Kier Construction Scotland has been appointed to take forward a trio of projects in the field of mental health, including a £6m refurbishment programme at Royal Cornhill hospital in Aberdeen and Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin. Kier has also been appointed to develop the designs for a £4.8m extension and
Garbe Industrial Real Estate GmbH, together with the Aachen-based logistics company Hammer GmbH & Co. KG and numerous guests from politics and business celebrated the roofing ceremony for the new logistics centre in Eschweiler, Germany. The new facility, which is being built on a 186,000-square-metre site in the intermunicipal business
Plans to give local firms a chance to secure work on a £500 million housing programme have been revealed by Liverpool City Council. Foundations, a new ethical housing company established by Mayor Joe Anderson, aims to create 10,000 new homes and refurbish dilapidated housing stock in Liverpool. “Foundations has the
Construction work is underway at a new sustainable student accommodation for King’s College, University of Cambridge, the first of its kind in the city. The development, situated in existing College grounds on Cranmer Road, will provide 59 graduate rooms built across two new accommodation buildings to create a unified campus
One of the world’s leading manufacturers and distributors of health and safety solutions, Seton, has launched a pioneering speed bump which offers market leading strength and durability. With an innovative ground fixing rail system that significantly reduces deformation and distortion, the Seton Speed Bump has been developed following extensive research
A new alternative to part exchange has been launched to help housebuilders sell new-build homes more quickly. To Move Now has created a portal which connects housebuilders whose purchasers have properties to sell with a panel of corporate property buyers. Members of the panel bid to buy the secondhand properties
On site work on the £117 million Campbell Wharf development in Milton Keynes has commenced. The residential-led mixed use scheme includes 383 new homes, a narrowboat marina, public house, nursery and a mix of retail units and is set to transform and revitalise a much-underutilised part of Central Milton Keynes.
Kingsmere, Countryside Properties (Bicester) Limited’s development in Bicester, will be welcoming a first-class line up of retailers to its Village Centre in Spring 2019. Brands and retailers which have secured units at the commercial centre include Mid-Counties Co-op, Starfish (Fish and Chips), Domino’s Pizza, Haart Estate agents, Bicester Hairdressers and
Kier has celebrated the completion of the first phase of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s (UWTSD) pioneering SA1 development by providing tours of the site to industry experts as well as teachers and lecturers. In partnership with the Forum for the Built Environment (FBE), the tours took place
The boiler in a home is one of the most used appliances, and one that you want to ensure is working correctly. If the boiler broke down, especially during the cold months of the year, it could leave the home with no heat and leave the household in danger. Even
Kier Construction Scotland has been appointed to take forward a trio of projects in the field of mental health, including a £6m refurbishment programme at Royal Cornhill hospital in Aberdeen and Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin. Kier has also been appointed to develop the designs for a £4.8m extension and refurbishment programme for the existing facility at Rowanbank Clinic, part of Stobhill hospital in Glasgow, and a contract to design, build and commission a £3.7m, 12 bedded National Secure Adolescent Inpatient Service (NSAIS) in Irvine. Work for NHS Grampian to refurbish up to six acute mental health admission wards is part of the Scottish Government’s plans to enhance the clinical environment for patients classed as high risk of self-harm. These latest wins build on a number of healthcare projects that Kier is currently delivering, including a new elective care facility at the Golden Jubilee National Hospital in Clydebank as well as carrying out backlog maintenance work and ward refurbishments with NHS Grampian at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Raigmore Hospital in Inverness for NHS Highland and at Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley, Inverclyde Royal Hospital in Greenock and Glasgow Royal Infirmary for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. Brian McQuade, managing director for Kier Construction Scotland, said: “Kier has a leading reputation of delivering first-class facilities in the health sector. These latest wins demonstrate significant investment in the area of mental health by Scottish Government and we look forward to working closely with NHS Grampian, Greater Glasgow and Clyde and Ayrshire & Arran to deliver these enhanced facilities. Not only will these excellent new amenities benefit the patients, they will also lead to job creation and training opportunities, helping to support both the local and Scottish economies.” Judith McLenan, Business Manager, NHS Grampian Mental Health & Learning Disability Services said: “This is the largest project the service has undertaken since the Clerkseat Building opened at Royal Cornhill Hospital approximately 30 years ago. The project will significantly improve and modernise the physical environment. It involves a major refurbishment of the building, the installation of newer, safer specialist ligature-reduction and anti-barricade mental health fittings and fixtures and improvement in the lines of sight for patient / staff accessibility and enhancement of clinical observation in practice.” These improvements, ligature reduction and refurbishment will also be applied to adult mental health in patient services in the Moray Health and Social Care Partnership. Kier Construction, part of Kier Group, is one of five principal supply chain partners on the NHS’ £600m Health Facilities Scotland framework for Capital Development in Scotland.
Garbe Industrial Real Estate GmbH, together with the Aachen-based logistics company Hammer GmbH & Co. KG and numerous guests from politics and business celebrated the roofing ceremony for the new logistics centre in Eschweiler, Germany. The new facility, which is being built on a 186,000-square-metre site in the intermunicipal business park of Inden/Weisweiler “Am Grachtweg,” is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year. The facility will be home to a logistics property almost 94,000 square metres in size, which will provide 105,000 square metres of floor space, including an additional mezzanine, offices, and social rooms. A total of around 60 million euros have been invested in the project and it will be occupied by Hammer. “As a multi-user location, the logistics centre Eschweiler is unique in the region and an important building block for further growth for us,” said managing director Wolfgang “Tim” Hammer. Moreover, in order to succeed in integrating new businesses, Hammer is also investing in the technical equipment of the logistics centre, in which an automated small parts storage system will speed up the flow of goods. Among the long-standing customers for whom Hammer performs comprehensive storage and logistics services in Eschweiler is QCG Computer GmbH, a company that assembles and tests complete systems for large data centre operators. “In close coordination with all those involved in the logistics centre, we have integrated a 10,000-square-metre production hall for QCG for server assembly,” explained Christopher Garbe. The 217-metre-wide and 385-metre-long logistics property with 80 gates will be equipped for trouble-free loading and unloading of trucks. The design of the exterior area includes 25 parking spaces for trucks and 200 for cars. An additional advantage is the central location in the Rhineland with excellent connections to transport infrastructure. The location in the intermunicipal business park offers direct access to the A 4; distance to the A 44 motorway is only 12 kilometres, and the economic regions of Aachen and Cologne are also only 24 and 40 kilometres away, respectively. “In addition, the close proximity allows for a close exchange with Aachen University, good cooperation with local partners, and last but not least, the opportunity to meet the latest ecological standards with the new building,” said Hammer’s managing director, emphasizing these further advantages.
Plans to give local firms a chance to secure work on a £500 million housing programme have been revealed by Liverpool City Council. Foundations, a new ethical housing company established by Mayor Joe Anderson, aims to create 10,000 new homes and refurbish dilapidated housing stock in Liverpool. “Foundations has the potential to be absolutely transformational in so many ways, such as by creating the right housing mix that the city needs and generating new council tax income which we can reinvest in services,” said Mayor Joe Anderson. “But crucially it is also vital that as part of the construction programme that we give as many local businesses as possible the chance to bid for work from Foundations. We’ve already got a good track record of doing that with our schools investment programme, with 74% of the spending going to Merseyside firms helping create 2,000 jobs and 200 apprenticeships – and we want to replicate that with Foundations,” he continued. The project aims to rebalance the city’s social housing stock, revolutionise the rent to buy sector and drive up council tax receipts for the council. Designed specifically for Liverpool- and Merseyside-based businesses, the framework will enable businesses to pitch for work as part of the derelict refurbishment and new build programmes. “The sheer scale of the work that Foundations will be doing over the next few years offers a tremendous opportunity to local firms, ranging from the supply of materials or fitting out properties,” commented Chair of Foundations, Frank Hont. “The procurement framework aims to recycle as much of the spending as possible locally through the city region economy, into the coffers of local businesses and ultimately the pockets of local workers, benefiting households across the city region. It is an example of how the work that Foundations will be doing will have far reaching benefits that stretches far beyond just building new homes,” Frank Hont added.
Construction work is underway at a new sustainable student accommodation for King’s College, University of Cambridge, the first of its kind in the city. The development, situated in existing College grounds on Cranmer Road, will provide 59 graduate rooms built across two new accommodation buildings to create a unified campus around a shared garden, which is also a short walk from the College’s historic courts. The student housing will be built to a Passivhaus standard, a sustainable housing initiative, resulting in ultra-low energy buildings which require very little fuel for heating or cooling. “We are delighted to have been given permission to develop this sustainable building on College land. It will provide much-needed accommodation for our graduates and foster the growth of a community spirit on the site,” said Philip Isaac, the Domus Bursar at King’s College. R G Carter will be building the student accommodation, having become one of the UK’s leading Passivhaus homebuilders, through continued investment, upskilling of its workforce and expertise demonstrated across a number of award winning developments. “We are delighted to collaborate with King’s College on this exciting innovative scheme. Our focus is on delivering a successful project and providing quality sustainable accommodation that will serve students for many years to come,” said John Ford, R G Carter Director and General Manager. Each accommodation block will reflect the surroundings in a contemporary way. Cranmer Villa will incorporate red brick walls, clay roof tiles and stone windows that reflects a style with neighbouring buildings, while The Garden building has been designed to blend into the conservation of the area, with a glazed terracotta cladding and a sustainable ‘green’ roof. It is expected that students will take up occupation in Autumn 2019.
One of the world’s leading manufacturers and distributors of health and safety solutions, Seton, has launched a pioneering speed bump which offers market leading strength and durability. With an innovative ground fixing rail system that significantly reduces deformation and distortion, the Seton Speed Bump has been developed following extensive research into current customer needs and existing products within the marketplace. Designed to last, the Seton Speed Bump boasts a unique chevron interlocking shape for enhanced strength, while the rail system significantly reduces the stress levels of the ground bolts, minimising the risk of the speed bump being dislodged and damaging vehicles. A colour contrast lifetime guarantee ensures the speed bump remains highly visible for maximum impact. Ed Barnes, Traffic Innovation Manager at Seton commented: “Existing traffic calming products are notoriously characterised by low durability and poor quality, with recent research showing that almost a quarter of motorists have suffered vehicle damage due to such measures. As health and safety experts, we wanted to develop a solution to these problems, providing businesses and organisations operating a private car park the ability to meet their legal obligations. “The Seton Speed Bump is the result of an intensive and extensive research and development programme. It has been designed to tackle the common problem of speed bumps being ripped up, offering a durable, easy install solution for facilities managers, health and safety managers and estates managers as well as contractors and installers.” The unique Seton Speed Bump rail system enables bolt heads to be as close to the car park’s surface as possible, greatly reducing bolt movement. The upright surface of the rails improves lateral drag resistance and increases crush resistance, which provides additional strength and durability in comparison with standard non-rail installation speed bumps. Available in two height and material options, the Seton Speed Bump marks the start of an extensive programme of innovative product development for the health and safety manufacturer and distributor. With health and safety laws growing increasingly complicated, Seton aims to simplify the process by developing products that ensure compliance. For more information, visit: www.seton.co.uk/seton-speed-bump
A new alternative to part exchange has been launched to help housebuilders sell new-build homes more quickly. To Move Now has created a portal which connects housebuilders whose purchasers have properties to sell with a panel of corporate property buyers. Members of the panel bid to buy the secondhand properties directly, so the developer can sell its new homes without being exposed to chains or taking on part exchange stock. To Move Now Director Chris Taylor, who has more than 30 years’ experience across a range of property disciplines, co-founded the business in July. He explained: “Part exchange is a tried and trusted system, but it does not fit every scenario. “To Move Now provides a cash buyer and a fast sale where part exchange isn’t appropriate. For example, Help to Buy can be used in conjunction with our service, whereas Government rules prevent the scheme from being used with part exchange. “Our service works for people moving up, down or sideways and operates throughout mainland UK, so is not restricted by geography. “We work with new homes developers of all sizes, retirement living providers and estate agents. “The whole process is transparent, with no charge to the developer or its purchaser, and aims to deliver the best result for all parties.” To Move Now works with the housebuilder and its purchaser to prepare details of the property to list on the portal. The panel then has 48 hours to bid, during which time only the highest offer is visible to them. Then To Move Now presents the highest offer to the housebuilder for discussion with the purchaser. If a sale is agreed, exchange can usually take place within 28 days subject to a RICS report. To Move Now is the sister company to Developer Solutions Ltd, one of the country’s leading providers of land appraisals, viability assessments and market analysis. Its chief executive and founder, Chris Gregory, said: “Developer Solutions provides data, analysis and insight to solve developers’ problems in areas ranging from land valuations and local area appraisals to finance and mortgage availability. “To Move Now is an extension of the Developer Solutions ethos. Through our discussions with developers across the country we identified a need for a service which could accelerate sales. “Our own recent analysis identified a blockage where downsizers are struggling to sell their homes, particularly over £500k. The average sale time of homes over £500k has more than doubled from 67 days in 2016/17 to 151 days in the same period of 2017/18. “Vulnerable chains and the slow secondhand market are restricting sales rates. We believe To Move Now addresses this and the feedback we have received so far has been very positive.” For more information see tomovenow.co.uk or email Chris Taylor at ctaylor@tomovenow.co.uk
On site work on the £117 million Campbell Wharf development in Milton Keynes has commenced. The residential-led mixed use scheme includes 383 new homes, a narrowboat marina, public house, nursery and a mix of retail units and is set to transform and revitalise a much-underutilised part of Central Milton Keynes. Once it approaches completion, the development will deliver 332 one and two-bedroom apartments and 51 three, four and five-bedroom houses. Moreover, 30% of the properties on site have been reserved for shared ownership and affordable housing, in order to meet local housing needs in the community. “We are pleased to have cemented our agreement with the Milton Keynes Development Partnership and look forward to working together on this significant development. Once complete the scheme will provide a new gateway from the Canal to Central Milton Keynes and deliver much needed new homes to the area,” said Scott Black, Managing Director at Crest Nicholson. Located on the eastern edge of Central Milton Keynes with easy access to both Milton Keynes Central Station and the M1, the site is divided into two distinct areas by the Grand Union Canal. The 8.15 ha site will also include a new marina on the Grand Union Canal, providing 111 berths, a canal-side pub, café, restaurant and a new footbridge linking the two sides of the canal. “As our city continues to grow, MKDP is committed to playing its part in helping to create well-designed, vibrant & affordable new communities in partnership with a range of local developers. As part of the Campbell Wharf development, MKDP and the developer Crest Nicholson will be creating 115 affordable new homes, a new 111 berth marina alongside the city’s renowned Grand Union Canal, and importantly, will be contributing towards the cost of upgrading the infrastructure of our city centre,” commented Councillor Rob Middleton, Cabinet Member responsible for Resources and Innovation. The new marina is expected to open in April 2019, while the first residential dwellings on site will be occupied in October 2019. The development is expected to be fully completed by 2023.
Kingsmere, Countryside Properties (Bicester) Limited’s development in Bicester, will be welcoming a first-class line up of retailers to its Village Centre in Spring 2019. Brands and retailers which have secured units at the commercial centre include Mid-Counties Co-op, Starfish (Fish and Chips), Domino’s Pizza, Haart Estate agents, Bicester Hairdressers and Busy Bees Nursery. “The Village Centre at Kingsmere has a high quality, contemporary design, which will enhance the area and create a place for the local community to shop, eat and meet. The prominence, accessibility and car parking that are already included made it easy for us to find interested parties who will do very well from being centrally located in Kingsmere,” said Ed Sutton, Managing Director of LSP Developments. The Village Centre is situated on Whitelands Way, where the commercial units are currently under construction, adjacent to the new Community and Youth Centres, which were recently handed over to Cherwell District Council and will officially open this September. “We have taken great care to design a Village Centre that will serve as the ‘heart of Kingsmere’, and we are delighted there will be such a tremendous line up of occupants for the use of our residents and the wider community. For a project of this scale, providing first-class amenities and a central point for residents to come together is crucial to its long-term success and vital to ensure the new community can flourish,” commented Andrew Carrington, Director of Countryside Properties (Bicester) Limited. “The Village Centre sits centrally within Kingsmere, alongside the community and youth centres and St Edburg’s primary school. The selection of retailers will ensure that people can not only stock up on their daily essentials but also spend time socialising, relaxing and making the most of the new facilities and surroundings,” he continued. Kingsmere is served by excellent transport connections and the development is home to a selection of house styles which have proved hugely popular for a range of home buyers.
Kier has celebrated the completion of the first phase of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s (UWTSD) pioneering SA1 development by providing tours of the site to industry experts as well as teachers and lecturers. In partnership with the Forum for the Built Environment (FBE), the tours took place earlier this month to showcase the project and all that has been achieved so far. The SA1 Swansea Waterfront Development, consists of IQ, the new home for UWTSD’s Yr Athrofa: Institute of Education and the Faculty of Architecture, Computing and Engineering, as well as the Construction Wales Innovation Centre. It also consists of Y Fforwm, the University’s library and learning resources centre. SA1 Swansea Waterfront represents an exciting new chapter for the University as it relocates from the Townhill and Mount Pleasant campuses into state-of-the-art facilities in the heart of Swansea’s waterfront. “This event provided a perfect opportunity to discuss our innovative learning approaches at IQ with industry peers. I would like to thank the Forum for the Built Environment (FBE) West Wales branch and their members for this opportunity. Several of the FBE members were integral in the new SA1 development, it was my pleasure to present to them how this new build will shape the learning and teaching environment within the Faculty of Architecture, Computing and Engineering (FACE),” said Professor Mike Fernando, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, Computing and Engineering. IQ offers 10,000 sq m of flexible teaching space, computer labs, recreational space, and specialist engineering labs over four floors. Y Fforwm, consists of three floors, providing study space, learning commons, and book collections. Both buildings are fitted out with the latest Sony technology, and contemporary furniture installed by local companies Momentum and Bridgend Office Furniture. “These tours mark an important milestone for the SA1 development and it was brilliant to be able to showcase what we have achieved. Phase 1 has been completed on time and with a fantastic team who have shown care and passion throughout the two years that we have been on site,” said Howard Monsen, senior project manager for the site was on hand to answer questions. “The University, as a client, has been working very closely with Kier on the project, which is an incredibly large and complex scheme. Whilst much of their day to day attention, and certainly most of mine is focused on delivering on time and to a high standard, I have been overwhelmed by the commitment to a whole range of other initiatives from the diverse Kier team,” added Mike Bessell, UWTSD senior estates manager, who also provided a speech to all attendees.
The boiler in a home is one of the most used appliances, and one that you want to ensure is working correctly. If the boiler broke down, especially during the cold months of the year, it could leave the home with no heat and leave the household in danger. Even with regular maintenance, there will come a time when the boiler will need to be replaced. By watching for warning signs, however, you can be prepared for the impending crash of the boiler as to not be caught off guard. Keep tabs on the following signs that are telling you to replace the boiler. Notice a Bad Smell If you notice a foul smell or an odor of any kind coming from the boiler, that is a sign that you will need to replace the boiler right away. That smell is likely coming from a carbon monoxide leak, which can be very harmful and even deadly if breathed in. Although carbon monoxide does not have an odor, the smell would be coming from the boiling not running properly, a result of a leak. Other signs related to a carbon monoxide leak include noticing an increase in condensation on the inside of windows, soot stains around the boiler, or the flame has a yellow hue (rather than a crisp blue), and it blows out frequently. You Hear Odd Noises A healthy boiler will have a quite hum sound to it. However, a boiler in need of replacing will make noticeable noises like a clunk or a bang. Those sounds could be a result of a number of issues, including something broken inside. Notice a Leak A boiler primarily heats the water in your home. Warm water corrodes metal more quickly than cold water. There are parts of the boiler that are susceptible to corrosion. Over time, if corrosion occurs, you’ll start to notice your boiler leaking. Pay attention to any water around the boiler. That is a sign that it will likely need to be replaced. Troubles Heating the House An obvious sign that a boiler needs replacing is when there are issues keeping the house and water heated. Although the boiler is still functioning, it isn’t working at its full capacity. It is likely time to replace the boiler. Expensive Energy Bills If you start to notice an increase in your energy or power bills, it could be from your boiler. If the boiler is coming to the end of its lifespan, it will require more power to do the same amount of work. You would then notice a more expensive bill due to the inefficiency of the boiler. No Heat at All If you notice there is no heat whatsoever, including the water, there is something very wrong with the boiler. When this happens, it’s likely that you need an emergency boiler repair, or having to replace the whole appliance. Although this isn’t a sign you want to have, it will be your most apparent sign of the boiler needing attention.
