Construction UK Magazine - End of Year Review Edition 2021

End of Year Review 2021 Willmott Dixon’s green light for £29m Wiltshire net-zero SEND school WHY SPATEX 2022 IS THE MUST-ATTEND SHOW FOR YOU

TRAINING MINISTER LAUNCHES GREEN SKILLS INITIATIVE WITH FIRST HANDSON CONSTRUCTION WORKSHOP

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Contents End of Year Review 2021

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Training minister launches green skills initiative with first hands-on construction workshop

07

Real calls for government to seize ‘golden chance’ on construction

10

North East engineering firm helps to Kick Off careers in MEP design

16

Winvic reaches practical completion of DSV project at Mercia Park

18

New project manager takes the helm at Bishop’s Stortford development

20

Teaming up for a future-proof railway in UK

22

Ex England footballer Luther Blissett on the importance of social housing to UK communities

26

R G Carter completes brand new £11.4m Digi-Tech Factory

33

Record number of entries for Surface Design Awards as 2022 finalists announced

34

Works commence on new £4.8m primary school in Lichfield

44

Why SPATEX 2022 is the must-attend show for YOU

48

Colas Ltd Completes Ambitious Runway Reconstruction Project at Cork Airport

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Front cover image by Daniel Morton

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Production/Design Laura Whitehead laura@constructionmaguk.co.uk

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04

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Construction UK Magazine - End of Year Review Edition 2021 03

Latest News CONTRACTORS APPOINTED TO £500 MILLION PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND INFRASTRUCTURE FRAMEWORK IN SCOTLAND Fifteen contractors have won places on a new £500 million framework to deliver new build, infrastructure and refurbishment works for the public sector in Scotland.

TRAINING MINISTER LAUNCHES GREEN SKILLS INITIATIVE WITH FIRST HANDSON CONSTRUCTION WORKSHOP Marking the Cities, Regions and Built Environment day of COP26, Jamie Hepburn MSP, Scottish Government minister for higher education and further education, youth employment and training, hosted the first practical workshop of a pioneering green skills programme at Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC).

Low Carbon Learning is Scotland’s first publicly funded training programme in Passivhaus and EnerPHit – a worldrenowned approach to the design and construction of new highly energy efficient buildings – designed to equip construction workers with the skills needed to create a sustainable built environment. The initiative aims to upskill and reskill more than 700 people to help meet the demand for green skills required by the construction sector, particularly for retrofitting existing buildings.

The training programme is aimed at construction workers who may be out of work or are facing the prospect of

redundancy, supporting them to get back into construction with new skills and knowledge aligned with the future demands of the sector.

Running until the end of July 2022, the programme combines face-to-face practical sessions at CSIC’s Innovation Factory with virtual classroom-style learning. Training focuses largely on Passivhaus standards and EnerPHit - the Passivhaus standard for retrofit projects.

Passivhaus certified buildings can achieve a reduction of up to 75% in space heating requirements compared to the UK’s typical new-build homes and are proven to reduce carbon consumption, lower energy costs and improve the health and wellbeing of occupiers.

Morrison Construction and other industry partners are developing a Passivhaus solution for a steel frame construction and, together with CSIC, will create a specialised training rig to support learners to explore different construction systems.

The Public Buildings and Infrastructure (PB3) framework from SPA allows public sector organisations in Scotland to source contractors for works relating to the construction and refurbishment of educational, healthcare, emergency service and community buildings. It can also be used for residential properties within mixed-use developments, as part of a commercial building conversion, or for delivering student accommodation.

The PB3 framework will run from 27 October 2021 until 30 September 2025, however individual call-off projects can be completed beyond the four-year duration as long as the contract is in place prior to the framework expiry date.

PB3 replaces SPA’s previous Schools and Community Buildings SCB1 and 2 frameworks, under which SPA Partners delivered 11 new primary schools, 13 new nurseries, 28 primary school expansions and 26 primary and secondary school refurbishments.

Most recently, West Dunbartonshire Council used SPA’s SCB2 framework to procure its £15.1 million Renton campus project.

04 Construction UK Magazine - End of Year Review Edition 2021

Latest News

WOLVERHAMPTON STUDENTS TURN GARDEN VISION INTO A REALITY A team of 12 students from St Matthias School in Wolverhampton have spent the last three months designing a new garden on school grounds that will transform an unused caretakers area into a calming space for mindfulness and reflection.

Engaged in a mentoring programme created by GRAHAM, the lead contractor on the nearby i9 development, the students competed in teams to design a new garden for the school.

Over the course of the programme the students were assigned different project management roles and given project design books, handouts, and a clear project brief to work to. This was combined with site visits to the garden itself so the students could visualise the end result more clearly.

As part of the brief, each team had to incorporate at least two ideas to attract birds, bees, and butterflies to the garden while encouraging the pollination of

plants. They were also expected to incorporate sustainable thinking and make use of existing items.

A final, winning design was selected and built by the students during half term, with the help of GRAHAM and its supply chain partners who sourced design materials and volunteers to support with the creation of the new garden.

PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT DONATED TO ENGINEERING TRAINING PROVIDER Engineers of the future will find themselves in safe hands thanks to a donation from a medieval charity.

Constructionarium, a not-for-profit organisation providing hands-on construction experience, has been presented with a selection of personal protective equipment (PPE) for use during training activities, from the Rochester Bridge Trust.

The PPE, all of which is unworn, was left over from the recent multi-million pound Rochester Bridge Refurbishment Project.

Kate Castle, Bridge Programme Manager, explained: “During the refurbishment we needed to purchase a large selection of PPE to ensure there was enough to keep the whole workforce safe on site. This inevitably meant that at the end of the project there were items that remained unused.

As a small team, it was not sensible for us to keep the wide range of sizes and equipment, so we were pleased to be able to give it to a good home.

‘EXCEPTIONAL’ HOUSING ASSOCIATION REACHES NEW HEIGHTS AFTER GLOWING REPORTS FROM ASSESSOR Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has again achieved the highest standard of Customer Service Excellence and been officially reaccredited for its work in promoting equality, diversity and inclusion after becoming the first housing

association in the country to receive both accolades in 2019.

In two glowing reports from the Centre for Assessment, MHA - which manages more than 1,400 homes for over 6,000 residents in Bradford and Keighley - was described as “excellent” and “an exceptional organisation.”

The verdict on the association retaining the BS76005 Standard for Valuing People through Diversity and Inclusion said: “The entire MHA team is focused on exceeding customers’ expectations, delivering excellent customer service by providing more homes, looking after the existing homes, investing in the community, developing partnerships and, as the only BME landlord in Bradford, MHA has the leverage and standing within the city to become a lead voice for BME communities.”

Donated kit included lightweight high-visibility jackets and trousers, site gloves and site glasses, in a range of sizes.

Construction UK Magazine - End of Year Review Edition 2021 05

Company News MAGGIE’S CENTRES SCORES SUPPORT FROM GPH BUILDERS MERCHANTS AHEAD OF SCOTTISH HIGHLAND FOOTBALL LEAGUE CUP TIES Cancer support charity Maggie’s is banking on the Highland League’s hotshots to find the back of the net after leading North-east construction materials supplier GPH Builders Merchants promised to donate £40 for every goal scored in this season’s GPH Builders Merchants Highland League Cup. GPH Builders Merchants has made the commitment ahead of the competition’s first round fixtures this weekend, with goals scored from this stage of the tournament through to the final eligible for donations.

GPH Builders Merchants, which has branches in Inverurie, Stonehaven, Ellon and Westhill, already sponsors the Aberdeenshire and District Football Association’s Under 21 League, has also arranged for bucket collections in aid of Maggie’s to take place at each fixture, with more iniatives planned for later rounds of the competition.

Managing Director Grant Shewan said: “The company celebrates its 40th anniversary next spring, and we wanted to mark it by showing our support for the community and the great work that goes on at Maggie’s Centres across the country.

“By donating £40 for each goal, we are hoping that will not only lead to high-scoring entertaining matches for supporters to enjoy, but also provide a great cash boost to Maggie’s.

“We don’t want to be a passive sponsor and just put our name to the trophy. We are commited to the communities we operate in and if supporting fantastic a charity like Maggie’s in any way helps those affected by cancer, as well as their families, then we will be delighted.”

Goals scored during 90 minutes by Highland clubs will go to the Maggie’s Highlands centre in Inverness, Aberdeenshire teams to the Maggie’s Aberdeen facility, while money from any

Brechin City goals will be donated to Maggie’s Dundee.

Richard Stewart, Centre Fundraising Manager at Maggie’s Aberdeen, said: “We are incredibly grateful to GPH Builders Merchants for the support, and look forward to seeing lots of goals scored.

“We rely on donations to run all of our centres, and without the iniatives like this, we wouldn’t be able to provide the services we do to those affected by cancer, as well as their families.”

Highland League President George Manson said: “The first round of any cup competition is always an exciting time, with all teams having designs on lifting the trophy. However, with this fantastic gesture from GPH Builders Merchants there is added reason for our teams to go for goals, and I’m sure the fans will be willing them on to find the back of the net.”

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Company News

Paul Nicholls, CEO of Real

REAL CALLS FOR GOVERNMENT TO SEIZE ‘GOLDEN CHANCE’ ON CONSTRUCTION Construction and regeneration business Real, has called for the government to ensure public investment in housing results in more affordable homes and more construction recruits.

Commenting on the Budget and Spending Review announcements today by the Chancellor, Paul Nicholls, CEO of Real, said: “As a residential contractor and regeneration specialist, the confirmation today of the £11.5bn Affordable Homes Programme to build 180,000 homes and the announcement of the £1.8bn fund to support up to 160,000 homes to be built on brownfield sites is very welcome. The government must seize this opportunity to ensure public investment maximises the construction of affordable housing and supports the recruitment of as many new construction professionals as possible.

“This is a golden chance to build back better with more people being housed in homes they can afford, built by a new generation of skilled British construction workers. At Real, we are 100% behind efforts to build back better. Although we are a new business launched this year, we already have a pipeline of £1.4bn and have secured new contracts worth £100m. We are also investing in new talent, with apprentices and graduates joining our training programmes across our business in London, the South East and the South West. These are just the start as we see investment in the next generation as the way to ensure our future.”

CLEGG GROUP SECURES CONTRACT WITH GLOBAL AEROSPACE SUPPLIER AS IT LOOKS TO FUTURE GROWTH The relocation of a listed aerospace and defence sector manufacturer is well underway thanks to the support of construction specialist Clegg Group.

Clegg has been appointed as the principal contractor for the project by the FTSE 100 company Meggitt, which is moving to a new site in Antsy Park, Coventry.

Progress is underway at the 440,000 sq ft site, which will house an R&D hub as part of the project and will create up to 1,000 jobs.

The work includes the fit-out of a new manufacturing facility, completed in two phases, and will see the Clegg team modify its new facility to receive production equipment that will be transferred over from the old site.

Progress is underway at the 440,000 sq ft site, which will house an R&D hub as part of the project and will create up to 1,000 jobs. The innovative facility will aim to combine a range of operations – such as aircraft braking systems, control systems, customer services and support and corporate shared services – all within a leading aerospace engineering and technology environment.

The facility will be a hub for next-generation aerospace innovation, as well as a catalyst for world-class operational performance. The milestone move will be Meggitt’s largest global infrastructure project, as the firm looks to position itself for further growth.

Construction UK Magazine - End of Year Review Edition 2021 07

Feature

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY PRAISED FOR “LOOKING AFTER ITS OWN”: REFLECTIONS ON 2021 BY BAND OF BUILDERS In a year where UK construction has been crippled by material shortages, has seen raw material costs rise sharply, has generally endured supply chain disruption and continues to suffer because of a skills crisis, it’s all the more remarkable that the industry remains so generous and charitable. That’s the view of Tony Steel, Operations Director for the charity Band of Builders, who says that the industry’s ability to look after its own has trumped everything that 2021 has thrown at it.

The headlines about the construction industry have made for stark reading this year – rising prices, supply chain disruption and staff shortages have all played their part in starting to slow down the economic growth of an industry that, at some points, has been positively buoyant during the global pandemic.

And yet, in 2021, Band of Builders has seen a rise in partnership deals with big industry brands, spearheaded a national campaign aimed at encouraging those in the construction industry to open up about mental health issues, and delivered projects to improve the lives of tradespeople and

their families who are battling life-changing illnesses or injuries.

As a registered charity that galvanises volunteer tradespeople who are happy to give their time for free to work on projects, we have completed five projects this year, including our biggest one to date.

A team of volunteer builders from as far afield as Dundee descended on North Wales to build a new, bigger ground-floor living space for the mum-of-two partner of a plasterer who was left relying on a wheelchair after having to have her legs amputated after contracting meningococcal septicaemia.

Merchants and supplier partners – including the likes of Jewson, Gibbs & Dandy, Resideo, DEWALT and Talasey – have all donated materials that they could have otherwise sold ten times over. And we’ve also forged and cemented partnerships with the likes of Regatta and V12, who have taken our cause to heart and come up with innovative ways to support us, such as designing a new range of Band of Builders work boots.

We’re already looking to set our sights even higher in 2022, and the one thing we hope that we can do next year (which we haven’t been able to do this year) is to organise BBQs, music nights and other events as a way of bringing our volunteers and partners together regularly to increase the camaraderie of our 10,000+ community of supporters – and hopefully welcome even more people to Band of Builders.

2021 highlights at a glance • 5 projects completed this year • 150 tradespeople worked on the projects • 5,000 onsite hours volunteered on projects • 12 projects confirmed for 2022 (applications at a record level) with another 7 being considered • More than 175 Big Brew events held during October • The Big Brew generated in £60,000 donations

Suicide rates in the construction industry were already at one per day before the COVID pandemic, according to ONS figures, and it’s widely accepted that these have worsened to closer to two per day. Against this backdrop, we held our first ever national campaign: the Big Brew. More than 175 events were held across the UK to highlight the mental health crisis in the construction sector and encourage tradespeople to connect and talk over a cuppa.

None of what Band of Builders has achieved in 2021 would have been possible without the benevolence of individuals and organisations.

For more information on how to become a member or how to apply for help from Band of Builders, visit www.bandofbuilders.org.

08 Construction UK Magazine - End of Year Review Edition 2021

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Company News

NORTH EAST ENGINEERING FIRM HELPS TO KICK OFF CAREERS IN MEP DESIGN Newcastle’s Black and White Engineering (B&W) is opening its doors to budding engineers by joining a key initiative to provide career opportunities to young people across the region.

The PlanBEE Kick Off programme is led

by Ryder Architecture in partnership with Newcastle United Foundation (NUF), Gateshead College and other businesses across the construction and engineering sector. It provides a six-month paid contract for 16–24-year-olds who are claiming Universal Credit and are at risk of longterm unemployment.

The aim of the placements is to enable young people to gain skills and experience in a specific industry, working in some of the UK’s most innovative and growing businesses.

B&W has partnered with Gateshead College to create specific placements for up to seven students.

Alongside their studies at the college, where they spend one day a week in the classroom, they’re engaged with all aspects of the B&W business including mechanical, electrical and building physics design.

B&W has more than doubled its team size in both the North East and their other UK offices in the past year, providing a range of MEP design jobs across the spectrum, from entry level apprenticeships through to senior management roles.

NOTTINGHAM-BASED CONTRACTOR MOVES TO EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP 51% of shares in Nottingham-based contractor Clegg Group - incorporating the two trading subsidiaries Clegg Construction and Clegg Food Projects - have transferred to an employee ownership trust.

The previous major shareholders, Keith Anderson, Simon Blackburn and Stephen Giltrap will retain a minority shareholding and will continue in their operational roles within the business.

Group commercial director Keith Anderson said: “The group has weathered the last 18 months well and is in a good position to capitalise on the levels of trading currently being experienced.

“The group will post a strong set of results to December 2021 based on an expected turnover of £115 million. Carry forward

workload into 2022 is also looking particularly positive, and expectations are that revenue will increase to around £130 million.

The employee ownership route will allow us to provide opportunities for succession from within the internal management team over the coming years - an ethos that has been encouraged within the group over the last half century.

The trust will be represented by a corporate body, led by an independent trustee and representatives from the employees and the board.

The parties were advised by Browne Jacobson and RSM.

AMEY TRIALS BIOFUELS TO REDUCE EMISSIONS BY UP TO 90% Amey, working with Kent County Council, New Era Fuels and their partner Green Biofuels is set to trial biofuels across its Highways maintenance fleet, to help improve its environmental performance on Kent roads, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by up to 90%.

With the government committed to reduce the UK’s net emissions of greenhouse gasses by 100% relative to 1990 levels by 2050, the need for sustainable fuels has never been greater.

The biofuel trial will involve the use of Green D + HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil), which is predominantly used as cooking oil. Gd+ HVO is an enhancement of HVO, achieved by the inclusion of an additive system which chemically reduces NOx in the exhaust gases through oxidisation.

The environmental benefits of using Gd+ HVO include:

• •

Up to 90% less carbon dioxide

• •

Up to 30% reductions of NOx

Up to 86% reductions in PM25 and PM10 Odourless and clean burning reducing the black smoke that is emitted from vehicle tailpipes

For the most effective output, Gd+ HVO is best used in vehicles with euro6 engines.

This type of engine can be found in Kent’s winter maintenance and gritting vehicles.

– it can be used in all engines conforming to EN15940 and is a direct replacement for diesel.

During the first four weeks of the trial daily emission testing will be carried out to understand how much carbon, particulates and NOx have been reduced.

10 Construction UK Magazine - End of Year Review Edition 2021

Company News

ALPHA PROJECTS GROW PRESENCE IN THE NORTHEAST AS THEY MERGE WITH MCK CONSTRUCTION Two of the North-East’s top building companies are to combine this week when Alpha Projects (Scotland) Ltd are joined by MCK Construction.

Aberdeen and Dundee based contractor, Alpha Projects, is to merge with Montrose-based MCK Construction, continuing to add to their growing business with offices now in three locations across the north-east.

The merger is the latest in a series of successes for Alpha Projects, who recently announced a multi-millionpound turnover after just three and half years of trading.

With offices in Aberdeen and Dundee, Alpha Projects work across a range of commercial, residential and local authority projects. By joining forces with MCK Construction, the firm will

add Montrose to their locations, further enhancing their presence in the northeast.

They will be welcoming a talented and experienced team with a reputation for quality workmanship and outstanding customer service.

Award-winning building contractors, MCK Construction was established 12 years ago by Tom McCrank. MCK Construction are well known throughout Angus and South Aberdeenshire for producing top quality work and they have won numerous awards for their projects, including being voted the Federation of Master Builders’ top UK builder. Tom will be taking a Contract Manager position when the businesses officially merge on January 3rd, 2022.

The companies will continue to trade under the Alpha Projects’ name.

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Construction UK Magazine - End of Year Review Edition 2021 11

ED CONTROLS AT LONDON BUILD 2021

On almost every construction project, it is inevitable that problems will occur from time to time. However, there are digital tools available to help workers flag these snags or problems quickly and efficiently – and even prevent them from happening in the first place.

Ed Controls recently exhibited at London’s leading design and construction show, LondonBuild, which was back after a twoyear hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Here, Stephen McMenzie, Account Manager at Ed Controls, reflects on the two day event and discusses the future of the construction industry.

Easy to use systems like Ed Controls save time and reduce the risk of errors.

Observations and snagging issues can be recorded instantly and quickly assigned to the right person. Automated audits, quality checks and reports can be compiled quickly and issued for review. For industries like construction anything that reduces risks and increases safety should be welcomed.

Ed Controls’ construction app is an all-inone project management solution. Founded in 2011, the app was created on site after two men, Rutger-Jan and Michiel joined forces to digitise project communication.

Developed with builders in mind, Ed Controls simplifies the snagging process by offering construction workers an overview, a clear division of responsibilities, and guarantees quality.

The company showcased the new and improved features of Ed Controls over the course of the two-day event at London’s Olympia on 17th and 18th November, alongside hundreds of exhibitors and

construction professionals. Attendees were able to meet the people behind Ed Controls and receive free demonstrations of the app, showing how it can streamline efforts and reap results.

Discover all the new improved feature of Ed Controls: • Facilitates clear communication on and off the building site, recording a timeline of progress for raised tickets • Enables data analytics per project or per company • Easy to use for everyone • Provides photo evidence of snags before and after completion Traditionally, the construction industry has been slow to adopt technology. The global pandemic has provided a catalyst for the digitisation of the construction sector as it has an instant and dramatic effect on the industry. Some sites were closed, projects put on hold and supply chain issues saw a variety of materials difficult to obtain.

Almost overnight the industry needed to look at new ways of working and suddenly woke up to the potential of digitisation in construction. Snagging, defect management and quality control app Ed Controls is a world class example of digital construction management in action.

At any time and from any location, Ed Controls enables construction workers to: • issue tickets • assign responsibilities and tasks • make observations • record snags • undertake audits • make inspections • carry out quality checks.

Stephen says:

It was incredible to exhibit at the long-awaited return of LondonBuild, which exceeded expectations and was bigger and better than ever before. It was a fantastic opportunity to highlight the new and improved Ed Controls app and network with likeminded individuals in the industry.

“The pandemic has most certainly changed the way in which we work and as an increasing number of construction firms adopt gamechanging tools like Ed Controls, we’ll see construction activity transform and become faster, smarter and simpler in the future.

Snagging, defect management and quality control apps can make your working life much easier. These apps replace all of your paperwork and spreadsheets with a simple, effective digital construction management tool that can save you precious time and money.

“For those that were unable to attend our stand at LondonBuild, we have free online demonstrations and a range of eBooks on our website to get you started – so please don’t hesitate to get in touch to find out how Ed Controls can streamline your business.”

Recently, the ten millionth ticket at Ed Controls was created. Ed Controls is a product of Dutchview, an innovative IT company from Deventer, the Netherlands.

Ed Controls currently has a Christmas offer of 40% off for single user licenses running until 31st December 2021. For more information, contact Stephen McMenzie.

Stephen McMenzie Account Manager Phone: +44 7495549177 Email: s.mcmenzie@dutchview.com Website: edcontrols.co.uk

12 Construction UK Magazine - End of Year Review Edition 2021

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SPIRAL UK CREATE A 6 STOREY HELICAL STAIRCASE IN THE HEART OF LONDON Spiral UK were pleased to create an incredible helical staircase through the centre of a central London building, built to look like it was part of the original structure but standing out for its subtle detailing and strong form.

The Grade I Listed building at 21 St James’ Square was the work of The Ritz designers, Mewes & Davies, in the 1930s, who mirrored number 20 next door, emulating the work of esteemed British architect, Robert Adam, from the 1770s. In 2018 it went through a substantial and thorough redevelopment to become an exclusive and opulent office building.

One of the most expensive postcodes in the UK, the previous inhabitant list reads as a ‘who’s who’ of British history, with even the Queen Mother of Elizabeth II residing there from 1906 to 1920.

That is why Spiral UK were honoured to be contracted for the feature staircase that winds its way up through the centre of the old building. A stair of this height is ambitious in itself, but this design was helical in nature, bringing with it a host of engineering and fabrication challenges. Helical stairs appear to be defying gravity as they arc through a space and cause tension points where they tether to a structure.

14 Construction UK Magazine - End of Year Review Edition 2021

It is no-expense-spared details such as these that make for such a polished finish, where these contemporary stairs look like they have always been a part of the fabric of the building yet manage to integrate modern features.

A study in luxury, the bespoke interior has a stylish, timeless elegance celebrating its historical significance and highlighting opulence and exclusivity. The fit out could not have been any higher in specification and the result is perfection. In the middle of this we installed our helical feat of engineering for private equity firm, Cinven, who made the upper 6 floors their headquarters.

Overall, we are very proud of the outcome and pleased to have been a part of the ongoing history of this iconic building.

Website: www.spiral.uk.com Phone: 0330 123 2447 Email: info@spiral.uk.com

This particular design allowed for hidden support in the surrounding wall, the mild steel structure cantilevering out leaving an atrium space down the centre of the stair, adding drama and wow factor.

Gazing up from the ground floor, the dark balustrading contrasts with the white plaster work, accentuating the shape as it spirals upwards. The outer handrail is underlit by LED lighting cleverly concealed within the timber, mirroring the striplighting that curves around the edge of the soffits and reflecting off the brass nosing strips set into the vein cut Silk Georgette stone of the treads.

A stair of this height is ambitious in itself, but this design was helical in nature, bringing with it a host of engineering and fabrication challenges. Helical stairs appear to be defying gravity as they arc through a space and cause tension points where they tether to a structure.

Construction UK Magazine - End of Year Review Edition 2021 15

Project

WINVIC REACHES PRACTICAL COMPLETION OF DSV’S INDUSTRIAL WAREHOUSE, CROSS-DOCK AND OFFICE FACILITIES AT MERCIA PARK Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of multi-sector construction and civil engineering projects, has handed over a commemorative key to global transport and logistics company DSV, to celebrate the practical completion of a 522,000 sq ft industrial facility and offices. The scheme – designed, constructed and partially fitted out by Winvic during the pandemic – is located at the 238-acre Mercia Park in North West Leicestershire.

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A 35,660 sq ft three-storey office building

The large stand-alone office building was designed and executed to meet DSV’s global standard and Winvic also fitted out the office spaces found within the warehouse buildings. Prominent design features to the main office include a glass lift, wood panelled walls in an oak finish and a feature staircase. The external

works package included 381,700 sq ft yard space plus car parking for 406 vehicles, and the programme contained all drainage, retaining wall, and hard and soft landscaping works.

Winvic Construction Director, Rob Bull, said: “The DSV project bucks the industrial facility trend because it comprises separate buildings for the main warehouse, cross dock and offices, but there was no doubt that we

Delegates from DSV travelled from the company’s global headquarters in Denmark to see the fully realised facility, which comprises three buildings – totalling 522,000 sq ft – and contains 104 dock levellers: • A 358,000 sq ft steel-framed warehouse containing three mezzanine floors and two single-storey hub offices totalling 4,360 sq ft • A 112,000 sq ft cross-dock terminal that contains a 7,050 sq ft single-storey hub office

16 Construction UK Magazine - End of Year Review Edition 2021

could carefully sequence the construction and fit out works to build them all simultaneously and within ten months.

“Additionally, our team led by Project Manager David Gilbert knew that the aesthetics, material quality and execution had to meet DSV’s high global design standards and we’re as thrilled as DSV are about the exceptional finish achieved.

“Without such a talented team who works as one and always has an eye on the joint, end-goal we wouldn’t be able to deliver schemes of this nature so swiftly, expertly and in the challenges presented by the pandemic, so thank you to them.”

Brian Winther Almind, Executive Vice President, Group Property at DSV, added: “It has been a pleasure to work in partnership with Winvic over the past year on Mercia Park and the team’s skill and knowledge has driven the project to a successful completion, on time and to budget.

“It is an important site to DSV – as it will now become home to all three of our business units, DSV Roads, DSV Solutions and DSV Air and Sea – so we’re delighted that the high-quality design, construction and finish not only meets our global standards but that Winvic has once again exceeded expectations and delivered a true flagship campus for our business.”

Winvic started works for IM Properties (IMP) to undertake the civils and infrastructure works at Mercia Park in June 2020 and in March 2021, Winvic was appointed once again by the developer to construct the largest ever single occupier logistics park for tenant Jaguar Land Rover. Winvic will remain on site for another year and just last week announced – in partnership with IMP – the launch of the first ‘Future of Construction’ Training Centre, located on-site at Mercia Park.

Furthermore, the DSV project was selected as the first of two schemes where the Computer-Vision-SMART technology will be developed. The AI enabled cameras that were placed around the site have now been moved to the IMP Jaguar Land Rover site and development of the machine learning software will continue for another 12 months.

The DSV project bucks the industrial facility trend because it comprises separate buildings for the main warehouse, cross dock and offices, but there was no doubt that we could carefully sequence the construction and fit out works to build them all simultaneously and within ten months.

Construction UK Magazine - End of Year Review Edition 2021 17

People On The Move NEW PROJECT MANAGER TAKES THE HELM AT BISHOP’S STORTFORD DEVELOPMENT An award-winning project manager is now in charge of building the new homes at a Bellway development just seven miles from his own home.

everyone, whether they be sub-contractors or architects, to ensure that all is well on the site.

I like the site I run to be clean, tidy and most importantly safe for the team.

Steve Cutting is responsible for delivering the 149 homes at The Exchange at Goodsyard in Bishop’s Stortford.

The 41-year-old, who lives in a nearby village, is looking forward to meeting the challenge.

“I have been honoured to have my work recognised and to win a number of awards.

There is no single approach to being a good project manager. What you need to do is surround yourself with a good team and treat them as you would want to be treated. Over the years I have been able to do that.

Steve, who has worked for Bellway for 14 years, said: “The Goodsyard development is a very prestigious project and I am excited about ensuring we deliver the top-quality homes that Bellway is known for. In essence, my job as project manager is to liaise with

“Kaylea Burns has been my assistant manager for five years and is it great to have her on board at Goodsyard and it is reassuring for me to be able to work with Dave Clark, who has been my contracts manager for years.

LAING O’ROURKE APPOINTS RAE AVATAR BARNETT AS HEAD OF PEOPLE FOR ITS EUROPE HUB Laing O’Rourke has appointed Rae Avatar Barnett as Head of People for its Europe Hub, furthering its commitment to deliver certainty to clients and stakeholders through the power of experience. She joins the company from Centrica, where she worked in commercial transformation, HR delivery, and talent management.

Steve Cutting (centre), Project Manager at Goodsyard, with Paul Beavis (left) and Kaylea Burns (right) at the Bishop’s Stortford development

TILBURY DOUGLAS APPOINTS PROCUREMENT & SUPPLY CHAIN DIRECTOR Tilbury Douglas, a leading UK building, infrastructure, engineering and fit out company, has appointed Jamie Swanston as Procurement & Supply Chain Director, joining the company’s Senior Leadership Team.

Jamie has more than 20 years’ diverse experience in leading procurement teams across a range of markets including construction, hospitality and manufacturing. Most recently, Jamie was Procurement and Supply Chain Director at NMCN. Ben Edwards, Commercial Director at Tilbury Douglas, said: “Bringing with him vast experience within construction, as well as other sectors, Jamie will lead

the team in driving our procurement and supply chain strategy across the business, focussing on leveraging our national strength, with a regional focus, to add further value.”

Rae has worked in “start-up” environments through to FTSE 100 organisations, developing and delivering organisational change and culture programmes, reviewing and operating HR infrastructure and building effective teams. She has also been a chief of staff to executive leadership.

Starting with the company on 8 November, Rae said: “In meeting Laing O’Rourke, I’ve been excited by the genuine commitment to the ‘Trades to Technicians’ approach to respecting the workforce, delivering sustainably through modern methods of construction, and helping us all thrive at work and home.

“I’ve been impressed with the leaders I’ve met to date and the genuine and caring approach taken to the people who make it all happen.”

In meeting Laing O’Rourke, I’ve been excited by the genuine commitment to the ‘Trades to Technicians’ approach to respecting the workforce, delivering sustainably through modern methods of construction, and helping us all thrive at work and home.

18 Construction UK Magazine - End of Year Review Edition 2021

DEHUMIDIFIERS VS PIV SYSTEMS: WHICH ONE IS MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY? Martin Gray, Managing Director at Ecor Pro, discusses the environmental effects of positive input ventilation systems (PIV) vs desiccant dehumidifiers.

What is a PIV system? And what does it do? The concept of a PIV (Positive Input Ventilation) system is to push fresh filtered air into a property in order to push humid air out.

What does a PIV system reduce?

Condensation, mould, and indoor contaminants. By removing the humidity from the air, you remove the condensation from surfaces and reduce the risk of mould developing.

Martin Gray

Why are PIV systems so popular? They were popular when they first came to market as it was the only system that was suitable. It was quite groundbreaking that you could push moisture out of a building, and it was a great solution for the time. It was a simple installation as one air vent in the hallway is needed, the PIV system was housed in the loft and the filtered air is pushed into the hallway. At the time, it ticked all the boxes. Fast forward to today and there are several eco-friendlier options to consider.

What is a better alternative to PIV systems? Our DH1200 DryFan 12L Desiccant Dehumidifier is a more environmentally-friendly product as it recirculates the air and doesn’t push the central heating out of the building. This filtered air system removes the water vapour in the current airflow, rather than purging the air entirely.

What are the environmental effects of PIV systems? The environmental impact of PIV systems is considerable. PIV systems will purge all the humidity and air within a property, including the energy from the central heating.

This is against the Government’s current guidelines, which states that you need to save heat energy where possible. When you let heat escape, it means that your

central heating system must work harder to maintain an optimal temperature, which equates to a larger carbon footprint.

Why is the DH1200 Dehumidifier more environmentally-friendly? It’s more environmentally-friendly than PIV systems, as it’s working with a recirculation system, and isn’t pushing your central heating out. It uses a filtration system, taking the air that’s already in the room, filtering the moisture out of it, and then putting it back. It’s as simple as that.

How cost effective is the DH1200 Dehumidifier in relation to PIV systems?

Both have a running cost, as they both have fans within their units. The running cost of the DH1200 is higher than a PIV system, as the DH1200 has a filtration system to remove water vapour and it takes energy to do that; however, it takes considerably less energy than it does to reheat an entire property…

Can a PIV system cause damage to a property? There’s some speculation on whether PIV systems can cause damage to properties in the long-term. If you put pressure into a room, the air has to escape,

and it’s widely assumed that air leaves a property via a trickle vent in a window, or around a door. Unfortunately, there are many more options for possible escape routes, as buildings have numerous gaps.

One example is the space between the plasterboard and the wall; air can access this from below the skirting board or from a badly fitted windowsill. There are concerns that the PIV system can push humid air into these spaces and into the cavities.

As these cavities are generally cold, the humidity condenses inside the cavity and mould forms. This doesn’t happen with the DH1200 Dehumidifier, as it works with an equal pressure, not a positive pressure.

For more information on Ecor Pro’s products and services, visit our website. You can find out more about the DH1200 DryFan 12L Desiccant Dehumidifier here.

Construction UK Magazine - End of Year Review Edition 2021 19

Latest News THE SOURCE OF CLEVER PLUMBING

TRITON SECURES £9M CONTRACTS TO DELIVER STATE OF THE ART RESEARCH & INNOVATION CENTRE AT PRODUCTION PARK Triton Construction has secured a series of contracts valued at £9 million to deliver the next significant expansion phases at Production Park in Wakefield, West Yorkshire.

TYDE offers over 6,000 quality plumbing and heating products under the trusted Dudley, Epson and Beta brands from concealed and exposed cisterns and cistern components to flush pipes, brass fittings and drain rods.

We are committed to UK manufacturing and our state-of-theart facilities produce innovative plumbing supplies that installers and end-users love and trust.

The Dudley Turbo Edge® adjustable syphon is the World’s most compact syphon, guaranteed to fit more places than any others with absolutely no compromise on flush performance, offering plumbers and installers a versatile, easy-to-fit and easy-toservice solution even in the tightest spaces.

For more information on TYDE products, visit www.thomasdudley.co.uk/tyde Follow us on Twitter @TYDE_Plumbing or Instagram @tyde_plumbing | Tel: 0121 530 7000 | Email: info@tyde.co.uk TYDE is a trading name of Thomas Dudley Ltd. 295 Birmingham New Road, Dudley, West Midlands DY1 4SJ.

Production Park is the world’s premier campus for live events, CM01221031 Tyde QP.indd film, and TV where industry, education and innovation come together to create entertainment experiences. The campus is home to state-of-the-art production studios with clients including Coldplay, Lady Gaga and Little Mix; a higher education institution called Backstage Academy offering degrees for the live events and creative industries; and a community of live events businesses with expertise in stage design, production, and AV rental. The latest addition, XPLOR, will be the world’s first research and innovation centre for entertainment technology and production.

1

12/11/2021 10:20:52

Triton has now started construction on site and expects to complete the expansion by the 3rd quarter of 2022.

TEAMING UP FOR A FUTURE-PROOF RAILWAY IN UK Incremental and Sensonic join “FORSEs” with Network Rail A combination of financial support and the possibility to jump right into practice are exactly what innovative ideas need to grow strong in the short time. To prepare such ground, Network Rail, Incremental and Sensonic have agreed to work in collaboration to develop a new cutting-edge solution recognised by the jury of Innovate UK, who agreed to fund this shared project.

Shake hands with data FORSE (Fibre Optic Railway Sensing Equipment) is a result of joint know-how: On the one hand there is Incremental’s existing and proven real-time train identification, movement and tracking solution AEGIS. The other part of this new system is based on data from Sensonic, who are deriving a broad range of information by creating and interpreting a digital twin of all vibrations along a railway track.

Network Rail has agreed to run a 12-month trial between Allington Junction and Skegness on the East Midland Poacher Line. This will focus on detecting the early signs of defective rail joints, currently only detectable through manual inspection. While degradation of joints can be detected via Sensonic’s solution, Incremental’s AEGIS provides data to track and identify all trains on the network. As an outcome, valuable information is instantly attainable to Network Rail via a bespoke dashboard that can be accessed remotely by all relevant stakeholders.

20 Construction UK Magazine - End of Year Review Edition 2021

Latest News

NEW £4.8M THEATRE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT COMPLETED AT CHORLEY & SOUTH RIBBLE HOSPITAL Tilbury Douglas, a leading UK building, infrastructure, engineering and fitout company, has successfully completed the construction of a £4.8m Day Case Theatres project at Chorley & South Ribble Hospital on behalf of Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Phil Shaw, Divisional Director for the North West at Tilbury Douglas, commented: “The fast turn-around of the theatres is a testament to the team’s hard work and industry expertise. We’re proud to announce that this is the second project delivered for Lancashire Teaching Hospitals

NHS Trust during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the Ophthalmology Unit scheduled to handover at the end of the month.

“We are delighted to be able to continue to support the NHS with the accelerating demand for additional healthcare facilities.”

The project, which included the refurbishment and remodelling of three new day case theatres, is a muchwelcomed addition to the hospital, as it will help to reduce waiting times for patents requiring elective procedures.

MAYFLEX AND AEM TO PROVIDE CERTIFIABLY BETTER TESTING Mayflex, the distributor of Converged IP Solutions, has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with AEM to distribute their multi award-winning test and measurement solutions in the UK.

bring their innovative solutions to the UK, providing customers with a greater choice and more options when it comes to testing and together providing ‘certifiably better testing’.

AEM is a well-established, $600M, organisation with more than 25 years of delivering innovative advanced test capability products, across a broad range of technologies. With a major sales presence in the USA, Asia, India and the Middle East, AEM have partnered with Mayflex to

Ross McLetchie, Sales Director commented ‘We are excited to partner with AEM, with their significant international experience and an innovative, feature packed range of testers with many USPs, that we know will excite our customer base. For instance, their TestPro CV100 model has the quickest Cat6A autotest

at just 6 seconds, just a third of the time required by some alternative offerings on the market today.’

Ross continued ‘Their UK based calibration and service centre will radically reduce the amount of time that an installer is without a tester, something that we know is critical to most users that can’t afford to be without a tester for too long. To make ownership of their kit as simple and affordable as possible, units are sold complete with a 3-year care plan, no small print, and no recurring annual costs for calibration and service.’

Ross concluded ‘Customers can trust AEM, they have won multiple awards over recent years, their testers are approved by most cable system manufacturers for warranty purposes, and of course Mayflex have completed significant due diligence before committing to bring the product to the UK market, resulting in this launch being supported by a 30 day money back guarantee.’

For more details on the range, features and technical specification visit the Mayflex website where you can also sign up to learn more about AEM, at one of our online demonstrations that are taking place until 16th December and just by attending you could be in with a chance of winning up to £10,000 worth of AEM test equipment.

Keep following our LinkedIn account, email and newsletter communications for details on any special introductory offers.

Construction UK Magazine - End of Year Review Edition 2021 21

Feature

EX ENGLAND FOOTBALLER LUTHER BLISSETT ON THE IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL HOUSING TO UK COMMUNITIES In response to the growing need for quality, affordable housing, Watford Community Housing and Watford Borough Council are delivering a £15.2m programme of 56 new homes for social rent, helping to address the shortage of affordable housing in Watford and improve social inclusion.

Q: Why have you decided to put your name to this social housing development?

A: I’m proud and I’m in awe to be given the opportunity to put my name to this.

Obviously, it’s important to me because of where I grew up, and how I was raised by my parents, but I also want to credit Graham Taylor’s influence too.

Former England footballer and local legend, Luther Blissett (DL)* is lending his name to Luther Blissett House, a development of 12 three-bedroom flats and 5 two-bedroom flats to be let for social rent, which is typically around half the cost of renting an equivalent property on the private market. The development will also include a community hub, to be used as a space for local charity events and ongoing resident support.

After a recent tour of the site, which is scheduled for completion in early 2022, Mr Blissett gave his views on why social housing is key to the wellbeing of UK communities.

I’m proud and I’m in awe to be given the opportunity to put my name to this. Obviously, it’s important to me because of where I grew up, and how I was raised by my parents, but I also want to credit Graham Taylor’s influence too.

Graham reminded me, John Barnes, that entire team, of how privileged we were to be playing top-flight football for Watford at that time. He never let us forget that it was the community around us that was paying our wages and how it was crucial that we give back to a community that supported us so passionately.

Q: Could you tell us a little about your experience with social housing?

A: I came to England from Jamaica in 1964/65 and we lived in social housing for many years. My mum worked three jobs and my dad was a carpenter, and with seven children money could be tight.

At the time, we couldn’t even think about buying, and affordable social housing gave us this amazing stability. It’s that stability that is vital to families and particularly to young people growing up in the UK. I feel incredibly fortunate with where I grew up, living where I did there was a palpable sense of community, everyone got on and looked out for each other.

I don’t think you can ask for anything better for young people than that togetherness and team spirit.

We’ve actually just started the Former Players Club, to continue our community work in Graham’s name, so there’s more of that on the horizon.

Q: Why do you think social housing is so important to the future of UK communities?

A: When I was growing up in social housing, it was almost like a school uniform. No one was looking at what other people had and thinking of themselves, we all just looked after each other and that created a strong, caring community. That’s why I’m so happy to see that Luther Blissett House will have a dedicated community hub – it will be brilliant for the residents to have that shared space to put on community events, fundraising initiatives, and sports clubs.

On a wider note, it’s near impossible for regular people in the UK to get on the property ladder and buy at the moment.

Privately renting can be ridiculously expensive too and there has to be this option of affordable housing for those who don’t have the financial capacity to keep up with massive market rates. I also think for private landlords that are renting out multiple properties there should be some form of quota at an affordable rent level, but that’s another conversation for another time… *DL refers to the title of Deputy Lieutenant, a Crown appointment awarded by the Lord Lieutenant of a ceremonial county.

22 Construction UK Magazine - End of Year Review Edition 2021

Project News The project, developed by Legal & General, constructed by BAM and made with the backing of Sky’s owner Comcast, and sister company NBCUniversal, was first announced in late 2019 with planning permission granted in summer 2020.

Just 16 months later, Rt. Hon Oliver Dowden, local MP for Hertsmere and member of the Cabinet, attended a Topping Out ceremony on site to secure the final bolt alongside Cllr. Morris Bright, Leader of Hertsmere Borough Council, Sajida Bijle, MD of Hertsmere Borough Council, Cécile Frot-Coutaz, CEO of Sky Studios, Nigel Wilson, CEO of Legal & General, and Adam Harding, Regional Director, South East of BAM.

SKY STUDIOS ELSTREE CELEBRATES TOPPING OUT MILESTONE Construction at Sky Studios Elstree, Sky’s new state-of-theart film and TV studio, reached a major milestone this week as the final steelwork was installed on the highest structure on site.

Reaching a height of 16m, the final piece of steel was secured on the roof of a 60,000 sq ft soundstage using a specially made green bolt, representing Sky Studios Elstree’s ambition to become the world’s most sustainable film and TV studio.

THERMALLY SEPARATED SOLUTION As the focus on climate change continues to grow so does the need for net zero buildings and improving our carbon footprint.

GEZE’s ECdrive T2 automatic sliding doors with a thermally broken profile system – the GCprofile Therm - offer a solution.

The GCprofile Therm accommodates up to 32 mm glass thickness in either two-pane insulation glass with 2x ESG 6mm, UG value 1.0, or three-pane insulation glass with 3x ESG 4 mm, UG value 0.8.

The profile system uses slim aluminium frames which reduce visible sightlines by approx. 30 mm – giving designers greater ability to produce a clean design aesthetic while providing greater efficiency.

With increased performance for leaf weight of up to 140 kg, the GCprofile Therm also boasts improved air tightness (compared to other ISO profile systems), better sound insulation and improved wet weather durability aided by its fit and an optional floor guide with drainage.

It can be combined with manual and motorised GEZE hook bolt locks, without losing thermal separation and the appearance of the system remains discreet, even with locking.

A new brochure has been produced to explain the package. This is available by calling the marketing team on 01543 443015 or emailing info.uk@geze.com.

For more information about GEZE UK’s comprehensive range of automatic and manual door closers call 01543 443000 or visit www.geze.co.uk

Set to become operational in early 2022 and fully open with 13 sound stages later in the year, Sky Studios Elstree will create 2,000 jobs locally and become home to new film and TV projects from Sky and NBCUniversal, attracting £3bn of new production investment over the first five years alone.

WATES LAND £140M OFFICE JOB IN BRISTOL Wates Construction has secured a contract to build another major office block in Bristol’s Temple Quarter worth £140m.

Wates Construction has been appointed to deliver the construction of 4 Glass Wharf, an eight-storey, 19,695 square metre flexible-workspace scheme backed by a joint venture of developer Candour and the EPISO 5 fund managed by property investors Tristan Capital Partners. Wates previously built both 2 and 3 Glass Wharf in Temple Quarter for developer Salmon Harvester Properties.

The latest building will include an events space, ground floor café with outdoor space, fitness facilities and landscaped terraces. BREEAM Outstanding and WELL Core Platinum certificates are targeted.

Candour co-founder Toby Pentecost said: “Working in partnership with Tristan Capital Partners and supported by Apollo, we are committed to setting an example in sustainable development and delivering outstanding workspace for Bristol City Centre. We are already seeing significant interest from occupiers.”

Debt financing for the scheme has been provided by an affiliate of Apollo Global Management.

Work is under way on site and is due for completion in 2023.

Bristol City Council is working with partners including Homes England and Network Rail to deliver the broader Temple Quarter project, a 100-hectare regeneration of land around Temple Meads station.

Wates landed a pre-construction contract with the British Library yesterday to work on a new zero-carbon archive in Yorkshire.

Working in partnership with Tristan Capital Partners and supported by Apollo, we are committed to setting an example in sustainable development and delivering outstanding workspace for Bristol City Centre. We are already seeing significant interest from occupiers.

18/11/2021 15:53:28Review Edition 2021 of Year 24 Construction UK Magazine - End

CM01221059- GEZE UK Ltd- QP.indd 1

Project News

£13 MILLION ENERGY PROJECT SET TO CUT WESTMINSTER CITY COUNCIL’S CARBON EMISSIONS BY 1,700 TONNES The project represents largest Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme Grant made to a London Local Authority.

Westminster City Council is set to make a significant contribution to the decarbonisation of London after awarding Vital Energi a contract to revolutionise the way they generate and use energy. The £13m project will save around 1,700 tonnes of carbon emissions per year.

The first phase of the partnership, which is being delivered through the Retrofit Accelerator Framework, will see energy conservation measures installed in up to 70 buildings including schools, leisure centres, libraries and commercial premises, and the improvements will save around 1,700 tonnes of carbon emissions per year.

In 2019, the City Council declared a climate emergency. The contract with Vital Energi is one of a number of practical steps being taken to meet its ambitious targets to become a net zero council by 2030 and a net zero city by 2040.

Westminster City Council is set to make a significant contribution to the decarbonisation of London after awarding Vital Energi a contract to revolutionise the way they generate and use energy.

The work has involved a comprehensive energy audit on the council’s property portfolio and has identified a range of energy conservation and energy generating measures which will, not only reduce emissions, but also deliver a future reduced carbon footprint for the Council.

Construction UK Magazine - End of Year Review Edition 2021 25

Project

R G CARTER COMPLETES BRAND NEW £11.4M DIGITECH FACTORY R G Carter has completed the £11.4 million Digi-Tech Factory at Norwich City College which brings together the college’s digital skills provision into a single, purpose-built space, allowing the college to significantly increase the number of students and apprentices studying digital courses.

City College Norwich, New Anglia LEP, and Norwich City Council (through the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities’ Towns’ Fund) have collectively invested £11.4m in the DigiTech Factory as a direct response to a key skills priority for Norfolk and Suffolk.

Designed by Coffey Architects and in collaboration with Pro:works, R G Carter has constructed the four storey building which is now equipped with £750,000 worth of the latest computer technology.

Mario Rackham, Director and General Manager, R G Carter, said: “This cuttingedge building symbolises magnificently the forward-thinking and progressive digital study and discovery that will take place within it and we are thrilled to play a part in enhancing and developing the digital skills of people in Norwich and Norfolk.”

Over 60 miles of cable have been installed throughout the building and 220 tonnes of steel were used to construct the factory. It is connected by two walkways to the award-winning Creative Arts Building, encouraging the natural cross-over and collaboration between the college’s University of the Arts London creative arts courses – including art and design, media production, graphic design, music, and photography – and digital skills training.

Corrienne Peasgood OBE, Principal, City College Norwich, commented: “The DigiTech Factory will play a key role in enabling us to deliver innovative, industry-standard learning, and a digital skills curriculum developed with substantial input from employers. It’s been brilliant seeing how the new building has been received by our lecturing staff, students, and apprentices, during the first weeks of term, and the difference this is already making to the teaching and learning of a wide range of digital skills.”

Jon Bonham, Director of Estates and Facilities at City College Norwich added: ‘We are delighted with how the build has gone and with the finished result, which has delivered on the crucial technical specifications as well as creating a stunning, state-of-the-art teaching and learning environment for the college’ Seven former City College Norwich students currently employed by R G Carter worked on the construction of the Digi-Tech Factory, including Assistant Project Manager, Ed Carr and Director and General Manager, Mario Rackham.

In addition, four current construction students gained a combined 1,184 hours of work experience with R G Carter on site and the company donated 4,400 bricks to bricklaying students at the college.

Growth in the UK’s digi-tech sector has significantly outstripped that of the wider economy and that trend is set to continue. New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership wants to see more of the £100bn worth of economic output nationally being generated in the region – with its Strategic Economic Plan forecasting a need to fill 10,000 vacancies in the digi-tech sector by 2024.

The importance of digital skills extends far beyond the digi-tech sector itself, with digital skills increasingly being required throughout the rest of the economy too.

Growth in the UK’s digi-tech sector has significantly outstripped that of the wider economy and that trend is set to continue.

26 Construction UK Magazine - End of Year Review Edition 2021

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Tools, Plant & Equipment

LEADING THE CHARGE Battery specialist Triathlon steps forward with revolutionary rental package to help businesses overcome forklift lead-time crisis.

With lead times for new forklifts and warehouse equipment lengthening, leading battery specialist Triathlon has stepped forward with an exceptional new rental package.

“We are working with hard-pressed businesses to help them cope with shortages and delays by creating a package of batteries, chargers

and battery changing systems that is quite unlike anything the industry has seen before to help bridge the gap when renewing MHE equipment,” explains Tom Burgess, Managing Director at Triathlon Batteries.

Indeed, because of the flexibility of its packages, Triathlon is also assisting customers to implement highly effective evaluation strategies.

“Sometimes customers overlook the fact that changing the batteries will require ancillary equipment such as roller beds, lifting beams or

On the rental side, much of what we do is last minute. We are routinely called upon to help resolve crises that have arisen from an oversight or dramatic change in circumstances. We are able to deliver because of the size of our operation and the exceptional scope of the kit we can provide. battery tuggers,” says Tom. “These too have quite long lead times – typically 12 weeks or more. We can help resolve that shortterm issue by renting the battery changing equipment customers need to keep them fully operational.

“On the rental side, much of what we do is last minute. We are routinely called upon to help resolve crises that have arisen from an oversight or dramatic change in circumstances.

We are able to deliver because of the size of our operation and the exceptional scope of the kit we can provide.”

LEADING CONSTRUCTION PRODUCT SUPPLIER TIMCO REPORTS 14% TURNOVER INCREASE AND PREDICTS A FURTHER 20% INCREASE TIMCO, a leading supplier of essential construction products, based in Cheshire, reports an increase in turnover of 14% - to £49.7m for 2020, and is predicting a £60 million turnover for 2021. The rapid growth, which occurs in the run-up to the company’s 50 years in business, has necessitated an expansion of TIMCO’s facilities in Nantwich and for the company to embark on a new recruitment drive. Both the Management and External Sales teams have been further strengthened this year, including seven new Regional Business Consultants bringing the total to 20, as well as the appointment of a new Digital Platforms and dedicated Ironmongery Product Manager.

This year, TIMCO has already launched over 750 new lines including this month’s new range of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and a new range of hand tools by the year-end.

Established in 1972 by Tim Midwood, the family business is now led by the son of the founder, Simon Midwood. During the pandemic, the company experienced a surge in demand for its products, driven by home improvements, the buoyant housing market, and new infrastructure projects. Consequently, it made investments of £1.1m to increase warehouse space to 120,000 sq ft, introduced further automation for greater efficiency, and has also secured six acres of land adjacent to its current site which will allow it to double its storage capacity, increase parking and grow the offices further in years to come.

28 Construction UK Magazine - End of Year Review Edition 2021

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UK BASED INSURTECH, ARMD, REINVENT THE WAY TRADESPEOPLE PROTECT THEIR LIVELIHOODS ARMD launch the complete solution to deter tool theft and then give them the ability to get back to work quickly • •

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Loss of tools and equipment can be devastating particularly for tradespeople who have limited savings or no insurance to replace stolen goods.

Theft prevention and minimising business interruption are at the core of ARMD. The tool registry app records tool ownership, digital insurance and claim management enable fast processing and IoT sensors to deter van break-ins Supports tradespeople by streamlining the current claims process with an in-app self-service system.

With insurance that can be bought at the checkout, the ARMD E-commerce shop supplies over 30,000 of the top selling tools and can supply immediate replacements for stolen ones ARMD is led by a team with a wealth of experience in the technology and insurance industries having sold their previous smart security business in 2019

The circa 3 million tradespeople in the UK are under protected and underserved and feel let down with the existing insurance experience ED1821 Construction AD v3.qxp_Layout 1 15/11/2021 18:01 Page 1 EE FR

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ARMD has launched a new tool protection solution for tradespeople including an inventory management app, smart iOT sensors and smart insurance. The ARMD offering is a radical reinvention of the way that tradespeople can protect their livelihoods.

According to research from Direct Line for Business, thieves steal tools from a van every 23 minutes, equating to more than £80 million worth of stolen tools since 2017.

Duncan Jackson, Chief Commercial Officer said: “The circa 3 million tradespeople in the UK are under protected and underserved and feel let down with the existing insurance experience. 54% have suffered from tool theft but only 44% have tool insurance.

“Not only do they need to replace the tools at significant cost but also have the consequential cost of not being able to work.

For the minority that are insured it can take weeks to get a settlement.”

Jackson added “ARMD has built an offering where tradespeople are at the heart of our solution ensuring that there is minimal disruption to business activity in the event of a loss” ARMD is an insurtech that combines technology with insurance to mitigate risk and minimise downtime for tradespeople. ARMD’s vision is to make it easier and more affordable for tradespeople to protect their livelihoods.

The ARMD Guard, a smart van alarm, uses motion sensors to provide immediate phone notifications to tradespeople when their van is attacked and includes a GPS tracking facility to track down vehicle location.

ARMD’s Inventory Management app provides a record of tools that the tradesperson owns which includes verifiable proof of ownership.

ARMD’s dedicated tool insurance is underwritten by RSA and can be bought in the app alongside power tools which is a new distribution channel for insurance instead of the traditional broker market. If a claim needs to be made a Claim Report can be automatically submitted to the insurer from the app as well without having to go through the tedious, cumbersome and stressful process of being talking to a claims handler.

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30 Construction UK Magazine - End of Year Review Edition 2021

Tools, Plant & Equipment

Matthew Stokes of Dennis Security said:” The scale of tool theft is a huge problem for tradespeople and its’ good to see that ARMD are doing something about it. Their unique solution gives tradespeople the protection and peace of mind that they need so that they can concentrate on running their businesses” Andrew Tyler, Owner of Custom Heating and Coolong said: “Keeping track of my tools is really difficult. The ARMD app is exactly what I need to organise them and to manage my receipts, so I know how much they are worth.”

As part of ARMD’s commitment to minimise business interruption, in what is a unique industry option, the ARMD online tool shop allows claimants to purchase over 30,000 products to ensure that tradespeople can quickly get their businesses back up and running.

BIG PLANS IN THE PIPELINE Mitsubishi EDiA trucks help leading pipe manufacturer reduce costs and emissions as part of extensive carbon-cutting programme.

AquaSpira recently unveiled ambitious plans to reduce its embodied carbon by half and has taken a significant step in achieving it by switching from IC engine to electric

forklifts at its site in Nelson, Lancashire.

When the company’s three trucks were due for replacement, AquaSpira contacted local Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks dealer Jofson for support.

calculates angles at the very start of a turn and automatically optimises speed for greater stability.”

Small but tough

In the future, AquaSpira plans to install solar panels to generate electricity for the site, allowing the forklifts to be charged using renewable energy. Plus, EDiA forklifts will keep going and going thanks to their low energy consumption.

Jofson recommended three models from the Mitsubishi EDiA range – renowned for its agility, strength and state-of-the-art ergonomics.

AquaSpira acquired a 2-tonne EDiA EM FB20AN for use in the warehouse, a 2.5-tonne EDiA EX FB25CN for general purpose work such as unloading and loading, and a 3-tonne EDiA EX FB30CN for heavy-duty lifting of steel coils and finished pipes.

Lee Whittaker, Sales Manager at Jofson said: “These trucks are lifting large metal and plastic loads which have a tendency to slip and move, so extra care is needed. EDiA has a Sensitive Drive System that ensures smooth movement and its Intelligent Cornering System

Run on the sun

The new EDiA trucks are used to cover a large site over varied and sometimes uneven terrain but have proved equal to every challenge.

“The operators like the new trucks and the fact that we can adjust a lot of the settings means every task is handled with ease,” said Leigh Cain, Transport Manager at AquaSpira. “The noise is the biggest difference we noticed. The EDiA forklifts are very quiet, and as there are no emissions it is much safer for anyone working around them, especially in the warehouse.”

To find out more about the award-winning Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks range, call the Greenline 0845 371 3048, contact info@red-diamond.co.uk or visit www.mitsubishi-forklift.co.uk.

Construction UK Magazine - End of Year Review Edition 2021 31

GROUNDWORK EQUIPMENT RANGE

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Our range of insulated Digging Tools are designed and made to be tough enough for your Groundworks Team. Made in the UK and available in a choice of handle lengths to suit every job. We believe this is the best on the market today and no other tool is tougher!

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Same tough, Tough 4mm Stainless Steel Digging Head Pulwound Glass Fibre Handles for strength Choice of 3 Handle lengths Electrical Safety Insulation Tested to BS EN 60900

We also make: Treaded Spades, Trenching Spades, Chisel Tip, Round Point and Double Ended Pick Bars and our unique Column Trolley for transporting columns when there is no vehicular access.

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Events & Awards News House, a workplace in Gujarat, India

by Urbanscape Architects. There were nearly 200 entries for this year’s Awards, with submissions sent from 24 different countries around the world including China, France and the USA. There are twelve Awards in total, which every year form an integral part of the Surface Design Show (8-10 February 2022) and reward both interior and exterior innovation.

RAIL EDI CHARTER CELEBRATES ONE YEAR SINCE LAUNCH, WITH OVER 170 ORGANISATIONS NOW SIGNED UP Today the rail Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Charter, led jointly

by Women in Rail and the Railway Industry Association (RIA), celebrated its first year of bringing organisations together to build a more balanced and higher performing sector.

In the year since its launch, the Charter has reached 174 signatories, covering organisations of all sizes and disciplines across rail, including Government bodies, major clients, operators, suppliers and SMEs from around the sector. RIA and WR have worked with the EDI Charter Working Group, made up of 11 individuals from signatory organisations, to deliver and promote the Charter within the industry.

The anniversary of the Charter was marked by a Trailblazers roundtable event at the RIA Annual Conference, where invitees discussed how to promote EDI, social mobility and skills within rail. Senior leaders from major rail suppliers were invited to bring along a younger person from their organisation or someone who has recently joined the industry, who they consider to be a future leader for the sector.

RECORD NUMBER OF ENTRIES FOR SURFACE DESIGN AWARDS AS 2022 FINALISTS ANNOUNCED The 48 finalists of the 2022 Surface Design Awards have just been announced with a record number of entries demonstrating a wealth of talent and material innovation.

Projects shortlisted include 22 Handyside, an office in London by Coffey Architects, Maggie’s Centre for cancer care in Southampton by AL_A and Sangini

The Awards are divided into a handful of building categories: commercial building, housing, light and surface, landscape + public realm, public building and temporary structure, with each project judged on a variety of criteria including materials used, type of surface, sustainability, and aesthetic design.

The 2022 Awards also include a new category of Architectural Photography recognising the most outstanding photography achievements by both amateurs and professionals, capturing the best in architecture and interior design.

The winners of the 2022 Surface Design Awards will be announced on Thursday 10 February, in a breakfast ceremony at Surface Design Show at London’s Business Design Centre including the Supreme Award, which is selected from the category winners.

KENSA SHINE AT COP26 WITH PRESTIGIOUS CLIMATE INNOVATION AWARD WIN Kensa Group, the UK’s only manufacturer of low carbon ground source heat pumps, was among a global cohort of winners of the esteemed Ashden Awards. They are urging the government to think ‘big’ about the opportunities for the widespread installation of heat pumps across whole communities.

Climate solutions charity Ashden honour pioneering organisations lowering carbon emissions and building a fairer world. The winners were announced at COP26 in a ceremony attended by the President of Costa Rica, Carlos Alvarado.

Kensa was nominated for the UK Climate Innovation Award for its ongoing commitments to the decarbonisation of heat, including the pioneering use of shared ground loop arrays and ground-breaking Shoebox heat pumps in district heating schemes.

This vision for the mass scale transition to networked ground source heat pumps has been brought to life in an augmented reality experience, ‘Welcome to Green Street’, unveiled by Kensa at COP26.

Using ground-breaking technology, Kensa’s virtual tour guide Doug sets out the benefits of networked heat pumps in an interactive fly-through and shows how they can heat entire streets from houses to tower blocks.

Construction UK Magazine - End of Year Review Edition 2021 33

Project News WORKS COMMENCE ON NEW £4.8M PRIMARY SCHOOL IN LICHFIELD

CONSTRUCTION WORK SET TO START ON 412-HOME DEVELOPMENT IN LUDGERSHALL Housing developer Lovell has been given the green light by Wiltshire Council to start construction on a £100 million housing scheme in Ludgershall.

The five-star housebuilder was appointed back in March 2020 by Homes England as their development partner to deliver 412 homes on the former Defence Medical Equipment Depot, now known as Drummond Park.

Construction works have started on a new primary school in Fradley Park in Lichfield, Staffordshire.

Midlands-based contractor G F Tomlinson is leading construction of the school, which will offer 210 primary and 26 nursery places to the local area when complete.

A ground-breaking ceremony was held on site on 24th September to celebrate the start of works.

The £4.8 million scheme is being delivered through the Staffordshire County Council Framework and is being project managed

by Entrust – once finished, the school will be run by the John Taylor Multi Academy Trust.

The new, two storey 1FE primary free school will house nine classrooms, a library, catering spaces, indoor sports facilities and an outdoor play area. There will also be a

SUSTAINABLE SUPPORTED HOUSING PLAN FOR TEESSIDE Plans for an innovative retirement village and supported housing development on the edge of Redcar have been submitted to Redcar and Cleveland Council.

MUGA (multi-use games area) pitch on site to enable a number of sports activities for pupils.

The school, which will be completed in July next year in time for the start of term in September 2022, is also proposed to expand to 2FE in the future – taking its capacity up to 420 primary and 52 nursery places in total – to accommodate for further planned housing schemes in the local area.

This is one of two school projects that G F Tomlinson has recently started works on – with another primary school in Uttoxeter also underway under the Staffordshire County Council Framework.

If approved, the scheme will see the construction of 75 homes designed for residents with a wide range of support needs, including adults over 55, residents with accessibility requirements and others with learning disabilities.

The homes are to be a mixture of 45 two and three person apartments, within a three storey building, which will also contain shared social spaces, hobby rooms, a laundry and office space for support staff. There will also be six wheelchairs accessible, four person bungalows, 12 two person, two storey homes and 12 three person, two storey apartments.

Contracts have now completed and construction work on the first homes at Drummond Park is set to commence this month (November), with a scheduled completion date of early 2027. The first open-market homes will be available for sale in January 2022. The development will feature a collection of 309 two-, three- and fourbedroom open market Lovell homes, as well as 103 affordable homes – 40 per cent shared ownership and 60 per cent affordable rent – for leading housing provider Stonewater.

As part of the planning agreement for the new homes, Lovell is set to inject £4.3 million into local community services and facilities.

Lovell’s investments will go towards the construction of a new primary school at Perham Down, the expansion of Wellington Academy, local bus services, highways, and recycling facilities.

Together, Lovell and Stonewater are also exploring ways to recycle or reuse some of the waste from site during construction to create public art and communal benches for new and existing residents to enjoy.

Drummond Park follows Lovell’s recently completed homes for military personnel on the former Corunna Barracks site on Salisbury Plain in Ludgershall.

Newcastle-based JDDK Architects has submitted the application on behalf of Vistry Partnerships North East, which would construct the development and Beyond Housing, which will own and operate it.

34 Construction UK Magazine - End of Year Review Edition 2021

Project News

WILLMOTT DIXON’S GREEN LIGHT FOR £29M WILTSHIRE NET-ZERO SEND SCHOOL Willmott Dixon has received the green light to start a £29m net-zero carbon school build at Silverwood School’s Rowde campus in North Wiltshire, extending the existing campus to provide a high-quality environment for 350 SEND pupils by September 2023.

To achieve net zero carbon in operation, the buildings will utilise biomass boilers and incorporate a large array of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels that harness renewable energy.

The school will also use Willmott Dixon’s EnergySynergyTM service, which models energy performance target data against actual ‘in-use’ performance for three years, ensuring energy use targets set out at design stage are met when operational.

The project will also deliver extensive ecological enhancements, including improved natural grassland to increase the foraging resource for bats and other species, while hedgerows will be increased by more than 200% as part of an overall biodiversity net gain of 14%.

The Silverwood School project was given the green light after Wiltshire Council Strategic Planning Committee members voted unanimously to approve the plans, which have also been ratified by Natural England.

Enabling works to prepare the site will begin in February 2022 with the start of the main construction works in March.

GRAHAM COMPLETES £13M WATER TREATMENT INVESTMENT AT DRUMAROAD WATER TREATMENT WORKS Civil engineering specialist GRAHAM has completed a project to improve the security of water supplies for Co Down and Belfast at Drumaroad Water Treatment Works, Castlewellan, in Northern Ireland.

The scheme, delivered for Northern Ireland Water, is one of the largest improvement projects carried out in recent years and will bring a range of benefits for customers.

Following the works a new water storage tank will now serve the existing Drumaroad and Chapel Hill water pumping stations to supply treated water for distribution areas.

GRAHAM’s civil engineering team also constructed an additional pumping station to transfer flows outside normal operational conditions which will provide extra resilience to the network.

The upgrade involved the construction of a new water storage tank, with a capacity of 36 million litres, the equivalent of 14 Olympic sized swimming pools.

Drumaroad Water Treatment Plant treats water from Silent Valley reservoir which delivers around 140 million litres of water every day to over 200,000 homes in County Down and Belfast.

Completion of the scheme means 540,000 people- a quarter of the Northern Ireland population, will benefit directly from increased resilience and security of water supply.

PJ McAffrey, Contracts Director at GRAHAM, said: “We’re thrilled to have helped deliver this vital improvement scheme for our long-standing client NI Water and to have supported the security of essential water supplies to the residents of County Down and Belfast.

“The water and wastewater sectors are key service areas for us and we have enjoyed a great working relationship with NI Water for decades.

“This improvement project was another example of our growing civil engineering portfolio in this sector and another successful collaboration.”

The creation of school places for SEND pupils at Silverwood School is the latest in a proud history of delivering highly sustainable buildings for Willmott Dixon.

The company is currently working with Spelthorne Borough Council to deliver the first Passivhaus accredited leisure centre in Greater London. Furthermore, the company is delivering a net-zero carbon retirement living village at Millfield Green for Inspired Villages, as well as ‘Halo’, the company’s second BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ certified office for Cubex in Bristol.

Construction UK Magazine - End of Year Review Edition 2021 35

Safety, Security & Fire Prevention SECURITY COMPOSITE PANEL SPECIALIST SET FOR FURTHER GROWTH AFTER SUCCESSFUL TEST OF NEW RANGE High security composite panels specialist Modular Security Solutions is providing the building sector with additional protection for people and assets, following the successful fire testing of its brand-new ULTRA composite panel system.

It will also broaden the company’s ability to support building contractors, security contractors, facilities managers, and end users with fire-tested panel systems in areas of high vulnerability, where defence against enhanced professional criminal attempts to access high value assets is required.

To gain the BSEN 476 certification, the panels were tested for 120 minutes for integrity and insulation. Integrity measures the system’s ability to stop flames or hot gases from passing from the ‘fire side’ to the non-fire side through openings such as panel joints and interfaces within the testing culvert,

OUR BUSINESS IS PROTECTING YOURS ON SITE SUPPLIES Fire Extinguishers Extinguisher Trolleys Temporary Site Fire Alarms Mobile Fire Points Personal Protection Equipment Arc Flash Workwear High Visibility Clothing Safety Footwear

while insulation relates to the system’s ability to limit the surface temperature rise on the non-fire side.

Modular Security Solutions’ high security composite panels are manufactured with a fire retardant rockwool insulative core, to support fire resistance, and steel anti-cutting layers which ensure they have high levels of resistance to mechanical, electrical and petrol-driven tooling.

The high security composite panelling systems are fully modular and versatile. They can be rapidly installed and offer a significant reduction in labour costs, site down time and on-site trades, due to their convenient male/female slip joint and pre-finished appearance, which comes in a wide range of standard colours and finishes.

Mark Sutherland, Projects Director of Modular Security Solutions, said: “We’re very proud to have achieved this two-hour fire testing pass for the ULTRA composite panel system, as the testing process is extremely rigorous. The excellent performance of our panels during testing demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that fire safety and physical security are built into the sensitive environments and projects our systems are part of.”

IMPOSSIBLE TO ACCURATELY SAY HOW MANY UK RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS CONTAIN COMPLETE FIRE SAFETY RECORDS Joule Group, a leading fire safety engineering consultancy, reports that currently, it is not possible to accurately determine how many residential buildings have complete and accurate fire safety records.

With new regulations due to come into force through the Building Safety Bill it means that a huge number of building operators will need to focus sharply on their fire safety compliance, and how they have been managing fire safety throughout their building stock.

FIT OUT SERVICES Fire Risk Assessments Fire Extinguishers Fire Alarms Emergency Lighting Fire Doors Fire Suppression Fire Safety Training CCTV Systems Intruder Alarms Access Control

Interruptions in the fire safety record do occur, for example, with paper-based systems information is often lost, mistakes are made when recording data and never corrected; or when buildings are transferred between owners or managers and systems. Digital reform presents a unique and significant opportunity to impart real change and significant benefit in the management of fire safety in buildings.

www.oheap.co.uk enquiries@oheap.co.uk 0330 999 8786

John Noone, a Director of Joule Group, says: “The point to make is not that everyone who lives in one of these accommodation blocks is in imminent danger – but that it is hard to say what their risk levels might be.“

36 Construction UK Magazine - End of Year Review Edition 2021

Safety, Security & Fire Prevention

TRUTAC BACKS NATIONWIDE LOAD SECURITY AND TRANSPORT SAFETY PUSH TruTac, part of the Microlise Group, is backing a push by transport authorities to highlight drivers’ and companies’ responsibilities around commercial vehicle load security this month.

trained professional drivers can easily ensure that their vehicles’ loads, among other elements, are fully secure by performing straightforward checks before they begin a day’s work.

National Highways, the DVSA and the Office of Traffic Commissioners are aiming to raise awareness about load security throughout October, alongside a campaign by multiple police forces targeting commercial vehicles and their cargo.

TruTac’s Director of Commercial Operations and Marketing, Jemma James, is confident about the part the app can play: “Despite the majority of transport operators following strict safety and compliance procedures, there are still far too many incidents, which could easily have been prevented by applying some simple checks and procedures during driver walk around inspections.“

Transport software and compliance specialist TruTac is adding its voice to this important safety initiative. The company believes that, in most cases, properly

THE FUTURE IS NOW: ELECTRICAL SAFETY FIRST RELEASES NEW REPORT ON THE FUTURE HOME Moving to net zero will bring fundamental changes to our homes, with new technologies creating a web of interconnected challenges and risks – made more problematic by having the oldest housing stock in Europe.

Yet in our increasingly electric world, electrical safety is still not given the

Operators can find out more about the

attention it deserves. Now a new report by campaigning charity, Electrical Safety First, offers a 360 degree look at the issue.

Future Homes – Electrical Safety in the Net Zero Home, considers some of the key technologies of the home of the future and their associated risks, as well as recommendations to enhance electrical safety. The report offers an integrated approach to the future home, reviewing four key themes: housing infrastructure, electric vehicles, product safety, and growing the installer base.

“Transitioning to net zero is of critical importance but we need to ensure it is not at the cost of consumer safety”, explains

requirements for load security on the government’s vehicle operator guidance page. Free load security guidance is also available from the DVSA, while the HSE offers free workplace transport guidance and resources to help operators assess risks.

Despite the majority of transport operators following strict safety and compliance procedures, there are still far too many incidents, which could easily have been prevented by applying some simple checks and procedures during driver walk around inspections.

Lesley Rudd, Chief Executive of Electrical Safety First. “We believe that by addressing these key, interrelated issues now, will help ensure the future home is not only low carbon and smart, but also safer. From 2025, all new homes must be futureproofed with low carbon heating, A net zero home is also likely to be highly insulated and may include on-site renewable electricity generation and smart technologies, as well as electric vehicle home-charging points. So electricity – now increasingly produced from renewable sources – is set to play a key role in new builds. However, retro-fitting existing homes will be a greater challenge. The UK has the oldest housing stock in Europe and deploying such new technologies introduces inherent safety risks, particularly since we are in the midst of a major skills shortage”.

Construction UK Magazine - End of Year Review Edition 2021 37

EnviroEcoWall Fireproof Panel Building System “Zero Rating by 2050” “No gas or oil boilers by 2025” “We never want another Grenfell”

TO MEET THESE TARGETS COSTS MONEY Over the last 10 years the building industry have been building structures that will easily burn down and won’t stand the test of time. We as Envirograf® decided 2 years ago that this must stop, EnviroEcoWall Panels can stop all of this NOW. .

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Enviro Eco Wall Panel all tested to meet all 3-hour BS and EN test requirements: EN 1365-2: 2014, EN 136 – 1: 2012+ A1 2018, EN 1364-5:2017. .

• Thermal Tested by BBA external and internal walls: (U Value: 0.50 W/(m2K), R value 1.97 m2KW-1) .

• Impact & Airborne Sound by BTC (Build Test Centre): (40(-2; -6) dB & 45 (-2; -7) dB) .

• Eco Air Permeability by Site sound: (1.15m3.h-1.m2@50pa) .

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EnviroEcoWall Fireproof Panel Building System

THE FIRE TESTING OF THE ECO-HOUSE

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FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: ENVIRO ECO WALL PANELS LTD Maslow Court, Canterbury Road, Chilham, Kent, CT4 8DZ - Phone: 01304 842555

Safety, Security & Fire Prevention Our main aim is to help the public understand what they need to do, clearly and concisely, and where to go for help if they need it.

The animation was developed by Iain Mason, Director of Membership & Communication at SELECT, who said: “Serving the public interest is at the heart of every professional organisation’s mission and SELECT is proud to lead the way. We hope the impact of this animation and other material will be to help as many people as possible get ready and comply with the new regulations before the implementation date.”

SELECT LAUNCHES ANIMATION TO HELP PUBLIC AND ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS PREPARE FOR NEW HEAT AND SMOKE ALARM STANDARD Influential electrical trade body SELECT has launched a new public safety campaign to help raise awareness of the new heat and smoke alarm regulations being introduced across Scotland next February.

Scotland’s largest construction trade association has produced an engaging and informative animation to clarify what householders and landlords need to do to comply with the standard, in line with Scottish Government guidance.

It has also created a dedicated page on its new website for the public and electrical contractors that delivers FAQs, downloadable resources and details of training and available certification.

The new standard, which is applicable from 1 February 2022, requires that all homes in Scotland must have a smoke alarm on every storey including hallways and landings, a smoke alarm in the most frequented part of the house, such as the lounge, a heat alarm in the kitchen and a carbon monoxide alarm wherever there is a fuel burning appliance.

The organisation is now encouraging its 1,250+ member businesses to use and share the range of resources to familiarise themselves with the new rules and help educate the public.

Bob Cairney, Director of Technical Services at SELECT, said: “Our main aim is to help the public understand what they need to do, clearly and concisely, and where to go for help if they need it. This includes stressing the importance of using a qualified electrician to carry out the work.

The new standard, which is applicable from 1 February 2022, requires that all homes in Scotland must have a smoke alarm on every storey including hallways and landings, a smoke alarm in the most frequented part of the house, such as the lounge, a heat alarm in the kitchen and a carbon monoxide alarm wherever there is a fuel burning appliance.

In addition, all the heat and smoke alarms must be interlinked, either mainspowered with battery back-up or be battery powered by a tamper-proof longlife battery to ensure there is an effective warning system to keep everyone and their property safe.

For mains-powered alarms or where householders cannot fit the batterypowered alarms themselves, they are being urged to use a qualified electrician.

“We also want to develop SELECT Members’ understanding of what is required by giving them the tools they need to help their customers.”

The information campaign is the latest initiative from SELECT, which has a long track record of promoting safety messages around the industry and safeguarding the welfare of customers as well as the 15,000 people and 3,500 apprentices who work in it.

As well as the animation, SELECT has produced three downloadable guides, social media templates, training opportunities and details of available certification. All are hosted on a dedicated section of the revamped SELECT website, which was launched on 27 September.

SELECT has also been leading a longrunning campaign with other leading industry bodies to ensure that those who work in the industry do so in a safe and competent manner. It currently is engaged with the Scottish Government over the regulation of the industry.

40 Construction UK Magazine - End of Year Review Edition 2021

Safety, Security & Fire Prevention

PROTECTING YOUR HOME & BUSINESS With over 20 years experience in the electronic security industry, working on projects of all levels, in residential, commercial and public sectors, we are passionate about what we do… We pride ourselves on providing our clients and customers with a bespoke service, while coupling the traditional values of courteousness and professionalism, with the capability to provide state of the art fire and security systems.

Our main core services comprise the Design, Installation and Maintenance of Electronic Security Systems Including: Intruder Alarms, CCTV, Fire Alarms, Access Control, Gates & Barriers in accordance with the requirements of the relevant British Standards.

synergyfireandsecurity.co.uk

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Project News

GMI CONSTRUCTION GROUP TO START WORK ON £30M HILLTHORN BUSINESS PARK DEVELOPMENT GMI Construction Group is about to start work on a £30m contract to construct 362,600 sq. ft of commercial units as part of the first phase of the Hillthorn Business Park development at Washington, near Sunderland.

Appointed lead contractor by client Legal & General, it is due to complete the seven units, ranging in size from 21,000 sq. ft to 83,000 sq. ft, by September 2022.

It is part of a £60m two-phased development designed to stimulate economic growth by supporting the needs of industrial, advanced manufacturing, storage, and distribution businesses in the area.

NEW CONSERVATION SCHEME FOR GREAT CRESTED NEWTS COMES TO EAST SUSSEX NatureSpace today announced the expansion of its innovative District Licensing Scheme for great crested newts into eight new Local Planning Authorities across East Sussex. The scheme provides developers in the area with a quick, simple and risk-free solution and ensures hugely improved conservation outcomes for newts.

Great crested newts are a widespread but declining protected species in the UK, making them a key concern for both developers and conservationists across the country. The NatureSpace scheme, approved by Natural England, speeds up development delivery by providing a solution all year round, with no need for developers to wait for the survey window which runs from March-June.

Development impacts are properly accounted for in the planning process and the funding raised from developments using the scheme will pay for high quality, well managed habitats across East Sussex.

East Sussex is an ideal area for the scheme since the county is a stronghold for great crested newts. The area also has plans for significant infrastructure improvements and other development over the coming years.

The additional areas now covered by the scheme are East Sussex County

Hilthorn Business Park is expected to create 1,600 jobs once fully completed by 2023 and will complement the adjacent International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP) and Turbine Business Park.

The units, designed by commercial architecture specialist Hale, will be sited on land west of Infiniti Drive, and provide a range of light industrial and storage distribution uses.

Council, Eastbourne Borough Council, Hastings Borough Council, Lewes District Council, Rother District Council, Wealden District Council, and Brighton and Hove City Council. The South Downs National Park Authority also has access to this licensing option for developments within East Sussex.

The building and construction services company also completed phases I and III of the adjacent state-of-the-art distribution centres at Turbine Business Park, operated by logistics provider Vantec Europe. This involved the successful construction of two distribution centres of 422,000 sq. ft and 436,000 sq. ft in size.

The scheme also ensures a sustainable future for great crested newts by creating and managing new long-term and landscape-scale habitats across the county.

Working in collaboration with the Newt Conservation Partnership and supported by the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust and the Freshwater Habitats Trust, the scheme funds creation, restoration and management of ponds, terrestrial habitat, and connectivity features. The scheme is currently creating eight high-quality new newt ponds for every one lost, providing net gain not only for great crested newts but also a wide range of other biodiversity.

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Project News

GATEWAY CENTRAL AND GATEWAY WEST STRUCTURAL WORKS COMPLETE AT WHITE CITY PLACE Following commencement of works in September 2020, the structural works to Gateway Central and Gateway West buildings at White City Place are now complete, with remaining works now underway in readiness for a scheduled final completion in Q3 2022.

Forming part of the transformation of White City in London, Gateway Central and Gateway West are being developed

by Stanhope on behalf of investors Mitsui Fudosan and Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo), on behalf of certain of its clients.

Gateway Central is a new eleven storey building comprising over 280,000 square feet of total floor space, including two outdoor terraces at Levels 4 and 8. Five upper floors of the building are pre-let to L’Oréal UK and Ireland for their new UK Headquarters. Gateway Central takes 52% less energy to cool than a comparable building due to its solar-control glass with shading from external fins and shelves.

Gateway West is a new four storey building comprising 25,000 square feet,

it is a strong, angular brick building, providing an opportunity for a standalone headquarters within the new business district. A collaborative approach to sustainability has lowered embodied carbon, achieved 2025-2030 energy performance targets and doubled the biodiversity on the site.

The project team includes Sir Robert McAlpine (Construction Manager), Allies & Morrison (Architect for Masterplan and Gateway Central), Gort Scott (Architect for Gateway West), AKT II (Structural and Façade Engineers), Sweco (MEP Engineer) and Deloitte (Cost Consultant).

Gateway West is a new four storey building comprising 25,000 square feet, it is a strong, angular brick building, providing an opportunity for a stand-alone headquarters within the new business district.

Construction UK Magazine - End of Year Review Edition 2021 43

SPATEX 2022

WHY SPATEX 2022 IS THE MUST-ATTEND SHOW FOR YOU With interest in the construction of water leisure projects in the UK at an all-time high, following two years of restrictions on foreign travel, there has never been a better time to attend SPATEX 2022. As the UK’s ONLY dedicated international water leisure exhibition, it is bursting with inspiration and information, and showcases the very latest products, trends and innovations. SPATEX 2022 offers the potential to meet over a

thousand people from the water leisure industry in one day.

International showcase Held at the Coventry Building Society Arena from Tuesday 1 to Thursday 3 February, SPATEX 2022 is free to attend, and provides all building and construction industry supply chain professionals with ALL you need to know about water

features, spas, hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, swimming pools, enclosures, tiling as well as the more functional elements like chemicals and heating and ventilation.

It’s literally the best of water leisure under one roof.

Wellness and making people feel good is what it is all about when it comes to water leisure. A large part of that success begins at the planning and design stage.

One hundred plus companies, including all the world’s major suppliers and manufacturers, cover every conceivable aspect of water leisure, for both the commercial and domestic sectors. Saving energy is high on the exhibition’s agenda and you can expect to see lots of new products supporting a low energy, low carbon footprint. Many of the stands will feature two years’ worth of launches as well as those making their 2022 debut.

Free seminar programme Not just an exhibition, SPATEX hosts a double programme of free seminars on all three days. The technical workshops hosted by ISPE (Institute of Swimming Pool Engineers) in Arena 1 offer vital information such as new standards and guidance that affect all disciplines involved in the development of water leisure projects and CPD points and a certificate of attendance are available for all attendees. For example: Wednesday Feb 2 Arena 1 Protect yourself – Protect your Business – an overview of the types of insurance pool builders and engineers should consider including liability and professional risks, personal accident and tools.

Picture courtesy of SpaFlo

Over in Arena 2 and promising to be of particular interest to architects is the talk

by Devin Consulting (experts in the design and engineering of water features) on Wednesday February 2 discussing their role in the construction of the worldfamous London Sky Pool, completed in June.

44 Construction UK Magazine - End of Year Review Edition 2021

SPATEX 2022 Saving energy is high on the exhibition’s agenda and you can expect to see lots of new products supporting a low energy, low carbon footprint. Many of the stands will feature two years’ worth of launches as well as those making their 2022 debut.

Spanning 17m across the rooftops of two high rise apartment buildings 35m in the air, this amazing allacrylic, clear see through structure is part of the Embassy Gardens development in Nine Elms, London for Ballymore EcoWorld, opposite the new American Embassy building.

Free expertise for your projects Tap into a unique pool of free expertise for your projects - SPATEX 2022 is fortunate to count the industry’s many esteemed associations amongst its supporting partners.

There’s no better place to seek advice from an expert, and all for free! Representatives from SPATA (Swimming Pool & Allied Trades Association) and BISHTA (British and Irish Spa and Hot Tub Association) will be in attendance.

Please come to the SPATEX Help Desk at the entrance to the exhibition hall, if you need to be pointed in the right direction.

Registration is free at www.spatex.co.uk and view SPATEX’s impressive list of exhibitors and details of the free double seminar and workshop programme.

SPATEX 2022 – Tuesday 1 to Thursday 3 February. The Coventry Building Society Arena, Coventry CV6 6GE is easy to get to - just 500 yards off the M6 and within two hours commuting time of 75 per cent of the population, it offers 2,000 free on-site car parking spaces.

London Sky Pool

Photo supplied by Mapei UK Ltd

Construction UK Magazine - End of Year Review Edition 2021 45

Company News all the complex operational needs of the logistics industry and implementable across the UK by 2040.”

Electric roads have great potential to reduce road freight emissions from the largest HGVs in the quickest, and most cost-effective way. They have the advantage of using proven technologies that can be scaled to a national level quickly, within years, not decades.

REMOVING CARBON-EMITTING HGVS BY 2040 WELCOMED BY COSTAIN Costain welcomes the commitment by the Department for Transport that all new heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) must emit zero emissions by 2040.

As lead partner in the Electric Roads Consortium (ERC), Costain will be responsible for integrating the various technologies that are needed to bring this programme together to deliver a decarbonised road freight network to the UK.

On behalf of the Electric Roads Consortium, Professor David Cebon from the Centre for Sustainable Road Freight commented, “It’s great to see Government’s continued commitment to taking diesel HGVs off our roads in order to hit the net zero target.

“The key question now is which solutions will be best suited to fill the gap left by diesel HGVs? These solutions will have to be near zero carbon, low cost, able to satisfy

GOOD OLD BRITISH WINTER? PROTECT YOUR PROJECT WITH WEST FRASER’S CABERDEK FLOORING LEADING THE PACK

The Electric Roads Consortium’s proposed demonstrator project will benefit from lessons learned in the successful field trials in Sweden and Germany.

The UK study will show how the wider logistics system – with its transport hubs, ports, airports, distribution centres and depots – will function with electric lorries.

The demonstration project is focusing on a 20km stretch of the M180 in the east of England near Scunthorpe, linking Immingham Port with the logistics hubs of Doncaster.

The scheme is expected to cost approximately £100m in construction and will be delivered by a collaboration between ten organisations, all bringing their individual areas of expertise in sustainable transport.

WIELAND PROVIDES THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION FOR HMP FIVE WELLS

CaberDek can be left exposed and remains BBA approved for up to 42 days without risk of damage CaberDek is one of West Fraser’s flagship quality flooring products designed to ensure that, whatever weather befalls UK construction sites, work can continue cleanly and safely. This is especially important with today’s tighter than ever timelines. It is made from the same moisture-resistant particleboard as the standard CaberFloor P5 and features a protective non-slip film applied to its upper surface.

In most new-build projects, the upper floors of a residential property are installed before the roof goes on, with the inevitable result that the new floor is left open to the elements for days or even weeks.

CaberDek’s protective film prevents rain and frost damage to the new floor surface as well as providing a safe non-slip working surface for the construction team. CaberDek can be left exposed, and remains BBA approved for up to 42 days without risk of damage, provided it is correctly installed with West Fraser’s CaberFix adhesives. Even after the building is weather-tight, the floor surface remains protected while following trades, such as plastering and painting, come onto site. When work has finished, the protective film is simply peeled off to reveal a pristine particleboard floor ready for covering.

CaberDek comes in easy-to-handle 2400mm x 600mm panels produced in thicknesses of 18mm and 22mm. Suitable for fixing to traditional sawn timber or engineered-timber joists, including metal-web joists, it can be fixed with nails, screws, and with West Fraser’s own specially-formulated adhesives.

For further information, call 01786 812 921 or visit Uk.westfraser.com

Wieland Electric has supplied a variety of products from the company’s gesis RST® and GST® ranges, along with low voltage lighting control and cabling in all cells and risers, for HMP Five Wells which is currently under construction in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire. The new Category C resettlement prison is set to open in early 2022 and is built on the site of the previously demolished Wellingborough Prison, which closed in 2012. HMP Five Wells will house 1,680 male prisoners and create around 700 jobs in the area.

The project has been overseen by main contractor Kier and is embracing a Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) concept. This will integrate digital tools to drive efficiencies in the design, construction and operation of the facility. The project is the first in a series of schemes to be undertaken as part of the Ministry of Justice’s New Prison Programme.

Wieland worked with building services providers Crown House Technologies to provide its RST® and GST® cable assemblies for the off-site prefabricated risers which fed the power, lighting and ancillary services to the individual prison cells and communal areas. All of the cabling in the cells was fully pluggable and incorporated Wieland’s GST® and GST® MINI systems. Wieland also supplied an extra low voltage lighting control system for cell lighting.

The design developed for HMP Five Wells supports the MoJ’s commitment to provide safe, secure and decent prison places with a focus on supporting rehabilitation.

Tel: 01483 531213

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Web: www.wieland.co.uk

26/08/2021 13:40:24

Company News

CEMENTATION SKANSKA TO USE HVO ON LARGE-SCALE PLANT Piling contractor commits to adding all its plant fleet, including piling rigs, to Skanska’s Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) mandate from 1 January 2022.

Following a successful trial of using HVO on a Liebherr LB36 piling rig with an 390kW engine, the largest engine to ever trial the use of HVO, Cementation Skanska has committed to cut carbon (CO2e) and harmful air emissions by converting fully to HVO.

HUMANITARIAN AID AGENCY GOAL ANNOUNCES FIVE-YEAR PARTNERSHIP WITH KINGSPAN GROUP International humanitarian response agency GOAL today announces the beginning of a five-year partnership with Cavan-headquartered Kingspan Group, further strengthening its ability to deliver on its mission of improving the lives of some of the world’s most vulnerable people.

Kingspan Group, the global leader in advanced insulation and building solutions, will support GOAL’s transformative work by providing expertise and products, supported by financial contributions – all combining to a €1.5 million commitment over the five-years - to develop critical infrastructure with sustainability at its core in healthcare and education.

GOAL was founded in 1977 and is headquartered in Dublin. Over the last four decades GOAL has responded to many of the world’s major humanitarian crises, and is currently working with vulnerable communities in more than 14 countries.

The decision to use Green D+ will lead to significant carbon savings compared to red diesel. Supplied by Green Biofuels Ltd, it is certified under the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification Scheme and exclusively generated from waste or secondary renewable source.

“Following this successful trial, we can confidently take this next step forward and demonstrate our credentials in green leadership to significantly reduce emissions associated with our plant. This move comes after Skanska mandated the use of HVO fuel to power all site plant and equipment and to act on our pledge to become Net-Zero Carbon by 2045.”

Katie Atherton, Cementation Skanska Environment Manager, said: This is a very exciting turning point for the industry and our journey to becoming Net Zero. This trial shows the commitment from all involved and is a great example of collaboration, which is what will support us in this journey.”

The trial, carried out in collaboration with HS2 and the Skanska Costain STRABAG JV, collected data measurements with the engine running on diesel and then the engine running on HVO fuel alone. The data, verified by Brighton University, revealed that CO was reduced by 57%, NOx was reduced by 38% and PM reduced by 36% during the normal operations.

Terry Muckian, Cementation Skanska Managing Director, said: “The use of HVO on a piling rig of this size had not been tried in the UK before due to concerns over potential damage to the engine.

BALFOUR BEATTY LAUNCHES CHILDREN’S BOOK TO INSPIRE SCHOOL CHILDREN IN LEEDS Balfour Beatty has launched an educational book for children aged between six and eight years old, entitled, “CONES and Building Bridges”.

The book, written by author Chris Madeley, aims to inspire children to consider a career in the construction and infrastructure industry from a young age by demonstrating the exciting opportunities that the industry has to offer.

By bringing traffic cones to life, “CONES and Building Bridges” takes the reader through a typical day on a construction site, educating them on health and safety and touching on topics such as the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Supported by the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Asghar Khan and Leeds City Council’s executive member for infrastructure and climate, Councillor Helen Hayden, 1,000 copies of the book will be provided, free of charge, to schools across Leeds.

The scheme is expected to cost approximately £100m in construction and will be delivered by a collaboration between ten organisations, all bringing their individual areas of expertise in sustainable transport.

“CONES and Building Bridges” marks the latest in a series of books written by Chris Madeley about the construction and infrastructure industry.

Construction UK Magazine - End of Year Review Edition 2021 47

Project News

COLAS LTD COMPLETES AMBITIOUS RUNWAY RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT AT CORK AIRPORT An ambitious runway reconstruction project at Cork Airport has been completed on schedule and within budget by civil engineering and transport infrastructure specialists, Colas Ltd, this week. It was officially opened by Micheál Martin, the Head of the Irish Government, at a ceremony on the runway itself.

An Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Micheál Martin TD, was joined by his cabinet members along with civic and business leaders to witness the result of the reconstruction work to this site, which is considered a key strategic asset for Cork and the South of Ireland for the next 20 years.

Essential Bacteria Protection For Safer Heating Market leaders in the design, manufacture and supply of safe heating solutions, Contour Heating, discuss the need for advanced hygiene in public settings.

When hospitals, schools and other public buildings look to make improvements, they’ll now have a new requirement to add to the list.

As well as being fit for purpose and in budget, facilities are facing unprecedented levels of strain following the pandemic, making the need for efficient cleaning, crucial.

Contour’s DeepClean range of LST and anti-ligature radiators and guards make it possible for a single cleaning operative to access every surface of the radiator guard without any support from a Facilities or Estates department.

This significantly improves cleaning efficiencies, helps reduce overheads and importantly, raises hygiene standards.

BioCote® anti-microbial protection is incorporated as standard into the paintwork of all the LST and anti-ligature options, inhibiting the growth of 99.99% of bacteria within just two hours.

This unique, patented additive provides an effective, safe and longlasting solution to combatting a range of bacteria, including MRSA and E. coli.

Contact information: Contour Heating Ltd. www.contourheating.co.uk sales@contourheating.co.uk 01952 290 498

The project, which was the fastest large-scale construction project undertaken in the State in recent years - 12 months from funding approval to the completion of the main works – was awarded to Colas, following an extensive EU tender process. It was supported by Government funding of €10 million from the Department of Transport, with the balance coming from Cork Airport’s parent company, DAA plc.

The airport made the brave decision to close completely to undertake the reconstruction works and enable the project to be delivered in a quicker time, in a safer environment and with fewer long-term impacts on airlines and passengers, versus the alternative of night time closures over a 10-month period.

Over 400 people were employed by Colas and the multiple sub-contractors to ensure the work was completed on time.

Of these, 250 construction and supply jobs were created specifically for the rebuilding of the main runway as well as for the work required to upgrade of the airport’s approach, airfield and ground lighting, runway edge and centreline lighting together with all its drainage and ducting systems.

The Managing Director at Cork Airport, Niall MacCarthy said: “Rebuilding and reopening the new runway at Cork Airport is a major milestone on the road to our recovery post COVID-19.

Seeing the quality of the finished product today after 10 weeks of extensive works proves the decision to close since 13th September was the right one as the city and the wider region can now start to reap the benefits of this once in a generation project.

I must acknowledge the significant investment by our parent company DAA and we are very grateful for the support of the Irish Government. I must also acknowledge the efforts of all my colleagues in Cork, the wider DAA infrastructure team and Colas Ltd who were responsible for main construction contract for the rebuilding of the runway. Together we delivered a great result for Cork and the South of Ireland region we serve.”

Rebuilding and reopening the new runway at Cork Airport is a major milestone on the road to our recovery post COVID-19. Seeing the quality of the finished product today after 10 weeks of extensive works proves the decision to close since 13th September was the right one as the city and the wider region can now start to reap the benefits of this once in a generation project.

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SIKA’S MODERN METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION DIVISION HITS THE MARK ON EXPERTISE Sika’s modern methods of construction (MMC) division is testament to its worldleading status as a manufacturer and supplier of construction materials for a wide variety of applications. The team works with offsite manufacturing and assembly companies to look at how Sika products can be used as part of the process in this fast-growing sector.

Sika’s decision to create this team of experts in 2019 came at a time where offsite manufacturing was growing in popularity, as a result of its multiple benefits including improved quality control and reduced waste and speed of construction.

Now, an extended team of offsite manufacturing specialists has been selected to cover a breadth of skill and expertise. At the helm is Simon Griffiths, Head of Sales – Offsite Construction, and supporting him is Chris Meadows, National Sales Manager – Facades, Fenestration and Insulated Glass,

upon delivery to site, for a variety of purposes.

To support the development of this important market sector, we have expanded our specialist team of experts.”

Sika offers the industry’s widest product ranges for sealing and bonding, roofing, building finishing, passive fire protection, damping and reinforcing, concrete, flooring, waterproofing and wall finishes for interior and exterior applications, and bathroom pod waterproofing and tiling systems.

Andrew Gillard, Business Unit Manager, David Fitzpatrick, Target Market Manager Industry Sealing and Bonding, Cheryl Douglas, Head of Marketing, Jean-Francois Guillet, Business Development Manager Modular Building, James Taylor, Technical Advisor/Key Account Manager Shipping & Offshore, Brian Doocey, Technical Manager and Oscar Larsson, Key Project Manager.

The nine members from across Europe each bring their own personality and experience to the table.

Speaking of the news, Simon Griffiths from Sika said: “Offsite has grown steadily over the past few years. Its benefits are widely known and understood. We are at a point where we believe that the use of offsite will accelerate to meet the demands of many projects such as HIP. As a business, Sika has many products that can be used in offsite construction, both within production assembly lines and/or application

Sika has an extensive R&D capability and global reach. This means the company has a proven track record of working across international markets, many of which are on the pulse of offsite manufacturing’s innovations. Sika’s MMC division is utilising global experience to guide offsite manufacturing companies towards unlocking new potentials. The division can offer a customised approach for modular manufacturers, especially where construction solutions need an industrial approach.

With extensive technical expertise and solid practical experience on every continent, in many climates and environments, Sika is a highly qualified, reliable partner for all manner of manufacturing and construction needs.

For more information, contact Simon Griffiths from our MMC division on 07803 667225.

HIGH VIS ‘SUPER STRETCH’ COMFORT FROM ENGEL WORKWEAR A range of high visibility, flexible workwear which stretches to follow the movements of the body giving maximum comfort in any work situation forms part of the comprehensive workwear collection from Danish workwear specialists ENGEL. Called ‘Safety - Super-Stretch’, the wide variety of garments feature

elastic fibres woven into a polyester and cotton mix; the strong yet extreme flexibility of the material allows each item of clothing to return to its original shape making it especially suitable for working in confined spaces whilst still retaining all the inherent advantages of design and style.

With added safety being as important to

wearers as both comfort and practical durability, not only does the flexibility help reduce tiredness, the workwear also allows them to be readily seen throughout the day or night, further minimising the risk of accidents, The ‘Super-Stretch’ collection, which includes high-vis ‘Safety’ work jackets, trousers, shorts and bib-overalls is also being offered during 2021 in an Environmentally friendly, ‘SustainableSafety’ version which incorporates 50% regenerated polyester fibres made from recycled plastic bottles; This method of yarn production with the brand name of ‘REPREVE©’ has been developed by Unifi, one of the world’s most advanced recycling centres; waterproofs, T shirts, sweatshirts and a zipped hoodie using the same material are also being added.

For more details contact Gareth Bladen at gbl@f-engel.com.

Telephone +44 (0) 7759 520034 or visit www.engel.eu/en

- End ofMagazine Year Review Edition 2021 xx Construction UK Magazine Construction UK - End of Year Review Edition 2021 49

Plastic Waste Feature

PLASTIC WASTE FROM UK CONSTRUCTION BUSINESSES RISES 46% IN TWO YEARS, REVEALS GOVERNMENT DATA Building sites across the country grapple with the problem of plastic waste

Plastic waste from the UK’s construction industry has increased 45.72% in two years, according to analysis of recently published government data by the construction site storage experts at SiteStak. The data from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is recently published and is the latest statistical release on UK waste.

The new statistics follow Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s recent comments on plastics and recycling in the run up to COP 26. Johnson commented that recycling plastics ‘doesn’t work’ and that industries need to ‘cut down our use of plastics’ to solve the problem. The research also comes amid renewed concerns of the environmental impact of waste from building sites, with most plastics not being biodegradable and more than 8 million tonnes of it still being dumped in the oceans each year.

It also follows a recent Environment Agency warning to construction businesses

TekThermTM AK-FR A2 Fire-Rated Structural Thermal Break MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS TekTherm™ AK-FR Thermal Breaks are designed to be A2 Fire Rated as well as having a high compressive strength and low thermal conductivity. Compliant for use in buildings above 18m under Document B Building Regulations, this material allows specifiers to meet multiple requirements in one.

TekTherm™ AK-FR has been independently tested and meets A2,s1,d0 (Full laboratory report available on request). We can supply this as cut pads, strips or in any other shape within the parameters of the material.

APPLICATIONS

• • • • • • •

Steel to Steel Steel to Concrete Concrete to Concrete Steel to Timber Balconies Canopies Brise-soleil

• • • • • • •

Roof Plant enclosures Façade Systems Balustrading Parapets Man-safe systems Staircases Building Maintenance Units

www.thermal-breaks.co.uk

50 Construction UK Magazine - End of Year Review Edition 2021

Plastic Waste Feature that they must deal with plastic waste properly after a ‘marked increase’ in attempts to illegally export contaminated and potentially harmful plastics from building sites.

Despite the rise in plastic waste from UK construction sites, the new data also shows that plastic waste from the UK as a whole actually decreased 2.68% in the same two-year period to 2018. Even more concerning, plastic waste from UK construction companies increased 69.84% in four years to 98,284 tonnes in 2018. Total wastage of all materials from the construction industry also increased 2.23% in the same four year period.

Although growth has recently waned due to supply chain issues, UK construction output has often been strong in recent years, driving demand for materials including plastics.

Construction output hit a two decade high at the beginning of this summer, with the new DEFRA statistics also highlighting that plastic waste remains a big problem for the UK as a whole. Although the proportion of the country’s plastic waste that was recycled or recovered increased 1.2% year-on-year in 2020, the overall output of the UK’s plastic waste that was not recycled still increased nearly 5% in the four years to 2020.

Peter James, Managing Director of SiteStak commented on the new findings: ‘Our analysis of DEFRA data raises concerns about how the building industry is handling materials, with large quantities of nonbiodegradable plastic waste sadly still ending up in landfill. Construction is heavily dependent on plastic, with packaging, unused materials, offcuts and improper storage and handling of plastic often being the biggest culprits. When supplies aren’t properly organised on a construction site, plastics often get mislaid or used incorrectly, which is often a significant driver of excess

waste. Our SiteStak materials management system has been specifically designed to help combat this issue and change how groundworkers operate, by better facilitating stock control, organisation and the movement of underground drainage and building supplies.’

Case Study: Health & Safety Director Richard Theaker, who has spent the last 30 years working for clients in house building and construction, draws upon his experience to address key questions on the problem of plastic waste in construction.

Has plastic waste been a problem for you and your clients in the construction industry?

This is a significant issue for many construction companies, with building sites often generating large quantities of excess plastic, all of which needs to be disposed of properly. One of the biggest practical challenges for these companies is what to do with excess plastic and how to avoid the mistakes which contribute towards wastage.

Finding cost effective ways to dispose of plastic and the financial burden of replacing materials whilst working is also a significant challenge for many construction companies.

Some groundworks companies estimate that 10% or more of plastic materials go to waste on building sites. What do you think are the main causes of this?

Damage and loss of materials is one of the leading causes of plastic waste on

construction sites. Much of this waste comes from offcuts, however mistakes made during construction work and workers losing materials also plays a big role. Construction sites are busy places with lots of materials and activities taking place, which in many cases inevitably leads to materials such as plastics getting mislaid or lost. Theft of materials from building sites also plays a role.

What, in your experience, is the most surprising way you have seen materials being wasted on construction sites?

Ordering the right quantity of materials and accurately predicting how much of that material will end up being wasted is a difficult thing to predict. One of the most shocking things I have heard about is large quantities of over ordered building materials being buried and excess plastics being tracked into the ground at the end of a build instead of recycled. Sometimes workers also make significant mistakes, which leads to lots of materials such as plastic going to waste.

In your experience, how has SiteStak and improved management of materials on construction sites helped to tackle the problem of plastic of waste?

Large building projects can be chaotic and naturally require lots of materials, much of which often gets lost, misused, or damaged by machinery if left lying about. Disorganisation and poor stock management is also a cause of over ordering and the misuse of materials, so putting in place systems to organise, store and manage these materials is vital to reducing excess waste.

I have helped facilitate the use of the SiteStak system on many construction projects as it is one of the best solutions for managing materials and stock levels. The system is also easily moved across construction sites, leading to improvements in traffic management due to materials being transported more effectively. It also organises and secures items in one place, which helps to reduce the number of materials lost to theft.

When purchased with a saw guide and clamp, and used in conjunction with a pipe chamfer tool, the SiteStak system also improves the safety of operations greatly.

Construction UK Magazine - End of Year Review Edition 2021 51

© Jack Hobhouse

SCHÖCK ISOKORB FOR PASSIVHAUS LARGE PROJECT OF THE YEAR Not only does the Isokorb range provide a number of solutions to meet Passivhaus standards, it also exceeds the requirements of the Future Homes Standard, helping the industry move towards the Governments 2050 net zero carbon targets. © Jack Hobhouse

Winner of the Large Projects category of the UK Passivhaus Awards 2021, Agar Grove, in Camden, is designed to tackle occupant wellbeing, climate action pledges and fuel poverty. The avoidance of thermal bridging is therefore a key element in the design detailing and to ensure optimum performance, the balconies and parapets incorporate Schöck Isokorb technology.

Claimed to be the largest Passivhaus development in the UK and certainly Camden Council’s largest community investment project, Agar Grove, in North West London, is undergoing a six-phase major regeneration. It is due for completion in 2025, with a masterplan that will provide 493 affordable homes. This is very much a community-oriented project, with the new homes planned around the the traditional concept of ‘streets and squares’, allowing mobility through and within the site. The buildings will feature predominantly brick and reconstituted stone façade materials, with natural light and open spaces that will make the homes feel welcoming and spacious. There will be one, two, three and four bedroom apartments, with maisonettes and gardens on the ground floor and those on the higher floors with full width balconies.

The highest levels of sustainability By achieving Passivhaus standard energy performance, the development will meet the highest levels of sustainability and energy efficiency, addressing issues such as occupant wellbeing, climate action pledges and fuel poverty. A key element in meeting these standards is the avoidance of thermal bridging; and one of the most effective countermeasures has been incorporated –

52 Construction UK Magazine - End of Year Review Edition 2021

connectivity points involving balconies and parapets. Balconies are always likely to pose a risk when it comes to thermal bridging and it is here that the design detailing involves the first of the Schöck load-bearing structural therrmal break types used on the development – the XT type K. This transfers both negative moments and positive shear forces and has been awarded the “low thermal bridge construction” certificate by the Passivhaus Institute in Darmstadt, verifying its suitability for Passivhaus construction. A major reason for the superior performance of the product is the thickness of the insulation body, which is increased from the standard 80mm thick to 120mm. High quality stainless steel bars with improved tensile strength are an integral part of the unit. Although there is a smaller rod diameter and therefore a reduction in the thermally conducting cross-section, the same load-bearing capacity is maintained, resulting in a further increase in the heat insulation performance.

Isokorb technology from Schöck. Thermal bridging is not only a frequent cause of increased heat and energy loss, but condensation too. Leading to damp walls and the likelihood of mould formation, with its consequent health implications for tenants. Thermal bridges in the building envelope therefore have a measurable effect on energy efficiency and thermal comfort. Although their impact can be relatively low on buildings that are not well insulated, with buildings to the performance standard of Passivhaus the impact of thermal bridging is very significant.

Technically advanced solutions With the Agar Grove development the risk of thermal bridging is primarily at the

More thermally efficient than wrapped parapets Where the parapets are concerned, the conventional method commonly used is to wrap the perimeter of the wall with an insulation barrier. However, by using the Schöck Isokorb XT type A, the solution is more cost-effective and offers a higher thermal efficiency than conventional wrapped parapets. Its 120mm insulation thickness results in low psi-values and therefore significantly reduces heat loss – and there is no wrapping required. It permits a more sophisticated construction opportunity for greater freedom of design and allows flexible distance between elements according to load requirements.

An added benefit being there is no risk of Representation of the XT type K in position

any additional thermal bridging through balustrade fixings. Other key factors are durability and water impermeability, as the Isokorb solution used does not require maintenance and there is no risk of expensive restoration due to waterproofing problems.

Unquestionable environmental performance Not only does the Isokorb range provide a number of solutions to meet Passivhaus standards, it also exceeds the requirements of the Future Homes Standard, helping the industry move towards the Governments 2050 net zero carbon targets. In addition to concrete-to concrete and maintenance free parapets, there are solutions too for concrete-to-steel, steel-to-steel – and innovative technology from Schöck even enables the retrofitting or renovation of balconies. Products meet full compliance with the relevant UK building regulations and there is also the security of independent BBA Certification, which provides NHBC approval. The requirement that the temperature factor used to indicate condensation risk (fRSI) must be greater than, or equal to, 0.75 for residential buildings, is easily met by incorporating the Isokorb.

Contact Schöck on 01865 290 890; or visit the website at www.schoeck.com for a full introduction to the extensive range of product solutions.

Representation of the XT type A in position

Construction UK Magazine - End of Year Review Edition 2021 53

Project

HAYMARKET EDINBURGH For more than 50 years, Cementation Skanska has had a strong presence across Scotland, delivering piling and foundations solutions on some of the nation’s most complex building and infrastructure projects. This includes work on Haymarket Edinburgh, a highprofile mixed-use development.

On completion, Haymarket Edinburgh will provide more than 380,000 sq. ft of Grade A office space, a hotel, retail space and a vibrant landscaped public realm designed to be inclusive for the benefit of the local community where it is being built and the city’s business community. The £350M development is being developed by Qmile Group, designed by globally renowned architect Foster + Partners with Sir Robert McAlpine as the main contractor.

Due to the presence of two historic railway tunnels, which date back to 1846, the site has remained undeveloped for some time. The tunnels connect Haymarket and Waverley stations and any development had to be based on a piling and foundations solution that would preserve the integrity of the tunnels for generations to come.

Working in close collaboration with Sir Robert McAlpine and the project team, Cementation Skanska (Cementation) designed a solution that led to the installation of piles in-between and around the tunnels that ensured no loading from the new buildings would be transferred onto the existing tunnels.

This was a complex element of the works, with the design of the piles critical to its success.

monitoring thresholds. This probing and additional drilling proved invaluable in identifying and minimising the impact of drilling through these hard rocks.

Preliminary tension and compression test piling was completed in 2015. Six months later the tension test was repeated to ensure that no load would be transferred to the tunnels.

Based on the success of the test piling, Cementation was appointed for the first two phases of work. Phase one saw the installation of 35 permanently lined piles.

In late 2016, Cementation returned for phase two to install a further 48 lined piles and 60 tension and compression piles.

Logistics management A major programme of earthworks removal was necessary to facilitate access to the north side of the tunnels.

The earthworks removed approximately 6.5m of overburden from both the north and south tunnels. The limited space to the north of the tunnels only left room for the rig, so all material needed to be craned over from the south. With access restricted, a 200t crane with a 62m jib was needed to deliver loads of up to 12.5t to site. Cementation worked closely with Sir Robert McAlpine and the local community to manage site logistics and minimise disruption.

These site restrictions, combined with the need to pile around the tunnels, led Cementation to recommend the use of the lighter lined pile, rather than heavy gauge steel. It was also a more cost-effective solution.

Piling over tunnels

Designing an efficient basement

To mitigate any vibration caused by the piling works on the tunnels, Cementation probed the pile positions within the zone of influence of the tunnels to identify any strong bands of strata, and then stitch drill any bands that may trigger vibration

After a break in the development, we returned to the site to build a 120m long

contiguous piled wall to support the basement for buildings 4 and 5, which lie to the south of the railway tunnels. With the development progressing at pace and multiple contractors on site, we designed the wall to work in temporary cantilever.

This freed up space and in turn mitigated the overall time required to construct the basement. Piles were installed up to depths of 18m with two rotary rigs and, in some sections, through 16m of bedrock to achieve the design toe levels.

Collaboration key to success After a 12-week enforced shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we were able to resume on site. Following government guidelines and working closely with Sir Robert McAlpine, a smaller crew returned to site to pick up where we left off.

With a Cementation crew based locally, post COVID-19 travel became less of an issue. Because of the measures put in place on site and the team’s flexibility and commitment, we were able to keep to the original timescales with both phases completed within their contract programmes.

Working in close collaboration with Sir Robert McAlpine, Network Rail’s Asset Protection Team and Arup, exemplary safety standards were maintained throughout. Despite working on a complex and constrained city centre site, we completed foundation works to the highest quality standards and without incident or any Loss Time Accidents.

What’s next We returned to the site in May 2021 to undertake the sixth phase of the piling works, completing the piling for buildings 4 and 5. This phase includes the installation of a further 42 bearing piles.

Work on all phases at the Haymarket has certainly tested our expertise, but we have risen to the challenge playing a huge part in keeping the project on track.

We have offices and a permanent presence in Scotland, which means we can call on people who know the area, understand the geology and have the technical expertise to rise to the challenge.

This is reinforced by the breadth and availability of our rigs and machinery, and well-established supply chain. We very much look forward to a further 50 years of success in Scotland.

54 Construction UK Magazine - End of Year Review Edition 2021

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