Today’s modern homes are a shining example of how well technology can enhance our lives. The advent of the Internet of Things (IoT), and vast networks of interconnected devices, mean our homes have gone far beyond the tech essentials we’re relied on for the past few decades. With smart devices
Housebuilder Hayfield has started construction on a prime 6.75-acre (2.73Ha) site in the Buckinghamshire village of Little Kimble to deliver 40 future-proofed zero carbon ready homes. Planning permission for the £21m development was secured from Buckinghamshire Council in June. Hayfield Crescent, as the development is called, will include a range
A funding deal has completed between Caddick Group, Goldman Sachs Asset Management and Canmoor, which will see work commence on a new employment hub in Leyland, Preston. Following planning approval earlier in the year, construction is underway targeting delivery of the 544,000 sq. ft. warehouse in July 2023. The scheme
CEG has opened a new Forging Futures Campus at its Kirkstall Forge development cementing its commitment to delivering skills, training and education projects in Leeds. CEG and Wates Construction launched the first campus in 2017, working closely with Leeds College of Building and Leeds City Council. It has grown to
Housing association and social landlord, One Manchester, has handed over the keys to tenants in its latest new social housing and shared ownership development, boasting some impressive green credentials. A new development of 21 homes on Mayton Street in Openshaw completed last month creating a new benchmark for family social
Finning, authorised dealer of Cat® equipment and parts in the UK and Ireland, is giving customers an exclusive chance to talk to industry experts about the issues and challenges that are critical to their business’ success with the return of FINROCK – the virtual interactive expo and conference. FINROCK22 returns
The oil and gas industry is one of the biggest globally at the moment, so it’s hard to ignore. In fact, the options available in the oil and gas construction industry are so varied that a career in the field is such an exciting prospect with plenty of room for
A new report published by Arden University has found that the Construction sector is set to lose 567,670 jobs in the hands of automation and technological advances in the workplace. The 2030 Workforce Report also found that by 2030, 30% of all jobs in the UK could be eradicated due
CITB’s England Construction Opportunities (ECO) commission sees eight successful bids awarded a total of just over £1.8m. This investment will directly help address the construction industry’s skills gap, increase employment retention, and provide vital support to new starters at the beginning of their construction careers. Each of the eight projects
ANTICIPATION is building for Nottingham City Council’s new Central Library, which sits at the heart of the Broad Marsh regeneration area, as work is now underway on the interior fit out and refurbishment with specialists Overbury. A new Central Library is one of the key elements of the regeneration of
Today’s modern homes are a shining example of how well technology can enhance our lives. The advent of the Internet of Things (IoT), and vast networks of interconnected devices, mean our homes have gone far beyond the tech essentials we’re relied on for the past few decades. With smart devices and internet-enabled gadgets, we can already do all manner of things like managing our house affairs with a tap of a button. Whether it’s watching a live stream from your front door, adjusting the thermostat via an app before you get home on a cold day, or even communicating with your fridge and asking it to create a shopping list for you, there are so many things you can do now with technology. These technologies have been proliferating for a few years now, and some technologies are now staples, including digital assistants like Alexa or Siri, video doorbells, and smart controls for lights and heating and cooling systems. So what does the future hold, and will our houses become even more exciting? Your home could start anticipating your needs Artificial intelligence is designed to perform just as well as humans do, and this can include anticipating our needs at home. Smart houses can use AI capabilities to simplify our lives greatly. Think robotic vacuums that learn when and how to clean specific areas of your home and then start doing this without an app command, or sprinkler systems that use weather data combined with your watering habits to predict what your plants need. You’ll have more time to concentrate on the more important things when your AI devices wash and dry the clothes for you, adjust the interior temperature to suit the preferences of the people present in the house, play music, and so on. LG’s DeepThinQ 1.0 technology is already on the market in several of the company’s devices, and these kinds of AI-powered home help are just around the corner. Security is becoming more important Connected user accounts and the fact that controls for smart homes are accessible online mean that smart homeowners are a growing target for digital threat actors. We note digital here because it’s far easier for a burglar to break open one’s front door than to crack into a smart digital lock, for instance. But because these devices are connected to a single home Wi-Fi network, which is connected to the owner’s handheld device, there is a significant potential for hackers to gain access to other lucrative accounts than your video doorbell can offer. In one famous case, hackers managed to access a casino’s systems via a smart fish tank. In addition, several reports have been detailing intimate partner violence (IPV) carried out via smart home devices and growing awareness among experts of the potential for digitally mediated abuse. In 2018, for instance, Ross Cairns was convicted of eavesdropping on his ex-wife via a microphone in a wall-mounted tablet that controlled her home’s heating and lighting. Convenience has always come at a price, be it our online privacy or the security of our smart homes. As home tech advances, the standards we apply to keep our internet-connected homes secure will advance, too, becoming more stringent. Daniel Cooley, Chief Strategy Officer at Silicon Labs, told Time Magazine that the smart home tech would eventually be “just like plumbing,” an essential part of how we live.
Housebuilder Hayfield has started construction on a prime 6.75-acre (2.73Ha) site in the Buckinghamshire village of Little Kimble to deliver 40 future-proofed zero carbon ready homes. Planning permission for the £21m development was secured from Buckinghamshire Council in June. Hayfield Crescent, as the development is called, will include a range of one, two, three, four and five-bedroomed homes through a mix of terraced, semi-detached and detached styles, a landscaped area of public open space and a village shop and will be accessed off Risborough Road. Up to 48% of the new homes will be affordable, 19 in total, with tenure split between affordable rent and shared ownership. Andy Morris, Managing Director of Hayfield, WhatHouse? Housebuilder of the Year, said: “Breaking ground is one of the highlights in the lifecycle of a new development, and we are thrilled to be one step closer towards bringing our family homes to Little Kimble. “This will be our third development in Buckinghamshire and we will be building on our reputation for high specification homes by delivering some of the largest houses within our range. “Each of our new homes will feature spacious living, while the zero carbon ready specification far exceeds the Future Homes Standard. We are excited to showcase how sustainable living need not compromise on luxury.” All of the homes at Hayfield Crescent will feature air source heat pumps, energy-efficient underfloor heating, the smartest electric vehicle fast-charging points and ultra-fast broadband. They will include ‘lifetime homes’ construction standards to offer enhanced accessibility and adaptability, ensuring all of them are future-proofed for wheelchair uses. The first homes are expected to be released for sale off plan by the end of October. Hayfield will create a new access road and footpaths to adoptable standards, and the houses themselves will be in-keeping with the rest of the village with features to include brick detailing, traditional porches and brick chimneys. As with all signature Hayfield developments, the density of homes will be much lower than typical new build schemes. Hayfield Crescent is opposite The Chiltern’s AONB, and a quarter of the landscape-led scheme will be covered by tree canopies to reflect this. The extensive new planting and range of additional environmental enhancements will deliver a net biodiversity gain. Little Kimble is conveniently located on the Chiltern Railways Line and Little Kimble Station is within walking distance of the site. Regular services to London Marylebone take less than an hour, with additional services into Aylesbury and High Wycombe.
A funding deal has completed between Caddick Group, Goldman Sachs Asset Management and Canmoor, which will see work commence on a new employment hub in Leyland, Preston. Following planning approval earlier in the year, construction is underway targeting delivery of the 544,000 sq. ft. warehouse in July 2023. The scheme represents a considerable investment in the region and will be the biggest speculative development of its type in the North West this year, addressing the acute demand for quality logistics and warehousing space. Situated with direct links to M6, M65 and M61 motorway networks the development offers excellent connectivity to the whole of the North West region. The Connect 6, Preston is expected to bring over 1,000 jobs to the area once complete, and around 600 jobs during construction, which will be carried out by Caddick Group business, Caddick Construction North West. The building will reach practical completion in July 2023. Steve Widdowson, Head of Caddick Developments in the North West, said: “Connect 6, Preston is an incredibly exciting scheme and we’re delighted to have investors of the calibre of Goldman Sachs and Canmoor coming on board to take this development forward. The deal means we can push ahead with developing out the site and help introduce much-needed capacity into the Industrial and Logistics market in the North West. Caddick’s vertically integrated offer has once again demonstrated the value of being able to act fast in addressing supply-shortages in quality locations.” Farbod Nia, Managing Director at Goldman Sachs Asset Management, said: “This investment aligns with our wider strategy to deliver best in class logistics space in well-connected, high-quality locations, specified to meet the requirements of modern occupiers and the highest sustainability standards. The building will help address the supply and demand imbalance in the North West market by providing occupiers with greatly needed space. We look forward to working with our partners Canmoor and Caddick Group on this exciting development” Tom White, Director at Canmoor, said: “This development addresses an acute need for this type of development in the North West of England. Moreover, the scheme is set to lead the way from an environmental point of view, being BREEAM Excellent rated, whilst enjoying unparalleled links to local infrastructure.” For more information on Connect 6, Preston visit www.canmoor-connect6.com Caddick Group is a vertically integrated business which sources land, designs and funds projects, as well as having the ability to build using its own contracting arm, Caddick Construction. The Group has a pipeline of 16+ million sq ft of industrial & logistics space. Caddick Group were represented by JLL on this scheme.
CEG has opened a new Forging Futures Campus at its Kirkstall Forge development cementing its commitment to delivering skills, training and education projects in Leeds. CEG and Wates Construction launched the first campus in 2017, working closely with Leeds College of Building and Leeds City Council. It has grown to achieve more than £11million in social value, helping to train the city’s future architects, bricklayers, civil engineers, joiners, plumbers and electricians. As a result of its success, a new campus has opened providing expanded classrooms and facilities as well as a safe, live construction area which will help to facilitate site visits, curriculum projects and hands-on mentoring support. At the launch event for the new campus, the latest cohort of young people to graduate from Forging Futures’ Employability Skills Course, which is delivered in conjunction with Icon Group and SCL, were presented with their certificates by the Leeds Lord Mayor, Councillor Bob Gettings. The regular Employability Skills Courses helps young people not in education, employment or training learn new skills, build confidence and identify routes to training and employment, as well as securing Construction Skills Awards, their CSCS card training and a Level 1 Employability and Functional Skills Qualification. Almost 150 young people who were unemployed, or not in school or vocational training have now completed the course, with many moving into apprenticeships, jobs or further education. A further 450 participants have benefited from the curriculum delivery, site visits, workplace engagement, CV workshops and mock interviews in partnership with several Leeds schools, colleges and universities. The Forging Futures Campus is located within the construction area of the Kirkstall Forge development site and provides vocational training, site visits and work experience for students, local people and young people not in education, employment or training. Alongside the campus, a base has been provided for the River Stewardship Company which provides watercourse maintenance and improvement projects throughout Yorkshire. They will work closely with the team at Forging Futures Campus in providing hands-on mentoring and work experience. Peter Marsden from the River Stewardship Company said: “We, and Riverlution are so pleased to be part of the Forging Futures Campus. It gives us a chance to be involved with the family of companies associated with the Campus and enables us to promote the environment together with the enhancing of waterways in Yorkshire. We are looking forward to collaboratively working with the Forging Futures campus and creating a safe haven for the tuition of students in the area.” David Wingfield, Regional Director for the Northeast at Wates Construction, said: “Following the success of the first pioneering Forging Futures Campus in 2017, we’re proud to support the development of a second Campus, allowing even more graduates and young people access to modern facilities where they can gain employability skills that will serve them long into the future. “Wates is committed to ensuring the project continues to create benefits for the people of Kirkstall and Leeds. Our investment in the local community and work with the likes of CEG and young people will help to revive local opportunities through regeneration, creating a lasting legacy for the area.” Lucinda Yeadon, Community Liaison Manager at CEG, said: “We’re passionate about providing long-term benefits to the local community, and Forging Futures Campus has proved an incredibly successful way to deliver new skills, training and job opportunities. “We’re so proud of those who have taken part and have seen such a positive impact on their lives. The investment into the new, larger campus will ensure we can continue to deliver our social value aspirations and help young people better access the jobs market.” The event was also attended by other key partners who contribute to the Forging Futures programme including social enterprises The Skill Mill, Canal Connections, EN:Able Futures, Slung Low and members of the local community.
Housing association and social landlord, One Manchester, has handed over the keys to tenants in its latest new social housing and shared ownership development, boasting some impressive green credentials. A new development of 21 homes on Mayton Street in Openshaw completed last month creating a new benchmark for family social housing in the city. The all-electric development consists of 15 houses for social rent and six made available for shared ownership. The homes were constructed using a sustainable timber panellised system manufactured off site and make use of air source heat pumps for hot water heating. The wider development also benefits from solar-powered street lighting. Building work for the Mayton Street development was started by John Southworth Builders in August 2021, and after 12 months the project has been completed – three months ahead of its proposed completion in December 2022. One Manchester is working toward the zero carbon Manchester ambition to become a zero carbon city by 2038 at the latest. Judy Noah, Director of Development at One Manchester, said: “One Manchester is committed to decarbonising its portfolio and this can be seen in our latest development on Mayton Street. We are no longer building new homes with gas boilers and we are making sure that these homes are exceptionally well-insulated so that they require minimal amounts of heating to keep them warm. “We worked hard to ensure that the scheme maintained a significant element of well landscaped and inviting green space while also creating brilliant family homes with remarkably high quality large gardens. We’re excited to see families move in and how they make this neighbourhood their own.” Plans for the project were designed by GWP Architecture. The social properties are now all occupied and the shared ownership properties are expected to complete before the end of September. Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and development, said: “We have a number of housing challenges in Manchester, which include meeting a growing demand for quality social and affordable housing, to support more residents to become home owners, and to increase the number of sustainable homes to help us meet our target to become a zero carbon city by 2038. “This development ticks all those boxes – while bringing brownfield land back into use. This is exactly the type of housing investment we need in Manchester.” The site in One Manchester’s ownership had been cleared of unpopular flats some years ago and was initially earmarked for 39 new homes. However, responding to local concerns, One Manchester opted to reduce the number of homes and preserve and improve the green space provision. The Mayton Street project is a continuation of One Manchester’s projects at Windermere Close, Openshaw and Blackrock Street, Beswick which have all incorporated passivhaus design, renewable heating and off-site manufacture.
Finning, authorised dealer of Cat® equipment and parts in the UK and Ireland, is giving customers an exclusive chance to talk to industry experts about the issues and challenges that are critical to their business’ success with the return of FINROCK – the virtual interactive expo and conference. FINROCK22 returns to screens on November 24th (2pm – 8pm) and builds on the success of last year’s live interactive event which attracted an audience of 1,000 Finning customers and industry colleagues from the construction, aggregates, and waste sectors from across the UK and Ireland. In line with feedback from visitors to the event last year, Finning has expanded the live interviews and debates taking place on FINROCK TV, which will address the most topical issues and challenges customers face today. This includes sessions on getting the most out of machine assets through condition monitoring and tailored servicing – with customers joining the team of Finning and Caterpillar experts to share their knowledge and experiences leading to business success. Promising to be bigger and better, FINROCK22 also gives customers an exclusive opportunity to ask a panel of industry experts about the issues and challenges they are facing today. The live chat will be focused on key topics such as fuel efficiency, safety, and operator training. FINROCK22 also includes two new customer zones. The first, a ‘sustainability zone’ will give customers from across all industries an insight into the many systems, approaches, and products that are available to help them reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and improve the environmental performance of their operations. These include what’s involved in switching to renewable fuels through to commissioning a rebuild to extend the operational lifespan of a machine. The second new zone will provide an in-depth look at the aftermarket expertise, products and services Finning provides to customers. It includes a spotlight on the engineering expertise that is embedded throughout the company, as well as a look at the crucial role asset conditioning monitoring plays in keeping machines fully operational, so sites are productive and profitable. “Over the last few years, we, alongside many other firms, have developed new and exciting ways to interact with customers,” explains Peter Seaman, Head of Customer Experience and Marketing at Finning. “FINROCK is a prime example of this and gives us a unique and innovative way to get closer to our customers so we can understand the issues that are important to their business success as well as their needs and challenges. We can then, as a supplier and partner, tailor the right level of expertise and support they need. “We’ve spoken to customers who took part last year and what they valued most was the opportunity to hear from experts across the industries they work in. One of the biggest talking points last year was around the ‘demolition debate’ that brought together the biggest names – and characters – from the sector to discuss issues pertinent to both contractors and operators such as the transformation to deconstruction and in driving more sustainable practices in the sector. “So, this year, we’ve extended the live TV sessions and widened out the discussions on other hot industry topics, such as the role of technology in digitising construction and waste industries, and how we’re working closely with our customers to support them in meeting their own sustainability ambitions.” The equipment showroom also returns, giving visitors hands-on experience with different machines so they can get a feel for how technologies can benefit their sites and businesses. Visitors can also consult Finning experts for machine, business, and financial advice, ensuring that they have everything they need to keep sites running, and business a success. As well as attending talks and demonstrations, visitors can browse opportunities at the careers fair and network with other attendees. Registration for FINROCK22 is completely free. Sign up today, for an exclusive opportunity to get up close and personal with the latest machines, technology and the people making the biggest impact in the construction, aggregates, and waste industries. You can register your place at FINROCK22 here: Finrock.live
The oil and gas industry is one of the biggest globally at the moment, so it’s hard to ignore. In fact, the options available in the oil and gas construction industry are so varied that a career in the field is such an exciting prospect with plenty of room for growth. If you’ve been considering starting a career in this field, you might ask yourself: Which path should I take? Whether you’re looking to work in an office or get your hands dirty on the front lines, the oil and gas industry has something for everyone. Let’s take a look at some of your options. Welding Welding skills are essential in the oil and gas construction industry, and welders are always in demand. Welders are responsible for joining metal pieces together by melting and flowing metal. Although most welders start with blue-collar jobs, they often advance into higher-paying positions requiring more technical expertise. As a welder, you can be trained on the job or through an apprenticeship program, but it’s best to have some experience already. Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Oil and gas production is a highly technical field, but there are plenty of opportunities for people with less than stellar math skills. For example, operating engineers can find work in the oil and gas industry. However, they will need to pass certification exams such as the OSHA for professionals. Operating engineers operate heavy equipment on construction sites. They may be hired by contractors or work directly for the oil company. If you’re considering a career in this role, you’ll need good manual dexterity, strength, and eye-hand coordination. They also need to read blueprints and understand instructions well enough. First-Line Supervisors of Construction and Extraction Workers When it comes to considerations with regard to Oil and Gas Production as a career, the first line of supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers is an excellent place to begin. This role offers upward mobility opportunities in the industry, and that’s one of the key reasons for considering a career in the oil and gas sector. First-line supervisors coordinate, direct and supervise workers engaged in construction or extraction activities. They work under general supervision but have considerable autonomy to independently plan and carry out some activities. In addition to supervising these workers daily, these supervisors are responsible for budgeting their time, keeping track of expenditures, and ensuring that projects stay within budget. A bachelor’s degree in construction management or a related field is usually required for this position. Wastewater Treatment Technician Also known as water treatment plant operators, these technicians are responsible for maintaining and operating a water treatment facility. They usually work in a large facility or plant, where they monitor and control the quality of the water that passes through the plant. Wastewater treatment technicians may be required to operate pumps, valves, and other equipment to ensure that the wastewater is treated properly. They may also need to monitor levels of chemicals used to treat wastewater or check for contamination or leaks within the system. The work is physically demanding and typically involves working long hours in all weather conditions, so you must be able to lift heavy items such as hoses and tanks. Roustabout Lensa wrote a piece regarding considerations with regard to Oil and Gas Production as a career, and Roustabout roles are one of the relevant options in the industry that made the list. Roustabouts are responsible for loading and unloading drill rigs. They also provide support to the rest of the crew, including moving equipment and setting up camp. The job requires a high level of physical strength and endurance and the ability to work in various conditions. The pay is good, but roustabouts are often on the road for extended periods. In addition, most work involves lifting heavy tools and equipment, so you’ll want to be in good shape before applying for this position. Instrumentation & Electrical Technician Instrumentation technicians work on the design and installation of industrial measurement systems or instruments. These technicians often work in oil refineries and chemical plants. As an electrical technician, your focus will be on wiring and electronics maintenance. They also install and repair electrical equipment in homes, buildings, and vehicles. Both positions require specialized training to enter the field as an entry-level technician or apprentice, so you’ll need to acquire relevant training and certifications to get up and running in this role. Conclusion Overall, the construction industry is a great place to start your career in oil and gas production. Not only will you be exposed to a variety of work environments, but you’ll also have a wide range of educational opportunities to choose from – not just for degrees but certificates and licenses. Hopefully, our guide has helped demystify some of the options that are out there and assist you in figuring out which ones are right for you as you start your career in oil and gas.
A new report published by Arden University has found that the Construction sector is set to lose 567,670 jobs in the hands of automation and technological advances in the workplace. The 2030 Workforce Report also found that by 2030, 30% of all jobs in the UK could be eradicated due to automation changing the workforce. With more jobs set to involve working alongside or in tandem with new technologies, the research also found that only a minority of employees are currently up to speed and comfortable working with developing digital technology. In the Construction sector, it found that 20 per cent of people felt they had a digital skills gap and weren’t prepared for the technological changes at hand. Commenting on this, Carl Lygo, CEO and Vice Chancellor at Arden University says: “As automation begins to play a greater role in economic production, it will disrupt these industries the most significantly, with the effects being felt across society and the nation’s economy. “Upskilling is most urgent – particularly for the employees who may not have the digital skills to prepare them for the evolving jobs of the future. It is now up to education institutions to ensure they are teaching and preparing the next generation for the jobs of the future and not solely for the jobs of today.” The worst affected in the UK Over a half of jobs are set to become extinct in the transport and storage industry (56% of jobs) with manufacturing (46%), wholesale, retail, and repair of motor vehicles (44%), admin & support services (37%), and public admin & defence, social security/ financial & insurance services (32%), being the remaining top sectors expected to undergo a massive shift in the next decade. “The pandemic has magnified this shift with the rise of home-working and online socialising. Yet whilst much of the population becomes ever more proficient, for some, a lack of technological proficiency or access risks them being left behind. “As digital technology plays a more prominent role in most jobs, and more employees work alongside tech, basic digital literacy will become an essential skill, on a par with reading and writing. As more jobs require digital skills, upskilling the population is a key priority. “It is without a doubt that automation will result in a foundational change to the landscape of work. Higher education institutions now have a very important job to do to ensure that the nation is ready and prepared for the jobs of the future,” concludes Carl.
CITB’s England Construction Opportunities (ECO) commission sees eight successful bids awarded a total of just over £1.8m. This investment will directly help address the construction industry’s skills gap, increase employment retention, and provide vital support to new starters at the beginning of their construction careers. Each of the eight projects will deliver a combined total of 3,500 employment support plans to assist individuals, with the aim of achieving long-term sustained employment. Through the ECO funding, the selected suppliers will bring support systems to the following regions: Abbey Access Centre Ltd – Lincoln Barking Riverside Ltd – London Gement Ltd – London and South-East Hampshire County Council Landau Ltd – Shropshire NFRC – England WMCA – West Midlands Women into Construction – England Over the course of three years, the ECO projects will support individuals to overcome any initial challenges they may face as they begin their career in construction, while also providing ongoing in-work support to improve retention and importantly, progression. The successful suppliers all have established links with the construction industry, many already working with contractors and employers across a range of sites throughout the UK. Hampshire County Council, Landau Ltd, WMCA and Barking Riverside Ltd are all recognised for previously supporting construction opportunities through the Construction Skills Fund (CSF), a similar model designed and delivered collaboratively through CITB and the Department for Education. The National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), Women into Construction, Abbey Access Centre Ltd and Gement Ltd all have expertise in specialist careers advice, training, and employment opportunities within the construction industry. CITB’s investment in the ECO commission will provide critical support to deliver the skills industry requires to meet demand, with many of the selected suppliers anticipating a high level of activity in the coming years. Landau Ltd is just one of the projects that will be engaging with local employers to cater to the high demand for new build projects in Telford, currently the fourth most active area within the UK for new build homes. Barking Riverside Ltd and the WMCA will also be centring their projects around local activity, with large-scale regeneration planned in both Birmingham, following the Commonwealth Games, and across the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. The eight projects are aligned in their approach, with the belief that regular ‘touch points’ and guidance sessions with sector specialists will be key to retaining more participants in construction roles. Many of the projects aim to implement bespoke support and action plans for learners, with this investment from CITB enabling them to have a greater presence in the individual’s training and development. Tim Balcon, CITB Chief Executive, said: “It’s fantastic to see the ECO commission progress forward with eight successful bids. Their wealth of knowledge and experience, combined with their established partnerships, will be vital in creating the opportunities, supporting new entrants, and critically maximising skills retention in the industry, all of which CITB recognises is and will continue to be crucial for the foreseeable future. “With a changing landscape and a demand in England alone for over 220,000 additional workers by 2026, the challenge industry faces should not be underestimated. However, this commission presents a great opportunity to contribute and address some of those key skills challenges, primarily helping towards securing construction’s talent pipeline. I’m really looking forward to watching the projects flourish and wish them all the best of luck as they move into the next phase.”
ANTICIPATION is building for Nottingham City Council’s new Central Library, which sits at the heart of the Broad Marsh regeneration area, as work is now underway on the interior fit out and refurbishment with specialists Overbury. A new Central Library is one of the key elements of the regeneration of the city’s Southside area and will be surrounded by transformed streets, with pedestrianisation, planting, seating and plans for a new plaza to link through the demolished section of the former shopping centre to Lister Gate and the city centre beyond. A masterplan is in place outlining a vision for the Broad Marsh site, including green space, an enhanced entrance to the City of Caves attraction and a mixture of housing, retail and leisure uses. Working together with acclaimed architects FaulknerBrowns and M&E consultancy Chord, Overbury and Morgan Sindall Construction will transform the new Central Library shell into three modern levels split into creative zones. The project has prioritised cost-effective modern design and specification with bespoke feature joinery and ceilings, which take inspiration from Nottingham’s lace making heritage. The outstanding design also utilises carefully selected materials, including timber for a natural aesthetic and improved sustainability. The library, which is part of the new Broad Marsh Car Park and Bus Station complex, will be Overbury’s first major project to be procured through SCAPE – one of the UK’s leading public sector procurement authorities – which has been made possible via its sister company Morgan Sindall Construction, who were appointed to the SCAPE national framework last year. This next phase of the project will see Overbury working alongside Nottingham City Council’s chosen project manager, Pick Everard. The library will then open to the public in the Summer 2023. Andrew Wood, Managing Director at Overbury, said: “Starting work on this important project for the region is incredibly exciting. Our team has years of high-quality experience to help smoothly collaborate with stakeholder partners, which will expertly bring the inspiring interior design for the new Central Library to life. Throughout the project, we also look forward to prioritising social value and sustainability, which is extremely important to us and touches everything we do.” The new library will feature a high-quality children’s library with an immersive story telling room, extensive book collection and comfortable areas to sit and read. Other amenities will include a cafe and ground floor reception area – which can be converted into a performance space, a learning lab for special activities and school class visits, meeting rooms, exhibition space and creative design areas. Cllr Pavlos Kotsonis, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture & Planning at Nottingham City Council, said:“We are looking forward to working with Overbury to transform the interior of the Central Library, working together to see our vision for a modern library come to life. The bright state-of-the-art facility will include a fantastic children’s library and some great features and we are excited to see the work progress to create a fantastic facility for everyone to use and enjoy.” With a focus on social value, Overbury has committed to building back into the city by allocating project spend with local Nottinghamshire businesses and the wider Midlands region. Furthermore, part of this spend will be with not-for-profit local enterprises. Overbury’s in-house carbon calculation tool ‘CarboniCa’ developed by Morgan Sindall plc, will measure the embodied carbon of the project. Rob Cant, Framework Director at Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “The ability for us to work with sister companies Overbury and Lovell to deliver work on the SCAPE framework will be a huge benefit. It means we are able to provide a complete offering across every sector with clients having direct access to leading experts in construction, interior fitout and housing. On top of that, our purpose and values align perfectly with that of SCAPE’s as we collectively strive to transform local communities and leave meaningful and lasting legacies behind.” Mark Robinson, group chief executive at SCAPE said: “The Central Library is an excellent example of how a regeneration project can breathe new life into an area and deliver true social value that benefits the local community and businesses. With the support of our expert delivery team and integrated social value approach, we are excited to work with Overbury to accelerate this project forward and create a sustainable legacy for the people of Nottingham.” For more information about Overbury, please visit www.overbury.com
