Building Design and Construction Magazine

Hydrogen, it’s a go, says Government

The Government has committed to hydrogen heating for UK homes in a landmark speech by one of the key ministers responsible for energy strategy. In a debate on the potential for hydrogen and a new HyNet Hydrogen Village trial at Whitby near Ellesmere Port, which is running alongside the Hy4Heat

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Salboy’s £300m Viadux scheme in central Manchester targets industry-leading green credentials 

Salboy, the nationwide property development and funding company, has introduced a planning amendment for the commercial phase of its £300m Viadux mixed use scheme currently under construction in central Manchester.  Together with architectural practice Simpson Haugh, Salboy has submitted amended plans to significantly increase the environmental credentials of the commercial

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5 Ways How Commercial Locksmith Can Boost Your Business’ Security

As a business owner, you know that security is of utmost importance. You may have invested in a security system for your business, but what happens when something goes wrong? That’s where commercial locksmiths services come in. Commercial locksmiths can help boost your business’ security in many ways. In this

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PEEPs omitted from enactment of Fire Safety Act 2021

The government has announced it will not be implementing the recommendation for Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, instead opting to remain with the controversial ‘stay put’ policy. The government is facing criticism from across the fire safety sector, as well as from campaign groups and

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Silva Provide New Affordable Homes in Hartland Village

Silva Homes, Hart District Council and St Edward celebrated the handover of 36 brand new affordable homes in Hartland Village, Hampshire, at an official event held on Thursday 12 May.  Delivered by St Edward in partnership with Hart District Council, the affordable homes will be managed by Silva Homes and made

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Barhale wins critical Lincolnshire drainage work

South Holland Internal Drainage Board (IDB) has awarded Barhale a contract to install, reinforce and renovate vital drainage works in Lincolnshire. The infrastructure and civil engineering specialist will renovate the inlet, outfall and surge chamber at Dawsmere Pumping Station, a crucial part of the network of flood defences in and

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Latest Issue
Issue 335 : Dec 2025

Building Design and Construction Magazine

Hydrogen, it’s a go, says Government

The Government has committed to hydrogen heating for UK homes in a landmark speech by one of the key ministers responsible for energy strategy. In a debate on the potential for hydrogen and a new HyNet Hydrogen Village trial at Whitby near Ellesmere Port, which is running alongside the Hy4Heat programme, the Rt Hon George Freeman, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, welcomed the trials as a vital first step towards gathering the necessary evidence for a wider roll-out. “We want to make sure that the trials lay the foundation for a wider nationwide roll-out.” He continued: “The BEIS-funded Hy4Heat programme has shown that the use of 100% hydrogen can be made as safe as natural gas when used for heating and cooking in the types of houses that were studied.” “[The trials] are designed to provide the Government with the necessary evidence to take big strategic decisions on heating within a matter of two or three years. I know the ambition that colleagues have shared today to go further and faster is shared by the Secretary of State, The Minister for Energy and the Prime Minister. It is not lack of political will that is holding us back.” Responding to the Minister’s comments, Mike Foster, Chief Executive of the Energy and Utilities Alliance (EUA), commented: “The government’s endorsement of a hydrogen future using our world-class gas distribution network is a tribute to the hard work of the heating industry in developing hydrogen technologies.” Mr Foster also praised the commitment of boiler manufacturers to provide hydrogen boilers at no greater cost than current technologies – a commitment that was brokered by the EUA.  “The Big Four boiler manufacturers price promise was noted by BEIS and has proven to be a decisive factor in the government’s commitment to a hydrogen future. The benefits for the climate, consumers and the heating industry have been made very clear and the government has responded.” He continued: “This is also very good news for the UK’s installer base, whose knowledge and expertise will be needed to roll-out the installation of hydrogen boilers across the UK. I am glad that the EUA’s representations to government about the importance of having a ready-made workforce, skilled in the installation of gas technologies, has won the argument.” Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News

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Salboy’s £300m Viadux scheme in central Manchester targets industry-leading green credentials 

Salboy, the nationwide property development and funding company, has introduced a planning amendment for the commercial phase of its £300m Viadux mixed use scheme currently under construction in central Manchester.  Together with architectural practice Simpson Haugh, Salboy has submitted amended plans to significantly increase the environmental credentials of the commercial phase (known as ‘phase two’) of the Viadux development.  The new proposals will enable Salboy to put in place during the construction process the foundations needed to enable future commercial tenants to operate their businesses in a carbon neutral way. Salboy is targeting industry-leading environmental accreditations (including WELL Core certification and Gres B) in the way it develops the Viadux commercial scheme, future-proofing the development for the modern, ecologically sensitive world.  The new plans for the 14-storey office building involve vastly increasing green spaces with 900 sq ft year-round winter gardens on every floor, rooftop gardens and an expanded main lobby entrance. These plans will build on existing intentions for the building which will provide 251,000 sq ft of workspace, to have Grade A specification, large efficient floor plates and other best-in-class ESG credentials.  Simon Ismail, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Salboy, comments: “Occupier wellbeing and amenity are at the heart of Viadux, as well as our commitment to developing living and work spaces that help deliver a more sustainable future. Adding more high quality amenity, alongside winter gardens and roof gardens, promises to give occupants plenty of space to relax, breathe and enjoy.” Viadux is a complex mixed use scheme built on the former Bauer Millett site in the heart of central Manchester. The project includes almost 380 apartments and Grade A office space, which sit above a Grade II listed viaduct and bridge an existing Metrolink tram line. Phase One began in 2020 to construct the residential tower; Phase Two is now under construction, expecting to complete Q3 2024..  Knight Frank is the leasing agent for the project. Matt Shufflebottom, Associate at Knight Frank, comments: ‘We are excited by the prospect of Viadux 2 and delighted to be working with Salboy who have a proven track record delivering best in class developments across the city. Viadux will push the boundaries for quality and occupier amenity whilst meeting important sustainability targets to provide much needed Grade A workspace for the city.’ Salboy’s dedicated construction partner, DOMIS Construction is active on site, with residential and commercial development now underway.  Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News

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Peter Baker and Dame Judith Hackitt headline CIOB’s first Safer Buildings UK event

The Chartered Institute of Building’s first ever Safer Buildings UK event was held yesterday [Thursday 26 May]. More than 200 professionals from across the built environment sector gathered to hear from many of the senior figures behind the UK’s new building safety regulatory regime. The event was organised by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) to help drive the culture change needed to ensure buildings are constructed and managed to be safe for all those who create and occupy them. The conference brought together perspectives on the new regulatory system that will govern the design, construction and occupation of higher-risk buildings, described as the biggest change in building safety in a generation. Delegates heard from, among others, government ministers and industry experts on plans to implement the Building Safety Act and ongoing work across the industry to raise levels of competency and develop a culture of quality. Keynote speakers included Dame Judith Hackitt DBE, chair of the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, and Peter Baker, Chief Inspector of Buildings at the Health & Safety Executive, who both thanked CIOB and many of the other professional bodies who are “aligned” to the need for culture change to support the implementation of the Building Safety Act. Caroline Gumble, Chief Executive of CIOB, said: “There was a clear appetite among the audience for today’s event, with the industry looking to implement the new building safety regime. We’re proud to be leading the conversation and today made it clear there’s a need for continued collaboration. It’s been heartening to hear from delegates that they are willing to come together, across the range of roles that make up the built environment sector, working towards a culture of quality in our industry.” Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News

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PREMIER MODULAR APPOINTS ITS FIRST CORPORATE STRATEGY DIRECTOR TO SUPPORT AMBITIOUS PLANS FOR GROWTH

Premier Modular, one of the UK’s leading offsite specialists, has appointed Lee Young as Corporate Strategy Director to develop its strategy and capabilities for the delivery of its ambitious growth plans. Lee joins Premier with 12 years’ experience in the manufacturing and engineering sectors for businesses delivering large public sector and infrastructure projects. He has held senior financial positions which included Finance Director at Lockhead Martin. Commenting on his new role, Lee said, “This is a really exciting time to join Premier which has seen a tremendous increase in demand for its offsite construction solutions and rental space in the last three years.” “I will be working with the Premier leadership team and with external investors and stakeholders to help develop and underpin our strategic growth plans and set longer-term goals. I am really looking forward to contributing to an exciting future for the business.” David Harris, Managing Director of Premier Modular, said, “We are delighted to welcome Lee to our management team. He brings a depth and breadth of experience, which will support our strategic growth plans and help achieve our vision for the business. Our aim is to demonstrate leadership in sustainability, customer service excellence, operational efficiency, and to invest in our people at every level.” “Our financial performance remains one of the strongest in the offsite sector. We have maintained significant growth in the last 10 years, taking Premier to a £130m turnover business. We have increased market share across all our core sectors but particularly in healthcare and education for our rental space.” Premier Modular was established in 1956 and employs over 300 staff at its head office and offsite manufacturing centre in East Yorkshire. It has grown over the last six decades to become one of the UK’s leading offsite construction and building rental specialists. It provides high quality, rapid build solutions for both rental and permanent space across the public and private sectors in the healthcare, education, defence, commercial, infrastructure, construction and residential markets. For further information, visit www.premiermodular.co.uk, call 0800 316 0888 or email info@premiermodular.co.uk. Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News

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PAGABO REVEALS WINNERS FOR £1.56BN CIVILS AND INFRASTRUCTURE FRAMEWORK

NATIONAL framework provider Pagabo has announced the appointment of 48 suppliers to its brand-new £1.56bn civils and infrastructure framework, which goes live on 1 June 2022. The awards include Buckingham Group, John Sisk and Son and Galliford Try Construction. The new framework will run for four years until May 2026 with the option to extend for a further two years and will allow local authorities and public sector bodies to procure a range of projects such as rail, nuclear, bridges, roads, maritime, telecommunications, water, and alternative power projects. Pagabo has appointed 48 core and reserve suppliers across the four framework lots, which cover value bands of up to £30m and above. This provides ample supplier choice for clients, with the geographical breakdown also providing equal opportunities SMEs alongside large organisations. Jason Stapley, managing director at Pagabo, said: “We’re really pleased to see our new civils and infrastructure framework go live with a range of excellent suppliers, especially after such great interest and demand from the market. The framework, which is the first that Queen Elizabeth Facilities Ltd will be acting as the contracting authority for, will provide clients with that all-important confidence in the suppliers they choose for their projects. “Providing the vehicle for compliant procurement of built environment works means that we have a big responsibility when it comes to helping meet the ambitious net zero targets set out by government. We are committed to working with public sector bodies to achieve this through consideration of emerging technologies and project controls, while connecting clients with the right suppliers. “Whether it is tackling the impacts of the climate emergency through flood alleviation projects or working towards net zero targets through using alternative fuels or development greener travel infrastructure, this framework offering will make sure that the projects procured through it over the coming years are working towards tackling the climate crisis.” The civils and infrastructure framework connects clients with the right contractors for all construction projects from £500,000 upwards, providing with compliant access to suppliers with the expertise to deliver any scheme. In order to be considered for the framework, providers were required to go through a rigorous, PCR2015 compliant tender process, and prove financial suitability and related experience. As well as this, providers on Pagabo’s frameworks are required to share the company’s passion for social value and innovation. The 48 companies that have been awarded a place on the new framework (in alphabetical order) are: ACS Civils Ltd Alun Griffiths (Contractors) Ltd Amalgamated Construction Ltd (trading as AmcoGiffen) Associated Asphalt Constructing Ltd Bethell Construction Limited Britannia Construction Limited Buckingham Group Contracting Ltd Clancy Docwra Limited Colas Ltd CR Reynolds Ltd Danaher & Walsh (Civil Engineering) Ltd DAWSON-WAM Eric Wright Civil Engineering Ltd Esh Construction Limited Fox Building and Engineering Ltd FP McCann Ltd Galliford Try Construction Ltd Howard Civil Engineering Ltd J Hopkins (Contractors) Ltd Jackson Civil Engineering Group Limited JN Bentley Ltd John Graham Construction Ltd John Sisk and Son (Holdings) Limited Jones Bros Ruthin (Holdings) Ltd Keltbray Built Environment Ltd Kier Infrastructure & Overseas Ltd Lagan Aviation & Infrastructure Limited Lowry Building & Civil Engineering Ltd McLaughlin & Harvey Ltd McPhillips (Wellington) Limited Meldrum Construction Services Group Ltd Mildren Construction Limited Milestone Infrastructure Ltd Montel Civil Engineering Limited Morgan Sindall Construction and Infrastructure Ltd O’Brien Contractors Ltd Octavius Infrastructure P. P. O’Connor Group Limited PBS Construction Ltd RJ McLeod (Contractors) Ltd Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd Spencer Group The Casey Group Ltd VINCI Construction UK Limited VolkerFitzpatrick Ltd Whitehouse Construction Co. Ltd Whitemountain Quarries Limited Winvic Construction For more information, please visit https://www.pagabo.co.uk/.

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5 Ways How Commercial Locksmith Can Boost Your Business’ Security

As a business owner, you know that security is of utmost importance. You may have invested in a security system for your business, but what happens when something goes wrong? That’s where commercial locksmiths services come in. Commercial locksmiths can help boost your business’ security in many ways. In this article, we will discuss five of those ways. 1. Security System Installation Commercial locksmiths can help you install and maintain your key security system. They can also provide you with 24/hour installation and monitoring services to make sure your business is always protected. If you have an older security system, a commercial locksmith can also update it to ensure that it meets current standards. This is important because newer security key emergency systems have better features that can better protect your business. 2. Adding Security Cameras Security cameras are a great way to deter criminals and catch them in the act if they do break into your business. Commercial locksmith services can help you choose and install the right security cameras for your business. They can also help you set up a monitoring system so you can always keep an eye on your business, even when you’re not there. 3. Rekeying Your Locks If you’ve had a recent break-in, it’s important to have your locks rekeyed by a contractor. This will ensure that the criminals don’t have a copy of your key and can’t easily break into your business again. Commercial locksmiths services can also help you change your locks if you’re worried about them being too easy to pick. They can install high-security locks that are much more difficult to pick up and provide you with peace of mind. 4. Reinforcing Commercial Doors Your commercial doors are one of the first lines of defense against criminals. If they’re not properly reinforced, they could be easily broken through. Commercial locksmith services can help you reinforce your doors so they’re more difficult to break into. They can also install security bars and grates to further deter criminals. In addition, a commercial locksmith can also help you choose and install the right door locks. This is important because different types of locks offer different levels of security. Make sure you choose a lock that is appropriate for the level of security you need. If you want the highest level of security possible, a contractor can even install biometric key locks. These locks require an authorized fingerprint to open, so you can be sure that only authorized personnel can enter your business. 5. Installing a Safe If you have valuable items that you need to protect, a safe is a great option. Commercial locksmith services can help you choose and install the right safe for your business. These installation services can also provide you with guidance on how to best use your emergency safe to protect your valuables. Hire a Commercial Locksmith Today When it comes to security, there are many options available. A good commercial locksmith can help you choose the right security measures for your business. They can also provide you with professional installation and monitoring services. Make sure you consult with commercial locksmiths before making any installation decisions about your business’ security. Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News

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PEEPs omitted from enactment of Fire Safety Act 2021

The government has announced it will not be implementing the recommendation for Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, instead opting to remain with the controversial ‘stay put’ policy. The government is facing criticism from across the fire safety sector, as well as from campaign groups and bereaved relatives of the Grenfell Tower residents, having previously promised to implement the inquiry’s recommendations in full.  The Home Office published a consultation document which outlined their reasoning, stating that they believe it is not ‘proportionate’ to follow the recommendations and will continue to place its faith in ‘stay put’ advice in most buildings. The response also stated that there were “significant issues” with the “practicality, proportionality and safety” of PEEPS, and that “we are currently unable to mandate PEEPs in high-rise residential buildings.” The Home Office also said it intends to replace the proposal to require evacuation plans and PEEPs with “an alternative package of initiatives.” This goes against a recommendation from Phase 1 of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry – published in October 2019 – which advises the government to place a legal obligation on building owners to outline Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) for residents in the event of a fire. Grenfell United, a campaign group for people affected by the fire, said: “We are enraged at the government, whose sole focus continues to be profit and not public safety. We’ve fought for years to create a legacy for our 72 loved ones, and to prevent another Grenfell. But five years on, the government has reverted back to the same policy in place before Grenfell. “This policy resulted in 41% of those living with disabilities dying at Grenfell. It left them with no personal evacuation plan and no means of escape. They didn’t stand a chance. This report is a disgrace. “Disabled people have the right to leave their homes safely. The government must implement the recommendation from the Phase 1 report of the Grenfell Inquiry and ensure personal evacuation plans for disabled residents.” In responding to the government’s PEEPs consultation, the Commissioner of London Fire Brigade, Andy Roe said: “It’s vitally important that people feel safe in their own homes and have certainty about how to leave their building in the event of a fire or other emergency. “PEEPs were a key recommendation from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and we want to work with government, communities, and other partners to make progress on evacuation plans. We will be responding to this consultation.” The Home Office has launched another consultation on Emergency Evacuation Information Sharing (EEIS), which would require designated “Responsible Persons of the highest risk buildings to assess the needs of their most vulnerable residents and consider what might ‘reasonably be done to mitigate any risks to fire safety.” A Home Office spokesperson said: “The Emergency Evacuation Information Sharing package we are consulting on would require those responsible for fire safety in higher risk buildings to properly assess the needs of the most vulnerable and take steps to mitigate any risks. “While the vast majority of buildings are completely safe, we are determined to do more to improve fire safety, which is why these landmark reforms will ensure mid and high-rise blocks are properly assessed for fire risks.” The inquiry published 46 recommendations in 2019, of which 21 have now been incorporated into law, according to the Home Office.

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Panattoni submits plans for 417,570 sq ft speculative logistics development at Doncaster Sheffield Airport

Panattoni, the largest industrial real estate developer in Europe, has submitted a planning application for one of the largest speculative logistics facilities in South Yorkshire. The application is for a 417,570 sq ft facility, called Panattoni Doncaster 420, next to Doncaster Sheffield Airport. Panattoni acquired the 18.4-acre site with outline planning consent from Peel L&P in March. Panattoni Doncaster 420 will be built to BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and EPC ‘A’ ratings with many sustainability features, such as electric vehicle charging points and 15% roof lights. It also will benefit from 15m clear internal height, 34 dock doors, three level access doors, a 50m yard with parking for 74 HGVs and up to 1.5 MVa of power. Panattoni is aiming to start construction later this year with completion in the third quarter of 2023. Connecting the motorway network, air cargo, and multi-modal rail freight via iPort nearby, Panattoni Doncaster 420 will provide access to both consumer and industrial markets across the UK and the world. Doncaster Sheffield Airport is one of the UK’s fastest growing airports, expanding by 13% over the past five years and connecting to 36 destinations in 15 countries. Dan Burn, Development Director at Panattoni, said: “This is a superb logistics site with direct access to local, regional and global markets. Our planning application has been submitted just six weeks after we acquired the site, which reflects our desire and ability to bring much needed speculative development forward as quickly as possible”. CPP and Colliers International have been appointed as letting agents alongside Burbage Realty.

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Silva Provide New Affordable Homes in Hartland Village

Silva Homes, Hart District Council and St Edward celebrated the handover of 36 brand new affordable homes in Hartland Village, Hampshire, at an official event held on Thursday 12 May.  Delivered by St Edward in partnership with Hart District Council, the affordable homes will be managed by Silva Homes and made available to people in and around the local area. The affordable homes are one, two and three bedrooms apartments and houses, with bespoke architecture that reflects the local vernacular. The homes are split between affordable rent and shared ownership. The shared ownership scheme allows first time and low-income buyers a chance to get onto the property ladder with a lower deposit. Cllr Stuart Bailey, Portfolio Holder for Community, said: “We are delighted with the development of these new homes which will allow local residents of Hart to live in the new vibrant community of Hartland Village. The development provides much needed affordable homes for local people who have been waiting on our housing register for some significant time. We have been working closely with Silva Homes to let these homes to those who need them most.”  Paul Vallone, Chairman of St Edward said: “Quality, affordable homes are at the heart of our vision for creating a mixed community at Hartland Village. We are pleased that we can help more people access affordable rent and shared ownership, assisting more local people onto the property ladder.”  Alan Ward, Chief Executive of Silva Homes said: “Silva Homes is delighted to have worked with in partnership with St Edward and Hart District Council to deliver new affordable homes at Hartland Village. Providing high quality, safe and secure homes is at the core of what we do, and it is vital that we keep working together to help tackle the housing crisis.” Residents at Hartland Village will be able to benefit from a 100 acre network of nature-rich open spaces, including a 70 acre Country Park and 6 miles of trails. Once the development is complete there will be a bustling village centre with a traditional green, community hall, shops and places to eat, drink and enjoy local life. There will also be a new primary school and nursery within the village and St Edward has appointed a dedicated Community Advisor to help new arrivals get to know each other and settle in. Affordable homes at Hartland Village start from £100,000 for a 40% share of a property with a full market value of £250,000. For further information, please visit www.silvahomes.co.uk.

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Barhale wins critical Lincolnshire drainage work

South Holland Internal Drainage Board (IDB) has awarded Barhale a contract to install, reinforce and renovate vital drainage works in Lincolnshire. The infrastructure and civil engineering specialist will renovate the inlet, outfall and surge chamber at Dawsmere Pumping Station, a crucial part of the network of flood defences in and around Holbeach. Dawsmere Pumping Station removes to the sea water collected by the network of local drains and is essential for the protection of the surrounding land and villages which typically lie one metre below high sea level. An unusual additional operational consideration is that, because the pumping station is located next to RAF Holbeach, the site must undergo “sweep and watch” protocols for unexploded ordnance before and during excavation work. Keven Stobbs, general manager at Barhale, described the pumping station at Dawsmere as in the front line of defence for the land behind the seawall. “South Lincolnshire, and specifically the South Holland area, is among some of the lowest-lying inhabited land in the UK,“ he said. “The system of drainage has been successfully developed and managed over centuries but we are more regularly facing extreme weather conditions so the process of maintenance and upgrade is hugely important. “When carrying out work, we don’t like to take any component out of the system for too long so have been introducing innovative approaches to accelerate delivery. At Dawsmere, we will use a dam formed from one tonne bagged aggregate which can be deployed and removed very quickly. Barhale regional director James Haddon sees the company’s selection for the South Holland IDB contract as a testament to the company’s expertise and experience across the water sector. “South Holland IDB is engaged in a long-term project to enhance the resilience of this important agricultural area and we are delighted to have been selected to work with them to deliver their programme.”

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