Morgan Sindall has started construction work on a new, highly specialist radiotherapy centre at Milton Keynes University Hospital (MKUH). Guests from the project’s key stakeholders, including MKUH, Oxford University Hospitals, Morgan Sindall Construction and Milton Keynes Council, visited the site of the new radiotherapy centre. During the event, attendees heard
Environmentally driven architectural practice, Lungfish Architects has successfully partnered with Morgan Sindall Construction to deliver more than £30m-worth of educational infrastructure in Derby, helping to generate 1,440 additional school places. Lungfish has designed and delivered some of Derby City Council and Derby County Council’s most recent transformative school projects including
hub South West Scotland has handed over the new Prestwick Educational Campus project to South Ayrshire Council. Based at Sherwood Road in Prestwick, the new educational campus has been developed on the site of the existing Glenburn Primary School and will accommodate the school’s current intake, as well as the
A BRAND-NEW cross-specialism group has been formed to bring together the brightest young minds across the construction industry. Looking to harness the power of collective innovation, the Future Innovation Group aims to tackle construction’s biggest issues and create a springboard for change, with new thinking from the leaders of tomorrow.
Morgan Sindall Construction and public sector procurement authority SCAPE have achieved CHAMPION level of the Carbon Reduction Code for the Built Environment, joining HS2 (the project)and Skanska UK in this highest category level. The Code, which is a commitment scheme designed to facilitate action and collaboration in the built environment
THOUSANDS of visitors have now visited the £5.4 million extension to the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery in Stoke-on-Trent, which now houses an original Spitfire aircraft thanks to specialist project management from national property, construction, and infrastructure consultancy Pick Everard. The project comprised the design and construction of a new
Morgan Sindall Construction has completed its first project as a result of its position on the University of Glasgow’s capital projects framework, undertaking a complete refurbishment of Maclay Residences, which offers accommodation to postgraduate students. The work entailed the refurbishment of two accommodation blocks. Block 15 comprised 40 rooms with
Morgan Sindall Construction has been named by the University of Salford as the preferred bidder to build the North of England Robotics Innovation Centre. The new Robotics Innovation Centre is part of the £2.5 billion Crescent masterplan, a 240-acre major regeneration scheme being delivered by the University, Salford City Council
A gas network construction project fundamental to a £1bn regeneration scheme in Liverpool has been completed three months ahead of schedule, despite the coronavirus lockdown. Energy Assets Utilities (EAU) designed and completed the gas works for the Paddington Village Energy Centre and District Energy Scheme on behalf of Liverpool City
Work Radar, a new platform connecting individual tradespeople, micro businesses and social enterprises with leading contractors, has launched today. The service will help thousands of construction workers find local work and supports the government’s plan to progress shovel-readyprojects in response to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Work Radar has
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
Morgan Sindall has started construction work on a new, highly specialist radiotherapy centre at Milton Keynes University Hospital (MKUH). Guests from the project’s key stakeholders, including MKUH, Oxford University Hospitals, Morgan Sindall Construction and Milton Keynes Council, visited the site of the new radiotherapy centre. During the event, attendees heard presentations from Sally Burnie, MKUH’s Head of Cancer Services and Carol Scott, Lead Therapeutic Radiographer & Deputy Clinical Director at Oxford University Hospitals, explaining how the new facility will improve the treatment that patients receive locally. Morgan Sindall’s Northern Home Counties business was selected by MKUH to oversee the construction of the multi-million project, which will adjoin with the hospital Cancer Centre which opened in 2020. The project was procured via the Pagabo national framework for major construction works and it is expected to be completed by spring 2024. The new facility will improve access to radiotherapy for patients who currently have to travel to other hospitals in the region to receive the specialist treatment. When complete, the radiotherapy centre will house two state-of-the-art medical linear accelerator (Linac) bunkers and will include a main reception, consultation rooms and a CT scanner area. The specialised nature of the project presented several unique construction challenges, for which the tier one contractor devised tailored solutions in line with its Intelligent Solutions approach to construction. This included the need to create 2.6m thick concrete walls to prevent radiation leakage from the onsite radiotherapy equipment. Due to the size of the walls and complexity of applying this quantity of concrete, a schedule of long pours has been designed so that the thickness will be achieved without compromising the quality of the concrete structure. To guarantee a smooth building process, Morgan Sindall has also accounted for several logistical factors. This has included extensive material delivery preparations to avoid undue inconvenience to the hospital’s patients and staff. Materials will be brought through the rear of the building, bypassing the front of the hospital where the new unit will be located, as this is an important access point for the adjoining cancer centre, its drop off-point, car park and nearby energy facilities. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Environmentally driven architectural practice, Lungfish Architects has successfully partnered with Morgan Sindall Construction to deliver more than £30m-worth of educational infrastructure in Derby, helping to generate 1,440 additional school places. Lungfish has designed and delivered some of Derby City Council and Derby County Council’s most recent transformative school projects including Hackwood Primary Academy, Castleward Primary School, Highfields Spencer Academy, Ravensdale Infant & Nursery and, most recently, Snelsmoor Grange Primary School which is due to open in September 2023. Procured through SCAPE’s frameworks over the past three years, the completed projects have all been delivered on time, on budget and with an average client satisfaction of score of 9.5/10. The milestone reaffirms Lungfish’s commitment to creating sustainable and purposeful learning environments that support sustainable community regeneration. Working closely with each council, Lungfish undertook an extensive research and development study outlining exemplar school design and developing a standardised kit of parts. This standardised approach could be applied to any school site, whilst delivering the council’s educational requirements. Utilising simplicity and design-led methods, Lungfish Architects has also sought to maximise space. The layout and shape of each school building was carefully designed to suit the day-to-day management, needs, and user flow through the schools to deliver greater efficiency. Each classroom maximises natural day light and encapsulates external views, while unique educational facilities and environments encourages positive and engaging learning environments. For Castleward Primary School, a constrained inner-city site, the addition of a rooftop play area helped the school achieve more outdoor space than the site would have traditionally allowed, while at Ravensdale Infant & Nursery, every classroom had their own outdoor access for play and lessons outside. New trees and a wild meadow were also installed to create biodiverse learning areas. Simon Reid, managing director at Lungfish Architects, said: “The five school projects mark another important milestone for Lungfish and our commitment to pushing the boundaries of educational design. Creating buildings that improve the lives of communities continues to inspire us and we approach every project with the same mantra. “Utilising offsite construction methods has resulted in a reduction of time spent on site, allowing the delivery timescales for each project to be shortened and school places to be opened up sooner. Modular design and construction also drives down the amount of embodied carbon within each school. “Working closely with the delivery team at Morgan Sindall has allowed our design concepts and visions for these schools to become a reality. They are true assets to the local area and will play a vital role in educating generations to come.” Rob Cant, SCAPE Framework Director at Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “We first partnered with Lungfish Architects on Hackwood Primary Academy. Not only was this project the largest to be delivered through the SCAPE Venture framework at the time, but it was also the first modular build project we had delivered in the Midlands. Working closely with the Lungfish team we have since gone on to develop an industry leading approach to modular construction that uses the very latest advances and technologies in modern methods of construction. Coupled with our proven ability to deliver traditional builds, we feel we are now perfectly placed to quickly respond to our clients’ needs with a number of solutions.” Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
hub South West Scotland has handed over the new Prestwick Educational Campus project to South Ayrshire Council. Based at Sherwood Road in Prestwick, the new educational campus has been developed on the site of the existing Glenburn Primary School and will accommodate the school’s current intake, as well as the relocation of the nearby St Ninian’s Primary School and the creation of a new Early year’s centre and nursery As the Authority’s development partner, hub South West Scotland (hub SW) managed the development and delivery of the project and worked closely with construction partner Morgan Sindall, architect BDP, independent tester Capita and principal designer and cost consultant Gardiner and Theobald. South Ayrshire Council formally announced the project in May 2019 with work beginning on site in early 2020. The new campus consists of 22 classrooms and multi purpose rooms spread over two storeys, with an Early Years centre and nursery facilities for children aged two to five. Incorporating leading sustainable methods into the project was key with the new campus running purely on electric power thanks to the installation of roof solar panels and air source heat pumps for heating. In addition to a state-of-the-art sports hall, the new Prestwick Educational Campus will feature outstanding outdoor sporting amenities, including an all-weather pitch. A new allotment garden, willow garden and sensory garden will offer students and children from the surrounding community the opportunity to learn about local nature. Councillor Stephen Ferry, South Ayrshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Education said: “We’re committed to providing children and young people with the best possible start in life, and I’m delighted that pupils can now set foot into their brand new school after what I’m sure felt like a long wait for them. “Prestwick Educational Campus will provide a modern and engaging environment for learning and will ensure pupils can thrive throughout their years at school. We’re continuing to transform learning in South Ayrshire with our school build programme, and I know that both schools will benefit from the shared provision. “I’d like to extend my thanks to everyone involved in making this project a huge success, and wish all of the children, teachers and school staff good luck for the year ahead.” Michael Ross, Chief Executive of hub South West Scotland, said: “We are incredibly proud to have led the delivery of this project for South Ayrshire Council, delivering the project early – enabling the full school to decant before the end of the summer holidays – on budget, and to the highest quality standards. “This is the 14th project we have successfully delivered for South Ayrshire Council. It is this long-standing relationship that has enabled us a platform to invest in ongoing initiatives, continuous improvement and processes to support our joint agenda for excellence in project delivery which has been demonstrated and proven here. “This platform allows us to implement our unique Build Ayrshire events that upskill SMEs, facilitate our hub clubs that create a network of connected Ayrshire businesses and also reinforces our partnership with Ayrshire College where we support curriculum activities. “This project was a real team effort. A huge well done goes out to all parties involved, the local supply chain and our construction partner Morgan Sindall.” Stuart Parker, managing director of Morgan Sindall Construction’s Scotland region, said: “It’s an honour to deliver this state-of-the-art educational campus to the local community. “Our aim was to create an inspiring space where students can socialise, learn and flourish in an environment that feels special to them – we can’t wait for everyone to enjoy it. “This campus is yet another example of working collaboratively with our partners to create special places that have a positive impact, so a huge thank you to all involved.” Lindsey Mitchell, Architect Director, BDP Glasgow Studio, said: “I’m thrilled that pupils will be starting their first day at nursery or school at the new Prestwick Campus. We received such positive engagement and involvement with the pupils, parents, staff and the wider Prestwick community and I hope the buildings and open spaces we have created reflect their needs and views. “The design celebrates the identity of both of the primary schools and the shared space will help bring together each of the school communities. “We aimed to create something authentic for the community that will be inclusive, welcoming and provide a platform for contemporary learning and teaching. The buildings present a positive, community facing frontage that will provide a strong sense of arrival to all pupils, staff and visitors regardless of whether they are using the facilities, teaching or learning at the campus.” The outputs delivered as part of the Prestwick Educational Campus project are not limited to the built environment. hub South West Scotland tenders and awards projects to help drive job creation and investment in the local Ayrshire SME base. As a collective team we facilitated 14 apprenticeships filled by local young people. As part of the work experience programme, attendees supported the groundworks team with setting out, kerbing, landscaping and joinery. They were also given the opportunity to observe key milestone activity on site including cement pours and completion of steel work. hub SW tendered the project competitively to maximise local economic output which saw two jobs created and also saw a graduate quantity surveyor and graduate QHSE manager hired to work on the project. hub SW has held multiple workshops with local SMEs and ensured that 80% of packages were tendered by territory supply chain. This project has awarded £9m of works packages to subcontractors within the hub SW territory, included within that is £3.7m of spend with subcontractors in Ayrshire and £3m of that with South Ayrshire Council based businesses.
A BRAND-NEW cross-specialism group has been formed to bring together the brightest young minds across the construction industry. Looking to harness the power of collective innovation, the Future Innovation Group aims to tackle construction’s biggest issues and create a springboard for change, with new thinking from the leaders of tomorrow. Led by a steering group of placement students, the initiative is open to young people in any construction-related business sector – from contractors to marketeers – and is backed by industry-leading companies including Morgan Sindall and Pagabo, Pick Everard, Wates, ISG and Faithful+Gould. Statistics show that the construction industry struggles to attract and retain people at early-stage career level, so the group is aiming to identify the reasons for this and rectify these points to build a more attractive and diverse sector. It will also look to harness the power of information, working towards making the sector more data driven. To signal the group’s focus on innovation and operating in a data-first manner to attract young talent, the group’s first major event will be an industry-wide hackathon, featuring work sessions and talks from industry leaders. Rebecca Rennie, placement engineer and site manager at Morgan Sindall, is on the group’s leadership panel along with Jamie Davison and Abi Riddle, also of Morgan Sindall. She said: “Our main goal in launching the Future Innovation Group is to bring likeminded young people from any area within the construction industry together, to discuss how we can make it a more attractive place for future generations. “We hope the group will be a springboard for change, identifying why junior recruitment has become such a pervasive issue, and how we can rectify it to build a better industry for all stakeholders. We would like to express our gratitude to the industry for supporting us in our new venture and look forward to working with the construction leaders of today to inspire the leaders of tomorrow.” National framework provider Pagabo has put its weight behind the initiative, helping to bring people together from across its expansive ecosystem. Gerard Toplass, CEO of The 55 Group, which is Pagabo’s parent organisation, said: “Only 25% of the 40,000 people starting qualifications complete the process and stay in the construction industry – showing a 75% drop off rate which suggests the courses are unappealing to young people. This is an alarming statistic and a great cause for concern regarding the future of our workforce as we need to adapt in order to suit the requirements of tomorrow – and thus far have been too slow to do so. “The Future Innovation Group will bring much-needed diversity to the industry and I applaud the work of founders Rebecca, Jamie, Abi, and everyone involved in driving the change needed for a better future for those in entry-level positions.” The FIG’s first hackathon will take place across two days (28-29 July) at the Hilton Hotel in Hull, bringing together 50 attendees from across the industry. The event will feature business sponsors from senior leaders of some of construction’s biggest names, including the group’s Morgan Sindall and Pagabo backers. The group’s leadership will pass on to the next generation of young people in September as the 2022 cohort return to university this autumn. If you would like to get involved with the Group, contact: Jamie Davidson, Abigail Riddle or Rebecca Rennie.
Morgan Sindall Construction and public sector procurement authority SCAPE have achieved CHAMPION level of the Carbon Reduction Code for the Built Environment, joining HS2 (the project)and Skanska UK in this highest category level. The Code, which is a commitment scheme designed to facilitate action and collaboration in the built environment towards reducing carbon emissions (CO2eq) related to design, construction, maintenance, operation and decommissioning of built assets, forms part of the Construction Leadership Council’s Construct Zero initiative. The Code is structured around commitments that stimulate action in different aspects of carbon reduction. All organisations who comply to the Code must set out and publish plans to meet Net Zero by 2045, including annual targets, recognising that the majority of cuts need to be made by 2030, and publish progress against it annually. This is the minimum commitment for achieving PLEDGER status. There are three levels of compliance to the Code, PLEDGER, SIGNATORY, and CHAMPION. To comply with the criteria required to achieve CHAMPION level, an organisation must sign up to all of the Further Commitments of the Code in addition to the core commitments. “We are delighted that Morgan Sindall Construction and SCAPE have achieved CHAMPON level of the Code. They join fellow CHAMPION organisations HS2 and Skanska UK, and PLEDGER level organisations – the National Association of Construction Frameworks (NACF), City Building Engineering Services (CBES), Interclass and SCF Construct,” said Dr Jennifer Schooling OBE, Director of CSIC which hosts the Code. “There are already a number of additional organisations in the Code pipeline which is promising because carbon reduction is more likely to happen when all organisations within a value chain are committed to reducing their footprint and saving costs. The Code provides a framework for organisations to make a public commitment to and report on progress towards achieving Net Zero.” Pat Boyle, Managing Director of Morgan Sindall Construction said: “We are delighted to have been recognised as a Champion according to the Carbon Reduction Code, which raises the bar for organisational carbon management standards. Our commitment to be a Champion of the Code highlights the relevance of our Decarbonising Communities approach, and underlines our ongoing efforts to work openly and collaboratively with stakeholders across the value chain to deeply decarbonise our own operations and the assets we deliver for our customers.” Mark Robinson, chief executive of SCAPE commented, “Addressing the climate emergency with practical action is a national imperative, and it is one we take very seriously at SCAPE. The Carbon Code is a hugely important initiative, and so I am absolutely thrilled that our team has achieved Champion status. The code is vital to driving the systemic and behavioural change needed within construction and will serve as a barometer against our ambitious plans to enable a direct response to the climate challenge through procurement, design and delivery innovation. With the support of our passionate delivery partners, our talented teams and the robust governance that has been laid out in the Carbon Code, we are committed to working hand in glove with industry to chart a course that will improve the environmental performance of the public estate. Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
THOUSANDS of visitors have now visited the £5.4 million extension to the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery in Stoke-on-Trent, which now houses an original Spitfire aircraft thanks to specialist project management from national property, construction, and infrastructure consultancy Pick Everard. The project comprised the design and construction of a new 3,800 square foot, double height exhibition space with mezzanine and the alteration and refurbishment of the existing café space within the art gallery and museum, alongside extensive external landscaping. Utilising a steel frame and rainscreen cladding, the new exhibition space has been designed with specialist structural glazing to allow the main attraction, the city’s iconic RW388 Spitfire Aircraft, to be exhibited. The area also houses a flight simulator, model Hurricane aircraft and other exhibitions. Seeking an expedited project process to ensure scheduled delivery, Pick Everard – operating under Perfect Circle’s unique collaboration – was appointed as Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s multi-disciplinary construction consultant through SCAPE’s Built Environment Consultancy Services (BECS) framework. Matt Jones, associate project manager at Pick Everard, said: “Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s aspiration for a statement project that provides meeting and social space for the general public captured our imagination and we worked collaboratively with the wider project team to develop and deliver a scheme that achieves this. In the process we overcame several challenges presented by the sloping brownfield site, in addition to the adapted structure and services of the existing building that the new exhibition space needed to be adjoined to. “Since this scheme created an extension to an existing museum, the project demanded early engagement and smart collaboration with a variety of stakeholders. This included the city council’s cabinet members, planning officers, and museum curator, along with the special interest group responsible for restoring the Spitfire and the logistics company responsible for moving the refurbished plane into the completed exhibition space. “The project began on site as the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic took hold. This meant that stakeholders collaboratively supported the implementation of safe work systems to safeguard the construction team and ensure the works could be completed in accordance with national covid-19 legislation. The project team overcame international supply chain challenges and the scheme was successfully delivered within the agreed budget and programme parameters.” Stoke-on-Trent, known as the Potteries, is internationally renowned for its ceramics. The area has a history of coal mining, so specialist geotechnical design input was critical. In conjunction with the Coal Authority, an approach was agreed to backfill existing mine workings beneath the proposed building, which allowed construction to proceed. Matt Hall, national director for project management at Pick Everard said: “We are delighted to have delivered such a historically significant development, which creates a lasting legacy for the city of Stoke-on-Trent. Our expertise, combined with that from tourism and leisure architect Glancy Nicholls, has created a spectacular display space for the iconic Spitfire – a centrepiece the city can be proud of.” The project is a key development in support of Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s strategy to improve attractions in the centre of the city and the overall visitor experience. The new spaces, constructed by Morgan Sindall Construction, allow the exhibition space to be enjoyed by people both inside and outside of the Potteries Art Gallery and Museum. Cllr Daniel Jellyman, cabinet member for infrastructure, regeneration and heritage, said: “We are really happy with the outcome of this project. Not only have we managed to pay homage to one of Stoke-on-Trent’s true icons – Reginald J. Mitchell, the designer of the Spitfire plane – but we have also improved the aesthetics and accessibility for those walking to and around the site, through our new pedestrian links. “Along with the socio-economic benefits that will come from this project, the site will add tangible value and energise the community, providing them with a new landmark the city can be proud of.” Pick Everard employs more than 600 staff across its 13 offices, providing a range of project, cost, and design consultancy services. For more information, please visit www.pickeverard.co.uk. TO VIEW THE OPERATION SPITFIRE FILM, PLEASE CLICK HERE.
Morgan Sindall Construction has completed its first project as a result of its position on the University of Glasgow’s capital projects framework, undertaking a complete refurbishment of Maclay Residences, which offers accommodation to postgraduate students. The work entailed the refurbishment of two accommodation blocks. Block 15 comprised 40 rooms with accompanying toilet and shower pods and eight communal kitchens and seating areas, while Block 14 has 18 rooms with accompanying toilet and shower pods, with six communal kitchens and seating areas. Morgan Sindall Construction’s team completely stripped out all rooms within the blocks, with all the flooring and lighting fixtures also removed, while all sanitary ware was also removed from the toilet pods. The two blocks now have completely new kitchens and carpets, vinyl flooring and electrics while each bedroom has been completely redecorated. All 58 toilet pods now have new wet wall installed and all sanitary ware re-instated. This ambitious programme, which saw Morgan Sindall Construction work alongside an AECOM led design team and furniture supplier Alpha Scotland, was achieved in a tight timeframe, with work beginning on 28th June and completing on 31st August with a sequence of room handovers from the 16th August to allow the University’s furniture contractor to install in time for students to move in immediately prior to term beginning. In order to ensure that as little as possible of the replaced furniture and fittings went to landfill, Morgan Sindall Construction developed a comprehensive circular economy strategy: Loose furnishings – including over 100 bar stools and seats from the communal areas – were donated to Kinross Wooden Products, a firm that specialises in designing and creating high quality, sustainable working environments from surplus or certified sustainable materials. The company also uses this process to enable young people to develop upholstery skills. Carpet tiles were donated to Spruce Carpets, a local non-profit organisation that seeks to reduce the amount of flooring waste going to landfill and increase the amount of reused carpet and vinyl flooring in Scotland. 1000 carpet tiles were saved from landfill, with Morgan Sindall Construction receiving a landfill diversion certificate as a result. 58 mattresses were collected by King Size Recycling. They were manually deconstructed into their individual components before being provided to other industries who in turn put these materials through their manufacturing processes and procedures to be reused e.g. the foam has already been remanufactured into underlay for flooring. 14 microwaves were donated to the Marie Trust, which supports the complex and often challenging needs of people across Glasgow that are affected by homelessness, poverty, and social exclusion. Stephen Doran, senior site manager at Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “This was a very satisfying job for our team to complete. We were under significant time pressure to ensure the work was finished and the halls were ready to welcome back students to a new, improved Maclay Residences at the start of term. “I’m proud to say that this is something we were able to achieve. However, the most pleasing aspect of this project for me is that we were able to support brilliant organisations across Scotland that are doing so much to promote a circular economy across the country. It’s inevitable that a project like this would produce a lot of waste, but through working with these brilliant organisations we were able to ensure our excess outputs were minimised, and furnishings, fixtures and materials could either be recycled or used to support vulnerable groups across Glasgow and the Central Belt.” Dominic Duffy, head of programme management office – estates directorate, University of Glasgow, said: “This was Morgan Sindall Construction’s first project under our Construction Framework with the University of Glasgow. The team worked exceptionally well with the design team at AECOM and Alpha in delivering the project on time and on budget under the restricted delivery window of the student summer break. As well as demonstrating excellent teamwork across the design team, Morgan Sindall Construction engaged brilliantly with Accommodation Services and our key stakeholders. The project has been well received by the University and we look forward to the first intake of students arriving to utilise the accommodation.” Ryan King, director, Kingsize Recycling, said: “We were delighted to assist Morgan Sindall Construction at its refurbishment project at the Maclay Residences. The site team was absolutely brilliant on the day and it went just as planned. We estimate that this project alone equates to c. 1.3 tonne of material diverted from landfill!” In the University’s estates strategy, the research intensive institution has outlined plans to invest in its Gilmorehill Campus, Garscube Estate, and the various satellite campuses around the city, in a bid to drive up its research standing, attract the very best academic staff, and provide a sustainable 21st century learning environment for the next generation of world changers. For more information about this news release please contact Tom Carlin at Influential on 07827 957740 or email carlin@thisisinfluential.com.
Morgan Sindall Construction has been named by the University of Salford as the preferred bidder to build the North of England Robotics Innovation Centre. The new Robotics Innovation Centre is part of the £2.5 billion Crescent masterplan, a 240-acre major regeneration scheme being delivered by the University, Salford City Council and development partner, The English Cities Fund – a strategic joint venture between Muse Developments, Legal & General and Homes England – aimed at driving economic and social prosperity for the whole of the city over the life of the 20-year programme, through the delivery of spaces where people can live, work, relax and innovate. The Centre will enable the University’s robotics and automation specialists to expand their work with SMEs around the country to provide solution development, design, testing and validation of digital innovation. Disciplines covered by the development will include the dynamic and growing sectors of robotics for intelligent infrastructure, digital automation and supply chain improvement, as well as health, wellbeing and integrated care technologies. It was announced earlier this year that the £13 million North of England Robotics Innovation Centre will be part funded by the European Regional Development Fund. The project will deliver a new gateway building to the Innovation District and provides the University with a new and significant presence facing on to Frederick Road. The building is articulated with a z-shaped plan expressing a series of stacked laboratories in turn linked by a central feature stair representing the heart of the building. Externally a simple palette of materials is utilised ranging from precast concrete at lower levels to light perforated metal panels above. Construction work on the 22,580 square foot building is set to begin in early 2021. The close working relationship between the University and Morgan Sindall Construction has existed for a number of years. It was announced earlier this year that Morgan Sindall Construction is to build the £65 million Science, Engineering and Environmental Building (SEE Building) for the University, and since 2018 the partnership has been driven by a programme focused on enhancing the employability credentials of undergraduates, which looks to combine the latest academic understanding of industry trends and developments with real world experience and learning. This has been delivered through regular site visits, workshops and providing expert advice on project proposals for design, planning, costing and development to multi-disciplinary student teams. Shaun Jones, area director for Morgan Sindall Construction in Manchester, said: “The University of Salford’s masterplan reflects a bold vision both in terms of developing a transformational future for the city and by supporting the sectors that will drive the wider country forward. We’re proud to be part of that vision through our work delivering the SEE Building and now the North of England Robotics Innovation Centre. “Throughout the build programme, we plan to work closely with students, residents and community groups to ensure our growing presence on campus has benefits for the whole of Salford.” Georgina Harris, director of engineering at the University of Salford, said: “We are really excited about our new North of England Robotics Innovation Centre and the opportunity to work with Morgan Sindall Construction on its development. This new centre, that is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund, is to be the focus of our activities supporting local small to medium-sized enterprises in the development of their robotics and automation capabilities. “This facility could not be more timely as companies look to mitigate the impact of Covid-19 on their industries by making use of new technologies. We are delighted that Morgan Sindall Construction will be working with us to help us realise our ambitions in research, supporting our local businesses and providing opportunities for our students.” Tony Skipper, masterplanner and director of 5plus architects said: “We are delighted to be moving this project forward with Morgan Sindall Construction and the University of Salford. It will be one of the first projects to be delivered by the University within Salford City’s new Innovation District, conceived under the Salford Crescent and University Masterplan and as such the project represents a new chapter in the regeneration of the wider area. “We now look forward to continuing our work with the School of Science, Engineering and Environment and the contracting team to deliver this new exemplary facility.”
A gas network construction project fundamental to a £1bn regeneration scheme in Liverpool has been completed three months ahead of schedule, despite the coronavirus lockdown. Energy Assets Utilities (EAU) designed and completed the gas works for the Paddington Village Energy Centre and District Energy Scheme on behalf of Liverpool City Council’s main contractor Morgan Sindall to help pave the way for a world leading innovation district in health sciences. EAU was recommended to Morgan Sindall by gas metering specialists Exoteric, another Energy Assets Group business, when potential delays to the original gas network construction schedule threatened to impact the wider development programme. “We quickly met the construction team on site in Liverpool and within a few weeks had mapped the network and submitted multiple analyses of potential mains connection points to the client to avoid the need for reinforcement work,” said Daniel Goulty, EAU Multi Utility Design Engineer. “A decision was taken and network design approval received at the end of January. Construction started over weekends in February, in line with Liverpool Council’s traffic management requirements…then came lockdown.” It wasn’t until late April that work resumed under strict operating conditions, including regular temperature checks, social distancing, PPE, constant site monitoring and limited site access. Yet, by early June – three months ahead of schedule – the complex design and construction programme, which included navigating a dual carriageway four-way junction, had successfully delivered a gas network comprising 160m of low pressure pipe supplying the Paddington Village Energy Centre and District Energy scheme. This energy infrastructure will enable Paddington Village to become a landmark mixed use development for world-leading MedTech businesses as well as residential accommodation and luxury hotel. Andy Dinnage, Morgan Sindall Head of Building Services – North Construction, commented: “Paddington Central is a major development of international repute and in Energy Assets Utilities we found a gas network design and construction partner with the expertise, commitment and agility not only to meet our schedule but to beat it, despite the challenges presented by the coronavirus lockdown. They did a great job.” Once developed, Paddington Central will be home to The Royal College of Physicians as part of a new Northern Centre of Excellence, which will also include University of Liverpool’s International College, and The Rutherford Cancer Centre North West, a proton beam cancer therapy treatment hospital. Paddington Central will kick-start the entire Paddington Village development programme in Liverpool’s Knowledge Quarter, leading to the creation of thousands of highly skilled jobs. www.energyassets.co.uk/gas/utility_networks
Work Radar, a new platform connecting individual tradespeople, micro businesses and social enterprises with leading contractors, has launched today. The service will help thousands of construction workers find local work and supports the government’s plan to progress shovel-readyprojects in response to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Work Radar has been developed by Local Supply Chain, acloud-based supply chain platform, which is already used by thousands of organisations, including Work Radar founding partner Morgan Sindall Construction. The accessible and easy to use platform allows small businesses and individual operators to access work opportunities on specific projects in their region, while simultaneously enabling large construction firms to develop their local supply chains and improve their social value outputs. Contractors will instantly be able to review the health and safety certifications of potential supply chain members and regularly monitor KPIs. Work Radar’s aim is to contain the details of projects around the country being undertaken by large contractors, which will specify what services and trades are required on their schemes. Tradespeople, social enterprises and micro businesses (firms with less than ten employees and a turnover of less than £1.5 million annually) will receive alerts to opportunities in their area. When an opportunity matches they can then express an interest in delivering the work. The platform helps address some of the most pressing issues in construction such as the skills shortage and will support the reduction of unemployment through healthy supply chains. The platform’s ability to connect workers with local projects in an efficient and timely manner will enable the reduction of carbon emissions and will also improve the diversity of supply chains by creating a level playing field for all those seeking work Morgan Sindall Construction has launched the scheme with projects currently listed on Work Radar including the £18 million Eden Girls Leadership Academy and the £6 million Kings Heath Boys Secondary School, both in Birmingham. Work Radar is funded by subscriptions from contractors, and is free-to-use for all organisations registering interest in finding work. Richard Ratcliffe, CEO of Local Supply Chain, said: “We’re very proud to launch Work Radar, a high quality, innovative tool that will allow contractors to develop increased efficiencies in their procurement processes in a manner which will enhance their ability to support social value outputs within their wider operations. For microbusinesses, social enterprises and SMEs, it offers a streamlined way to register interest in work opportunities on their doorstep. “Through increased access to social enterprises through Work Radar, construction firms can ensure that their procurement processes are benefitting the communities in which they work – both through engaging with social enterprises that support the needs of local people, and by developing ties with local workers that will help create sustainable procurement practices in the long term.” Gavin Jamieson, Head of Supply Chain for Morgan Sindall Construction said: “At Morgan Sindall Construction, we are committed to increasing the diversity of our supply chain and helping communities improve their resilience in these challenging times. “As a founding partner of the Work Radar scheme, we see it as a refreshing and engaging way of helping tradespeople gain work on projects local to them. Many of these tradespeople have been disadvantaged by recent events, and we are now deploying Work Radar across our projects to help them to gain employment. “I’d like to encourage my colleagues across the built environment to join us on Work Radar. These are uncertain times for us all, and its incumbent upon us to work together to ensure not just a sustainable future for construction industry itself, but to improve outcomes across the economy and society – we believe Work Radar is an effective tool to help do just that.” Minister for Employment Mims Davies MP said: “Ensuring our workforce is agile and importantly can meet the needs of employers is vital to our pandemic recovery, so it’s great to see Morgan Sindall Construction and Local Supply Chain come together to provide an effective route into construction. “By providing integrated support in local communities, much like we’re doing across our nationwide network of jobcentres, we’re helping people get into key sectors and find new employment allowing us to build back better and stronger.” In addition to Morgan Sindall Construction, other registered firms already posting their projects on Work Radar include Chesterfield-based Melfort Construction Services Ltd and Derby’s M J Robinson Structures Ltd. Paul Goodwin, director at Melfort Construction Services Ltd said: “Melfort is looking forward to supporting this initiative. As a company we always strive to support local businesses and recruit local labour as we find this is always beneficial to the project, especially in helping to reduce carbon footprint and travel times for both labour and materials. Work Radar will help us to identify opportunities which will be mutually beneficial for all.” Richard Fry, commercial and sales director, MJ Robinson Structures Ltd said: “We’re are excited with the opportunity to work and support local projects, communities and micro businesses through Work Radar. Our use of Work Radar will allow us to integrate fully with local supply chains, social enterprises, reduce our carbon foot print and further strengthen our commitment to invest in local apprenticeship schemes and create work experience opportunities for local students.” In order to register or book a demonstration, please visit: https://www.localsupplychain.co.uk/work-radar.
