared facilities including a house hall, kitchen and TV room. Work will start in early April with completion in the summer term of 2023. Pave Aways will use its expertise in low carbon construction to deliver the highly sustainable blueprint, which includes a ‘fabric first’ highly insulated and airtight skin, plus a mechanical ventilation system, air source heat pumps and a photo voltaic panels to generate electricity. Managing Director Steven Owen said: “The new house is an exciting development in the evolution of Shrewsbury School and we’re delighted to have been trusted to build it. “Our experience in building low or zero carbon facilities for schools, coupled with our pedigree in the education sector, has been key to securing this contract. Having delivered a series of these schemes in the past two years, including the first ever Passivhaus school in Mid Wales, has given us a strong foundation in the skills required and a supply chain that is well equipped to support us.”
Mace Dragados joint venture has appointed Barhale to a major supplier contract at London’s HS2 Euston station. The award will see civils and infrastructure specialist Barhale undertake an extensive schedule of utilities infrastructure works at the site of the new high speed rail terminus. The programme will include the installation of 580 metres of 1.5m diameter combined sewer and 425 metres of 1-metre water main to move the path of two of the existing utilities in the area. The programme will also entail the installation of 380 metres of 355mm distribution water main and the diversion of more than seven further water mains plus gas mains and various multi-utilities along the route. Barhale contracts manager Mike Faherty welcomed the appointment and is looking forward to Barhale expanding its role in the HS2 programme. “The HS2 Euston Station terminus is a gateway to one of the most significant transport schemes to be undertaken in the UK for decades,” he said. “We are proud to be a part of the team at Euston that will take forward this landmark project. “The appointment reflects not just our experience and reputation for delivering on major capital projects but also the close working relationship we have fostered with the capital’s utility businesses – Thames Water in particular. “We are looking forward to working with Mace Dragados to achieve another important milestone in the HS2 programme.” Paul Leighton, Deputy Delivery Director for Mace Dragados, said: “As we build our team at Euston, having established industry names like Barhale among the ranks is going to bring invaluable experience and expertise. I’m excited to see that in action when Barhale starts its works on the ground.” These utility works are expected to start in 2022 and run through until 2024, taking place in a phased manner to minimise disruption to the local area.
As organisations redesign their workplaces for the future, leading workplace services provider Sodexo Ireland has announced a new strategic alliance with Sensori Facilities Management, as it continues to build its Vital Spaces proposition. Sodexo’s Vital Spaces is the company’s approach to serving adults at work, wherever they work and brings together a full suite of workplace and employee-focused services including workplace consultancy, workplace design, workplace management, worklife services and workplace technology and analytics. Sodexo’s expertise in workplace transformation combined with Sensori FM’s expertise in digital intelligent building solutions will appeal to companies seeking that single point of contact in the design and creation of more flexible, higher performing and sustainable workplaces. Clients can reap the benefits of real time data analytics, remote monitoring of assets, predictive maintenance, workspace and seating usage analytics, as well as air quality, occupancy and health and safety analytics, to better manage its workspace experiences. Sustainability and the decarbonisation of buildings are now key objectives for all businesses as research by the IFMA (International Facility Management Association) found that 73% of business leaders say that existing and potential employees are scrutinizing their sustainability policies and demanding more climate-positive action. As expert service providers, Sodexo and Sensori FM will collaborate with clients on the creation of strategies to enhance sustainability roadmaps and help reduce their carbon footprint, energy and water. This can include detailed energy audits, costings and design solutions, to ensure buildings and assets perform at their optimum level of efficiency with visibility of real time digital interface reports. David Fox, managing director, Sodexo Ireland, said: “The management of office space is central to a balanced flexible working strategy and organisations will continue to optimise technology to bridge digital and physical worlds, with a core focus on employee and environmental wellbeing. Our relationship with Sensori FM brings a single point of contact for organisations embarking on new workplace transformation programmes, from the initial consultation right through to the implementation of next generation FM solutions. We are with our clients every step on the journey towards optimising their business workplace.” Mark Cullen, managing director, Sensori Facilities Management, added: “Sensori is at the forefront of delivering high performance buildings and we are delighted to be partnering with Sodexo, creating innovative and bespoke solutions that support its key pillars of Vital Spaces. “There is a strong alignment of company culture and core values across our two businesses. Now operating as an integrated team, we are looking forward to offering a wider scope of services to both existing and new clients.” Sensori Facilities Management is a leading name in delivering complete FM packages, customised to suit the needs of its clients. It directly employs more than 350 multi-skilled personnel, including 70 mobile technicians who operate across Ireland 24-7. With offices in Dublin, Limerick, Clare and Cork, the Sensori Facilities Management team works with clients across a host of sectors including pharmaceutical and life sciences, healthcare, manufacturing, education, corporate, government, retail and public buildings. Sodexo Ireland employs 2,000 people at over 100 client locations in Ireland and Northern Ireland.