Derbyshire based civil engineering contractor Roger Bullivant (RB) has made significant CAPEX investments to meet environmental initiatives as part of the business’s strategic growth plans. RB is a UK subsidiary of group company Soletanche Bachy. As part of the groups environmental strategy to reduce its carbon footprint by 40% by
Yorkshire-headquartered Smith Brothers has opened applications for its popular apprenticeship programme, which seeks to find the next generation of talent to join the electrical engineering industry, and keep Britain connected. With applications open for budding substation fitters, the apprenticeship is the perfect springboard to a career in the utilities industry,
Those responsible for the safety of high-rise residential buildings in England have six months from April to register with the new Building Safety Regulator. The Building Safety Regulator was established to protect high-rise residents from unsafe building practices in England in response to the Grenfell Tower fire. Under the Building
Housebuilder Rippon Homes has opened its Windsor show home at its Fox Hollow development just off the Ridings, near Market Rasen. The development comprises a mixture of 98 two, three and four-bedroom homes, including detached and semi-detached houses and bungalows. Every home is designed to a high specification and built by
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
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
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,
Derbyshire based civil engineering contractor Roger Bullivant (RB) has made significant CAPEX investments to meet environmental initiatives as part of the business’s strategic growth plans. RB is a UK subsidiary of group company Soletanche Bachy. As part of the groups environmental strategy to reduce its carbon footprint by 40% by 2030, RB has implemented key initiatives to drive environmental improvements within the business. Over the last 18 months, projects such as additional cement silos, electric forklift trucks, electric fleet vehicles, photovoltaic (PV) panels and REGO certified green tariffs have been implemented. The additional cement silos installed at its Swadlincote headquarters has tripled the storage capacity and reduced supply chain risk. More importantly it has facilitated the move to low carbon concrete. The company has reduced cement content by 50% though the use of Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) and reduced embodied carbon by four thousand tonnes per year. The latest innovations qualify the company as being recognised as a producer of CEMIII A products. RB are continuing to develop even lower carbon concrete to maximise environmental impact and enhance performance and strength. In just under twenty-four months of operation, the PV panels installed at HQ produced 152,589kWh. To put this into context, RB’s annual renewable energy generation is sufficient to power twenty-eight homes for a year. A third phase of PV panels will be completed by January 2023. “We support the governments’ ambition to transition the UK to a net zero carbon by 2050 and tackling climate change and creating sustainable solutions remains a strategic priority. With a considered and scientific approach, our low carbon concrete moves us a step closer to net-zero. Our in-house research, design, plant, and manufacturing teams are continuously looking at cutting edge technologies that allow us to innovate and inspire the industry,” said Managing Director Cliff Wren. “The significant investments we have made over the last eighteen months highlights our commitment to raise environmental standards within the sector as we drive down on our carbon footprint,” he added. Roger Bullivant Limited are the one of the UK’s leading ground engineering foundation companies, employing over 500 staff specialising in the design and manufacture of precast foundation solutions. The company operates across seven regional offices in England, Scotland and Wales. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Yorkshire-headquartered Smith Brothers has opened applications for its popular apprenticeship programme, which seeks to find the next generation of talent to join the electrical engineering industry, and keep Britain connected. With applications open for budding substation fitters, the apprenticeship is the perfect springboard to a career in the utilities industry, offering vital hands-on experience of working on overhead lines, with underground cables, and in substation fitting. As part of the course, Smith Brothers will provide direct, practical advice to a pair of trainee fitters — with one of the positions already filled. This will be dovetailed by a two-year City & Guilds academic course and three years with Utility and Construction Training (UCT). “Apprenticeships provide people of all ages with a fantastic opportunity to combine practical learning with earning an income — something which is more pertinent than ever, in the current economic climate. As an employer, it’s our responsibility to support the ambitions of those in our sector and region. If you qualify as a fitter, you have a ready-made, lifelong career – anywhere in the world. It’s important that we do our bit in fostering the brightest and best in engineering talent,” explained Dave Ogden, director at Smith Brothers. The course is designed to give apprentices a sound working knowledge of a wide variety of fitting activity, as well as an understanding of safe working practices, and the practical skills and techniques to enable them to become valuable members of the workforce. The annual apprenticeship scheme is not solely reserved for school-leavers though, as Dave continued: “We take apprentices of all ages because we believe that everyone deserves the chance to learn a trade. Some of the best engineers left school and went straight into a labouring job, but years later, they might be keen to back up that ‘on the ground’ experience with a formal qualification.” As part of the programme, trainees will spend one month per year at the UTC training centre, 9-10 months on site with Smith Brothers, and the remaining time focused on completing the City & Guilds academic requirements. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Those responsible for the safety of high-rise residential buildings in England have six months from April to register with the new Building Safety Regulator. The Building Safety Regulator was established to protect high-rise residents from unsafe building practices in England in response to the Grenfell Tower fire. Under the Building Safety Act, high-rise residential buildings which are 18 metres tall or higher, or at least seven storeys, with two or more residential units are defined as ‘higher-risk’. Across England there are approximately 12,500 of these buildings and the new regulator will require all of them to be registered from April 2023, with a named person responsible for maintaining their safety. “This registration process is an important step towards building a safer future for residents of high-rise buildings. We want it to be clear where responsibility for safety in these buildings lies. As the Building Safety Regulator, we will draw from our experience to provide guidance and oversight for the industry and lay the foundation for a world-leading building safety regime, which is a part of our mission to protect people and places,” said HSE Chief Executive Sarah Albon. A new campaign aimed at owners and managers of high-rise residential buildings will highlight their new legal duties. It will call on those responsible for the safety management of higher-risk buildings to prepare for a new wave of regulatory change to ensure that they are ready to step up and comply. The registration process is a crucial stage in setting up the new building safety regime. Registering buildings in scope will be a legal requirement and owners and managers who fail to comply by October 2023 will be investigated and may face prosecution. “Our message is clear – industry must raise its standards and residents of high-rise buildings in England must be kept safe. This is a landmark moment for building safety, the information provided through registration will be an invaluable part of our crackdown on unsafe building practices. Those who are responsible for high-rise residential buildings must register; failure to do so will be against the law,” added Chief Inspector of Buildings Peter Baker. Building registration is a major step in a package of measures to ensure high-rise residential buildings are safe for residents and users. It follows the introduction of Planning Gateway One in August 2021 and will be followed by more robust building control of high-rise developments, and the certification of occupied high-rise buildings by the new Regulator. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Housebuilder Rippon Homes has opened its Windsor show home at its Fox Hollow development just off the Ridings, near Market Rasen. The development comprises a mixture of 98 two, three and four-bedroom homes, including detached and semi-detached houses and bungalows. Every home is designed to a high specification and built by skilled craftspeople using the highest quality materials, with a fantastic range of styles available to suit all kinds of property seekers from first-time buyers to growing families and downsizers. The stunning four-bedroom home was brought to life by Etch Interiors, whose Creative Director, Hannah Stelling, said: “With Fox Hollow being in the beautiful market town of Market Rasen, I wanted the show home to feel quite organic, soft and natural. We wanted to do something with a more earthy tone – so we had browns, terracottas, greens and used lots of natural fabrics like linen.” “In terms of furniture, we bought some nice brass accents in for a warmer feel. We’ve used lots of warmer walnuts too, some nice deep greens but some warm and taupe colours. The whole house, as you go around has this nice, comfortable and relaxed feel.” Market Rasen features a host of amenities for prospective homebuyers including weekly open-air markets, a range of chain and independent restaurants and eateries, and over 50 independent businesses. Also nearby are Willingham Woods and Wild Pines Park, perfect for family walks. Fox Hollow is well located for access to Lincoln and Grimsby, making it ideal for commuters. Residents of the development will also be able to benefit from being less than a mile away from Market Rasen railway station, which has direct links to Nottingham and Leicester. “We are delighted to have launched the Windsor show home at our Fox Hollow development, and are excited to watch a wonderful community grow in this idyllic town,” added Julie Johnson, Director of Sales and Marketing at Rippon Homes. “With a range of homes that will appeal to a variety of property seekers, and an opportunity to settle in a popular town with all the facilities needed for everyday life. We have seen a huge interest in our homes at Fox Hollows, since launching with quite a few homes being sold off plan. We therefore urge potential homebuyers to book an appointment with our sales team.” Fox Hollow is one of three new Lincolnshire developments from Rippon Homes, alongside Eleanor Gardens in Navenby and Rose Gardens in Lea. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
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
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
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
