Lincoln-based Stirlin Construction, part of Stirlin Group, has reached 15 years of trading, with completed projects totalling over £70m and plans to deliver £10m worth of schemes in 2023. The milestone comes just months after Stirlin Group expanded its senior contracting team with the hire of Howard Griffith as head
Sunderland-based Brims Construction, working hand in hand with the former chairman of Tolent, John Wood, have come to the rescue of Tolent’s Teesside employees/operations, hoping to save 150 jobs after the building contractor went into administration on Monday 13th February. The move will see Tolent’s previous Teesside management team re-employed
The Rushmoor Development Partnership (RDP), an equal partnership between Hill Investment Partnerships Limited (Hill) and Rushmoor Borough Council (RBC) have obtained outline planning approval of their Civic Quarter Masterplan for Farnborough. The masterplan comprises an ambitious vision that will breathe new life into the heart of Farnborough, and includes new
Keepmoat welcomed members of South Tyneside Council to unveil the show homes and sales office at its River’s Edge development in South Shields – it follows news that planning permission for the next stage of this major £65m housing development has been granted. The celebration, which took place on Wednesday
Aston University has hosted the Rt Hon Michelle Donelan MP, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology on a tour of Birmingham’s growing Knowledge Quarter. The University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Aleks Subic and Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street led the visit. They were joined by Rob Valentine, Birmingham director of
South Nottinghamshire Academy in Cropwell Road, Radcliffe on Trent, celebrated the official opening of its new teaching block named The Maple Building this month. Midlands-based main contractor G F Tomlinson lead on the construction and design the £2.6 million two-storey teaching block facility, which comprises new classrooms, a seminar room,
Mace has been appointed by the City of London Corporation to build the Salisbury Square Development, a new civic hub in the heart of the historic Square Mile, following successful completion of a Pre-Construction Services Agreement (PCSA). The scheme will create 150 direct construction jobs – and a further 80
Peel L&P has submitted plans for a vibrant new healthy living and sustainable community on land north of Mosley Common in Wigan. The applications include outline planning for a wider masterplan for the area and detailed plans for new homes at Twire at Mosley Common, the first phase of development,
Willmott Dixon has been selected as the preferred contractor by Thames Valley Police for a state-of-the-art forensics centre in Bicester as part of a wider improvement programme to transform forensic services across the force area. The purpose-built centre in Bicester will become the main forensics hub for the force, containing
Construction firm GRAHAM has been selected to develop a new state-of-the-art mental health facility on land owned by the Trust in Mossley Hill, Liverpool. The firm was selected by Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust. Following a competitive tendering process overseen by Liverpool & Sefton Health Partnership, GRAHAM was chosen as
Lincoln-based Stirlin Construction, part of Stirlin Group, has reached 15 years of trading, with completed projects totalling over £70m and plans to deliver £10m worth of schemes in 2023. The milestone comes just months after Stirlin Group expanded its senior contracting team with the hire of Howard Griffith as head of construction and Ryan Goddard as quantity surveyor. Stirlin Group is a development and construction company based in its purpose-built premises on Sadler Road in Lincoln. Since its first commercial project in 2007, Stirlin Construction has successfully delivered 30 commercial and residential schemes across Lincolnshire, for private clients and joint venture partners. The recent hire of Howard and Ryan takes the team to 20, and as the company increases its portfolio of projects, the team will expand further this year with the hire of a commercial manager and a number of other positions. Stirlin Group’s strategy for 2023 is to further build its presence and reputation for quality in its home county, along with expansion into the wider Midlands – with conversations already taking place with clients. “Our ambition has always been to be one of the leading residential and commercial developers and contractors in Lincoln and I believe we have achieved this. With the sustained demand for our services and approach, we are growing our team and widening the areas that we operate in to enable us to meet that demand and attain our aspirations for the future,” said Tony Lawton, Managing Director of Stirlin Group. “Stirlin Group is largely known as a property development company – which it certainly still is – but we have also been successfully managing the construction of our own developments and projects for a variety of clients, developing a strong reputation over the years. It’s wonderful to have reached 15 years of contracting, and with a strong order book for this year, ambitious growth plans and our talented team, it’s a very exciting time for the business. I would like to thank the whole Stirlin Group team for their passion and commitment and to our valued clients who choose to work with us.” Active projects for the contractor include a 10,000 office development for Duncan & Toplis in Louth, an industrial/office development at the Food Enterprise Zone (FEZ) in Holbeach, and new phases added to commercial schemes at Kirk’s Yard in Branston and Leafbridge Business Park in Hykeham. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sunderland-based Brims Construction, working hand in hand with the former chairman of Tolent, John Wood, have come to the rescue of Tolent’s Teesside employees/operations, hoping to save 150 jobs after the building contractor went into administration on Monday 13th February. The move will see Tolent’s previous Teesside management team re-employed by Brims, along with staff, operatives and members of the supply chain, whose aim will be to ensure minimum disruption to clients, with some sites having already returned to work on Monday 20th February. Brims will not be taking on responsibility for reimbursing any of Tolent’s creditors. Brims, who were already forecasting a turnover of £38m this year to the end of March (excluding any additional Teesside revenue) and employs 90 site and office staff, was established 16 years ago by Ian Clift, Jason Wood and Richard Wood. All were previously employed by Tolent, which was founded by John Wood – Jason and Richard’s father. Consequently, they know the Teesside staff and business operation particularly well. Despite the obstacles thrown in their way by Tolent’s current legal and financial situation, the Brims team have worked around the clock, visiting all the current projects and talking to the clients involved to reassure them that their projects will be in safe hands with Brims. Commenting on the ongoing business plan Brims director, Richard Wood, said that Brims had been looking to expand further south and open an office in Teesside but had not envisaged it happening this way: He said: “Following the announcement on the 13th February that Tolent had gone into administration with the loss of 350 jobs, we took action immediately as it is a company very close to our hearts. My father set Tolent up, but Ian, Jason and I all trained and worked there, with John only retiring three years ago as chairman. “Its unfortunate demise has provided an opportunity for the future expansion of Brims and at the same time, we are hopeful of providing secure employment for up to 150 employees moving forward. “The former Tolent sites will be re-badged as Brims Construction and our sole aim is to save jobs with the minimum of disruption to clients. We have spent the last few days talking to clients and reassuring them that their projects will proceed as normal, with the people they have previously been dealing with. We are confident we can minimise any job losses by quickly stepping in this way.” Tolent’s Teesside office was working on a mix of commercial projects including a rolling programme of petro-chem maintenance works. In total the value of the ongoing work is estimated to be around £15-£20 million. Mr Wood continued: “Several clients have already recognised our new proposal is simply to provide them with the same group skillset of people but with a stronger company behind them. We have already received new orders for work, which helps save the previous workforce, for which we are all extremely grateful. We are currently dealing with the administrator, in order to buy the Tolent Teesside office building at Thornaby and it is very much our intention to put firm roots down in Teesside.” Adding his thoughts, John Wood said: “It gives me great pleasure to be able to offer my help with these proposals, especially with Brims being central to it. It keeps the construction heritage alive under the Brims name and it will hopefully salvage some of the work that Tolent was previously involved with. We are confident that we will save as many site and supply chain jobs as we can and I would encourage all existing management and site staff to feel encouraged at what we are doing. “It is great news for the region. We just want to save the jobs and get work back on track.” Tolent was founded in 1983 by John Wood. By the time he retired in 2019, turnover was around £180m with a strong balance sheet and the firm was viewed as one of the region’s success stories. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Rushmoor Development Partnership (RDP), an equal partnership between Hill Investment Partnerships Limited (Hill) and Rushmoor Borough Council (RBC) have obtained outline planning approval of their Civic Quarter Masterplan for Farnborough. The masterplan comprises an ambitious vision that will breathe new life into the heart of Farnborough, and includes new homes, a leisure and civic centre, a hotel, retail space, two mobility hubs, and over 1.93 hectares of green open space. Plans for the regeneration include up to 960 new energy-efficient homes, and a new leisure centre and civic hub, representing an integral part of the council’s plans to leave a positive health and well-being legacy for the community. The development will also feature a new library, community space and a two hundred bed hotel, new ground floor retail and commercial space creating active frontages, all designed to make Farnborough a vibrant, sustainable, and desirable place to live. Air source heat pumps will provide the new homes with hot water and heating, whilst green roofs, and photovoltaic panels will help reduce residents’ energy costs. Biodiversity throughout the development will be increased with new healthy verges, amenity grasslands, and new tree planting. A new high-quality multi-use central park and play space for residents to enjoy and improve the quality of living is also part of the plans, as well as the relocation and upgrading of the current skatepark. In addition, the RDP’s masterplan includes two mobility hubs, comprising a multi-storey car park, electric car charge points, and electric scooter and cycle hire, all aimed at improving connectivity throughout the town centre. There will also be significant improvements to the road infrastructure throughout the town centre, including the removal of the current gyratory and the installation of a T-junction. “This is another significant milestone for our successful investment partnership with Rushmoor Borough Council, and represents our biggest planning determination for the RDP. We are excited to have the opportunity to be part of such an ambitious and transformative project. Our plans for Farnborough’s town centre will provide much needed, sustainable new homes and fantastic amenities that will be enjoyed by the residents of Farnborough now and in the future. The RDP is committed to delivering a legacy of high-quality, sustainable development that will benefit the community for generations to come,” said Andy Hill, Group Chief Executive of the Hill Group. Detailed planning applications on plots will start to be submitted during 2023, with works commencing in late 2024. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Keepmoat welcomed members of South Tyneside Council to unveil the show homes and sales office at its River’s Edge development in South Shields – it follows news that planning permission for the next stage of this major £65m housing development has been granted. The celebration, which took place on Wednesday 22nd February, was attended by Leader of South Tyneside Council, Councillor Tracey Dixon, Lead Member for Housing and Community Safety, Councillor Jim Foreman, Head of Economic Growth, John Scott, and Lead Member for Economic Growth, Skills and Climate Change, Councillor Margaret Meling. For the first time, prospective homebuyers in South Tyneside will now be able to step foot onto the site, take a tour of the newly designed terraced showhomes, as well as visit the sales office and find out more information about the development. The four-bedroomed ‘Richmond’ and the three-bedroomed ‘Stratton’ house types are modern homes which include features that facilitate family life such as light and airy lounges, spacious bedrooms, en-suite bathrooms, and well-equipped kitchen diners, which can also be used as a social area for the family. When complete, the riverside development will consist of 299 two, three, and four bedroom homes – 48 properties are currently being delivered in phase one of the scheme. Located close to the Mill Dam area of South Shields, the new homes are within walking distance of the town centre facilities and transport interchange as well as having access to Sandhaven Beach and the panoramic views from Cleadon Hills. The development will be home to over 1,000 residents, providing a significant boost for local businesses in and around the local area. South Tyneside Council has now approved planning permission for the remaining 251 dwellings in phases two and three, which will be a mixture of houses and apartments. These will include a further six homes available at a discounted market value, and 30 for affordable rent in partnership with Bernicia Housing Group. A new riverside promenade will also be built to open this stretch to the public for the first time in over 100 years. “We’re thrilled to be able to give home buyers a first glimpse of our exciting and ambitious River’s Edge development. Built on a unique site that surrounds three of the old historic docks, the project offers unrivalled views from many of the new homes,” said Ian Worgan, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat. “Our work in Holborn is a continuation of our long-standing partnership with South Tyneside Council that has already delivered the Trinity South development in South Shields, which not only provided 225 high quality new homes, but has also been designed to encourage community integration. In addition to this, we are also currently working in partnership with the Council to redevelop the former site of Hebburn’s civic centre and swimming baths, which will deliver 91 much needed new homes when complete.” Keepmoat is working in partnership with Northumberland-based developer Cussins, to deliver the residential element of the new riverside community in South Shields. Phase two of the Holborn regeneration project is expected to begin early 2023, with the development due to complete in 2028. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Aston University has hosted the Rt Hon Michelle Donelan MP, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology on a tour of Birmingham’s growing Knowledge Quarter. The University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Aleks Subic and Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street led the visit. They were joined by Rob Valentine, Birmingham director of property firm Bruntwood, and Paul Kitson, Birmingham City Council’s strategic director of place, prosperity and sustainability. The Knowledge Quarter is a fast-growing part of the city centre housing small, medium, and large technology businesses, universities, colleges, hotels, and two conference centres. It is also home to the main HS2’s Birmingham terminal. Commercial activity within the Quarter has led to it being identified as an area with the potential to grow into a nationally significant ‘innovation zone’. This will attract further global investment and encourage local businesses and new start-ups to thrive and expand. Crucially, it will support regeneration in some of the city’s most deprived wards. During the visit, held on 23 February, Professor Aleks Subic shared his plans with the Secretary of State to establish Aston University’s Digital Health Innovation Campus, which will bring together academic, technical, commercial and financial resources to boost digital health innovation and health tech, and contribute towards improving health equity and access in the region while creating new job opportunities in the city. “With this strategic development positioned in the heart of the Knowledge Quarter, we are taking a “triple helix” approach, involving a strategic partnership between Aston University, Bruntwood and Birmingham City Council – as well as with NHS and other digital tech businesses – working together effectively to deliver inclusive growth and innovation and attract investment. I have seen first-hand how this approach works in Australia and was pleased to have the opportunity to discuss this with the Secretary of State,” said Professor Subic. “The Knowledge Quarter is an asset-rich area, with Aston University playing a unique role, due to our proven expertise and track record in bringing together industry and academia to solve real world problems through applied and translational research.” Michelle Donelan MP leads the newly formed Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). The government department was set up to position the UK at the forefront of global scientific and technological advancement and to promote a diverse research and innovation system that connects discovery to new companies, growth and jobs. “Science and technology has the power to create jobs and opportunities across each and every region of the UK. It was exciting to see the plans for Birmingham’s Knowledge Quarter being developed by Aston University with the backing of Mayor Andy Street and I know it will have a hugely positive impact on the area,” she added. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
South Nottinghamshire Academy in Cropwell Road, Radcliffe on Trent, celebrated the official opening of its new teaching block named The Maple Building this month. Midlands-based main contractor G F Tomlinson lead on the construction and design the £2.6 million two-storey teaching block facility, which comprises new classrooms, a seminar room, independent study space, IT facilities, staff offices and welfare facilities. The building has been designed to provide enhanced learning areas for an additional 150 pupils. The opening ceremony was attended by Dan Philpotts, executive headteacher at South Nottinghamshire Academy, Andrew Burns, chief executive of Redhill Academy Trust. School staff, governors, G F Tomlinson colleagues, local dignitaries and other partner and community organisations were also in attendance. The scheme has been completed on behalf of South Nottinghamshire Academy, which was rated ‘Good’ in its most recent Ofsted report, and currently offers 600 places for children aged 11-16 plus sixth form students, with plans to accommodate the increasing need for school places in the area. “We’re pleased to see work has completed at South Nottinghamshire Academy. The expansion of the school means further school places can be provided for children within the area, which are currently in demand across the region. The new teaching block will help to enhance student’s learning and educational experience, and we look forward to seeing them make use of their new space,” said Chris Flint, Managing Director of G F Tomlinson. Since 2016, following relocation into a brand-new school building, the academy has been an integral part of Redhill Academy Trust which has a proven track record of enhancing school improvement. South Nottinghamshire Academy has continued to invest in its facilities, to meet the educational needs of current and future students, including a 3G floodlit pitch. As part of efforts to boost the environmental credentials on the project, heat recovery units were installed which enabled 100% of all warm air in the building to be reused, increasing energy efficiency. Our site management team also created a “Zen Zone” which involved fencing off a dedicated area for growing vegetables with a small green house, raised bed and benches made from recycled site materials to support their mental health and wellbeing. “The new Maple building accommodation will provide our school community with a long-lasting, modern-day facility that will undoubtedly enhance students’ educational experience. We are so proud of our first-class facilities, and we look forward to a very exciting future,” added Dan Philpotts, Executive Headteacher at South Nottinghamshire Academy. During construction, G F Tomlinson partnered with the academy generating social value through the provision of site tours, a careers fair and a mock interview day to enhance students’ understanding and awareness of the careers in construction. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Mace has been appointed by the City of London Corporation to build the Salisbury Square Development, a new civic hub in the heart of the historic Square Mile, following successful completion of a Pre-Construction Services Agreement (PCSA). The scheme will create 150 direct construction jobs – and a further 80 jobs through the supply chain – and generate around £10 million Gross Value Added (GVA) per year during construction. Once operational, the GVA benefits are expected to rise to £51 million per annum. “We are delighted to have been appointed to deliver this exciting scheme and play a part in the next phase of this thriving part of the historic Square Mile. There is no doubt that the Salisbury Square Development will play a leading role in the future of the City of London – and in policing across the UK – and we are honoured to have been entrusted with its construction,” said Gareth Lewis, CEO for Construction at Mace. The unique and complex project, designed by Eric Parry Architects, will house a flagship legal facility for His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) and a state-of-the-art headquarters for the City of London Police. The new City of London Law Court forms part of a wider redevelopment scheme by the City of London Corporation that will also create a new City of London Police HQ. The scheme also includes a grade A commercial building, increased public realm and has strong sustainability credentials. The new court will provide a total of 18 court rooms, an increase of 10 on the current position, with a focus on high-level fraud, cyber and economic crime. The development is on track for completion in 2026. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Peel L&P has submitted plans for a vibrant new healthy living and sustainable community on land north of Mosley Common in Wigan. The applications include outline planning for a wider masterplan for the area and detailed plans for new homes at Twire at Mosley Common, the first phase of development, to bring together a multi-generational community with homes for people at all stages of life. The plans submitted for the land north of Mosley Common will connect the northern and southern sections of the site, creating extensive parkland and pedestrian routes throughout the area. The proposals for 1,050 new homes reflect the masterplan document which was approved by Wigan Council in September 2022, and the submission of these plans is the next step in bringing the vision to life. As well as 25% affordable homes, there are plans for a new transport hub in partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester to improve connectivity and active travel with easy access to the Leigh Guided Busway and commuter routes to Manchester and beyond. Plans also include sports and play facilities and a new green corridor to bring ecological improvements to the area connecting people to nature with an extensive new parkland including three new parks. The 202 homes planned for Twire are suitable for first time buyers, families, older people with additional care needs and those looking to downsize. There will also be a specially designed accessible home for families with dependent relatives and around 200 jobs will also be created during the construction of the new homes. “The submission of two planning applications for Twire at Mosley Common and a wider masterplan follows two rounds of consultation held throughout last year and the approval of a masterplan document by Wigan Council. We are extremely thankful for all those who took the time to share their views and we are delighted to share our finalised plans with Wigan Council and the community,” said Annabel Baker, Peel L&P’s Associate Director of Development Planning. “The key focus of the proposals has been to create a connected community, with modern housing, improved transport links and vibrant parklands for everyone to enjoy. The first phase will be developed by Northstone, featuring the highest quality design and meeting the highest standards of environmental sustainability. We look forward to the applications being considered by Wigan Council and continuing to engage with the community.” Peel L&P’s homebuilder Northstone will build the homes at Twire with an emphasis on biodiversity improvements and energy-saving features to help residents with their fuel bills. As a landscaping led-approach, the vision will include links to a green walking network with lots of community space. The site at Mosley Common has been identified for residential development as part of Greater Manchester’s Places for Everyone plan which has been submitted to the Secretary of State for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Willmott Dixon has been selected as the preferred contractor by Thames Valley Police for a state-of-the-art forensics centre in Bicester as part of a wider improvement programme to transform forensic services across the force area. The purpose-built centre in Bicester will become the main forensics hub for the force, containing laboratories, new digital technologies and dedicated training facilities. The Forensic Improvement Programme will see significant investment over the next three years to transform Thames Valley Police’s forensic services, improving investigations and the outcomes for victims. “The programme is the result of a review of Thames Valley Police’s forensics services as a whole where we’ve identified the need to modernise facilities and increase capacity. In a world of rapidly advancing technology, ensuring the police stay on the cutting edge of forensics is crucial to keeping the public safe. Whether crimes such as burglaries, sexual offences or digital crimes, the police need to get ahead of the criminals,” said Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber. Cherwell District Council’s planning committee recently granted planning permission for the new forensic centre on force-owned land near Avonbury Business Park on Howes Lane, subject to the completion of a Section 106 agreement. This is the latest project for Willmott Dixon in the emergency services sector. Others include creating a new headquarters for Merseyside Police, a learning centre for South Wales Police, a new headquarters for Dorset Police and working with West Yorkshire Police to deliver a new headquarters for the Kirklees district. Construction of Thames Valley Police’s forensics centre is expected to begin in the summer 2023 and be completed in winter 2024/25, with Atkins also on the team as the appointed multi-disciplinary design consultants. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction firm GRAHAM has been selected to develop a new state-of-the-art mental health facility on land owned by the Trust in Mossley Hill, Liverpool. The firm was selected by Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust. Following a competitive tendering process overseen by Liverpool & Sefton Health Partnership, GRAHAM was chosen as the preferred construction partner due to its extensive experience in delivering numerous healthcare projects across the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Designed by architect Gilling Dod, the new inpatient facility will phase out traditional shared dormitory mental health wards to provide 80 single bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. Throughout the hospital, there will be an emphasis on providing therapeutic spaces with light and airy environments as well as facilities for family visitation and multi-faith worship. Outside, there will be access for patients to spend time in garden areas. “It’s a privilege to be named construction partner of this new, state-of-the-art facility for Liverpool, which has been beautifully designed by architect Gilling Dod to provide a modern and therapeutic environment that centres patient recuperation and recovery. We’re delighted to be partnering with Mersey Care NHS Hospital Trust, which is committed to improving inpatient and community services and setting higher standards in healthcare,” said Peter Reavey, GRAHAM Regional Director. Plans for the new development were approved in 2022 and the former hospital buildings, which were deemed unfit for purpose, were demolished in February. Demolition experts recycled around 95 per cent of the salvage and buildings were crushed for re-use on site as future building fill materials for the new facility. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals