Specify September 2014

NORTHERN IRELAND’S No.1 CONSTRUCTION MAGAZINE SPECIFY is the official publication for the Construction Employers Federation

SEPTEMBER 2014

NORTHERN IRELAND’S No.1 CONSTRUCTION MAGAZINE

Acheson & Glover Segmental Retaining Walls www.acheson-glover.com

£3.00

SEPTEMBER 2014

comment |03

PAT BURNS Editor SIOBHAN KISSWARD Sales Manager HELEN WRIGHT Art Editor STUART GRAY Production Manager SUBSCRIPTIONS: (UK £18.00 Outside UK £27.50) PUBLISHERS: James & Gladys Greer

Specify is published by Greer Publications, 5B Edgewater Business Park, Belfast Harbour Estate, Belfast, BT3 9JQ Tel: (028) 9078 3200 Fax: (028) 9078 3210 Email: Sales siobhankissward@greerpublications.com

Editorial patburns@greerpublications.com

Subscriptions info@greerpublications.com

DESIGNED & PRODUCED BY Greer Publications Design Tel: (028) 9078 3200 PRINTED BY W & G Baird, Antrim Tel: (028) 9446 3911 www.specifymagazine.co.uk

All rights reserved. This Magazine is Copyright © GREERS PUBLICATIONS 2014. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photcopying, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of Greer Publications.

Buildings’ Biggest Night of the Year!

T

he biggest night in building takes place again this year at the Culloden Hotel on Thursday 2 October. The Specify CEF Construction Excellence awards will showcase all that is great in the Northern Ireland construction industry and this year’s finalists have been involved in some high profile projects.

Last year’s overall winner was the Guildhall in Derry which was refurbished by H&J Martin but what of this year’s entries? There is an impressive list to choose from and the judges will have had a difficult decision to make. From Gilbert Ash’s project at Ravenhill for Ulster Rugby to Tracey Brothers fit out of SS Nomadic and restoration of Hamilton Dock, or H&J Martin’s two projects of Belfast Visitor Centre or the refurbishment of Ebrington Barracks into an art gallery fit to host the Turner Prize for its first ever trip out of London.

The fourteen categories in the Construction Excellence Awards recognise the industry’s contribution to society in providing clean water, new roads, new homes, modern hospitals, fit-for-purpose schools and places to shop, work, worship and socialise. They also celebrate the preservation of our built heritage and the efforts of construction companies to protect their workers, the environment and jobs.

Construction Sector continues to improve but skills shortage could be a problem There was good news for the industry as the sector experienced its fourth successive quarter of growth, though skills shortages are continuing to be in evidence, according to the latest RICS Construction Market Survey (Q2 2014).

Most sub-sectors of the industry experienced growth in the second quarter of the year, according to local chartered surveyors, with the overall growth in workload rising at its fastest pace since the end of 2004.

Northern Ireland respondents reported skills shortages in relation to quantity surveyors, other construction professionals and blue collar workers.

RICS Northern Ireland Director, Ben Collins, said: “Northern Ireland chartered surveyors saw their workloads rise for the fourth quarter in a row, with evidence of growth broad-based in the sector, and private commercial work in particular seeing strong rates of expansion”.

“As the recovery continues, firms are reporting evidence of skills shortages emerging. We are also getting indications from local thirdlevel education establishments that enrolment levels for constructionrelated courses are at low levels. With skills shortages emerging and the pipeline of professionals potentially hampered by fewer students enrolling on construction related courses, this gives us real cause for concern.”

“It highlights the need for the construction sector to think seriously

about how to attract, retain and progress more people, particularly women, in the sector. Figures suggest that women make up just 11 per cent of the construction sector, with a mere 1.2 per cent working in manual labour trades. How can Northern Ireland expect to deliver some of the major projects required in the years ahead to upgrade our infrastructure if we are not using the expertise of over half the population?”

“Overall, whilst the latest survey gives real cause for optimism that the recovery is taking hold, it must be remembered that workloads are rising from historically low levels after a significant downturn. Local firms have also been growing their business outside of Northern Ireland, so whilst their workloads are rising, it does not necessarily mean that it is through activity in Northern Ireland.”

The good news is that there is reason for optimism, with workloads, profits and employment all forecast to deliver growth over the next 12 months and it is now the responsibility of industry to invest in training and technology to ensure it capitalises on these opportunities.

SEPTEMBER 2014

contents...

19 SPECIFY/CEF AWARDS SPECIAL

We preview the building industry’s biggest night out of the year...

54 CEF NEWS

What’s new in the Construction Employers Federation.

59 PRODUCT NEWS

The latest time and labour saving devices for the construction industry.

82

DIGEST

Sixteen construction companies feature in the Ulster Business Top 100 Companies in Northern Ireland...

73 BELFAST WELCOME CENTRE

H&J Martin build Belfast’s new Welcome Centre hailed as a stylish, sophisticated facility for overseas and local visitors bringing a European feel to Belfast’s central core.

66 ACHESON & GLOVER

A&G Vertica provides the solution for a split level cemetery in Derry City.

contents |05

12 VICKERSTOCK

There’s a bright future for green engineers, according to Michael Donaghy of Vickerstock Recruitment.

18 HAYS

There are better times ahead for the architectural sector, Mark Wade, Director at Hays in Northern Ireland, tells Specify.

Concrete: A recent report from Concrete Research states that globally, there are few industries with greater long term growth prospects than factory made concrete...

Page 60

See our new website: www.willisinsurance.co.uk>>>

digest

06|

Gilbert-Ash constructed project secures position on prestigious award shortlist A project constructed by Gilbert-Ash has been shortlisted for the most prestigious award in the industry.

The Everyman Theatre in Liverpool is one of only six projects to make the final line-up for the EU-wide Stirling Prize, which this year includes The Shard and the Olympics Aquatics Centre in London.

The Stirling Prize, named after the great British architect James Stirling, is awarded for the best building in the UK as decided by RIBA chartered architects and International Fellows, or in the rest of the EU by RIBA chartered architects. Several juries visit the ‘midlist’ and shortlist to select the winner in an unbiased way.

The Everyman Theatre is a newbuild project that has maintained many of the features of an old building through the use of recycled materials and exposed brick. The theatre was constructed on the same site as the old theatre, with the new building including a highly adaptable 400 seat performance space, rehearsal room, green room, public foyer, café, bar and supporting offices.

Well-known theatre architects, Haworth Tompkins, who stand to win the award, spent nine years working on the project and drew on themes from their previous work at the Royal Court and Young Vic. In a People’s Choice poll carried out by The Guardian in July to assess who should win the architecture prize, the Everyman Theatre came out on top with 58% of the votes.

This is the third year in a row that a Gilbert-Ash constructed project has been shortlisted for the Stirling Prize following the Lyric Theatre in 2012 and Causeway Visitor’s Centre in 2013.

Ray Hutchinson, Managing Director, Gilbert-Ash, commented: “This was an exciting project for our team to construct, not least in the way that it combines traditional features with a modern and fit-for-purpose finish.

We think what we have created is technically advanced yet it retains many of the much loved features of the original Everyman.

“The new theatre was constructed in the 19th century home of its predecessor and we arranged the site over several levels and half levels to

maximise the space. The auditorium is constructed from the reclaimed bricks of Hope Hall.

Hope Hall Cinema closed in 1959

but then reopened as the Everyman Theatre in 1961 so this site has been cherished by people in Liverpool for many years.”

Institute of Directors seek leading directors within the construction sector

Paul Terrington (left) and Des Moore.

The Institute of Directors recently launched its annual search for the most successful Northern Ireland business leaders.

The 2014 IoD First Trust Bank Director of the Year Awards, will recognise those who lead their field across all sectors of the local economy.

Paul Terrington, Chairman of the IoD NI, said: “The IoD First Trust Bank Director of the Year Awards is an opportunity for directors to receive the recognition they truly deserve for their continued determination, good corporate governance and exceptional standards in leadership within their organisations.

“Northern Ireland is awash with business leaders who excel within their respective sectors. Testament to this is that all eight of our winners from last year’s awards have now been shortlisted for the UK Finals, which just goes to show how rich the pool of business talent is here in Northern Ireland.”

Criteria for all the awards can be viewed and application forms downloaded at www.iodni.com

CONCRETE FUTURES NI-9402 Specify Strip Ads.indd 1

The right job can transform a person’s life and the right person can transform an organisation, we’re experts at matching both in construction management.

Find out more at hays.co.uk/ni

20/08/2014 16:45

digest

|07

Marcon Fit-Out builds new McDonald's restaurant in Belfast Co. Antrim firm Marcon Fit-Out is putting the finishing touches to a major new McDonald’s restaurant in Belfast.

The building at Boucher Road is the global restaurant chain’s first new build restaurant in Northern Ireland since 2001.

Antrim-based Marcon is currently completing works at what will be the 27th McDonald’s restaurant in Northern Ireland.

The 84-seater restaurant featuring a two-lane drive-thru will employ 120, including 80 new staff.

Marcon has undertaken more than 200 jobs for McDonald’s in recent years across Northern Ireland, Scotland and the north of England, including reimages, extensions, refurbishments Marcon Fit-Out director Mark O’Connor and McDonald’s franchisee Paul Connan discuss the final phase of work at the new McDonald’s restaurant on Belfast’s Boucher Road. and installing dual drive-thru lanes.

But the £2m project to create the building in Belfast represents Marcon’s largest contract win from the world’s biggest restaurant chain to date – and its first full new build restaurant for McDonald’s. Marcon began work on the 27-week build programme at the start of February.

Company director Mark O’Connor said: “The fact that McDonald’s have entrusted us with this project reflects what we have done in the past. I am confident this project will lead to many more opportunities for us in the future. Marcon, which is preparing to mark its 10th anniversary, was named as UK Contractor of the Year by McDonald’s last year.

GRAHAM Construction ahead of schedule as University of Salford campus tops out The University of Salford’s new £81m student campus development passed a milestone with a topping-out ceremony held on site.

Graham Construction has completed the erection of steel frameworks at the university’s Peel Park campus, which will create 1,367 new bed spaces and consists of nine blocks across two separate sites, ranging from five to nine storeys.

Michael Graham, executive chairman of Grahams commented: “This is a significant development and our teams have worked hard, alongside all project partners, to ensure this initial phase was completed ahead of schedule.

This is a great achievement for both the site teams and also the stakeholder partners, From left at the topping out ceremony are: Chris McCrave, Kier Project Investment; demonstrating that a collaborative approach can Michael Graham, GRAHAM Construction; Andrew Hartley, University of Salford; Gary Clarke, Campus Living Villages and Geoff Jackson, Equitix. work wonders.

“The site is really taking shape now and will deliver an outstanding new facility to the University of Salford when it is completed next year.”

Stephen Talboys, director of estates and property services at the University of Salford, said: “When planning this project with the consortium we knew this was going to be a fantastic accommodation that will transform the experience for our students. The consortium has made tremendous progress – less than a year on from concluding our negotiations with them we are seeing the frame of the buildings in-situ which is simply brilliant.

WE BUILD CAREERS NI-9402 Specify Strip Ads.indd 2

Positive first half of 2014 for NI Housing Market Northern Ireland’s housing market recovery was sustained during the first six months of 2014 and is set to continue into the second half of the year, according to the RICS. Commenting on the RICS and Ulster Bank Residential Market Survey, RICS spokesman, Samuel Dickey, said that whilst variations in the market remain, overall the recovery has been stronger than expected, reflecting wider economic conditions.

June was the 13th month in succession that the RICS and Ulster Bank survey indicated that prices rose.

RICS Northern Ireland spokesman, Samuel Dickey said: “With the Northern Ireland economy experiencing a strong first half of 2014, overall the housing market saw positive progress too. The evidence is that transactions and sales increased in the six months to the end of June and that we are steadily making progress away from the bottom of the market towards a more normally functioning property market. Whilst still gradual and uneven, the recovery has been stronger than anticipated, reflecting the better than expected economic performance. That said, we are still something like 50 per cent below peak prices. The market will experience seasonal adjustments in the months ahead, and there will regional variations, but overall we expect the recovery to continue.”

Derek Wilson, Head of Lending Products at Ulster Bank, said: “According to the Council of Mortgage Lenders, the number of mortgages advanced in Northern Ireland increased by 35 per cent year-on-year in Q1 2014. Our own experience is that both demand and approvals continued to increase strongly in the second quarter as customers took advantage of some very competitive deals.”

Building services candidates, from graduate up to manager, use Hays again and again.

Find out more at hays.co.uk/ni

20/08/2014 16:45

digest

08|

First paperless FM conference

Gerry Coghlan appointed as Chairman of APM NI branch The Association for Project Management (APM) has appointed Gerry Coghlan as Chairman of its NI Branch.

Gerry previously held the post of Treasurer.

He is a Senior Associate at the Belfast office of URS Infrastructure and Environment UK Limited. A senior project manager and quantity surveyor, Gerry has extensive national and international experience in the building and infrastructure sectors. Recently completed projects where he was Project Manager would include The Mac, Skainos and Bangor Grammar School. APM is the UK’s leading professional body for project managers with 21,150 members across the UK.

Business leaders at this year’s British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) Ireland Conference are set to ditch the notebook and pen and connect and engage through an innovative app launched ahead of the industry body’s 18th annual conference.

Taking place at Titanic Belfast on Friday 14th November, BIFM are taking the radical approach to better engage with delegates and also showcase just one of the ways in which the multibillion facilities management sector has kept ahead of the curve in order to deliver for businesses.

Facilities management contributes some £106bn to the UK economy and plays a pivotal role in supporting businesses looking to improve their bottom line and increase efficiencies.

This year’s conference – Workplace, People & You – is sponsored by Aramark and H&J Martin Facilities Management and will address the increasing pressures facing organisations in both the public and private sectors.

Launching the app ahead of the conference, Stephen Welch, Chairman, BIFM Ireland Region said: “We believe this is the first ever paperless

L-R: James Sterling, H&J Martin Facilities Management; Stephen Welch, Chairman, BIFM Ireland Region; event host Jim Fitzpatrick and Ray Taylor, Operations Director, Aramark unveil innovative conference app ahead of the BIFM Ireland Region Conference.

conference to be held in Northern Ireland and like all organisations we are fully aware of our responsibility to reduce our impact on the environment, but it also gives us a chance to show delegates ways to better engage and interact with their colleagues.

“How we work, engage and interact has changed vastly in the past two decades and it is vital that we in the industry ensure that our professionals keep abreast and implement the necessary changes to help our businesses grow.

Professionals in our sector are driving forward growth and this

conference will highlight best practice and also give us an opportunity to hear from a diverse range of speakers who will inform, engage and inspire on an array of topics.”

“Facilities management still remains one of the fastest growing professions in the UK and Ireland; valued at over £106bn this important industry has a pivotal role to play in supporting businesses.

This has never been truer than in today’s challenging economic climate when companies are looking to drive forward efficiency and streamline their processes to ensure best value and customer satisfaction.”

Lagan Construction Group to deliver strategic road project for HCA in Goole The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) has awarded a contract to Lagan Construction Group to build the access road at Capitol Park in Goole to open up development land to create up to 4,000 new jobs in East Yorkshire.

The road and other infrastructure work will allow the construction of an extra 116,000 square metres of employment floorspace and create a direct connection between Capitol Park and the docks to complement the existing links to the motorway network.

Gavin McKevitt, Director for Scotland and Northern England at Lagan Construction Group said: “We are thrilled to have been announced as the contractor to deliver this Project in Goole, which will aid the creation of further economic development in the area. Lagan Construction Group looks forward to working with and delivering a successful project for our client, HCA.” Kishor Tailor, Chief Executive of the Humber LEP, said: “This is excellent news for Goole with huge potential created by greater connectivity from the ports to the M62.

The unlocking of the development land through investment from the HCA and ERDF by creating better links from the business park to Goole’s port, the UK’s most inland port, makes an even more attractive proposition for investors and looks certain to provide a huge jobs boost to the town and wider region.”

WE UNDERSTAND THE PROCESS NI-9402 Specify Strip Ads.indd 3

Our engineering consultants receive world class training and possess deep expertise across the breadth of the profession.

Find out more at hays.co.uk/ni

20/08/2014 16:45

digest

|09

SSQ Slate expands its offering throughout Ireland Expanding its offering to provide its portfolio of quality slates throughout the four provinces of Ireland, SSQ Slate has teamed up with Killoran Slate & Tile and Blue Bangor Slate Company, to ensure swift, professional delivery regardless of location.

As SSQ appointed distributors, Killoran Slate & Tile and Blue Bangor Slate Company are well placed to deliver SSQ’s premium quality slates throughout Ireland, greatly reducing lead times as a result.

“Working directly with SSQ means we’re able to quickly deliver a vast range of SSQ’s quality slates throughout the country – something of significance when working with architects and contractors who are looking to see their projects completed as swiftly as possible,” said Jim O’Donoghue from Killoran Slate & Tile.

He continued: “Knowing that SSQ’s slates are of the very best quality and are able to withstand the test of time – in fact, some slates are guaranteed for up to 100 years, makes us proud to be associated with such a well established brand who are dedicated to providing quality products. Our customers benefit greatly from lower prices because we are more streamlined and more efficient. We have done this without compromising the quality of our products or our dedication to ensuring excellent customer service.”

Kieran Merriman from Blue Bangor Slate Company agrees, commenting: “Our customers know that they will receive the best quality, best service and best price – by association, we’re delighted to be able to be part of this supply chain, providing premium slates to the Irish market,”

Sky-Frame available from KCC KCC has announced that they are now exclusive partners with Sky-Frame for the whole of Ireland.

This Swiss-based company designs and produces a range of frameless windows that clears the way for creativity realisation and refinement giving architects the freedom to design impeccable spaces that fulfill the highest standards.

Sky-Frame eliminates boundaries between living areas and nature with its slim mullions (20mm) following the philosophy of producing ‘views not windows’ and this is what makes their products so unique.

Owner and CEO of Sky-Frame, Beat Guhl, said: “It’s not just windows we sell, but a more open living environment.”

Sky-Frame provide almost unrestricted opening variants featuring barrier-free frames with state of art technology from non visible door handles and invisible locking to concealed top and bottom door profiles with superior burglary protection as well as offering a maximised thermal separation and a sophisticated, stabilising design of the aluminium profiles.

Diamond Electronic Golf Day Belfast-based Diamond Electronic Systems recently held a golf day with customers at Dunmurry Golf Club. Pictured are some staff members and guests at the day out.

L-R: Lawrence Patterson (Dunmurry Captain), Brendan Cleary (Dundalk Captain), Tom Snoddon, Diamond Systems and Aubrey Halley (Dundalk).

Steve Snoddon (second left) of Diamond Systems with guests Brian Hughes (Odyssey Trust), Derrick Hall (Siemens) and Geoff Connor.

WE GET CREATIVE PEOPLE NI-9402 Specify Strip Ads.indd 4

We work with some of the top architecture companies in Northern Ireland and have a roster of the very best candidates on the market.

Find out more at hays.co.uk/ni

20/08/2014 16:45

digest

10|

Steadmans extensive product range ‘Building for livestock and farm salesyard Skills’ trip

An extensive range of products have been supplied by onestop-shop building products manufacturer Steadmans for a state-of-the-art livestock and farm salesyard.

Markethill Livestock and Farm Sales Ltd has been operating in Markethill, Co. Armagh, for over 65 years and also serving Co. Down, Tyrone and Fermanagh.

The wide range of products manufactured and supplied by Steadmans reflects the wide range of buildings at the market, which includes both office accommodation for the sales and support staff and holding pens for livestock.

Steadmans manufactured and

supplied the products to Craigavonbased family firm Lappin Engineering, a steel manufacturer and erecter, which has been operating for 25 years, and was commissioned with the design and build of the job.

Steadmans supplied all the components for the external envelope of the buildings, including over 1200 square metres of AS35 120mm insulated roof panels for the new office accommodation. All the flashings, insulated gutters, rooflights, 800 square metres of vented sheeting and nearly 18,000sq ft. of Profile 6 fibre cement sheeting were used over the holding pen area.

Brain Lappin, managing director of Lappin Engineering, said: “We’ve

a long and successful history of dealing with Steadmans. I like dealing with them because it means we are working with both the manufacturer and the supplier in one go. It cuts out the middle man and means there is no extra mark-up.”

Steadmans composite roof panels are ideal for use in the efficient completion of a wide variety of building envelopes, from commercial and warehouse uses to office blocks.

The company’s AS35 panels are manufactured in a quality process certified to ISO 9001:2008, using non-ozone depleting technology.

This provides designers with an environmentally-responsible product, with excellent thermal performance and a predicted service life of 40 years.

Available in a range of thicknesses, from 40mm up to and including 120mm, the panels can be specified to achieve insulation U-values, aiding compliance with the latest L2 regulations. The panels are also Loss Prevention Certification Board approved.

For further information on Steadmans’ full range of products call 028 4066 0516, email: info@steadmans.co.uk or visit www.steadmans.co.uk.

AD Group opens new offices The AD Group, Chartered Quantity Surveyors, have recently expanded their Mid-Ulster business by opening new offices in Cookstown Enterprise Centre.

The group, which already has an office in Magherafelt, is involved in construction projects both locally and internationally and have seen their business grow significantly over the past three years, which has led to the need for additional offices.

Councillor Wilbert Buchanan, Chairman of Cookstown District Council and Magherafelt District Council ViceChairperson, Councillor Kate McEldowney were in attendance to mark the official opening of AD’s Cookstown premises.

Damian Walls, Managing Director of AD Group, (centre) with Councillor Wilbert Buchanan, Chairman of Cookstown District Council and Magherafelt District Council Vice-Chairperson, Councillor Kate McEldowney, with Mary Monaghan from Cookstown Enterprise Centre and AD Group Staff Team.

Contact us now for project advice and design on our range of Central Vacuum and energy efficient Mechanical Ventilation systems for:

• Homes • Offices 028 7963 2424

• Churches • Nursing Homes

• Hotels • Factories

www.beamcentralsystems.com

Thirty local construction workers have been recruited to participate in the project taking place in Biberach, Germany during 2014. The ‘Building Skills for Sustainable Construction II’ project is designed to help participants widen their knowledge of sustainable construction methods, renewable energy and environmental standards.

The two week programme is a comprehensive appraisal of current construction techniques applied in Germany, including airtightness, thermal bridges, passive house projects and ventilation systems, with a focus on timber construction. The scheme will help those taking part learn about building and retrofitting energy-efficient buildings, renewable technologies and sustainable materials. The training will be delivered by KOMZET (a Centre of Vocational Excellence in Timber Construction and Finishings) which includes site visits.

Speaking about the project Barry Neilson, Chief Executive CITB-ConstructionSkills NI said: “Government targets for more sustainable homes as well as higher demand from customers mean that the skills provided through this training project are vital for those working in the industry. We were delighted to be able to build upon the success of last year’s project and send a further 30 participants to learn about energy efficient construction methods. It is this know-how that we hope to transfer to the local industry to help us meet our local energy targets.”

The funding for this project has been provided by the European Commission’s Leonardo programme which is managed by Ecorys in the UK.

PRONET SAFETY SERVICES digest |07

Fall Arrest Cable System Skainos Building Belfast

ProNet’s Fall Arrest Systems

F

all arrest and restraint systems are designed to provide protection to end-users at risk of falls. ProNet Safety Services offer a selection of modern high performance fall arrest/restraint systems for use on modern structures and roofs.

We specialise in systems that comply

with current British and International standards for working at heights.

ProNet’s expertise and experience means that we can supply both manufactured systems or design and install custom-built systems that meet the individual requirements of your project.

Products and Services The following sections provide an overview of what we can provide, please contact us if you have a particular problem or application that isn’t featured on our site.

• Horizontal, Vertical, Inclined and Overhead Cable Systems • Mobile Anchors • Eyebolts • Demarcation • Annual systems Retest • Risk Assessment • Maintenance • Training

PRONET SAFETY SERVICES - The Fall Arrest, Restraint, Safety Netting and Edge Protection Specialists Tel: 028 9337 3967 • Fax: 028 9335 3518 • Email: info@pronetsafetyservices.com • Web: www.pronetsafetyservices.com Web: www.pronetsafetyproducts.com

digest

12|

Bright future for green engineers

Across the globe governments and businesses are focusing on the need to go green and make use of renewable energies. The global renewable energy market had revenue in excess of $322 billion last year and Michael Donaghy, Recruitment Consultant VickerStock Recruitment takes a closer look at how engineers in Northern Ireland could tap into the fast-growing sector.

The Northern Ireland Executive’s Programme for Government made a commitment to achieve 20% of electricity consumption from renewable sources by 2015.

Engineers and firms across Northern Ireland are pushing forward to enable this target to be reached.

With wind farms being constructed, solar panels being installed and

anaerobic digesters harnessing alternative fuel sources – the future really does seem to be green.

Coupled with the fact that the worldwide market for renewable energy is forecast to grow by 8.5% bringing it to a value of almost $480 billion in 2015 – the opportunities for Northern Ireland companies who step up to the challenge are phenomenal.

We already have world leaders in the renewable sector. Look for example at the SeaGen 1.2MW tidal energy converter, installed in Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland in 2008.

In fact statistics from the Global Maritime Alliance in 2012 show that globally, one in four full-scale prototypes for marine energy devices have been tested, manufactured, deployed or consulted on in Northern Ireland.

Local construction firms are building a green future with McLaughlin & Harvey working on the Orkney Tidal Energy Device for OpenHydro.

And of course there is Harland & Wolff which has played a leading role in transforming Belfast Harbour into a hub for the offshore renewable

energy sector with companies like Siemens and DONG Energy.

We have the opportunity to lead the world in renewable energy technology as well as the potential to create an industry that will generate thousands of jobs in engineering, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance and operations services.

The opportunity in the UK alone is massive – but we must act now and invest in innovative technologies as well as developing the necessary skills to tap into this sector.

For engineers, both young and old, there is a need to up skill and maybe even retrain. Mechanical, chemical, industrial and even electrical engineers can find work in alternative energy fields and courses are increasing in Northern Ireland with an enhanced focus on preparing our engineers to address the fundamentals necessary for driving forward renewable energy.

From mechanical engineers researching, developing and designing the machines to civil engineers designing and supervising the construction of wind farms you can clearly see that Northern Irish firms can really play their part through better skilled engineers.

According to some estimates the UK’s own Renewable Energy sector is set to be worth £150 billion by 2015 the sector with the government predicting 1.3 million new jobs created in associated industries.

Opportunities exist for skilled engineers, graduates as well as homegrown, ambitious firms who want to take a chunk of the market – but we must act now and invest in going green!

VickerStock, Northern Ireland’s leading specialist technical engineering recruitment agency, offer recruitment solutions and expert engineering advice to candidates andcompanies within the construction and civil engineering sector as well as a range of engineering sectors including; aerospace, manufacturing and production, supply chain, ICT, electronics and electrical, civils and infrastructure, utilities and renewables.

Based in Belfast, offering both permanent and contract employment with NI’s most sought after employers in the engineering sector, the organisation’s overall goal is to match highly skilled engineers with the specific demands of each individual organisation they represent.

For further information visit www.vickerstock.co.uk or telephone 028 9031 3720.

Marcon Fit-Out reaches new heights fitting out Ireland’s highest pub Martin McErlean (left), Contracts Manager, Marcon Fit-Out and Karl McErlean (right), owner of Ponderosa enjoy the view behind the bespoke oak stained bar at the new look Ponderosa Bar & Restaurant.

Co. Antrim-based Marcon Fit-Out is on cloud nine having just completed the new interior of Ireland’s highest pub.

The well-known Ponderosa Bar & Restaurant on the Glenshane Pass has undergone a complete transformation. The popular venue has been completely renovated internally and major landscaping has been carried out around the building.

Karl McErlean, owner of the Ponderosa Bar & Restaurant, said: “My aim was to breathe new life into the Ponderosa and re-establish Ireland’s highest bar and restaurant as a world class entertainment venue.”

The Ponderosa’s makeover has taken staff numbers up to 45, which is a welcome boost to the local economy.

Karl says the new look bar and restaurant will be a big draw for locals and tourists alike: “The Ponderosa is a famous landmark between Northern Ireland’s two main cities of Belfast and Derry, and I believe the increasing number of tourists visiting the province will

definitely stop in and enjoy some of our unique hospitality. With a brand new look to the bar, which will feature live music, a revamped restaurant and our beer garden – which must have one of the best views in the province – there is lots more appeal at the Ponderosa.

The interior fit-out and bespoke joinery package was managed as a design and build project by Marcon Fit-Out with all of the specialist joinery manufactured in the company’s workshop in Antrim.

The handcrafted solid oak stained front and back bar is a traditional style and has a feature polished brass foot rail. A feature sliding partition wall was installed, which divides the public bar from the main 60 seat restaurant, giving the venue a lot of flexibility.

Solid window boards and new column casings were fitted throughout the bar and restaurant and the tongue and grove perimeter wall panelling incorporates a solid drink shelf. New washrooms consisted of laminate IPS casing and cubicles with Corian vanity units and mirrors.

digest

14|

Structural Metal Decks returns to Hilti Structural Metal Decks (SMD) has signed a new, longterm agreement with Hilti for more than 100 direct fastening tools, renewing a relationship dating back to 1999.

The company, which is responsible for the successful design, production and installation of up to one million square metres of composite metal decking annually, has taken delivery of seventy DX 460 MX and thirty five DX 75 MX Powder-actuated tools.

Craig Galway, Contracts Director at SMD, explained: “We switched manufacturers as we were faced with a number of issues, from product performance to stock availability and support. At our quarterly employee engagement meetings our foremen made it clear to us that the Hilti tools were badly missed.”

“The feedback was pretty specific; Hilti products were more comfortable to use and gave us higher efficiency – which is hugely important with the volume of fastenings we install each year. The Hilti system was also perceived by our teams to have a lower failure rate and the numbered strips meant no cartridges are wasted.”

SMD operates a network of 35 nationwide teams which have each been supplied with two Hilti DX 460 MX tools and one DX 76 MX, which both use environmentally-friendly DX Clean-Tec cartridges which are free of lead and other heavy metals.

Each tool has also been designated to an individual user, providing both

a sense of ownership for the worker and tracking and traceability for the business.

Both products feature an excellent power-to-weight ratio, ergonomic design to minimise worker fatigue and are built to last. Health and safety was also a key factor in the decision

with a closed loop on the handle of both tools, important for tethering when working at height.

The new agreement will see all tools ordered directly through Hilti’s new online platform and provided on a four-year Fleet Management programme. By paying a fixed charge,

per month per tool, SMD knows that all servicing and repair costs – including reporting, transport, labour, spare parts and theft coverage – are included in the price. Having this cost visibility and low downtime for the tools mean SMD are able to manage their business more efficiently.

The first Gyproc range to clean the air...

Gyproc, the market leader in plaster, plasterboard and drylining systems, is part of Saint-Gobain, a world leader in the design, production and distribution of construction materials.

Gyproc, who has a long history of providing innovative, costeffective and reliable products that meet the demands of the construction industry, have launched a new addition to it’s plasterboard range – Gyproc Activ’Air® – available in Gyproc SoundBloc and Gyproc DuraLine plasterboards.

The NEW Gyproc Activ’Air® Plasterboard uses an innovative technology to improve indoor air quality by taking formaldehyde out of the air and keeping it out. Activ’Air®’s technology takes the formaldehyde and converts it into safe, inert compounds that, once captured in the board, cannot be released back in to the air. It keeps working for up to 50 years, based on tests and analysis, even after multiple renovations.

The benefits of Activ’Air®: • Activ’Air® can be used in our daily environments to improve the indoor air quality and provide healthier environments where we live, learn and

• • • •

work. What’s more, Activ’Air® works without you even knowing it’s there and continues to work after each renovation and redecoration – providing peace of mind for generations.

Permanently reduces formaldehyde even after multiple renovations Provides at least 50 years of formaldehyde absorption based on tests and analysis.

Can be used with most water based acrylic and epoxy paints and breathable wallpaper.

A passive system – more effective in reducing formaldehyde than additional ventilation.

Gyproc Activ’Air® plasterboard is a lightweight gypsum plasterboard that is installed, finished and handles like other Gyproc plasterboards: • Does not require special tools.

• Easy to cut and install.

• May be finished or painted with most water based acrylic paints or covered. with breathable wall paper using conventional techniques.

16| hilti

Hilti launches industry first with reusable and adjustable HUS3 undercut screw anchors Daniel Whelan Engineering Works places first order for residential project in Dublin.

H

Extreme robustness even in the case contacts with reinforcements.

ilti has long been renowned for its technical innovations in anchor development and HUS3 represents its third generation of mechanical screw anchors. Raising the bar in terms of performance, the new anchor offers up to 30% higher design resistances than metal expansion anchors and supports loads equal or greater than stud anchors.

A unique design features cutting edges for easy settings, and no compromise in performance, even in hard aggregates, high-strength concrete and in contact with rebar.

HUS3 is also the world’s first screw anchor to feature a tested and approved adjustability process for quick and easy base plate leveling, adjustments and realignments, without compromising load capacity. Peace of mind is also provided by European Technical Approvals for use in cracked and non-cracked concrete and the product is also CE-marked.

The new design also means that the HUS3 anchors are fully removable and can be reused multiple times in Concrete strains temporary applications. A with HUS3 simple check using the HUS HRG tube provides a quick, convenient and approved test. Installers simply slide the used anchor into the specially designed tube – if it remains inside it can be re-used, if the anchor slips through it should be discarded.

Darran Hayes, Design Office Manager for Daniel Whelan Engineering Works, based in Borris, County Carlow is one of the first customers to order the HUS3, and flexibility was paramount.

“We are due to begin installing glazed balcony railings in a new build apartment block in Dublin, which will involve over 1,000 anchors. We approached Hilti for assistance with the calculations and at this meeting the new product was first mentioned and we were given a demonstration.

HUS3

“Immediately the benefits were obvious, that being the speed of application, it was very easy to put in, but more importantly the flexibility to readjust. Traditional countersunk bolts offer no flexibility, when they are in they are in, and of course this can create problems. The new HUS3 is excellent, we will be using this product from hereon in, whenever applicable.”

Within the manufacturing process the HUS3 benefits from a new coating and optimised hardening process to ensure The ultimate in safety robustness and protects Unlike metal expansion anchors, HUS3 performs against weathering. without the risk of uncontrolled slip, while its selfAnchors are available locking behaviour ensures that it never unscrews with hexagonal or under static and seismic action. This ultimate safety countersunk heads, feature is qualified during the approval process. offering a neat appearance and meaning no further finishing is required.

Applications for HUS3 are varied, including safety-relevant fastenings in cracked and non-cracked concrete, static, quasi-static and seismic loading, railings and balustrades, steel beams and structural steel, facades and curtain walls, machines fastening and conveyors, racking, heavy mechanical installation systems, ventilation and air-conditioning and cable trays.

The Hilti SIW 22T-A Cordless impact wrench is the perfect match to drive the HUS3 Undercut screw anchor to its optimum depth and tightness. It also has space for installing a convenient holding bracket for the HUS HRG tube below the handle.

In addition, Hilti PROFIS Anchor software makes anchor selection safer and more reliable. Special design models allow the designer to find nationally and internationally approved solutions for a wide range of applications. Features include an interactive 3D interface and the exclusive Multiple Load Case Calculations to help the designer remove unnecessary steps and save valuable time.

“The HUS3 is truly a revolution in anchor design and testament to the research and development capabilities of Hilti,” says Dennis Markey, Marketing and Operations Manager for Hilti Ireland. “With its easy-to-set, adjustable and re-usable characteristics it will come to represent the ‘go-to’ anchor for a whole variety of jobs.”

For more information and to watch the video, visit www.hilti.co.uk/hus3.

digest

18|

Better times ahead for architectural sector As a recruitment company working across all technical disciplines within construction and property, the evidence is stacking up that the market is stabilising and Hays is seeing increased enquiries from architectural practices looking for staff. In fact, Hays has seen a 60% increase year-onyear in vacancies lodged in Northern Ireland.

In the larger practices employers are seeking to retain talent by widening responsibilities, remit and project scope for valued team members. However, we are not out of the woods yet and caution is still being exercised.

Many practices are utilising temporary or contract staffing options with understandable hesitancy around sharp headcount increase. The staffing structure within the majority of practices is lean and with diversity of tender type and

increasing demand the sector faces real challenges with shortages in skills and specific experience.

Salaries have steadied but are still not in line with improvements reported by our counterparts across the UK, a situation which we hope and anticipate, will improve in the next 12 months.

We are also seeing a big demand for people with knowledge of BIM and REVIT software.

With signs that spending on large infrastructure projects is to increase, the expectation is that there will be a range of opportunities in architecture for new entrants and returning professionals over the next number of years. The hope is that the skills and the people lost to the market will return and that there will be better times ahead.

For further information visit www.hays.co.uk/northernireland

Heady days of 2007 still a long way off for the housing market

By Mark Wade, Director at Hays in Northern Ireland

The architectural sector in Northern Ireland was one of the worst to suffer during the construction downturn. It was beset by a lack of opportunities for graduates and a loss of talent but now the tide is starting to turn.

The loss of new entrants to the profession and the exodus of design professionals from Northern Ireland was reflected in a survey of 134 architectural practices by Hays, the leading recruiting expert, in Northern Ireland in 2011.

At that time our survey found that almost a fifth had made more than 60% of staff redundant in the previous four years from 2007.

Around 30% had a redundancy level of over 40% and a further 6% were forced to let go up to 80% of their employees. As a result we witnessed chartered architects and architectural

technologists being forced to look at a geographical move, sector or industry change or complete shift in career planning.

However, there are signs of hope on the horizon. Numbers on graduate courses remain stable, which indicates that people are still passionate about the profession and opportunities continue to pick up.

In the face of strong national competition it is encouraging to see the scale of work being won by Northern Ireland practices. Demand is in line with increasing capital works coming online and sharp increases in the project pipeline within the healthcare, commercial and infrastructure sectors. In contrast to many other parts of the UK house building and private development continues to flat line and still lags significantly behind the general UK trend.

It will take ten years before property prices in Northern Ireland recover to the heights reached at the peak of the boom in 2007, according to business advisors PwC. The business advisors argue that high rates of negative equity and the lowest levels of disposable income levels across the UK will be factors which continue to drag on the property market, one which remains 50% below the August 2007 peak.

“Interest rates are expected to rise during 2015 and this, combined with our proportionally low disposable income and high percentage of negative equity, will represent a substantial call on future workforce earnings,” economist Dr Esmond Birney said.

“Collectively all these factors have contributed to relatively low levels of demand and only as the legacy of the property bubble and the accompanying debt overhang are worked out of the system will we see increasing domestic demand and accelerated recovery.

But while the forecast isn’t overly rosy, prices are still heading north.

Its UK Economic Outlook expects housing prices here to grow by 2.2% in 2014 – double that of last year – and will accelerate by 4.7% in 2015 and by 5.9% in 2016.

Still, Northern Ireland’s property market looks set to lag well behind the rest of the UK. Average prices in Scotland are only 4.7% below their peak, in Wales 3.5% below while in London property prices are currently 32% above the 2007 peak.

“Growing levels of business investment, a steady recovery in the housing market and a reduction in the housing debt will contribute to accelerating recovery, but the impact of these factors means that recovery will be slower to emerge and will be more prolonged than elsewhere.” PwC said it expects interest rates to be kept on hold until late 2014 or early 2015 before rising to 4% by 2020.

Construction Celebrates Excellence

T

he competition to win the highest accolade in the local construction industry took a step forward at the start of September as the shortlisted finalists for the Construction Excellence Awards 2014 were revealed at the Guildhall in Derry.

The awards, which are run by the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) with the support of SPECIFY magazine and in association with Ulster Business, celebrate the best construction and civil engineering projects delivered in Northern Ireland over the past year.

Speaking at the Showcase of Finalists event, John Armstrong, CEF Managing Director said, “Last year H&J Martin won the Overall Award for their exquisite restoration of this iconic building. The Guildhall is a perfect example of how the construction industry can enhance our existing built environment, help to revitalise an area and boost the local economy. It is a most fitting location to showcase the contenders for the 2014 awards.”

“I warmly congratulate all of those companies who have been shortlisted for an award.

QMAC Construction and Graham Construction are shortlisted for four awards and H&J Martin have put themselves in a good position to follow up on last year’s success by making the shortlist for five awards.”

“Construction output in Northern Ireland hit a new low in 2013/14 and the number of construction projects being completed locally was noticeably down. However, whilst the volume of work has reduced substantially it is reassuring to see the quality of projects that are still being delivered.”

“Over the summer our distinguished judging panel has been visiting each of the shortlisted projects to identify the fourteen category winners and the overall winner. They now have some very difficult decisions to make.”

The winners of the Construction Excellence Awards 2014 will be revealed at a Gala Dinner on 2 October 2014 in the Culloden Hotel. For further information contact Joelene Poole on jpoole@cefni.co.uk.

Principal Sponsor:

In association with:

Sponsors:

sponsors

CEF/Specify awards

JLT Benefit Solutions provides

advice and services designed to meet all the requirements of UK pension scheme trustees.

Our Expertise With over 3000 clients, we are one of the major pension consultancies and a leading administration services provider in the UK. We have considerable experience and a proven record in designing, implementing and reviewing pension scheme benefit arrangements. Our services include • Pension Consulting including Auto Enrolment • Trustee consulting • Actuarial consulting

• Pensions administration • Trustee governance services • Trustee training • Member communications • Documentation and technical support • Windup and discontinuance advice Personalised Service We are part of a large multi0national organisation but face our clients through small client-centric teams. This improves communication with, and about, our clients and facilitates the building of long –standing relationships.

Our People We have more than 80 Actuaries, 160 actuarial students and 45 pension consultants, as well as over 1000 administration and support staff, providing local service to our clients from over 10 locations in all parts of the UK. Our people are experienced, knowledgeable and highly competent.

Partnership approach We are a people business specialising in execution of complex strategic projects. We combine the delivery of practical advice with all the training that trustees require to empower them to address any of the issues that their schemes are facing. Our delivery model makes it easy to do business with us.

Our commitment to you Our job is to deliver solutions for pension scheme management that are cost effective and efficient and we can design programmes to suit any size and any kind of scheme. From extensive projects to schemes where all that is required is advice on legislative issues. You can be confident that your pension scheme is in safe hands.

Contact ; Raymonde Nathan (T) 01392356542 ; Email; Raymonde_nathan@jltgroup.com

Crescent Specialist Recruitment

Crescent Specialist Recruitment (CSR) Ltd is a specialist Recruitment Consultancy that works within the Construction & Technical markets in Northern Ireland, mainland UK, and ROI. With over 15 years’ experience in the industry, CSR is made up of a team of specialist recruiters with dedicated Consultants for the industry. CSR put a high value on both our clients and candidates that work with us. Through our high level of service, working in partnership and finding the right jobs for the right people, our business has continued to grow from strength to strength. As a specialist Construction and Technical Recruitment Agency with offices in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland we operate on behalf of both our Clients and Candidates throughout the region as well as on an International basis as required. Our aim is to offer a tailored service every time we recruit for a client.

We understand every company and role is vastly different to the next and therefore requires the attention to detail that has become synonymous with CSR.

Invest NI

Invest Northern Ireland’s purpose is to improve the Northern Ireland economy through business development. Our Vision is to be a world leading business development agency which builds a local economy that has the capability to compete internationally. Over the period of this Corporate Plan, we will promote business development through the key drivers of economic growth recognised in the Northern Ireland Executive’s Programme for Government to support the rebuilding and rebalancing of our economy. We will promote employment opportunities across a wide range of sectors and will support both local businesses and inward investors to create these jobs. Employment opportunities across sectors EU funding has played a critical role in supporting economic development in Northern Ireland. We will continue to maximise participation in existing and new EU priorities and programmes such as Framework and Horizon 2020.

The targets we have set are both realistic and transparent and we will be fully accountable for their delivery and implementation. They will be embedded in Invest NI through yearly Operating Plan targets and brought to life through our staff living the values and behaviours which create relationships with our customers and that enable them to deliver the maximum economic impact. We will work closely with all relevant departments and agencies to maximise synergies and our combined impact, avoid duplication and reduce bureaucracy and the costs it places on businesses. Through our engagement with our wide network of stakeholders, including councils, sectoral and business bodies, community and social enterprises, we will work to deliver economic development in the most efficient and effective way at the point of delivery. We will encourage and support collaboration between businesses to maximise the economic impact from research, knowledge transfer and open innovation to identify and develop strategies that maximise the potential of future market and technological opportunities.

Roads Service As part of the newly formed Transport NI, within the Department for Regional Development, Roads Service is responsible for over 25,700 km of public roads together with some 9,800 km of footways, 5,800 bridges, 276,000 street lights, and 367 public car parks. Across Northern Ireland this asset is valued at over £30 billion. Our Procurement and Achieving Excellence in Construction Strategies have been implemented to assist in the delivery of annual budget of over £300M. It is recognised that effective procurement practices and continued good working relationships with our supply chain are essential for the road network to be managed, maintained and developed in a safe and efficient way.

CPD/DFP

The Department of Finance & Personnel is the sponsoring department for the construction industry in Northern Ireland. In this role, Des Armstrong, Director of Central Procurement Directorate (CPD) chairs the Construction Industry Forum for Northern Ireland (CIFNI) which is the interface between Government and the construction industry. CPD as the lead procurement body in NI reviews and develops procurement policy, including construction procurement policy, for endorsement by the Procurement Board. It has responsibility for disseminating agreed policies to the public sector and monitoring their implementation by Centres of Procurement Expertise (CoPEs) and departments. It identifies best practice in procurement and supports and encourages the public sector to deliver the benefits of modern construction procurement. CPD incorporates two CoPEs, one for supplies and services and one for construction. The construction CoPE provides a procurement service to Northern Ireland departments and other public sector bodies for a range of construction related works and services. During 2012/13 CoPEs awarded 1036 construction works and services contracts with a total estimated value of £574m. 98% of these contracts were awarded to contractors/suppliers based in Northern Ireland. A total of 931 (90%) contracts went to Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) having less than 250 employees and of these, 469 contracts were awarded to contractors/suppliers employing up to 50 employees. In 2012/13 there was a total spend by Northern Ireland Departments, agencies, non-departmental public bodies and public corporations of £855m on construction contracts and £296m on repair and maintenance contracts.

CEF/Specify awards

sponsors

DEL

The Department for Employment and Learning (DEL) has a range of programmes and initiatives which support excellence within the construction industry. Through the Union Learning Fund, DEL’s Essential Skills Branch has agreed a contract, stretching over three years 2011 – 2014, with the Union of Construction Allied Trades and Technicians (UCATT) for the provision of a project entitled “Building Learning”. This project will enable construction workers to access and progress up the skills ladder. The Department is also working with the industry on a project to enable experienced construction workers to gain a qualification.

The Skills Solution service provides employers with a learning and skills service which identifies and helps to meet the training needs of those organisations.

Skills Solutions makes three main offerings to companies in all sectors, including construction: Information, Advice and Guidance, Bridge to Employment and Customized Training. The Department’s “Made Not Born” campaign showcases its suite of Management and Leadership development programmes, including the Management and Leadership Development Programme for individuals and the Management Analysis and Planning Programme targeted at companies.

Investors in People (IIP) is a framework for business improvement which focuses on people management. The IIP standard helps and organisation to develop strategies to improve performance, implement those strategies and then review and evaluate their impact. DEL is also the sponsor Department for CITB Construction Skills and is one of the sponsors of the Construction Excellence Awards.

Towergate Dawson Whyte

Towergate Dawson Whyte is part of the Towergate group of companies, one of the UK’s leading insurance intermediaries specialising in arranging commercial policies and providing risk management advice. We have many clients in the Construction industry and a strong understanding of your business. As the key service provider to the CEF for insurance matters our negotiating power in the market place has enabled us to offer tailor made policies designed to help ensure you meet your risk management obligations whether your business is a small, medium or large construction company. We look to ensure that the Federation member receives value for the premiums paid and benefits from the extensive range of cover offered by our selected approved insurers.

We can also offer advice on many other lines of business including other commercial and residential property, home, car and travel… why not give us a try?

Part and parcel of the Towergate Dawson Whyte service delivery is access to the professional team at Claim Reaction. In the event of a claim, Claim Reaction’s trained personnel will provide advice on how to ensure correct presentation of the claim. In conjunction with Towergate Dawson Whyte, Claim Reaction can provide initial legal and technical assistance to enable you to make informed choices on any necessary course of action. Appropriate experts can be recommended including experienced Chartered Loss Adjusters, Surveyors and Engineers whose involvement is often necessary in large or complex claims. Claim Reaction’s expertise in the handling of claims ensures experts are available to provide technical advice and assistance. Emergency and first aid repairs can be arranged by Insurer approved contractors to expedite the process and facilitate resumption of turnover. Our team can also assist in pre-risk surveys and valuations where necessary to ensure adequate cover and risk reduction. For a quotation for your insurance programme please contact our Construction Trade team on 028 9066 4414. Towergate Dawson Whyte is a trading name of Dawson Whyte Ltd. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, FRN 308693.

NIEA

The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), an agency within the Department of the Environment, has the aim of creating economic prosperity and social well-being through environment and heritage excellence. NIEA works closely with industry to promote top class environmental practices that help businesses comply with environmental obligations, improve environmental performance and improve financial performance. NIEA is pleased to associated with the Construction Excellence Awards, and to recognise those companies who are delivering innovative and sustainable construction projects which enhance our communities in ways that protect our environment and natural resources for the future prosperity of Northern Ireland.

DOE Planning The Department of the Environment is responsible for the orderly and consistent development of land and the planning of that development. The purpose of planning is to further sustainable development and improve well-being for the people of the Northern Ireland. It is therefore essential to achieve quality and sustainability in the design of all new building proposals.

The Department aims to create a better environment and a stronger economy with a planning system that works to achieve this. One that delivers for business - with timely decisions that bring investment and jobs but not at the expense of our environment, planet or people. In February of this year the Department issued its draft Strategic Planning Policy Statement (SPPS). The draft SPPS sets out the Department’s regional planning policies and the framework for delivery of the reformed two-tier planning system which will operate when the primary responsibility for planning functions transfers to councils in April 2015. The Department is now in the process of analysing all representations received through public consultation process and it is envisaged that the final SPPS will be published by the end of 2014. One of the core principles identified in the draft SPPS is supporting good design, positive place making and urban and rural stewardship. This is affirmed by the publication of its draft Urban Stewardship and Design Guide for Northern Ireland ‘Living Places’. The guidance recognises the central role that planning, design and quality development have to play in the creation and maintenance of great places old and new.

PwC At PwC we’re pleased to continue our support for Northern Ireland’s construction sector, the CEF and the 2014 Construction Excellence awards. Recent years have been difficult and the early signs of recovery show that a ‘new normal’ of slow growth brings different challenges to the sector as public expenditure and private sector investment remain constrained. Nevertheless, as Northern Ireland’s largest firm of professional advisors, we have continued to invest in supporting our clients, both at home and in new export markets. We have also focused our experience and insight on delivering expert commentary, advice and analysis on markets and trends that will help our clients in the public and private sectors plan for recovery and growth. Our tax, assurance and consulting teams work closely with clients and partners across the sector, supporting viable project development through economic and investment appraisals, viability studies and preparing outline and final business cases.

For further information please contact Joelene Poole on jpoole@cefni.co.uk or telephone 028 9087 7143

CEF/Specify awards

Meet the Judges...

Housing Awards

Stephen Hamilton

Head of Policy Branch Department of the Environment Planning Policy Division

Charles O’Neill

Chair of the Chartered Institute of Housing Northern Ireland

David Mounstephen

Chair of the Royal Town Planning Institute Northern Ireland

General Construction Awards

Jenny Russell

Associate Head of School of the Belfast School of Architecture at the University of Ulster

Martin Hare

President of the Royal Society of Ulster Architects

Robert Colvin

Former Chair Building Control NI

Health and Safety and Training Awards

Carole Johnston

Skills & Industry Division, Department for Employment and Learning

Richard McIvor

Chair of the Institution of Occupational Safety & Health Northern Ireland

Keith Morrision

Chief Executive of the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland

CEF/Specify awards

Health & Education Infrastructure Awards

Mark Gilmore

Chair of the Chartered Institute of Building Ireland - Northern Centre

Ciarรกn Mackel

Board member of PLACE - The Northern Ireland Built Environment Centre

Transport & Utilities Infrastructure Awards

Rodney Moffett

Chair of the NI Branch of the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation

Peter Quinn

Chair of the Engineers of Ireland Northern Region

Kevin McShane

Chair of the Institution of Civil Engineers Northern Ireland

Environmental Sustainability & Exporting Awards

Terry Waugh

Deputy Director of Action Renewables

Patricia Smyth

Client Manager at Invest NI

Tim Irwin

Deputy Director of Environmental Policy Division, Department of the Environment

The Finalists in full...

Company

CEF/Specify awards

Category

Project name

Henry Brothers (Magherafelt) Mascott Construction QMAC Construction Gilbert-Ash

General Construction Commercial Construction Award Commercial Construction Award Commercial Construction Award Commercial Construction Award

Tracey Brothers H&J Martin Moss Construction Woodvale Construction Company

Restoration Restoration Restoration Restoration

Sponsored by Crescent Specialist Recruitment H&J Martin Heron Bros McAleer & Teague QMAC Construction

Social/Community Social/Community Social/Community Social/Community

David Jameson Roofing Felix O’Hare & Co QMAC Construction Graham Construction

Infrastructure Education Infrastructure Education Infrastructure Education Infrastructure Education Infrastructure

TAL Farrans Construction Woodvale Construction Company Felix O’Hare & Co

Health Health Health Health

Sponsored by Transport NI Glasgiven Contracts Woodvale Construction Company Felix O’Hare & Co

Transport Infrastructure Award Transport Infrastructure Award Transport Infrastructure Award

Antrim Railway Station Walled City Lighting Project Portadown Railway Station

William & Henry Alexander Deane Public Works Lagan Water Farrans Construction

Utilities Utilities Utilities Utilities

Dunmore Wind Farm Lisburn Public Realm Sewer & Watermain Rehabilitation Clay Lake water Treatment Works River Strule Abstraction Project

Sponsored by Planning NI Beshouse Residential Properties JFM Construction Wilson Construction

HOUSING Brownfield Housing Award Brownfield Housing Award Brownfield Housing Award

Old Church Square Pentagon House Donard Court

Kelly Brothers JFM Construction

Greenfield Housing Award Greenfield Housing Award

Moorfield Court Phase 4 Carndale Meadows

Sponsored by PWC TAL T&A Kernoghan QMAC Construction McGurran Properties

Social Social Social Social

North Howard Street Apartments Parkside, Limestone Road Groomsport Apartments Loughview Terrace

Sponsored by NIEA Wilson Construction Graham Construction Glasgiven Contracts McLaughlin & Harvey

QUALITY PERFORMANCE Environmental Sustainability Environmental Sustainability Environmental Sustainability Environmental Sustainability

Sponsored by Invest NI McLaughlin & Harvey Rollformed Fabrications H&J Martin

Exporting Award Exporting Award Exporting Award

Sponsored by Towergate Dawson Whyte H&J Martin Ltd Deane Public Works Graham Construction Portview Fit-Out Limited

Health Health Health Health

Award Award Award Award

Fit Out of the SS Nomadic & Restoration of Hamilton Dock Ebrington Barracks Building 80/81 Various Remedial/Refurbishment Works Bishops Palace Aras Cholmcille

Construction Construction Construction Construction

Infrastructure Infrastructure Infrastructure Infrastructure

& & & &

Award Award Award Award

Award Award Award Award

Safety Safety Safety Safety

Award Award Award Award

In association with:

Sponsors:

Belfast Welcome Centre Cancer Fund for Children Daisy Lodge Killicomaine Community Centre Enniskillen Presbyterian Church Longstone Special School Campbell College University of Ulster Coleraine Lagan College Hemsworth Court - Dementia Care Facility Antrim Emergency Department The Rowan Centre Old See House

Award Award Award Award

Sponsored by Department for Employment & Learning Graham Construction Training Award Lagan Construction Training Award H&J Martin Ltd Training Award Portview Fit-Out Limited Training Award

Principal Sponsor:

Award Award Award Award

Award Award Award Award

Infrastructure Infrastructure Infrastructure Infrastructure

Housing Housing Housing Housing

Lanyon Place CFR Academy House - DARD Ravenhill Re-Development

Award Award Award Award

CEF/Specify awards General Construction: Commercial

?????????????????????: General Construction:

??????????

CFR

Commercial Construction Award

(Mascott Construction)

M

ascott Construction undertook the refurbishment and re-fit of the ground floor of an existing 3 storey office block to meet the needs of a Solicitor Practice.

Internal and External repairs were completed along with alterations to reconfigure the space, providing a mix of open plan and cellular accommodation along with high quality finishes and modern building services installations.

Extensive brickwork repairs were completed to the Linenhall elevation, in which reclaimed brick was utilised, whilst the Bedford Street elevation required new stone.

Located on a triangular site at Clarence Street West and Linenhall Street West, in the centre of Belfast, there were constraints on both logistics and access, when completing the external façade works. The perimeter of the building was cordoned off to protect both the workers and members of the public.

All upper floors continued to be occupied during the programme, using the shared access, requiring the construction team to form a new entrance for the duration of the works.

The Finalists: • Mascott ????????Construction • Henry ????????

Brothers (Magherafelt) • ????????

• QMAC Construction • Gilbert Ash

General Construction: Commercial

Lanyon Place

(Henry Brothers (Magherafelt)

H

enry Brothers successfully completed the ultra-new modern, open plan, state of the art; Grade A office facility for the Land and Property Service at Lanyon Plaza. This design and build innovated project was valued at £9.6million and required the fit-out of over 10,000m2 of office space spanning 6 storeys along with 2-storey basement car parking and other amenities. The project achieved practical completion within the agreed 48 weeks, to budget, whilst exceeding the client and end users requirements and expectations.

The office accommodation is seen as a bold new statement for the Land and Property Service, setting a new standard of accommodation for a government body. The design internally is striking with open plan office areas surrounding an open atrium which rises 5 floors. Crossing this open atrium are bridges which link areas of accommodation and create a spectacular scene for both staff and visitors.

This striking layout is continued through both architectural features and furniture.

Mascott Construction, 4 Pilots View, Heron Road, Belfast, BT3 9LE Tel: (028) 90 735 050 • Fax: (028) 90 735 058 Email : info@mascott.co.uk

CEF/Specify awards General Construction: Commercial

Academy House – DARD (QMAC Construction)

Q

MAC delivered this exemplar office accommodation which required the refurbishment of a first floor and part refurbishment of the ground floor building to accommodate the Department of Agriculture’s veterinary laboratories, stores and office facilities to form a new DARD Direct office, in a fast track 18 week programme, while working within an operational building.

The primary ethos was that of the creation of a pleasant, productive working environment of holistic well-being and of positive purposefulness for the end user, through the provision of a highly serviced, high specification, state of the art office facility. This required close and careful end-user consultation and resulted in, inter alia, maximum exposure to full spectrum lighting, climate control and a spatially appreciative approach.

QMAC fully engaged with the client and design team to successfully deliver this fast track, highly serviced and highly specified refurbishment project (£800k) through ongoing consultation, clearly established communication channels and weekly meetings. QMAC ensured close liaison with the client/design team/supply chain re programme awareness/agreement of acceptable periods for operations.

The issue of buildability initially presented as a complex challenge, but was addressed by early and meaningful engagement with the supply chain. By way of example this high specification refurbishment, involving constant liaison with the client and integration of the entire supply chain entailed; internal renovation including new acoustic/fire rated metal stud partitions and glass screens, suspended ceilings, hardwood doors and bespoke furniture, integration of M&E services, including replacement of air handling units, which required extensive steel structural alterations with restricted access through a first floor window. Full redecoration to a sharp finish was carried out throughout to reflect this high specification refurbishment while successfully meeting the Client’s high standards.

Ravenhill Re-Development Commercial Construction Award

A fresh perspective on building® 47 Boucher Road, Belfast, BT12 6HR Tel: +44 28 9066 4334 • Email: belfast@gilbert-ash.co.uk

CEF/Specify awards ?????????????????????:

General Construction: Commercial

?????????

?????????????: ??????

????????????????????

Ravenhill ?????????????????

Re-Development (???????????????????)

(Gilbert Ash)

G

??????????????? ilbert-Ash was awarded the contract to progress the redevelopment at Ravenhill which included critical handover dates to coincide with the activities of the Ulster Rugby team. Maintaining a stadium capacity of 11,500 during the construction period was a key requirement.

The work involved the construction of three new stands. The Memorial Stand seats 2,248 with 1,414 standing and has two large bars, concourse areas, lecture theatre, Nevin Spence centre and Educational and Heritage facility.

The new Family Stand seats 2,092 with 1,370 standing and includes a state of the art basement gym, treatment rooms, physio, changing rooms, video meeting and office facilities. The Family Stand also houses a new television studio and control room.

The new Grandstand seats 3,482 with 3,506 standing and has four large bars, home and away changing facilities, a medical treatment room, President suite and press facilities and a coaches viewing room.

Other ancillary works included 34 modern turnstiles, new ticket office, groundsman office and facilities and a new fibre network for data and comms.

The £13million contract was awarded under the NEC Option A, Design, Develop and Construction Form of Contract and the stadium was officially opened on Friday 2 May 2014, before the League fixture against Leinster who was the opponent against Ulster when the stadium first opened back in 1924.

The ‘team ethic’ was to the fore throughout this challenging project and with many members of the supply chain based in N Ireland there was justifiably a lot of local pride in the job.

General Construction: ????????????: ?????? Restoration

???????????????????

Restoration Award ??????????????????

General Construction: The Finalists:

• Tracey Brothers • H&J Martin Ltd

• Moss Construction • Woodvale Construction Company

(????????????????) ???????????????

Fit of SS Nomadic and Restoration of Hamilton Dock (Tracey Brothers)

N

omadic was constructed as a tender vessel to some of the world’s greatest ocean liners, hence her association to the RMS Titanic.

The story is however much more complex, one which has seen Nomadic saved from the scrap yard three times, called to action in two world wars, served as a tender vessel, a salvage ship, a floating restaurant in Paris and somehow made it back to Belfast to the very dock where she was constructed.

The project included the restoration of SS Nomadic and its transformation into a tourist attraction as well as the restoration of Hamilton Graving Dock – the dry dock where the Nomadic is situated – and the nearby Pump House ~ Each offered separate challenges but none more so than the White Star Line tender. SS Nomadic is listed on the core collection of National Historic Ships Register, meaning it has a status equivalent to that of a Grade A listed building. The Hamilton Dock is also a scheduled monument, so Consarc compiled a photographic record of the surfacing followed by drawings, allowing the intricate surfacing to be lifted and relaid in its original position.

General Construction: Restoration

????????????????????:

Ebrington Barracks ???????????

Building 80/81 The Finalists: • ????????

• ????????

• ????????

(H&J Martin)

E

brington Barracks Building 80/81 was the home of the 2013 Turner Prize. Located on the former military barracks, the 1,260 square metre Grade B listed buildings were converted to a high quality art gallery which successfully housed the prestigious awards on their first venture outside of London.

Refurbishment of the building envelope included thermal upgrading to floors, walls and roof, creation of new stairs, toilets, stores, service rooms, offices, kitchen and gallery spaces and conservation repairs to floorboards and plaster lath linings.

The guiding principle behind the restoration was to conserve and re-use wherever possible. External works included the repointing of brickwork using lime mortar and replacement of damaged bricks.

Insulation works were carried out within the roof space without the need to remove the tiles except for the installation of new vents etc.

CEF/Specify awards General Construction: Restoration

Bishops Palace (Moss Construction)

T

he Palace Demense was the creation of Archbishop Richard Robinson, appointed as Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland in 1765. In 1769 around 300 acres of land owned by the Church of Ireland was set aside as a demesne for the Archbishop. The Palace was built on the demesne in 1770 with a third storey and portico added in 1825. In 1977 the building was taken over by the then Armagh District Council and the Palace was used as administrative offices. Over the years the exterior of the Palace had been well maintained but the interior had fared less well.

Moss Construction was awarded the contract to renew the lime plaster and timber lath ceilings, undertake a full overhaul of all timber sash windows, shutters and panelling as well as restoring all the fireplaces and flues. All the joinery had to be re-instated as did the ironmongery while the timber floors were refurbished while the Armagh marble stone floors were reinstated. New electrical, IT, sound, and heating were also fitted.

General Construction: Social/Community

General Construction:

Social/Community Construction Award The Finalists: • H&J Martin • McAleer & Teague

• Heron Bros • QMAC Construction

Belfast Welcome Centre (H&J Martin)

T

his £1.5million project involved the relocation of the existing Belfast Welcome Centre to a much more accessible ground floor location opposite Belfast City Hall. The new premises were formally a bank and the premises required significant adaptation to meet the future needs of the centre.

The project included structural modifications and complete new mechanical and electrical installations. The fit-out of the Welcome Centre featured high quality audio-visual and visitor information systems.

The project was all about the ability to communicate as clearly as possible to visitors within a facility which was easy to access regardless of age or disability. The goal was that the new centre embraced a ‘best in class’ approach to ensure that visitors saw more, experienced more and enjoyed more.

In June 2014 the centre welcomed its 100,000th visitor and the council have stated that since opening the centre has seen a significant increase in footfall, ticket sales, retail sales and customer satisfaction.

General Construction: Restoration

Aras Cholmcille

(Woodvale Construction Company)

A

ras Colmcille was on the buildings at risk register when we first started on site in 2013. The grade B2 listed building was the former site of St Columb’s National school (constructed 1820 – 1839.) It was used as an infants’ school until it was closed in 1989.

Known locally as “the wee nuns,” it is one of the oldest surviving school buildings in the city of Derry.

When Woodvale started on site, the building was derelict and unsafe.

No operatives could enter the building until a steel façade cage had been erected around the building perimeter to stabilize it. Steel beams were inserted through the building and a Cintec wall anchor system bound the walls together and secured them to the new steelwork.

The original basement floor level was reduced and existing walls were sequentially underpinned with concrete. The basement was tanked, a new concrete floor built and internal masonry walls built off the concrete slab.

The roof slates were matched with a slate sourced from a quarry in Wales.

General Construction: Social/Community

Killicomaine Community Centre (McAleer and Teague)

K

illicomaine Community Centre is a facility which has been 95% demolished, extended and refurbished to provide the local community with a new modernised, usable community facility costing around £1.1million.

The new facilities include a Crèche, Sports hall, Canteen Facilities, Toilets and Play-park. The management approach to this project was to adopt a structured planning methodology linked with an effective communication strategy and it worked perfectly.

Client satisfaction was of utmost importance throughout the project which is why we encouraged involvement from the entire team from commencement. The site was registered with the Considerate Constructors Scheme and a high score was achieved. The reuse, modernisation and extension of the existing centre was environmentally sustainable, using highly efficient building materials, with a low carbon footprint to reduce environmental impact. A Traffic Management Plan was developed to ensure the safety of the public and those on-site and all works were carried out to the satisfaction of the client with no accidents reported, completed within the agreed handover date and to the original budget.

Building & Civil Engineering Contractor • Property Developers • Joinery Products • Builders Suppliers • DIY & Hardware Merchants

Heron Bros. Ltd. are delighted to be nominated for the CEF / Specify Construction Excellence Awards 2014

Building a brig hter future Northern Ireland Office Heron Bros. Ltd. 2 St. Patrick’s Street, Draperstown, Magherafelt. BT45 7AL Tel: (028) 796 28505 • Tel:+44 796 28505 (Internationally) • Fax: (028) 796 27028 Email: info@heronbros.com

London Office London Office, 88 Wood Street London. EC2V 7RS Tel: +44 208 5281726

www.heronbros.com

Glasgow Office Unit S, Taywood Enterprise Centre Duchess Place. Glasgow. G73 1DR Tel: 0141 647 9825

CEF/Specify awards General Construction: Social/Community

Cancer Fund for Children Daisy Lodge (Heron Bros)

T

he fact that Daisy Lodge, the new short break facility for the Cancer Fund for Children, was completed two months ahead of schedule speaks volumes about the partnership approach adopted by the design and construction team. Led by Main Contractor, Heron Bros Ltd, and Architect, Michael McDowell, Daisy Lodge provides vital respite facilities for families affected by cancer – including the diagnosed child, their parents and siblings, as well as children whose parents have been diagnosed with cancer and bereaved families.

The £3million facility, which is located in Shimna Valley outside Newcastle, is the first of its kind in Europe. According to Kevin Sage, Project Manager for Heron Bros Ltd, the spirit of the team was the driving force behind the overall success of the project.

Daisy Lodge is capable of offering accommodation for 500 families a year, providing a haven for those affected by cancer. A larger and comprehensively upgraded facility, it replaces the previous Shimna Valley complex which could no longer meet the demand of families requiring a short break. The 16,000sqft, purpose-built facility features six family suites plus six adjoining twin bedroomed rooms and a well-being suite incorporating a gym and relaxation area. A games room, playroom and two lounge areas are also included. The new respite centre also features a restaurant and a cinema.

The unique mountain-lodge style building has been constructed with materials reflective of the natural beauty in the surrounding area – cedar, stone and zinc – and includes extensive glazing to make the most of the magnificent views of Slieve Donard.

General Construction: Social/Community

Enniskillen Presbyterian Church (QMAC Construction)

Q

MAC undertook the £1.35m refurbishment of Enniskillen Presbyterian Church and Guild Hall on behalf of the Committee of Enniskillen Presbyterian Church. This new 3 storey extension encompassed the following extensive end-user community facilities under one roof; Mother and Toddler group, large community room, classrooms, crèche facilities, commercial kitchen & cafe facilities, office accommodation and the upstairs Guild Hall for events and sports comprising vaulted ceiling and oak flooring. A unique feature of this project was that the new extension was to be adjoined to a church (listed building) which also required extensive restoration works.

Client engagement and contribution to buildability was demonstrated though the early engagement of our specialist supply chain (listed building/commercial). These skilled tradesmen carried out extensive refurbishments to the main church building comprising; roof repairs including timber replacement and leadwork; sandstone works; re-pointing stonework & refurbishment of wood. QMAC demolished and rebuilt the porch, retaining and re-using the original stonework by dismantling, labelling and reassembling stone by stone.

Indeed, to meet user needs, QMAC accelerated the programme to ensure restoration works to the church was completed in June, ahead of the original August deadline to facilitate church functions.

QMAC utilised the stained glass window of the rear church wall as an architectural feature of the communal area in the new extension, showcased with feature lighting.

The needs of the end user were accommodated whilst respecting the conservation ethos of this landmark listed building. A modern services and utility installation was provided complete with a high specification AV system including sound system with mixing desk and whiteboards, linking church and hall.

CEF/Specify awards Infrastructure: Education

Infrastructure:

Education Infrastructure Award The Finalists: • Graham Construction • David Jameson Roofing

• QMAC Construction • Felix O’Hare

Lagan College

(Graham Construction)

T

his £25million project was to design and build a new purpose-built educational facility for over 1200 pupils and 185 staff members.

Existing buildings were retained, refurbished and integrated with the significant 9,900m2 new build programme comprising of a media suite, extended Sixth Form provision, bistro, canteen and cafe areas, sports hall, fitness suite, music and music technology suite, a multitude of classrooms all ICT equipped, a dance/drama studio and sports pitches.

Exceptional standards of construction and local community engagement were recognised by the Considerate Constructors Scheme with two ‘Performance Beyond Compliance’ certificates and a Bronze CCS Award.

Graham repaired 2km of paths on the disused Lisnabreeny National Trust site adjacent to Lagan College for use by the local community. The project achieved a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ standard and included environmental features such as rainwater harvesting, 100% recyclable aluminium standing seam roofing, motion detector lighting and a BMS controlled energy management system.

CEF/Specify awards Infrastructure: Education

Longstone Special School

(David Jameson Roofing)

L

ongstone Special School is a Special School for children with Moderate Learning Difficulties and other associated difficulties which opened in 1981 in Dundonald, Belfast.

The original roof surface and decking had deteriorated badly over the years, with no insulation in place. All the existing skylight domes & frames had to be replaced as they were not allowing natural light into the building or they were faulty/damaged.

David Jameson Roofing devised a complete new roofing system for the entire school’s roof, to include new insulation to bring the school up to modern building control specifications and U-Values, as well as the installation of 150 new skylight domes and frames supplied by CoxDome.

The new system we used was IKO’s high performance warm roof waterproofing system which consists of: Quick drying bitumen primer, adhesive glue, 100mm IKO Supertherm BGM HCFC/CFC-free polyurethane insulation, 2mm base layer waterproof membrane, Imperial 3mm intermediate layer waterproof membrane and cap sheet Polygum PrevENt 180 AD slate surfaced membrane.

The exisitng roof ’s decking was sagging between the joists throughout the majority of the roof. As the contractors could not strip the roof completely off due to the school being in use with pupils in the classrooms below they had to improvise and repair the existing roof as they leveled out the roof area using hot bitumen compound to fill out the voids created by the sagging, this in turn allowed them to seal in place the vapour barrier waterproof torch on membrane.

CEF/Specify awards Infrastructure: Education

University of Ulster, Coleraine (QMAC Construction)

U

niversity of Ulster Coleraine commissioned QMAC to deliver a £1.7m high specification refurbishment/reconfiguration to Block E of the existing ground floor incorporating; Student Union, training rooms, dining/kitchen, general accommodation and second floor staff area & corporate meeting areas. The University remained open throughout the duration of the tight 24 week programme including catering facilities sandwiched on the first floor of Block E. QMAC successfully delivered this high specification project, where significant onus was placed on meeting the needs of the end user, achieved through continuous liaison with the Client/design team. The flooring, wall and ceiling coverings and centrepiece spiral staircase were specifically selected to accommodate the hardwearing, practical and aesthetic nature of a modern social facility, designed to appeal to young fashionable students. University staff were involved throughout the process culminating with a number of visits on completion to view their new resources. Client and end user needs were particularly addressed as QMAC scheduled works to facilitate minimising disruption during the three week exam period.

The specialised high specification Dalhem Ribba/Gustaf Wall panel system complemented the feature spiral staircase, demonstrating the high standards of buildability and finish of this project achieved through the supply chain.

As this was a highly serviced project, continual liaison with the client/design team was imperative throughout, in terms of integration and co-ordination of services in an occupied building, while ensuring uninterrupted live services to the entire building.

Infrastructure: Education

Infrastructure: Health

Campbell College

Infrastructure:

T

The Finalists:

The new two storey construction has been designed in a sympathetic manner to sit comfortably beside the neighbouring listed Victorian building of the main college. There is a dedicated art room, small library and book store, changing rooms, staff facilities, IT suite and a multi purpose sports hall. Each classroom has its own dedicated storage, cloakroom and toilets and incorporates the latest IT technology.

Thermal efficiency has been maximised in the building through the use of air leakage resistant construction techniques. The school is heated via high efficiency gas boilers and an underfloor heating system. Classrooms are larger than the norm with large glazed windows taking full advantage of the views.

(Felix O’Hare & Co.)

(Felix O’Hare & Co.)

his contract involved the construction of a three storey boarding block and a single storey six classroom extension with associated services, site works and drainage at Campbell College on Belfast’s Belmont Road.

Health Infrastructure Award • Felix O’Hare & Co. • Farrans Construction

• TAL Construction • Woodvale Construction Company

Old See House

F

elix O’Hare was contracted to carry out the redevlopment of Old See House on the Antrim Road, turning the site into a Community Mental Health Resource Centre for the NI Health and Social Services Authority.

The works involved the demolition of existing structures and provision of a new build, two storey integrated Mental Health Regional Centre with associated car parking and landscaping.

The building features a U shaped design around a private patient-orientated courtyard garden. Entrance is in the centre, whilst one wing is for consulting outpatients and the other for day patients. Consultants’ rooms are clustered around small walled gardens with all the circulation and waiting areas open to the main garden. There is also an 8 bedroom short stay residential section, designed to be an alternative to residence within an acute hospital.

A service section connects the main building to the residential section.

CEF/Specify awards Infrastructure: Health

Antrim Emergency Department (Farrans Construction)

T

his new three storey building, which is linked to the existing hospital accommodation at each level, includes a Medical Records Department (basement), Emergency Department (first floor), and 24 bedroom and en-suite ward (second

floor).

Stakeholder engagement and providing the end-users with a sense of ownership was a core part of Farrans approach, and they met with them and the design team on a weekly basis to ensure the team understood their needs and healthcare requirements at each stage of the project. Farrans constructed, off-site, a fully functioning mock-up room, of a typical bedroom and en-suite. This provided the end-users with a structure from which to review their working requirements and ensure that we provided a final solution that met healthcare functionality.

Farrans had a very challenging programme, with the basement area being handed over first, followed by the second floor, and finally the first floor.

Farrans commenced M&E works to the existing plant-room six months ahead of programme, allowing the integration of the new systems at the earliest possible opportunity.

During spring 2013 Farrans were able to benefit from the heavy snowfall when trying to position the concrete seats at the front of the building. They very carefully placed the seats onto packed snow and once happy with the position, melted the snow allowing the seats to fall into place without causing damage to either the seats or the paving.

All three phases of the project were handed over on time and, through our collaborative approach to snagging during the construction phases ensured that the project was handed over with zero snags

CEF/Specify awards Infrastructure: Health

Hemsworth Court Dementia Care Facility (TAL)

H

emsworth Court, is a state of the art residential facility for people living with dementia; the only one of its kind in Northern Ireland, it is designed to deliver 24hr medical care services to its residents whilst enabling them to live as active and independent a life as possible.

Developed in partnership between Belfast Health & Social Care Trust (BHSCT) and Helm Housing (Helm) - Hemsworth comprises 35 apartments that facilitate continued living together of dementia sufferers and their spouses/partners or carers. In addition to the apartments there are numerous communal facilities on site to promote social interaction, including a cinema and games room, reminiscence room, gym, hairdressing salon, cookery multi-purpose room & communal gardens with allotment facilities. Both the private and communal facilities are delivered in line with Code for Sustainable Homes, integrating a variety of fabric finishes, white goods & systems to optimise long term VFM & reduce environmental impact.

Dementia is a highly challenging and complex disease, which necessitates highly specialised living conditions to optimise safety and comfort, and to minimise distress of those suffering from it. As such build quality is unrivalled with colour co-ordination & identification key for residents - bespoke artwork at apartment doors & photo signs for ease of resident identification & so forth.

Of all of the projects that TAL has delivered over the years - none have come with such a personal connection. Hemsworth Court has been one of the most high quality, complex and truly community benefitting projects we have had the privilege to be involved in.

TAL is one of Northern Ireland’s most successful and diverse construction firms, operating in the following sectors:

• • • • • •

Social Housing Private Housing Ecclesiastic & Historical Buildings Leisure, Education, Healthcare Industrial, Commercial, Retail Civil Engineering

TAL has gained considerable recognition across these sectors with a number of award winning schemes.

TAL Limited TAL House, Lissue Industrial Estate East, Unit 1, 9 Lissue Walk, Lisburn, Co. Antrim BT28 2LU T: +44 (028) 9262 2345 F: +44 (028) 9262 0950

CEF/Specify awards Infrastructure: Health

The Rowan Centre (Woodvale Construction Company)

T

he Rowan Centre is the first purpose built sexual assault referral centre in Northern Ireland. It provides 24 hour care and support, 365 days a year to victims in the aftermath of sexual assault. The centre was designed to create a secure, comfortable environment – a safe haven for its users. The design made optimum use of natural resources and exploited the mature landscaping on the site to give warmth and light to the space.

The layout of the building was driven by the needs of the users – three self-contained forensic ‘pods’ are located to the rear of the building. Each pod contains a medical examination room with clerestory glazing, a toilet and shower and an observation room opening on to a private courtyard area. One of the pods has been specifically designed for child victims and is also suitable for use by those with a disability. The pods are screened by the reception and staff accommodation to the front of the building which gives a welcoming frontage.

The Rowan is a joint initiative between the Northern Health and Social Care Trust and PSNI. Consideration of the needs of the numerous stakeholders resulted in a centre that worked functionally and emotionally.

Infrastructure: Transport

Walled City Lighting Project (Woodvale Construction Company)

T

he current Walled City is one of the most complete in the British Isles and the only complete Walled City in Ireland. Given its unique status, the Walled City was designated by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board as one of five signature tourism projects for Northern Ireland. This world class project includes creative lighting solutions that enhance the night time visual appeal of the city’s key cultural, heritage and tourism assets including the City Walls, St Columb’s Cathedral, First Derry Presbyterian Church, the Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall, the Playhouse, Aras Colmcille and the Guildhall. Each building was fully occupied and access to the city walls was maintained throughout the works.

The objective of the lighting strategy was to illuminate and visually enhance key elements of the City’s built heritage product in the hours of darkness, as well as contributing to extending visitor dwell time to the City throughout the year. In order to achieve this, Woodvale Construction Company and our team delivered a high quality infrastructure solution commensurate with a landmark tourism destination.

Infrastructure: Transport

Infrastructure:

Transport Infrastructure Award The Finalists: • Glasgiven Contracts • Woodvale Construction Company • Felix O’Hare

Antrim Railway Station (Glasgiven Contracts)

G

lasgiven Contracts were contracted to construct the new Antrim Integrated Bus and Rail Station and the successful completion of the £2.9 million construction project was on time and on

schedule.

The cutting-edge passenger facility is Northern Ireland’s first sustainable low carbon station. It is being showcased as an example of sustainable station development ‘best practice’ attracting visits from transport experts across Europe. During the official opening ceremony, a special Time Capsule was installed in the building including submissions reflecting community life in Antrim.

111 items were provided by local people to represent the number of years since the station first opened in 1902. It is marked for re-opening in 2063.

Infrastructure: Transport

Portadown Railway Station (Felix O’Hare & Co.)

F

elix O’Hare & Co carried out the complete redevelopment of Portadown Train Station on behalf of Translink NI. Partly funded by the European Commission and handed over ahead of schedule, this prestigious contract involved the extensive alteration, refurbishment and upgrading of an existing railway station.

Work involved the provision of newly refurbished passenger waiting areas with new seating and public spaces, including vending areas and public convenience facilities. The entrance area received a new lobby area with lift provision, gallery walkways and refurbished stairwell for improved passenger access.

Access to platforms has also improved greatly with a new link footbridge built, DDA passenger lifts and the external facade was completely modernised with a roof replacement, new signalling gantry and new CCTV installations. With over 900,000 passengers using the station every year, the alterations, extension and refurbishment means that Portadown Station now offers first class facilities for local and cross border passengers.

CEF/Specify awards Infrastructure: Utilities

Infrastructure:

Dunmore Wind Farm

Utilities Infrastructure Award The Finalists:

(William & Henry Alexander)

• William & Henry Alexander • Deane Public Works

W

• Lagan Water • Farrans Construction

illiam & Henry Alexander (Civil Engineering) Limited commenced construction of Dunmore Wind Farm in April 2013 and completed the civil element of the works in November 2013. The contract included construction of the following elements - seven reinforced concrete turbine bases, 3.5km of New Site Roads, 33Kv Substation, 4km cable trench and public road works to facilitate operation of the seven Vestas V90 3MW wind turbines contained within the Wind Farm.

Dunmore Wind Farm, located on the Bolea Road between Coleraine and Limavady is a seven turbine site capable of producing a maximum 21Megawatts of clean electricity.

Capital Dynamics developed and procured the project and Dunmore Wind Farm represents their first move into the UK wind energy market. William & Henry Alexander (Civil Engineering) Limited secured the Balance of Plant Contract to deliver the Civil infrastructure.

Dunmore was the first project in Northern Ireland to Energise 3Megawatt onshore wind turbines and this created several constraints, which WHA successfully overcame through engineering and management solutions.

With a limited programme period, the vertical and horizontal road alignment was refined to enable rapid progress. This permitted construction of the critical path to the 33KV substation at the earliest possible stage, which ensured the Client could meet key third party contract dates. Also, we were instrumental in ensuring that the turbine foundations were delivered on time and under budget. To overcome programme constraints we commissioned a thorough suite of additional site investigation to explore the feasibility of micro-siting turbines to favourable ground conditions. This value engineering measure proved successful and eliminated the need to pile three foundations.

This resulted in a six figure saving for the Client and streamlined the programme by six weeks.

Infrastructure: Utilities

Lisburn Public Realm Sewer & Watermain Rehabilitation (Deane Public Works)

D

eane Public Works is a leading construction company, founded in 1967 by George and Liz Deane, with a reputation for excellence in Civil Engineering with over 46 years’ experience within the construction industry.

The company carry out a diverse range of Civil Engineering projects from Roads and Bridges to Public Utility Water & Sewage Treatment Works; Marine and River Works; Major Earthmoving; Environmental Improvements; Playing Fields and Design & Construct Civil Works. Divisions also exist in Residential & Commercial Property Development and Specialist Works, Aggregate Stone and Concrete Supply and Autoplant.

The company is firmly committed to Managing Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare throughout all their business operations.

Infrastructure: Utilities

Clay Lake WTW (Lagan Water)

L

agan Construction Group, & Laganwater were contracted to provide a Water Treatment Works (WTW) for Northern Ireland Water at Clay Lake , Keady, Co.Armagh. Consideration of the needs of the end user. The New works for Clay Lake WTW included the Design, Build and Commissioning of a 6 ML/d (Mega Litres /day) Water Treatment Plant but providing a minimum of 4 ML/d during construction, without interruption to supply and maintain the quality to the consumer.

We initially were to provide a new flow filter unit and combined with an existing unit from another works but during post tender discussions we offered a DAF(Dissolved Air Floatation)/ RGF (Rapid gravity Filters) alternative which reused two of the clients existing GAC units and gave them a technically superior solution for a small increase in cost. This gave NIW continuity of flow during the clarifying process (i.e. removing the solids from the raw water) and the ability to backwash (clean) the RGFs while maintaining throughout to supply. Client engagement and satisfaction was excellent as an integrated team we maintained a superior water quality through-out the construction period and the client is delighted with the new plant, its performance and the quality of water it provides for South Armagh. Contribution to buildability and evidence of a high standard of finish.

CEF/Specify awards Infrastructure: Utilities

River Strule Abstraction Project (Farrans)

I

n the spring of 2010 Northern Ireland experienced a prolonged dry period. The rate of supply from Derg WTW, for which raw water is abstracted from the Derg River, was increased to maintain supplies. This necessitated the rate of abstraction to exceed the abstraction licence. Due to continued low rainfall by June 2010 the river levels had dropped to such an extent that NIEA required NI Water to reduce the rate of abstraction.

Fortunately within days of this decision a very wet period began and the area experienced unseasonal rainfall.

NI water identified, as part of the Water Resource Strategy (WRS), a requirement to abstract raw water from the River Strule in order to augment the supply to Derg Water treatment works.

This was to provide increased resilience in the event of future low river flows and to provide additional water supply to meet the projected demand in the Derg/Bradan/Macrory Water Resource Zone.

In order to preserve the current supply demand abstraction of 15Ml/d from River Derg alone was likely to result in the abstraction licence being breached on an average of 55 days per year. Furthermore at the predicted future demand requiring an abstraction rate of 26.6 Ml/d the licence would be breached on an average of 107 days per year.

An integral part of this project involved obtaining the necessary Statutory Approvals required to abstract raw water and construct works in the river Strule, which is designated as both an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

Quality Performance: Environmental Sustainability

Quality Performance:

Environmental Sustainability Award The Finalists: • Graham Construction • Glasgiven Contracts

• McLaughlin & Harvey • Wilson Construction

Graham Construction

G

raham Construction believe we all play a part in reducing carbon emissions and place increasing importance on preserving and enhancing the environment impacted on by our projects. Whilst Grahams are committed to winning work and thriving as a business, they are mindful that the principles of responsible business remain at the heart of their strategy.

Minimise, reuse and recycle waste: Waste Segregation is enforced on all sites and Graham branded skips are used to identify types of waste Grahams diverted 94% of waste from landfill during 2013, an increase of 17% from 2009 Protect and enhance the surrounding environment and its biodiversity: During the Lagan College project, Graham pledged labour and materials on a voluntary basis to the National Trust Site staff on the Adelaide Train Maintenance Facility project organised for the on-site fabrication and donation of items for use in the eco garden of the nearby St Fanes Primary School.

Use recycled building products and renewable energy where possible: On the A2 project in Carrickfergus Grahams used ‘envirokerb’ which is manufactured using recycled materials that would otherwise have been destined for landfill.

On the Queen Elizabeth Bridge project, a recycled sheet membrane was used to protect concrete repair works.

Grahams head office in Hillsborough achieved a BREEAM excellent rating and is heated by a biomass wood pellet boiler and electricity is supplied via a green tariff.

Minimise energy use during construction and occupancy An energy and carbon plan is drawn up for each project in order to set targets and agree a strategy for energy and carbon reduction Grahams hosted a ‘Tackling Transport’ seminar to improve transport performance and associated costs The head office was designed and built with energy efficiency in mind Mitigate Climate Change Graham Construction use greener fleet software with GPS tracking to all fleet vehicles A Green Travel Plan applies at each site A ‘cycle to work scheme’ is operated within Graham

CEF/Specify awards Quality Performance: Environmental Sustainability

Quality Performance: Environmental Sustainability

Glasgiven Contracts

McLaughlin & Harvey

lasgiven Contracts were involved in Glen Community Centre, Belfast and Antrim Integrated Bus and Rail Station. The two projects received BREEAM excellent and BREEAM Very Good reports. The company is accredited with OHSAS 18001:2007 Environmental Management system with yearly audit. Site procedures complied with best environmental practices. The following renewable energy/sustainable measures used in Glen Community: Renewable energy construction includes use of Solar Panels Installation of Mechanical heat recovery systems.

Rainwater Harvesting System.

SAP Rating compliance to include exceptionally stringent air-tightness standard achieved by means of increased insulation thickness and triple glazing with extremely low ‘U’-Value.

Code 4/5 sustainable build social housing BREEAM Excellent Rating Construction The following renewable energy/sustainable measures used in Antrim: • Cedam green roof to increase biodiversity • Solar panels • Photovoltaic cells • Natural ventilation • Grey water harvesting • Geothermal heating • Maximum natural light • High efficiency gas boiler • Building management system • Auto switches & movement sensors for artificial lighting • GluLam timber structures and street furniture

cLaughlin & Harvey has integrated sustainability into all aspects of its business. They strive to push the boundaries of sustainable construction and to share best practice across the industry. The company pays particular attention to:

G

Quality Performance: Environmental Sustainability

Wilson Construction

I

n 2011 the Directors of Wilson Construction made the decision to directly manage the company’s impact on the environment.

The company invested in environmental and waste management training at the University of Ulster which lead to the creation of an integrated management system based around health & safety, quality and environmental management. In January 2013 the system was certified to OHSAS 18001, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards. Examples of what has been achieved include: The company only appoints waste management contractors that have an environmental management system certified via a government recognised scheme such NVIR-O-CERT or ISO 14001. Reports are also now requested on how waste has been recycled so that the company can monitor its performance. There are targets to continually improve recycling and reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.

Eco-Maps are created for sites and Head Office which highlight environmental issues such as, abnormal & emergency situations, energy use, external impacts, waste & recycling and waste water. For each area, measures are identified to not just preserve the environment but also initiatives to enhance it such as protecting natural wildlife areas and adding greenery to private developments when not necessary.

M

• WASTE REDUCTION • ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION • EMS • BIODIVERSITY • RENEWABLE ENERGY • CONSTRUCTION ENERGY • CLIMATE CHANGE • COMMUNITY • RESEARCH PROJECTS (covering all criteria areas) The Company provides research opportunities in sustainability for Queen’s University MSc students. This has enabled McL&H to develop industry leading sustainability programmes and develop the next generation of environmental professionals.

Quality Performance: Export

Quality Performance:

Exporting Award The Finalists:

• H&J Martin

• McLaughlin & Harvey • Rollformed Fabrications

McLaughlin & Harvey

I

n 2009 McLaughlin and Harvey implemented an export strategy to expand their catchment beyond Northern Ireland.

The successful completion of Belfast Victoria Terminal 4 provided a springboard, given the scope and scale of this project.

Victoria Terminal 4 created links and raised their profile in the ports industry allowing for expansion into Great Britain.

Completion of the Loch Ryan Port development opened up more opportunities of similar port developments allowing McLaughlin and Harvey to expand further into this competitive market, with additional projects in Scotland initially and with new clients. 2010 through to 2012 saw exports focused in Scotland, however the breakthrough came in 2013 when a successful Business Development Campaign paved the way for project wins in England and Wales.

The Export success of the company in the Ports sector, has led to the growth of the Civil Engineering Department throughout a difficult downturn in the construction industry and UK economy.

CEF/Specify awards Quality Performance: Export

Quality Performance: Export

Rollformed Fabrications

H&J Martin

stablished in 1982, Roll Formed Fabrications specialise in all aspects of structural steelwork and metalwork. As the company expanded it has diversified to include cladding, precast concrete products, custodial products and brick panels.

Based on a 60,000 square foot purpose built facility Roll Formed design and fabricate all components in-house and this enables the company to maintain full control of projects of various sizes from inception through to completion.

Historically, they have been highly involved in security accommodation and government buildings. As the market has changed they have had to capitalize on their strengths to continue to grow the business and as a direct result of their marketing strategy Roll Formed secured their first contract for the structural fabrication and installation of the new Altrincham Interchange, Manchester for Laing O`Rourke. This 350T project of fabricated steel comprised of a new pedestrian bridge, associated platform stairs, lift shafts and a Bus Concourse.

Financially Roll Formed have benefited from a 20% increase in turnover and UK exports have increased by 87% on the previous year.

uring their 175 years in business, H&J Martin have completed many projects in the UK but never in pursuit of a defined export strategy. In 2010, with pressure on the home market, H&J Martin devised a strategy which would use the opportunities presented by the 2012 Olympics as a foundation stone for developing a permanent presence in London. They developed a business strategy for success which included the establishment of a London office, extensive B2B and networking, securing projects at the Olympics and developed a revenue stream within the M25.

The first phase of the plan was a success, securing three Olympic projects with a total revenue value of £13m and a good level of profitability.

Since then, there has been the £1.2million Eton Manor Transformation project for the London Legacy Development Corporation which prepared the Olympic hockey venue for its new life as the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre. Following on was the fit-out of apartments at Tower of London, Conservation of a Grade 2 listed former convent school in Bromley and projects for Premier Inn and M&S. Further afield, projects have also been completed in both Kazakhstan and Romania and H&J Martin are currently expanding into Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf.

E

D

Quality Performance: Health & Safety

Quality Performance:

Health & Safety Award The Finalists: • Graham Construction • H&J Martin

• Deane Public Works • Portview Fit-Out

Graham Construction

G

raham Construction’s company safety management system is registered against a number of external bodies including:

• Safe T-Cert • OHSAS 18001 Certification • Construction Line • Achilles Verify • Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme • Safe Contractor Grahams are long standing members of the Royal Society of Prevention of Accidents, the British Safety Council, the Northern Ireland Safety Group and have won excellence awards in Health & Safety from RoSPA, NISG and NISO. Instilling a strong health and safety ethos within the company is spearheaded by the Construction Managing Director who is responsible for safety and the commitment to making health and safety a core value of the business. In 2013, Grahams provided

6757 hours of training to site staff from operatives to site managers. The Accident Frequency Rate (AFR) for 2014 was one in a million!

Graham Construction has a Behavioural Based Safety (BBS) system which is implemented alongside the company Safe System of Work and Procedures. They also integrate H&S policies into the management of the business via an IQMS (Integrated Quality Management System) which embeds safety management systems into all elements of business management.

Graham Construction adopts a proactive approach to managing the medical welfare of their employees, an example of which is the provision of free BUPA medicals to employees over the age of forty. Every year, Graham supports the European Week for Safety and Mens Health. They have also undertaken, on site, the promotion of cancer awareness with the support of Prostate Cancer UK, Bowel Cancer UK and Action Cancer.

CEF/Specify awards Quality Performance: Health & Safety

H&J Martin

I

n the last 4 years, H&J Martin’s FM Division has deployed a strategy to promote behavioural safety. Key elements included visible leadership engaging more with employees on Health and Safety goal setting and action planning, embracing behavioural safety, raising levels of H&S competancy and providing focussed training.

The new culture of observing and reporting unsafe behaviour has its people at its foundation. Staff engagement on H&S issues ensures proactive real time HSQE management. Staff worked with the HSQE team to develop automated HSQE alert mechanisms, hazard notifications and Point of Work Risk Assessments which are accessible via smartphones and tablet PCs. Directors have undergone ‘Leading H&S at Work’ training and carry out safety tours engaging with employees carrying out their work. As a direct result of this program a safety culture has developed, accident statistics have reduced significantly. Moral has never been higher and productivity has increased.

Quality Performance: Health & Safety

Portview Fit-Out Limited

J

Safety first at Portview eff Graham, Director at Lockton Insurance in Belfast has had a 15 year working relationship with Portview Fit-out. He says when it comes to managing risk Portview is at the top of its game.

The demand for Portview Fit-Out’s specialised skills on projects all over the world presents a certain set of issues to Insurers when it come to risk management.

Jeff explained “When we first started working with Portview we called in an external safety consultant to help us assess the risks associated with their particular line of work. Over time though, the process has evolved so that now safety and risk management are top priorities.”

He added that Portview’s professional approach puts it in the premier league of NI businesses where the emphasis is on working to the highest possible standard while ensuring a safe environment.

Training and a string of industry accreditations on safety are all part of the package at Portview Fit-Out and the team is well versed on good practice.

Quality Performance: Health & Safety

Deane Public Works

D

eane Public Works is a leading construction company, founded in 1967 by George and Liz Deane, with a reputation for excellence in Civil Engineering with over 46 years’ experience within the construction industry.

The company carry out a diverse range of Civil Engineering projects from Roads and Bridges to Public Utility Water & Sewage Treatment Works; Marine and River Works; Major Earthmoving; Environmental Improvements; Playing Fields and Design & Construct Civil Works. Divisions also exist in Residential & Commercial Property Development and Specialist Works, Aggregate Stone and Concrete Supply and Autoplant.

The company is firmly committed to Managing Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare throughout all their business operations.

Quality Performance: Training

Quality Performance:

Training Award The Finalists: • Lagan Construction • Graham Construction

• H&J Martin • Portview Fit-Out

Lagan Construction

T

he Lagan Construction Group is a major force in international construction and infrastructure schemes offering clients a single strong base of pooled talent and expertise in the domestic and overseas civil engineering and building markets.

Their specialist teams have proven expertise and experience in delivering projects across a range of sectors including roads, airports, water, energy, marine and building. They also provide specialist piling and foundation solutions for all civil engineering and building requirements.

Lagan Construction also provide infrastructure investment advice and support, whole life cost solutions including operation and maintenance of projects.

Lagan Construction are proud of their culture and values which are at the heart of the company and set the standard for how they behave.

They believe their values are at the heart of the company’s success …

Trust; Respect; Caring; Fun; Safety; Open and honest. As a people oriented business, Lagan Construction pride themselves on the strength of their teams and their ability to create and deliver innovative and high quality construction solutions for every client.

CEF/Specify awards Quality Performance: Training

Graham Construction

G

raham Construction has been involved in the Investors In People (IIP) for the past 15 years and the Gold Award in 2014 is a clear, independent endorsement of the forward looking people practices of the company. In 2013 the Graham Group had a training spend of £500,000 and averaged 3 days training per employee.

Since 2011, with the support of Grahams, 42 employees have achieved professional qualifications, 30% of managers have completed a formal, nationally recognised management qualification and 60% of employees have achieved a QCF (Qualification and Credit Framework) Level 2 or above.

In-house mentors for the Institute of Civil Engineers, Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors and Chartered Institute of Building guide employees on their journey to chartership. A three year Graham Programme builds on the graduate’s existing knowledge and keeps them up to date with advancements in their areas of expertise.

Apprenticeships range from Bricklaying/Carpentry and Joinery to Business Administration. The development of each apprentice is monitored by the Training Coordinator and the Apprentice Coordinator. They work together to visit the apprentice on site and in college to ensure a theoretical/practical balance. This builds a strong support network with the apprentice and ensures that all parties are aware of the progress of each apprentice.

Graham Construction is currently developing an organisational values and competency framework. This framework will provide both managers and individuals with the opportunity to discuss and identify areas of strength and development to create specific and actionable development plans. Individuals will be able to understand the minimum competence levels required for their role and discuss their development accordingly. Organisationally, it will also inform our talent development strategy to ensure bench strength with the Graham Construction plans.

Quality Performance: Training

H&J Martin

T

he H&J Martin Management and Leadership Development Programme was launched as a solution to improve the company’s ability to strategically plan for the future. The company recognised that they have many strong technical managers and supervisors within the business, however as they grow it is important that their front line management team also have the leadership, change management and organisational skills to lead and manage the growth effectively and to inspire and motivate our people towards successful outcomes.

The company recognised the benefits of providing a long term programme in which participants would have time to digest the techniques they were learning and the opportunity to utilise these in a real life work environment. As such, they partnered with an external training provider, Mast, to deliver a programme over a 9 month timeline.

A review of training needs identified from appraisals led to 12 pivotal employees becoming the first participants of the programme which commenced in April 2013. These 12 participants were mainly from the company’s Facilities Management (FM) Division, an arena in which the behaviours and conduct of our staff are of vital importance to our success. The participants were managers across various functions within the FM Division and wider company including Finance, HSQE, Reactive Maintenance, Projects, Minor Works, Commercial, Quantity Surveying and Operations.

Quality Performance: Training

Portview Fit-Out Limited

P

ortview Fit-Out Managing Director Simon Campbell achieved Chartered Director status earlier this year as part of his management philosophy of providing the best possible leadership for the successful company.

Simon was awarded the coveted professional qualification on July, having followed a one year programme involving a certificate and diploma in company direction and in interview.

He said, “Since taking over as Managing Director I believe it is important for me to be totally au fait with best practice as outlined by the Institute of Directors. As a Chartered Accountant, I am already fully aware of the requirements of financial management, but that is only one aspect of my work as Managing Director. Having the broad skill set to lead the management team is an important step in demonstrating our credibility as a well managed business.”

CEF/Specify awards Housing: Brownfield

Housing:

Brownfield Housing Award The Finalists:

• Wilson Construction

• Beshouse Residential • JFM Construction

Beshouse Residential Properties (Old Church Square)

O

ld Church Square is an exciting new residential development comprising 35 homes situated to the west of Grahamsbridge Road at the southern edge of Dundonald village approximately 5 miles east of Belfast City Centre. Dundonald is a 12th century settlement and civil parish with a rich ecclesiastical heritage.

The development site comprised three large detached houses.

Unsurprisingly given the rich heritage of the parish one of these dwellings (No 16) was the former Manse of Ballybeen Presbyterian Church. The three houses were set in an unspoilt landscape of trees and hedgerows and followed the strong building line found on the western side of Grahamsbridge Road.

The guiding principles behind the creation of Old Church Square were twofold. Firstly, Beshouse Residential Properties wished to develop a scheme with a unique and distinctive character which pays tribute to the rich ecclesiastical heritage of this Norman village. Secondly, Beshouse Residential Properties wanted the scheme to reflect the characteristic built form of the area whilst ensuring that trees and vegetation were protected and retained wherever possible to allow the development to blend seamlessly into its immediate environs.

The careful positioning of three large detached units along the sites

frontage, but set well back from the road, ensures the characteristic building line and built form found along this part of Grahamsbridge Road is continued. These units have been carefully designed so that they replicate the character of old traditional manses or rectories.

Beside these buildings but built further back into the site is the church hall building. This building forms the focal point of the scheme. The use of stone together with its unique building and window proportions confirm its identity as a church hall. Its identity as a “public building” is further reinforced by its careful positioning above the access road with plenty of open space surrounding it.

Further into the site sits “The Cloisters”. This large building forms the focal point of the vista to the rear of the site. It is a building which, through careful design and use of materials, is clearly associated with the main church hall.

Similar to most public buildings the ecclesiastical components of this scheme have been designed to dominate the streetscape. This was achieved not only through the careful design of the buildings themselves but also by reducing the dominance of the roadway and car parking areas through road narrowing techniques and the removal of car parking from view through the provision of communal parking courts to the rear of properties.

A comprehensive landscaping scheme together with formal seating and public pathways all help to create a sense of place which reinforces the ecclesiastical heritage of this site and which helps to integrate the development into the local area.

The result is more than a development - it is a unique and distinctive place to live which pays tribute to the heritage of the village whilst blending effortlessly into the local area, creating a higher standard of character.

CEF/Specify awards Housing: Brownfield

Pentagon House (JFM Construction)

T

his project involved the complete redevelopment of an old derelict building into a Private Housing Development totalling six Apartments.

The project consisted of the complete refurbishment of the existing building along with a new build extension to the rear. The works commenced on January 2013 and were completed in April’14. The development is situated on a busy side road on the edge of Ballymena town centre, near a junction known as the Pentagon, hence this is where the building name “Pentagon House” is taken from. The existing building had been built over 100 years but had remained derelict for the last 20 years. There was an adjoining building which was fully operational at the time of works.

A local architectural company was commissioned to design a scheme to successfully incorporate the characteristics of the site and the surrounding area with quality and sustainable practices that consist of the following key points; • Design for lean construction & minimise waste • Commitment to Quality & Sustainability in Design • Maximise reduction of energy use in construction & of future resident • Respect people & local environment JFM concluded that it was the best approach to keep the existing building structure, but to completely renovate it as well as constructing a complete newbuild extension to the rear of the existing building.

The newbuild units to the rear were constructed using traditional concrete block cavity wall construction with painted wet dash render on the external skin, precast concrete flooring, natural roof slates with dry ventilated ridge & dry verge cap system, black finish UPVC fascia, soffit, external windows and doors (all chosen specifically to assist homeowner in low maintenance).

Housing: Brownfield

Donard Court (Wilson Construction)

D

onard Court is a three storey development of 24 residential properties including eight apartments, four modern townhouses, 12 duplex style townhouses, and one retail unit.

Located on the Crumlin Road, a main arterial route, just a few minutes from Belfast City Centre, the development was constructed on a Brownfield site.

Quality was achieved by close co-ordination between the site team and the Head Office personnel. Procedures were used which now form part of the company’s formal ISO 9001 quality management system.

The on-site construction team embraced the company’s corporate social responsibility strategy and undertook activities to raise funds for a charity during the build.

Steps were undertaken to reduce the environmental impact of the project.

Each dwelling was designed to maximize living space. The townhouses were purposely designed in duplex style over two floors with one apartment spanning over two duplex townhouses.

The complex was designed using traditional brick and block cavity with precast concrete floor slabs at second floor level. The second floor was value engineered using a timber frame which minimized dust, noise, vibration and nuisance.

Thursday 2nd October 2014 at...

The Culloden Hotel

!!!

E T A D E H T E V A S

CEF/Specify awards Housing: Greenfield

Housing:

Greenfield Housing Award The Finalists: • Kelly Brothers • JFM Construction

Moorfield Court Phase 4 (Kelly Brothers)

W

hen the first three phases of Moorfield Court were purchased at a phenomenal rate, at a time when house buying was getting all the wrong headlines, people were quick to realise something extraordinary was happening. At a time when fuel prices were at an all time high, Kelly Brothers realised interest in conserving energy and saving money on houshold bills was at the top of every housholder’s agenda.

So when Phase 4 was released, expectations were high at Kelly Brothers, that the demand for these houses would continue and that their courageous decision to build high quality, low energy homes at affordable prices, on their site on Moor Road in Kilkeel, was the right one. They were not to be disappointed, and at a time of going to press, only two houses remain in the final phase of this very successful development.

This carefully landscaped development is a mix of different house-types, intermingled and designed to blend in with the immediate environment.

Boasting modernism and classic features, each home in Moorfield Court is completed to a reassuringly high specification. The casual formality that graces every detail of this popular development, plus a commitment to the use of sustainable construction materials and energy efficient construction processes, has resulted in low energy homes delivered in an eco-friendly manner.

CEF/Specify awards Housing: Greenfield

Carndale Meadows (JFM Construction)

T

his project involved the development of a greenfield site into a Private Housing Development totalling 54 units, of which 18 are semidetached, 30 Townhouses and 6 Apartments.

Local architects with substantial knowledge of local design and materials were employed to design a scheme to successfully incorporate quality and sustainable practices.

The units are constructed using traditional cavity wall construction with facing brick in external skin, timber joist upper floors with glued “Egger protect” hard flooring grade particleboard with a unique, weather resistant surface layer applied to both the top and underside of the board (moisture protected – to prevent creaking), timber roof trusses, concrete roof tiles with dry ventilated ridge & dry verge cap system, oak finish UPVC fascia, soffit, external windows and doors (all chosen specifically to assist homeowner in low maintenance).

The units also have natural gas central heating through condensing combigas boiler. Completed finish is to a high Turnkey specification which includes oak veneered internal doors, laminated wood and ceramic tiling to floors, fully fitted kitchen and bathroom units, electrical appliances & security alarm, all to provide homeowner with ease of handover and added security. The units are registered with the NHBC and built under their Quality Standards and guidance.

JFM Construction’s commitment to sustainability and the environment includes using certified timber only from renewable resources that is sourced from sustainable forests. We employ the services of a Skip and Recycling Company to collect, recycle and dispose of waste material generated on site with only minimal waste going to landfill.

Housing: Social

Housing: Social

Housing:

Social Housing Award The Finalists: • T&A Kernoghan • McGurran Properties

• TAL Construction • QMAC Construction

Parkside, Limestone Road (T&A Kernoghan)

T

he project consists of the construction of 36 new build dwellings and the refurbishment of an existing dwelling on a brownfield site.

The dwellings are being constructed and refurbished to Lifetime Eco Homes, secured by Design and Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3 standards.

The site is located in a densely populated residential area with Currie Primary School in close proximity along with two other large construction sites. With a high volume of pedestrians and children passing by the site extensive pre-planning was required before commencement of work in terms of controlled access and egress procedures, traffic management and health and safety.

The site is viewed a high risk with respect to opportunist theft and a ‘flash point’ for sectarian disturbances. To ensure smooth delivery of the scheme, the company has liaised closely with local community groups as well as erecting high secure fencing to ensure complete segregation, CCTV cameras with remote monitoring and perimeter alarms with motion sensors.

Loughview Terrace (McGurran Properties)

T

his Social Housing Scheme in North Belfast consists of four apartments and five houses. The project has been designed and built to Code for Sustainable Homes Level4, Lifetime Homes and Secured by Design.

This much needed housing project has re-generated a very prominent corner site which had become an overgrown dumping ground and an area for anti-social activities. The built form acts as a strong key building for the immediate busy junction and the wider local area, creating a sense of place in the community.

The site was extremely difficult to develop. A two meter diameter main truck sewer runs down the middle of the site which required a 6 meter way-leave on both sides. Also, fibre optic service cables ran along the front of the site which dramatically limited the space for building and this led to the design of very narrow house types. We designed a series of cantilevered projecting gables to achieve the additional floor space required by the Housing Association. These cantilevers are finished in white render to contrast with the Belfast red brick to visually break up the overall built form and create an architectural feature to the terrace.

The scheme has been certified by the British Research establishment as Code for Sustainable Home Level 4, producing exemplary low energy homes. On-going feedback from the tenants has told us that the 5 person, 3 bedroom houses have an average gas bill of less than £20 per month.

CEF/Specify awards Housing: Social

North Howard Street Apartments (TAL)

N

orth Howard Street is a fully completed social housing development for Helm Housing. It comprises 46 Lifetime Homes and CFSH compliant apartments on a brownfield site on the periphery of the peace line.

Ancillary accommodation included an entrance foyer, office, two lifts, switch room, plant room, bin store, general storage space. TAL constructed a basement car park with spaces for 56 cars.

The scheme, which provides general needs accommodation for both families and single persons, has been hailed a feat in sustainable development, Health & Safety (marked by zero incidents), quality and style – helping meet a marked local demand for better & further homes.

Notably TAL came to this scheme (which had originally comprised design, erection & comissioning) when the original Contractor on this scheme went into administration & so another contractor was to be engaged to complete the development. Upon commencement of our works, the frame was approx. 50% complete - their task was a difficult one as TAL were faced with the challenge of turning a failing scheme into a success and with unravelling a number of major defects to facilitate outturn build quality.

The development was constructed with a view to: •Minimising tenant running costs (through integration of low-energy, sustainable technologies and smart eco-design, avoiding issues like thermal bridging and maximising solar exposure and shading – concepts synonymous with ‘passive house’); •Ease of use; •Enhanced Living – the development includes communal & reflection areas, shared outdoor space, parking facilities and security in a volatile geographic setting.

Housing: Social

Groomsport Apartments (QMAC Construction)

Q

MAC completed a new build, 2 storey apartment block comprising six 2 bedroom/3 person dwellings with communal areas, on behalf of Helm Housing.

Consideration for the needs of the end user was achieved through early and continuous engagement with the client and design team.

This scheme presented as complex in terms of working on a small restricted site situated on an exposed coastal location.

As this was an exposed coastal site QMAC fully engaged with the client to provide additional weather proofing with enhanced structural fixings and bracings to protect from the inclement weather conditions. To ensure high standards of build quality, high specification acrylic based render was employed in addition to using marine grade finished products for exposed elements of the building, such as fascias and guttering.

The scheme contained a number of technologies in support of environmental sustainability including PV panels, high efficiency boilers and heat recovery ventilation with night time cooling, incorporated energy efficient lighting and a Site Waste Management Plan. Local contractors were employed as part of our Supply Chain.

QMAC managed the public impact on this restricted site, surrounded on three sides by neighbouring residential dwellings, by providing a detailed traffic and pedestrian management plan incorporating security fencing, hoarding and warning signage. As a Considerate Constructor’s Site, QMAC met with the neighbouring residents providing full details of the forthcoming project, programme and mitigation measures. QMAC provided a new entrance, site alignment and pedestrian footpath.

50| HSS

HSS Hire Group Launches New Powered Access Division

F

ollowing on from the strategic acquisition of ABird, a full-service, nationwide generator hire company, HSS Hire Group has recently launched a new Powered Access Division.

L-R, Andrew Somerville - Key Account Manager, Keith O’Rourke - Regional Manager, Craig Ince Regional Operations Manager, Mick Coffey - Access Fitter (in background).

The launch of the HSS Powered Access division, which will allow the company to provide customers with equipment to work safely at any height, coincides with the opening of a new Powered Access depot in Greenogue, Dublin.

HSS now boast a nationwide network of over 20 branches throughout Ireland, Northern Ireland and Isle of Man - and this number continues to grow each year.

Commenting on the latest developments, Michael Killeen, Managing Director of HSS Hire Group in Ireland and Scotland says: “We are delighted to announce that have recently launched HSS Powered Access. At HSS we are always trying to improve and add to our range of equipment and services we can provide for our clients.”

The new Powered Access Division equipment includes Boom lifts, scissor lifts and alloy towers for high level activity and podium steps and trestles for lower level activity HSS has a huge stock of easy to erect and compliant, access products to suit all customer requirements.

HSS Hire, of course, provides an extensive range of tools and equipment across many product categories and also provides a range of specialist kit including Lift and Shift, Powered Access, Safety, and Survey & Welding, all supported by an expert team of client advisors. www.hss.com

Work in Progress

British Standards Bonar Industrial Coatings, 71-73 Millbay Road, Islandmagee, BT40 3RJ email: info@bonarindustrialcoatings.com Tel: 07791 250 776 • 07719 440 134

THE VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY IN NORTHERN IRELAND

News in Brief...

QUALIFY YOUR WORKFORCE FOR FREE Following on from the success of the initial Qualifying the Existing Workforce project a further 1,000 places are available to upskill existing workers at no cost.

The project, a joint initiative by the Department of Employment & Learning (DEL), CITBConstructionSkills NI and the Joint Council for the Building & Civil Engineering Industry provides free NVQ Level 2 qualifications in forty five construction occupations.

This initiative enables experienced construction workers to gain qualifications to prove their competence in their chosen skill area benefitting both the individual and their employer.

More information on the programme including the occupations available can be found on the CITBConstructionSkills NI website www.citbcsni.org.uk

REDUCING ‘RED TAPE’ The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) works actively to reduce Government bureaucracy that unnecessarily holds back business. As part of this work we have prepared the CEF Reducing ‘Red Tape’ Survey, seeking members’ views on how the regulators that companies deal with are performing. This survey was issued by email to the managing director of all CEF member companies in August 2014. The results of this survey will help shape CEF’s contribution to the ongoing review of business ‘Red tape’ that is being led in Northern Ireland by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment. It is an opportunity for the construction sector to put on record its concerns and frustrations with the current regulatory regime and to identify where improvements in service are most urgently required. If CEF members would like to contribute to the review please contact Ciaran Fox on 028 9087 7143.

ROADS MAINTENANCE HALT PUTS SAFETY AND JOBS AT RISK

T

he Construction Employers Federation (CEF) has warned that a cessation of all roads maintenance contracts in Northern Ireland may put safety and jobs at risk.

John Armstrong, CEF Managing Director said: “Roads contractors have been informed, that with immediate effect, no further work orders for routine maintenance on roads will be issued.”

“CEF is concerned that, with some parts of Northern Ireland’s road network already in such poor condition, this cessation of road maintenance works could pose a road safety issue.”

“We have asked the Minister for Regional Development to identify any roads that fall below the UK road safety standards and to put in place measures to ensure the safety of the public is upheld.”

“Measures to mitigate the safety risk may include weight limits, temporary speed limits or in extreme circumstances, road closures.”

“Construction companies contracted to undertake routine maintenance on our roads are today having to reassess their staffing levels and temporary layoffs are under consideration.”

“Since the start of the recession construction output in Northern Ireland has gone from almost £3.5bn down to £2bn per annum resulting in massive job losses and economic damage. Government should be working with the industry to stimulate construction activity rather than reducing it.”

DERRY SOCIAL HOUSING – LAND, DESIGN AND BUILD COMPETITION LAUNCHED

F

old Housing Association has informed the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) of its intention to take forward a Land, Design and Build competition for the delivery of up to 70 social housing units in Derry/ Londonderry. Tender documents were due to be available from the end of August 2014.

The competition will seek to establish a framework agreement where one or more developers will provide the land, design the housing and build it to meet the client’s requirements. The housing can be delivered on a single site or on multiple sites.

A track record of delivering social housing is not a prerequisite to bidding for this opportunity.

For further details of the Land, Design and Build competition visit the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Association’s website www.nifha.org

INCREASE IN FEES FOR DISCHARGE CONSENTS

T

he Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has recently informed the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) that as from 16 June 2014 the fees for discharge consents were increased. To view the new Fees for Discharge Consents visit the DOE website www.doeni.gov.uk

update on work opportunities in education sector

C

EF has obtained an update from the Department of Education (DENI) on the major capital schemes announced in 2012 and one in 2013 that will be coming to the market soon.

DENI has also provided an update on those projects in the Schools Enhancement Programme (SEP) that are approved. The SEP is for individual minor capital works ranging in value from £0.5m to £4m. To view the SEP schemes and Major Capital Works visit www.cefni.co.uk

SAFETY INSPECTORS PLAN UNANNOUNCED BUILDING SITE CHECKS

F

rom the start of September inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) will begin a twoweek programme of unannounced site visits to tackle a number of risks facing local construction workers.

During these site visits, HSENI inspectors will seek improvements where work activities fall short of expected standards. However, if workers are at risk, they will not hesitate to take enforcement action to stop work activities immediately.

The visits will focus on the high-risk activity of working at height, the safe management of the risks from asbestos, the control of silica dust and lifting aids for heavy materials, such as kerbs.

In addition, HSENI inspectors will look at how sites are managed, whether risk assessments are being used properly, if sites are tidy and with good welfare facilities.

To ensure the risks from asbestos are properly managed, HSENI will also check, where appropriate, that asbestos surveys have been carried out prior to any refurbishment or demolition work.

Announcing the new series of inspections, Nancy Henry who heads up HSENI’s construction group said: “Construction is one of the more dangerous industries and a lax attitude to health and safety costs people’s lives.”

“Many accidents and risks to health are completely avoidable by putting in place very simple and sensible measures that are well known across the industry.”

“HSENI will continue to provide advice to the industry but, as we’ve demonstrated in previous years, HSENI will not hesitate to take action if we find poor practices that are putting the lives of workers at risk.”

John Armstrong, Managing Director of the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) said; “We believe that health and safety on construction sites is of paramount importance. To help members ensure they meet all health

and safety requirements we offer a wide range of services including Safe-TCert, training courses and the Site Safety Inspection Service. This new series of inspections should prompt all construction companies to double check their current practices on site. Companies seeking an independent review of health and safety performance on site may wish to avail of the CEF Safety Site Inspection Service.”

During the inspection programme, inspectors will be looking at whether: • appropriate precautions are in place on jobs which involve working at height.

• equipment is correctly installed / assembled, inspected and maintained.

• sites are well organised and tidy so as to avoid trips and falls.

• site supervisors have received appropriate training and there are suitable and sufficient risk assessments.

• welfare facilities, such as toilets and canteens, are clean with hot/cold (warm) running water, soap and towels.

• appropriate control measures are used for jobs generating silica dust, for example water suppression or on-tool extraction.

• all tight-fitting facemasks (RPE) have been face-fit tested within the previous 12 months.

• asbestos surveys are available (where appropriate) and; • mechanical lifting equipment is being used for kerb laying.

For advice on safe working in construction, please visit www.hseni.gov.uk or call the HSENI helpline on: 0800 0320 121.

The CEF Site Safety Inspection Service offers an independent inspection and report on health and safety performance on a construction site in Northern Ireland. The inspection is carried out by highly qualified and experienced experts in construction health and safety. CEF members receive a 50% discount on the cost of inspections. More information on Site Safety Inspection Service is available at the Safety Site Inspection Service section of the website www.cefni.co.uk

Construction ready for take-off?

CEF’S VIEW OF THE STATE OF THE INDUSTRY

I

n the summer of 2013 the mood of the construction industry in Northern Ireland changed. The understandable gloom of the previous five years appeared to have been cast off and replaced with a sense of hope that things were on the turn. That sense of optimism was not just wishful thinking for the many companies who have seen activity increase in the meantime.

However, for many others recovery remains firmly attached to the tarmac of the runway rather than in full flight. Indeed, it seems that the only things in full flight are those planes loaded with Northern Irish construction workers travelling to Great Britain week in, week out. Without the remarkable success of our local companies in winning work in GB the Northern Irish construction industry would still be in the doldrums.

On the ground in Northern Ireland construction activity has yet to show any real signs of improvement. Output in 2013/14 was 7 per cent down on the previous year and that is on the back of five straight years where the average annual

decline was 9 per cent. Private housing starts for 2013/14 were down 13% on 2012/13 and are at about one third of the number of starts in 2003/04.

On the other hand employee jobs in construction are up marginally and the CEF State of Trade Survey shows that companies are increasingly working between three quarters and full capacity. Notably only 40 per cent of the Top 20’s turnover is generated in Northern Ireland.

Despite the failure to achieve lift off in 2013/14 the construction industry remains positive about the future. Half of the companies responding to our State of Trade survey expect their workload to be higher over the next 12 months with only 12 per cent anticipating a decrease.

There are clear indications that the local housing market is recovering as transactions and prices increase. With supportive policies from the Northern Ireland Executive this should precipitate a return to sustainable levels of new house building. However the house building sector still faces some major obstacles

to recovery. A debt hangover lingers there, many home owners are locked in negative equity, interest rates may rise and banks remain reluctant to lend for development.

There is a sense that 2014/15 will witness an increase in commercial and industrial construction activity in Northern Ireland in line with a growing economy. Whilst Great Britain will continue to be the key export market, eyes are once again returning to the Republic of Ireland where growth is expected.

Locally, the public sector clients remain critical to the health of the industry. No major change in construction spend is anticipated but concerns remain over the speed at which projects are being brought to the market.

There are enough signs to suggest that by next summer the recovery in construction could be in full flight. In anticipation of that, the big challenge for the industry now is to ensure that we have sufficient people with the right skills entering or returning to this exciting industry in the coming years.

THE VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY IN NORTHERN IRELAND

News in Brief...

GUIDANCE ON PROJECT BANK ACCOUNTS PUBLISHED The Central Procurement Directorate (CPD) has published the Procurement Guidance Note to facilitate the implementation of the Project Bank Account pilot projects. Each construction Centre of Procurement Expertise (CoPE) has agreed to pilot one Project Bank Account in its sector. This policy will then be reviewed following six months operational experience of these pilot PBAs on site.

To view the Project Bank Account Procurement Guidance Note visit the Department of Finance and Personnel’s website www.dfpni.gov.uk. CEF has been campaigning for Project Bank Accounts to be trialled and assessed before a wider role out of this mechanism is considered.

The publication of this guidance is therefore welcome. CEF believes it is essential that the review of the pilot projects takes account of the views from the client, contractor and subcontractor perspective.

procurement strategy 2014-2017 Belfast City Council has published a consultation paper on its draft Corporate Procurement Strategy 20142017. The Council recognise that procurement is a function that can deliver efficiencies, value for money and support the local economy.

In view of the increased functions of councils under the review pf public administration, each new council will become increasingly important as clients with enhanced capital construction budgets. CEF recognises the importance of these clients and will be responding to this consultation.

For full details of the consultation click on Belfast City Council’s Draft Procurement Strategy 2014-2017 found on the CEF website www.cefni.co.uk.

IN-YEAR BUDGET: THE IMPACT ON CONSTRUCTION

D

uring the summer the Finance Minister, Simon Hamilton, provided an update on Northern Ireland’s public expenditure position following the completion of the June Monitoring Round. The announcement provided a provisional report on public spending in 2013/14 and details of amendments to the 2014/15 budgeted expenditure.

CEF’s review of the figures suggests that approximately £30m of capital funding budgeted as of January 2014 to be spent in 2013/14 was not delivered as follows: • £10m by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety • £14m by the Department of Justice • £6m of Financial Transactions Capital to be deployed as a loan to, or equity investment in, a private sector entity.

Regarding the current financial year, Departments brought forward £224m of reduced capital requirements.

The notable reduced requirements include: • £35m for Regional Stadia • £10m for Regional Children’s Hospital • £10m for NI Prison Service • £8m for A2 Shore Road widening • £5m for A31 Magherafelt Bypass • £119m for A8 • £4m for Maze/Long Kesh Development Corporation • £2m for Ebrington

Finance Minister, Simon Hamilton

Due to previous changes to the 2014/15 budget agreed last year there was £90m of capital funding available for reallocation as part of the June monitoring round. The notable capital funding allocations were: • £23m to the Department for Finance and Personnel for its Asset Management Strategy • £26m to the Department for Regional Development of which £12m will go toward roads structural maintenance • £23m to the Department of Social Development of which £10m will go to the Co-ownership scheme Regarding Financial Transactions Capital, the Finance Minister confirmed that the University of Ulster would receive a further £10m this year, on top of the £25m from last year, to support the development of the Belfast campus. This leaves approximately £30m of Financial Transactions Capital currently unallocated for 2014/15.

Since the announcement CEF has been engaging with the Department for Finance and Personnel to gain a more detailed understanding of the implications of this monitoring round for the sector. CEF members will be informed of the outcome of the more detailed analysis.

Developer contributions: the english experience

I

n response to the proposals for the introduction of developer contributions for affordable housing, CEF and its planning consultancy partner Turley, held a seminar at the beginning of August to examine the experience of the implementation of such a policy in England over the last twenty years.

Michael Gordon, Office Director at Turley Belfast gave an overview of the main proposals in the consultation papers.

John Acres, Planning Director from Turley Birmingham gave an overview of the experience of delivering affordable housing through developer contributions in England and Richard Laming, Director of Economics in Turley

Manchester discussed the mechanisms for testing the economic viability of proposed housing schemes that may require the provision of affordable housing.

The seminar was very informative and will help those who attended in preparing their own response to the consultation papers on developer contributions from DSD and DOE. The deadline for responses to both consultations has been extended to 23 September 2014.

CEF will post its draft response on the www.cefni.co.uk in early September 2014. Members will be encouraged to use it as a template for their own response. For further information contact Nigel Lucas 9087 7143 or nlucas@cefni.co.uk

Courses & seminars programme SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER 2014 Topic

Date(s)

Duration

Site Waste Management Plans

16 Sept

2 hrs

Invasive Species – Identification & Management

30 Sept

2 hrs

Spill Kit Training

8 Oct

2 hrs

Duty of Care Goes Online – Intro to EDOC

21 Oct

2 hrs

Extracting Maximum Value from your Waste

5 Nov

2 hrs

Get Ready for Changes to ISO14001

11 Nov

2 hrs

NIEA Contaminated Land

20 Nov

2 hrs

Environmental Sustainability

CONSULTATION ON NEW WATER & SEWERAGE LEGISLATION

O

ver the summer the Department for Regional Development (DRD) undertook a consultation exercise on proposed new legislation for the provision of services by Northern Ireland Water. This included an examination of the level of sewer bonds and inspection fees charged.

CEF has been lobbying NI Water on these issues for the past three years and partly as a result of our campaign the matter has finally come under close scrutiny through this consultation exercise. CEF encouraged members to respond to this consultation objecting to the amount charged by NI Water for sewer bonds and inspection fees.

CEF is submitting an extended response to the Department which will be published in due course. For further information contact Nigel Lucas on 028 9087 7143 or nlucas@cefni.co.uk

LONG TERM WATER STRATEGY FOR NORTHERN IRELAND

I

n early July the Department for Regional Development (DRD) launched a consultation on a draft Long Term Water Strategy for Northern Ireland (2014-2039). The draft strategy presents a clear framework for action which will facilitate the implementation of a range of initiatives aimed at delivering the long term vision to have a sustainable water sector in Northern Ireland.

To achieve this vision the draft strategy encourages a sustainable approach to managing all our different water needs in a way which promotes regional development and economic growth while protecting the environment and addressing flood risk.

Full details are available on the Department for Regional Development’s website www.drdni.gov.uk. To submit comments contact Nigel Lucas by email at nlucas@cefni.co.uk. The consultation closes on Friday 10 October 2014.

Winning Work Winning PQQs Masterclass

Nov (TBC)

Quality Submissions – Substance & Style

Nov (TBC)

In Contract NEC3 Compensation Events Masterclass

22 Oct

1 day

NEC3 Term Service Contract

23 Oct

1 day

Programme under the NEC3 Contract

13 Nov

1 day

New Public Procurement Directive

23 Sept

2 hrs

Competition Law

18 Nov

2 hrs

25 & 26 Nov

2 days

Essential Health & Safety for Managers Refresher

12 Sept

½ day

Essential Health & Safety for Senior Executives

19 Sept

½ day

Essential Health & Safety for Managers

9 & 16 Oct

2 days

Essential Health & Safety for Managers Refresher

17 Oct

½ day

Essential Health & Safety for Senior Executives

24 Oct

½ day

Employment Law

Health & Safety Health & Safety in Temporary Works

Health & Safety (CSR courses)

Essential Health & Safety for Senior Executives

14 Nov

½ day

Essential Health & Safety for Managers Refresher

21 Nov

½ day

Essential Health & Safety for Managers

2 & 9 Dec

2 days

Essential Health & Safety for Managers Refresher

10 Dec

½ day

Essential Health & Safety for Senior Executives

12 Dec

½ day

• Please visit our Events Calendar at www.cefni.co.uk for further information on forthcoming courses/seminars. We would be pleased to discuss any other management or professional training requirements you might have • For further information phone 028 9087 7141 or e-mail: cfts@cefni.co.uk

The Construction Employers Federation is responsible for supplying the editorial content of the CEF News section. The Federation does not purport to have any editorial input to the remainder of Specify magazine.

143 Malone Road, Belfast, BT9 6SU

•

Tel: 028 9087 7143

•

Fax: 028 9087 7155

•

www.cefni.co.uk

digest

58|

KCC Architectural new Residential Solutions brochure This new brochure highlights the wide range KCC offers to residential projects including: external door hardware, hinges, handles, knobs, closers, locks and cylinders. The brochure also illustrates the KCC range of window fittings, post boxes, bathroom fittings, silicone and adhesives and a wide range of other accessories to suit houses and apartment blocks.

With the opening of new showrooms and sales counters at its branches in Dublin, Cork and Belfast customers can view on display the complete range of products. Whether you are refurbishing your existing home or premises or building a new one; KCC have the solution.

Their team of technical and friendly staff are on hand to advise on what products best suit your needs.

They have also launched an Eshop where you can buy from the comfort of your home or office visit www.onlinedoorhardware.com.

Where applicable all products supplied by KCC conform to health and safety requirements and European standards.

If you would like to get a copy of the Brochure please contact one of our branches and we will post or email it to you.

Email: marketing@kccarchitectural.com Website: www.kccarchitectural.com Dublin: +353 (0)1 456 7421 – Cork: +353 (0)21 435 1200 Belfast: +44 (0)28 9046 9914 – Scotland: +44 (0)773 0764 730 Doha: +974 (4)436 2391

Help for the construction industry – from the industry BuildHealth is running a free half day trade event for the construction industry to raise awareness of key health issues in construction and to give practical advice on how to reduce health impacts on construction workers. It will be useful to buyers, construction site workers, managers as well as health and safety advisors. If you have a small building, construction or contracting company then this event is a must.

Event programme: Thursday 25th September 12.00 - 12.30 – Registration and light lunch 12.30 - 12.35 – Introduction to Buildhealth 12.35 - 12.50 – Industry innovations and best practice 12.50 - 13.05 – How construction work can affect your health 13.05 - 16.50 – Rolling programme of practical demonstrations to include the following topics: • • • •

Dust control at source – dust suppression/extraction on power tools.

RPE and face fitting of tight fitting RPE including disposable facemasks.

Control measures for hand arm vibration.

Control measures for noise.

There is no dress code and site clothes are fine but please wear safety footwear.

Most demonstrations are under cover.

Prize draw at the end of the event.

Venue: CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) 17 Dundrod Road, Crumlin, BT29 4SR

Book now – only 100 places available.

To book your place contact: Martina Kennedy Tel: 028 9054 7075 Email: martina.kennedy@hseni.gov.uk

Pent-up US demand primes commercial property market for busy second half The Northern Ireland commercial property market is in for a busy second half of the year as a result of pent-up demand from US investors combined with the completion of the sale of NAMA’s assets here.

That’s the conclusion of the latest report from agents CBRE, which said activity had been subdued in the first few months of the year as loans owned by the Republic’s bad bank were sold to US fund Cereberus.

The deal was completed on June 30th and a wave of demand looks set to be unleashed.

“There is clear evidence of a greater depth of buyers in the Northern Ireland market over

recent months, including many new US investors, many of whom are frustrated at the scarcity of prime investment opportunities coming available for sale in the region,” the report said.

That has helped contract yields “due to the weight of money chasing property”.

A number of deals have taken place in the last few months including the sale of Shane Retail Park in Belfast to US investor Marathon for £30m, at a yield of 7.36%, and the sale of Cityside Retail Park for £24m, at a yield of 7.87%, to the same investor. Marathon also purchased the Obel building in the city.

Under offer is Victoria House in Belfast to a UK fund for £8.7m at a yield of 8%, a property which

had originally been for sale at £7m.

Meanwhile, activity in the occupier, or rental, market is “somewhat disappointing,” according to CBRE. “It said only a handful of transactions took place in the first half of the year despite a number of large jobs announcements. Although there are a large number of active requirements it is taking some time for this demand to translate into lettings. To some extent, this can be attributed to a lack of supply of good quality office accommodation in prime locations.”

However, activity in the retail sector, at least in Belfast, has picked up pace in core locations such as Arthur Street.

product news |59 New Sanicubic XL

TECTUS® – State of the art power transfer

W: www.saniflo.co.uk T: 020 8842 0033

W: www.simonswerk.co.uk E: sales@simonswerk.co.uk

S

aniflo has unveiled its largest lifting station yet and incorporated pioneering technology for the swift and efficient discharge of large volumes of black waste water.

The Sanicubic XL has a large 120 litre tank capacity and can take waste water from multiple appliances at any one time in situations where traditional drainage doesn’t allow, is too difficult to access or too expensive to install.

Based on the proven Sanicubic range installed in domestic, commercial, retail and industrial premises throughout the UK, the XL is the first pump in the Saniflo range to use Vortex technology whereby the waste is broken down as it passes through the pump chamber rather than by cutter blades. The waste then passes through discharge pipework of either 80mm or 100mm width and can be pumped along a distance of 100m and up 10m.

T

ECTUS® Energy from SIMONSWERK is one of the latest additions to the TECTUS® range of fully concealed hinges, providing permanent power transfer without losing the creative aspect of the flush interior design. TECTUS® Energy is specially designed for specific applications and combines design and function with state of the art technology and is available in a large variety of sizes to accommodate different door panel weights Thanks to new connection developments, TECTUS® Energy has become even more userfriendly and efficient. From the normal round cable in different lengths and a universal adapter right through to three differing connection possibilities TECTUS® Energy provides the right solution for every individual case. All three plug connections, which include FUHR motor locks, are torsionproof and have a snap-fitting for locking into position and releasing.

DISPLAY SYSTEM PROVIDES CLEAR INFORMATION ABOUT MACHINE ‘LOCK-OUTS’

ThermaSkirt

W: www.tcardsdirect.com E: philip@tcardsdirect.com

W: www.discreteheat.co.uk E: martin@discreteheat.co.uk

M

anaging machinery and equipment which has been isolated for maintenance or for any other reason is essential, as is the need to communicate the status of the ‘lock-out’ and ‘shutdown’ to others in the workplace. A simple, low-cost and flexible solution The Lock Out T Card System, is now available from T Cards Direct the information systems specialists which represents a clear, visual way of communicating important information.

The single column board measures 676mm depth x 145mm wide, although bespoke boards are available. The standard board features 20 slots which contain the durable chemical and water-resistant Polypropylene T cards.

T

hermaSkirt from Discrete Heat has been chosen to provide cost efficient and effective heating for 32 brand new extra-care flats near Edinburgh. The development will benefit from ThermaSkirt’s LST heated skirting board with easy to use controls to create a safe and comfortable environment for the elderly requiring care and assistance.

ThermaSkirt conveniently replaces the skirting board and radiators in one neat package to free up wall space and allow easy cleaning while comfort and well being of the occupants is un-compromised. The rapid response time allows temperatures to be easily adjusted ensuring residents are kept in optimal conditions to reduce ailments while reducing energy wasted through unnecessary heating.

Marshalls Mono Beany Combined Kerb and Drainage

Lakes Bathrooms launches 10mm shower screens

W: www.marshalls.co.uk/commercial/water-management

W: www.lakesbathrooms.co.uk T: 01684 853872

M

ono Beany is Marshalls’ first one-piece concrete kerb and drainage system.

Easy to specify, quick to install and built to last, Mono Beany brings a range of benefits.

The one-piece design is ready for rapid installation, with the potential to lay 1m in a single motion. Made with ultra-tough M-Tech, the latest in concrete technology, if can handle strong flows of water and carry up to 40 tonnes (Class D400).

The inlet apertures are angled at 45° and wider on the inside to prevent blockages and maximise drainage efficiency. The new Polyethylene core creates less resistance than concrete at lower flows for improved hydraulic performance.

T: 0870 241 4725.

S

hower enclosure specialist Lakes Bathrooms has launched two new 10mm designs as part of its runaway hit, the Coastline Collection.

The most popular designs in its Walk-in range, the Cannes and Nice, are now available in original 8mm and heavier thickness 10mm glass.

As with the whole of the Coastline Collection, the look for the new 10mm designs is confident, sleek, minimalist and contemporary.

The profiles are silicon-free to support the clean lines and Lakes Bathrooms’ stay clean coating, AllClear®, is applied as standard to both sides of the glass.

Flexible in application, the two metre high screens are designed to fit equally well with low profile tray mounting or in a wet room environment. The new 10mm styles work in alcove, corner or straight wall-mounted situations.

60| concrete

Concrete Market set for long-term growth

A recent report from Concrete Research states that globally, there are few industries with greater long term growth prospects than factory made concrete...

T

he range of concrete and precast concrete products is vast, from small bricks and roof tiles to thousand tonne caissons produced in temporary waterside plants. Precast includes structural and nonstructural products, including concrete masonry – sometimes overlooked by researchers. It also includes aircrete products with a density as low as 115 kg/m3: Precast products and systems must deal with a huge range of environmental and physical influences above ground, on the surface and underground.

Guaranteed cover to reinforcement and factory-controlled water content gives precast solutions a significant advantage in product quality assurance and therefore risk reduction.

Globally there are few industries with greater long-term growth prospects than factory made concrete. Cement consumption is growing year by year as emerging economies invest in new water and sewerage infrastructure, transport and trading links, public and private buildings and new housing. The

established trend is for high market shares of site-mixed concrete to transfer to ready-mixed concrete as quality standards rise. Ready mix markets then change to precast concrete and masonry solutions in many markets where precision, speed, and control of water and cover to reinforcement are paramount.

Ultimately, as seen in the Netherlands, the proportion of cement used by ready mix and precast producers is the same, at about 45% each, with the remainder mixed on site.

The trend from West to East is

now well established, with China producing around 55% of world concrete in 2013, an astonishingly high proportion. Work in 2012 by the Cement Sustainability Initiative, part of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, projected a major continuing increase in the shift of demand for concrete from mature to emerging economies by midcentury. India is forecast to overtake China in its production of concrete by 2040, and further high growth is expected in the rest of Asia, South America and Africa.

Business as usual for Acheson & Glover as new acquisition is confirmed

A

&G (Acheson & Glover), the Tyrone based concrete products manufacturer, recently announced that its two trading companies have been acquired by a new company owned by their former Chief Executive, Raymond Acheson.

Mr Acheson, who has headed up the business for more than 30 years, said the double acquisition would enable Acheson & Glover Limited and Acheson Glover

Precast Limited to move into the future with confidence.

The acquisitions, follow the placing into administration of a non-trading holding company, Acheson & Glover Group Limited, on May 2, 2014 and are supported through provision of Bank of Ireland facilities.

“This is great news for everyone concerned as it enables both Acheson & Glover Limited and Acheson & Glover Precast Limited to continue to trade as normal without any impact on staff, customers or

suppliers. Put simply, for everyone connected with Acheson & Glover it is business as usual.”

Mr Acheson said the development comes at an exciting time for the businesses as economic conditions across all their markets are now improving.

“Both trading companies have been making good progress for some time now and especially in recent months. Acheson & Glover Precast Limited has a full order book and Acheson & Glover Limited has seen

its sales in GB double. That’s why I am confident in making this investment. We are very optimistic about the future and delighted for everyone associated with the businesses.”

Mr Acheson paid tribute to the Group’s 380 staff for their hard work and support in recent times when market conditions have been extremely challenging.

Both trading companies are currently recruiting as market conditions continue to improve.

62| concrete

CES Products introduce new anhydrite floor screed Flowing floor screeds are becoming increasingly popular and one of the top sellers on the market is the GYPSOL anhydrite floor screed from CES Ireland.

G

YPSOL anhydrite floor screed binder is manufactured from the waste material of the acid production and chemical industries to exacting standards to BS:EN:13454 by Francis Flower (Northern) Ltd, the only wholly UK-based independent manufacturer of anhydrite floor screed binders with their own factory.

Having their own production facilities based in the UK and operating 24 hours per day if necessary puts them in a unique and unequalled position to supply the needs of our customers. GYPSOL anhydrite flooring screed binder is also CE certified so that you can be assured that the product meets the stringent quality standards you would expect within your project.

Flowing floor screeds continue to become increasingly popular. It is estimated that around 25% of the current UK screed market is anhydrite based pumped screed and

this is increasing at a dramatic rate.

GYPSOL by Francis Flower is the anhydrite binder of choice for most blue chip flowing screed suppliers in the UK, and over two thirds of all anhydrite floors laid, contain Gypsol binder.

GYPSOL anhydrite binder is used by manufacturing partners as the primary ingredient in their high quality flowing self compacting liquid screeds.

GYPSOL pumpable self-smoothing screeds such as Tarmac Truflow, Cemex Supaflo, Hope Construction Materials Gypscreed, Aggregate Industries Highflow – all in England, Scotland and Wales – and Liquid Screed from CES Quarry Products in Ireland offer a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to labour intensive and problematic traditional sand cement screeds.

The team at Francis Flower are continually striving to develop new initiatives to make the most of GYPSOL anhydrite screed binder.

GYPSOL flowing screeds are available in various formats including Classic, Modular, Summit and TimBRE. All are suitable for use in all types

of construction including floating, bonded and un-bonded construction.

GYPSOL screeds can be used with or without underfloor heating both warm water and electric. Well suited to all building types including traditional masonry, timber frame, light weight steel frame and easily installed in either single or multiple story buildings GYPSOL offers a perfect flooring system for any project regardless of size or location.

Take a look at the “Solida” system which includes floor screed on upper floors as well as ground floors. The system also helps the building to meet fire regulations in a traditional timber joist/deck system.

This eliminates creaky floor boards and provides a solid feel to a timber floor deck. Also providing a vehicle to encapsulate under floor heating pipes, the system removes the need for wall mounted radiators which account for a large proportion of the usable space in any room (cannot put furniture against a wall with a radiator?). Plus of course all the usual energy savings you would expect from a under floor heating system.

The GYPSOL team firmly believe that having the right information is absolutely key to the success of your project. The technical pages on our website give you a portal to a wealth of technical data designed to ensure that you have easy access to accurate and comprehensive data at all stages of your project from design and specification through to post installation and finished floor coverings.

“We pride ourselves on the level of expertise within our company and are absolutely confident that should you choose us that we can deal efficiently and effectively with any queries you may have about GYPSOL screeds.

Whether you are an architect, designer, main contractor, self-builder or a flooring contractor our website is designed to ensure that you have at your fingertips all of the information necessary to maximise the benefit of GYPSOL screed in your project.”

For more details see their website www.gypsol.ie or visit them at the Grand Designs Show, NEC Birmingham on 9th–12th October.

concrete |65

The Concrete Experience (with RTU)

R

eady mixed concrete is a multi-purpose product and RTU have worked in unison with many construction companies to successfully meet the challenges of modern construction. RTU offer a wide variety of concretes, whether it is for structural strength or aesthetic appeal, the company is able to provide quality-assured mixes, often tailored to meet specific project requirements.

Over 1200 cubic metres of RTU concrete was delivered to The Thompson Graving Dock, an iconic part of Northern Ireland’s industrial history and the largest authentic Titanic landmark in the world.

The existing steel dock gate which measures 50ft at its widest point, 44ft deep and 887ft long has divided the dry dock from the sea. Due to its age, the working gate has been degrading over recent years and a real threat of future flooding which could see the historic treasure damaged along with the Dry Dock and Pump-House.

Work was carried out to construct a permanent concrete structure outside the original dock gate to hold back the Belfast Lough. This now allows the public to have access to the floor of the colossal Thompson Dry-Dock.

Currently RTU is involved in supplying the Girdwood Community Hub, a new shared community building in north Belfast, on the site of the former barracks. The new build works will comprise principally of a large multi-use Sports Hall, Meeting Venues, Seminar Spaces, Youth Centre, a Satellite Education Centre, Performance Space, a Fitness Suite and Spa facility and appropriate Staff Offices and Support Accommodation.

Michael Whitley Architects has specified extensive use of concrete in the design of the Community Hub, not only for it structural properties but also for aesthetic appeal. Fair faced concrete finishes are being utilised with coffered ceilings, board marked walls and fine smoothed walls and columns. 50% GGBS blend has been specified to provide a lighter coloured finish and improves the environmental credentials of the building by reducing the embodied CO².

RTU’s breadth of product range has proved to be a winner with

Thompson Graving Dock

contractors and architects. A favourite in the range, Exposa® Decorative Concrete can transform traditional concrete into an elegant finish, retaining all the durability and structural integrity of concrete. Along with a number of larger projects, it was considered the perfect choice for Environmental Improvements carried out at the Promenade in Castlerock and Connswater Community Greenway. With the wide variety of rich colours and textures available it allowed the architects to incorporate a stunning finish in harmony with the surrounding landscape. Additional benefits of Exposa® include highly durable, low maintenance, and a slip resistant surface.

Andy Patterson of AECOM Design and Planning, in relation to Orangefield and Victoria Park project commented, “ Exposa® is an excellent product, it was a great choice for the parks pathways. It was important to have a solution which was hard wearing to facilitate the amount of foot traffic that would be using the parks but also provide the structural requirements for flood alleviation. The product offers an aesthetically pleasing surface which can be easily cleaned.”

On the Castlerock Promenade, Patrick Harney of Lagan Construction said, “RTU are a great company to work with and they deliver on their promises. Exposa® is a superb product, offering a consistent finish and we are delighted with the overall job and the product.” This is a view echoed by the client’s agent, W&M Givan Architects, who said, “We are

Castlerock

Victoria Park

really happy with the quality of the products that were selected for the Promenade and the extension at White Rocks and, in particular, the durability and aesthetics credentials of RTU’s Exposa® at this location.”

Exposa® has become known as a fantastic product for both domestic and commercial applications, including driveways, footpaths, promenades, town centres and pedestrian zones.

RTU is renowned within the industry for its service in supplying large projects with high quality concrete as well as niche mixes such as Eco Friendly, Coloured and Exposa® Decorative concrete.

For more information visit www.rtu.co.uk or call 028 9085 1441

66| concrete

A&G Vertica provides solution for split level cemetery

W

hen Derry City Council planned to extend the available burial ground at the City Cemetery they required a design solution to the steeply sloped site to ensure it was accessible to persons with restricted mobility.

The main contractor for the development, Newtownstewart Construction, approached A&G (Acheson & Glover) to help overcome the split level land, which in some areas differed in height by up to four metres.

The Council needed something that would be aesthetically pleasing, quick to install and have good engineering support.

The solution was A&G’s Anchor Vertica Block was the ideal product for this project. Designed for steep, sloping sites and other structural problems, Vertica walls can be built to virtually any height in incredibly tight spaces thanks to built-in alignment locators and a near vertical rise for less excavation and land loss.

Vertica is typically used with geosynthetic reinforcement, which means that it meets or exceeds industry standards for strength and durability.

Seamus Craig of Newtownstewart Construction was impressed with the

A&G’s Anchor Vertica block and how it provided a cost-effective solution for the Derry City Cemetery project.

“Vertica block was fast and easy to assemble,” explained Seamus.

“Aesthetically, it ticked all the boxes in terms of its suitable, natural blended colour and rugged texture.”

He added: “Vertica fitted in perfectly with the surrounding environment for a project that had large, high walls. It was extremely important in a cemetery that the project didn’t become an intrusive construction.”

The flexible and versatile nature of Vertica assisted in solving the design challenge of constructing curved, sixmetre high retaining walls – which have now become a real feature of the project.

Seamus continued: “An added feature of the coarse rugged surface is that the landscaped climber plants have flourished by utilising the block walls as a perfect habitation environment.

“Overall A&G offered a superb delivery service with a high quality block.”

Derry City Council was delighted with the hard landscaping work at the cemetery and Vertica’s ease of installation helped the project finish ahead of time and on budget. A further phase of work at the cemetery has already been scheduled.

concrete |67

New Structural Precast Portfolio

A

&G have recently launched two new technical brochures for their range of structural precast products – one for the GB market and one dedicated to the Irish market.

These set out the range of products and supported market sectors in which the company specialise. They include technical details such as load span tables and connection details, as well as outlining A&Gs approach to service, quality, health & safety and sustainability.

For a printed copy of either brochure, call on Tel: 028 8556 8441 or email: precast@acheson-glover.com

Rectangular Paving solves the problem for Roadfreight

L

iam Connolly Roadfreight Ltd has become one of the leading transport companies in Northern Ireland. The main depot is situated on a three acre purpose built transport hub, located in Lisnaskea, Co. Fermanagh.

The depot has to cope with a lot of heavy duty traffic on a daily basis so the surface is extremely important. The size of the main yard is 3,000m2 so there were only three real options for its surface: tarmac, concrete or paving.

Tarmac would not be ideal because the depot is driven on all year round and in hot weather tarmac can melt and would be severely damaged by the heavy lorries.

Using concrete would eliminate this problem but the top surface of concrete would quickly scrub away with the heavy duty lorries making tight turns on it every day.

A&G’s Rectangular paving does not encounter any of these issues. It is manufactured on state-of-the-art machinery using A&Gs own quarried materials. The lasting durability of this quality paving makes it perfect for areas of heavy traffic.

Liam Connolly (owner and founder) is delighted with the job: “I think the product is fantastic and it was the perfect choice for this job” Due to the nature of his business, being as efficient as possible is crucial to Liam and as he explains there are a number of ways that A&G’s Rectangular paving facilitates this.

‘The ground can be driven on the same day that the product has been laid, so it didn’t disrupt our business at all when getting it put down. If for any reason a problem were to occur with the ground, the paving can be lifted and re-laid without any major outlay or down time. Having these assurances is imperative for us.’

A&G’s Rectangular paving requires minimal maintenance and is available in seven distinctive colours, and will provide a decorative finish to enhance any setting.

‘The ground can be driven on the same day that the product has been laid, so it didn’t disrupt our business at all when getting it put down.”

No mortar, dry build system No height restrictions Natural stone appearance

VERTICA® STONE CUT Segmental retaining walls.

Acheson & Glover T: 028 8952 1275 www.acheson-glover.com

NORTHERN IRELAND’S No.1 CONSTRUCTION MAGAZINE SPECIFY is the official publication for the Construction Employers Federation

directory ABORICULTURAL CONSULTANCY

AIR TIGHTNESS & VENTILATION

Automatic doors

Building information

Professional & Impartial Services Tree inspections (ground & aerial) Tree Surveys Tree Hazard Identification Mortgage Reports Vegetation Management Schedules Legal Dispute/ Expert Witness Services High Hedge Legislation advice Planning Consultations Woodland Management Plans Tree Planting & Landscape Design All consultancy work is conducted by fully qualified and experienced personnel and is covered by £1m professional indemnity insurance.

Clarke Cunningham Tree Maintenance Ltd. 69 Upper Mealough Road Carryduff, BT8 8LR TEL: 028 9081 4488, Fax: 028 9081 4333 Email: info@treemaintenance.com Website: www.treemaintenance.com

ACCESS SOLUTIONS

Construct with Confidence We combine our extensive technical knowledge with a wide range of the finest brands in air & wind tightness, ventilation, drainage, fixings, roofing and other construction products.

• SIGA Air & Windtightness Products • Gildevale Membranes • Airtightness Buildtight™ Range • Roofspace Ventilation • Passivent Natural Ventilation & Daylighting Solutions • Suitable for timber frame, traditional build and all commercial construction

Frederick Jones (Belfast) Ltd Tel: 028 9032 4467 Web: www.fjones.com/construction

Automatic’s & Access Control Swing Door Operators Sliding Door Operators Curved Sliding Bi-Folding Sliding Revolving Doors Under floor Swing Drive Operators Electronic Locking Systems Intercoms CCTV Access Control

Door Hardware Door furniture Locks & Cylinders Door Closing Devices Hinges & Pivots Panic Exit Hardware Anti-Ligature Range Anti-Bacterial

Facades, Partitions & Doors

Bollard automation

Schuco Jansen Glazing Systems Fire & Smoke Curtains Steel Doors & Frames Timber Doors & Frames Door Sets Movable Walls

Stainless Steel Fabrications Balustrade & Handrail Stainless Steel Glazed Canopies Glass Partitions Staircases Stainless Steel Bollards

Service & Maintenance

Walkway Systems Scaffold Tower Systems Edge Protection System Fall Arrest & Personal Protection Equipment Promoting ‘Safe Working Platforms’ Ridgeway 103 Airport Road Belfast, BT3 9ED Tel: 028 9045 4599 Fax: 028 9045 4596 Email: info@ridgeway-online.com Web: www.ridgeway-online.com

• Manual, Automatic & Gas Bollards • Building Protection Systems • Vehicle Access Control • Bus Link Systems • Anti-terrorist/Suicide Bomber Protection • Security Gates • Perimeter Security Consultants Sentry Posts Ltd 27 Upper Quilly Road, Dromore, Co. Down BT25 1NP Tel: (028) 9269 2113 Fax: (028) 9269 2117 Email: sentryposts@btconnect.com Web: www.sentryposts.co.uk

Maintenance agreements Emergency callouts Repairing parts Replacing parts bELFAST Unit 20-21a, Harbour Court, Heron Road, Sydenham, Business Park, Belfast, BT3 9LE. Tel: 028 904 69914 Fax: 028 904 69915 www.kccarchitectural.com salesbelfast@ kccarchitectural.com dublin cork London SCOTLAND QATAR

Tel: 01 456 7421 Tel: 021 435 1200 Tel: +44 (0) 1322 616 416 Tel: +44 (0) 7730 764 730 Tel: +97444533165

Please Contact: Siobhan Kissward 028 9078 3218

siobhankissward@greerpublications.com

BuSINESS information

Cavity trays

Quality Precast Solutions for Building and Civil Construction

Manufacturers of preformed cavitrays, caviclosers, cavivents, caviweeps, dampcourses, arches, lintels, airbricks, membranes, barriers, flashings, ventilators; cavibricks. Radon and Methane protection systems.

Wide range of preformed systems from the largest and longest established specialist. Products with Agrement certificates to British Standards. LABC Product Type Approval. Free design and advisory service. For high performance products with warranty.

Cavity Trays Ltd is the only tray manufacturer awarded European Technical approval.

• Asset BEBO Bridge Arches • Redi-Rock Wall Systems • Box Culverts • Bridge Parapets • Manhole Rings & Slabs • Heads & Sills, Copings and Edgings • Above Ground Post-Tensioned Tanks Moore Concrete Products Caherty House, 41 Woodside Road, Ballymena BT42 2QH Tel: 028 2565 2566 Fax: 028 2565 8480 Email: info@moore-concrete.com Web: www.moore-concrete.com

FACADES

Acoustic and fire barriers /stops for cavity wall specifications.

CONCRETE

CES Liquid Screed • Reduced build height • Reduced drying times • Reduced health and safety risk • Reduced tile adhesive • Increased strength • Increased thermal properties

CES Liquid Screed Doran's Rock Quarry & Concrete Works, 124 Crossgar Road, Saintfield, Co. Down, BT24 7JQ Email: sales@cesquarryproducts.com Web: www.cesquarryproducts.com

Swiss Facades

New range to suppress sound transmission with up to fours hours fire integrity rating

Transforming Exterior Facades

Level threshold isolation dpc's and compatible vertical closers now available.

Premium Swiss Quality Panel Systems for High End Architecture

Immediate distribution from stock Cavity Trays Limited Contact: Stephen Leyland Ltd, Castings House, Quarry Heights, North Road, Newtownards BT23 7SZ Tel: 028 9182 2522 Fax: 028 9182 2558

Swiss Facades Contact Anne Hurl.

Tel: +44 (0)7554 056930 Office Tel: +44 (0)28 79632026 Email us info@swissfacades.com www.swissfacades.com

Cavity Trays Ltd New Administration Centre, Yeovil, Somerset BA22 8Hu Tel: 01935 474769 Fax: 01935 428223 E-mail: enquiries@cavitytrays.co.uk

Concrete Demolition

Northstone (NI) Ltd, Company No. 4078, Registered Office: 99 Kingsway, Dunmurry Belfast BT17 9NU Correspondence Address: Northstone (NI) Limited Materials Division Shinny Road, Coleraine BT51 4PS Tel: 028 7032 1100

• Above ground Slurry Stores • Below ground Slurry Tanks • Cattle Slat • Cattle Cubicles • Retaining wall systems • Rocket walls, Drinkers • Steel Bandit Jacking Pipes • Pipes/Spigot & Socket Class 120 • Bridge beams • Tunnel segments • Box culverts.

Macrete Ireland Ltd. 50 Creagh Road, Toomebridge Co. Antrim BT41 3SE Tel: 028 796 504 71 Fax: 028 796 500 84 Email: info@macrete.com Web: www.macrete.com

We have a wealth of experience within the demolition industry, covering all areas of Northern Ireland. We have built up a proven track record and reputation for being highly competitive, efficient and for completing all works to the highest possible standards. All our employees are fully trained in line with current legislation and are continually assessed and certified in all aspects of their work.

McCusker Demolition 85 Iris Drive Belfast BT12 7BL Tel: 02890 233301 Mob: 07801544496 - 07935987675 Fax: 02890 201427 Email: info@mccuskerdemolition.com Web: www.mccuskerdemolition.com

Fixings and fastenings

Ireland’s largest Fixings and Power Tool distributors including: • • • •

Bosch Panasonic Milwaukee Stanley

• • • •

Henkel Elch Rawlplug Heller

Distributors of GRP composite doorsets, glass products, fire doors & uPVC panels.

Visit our website www.acefixings.com

Ace Fixings Woodside Industrial Estate, Woodside Road, Ballymena, BT42 4HX Tel: 028 2564 9323 Fax: 028 2565 9334

HIRING

GAS

Calor Gas Northern Ireland Limited Airport Road West, Sydenham, Belfast, BT3 9EE. Tel: 028 9045 5588 E-mail: info@calorgas.ie Website: www.calorgas.ie Calor is a leading supplier of cleaner, efficient LPG energy solutions in Northern Ireland with specialist knowledge covering all sectors Including Industrial, Commercial, Hospitality, Agriculture, and Domestic.

We offer our customers: • Tailored energy solution • Full design service • Technical support and guidance • 24-hour emergency call out

Flogas goes far beyond simply managing and supplying bulk and cylinder LP Gas requirements.

Choosing LP Gas from Flogas not only opens the door to a versatile, highly efficient energy source with affordable installation and running costs – we create and implement tailored energy solutions specific to client applications.

Our experience covers a comprehensive range of markets including domestic (both single dwelling and metered estates), catering, commercial, industrial, agricultural and automotive.

CPD Learning CPD sessions are now available from Flogas to assist architects, planning consultants and other specifiers in updating their core learning and knowledge. For more information visit www.flogasni.com/cpd.

Flogas Airport Road West Belfast Harbour Estate BELFAST BT3 9ED Tel: 028 9073 2611 Email: info@flogasni.com Web: www.flogasni.com

If you wish to advertise in this space, please contact:

Siobhan Kissward 028 9078 3218

siobhankissward@greerpublications.com

Calor Accredited CPD programme available.

Content includes LPG Product Knowledge, Gas Regulations and Standards. Courses are FREE of charge and available by arrangement with one of our Calor Business Development Engineers. Contact cpd@calorgas.ie

HANDLING SOLUTIONS

ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS assessment, design and installation, to training, testing and maintenance. ..

FORKTRUCKS SOLUTIONS a comprehensive range of solutions for all your logistics requirements ...

SHIPPING SOLUTIONS we offer customers quality transportation solutions ...

WASTE SOLUTIONS supplying to the Industrial, Commercial, Public & Household Sectors ...

Tel: 028 9035 0000 Web: www.heyn.co.uk

Industrial Doors

Metal Finishing

PLASTIC SHEETS/ SHAPES

PAVING

Acheson & Glover has been in business for more than 50 years. As well as in-depth experience we offer the widest range of concrete products in the UK and Ireland - from manhole covers to decorative walling and paving.

Then there’s our unique range of problem solvers:

• • • • • •

Industrial Doors & Loading Bay Equipment Automatic Gates, Traffic Barriers, Turnstiles, Electric Overhead Cranes, Hoists, Lifting Gear Britannia Electrical Services Unit 4, McKinney Industrial Estate, Hydepark, Mallusk BT36 4PX

Acheson & Glover Ltd. 64 Old Moy Road Dungannon Co. Tyrone BT71 6PU Tel: 028 8778 4208 Fax: 028 8778 4805 Email: solutions@acheson-glover.com Web: www.acheson-glover.com

Tel: 028 9083 8030 Fax: 028 9083 8058 Email: bes.doors@btconnect.com Website: www.besdoors.co.uk

Insurance Intermediaries

SEGMENTAL RETAINING WALLS ACOUSTIC BLOCKS THERMAL BLOCKS PERMEABLE PAVING PRESTRESSED FLOORING BESPOKE (contact us to discuss your needs)

• Employers & Public Liability Insurance • Contractors "All Risks" Insurance • Motor Fleet Insurance • Professional Indemnity Insurance • Property & Business Interruption Insurance • Latent Defects Insurance • Bonds Contact Keith Hynds or David Stevenson

on 028 9032 9042 Email: info@willisinsurance.co.uk Web: www.willisinsurance.co.uk

Mats and matting

N. Ireland distributors and stockists for Coral mats and matting. Nuway entrance matting systems, threshold matting and tiles, rubber, plastic, coir and anti-fatigue matting, Gradus stairnosings, safety flooring, Flexi tiles, Studded rubber and Jaymart products.

Matrex Mats and Matting 24B Portadown Road, Lurgan, Co. Armagh BT66 8QX Tel: 028 3832 8857 Fax: 028 3832 1058 Mobile: 07831 141305 E-mail: matrex@btconnect.com Web: www.matrexmatsandmatting.co.uk

• Perspex • Lexan solid polycarbonate • Marlon multi wall polycarbonate • Engineering plastics • Machined Parts 24 Stockmans Way, Musgrave Park Industrial Estate, Belfast BT9 7ET Tel: 028 9066 8358 Fax: 028 9066 0623 Email: sales@comcoplastics.co.uk Web: www.comcoplastics.co.uk

PUMPING

METAL MESH

DRILLING & PUMPING SUPPLIES LTD

Local construction insurance expertise at competitive terms Willis & Company provide a wide range of Insurance products to protect your business as well as Health & Safety and Risk Management Services.

The world's leading brands of plastic sheets, rods, films and tubes all available from Comco

Are one of the foremost pump distributors in Ireland, holding agencies for some of the worlds leading pump manufacturers.

We offer a complete design / supply / install service with the technical expertise and product range to support everything from domestic / commercial packaged pump stations to bespoke systems for municipal applications.

Our specialities include: • Hot / cold water boosting • Rainwater harvesting • Food and pharmaceutical • Sewage and storm pumping systems • Leachate systems

"Twil" Weldmesh EXPAMET Expanded Metal, FLOWFORGE Open Steel Flooring, Handrail Standards & Stair Treads, PERFORATED Metal Sheets, Comprehensive Stock Range, Ridgeway 103 Airport Road, Belfast BT3 9ED Tel: 028 9045 4599 Fax: 028 9045 4596 Email: info@ridgeway-online.com Web: www.ridgeway-online.com

Drilling & Pumping Supplies Ltd Tel: 028 9181 8347 Email: sales@dps-ni.com

Partitions (Acoustic)

We at Masters Choice Ltd have been manufacturing acoustic partitions and joinery products for over 20 years. All products offered by Masters Choice are manufactured at our workshop by experienced and dedicated tradesmen to the highest quality and standard. As we manufacture all products ourselves which allows us to offer a full range of services including Design. We manufacture and install all products to our Clients specific requirements. We also offer an after sales care package on all products provided.

Master's Choice Ltd Silverbridge, Newry N. Ireland, BT35 9LJ Tel: (028) 30861032 Fax: (028) 30861693 E-mail: shona@masterschoice.co.uk

SAFETY

Hire Centres

FreePhone

0800 1 970 970

Providing on-site safety for: • Construction • Maintenance • Engineering Lifeline Air Bags Mobile: 07748 786 076 Fax: 028 8772 9262 E-mail: malachymckee@me.com Web: www.lifelineairbags.co.uk

REcruitment

PLASTER & PLASTERBOARD

FIELD MARKETING SPECIALIST • Merchandising • Auditors • Heavy Duty Installations • Quality Teams • Sales Blitzes • Contract Sales • POS Management • Mystery Shopping • Promotions/ Demonstrations • HR Consultancy • Payroll

Sales Placement Contract People Ltd. Unit A4, 17 Heron Road, Sydenham Business Park, Belfast, BT3 9LE Tel: 028 9045 5040 Fax: 028 9073 9058 E-mail: june@spcpl.co.uk Web: www.spcpl.co.uk

Washroom systems

PRONET SAFETY SERVICES

SPECIALIST PERMANENT RECRUITMENT • Technical Sales • Construction • Licensed Trade • FMCG • Marketing • Hospitality • Advertising/Media • Pharmaceutical/Medical • IT • Telecoms • Foodservice • Retail

Safety

Gyproc is the market leader in plaster, plasterboard and drylining systems, manufacturing in Ireland since 1936, with a long history of providing innovative, costeffective and reliable products that meet the demands of the construction industry.

Looking to the future Gyproc is determined to remain at the forefront, as market leader, continuing to provide innovative, sustainable design solutions for the buildings of the future.

Gyproc, Ireland Unit 4, Kilcarbery Business Park, Nangor Rd, Dublin 22, Ireland Direct Line 01-6298400 www.gyproc.ie Email: enquiries@gyproc.ie

Products and Services The following sections provide an overview of what we can provide, please contact us if you have a particular problem or application that isn’t featured on our site.

• Horizontal, Vertical, Inclined and Overhead Cable Systems • Mobile Anchors • Eyebolts • Demarcation • Annual systems Retest • Risk Assessment • Maintenance • Training Pronet Safety Services Tel: 028 9337 3967 Fax: 028 9335 3518 Email: info@pronetsafetyservices.com Web: www.pronetsafetyservices.com Web: www.pronetsafetyproducts.com

• FASCIA & SOFFITS • HYGEINIC WALL CLADDING

Extensive range of washroom systems

Outstanding quality & performance

Exceptional service & support

Petal Email: info@petal.co.uk w: www.petal.co.uk

Wall & DOOR PROTECTION

PVC BUILDING PRODUCTS

Specialists in uPVC Building Products.

Design that lasts

National Housebuilding Council (NHBC) Northern Ireland Holyrood Court, 59 Malone Road, Belfast BT9 6SA Tel: 028 9068 3131 Fax: 028 9068 3258

• WINDOW TRIMS • RAINWATER SYSTEMS

REtaining walls

Head Office:

Unit 2 Musgrave Park Industrial Estate, 26 Stockmans Way, Belfast, BT9 7ET TEL: 02890381990 www.wilplas.com E-mail Sales@wilplas.com

Retain provides a design supply & installation service for a range of earth retention systems. All of the systems are class leaders. This ensures clients confidence that the most suitable system is used in each given application.

• Greenface • Andacrib • Modular Block • Gabions • Installation • Permacrib

Branches at: Ballymena 028 25645380 Cookstown 028 86764422 Newry 028 30252499

If you wish to advertise in this space, please contact: Retain Solutions Ltd 56 York Street, Belfast BT15 1AS Tel: 028 9031 3881 Email: retain@retain.co.uk www.retain.co.uk

TREE CARE SERVICES

Siobhan Kissward 028 9078 3218

siobhankissward@greerpublications.com

Professional & Impartial Services Crown lifting / Raising / Crown Reduction Selective / Formative Pruning Deadwooding / Crown Cleaning Storm Damage Rectification (24hr) Removal of dead, diseased and dangerous trees Sectional removal with the aid of mobile crane Stump Grinding, Root Removal and Root Pruning Conifer Maintenance High Hedge Legislation advice Young Tree Maintenance Shrub Pruning / Grounds Maintenance Woodland Management Tree Planting Composted Woodchip and Firewood Sales Fully equipped, insured and qualified Arboricultural Association Approved Contractor

Clarke Cunningham Tree Maintenance Ltd.

69 Upper Mealough Road Carryduff, BT8 8LR TEL: 028 9081 4488, Fax: 028 9081 4333 Email: info@treemaintenance.com Website: www.treemaintenance.com

Products: Protection Rails Handrails Wall Protection Door Protection Heavy Duty Protection Yeoman Shield provides a range of functional and attractive wall and door protection systems for new build and refurbishment projects.

Our wide range of rails, wall sheet, corner and door protection systems are designed to prevent expensive and unsightly damage to the internal fabric of commercial and public buildings.

We have over 45 years of experience of wall and door protection combined with a wealth of knowledge and wide product range which is held in stock for immediate distribution.

Contact us for further information or visit www.yeomanshield.com where you can view the complete Yeoman Shield brochure.

Contact our head office with regards to coverage for Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland: Yeoman Shield c/o Harrison Thompson & Co Ltd Whitehall Estate Whitehall Road Leeds LS12 5JB Tel: +44 113 279 5854 Email: sallyann@yeomanshield.com

belfast welcome centre |73

A stylish and sophisticated facility

with a European feel...

H

&J Martin recently completed the relocation of the existing Belfast Welcome Centre and Visitor & Convention Bureau to a much more accessible ground floor location opposite Belfast City Hall.

The new premises were formerly a bank and the premises required significant adaptation to meet the future needs of the centre.

The project included structural modifications and complete new mechanical and electrical installations.

The fit-out of the Welcome Centre featured high quality audio-visual and visitor information systems.

Some of the new technology fitted to the Belfast Welcome Centre included: • High quality communications and broadband • Information and display technologies

74| belfast welcome centre

• Video Walls • Interactive displays • Self service ticket kiosks • Interactive Tablets and touch screen PCs • Hand Held Devices • Media Walls The £1.5million project was all about the ability to communicate as clearly as possible to visitors within a facility which was easy to access regardless of age or disability.

The goal was that the new centre embraced a ‘best in class’ approach to ensure that visitors saw more, experienced more and enjoyed more.

The team from H&J Martin worked closely with Belfast City Council to ensure that the disabled access was made as easy as possible and that signage and visual displays did not restrict the visually impaired.

In June 2014 the centre welcomed its 100,000th visitor and the council have stated that since opening the centre has seen a significant increase in footfall, ticket sales, retail sales and customer satisfaction is already well ahead of the targets set.

The brief from the council was that all finishes had to be to a high quality with a focus on durability. The

success of the team from H&J Martin delivering the project contributed to the new Welcome Centre winning the 2014 DCAL sponsored Public Works Award at the RSUA Awards.

The judges commented that the new Belfast Visitor Centre was “A stylish, sophisticated facility for overseas and local visitors bringing a European feel to Belfast’s central core.”

The project also won the top Innovation Award at the Northern Ireland Tourism Awards.

The Belfast Visitor Centre was handed over a day ahead of schedule and on budget. During the delivery of the project the team from H&J Martin worked closely with the client’s team to work through a large number of change requests and development of specifications. This partnership approach ensured that the client saw maximum value for the available budget.

H&J Martin’s OHSAS18001 Health and Safety accredited system helped ensure the project was completed with zero reportable instances.

Sustainability was very important to both the builder and the council.

The project facilitated a number of placements from the Prince’s Trust ‘Get into Engineering’ programme

as well as a BITC ex-offenders mentoring scheme was piloted on the project with the project manager providing weekly advice and mentoring.

The goal of zero waste to landfill was achieved and BREEAM principles were applied to include energy and water saving features. There was also two graduates and four apprentices sustained and five long term unemployed placements with a total of 30 weeks of placement experience provided.

Speaking of the new centre, William

Adams, Director of Public Sector Works commented, “H&J Martin are about to celebrate their 175th anniversary and H&J Martin have played a big part in shaping Belfast, the city where our company was formed all those years ago. The new Welcome Centre is located opposite the City Hall, one of many major Belfast landmarks built by our company.

We are proud of our city and this pride and enthusiasm, for helping to promote the history of Belfast and what she has to offer, shined through our approach to the project.”

KCC deliver again

C

oordination is the key to the success of any project. KCC believes that the one stop shop solution is the key factor when it comes to project coordination. That’s one of the reasons why they aim to supply such a wide range of building solutions including advisory, design and installation so that you are only dealing with one supplier for your project.

An example of this is the Award winning Belfast Welcome Centre. Here KCC once again demonstrated its ability to add value across several aspects of a project.

Initially KCC provided expert design advice to achieve a detailed glass

façade that incorporated a requirement for timeline glass that harmoniously suited the Bi-Parting sliding automatic door. They arranged for the façade to be manufactured to incorporate pocket screens and installation was carried out by KCC’s fully qualified engineers.

In addition KCC supplied and installed a roller shutter system as part of the Centre’s security solution.

“Our integrated solutions package allows us to work across several areas of a project and gives the contractor a single point of contact ensuring smooth lines of communication from start to completion.

Working alongside H&J Martin on this project was a privilege as they are an extremely experienced contractor with whom we have worked with on several other projects,” they said.

76| web directory

web directory

www.wilplas.com

The Internet is a big place, so make sure you get noticed with a listing on SPECIFY's Web Directory pages. Flag up your home page to the people who matter. To secure your listing, contact Siobhan on 028 9078 3218 or email siobhankissward@greerpublications.com

www.larsenbuildingproducts.com

www.spanwall.com

www.calorgas.ie

www.1080.co.uk

www.flogasni.com

www.gqaqualifications.com

web directory |77 www.jncfence.com

www.nkfencing.com

www.acefixings.com

www.contractceilings.com

www.bestvaluegabions.com

www.whitemountain.co.uk

Whitemountain Quarries Ltd, 11 Sheepwalk Road, Lisburn, Co. Antrim. BT28 3RD Telephone: 028 9250 1000 • Fax: 028 9250 1100

www.ridgefence.com

www.willisinsurance.co.uk

78| web directory www.mccuskerdemolition.com

www.heynwaste.co.uk

www.petal.co.uk

www.masterschoice.co.uk

www.matrexmatsandmatting.co.uk

www.cphire.com

www.hutchinson-engineering.co.uk

www.sdg.ie

web directory |79 www.mclarke.co.uk

www.balloohire.com

www.ahcladding.com

www.treemaintenance.com

www.pronetsafetyservices.com

www.swissfacades.com

www.gyproc.ie

www.yeomanshield.com

V B Evans & Company are pleased to have been chosen to undertake responsibility for the bi-monthly collation of this data and sponsor its publication.

With over 65 years of experience in business the firm provides a wide range of quality assured professional quantity surveying and other consultancy services to Northern Ireland clients who seek value for money and appropriate contract advice for their building design or refurbishment proposals.

The Specify Prices published here are representative of the market price of each building material, having been assessed from a variety of local sources which in the present competitive economic climate prefer not to be named. Readers are advised to verify individual prices with a local merchant for their particular needs since our prices are necessarily averaged for guidance purposes.

We hope that these pages may be of assistance to readers but would welcome any constructive suggestions for amendment to include information which would be appropriate to your needs.

Material prices at August 2014. Prices are exclusive of VAT. Discounts will apply.

This information is compiled specifically for Specify periodicals and is copyright.

Building Materials Prices

80 | prices AGGREGATES

CONCRETE BLOCKS

Full loads delivered Central Belfast 50mm Crusher run 100mm Crusher run Fine Blinding Coarse Blinding 6mm Stone 10mm Stone Building Sand Washed Sand

per tonne £13.00 £13.50 £12.50 £12.50 £14.50 £18.00 £18.00 £15.00

BRICKS

FINISHED SOFTWOOD

Metric-sized concrete bricks delivered

Per 100 metres, ex-yard, random lengths, finished sizes. per 100m Parana Pine 20x8 £55.70 44x8 £86.40 Whitewood 32x12 £47.30 69x12 £74.60 32x19 £56.00 44x19 £67.00 32x32 £74.00 69x32 £125.00 69x44 £161.60 94x44 £211.00 69x69 £240.00

Facings Blanchardstown Antique Fergustie Country Mixture Richmond Mixture Irish Dacharne Devenish Ardagh Gold Textured Lismore Slate Textured

per 1,000 £370.00 £375.00 £335.00 £360.00 £335.00 £335.00 £325.00

NB Clay brick prices are not included because of the enormous variation in types, quality and prices from various sources.

CARCASSING TIMBER Per 100 metres, ex-yard, random lengths, not exceeding 5.7 metres. per 100m 50x19 £45.10 75x19 £67.50 125x19 £109.70 38x25 £41.00 75x25 £50.10 150x25 £98.50 50x38 £76.50 100x38 £116.10 150x38 £91.20 50x50 £91.20 100x50 £144.10 125x50 £163.80 100x75 £199.00 200x75 £453.50 150x100 £366.40

CEMENT Bulk Cement delivered in 15-tonne loads to Greater Belfast Area per tonne Ordinary Portland Cement £132.00 Sulphate Resisting Cement £155.00

Ordinary Portland Cement

3 Pilot's View, Heron Road Belfast BT3 9LE Tel: 028 9045 7000 Fax: 028 9045 7040 Web: www.vbevans.com Also at: Coleraine And Dublin

Quantity Surveying Building Surveying Project Management CDM Planning Supervision

INDUSTRIAL AND FIRE-RESISTING BOARD Prices are exclusive of delivery.

Terms for SUPALUX non-combustible asbestos-free fire-resisting board - price per sheet up to 149m2

2440x1220

per tonne £328.00

CEMENT MORTARS In full loads delivered to Central Belfast

per tonne Standard 1 lime mortar £24.00 Tinted mortar ref.

Y4 £42.00 Y15 £49.00 Y135 £42.00 Y91 £51.00 Y10 £48.00

6mm sanded £46.60

9mm sanded £48.30

12mm sanded £64.00

MASTERBOARD Class O asbestos-free multi-purpose building board sanded finish.

Price per sheet up to 149m2 2440x1220

Bagged cement delivered in 15-tonne loads to Greater Belfast Area

Chartered Surveyors

Metric-sized concrete blocks, delivered to Belfast area, full loads, mechanically off-loaded per 1,000 440x215x100 3.5N/mm2 £420.00 440x215x100 7Nmm2 £410.00 440x215x100 10Nmm2 £360.00 2 4440x300x100 7Nmm £496.00 440x300x100 10Nmm2 £447.00 Concrete brick 15Nmm2 £380.00 440x215x100 Tolite £785.00

6mm £58.10

9mm £69.80

12mm £87.30

PLASTERING MATERIALS Per tonne, ex-works (delivery by arrangement) Lightweight aggregate pre-mixed gypsum plaster to BS 1191, Part 2.

Metal lathing undercoat Bonding Finish Gypsum plasterboard to BS 1230 per sheet (2400 mm x 1200 mm) 9.5mm thick plasterboard 9.5mm thick foil-backed plasterboard per bundle (6 Nr 1219mm x 406mm) 9.5mm thick plasterlath 9.5mm thick foil-back plasterboard per 100 lin. feet Galvanised standard angle bead Galvanised plasterstop (10mm) Galvanised external renderstop

£281.00 £335.00 £299.00 £8.00 £12.00 £14.00 £9.00 £9.50 £12.50 £26.00

In the next issue of READY MIXED CONCRETES Ordinary Portland Cement in full loads delivered to Central Belfast per cub. metre 1:10 by volume £63.00 1:2:4 by volume £77.00 1:3:6 by volume £69.00 2 20 N/mm :20mm aggregate £63.00 25 N/mm2:20mm aggregate £67.00 30 N/mm2:20mm aggregate £69.00

Fibre Cement Slates ex-yard per 1,000 £1460.00 £1580.00

Concrete tiles delivered Central Belfast Interlocking flat tile Double roll tile Single roll tile Half round ridge tile - 457mm long Angular ridge tile - 457mm long

£850.00 £850.00 £850.00 per tile £4.50 £5.40

SAWN REDWOOD Per 100 metres, ex-yard, random lengths.

100x50 150x50 100x63 150x63 200x63 100x75 150x75 200x75

Per 100 metres, ex-yard, random lengths, finished sizes.

114x19 89x12 114x12 89x12 94x12

T + G Whitewood TG + V Whitewood TG + V Whitewood TG + V Redwood TG + Open V Redwood

£80.30 £60.50 £69.90 £80.80 £94.00

STEEL REINFORCEMENT

ROOF SLATES AND TILES Thrutone Thrutone Relief

SOFTWOOD FLOORING, SHEETING AND PANELING

£197.30 £280.60 £218.70 £329.60 £449.00 £267.90 £403.20 £551.80

• DRAINAGE & SEWAGE

Mild Steel reinforcing bars to BS 4449. High yield steel reinforcing bars to BS 4449/4461.

One size, bent and labelled, per tonne, delivered to Central Belfast Diameter/mm Mild Steel High Yield

6 £660.00 £725.00

8 £660.00 £725.00

10 £660.00 £725.00

12 £660.00 £725.00

20 £660.00 £725.00

25 £660.00 £725.00

32 £660.00 £725.00

40 £660.00 £725.00 Mesh Fabric to BS 4483 ex-yard per sheet (one or mixed references)

per sheet BS reference A 98 £30.00

A142 £30.00

A193 £34.00

A252 £38.00

A393 £62.00

B503 £62.00

B785 £77.00

• FLOORING

Heavy section steel ex-yard in lots of over 5T

per tonne UC 152x152x23 £860.00 203x203x46 £1085.00 254x254x73 £1215.00 305x305x118 £1040.00 356x368x153 £1230.00 UB 305x165x40 356x127x37 406x140x39 457x152x52 533x210x82

SAWN WHITEWOOD

• CEF/Specify Construction Excellence Awards 2014 winners

£1085.00 £1040.00 £1040.00 £1040.00 £1040.00

Per 100 metres, ex-yard, random lengths.

50x25 100x25 150x25 275x25 75x50 125x50 175x50 250x50 100x75 200x75 250x75

£36.50 £68.06 £94.24 £175.56 £109.56 £187.71 £232.65 £405.90 £209.24 £455.60 £697.47

TERMS FOR GLASSROCK Non-combustible asbestos-free fire-resisting board - price per sheet up to 149m2.

6mm 10mm 12.5mm sanded sanded sanded 2400x1200 £45.70 £48.80 £65.21

UPVC DRAIN PIPES AND FITTINGS SOFTWOOD SHELVING Per 100 metres, ex-yard, random lengths, finished sizes 119x12 144x12 169x12 219x12 119x19 144x19 194x19 244x19 269x19

£78.10 £93.30 £108.80 £163.20 £95.80 £127.60 £172.00 £233.00 £324.10

Pipes and fittings to BS 4600. List price ex-yard.

Large quantities will attract considerable discounts.

Plain sewer, per 6m Pipe coupler, ea Single oblique branch, ea Single swept branch, ea 45˚ short radius, ea 87½˚ short radius bend, ea 45˚ long radius bend, ea 90˚ long radius bend, ea Straight channel 45˚ curved channel, ea

110mm 160mm £9.80 £21.70 £3.15 £7.00 £10.50 £23.70 £11.50 £23.70 £5.80 £15.40 £5.70 £13.60 £16.00 £30.40 £17.80 £31.00 £17.15 £28.80 £20.90 £54.80

OCTOBER/November 2014

82| top 100 companies

Launching the Northern Ireland Top 100 Companies 2014 edition is editor of Ulster Business David Elliott, managing director of Moy Park Janet McCollum, and publisher of Ulster Business James Greer. Moy Park took the top spot in the Ulster Business Top 100 Northern Ireland Companies 2014 listing. The Ulster Business Top 100 magazine is available now.

Sixteen construction companies in Ulster’s Top 100

S

ixteen of Northern Ireland’s construction companies have made the Ulster Business Top 100 Companies 2014 report.

The magazine’s annual Top 100 Companies report, now in its 26th year, provides a snapshot of the Northern Ireland economy from the latest available company accounts – most relating to the 2012/2013 financial year – filed at Companies House.

The results, produced by Dun & Bradstreet for Specify’s sister magazine, Ulster Business, reveal that the combined turnover of Northern Ireland’s Top 100 companies rose to £21.07bn in the 2014 list from £20.48bn in 2013 – the first time the Top 100 have registered sales of more than £21bn.

At 2.9%, the collective rise in sales eased slightly from last year, when the top 100 companies delivered a 10.4% increase in turnover.

Poultry processor Moy Park topped the survey for the third year running after registering sales figures of £1.09bn, up 10% on the previous year, and profits of £24.4m. The top listed construction sector company was Gortmullan Holdings, formerly the Quinn Group, which was fourth in the listings. Graham Construction was seventeenth with Northstone (NI) nineteenth.

Combined, the Top 100 companies made £1,017m, a significant jump on the £636.2m posted last year and the first time the £1bn profit barrier has been broken.

David Elliott, editor of Ulster Business said: “This year’s Top 100 list shows Northern Ireland’s biggest companies have emerged from the downturn with renewed vigour. The increase in overall turnover in the last 12 months is heartening, but it’s

the jump in profit which really stands out, proving the last few years of consolidation have left the Northern Ireland economy as a lean and efficient machine.”

“And if there is one common theme running through nearly all the Top 100 companies, it is export, proving that tapping into overseas

markets is the key to success in today’s globalised world.”

Jonathan Cushley of Dun & Bradstreet, which carried out the survey on behalf of Ulster Business, said: “The 2014 compilation of the Ulster Business Top 100 Companies listing continues the positive message of the past few years. Profitability

of the province’s leading companies exceeded £1bn for the first time and, for the second year running, turnover passed the £20bn barrier.”

“The significant increase in profitability should provide a degree of comfort for businesses previously under severe pressure to generate returns.”

Up to 25 years Warranty

87% Recycled Materials

Colour Stable

Quick and Easy to Install