Construction UK Magazine - September 2021

September 2021

CONSTRUCTIONMAGUK.CO.UK

Willmott Dixon lands another

A DEEPER SHADE OF GREEN

Passivhaus scheme with University of Oxford accommodation project

Boss Cabins launches a new range of environmentally-friendly site welfare cabins

WORLD’S LARGEST ELECTROLYSER FACTORY COMPLETED

BY CLEGG GROUP Schöck Bole prevents punching shear risk on major Manchester project

CITB TO HOST SKILLBUILD FINALS AT NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION COLLEGE

THE FEHMARNBELT LINK

THE WORLD’S LONGEST IMMERSED TUNNEL

Beard completes work on £20m redevelopment project at St Hilda’s College, Oxford

Contents September 2021

04

Winvic Breaks Ground for Goodman to Construct Europe’s Largest Fine Wine Storage Facility for Private Clients

05

Brymor targets growth after £55m cruise terminal success

06

Feature: Mental health and safety Chris Monk, MD of The Input Group

08

Feature: Multi-Occupancy and The New Age of Fire Safety

12

Triton secures £4m contract for new Econ Engineering facility

21

Premier Modular appoints new hire director

22

CITB to host SkillBuild finals at National Construction College

24

Beard completes work on £20m redevelopment project at St Hilda’s College, Oxford

30

Works underway on £10m manufacturing facility in Mansfield

40

Newcastle technology company Twinview supports world-first SmartScore ‘platinum’ building

44

Crest Nicholson launches latest phase at Finberry, Ashford

48

Project: The Fehmarnbelt link – The world’s longest immersed tunnel

Front cover image by Troy Bridges

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Construction UK Magazine -September 2021 03

Company News

RITCHIE BROS. TO ACQUIRE EURO AUCTIONS AND EXPAND ITS REACH IN EMEA REGION Working together to provide customers more equipment, solutions, and services for their businesses Ritchie Bros., a leading global asset management, disposition, and services company; and Europe’s leading plant and machinery auction house, Euro Auctions, have jointly announced that they have entered into an agreement under which Ritchie Bros. will acquire Euro Auctions group for an enterprise value of £775 million (approximately US$1.08 billion).

Founded in 1998, Euro Auctions conducts unreserved heavy equipment auctions with onsite and online bidding under the brands Euro Auctions and Yoder & Frey, with 200+ employees in 14 countries.

In 2020 the company conducted 60 auctions, selling close to 90,000 items for £484+ million across its nine locations in the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, Germany, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, and the United States. Similar to Ritchie Bros., Euro Auctions also sells

WINVIC BREAKS GROUND FOR GOODMAN TO CONSTRUCT EUROPE’S LARGEST FINE WINE STORAGE FACILITY FOR PRIVATE CLIENTS Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of multi-sector construction and civil engineering projects, has been appointed by Goodman to deliver a 117,500 sq ft state-of-the-art warehouse in Andover for Berry Bros. & Rudd, a London-based fine wine merchant. A ground-breaking ceremony was held at the end of July and the facility will be operational in summer 2022.

Winvic is designing the industrial unit to be carbon neutral utilising BIM Level 2. The building will generate its own energy supply, will operate with rainwater harvesting and have electric

vehicle charging points. The single storey warehouse located at Andover Business Park will have the capacity to store over 14 million bottles of wine at optimum temperature and in a humidity-controlled environment. This will be achieved through an enhanced specification roof and wall system that provides a superior building envelope with excellent thermal performance and internal climate control, removing the need for a secondary internal construction. An EPC rating of A+ and BREEAM rating of ‘Very Good’ will be achieved. Winvic will be fitting out the 2,500 sq ft open plan office space and also undertaking the external works, which include utility and drainage installation, hardstanding and

items through a timed auction format and a daily marketplace with Buy Now and Make Offer options. Ritchie Bros. will be retaining Euro Auctions employees and its brand, both of which are highly regarded in the EMEA region. This will expand Ritchie Bros.’ overall footprint and access to equipment, while also tapping into new revenue streams with service offerings to Euro Auctions customers, including inventory management services, data solutions, financing, warranty, insurance, inspections, refurbishing, shipping, and more.

landscaping works, and the creation of access roads, pavements and car parking for 27 vehicles.

Winvic’s Director of Industrial, Distribution & Logistics, Danny Nelson, commented: “We have a lot of experience with temperature-controlled facilities, so we’re delighted to be working with longstanding client Goodman once again on this cutting-edge fine wine storage warehouse.

This project offers us the opportunity to showcase our strong BIM Level 2 skills and digital design resource – as well as expertise in delivering carbon neutral projects – and we are looking forward to delivering this ultra-secure facility in Andover for Berry Bros. & Rudd.”

George Glennie, Development Director at Goodman, said: “With work now underway by our construction partner, Winvic, Goodman is looking forward to welcoming Berry Bros. & Rudd to this highly sustainable, state-of-the-art development at Andover Business Park. Set to become the company’s largest fine wine storage facility, a well-located, strategic site was important, combined with quality, flexible space to support its clients’ rising demand.”

Edward Rudd, Business Investment Director for Berry Bros. & Rudd, said: “To offer the largest fine wine storage facility for private clients in Europe will help us realise our ambition to support fine wine collecting now and in the future.

Our global private clients want to build personal cellars and state-of-the-art facilities and security are critical for quality and provenance.

We are delighted to make this investment to position the UK as a leader in Europe and the world for fine wine collecting.

04 Construction UK Magazine - September 2021

Company News

STORA ENSO JOINS THE EUROPEAN BUILDIN-WOOD PROJECT Build-in-Wood is an EU funded project improving the sustainability of European construction. It strives to make wood a natural choice for the construction of multistorey buildings. We have recently joined the project consortium.

The ambition of the Build-in-Wood project is to make optimised and cost effective wood construction methods common practice in the European construction sector. The project will address this challenge through innovative development of materials and components as well as structural systems and façade elements for multistorey wood buildings fit for both new construction and retrofitting.

There are so-called early adopter cities that closely collaborate with the consortium to intensify the use of wood both in urban core and the surrounding municipalities. They have defined their challenges when it comes to building in wood, and the project will support to overcome them.

The project consortium includes over twenty key European and international players from the entire building industry value chain. “For Stora Enso, joining the consortium benefits our brand, potentially generates new leads, and we can also ensure the alignment to our own product portfolio,” says Johanna Kairi, Business Development Manager in Wood Products.

The early adopter cities include Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Innsbruck in Austria, and Trondheim in Norway, among others.

Based on EU funding, the project started in 2019 and it will close in the autumn of 2023. The project is coordinated by the Danish Technological Institute.

BRYMOR TARGETS GROWTH AFTER £55M CRUISE TERMINAL SUCCESS A regional construction company is backing the cruise industry to bounce back after a VIP visit to a flagship terminal it built in Southampton.

Brymor Construction directors and the project management team behind the £55m development for Associated British Ports (ABP) were given a tour as the first ships began to return.

The £85m-turnover firm is targeting more growth in the cruise and maritime sector following the success of the Horizon Cruise Terminal at Western Docks.

Its vote of confidence in the industry came as the government lifted restrictions on international cruises after a 16-month break.

The development – with an iconic wave shaped roof – is leading the way in the next generation of world-class cruise terminals.

Domestic cruises were allowed to restart in May and international voyages were given the green light at the start of August.

Its sustainable features include 2,000 roof-mounted solar panels and shore power connectivity allowing ships to ‘plug in’ while alongside.

Mr Morton founded Brymor with wife Jan in 1987. The company provided design and construction services to ABP as main contractor for the Horizon terminal.

According to cruise industry statistics, the sector was worth an annual £10billion to the British economy and supported 88,000 jobs pre-pandemic.

Brymor is a collaborative and flexible business with a seamless approach from conception to completion, with the focus on innovative solutions, quality, safety and transparency. It operates in a wide range of sectors, including education, healthcare, hotel and leisure, façade rectification, infrastructure, commercial and industrial, defence, heritage, housing and retail.

Southampton is Europe’s leading cruise turn-around port, worth £2.7m to the local economy and supports 14,000 jobs in the Solent area.

Stephen Morton, chairman of 150-strong Brymor Construction, said: “Cruise was among the sectors worst hit by the pandemic so the long-awaited return of ships to Southampton is truly encouraging. Our visit was the first opportunity for many of our directors to see the world-class Horizon cruise terminal in operation alongside the many other developments we have worked upon at the port. It was a proud moment, especially as a vessel was docked at the time, and gives us further faith in the sector’s ability to bounce back as well as our own ambitions to target growth in the cruise, ports and wider maritime sector.”

Brymor, based at Denmead, near Portsmouth, has completed more than 10 projects at the port of Southampton but the Horizon terminal is its largest to date.

Construction UK Magazine - September 2021 05

Feature

MENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY: HOW CAN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY DO BETTER TO IMPROVE ALL KINDS OF WELLBEING? Health and safety has never been more important than it is right now. As we emerge from lockdown where both physical and mental health were at the forefront of our minds, it is no surprise that, in an industry where stringent safety measures have always been paramount, these considerations are still a key focus. Mental health in particular is absent from risk assessments and H&S forms. Chris Monk, managing director of The Input Group, considers how the industry can continue to work towards the highest standards of health and safety, in all senses.

to cleaners, and be integrated into the supply chain. From clear working areas and tidy walkways to meticulous signage and well-planned working sites, it’s crucial to reflect health and safety in everything you do to ensure zero accidents and injuries.

and injuries. As an industry, we cannot accept anything less than watertight health and safety policies, with staff and public wellbeing woven through every decision.

“From the pyramids to Boris Johnson’s commitment to ‘build, build, build’, construction has always been seen as a marker of progress, socially and economically. However, despite its obvious importance, working in construction runs the highest risk of any industry in the UK. A study by GoCompare Life found that construction accounts for 17% of workplace fatalities and separate research indicated that construction workers have some of the worst mental health in the country.

“While Network Rail’s LTIFR (Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate) target sits at 0.0139 per 100,000 hours worked, we strongly believe in always striving for zero injuries, a zero LTIFR, and a zero AFR (Accident Frequency Rate). At The Input Group, we’ve developed our own CONCEPTZERO policy, which underpins everything we do and ensures we do all we can to avoid injuries and accidents.

We’re passionate about paving the way for CONCEPTZERO to be the industry standard.

“From a physical safety perfective, working with heavy machinery, potentially dangerous materials, and often at great heights will obviously come with risks – which is why we need stringent safety measures and a zero-tolerance approach to accidents

“In turn, the reduction of physical health risks will help to alleviate the stress of working in a dangerous environment. This will inevitably improve employee wellbeing as mental health and physical health go hand-in-hand to increase all round job satisfaction.

“Health and safety goes beyond risk assessments, high-vis jackets, and hard hats, but instead should be intrinsic to every project and process. Quality control must apply to everyone involved, from contractors

“Through dedicated health and safety executives and the employment of management software like ProCore, a stricter approach to health and safety can and should be employed industry-wide to improve the wellbeing of everyone involved in a construction project.

Physical health and safety is, of course, only one side of the coin and mental health should always be a top priority for construction firms.

The Chartered Institute of Building found that 70% of construction workers surveyed in 2019 had experienced feelings of depression and 87% had experienced anxiety.

“The ideal situation would be to see dedicated mental health first aiders and comprehensive support systems as common practice in all companies. Nonetheless, positive steps towards improving mental health across the sector are already being made.

“The Stop. Make a Change campaign combines a celebration of World Mental Health Day and the European Week for Safety and Health to focus on the health and wellbeing of construction professionals to build a healthier, safer industry. This year’s campaign focuses particularly on respiratory health, people / plant interface and workplace stress, as well as cancer, as key areas of concern for construction workers.

“These kinds of initiatives are the type of proactive action we’re thrilled to see in the construction sector and no matter which area of the industry, we’re excited to see health and safety become an intrinsic focus.”

To find out more about The Input Group, please visit www.inputgroup.co.uk or contact marketing@inputgroup.co.uk.

06 Construction UK Magazine - September 2021

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johanne.tisdale@hazlewoods.co.uk

Speak to a member of our team 01242 237661 www.hazlewoods.co.uk We strongly recommend you take professional advice before making decisions on matters discussed here. No responsibility for any loss to any person acting as a result of the material can be accepted by us. Hazlewoods LLP is a Limited Liability Partnership registered in England and Wales with number OC311817. Registered office: Staverton Court, Staverton, Cheltenham, Glos, GL51 0UX. A list of LLP partners is available for inspection at each office. Hazlewoods LLP is registered to carry on audit work in the UK and regulated for a range of investment business activities by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales.

Feature MULTI-OCCUPANCY AND THE NEW AGE OF FIRE SAFETY The demand to assess and successfully manage fire safety within high-rise residential buildings has never been greater. And with 2021 introducing reformed regulations, how is this new age of fire safety shaping up?

For multi-occupied residential buildings, fire safety responsibility is often wrongly shrouded in ambiguity. Only recently, the CEO of Grenfell Tower’s management body passed blame to staff for an outdated building safety plan, of which information on vulnerable residents was 15 years out of date.

This baton-pass type approach simply isn’t effective, or even appropriate for a topic as vital as fire safety. After all, the standards associated with fire safety are by obligation, robust. Yet, for multi-storey and multi-occupied residential buildings in particular, history has uncovered a pitfall of wrong doings and poorly constructed fire safety practices.

With that, the pressures to do better have been mounting, and amidst the whirlwind of reformed conventions this year - consider EU and COVID updates - fire safety has rightly remained high on the agenda. Meaningful strides have been made towards improving fire and building safety, with the government providing a revised £5.1 billion in funding for the removal of ACM cladding in high-rise blocks, and significantly, upon examination of the final report of the Hackitt Review, further amending legislations in a bid to make regulations as airtight as possible.

UPDATED REGULATIONS In April, the Fire Safety Act 2021 (FSA) was introduced, seeking to amend the Fire Safety Order 2005 (FSO) by improving identification, assessment and enforcement in high-rise residential buildings. The newly reformed act further clarifies the duties that responsible persons must manage in order to reduce the risk of fire within their multi-storey structures, as well as the potential penalties, should those responsibilities be neglected.

Focusing on all components of a building, the new policies cover everything from structure and external walls (including cladding and windows) to the entrance doors to individual flats and the fire doors for domestic, multi-occupancy premises. In addition, the FSA is set to take forward recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry phase one report, highlighting accountability for lifts, evacuations, fire safety instructions and

ensuring flat entrance doors comply with present-day standards.

Crucially, the introduction of the FSA will empower fire and rescue services to take enforcement action where necessary, leaving building owners (responsible parties) liable should they fall noncompliant. Considering East London was hit with another major fire incident in a 19-storey residential block only a week after these legislations were introduced, the changes have come at an opportune time.

More recently, the Building Safety Bill (BSB) was introduced to the house of commons on 5th July. As the name suggests, the BSB focuses heavily on enforcing higher safety standards for all residential buildings - also protecting occupants and providing them with a larger platform to voice their concerns.

Once again, scrupulous responsibility is at the forefont of the new framework, with improved compliance and tougher penalties linked to the various stages of building design, construction, completion and finally occupation. FSA and BSB combined, there’s simply no room for shortcuts anymore.

FUNDAMENTALS MATTER Separate to the procedural removal of ACM cladding, attention shifts to what building owners can accomplish internally to improve fire safety standards. Beyond comprehensive risk assessments and evacuation plans, referenced at multiple stages of the reformed FSA is the use of fully compliant, fully tested fire doors.

Often found propped open, damaged or poorly maintained, fire doors are a regular sticking point when it comes to fire safety incidents - yet characteristically, ey thare fundamental in keeping people safe in fire situations.

Focusing on all components of a building, the new policies cover everything from structure and external walls (including cladding and windows) to the entrance doors to individual flats and the fire doors for domestic, multi-occupancy premises.

08 Construction UK Magazine - September 2021

Available in ratings ranging from FD30 to FD120, fire doors and their equipment will provide between 30 to 120 minutes of protection against fire and smoke - but only when fitted, maintained and working correctly. The overhauled regulations have now put an increased pressure on building managers to comprehensively inspect the certification, gaps, seals, hinges and the closing elements of their fire doors - whether main or individual flat entrance doors - to ensure all is functioning suitably.

All dedicated fire doors require a fitted fire door closer (a minimum size 3 is recommended), and when it comes to their maintenance, it’s good practice to perform weekly checks. To ensure the closer (and door) is working as intended, it’s key to release a fire door from a fully open position to ensure it closes into the frame at an appropriate speed.

Furthermore, by opening and releasing the door from a 5 degree angle, checks can also confirm the closer is shutting the door onto the latch effectively.

Should an internal inspection highlight an operational issue - perhaps from damage to the door and its furniture - building managers must ensure maintenance is carried out quickly and professionally in a conscious effort to keep their doors operating as intended.

Additionally, with certified and compatible ironmongery playing a key role in the operation of fire doors, all hardware and furniture - including the door closer, hinges, intumescent seals, wall sealing, latches, locks and the door leaf - must meet their respective EN classification codes and health and safety standards.

With safety inspectors, fire and rescue teams and residents all permitted to raise concerns, the approach to fire safety should always be done to code - from the planning and installation stage right through to maintenance periods. If not, building managers risk falling foul to what the BSB now references as the ‘golden thread of information’, a live digital documentation of a high-risk residential building’s lifecycle, designed to increase transparency and accountability.

It’s clear then that we’re approaching a new age of fire safety for high-rise residential settings, with the newly reformed FSA and BSB - alongside accelerated government spending - paving the way to a brighter, safer future. With this renewed focus, building managers must take the next steps and strive to understand their responsibilities while revisiting the basics of fire safety before taking action of their own.

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Feature

SOME CLARITY ON LIQUIDATED DAMAGES FOR CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY Recently the Court decided two key cases concerning liquidated damages, one regarding liquidated damages where a contract has been terminated prior to the works being completed, and the other regarding liquidated damages where the employer has taken partial possession. These cases provide timely clarity to the construction industry at a time when increased delays and contract terminations are being seen following the impact of Covid-19.

Triple Point Technology Inc v PTT Public Company Ltd [2021] UKSC 29 The Supreme Court decision in Triple Point Technology Inc v PTT Public Company Ltd (Triple Point v PTT), finally decided the manner in which liquidated damages (LD) can be applied when a contract is terminated. The judgment affirms that if a contract is terminated before practical completion, the contractual claim for LDs is not lost. The termination date becomes the end date for which LDs can be claimed up to and following the date of termination the employer can instead bring a claim for general damages.

The Supreme Court Decision

Whilst the case revolves around a bespoke contract in the IT sector, the legal principles transfer to the use of LD clauses in construction contracts and the case is one of the most significant cases for the construction industry in recent years.

At the date of termination, the contractual completion date had already passed, and Triple Point had accrued liability for LDs pre-termination.

The Supreme Court held that Triple Point was liable to pay LDs for the period of delay up to termination with accrued rights to LDs surviving termination. Triple Point’s liability to pay LDs then ceases from the date of the termination, as Triple Point’s obligation to deliver the works also ceased on this date.

Background PTT and Triple Point entered into a bespoke contract for Triple Point to design, install, maintain and license software for PTT. The works were delayed and disputes arose as to payments due. Subsequently, Triple Point refused to perform, and PTT terminated the contract and sought numerous damages including LDs.

WIELAND PROVIDES THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION FOR HMP FIVE WELLS

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.

Eco World - Ballymore Embassy Gardens Co Ltd v Dobler UK Ltd [2021] EWHC 2207 (TCC) The Supreme Court Judgment of Triple Point was quickly followed by the TCC decision in Eco World – Ballymore Embassy Gardens Company Limited -v- Dobler UK Ltd (EWB v Dobler). Concerning a different aspect of liquidated damages, this case focusses on the application of an LD clause where partial possession has been taken.

The judgment also opines on whether a LD clause would limit the contractor’s liability

STERLINGOSB ZERO, THE MULTI-USE PANEL PRODUCT West Fraser’s SterlingOSB Zero or ‘Sterlingboard’, as it is often known, is one of Europe’s most widely used and trusted structural panels. This should come as no surprise to anyone that has employed this incredibly versatile, strong and ‘green’ product; whether as the ‘go to’ solution on a construction site or as an aesthetically-important interior design element.

Oriented Strand Board (OSB) is formed of flakes or strands of timber bonded with resin adhesives in some 50 cross-directional layers mechanically pressed to create a structurally engineered board. The SterlingOSB Zero range from West Fraser is stronger than ply, with no knots, voids or de-lamination.

Among its multiple uses, SterlingOSB Zero is ideal for timber frame construction. The boards are designed to speed up the build process and are available in a wide range of grades, thicknesses and sheet sizes. For structural use in dry or humid load bearing situations, SterlingOSB Zero OSB3 is the board of choice. When undertaking dry lining, SterlingOSB Zero StrongFix quickly provides secure anchorage areas.

Samples of SterlingOSB Zero, and West Fraser’s other construction panels, can be ordered on the website. Head to the website to download a selection of tools including a fully-interactive guide to all West Fraser products and a checklist to make sure you have everything you need for your build.

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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.

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26/08/2021 13:40:24 CM0921019West Fraser- QP.indd 2021 10 Construction UK Magazine - September

CM0921005 Wieland Electric QP.indd 1

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27/08/2021 13:44:54

Feature for delay damages, even if the LD clause is unenforceable.

Background EWB appointed Dobler under an amended JCT 2011 Trade Contract to carry out façade and glazing works to three residential blocks. The contract did not provide for sectional completion, rather it contained only a single completion date for the whole of the works, providing for Dobler to pay £25,000 per week LDs (capped at 7% of the contract sum) in the event of late completion of the works as a whole.

The contract also included a clause allowing EWB to take over part of the works prior to practical completion, but did not contain a clause that would reduce the level of LDs that would be payable if EWB did so.

EWB took over possession of two of the three blocks in June 2018, with practical completion of the whole of the works occurring in December 2018.

A dispute arose, including financial claims for delay damages, and whether or not Dobler was liable for LDs on the two blocks that EWB took possession of in June 2018 for the period between the date of partial possession and practical completion of the whole works in December 2018.

After multiple adjudications, this issue was heard by the High Court. Unusually, and contrary to the position taken in the adjudication, it was the employer, EWB, who argued that the LD clause was unenforceable as a penalty on the grounds that the contract did not provide for the level of LDs to be reduced if the employer took early possession. EWB sought recovery of the higher uncapped losses that it had suffered rather than being limited to the capped LDs that would be recoverable if the LD clause was enforceable.

•

Neither party argued that the LD rate was unreasonable, or disproportionate and the Court decided that the level of LDs and maximum cap was not unreasonable or disproportionate in any event, thus did not represent a penalty in circumstances where partial possession had taken place.

What was the liability for the period between partial possession and practical completion?

Having found the LD clause was enforceable, the Court held Doppler liable for LDs on the whole of the works until practical completion in December 2018, notwithstanding that EWB had taken possession of two of the three blocks several months earlier.

What if the LD clause was unenforceable?

Whilst the Courts comments on this point are not a binding part of the Judgment, the Court opined on whether the cap written into the LD clause would still apply to general damages for delay if the LD clause had been found to be unenforceable.

The contract clause provided that LDs applied at the rate of £25,000 per week up to an aggregate maximum of 7% of the final Trade Contract Sum. Thus, it would appear that the cap is solely upon the level of LDs recoverable and would fall away if the clause was unenforceable.

These cases provide timely clarity to the construction industry at a time when increased delays and contract terminations are being seen following the impact of Covid-19.

Summary Whilst future cases will turn on their facts, the decision clarifies that LDs continue to apply notwithstanding partial possession and If parties intend to reduce the contractors’ liabilities for LDs following partial possession, then clear express contractual terms are required for this purpose. The decision also highlights the benefit to contractors of negotiating clear caps on liability.

If you have a query on liquidated damages or drafting appropriate clauses and liability caps, please contact Arbicon on advice@arbicon.co.uk, call 01733 233737 or visit www.arbicon.co.uk Simon Dunkling Director, Arbicon ADR Ltd

The Court however suggested this approach to be too literal and that clear intention of the parties in the commercial context of the contract was to limit Dobler’s overall liability for late completion. Therefore, the Court’s opinion was that if the LD clause had been unenforceable, then EWB would be entitled to claim general damages, but that claim would have been subject to the same overall cap on liability to an aggregate maximum of 7% of the final Trade Contract Sum.

Was the LD clause enforceable?

The Court rejected EWB’s arguments and decided that the LD clause was not an unenforceable penalty as:

• • •

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Both parties negotiated the LD provision through external lawyers.

It did not matter that the contract did not provide a method for reducing the level of LDs where partial possession had occurred.

EWB had a legitimate interest in requiring completion of the whole of the works by the completion date. Late completion of any part of the works was likely to have an adverse impact on the work of following trade contractors.

Quantifying EWB’s general damages would be difficult and applying the LD rate avoided such difficulty.

Construction UK Magazine - September 2021 11

Company News

GLENCAR AWARDED DEBUT INSTRUCTIONS FROM ST. MODWEN LOGISTICS ON TWO NEW LOGISTICS AND MANUFACTURING DEVELOPMENTS We are absolutely delighted to receive our first, inaugural double project instruction from leading industrial and logistics specialist St. Modwen Logistics to construct two new build to suit projects at key sites within their expanding U.K. portfolio. Glencar is widely recognised as an expert in the construction of high quality and bespoke industrial and logistics facilities and we look forward to working with the project teams on each development to deliver to the standard our customers have come to expect.

The projects will see the construction of a new 196,000 sq ft build to suit manufacturing facility for Stovax at a site in Exeter in addition to a 89,000 sq ft industrial distribution unit for Furniturebox at a site in Chippenham.

Glencar, an expanding construction company specialising in the industrial, logistics, distribution, manufacturing, life science and pharmaceutical sectors has today announced that it has been awarded two new project instructions by logistics and industrial specialist St. Modwen Logistics at strategic development sites in Exeter and Chippenham.

TRITON SECURES £4M CONTRACT FOR NEW ECON ENGINEERING FACILITY Triton Construction has secured a £4m contract to deliver a new workshop facility for gritter manufacturer, Econ Engineering in Thirsk, North Yorkshire.

The contract includes site preparation and construction of a new 31,570 sq ft state of the art building with supporting facilities.

52-year history and one that demonstrates our dominance of the winter roads maintenance vehicles sector. In recent years our winter hire fleet has grown exponentially and these gritters, which are leased to councils and highways authorities across the UK, will be housed at the new site.

Econ Engineering is a family-owned business which makes more than 85% of the UK’s winter road maintenance vehicles. It recently purchased the 24-acre site, close to its Ripon headquarters, to facilitate expansion plans and expects to create an additional 50 new jobs.

“We are pleased to appoint Triton as another Yorkshire established business, to deliver this specialist new facility for us. The Triton team has demonstrated considerable expertise and credentials in building vehicle maintenance facilities whilst also helping us to mitigate our environmental impact with solar panels and careful landscaping.”

Triton is contracted to prepare the greenfield site with a large cut and fill exercise with vibro piling to the building footprint. The new steel frame cladded buildings is to include 28 roller shutter doors and incorporate an office area, workshop, spray booth, brake test unit, underseal spray area, 20-bay maintenance compound and 18 below ground inspection pits. Triton is also providing hard parking for the Econ’s winter hire fleet.

Jonathan Lupton, Operations Director at Econ Engineering, said, “Econ Thirsk marks another major milestone in our

Triton Construction is a £60 million turnover company providing design and build, civils, fit out and refurbishment services. Established for more than 14 years it employed over 80 people across offices in the North West and Yorkshire.

The company has considerable expertise and credentials in the industrial sector with recent projects including a new warehouse for Tech Folien in Liverpool, a new warehouse for food manufacturer Gordon Rhodes in Bradford, and a scheme on three high specification industrial units on Whitehall Road in Leeds.

12 Construction UK Magazine - September 2021

At the site in Exeter within St Modwen’s Skypark Development in Clyst Honiton, Glencar will construct a 196,000 sq ft build to suit manufacturing facility for Stovax – the UK’s largest stove and fireplace producer. In addition to the base build works Glencar will undertake Cat A and Cat B fit out together with associated external works.

At the site at St Modwen Park in Chippenham, Glencar will undertake the construction of a single unit of 89,000 sq ft of industrial distribution and storage space, complete with integral offices, internal plant deck and associated external works for online furniture specialist Furniturebox.

Both projects are due to commence shortly and be completed during Q2 2021.

Speaking about the double appointment Glencar Managing Director Eddie McGillycuddy said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive our first, inaugural double project instruction from leading industrial and logistics specialist St. Modwen Logistics to construct two new build to suit projects at key sites within their expanding U.K. portfolio.

“Glencar is widely recognised as an expert in the construction of high quality and bespoke industrial and logistics facilities and we look forward to working with the project teams on each development to deliver to the standard our customers have come to expect.”

Also talking about the projects Steven Smith Construction Director St. Modwen Logistics said “We are absolutely delighted to be welcoming Stovax and Furniturebox to two of our most high-profile developments in Exeter and Chippenham respectively.

“We are pleased to award the contract to build both developments (built to suit) to Glencar who presented an excellent set of credentials and who come with a very strong pedigree.

“We look forward to working with them and the broader project team and delivering each building to the customers exacting specification” So far this year, Glencar has been instructed upon new projects in excess of £175M for new and existing customers across the industrial, logistics, manufacturing, retail, mixed use and pharmaceutical sectors including various base build, refurbishment and fit-out instructions.

Company News

WILLMOTT DIXON AWARDED £9M BROADLAND FOOD INNOVATION CENTRE Willmott Dixon has been appointed to deliver the £9.1m Broadland Food Innovation Centre, a joint partnership between Broadland District Council and the New Anglia LEP. The new centre will be at the heart of the Food Enterprise Park outside Norwich and supports the growth of local food and drink firms in the area.

Procured using the Scape framework, the project comprises of two linked buildings, which will house 13 individual units fitted out to the British Retail Consortium (BRC) food hygiene grade. The design incorporates a landscaped ‘green street’ at the centre of the two buildings with a ring road for tenants to access their units.

A focal Hub area will be used to bridge the production and office spaces, providing a shared area for tenants to use the test kitchen and sensory tasting spaces for product development.

Sustainability is at the heart of the design, with the buildings being designed to the BREEAM ‘Excellent’ environmental standard. Using an array of Photovoltaic (PVs) panels, the building will harness the sun’s energy for electricity generation.

Chris Tredget, managing director at Willmott Dixon for the northern Homes Counties and east region, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed to deliver the Food Innovation Centre, which will provide fantastic facilities to the local thriving food

and drink industry. Once completed, the centre will be a great addition to the local area with top class facilities to help local businesses expand and grow. We’re very much looking forward to starting on site.”

Broadland District Council portfolio holder Jo Copplestone said: “This is a really exciting time for our district. The Food Innovation Centre will give us the opportunity help new and existing businesses, nurture new ideas and enable us to process more of Norfolk’s agricultural output locally, minimising food miles and helping the environment.”

Mark Robinson, SCAPE group chief executive, said: “With an increased importance on buying local, investment in commercial facilities that support our food and drink manufacturers – many of whom are SMEs, is vital for them to develop and keep pace with demand. Placing sustainability at the heart of the centre’s design, through the inclusion of green spaces and the use of solar power for example, is ensuring that we do this in a way that also reduces carbon emissions and makes better use of natural capital.”

The project marks Willmott Dixon’s latest contribution to the UK food and drink industry. In 2021 the company handed over the cutting edge ‘Centre of Excellence’ to the University of Lincoln. The £7m investment is at the forefront of agri-food research and development, creating jobs and encouraging inward investment.

SCAFFOLDING ASSOCIATION WELCOMES HMRC’S CRACKDOWN ON APPRENTICE PAY The Scaffolding Association has welcomed a HMRC memo issued to businesses, reminding them to ensure that apprentices are paid at least the National Minimum Wage.

A Low Pay Commission report published earlier this year states that around 1 in 5 apprentices earn less than their legal entitlement. The report sighted several common errors by businesses including: • failure to pay the higher age-related minimum wage rate to those apprentices who are aged 19 and over and have completed the first year of their apprenticeship • paying the £4.30 per hour minimum wage apprentice rate before or after an apprenticeship actually starts or finishes • not paying for all the time worked by an apprentice - training time is working time Scaffolding Association Chief Executive, Robert Candy, said “The skills shortage in the construction sector is a significant issue and attracting young blood is hard enough already.

Businesses must ensure they are paying apprentices correctly and fairly which is vital to stay on the right side of the law but also to ensure that young talent is retained in the sector.

Construction UK Magazine - September 2021 13

Company News HUB SOUTH WEST AIMS ITS 12TH HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL BUILDING FOR GROWTH PROGRAMME AT AMBITIOUS BUSINESSES IN LANARKSHIRE, AYRSHIRE AND DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY hub South West, the public-private partnership of local authorities, NHS, blue light services and numerous leading construction industry Tier 1 building contractors, is inviting ambitious construction industry-related businesses to participate in its twelfth Building for Growth programme, run in partnership with its Tier 1 contractor partners.

The online programme, which will run over eight weeks from Thursday 23 September to Thursday 11 November with eight half day morning sessions, will empower local businesses to learn from business experts, develop relationships with non-competing peer businesses, and engage directly with Tier 1 Contractors.

The programme will cover such topics as Leadership and Management, Business Strategy, Tendering and Procurement, Digital Marketing and Social Media, Cyber Security and Business Finance as well as enabling Ongoing Business Support and Development. Ultimately, Building for Growth will help participating companies build their capability such that they can enter into commercially fulfilling relationships with hub South West’s Tier 1 Contractor partners.

The final session will engage all participants with a series of delegate presentations followed by one-to-one meetings with senior representatives of Tier 1 contractors, after which an informal awards ceremony

will be held to announce the Building for Growth champion business by a panel of judges.

Organised in association with North and South Lanarkshire, North, East and South Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway Councils, the Building for Growth programme is conducted by hub South West, with active participation from its Tier 1 building contractor partners including,

Michael McBrearty, Chief Executive of hub South West, said: “Our Building for Growth programme, now in its twelfth iteration from which over 120 local businesses have already graduated, has proven itself to be an excellent programme from which aspiring local businesses can derive huge commercial advantages. We look forward to welcoming more SMEs into this bespoke community of shared learning and experience not only with fellow programme participants, but also with our supplier network and range of contractors.”

Companies can register their interest in the latest hub South West Building for Growth Programme via the hub South West website.

AMEY SECURES CONTRACT TO CONTINUE MAINTAINING EAST RENFRENWSHIRE’S STREET LIGHTING Amey has successfully secured a threeyear contract with East Renfrewshire Council to continue works to upgrade, maintain and repair the street lights for the local authority.

Amey’s street lighting team have managed the street lighting service in East Renfrewshire since August 2012.

In 2017 Amey secured a four-year contract to continue managing the service and more recently have won a three-year contract to remain providing maintenance, repair and replacement services for the Council’s 15,000 street lights, 1,000 illuminated signs and traffic bollards, including a 24-hour emergency cover for any incidents on the road network.

This new contract builds on the success of the previous two contracts by continuing work to replace street lights with new LED lanterns, which are more efficient and cost effective for the council. This requires sophisticated civil infrastructure work to upgrade existing cable networks.

Kenny Kerr, Business Director at Amey, said: “I’m incredibly proud of the team for securing this contract to continue to deliver our street lighting service for East Renfrewshire Council until June 2024.

This contract win highlights the fantastic relationship we have with the local authority and is a testament to the hard work and expertise we have in our street lighting teams to deliver an outstanding service for our client.”

Michael McBrearty, Chief Executive of hub South West

Morisons, Graham Construction, Morgan Sindall, Ashleigh, BAM, Robertson and Keir.

James Adams, Contract Manager at East Renfrewshire Council, said:

14 Construction UK Magazine - September 2021

“East Renfrewshire Council is pleased to continue our relationship with Amey for a further three to four years on the new street lighting maintenance contract. Amey has maintained street lighting in East Renfrewshire since 2012 and during that time we have received an excellent level of service.”

Amey’s street lighting team uses the latest technology and in-house design capabilities to protect the environment by reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions, as well as ongoing maintenance costs for customers when undertaking investing and maintaining street lighting infrastructure.

Amey currently operates street lighting services on a number of contracts, including for North Lanarkshire, Walsall, Wakefield and Manchester.

Case Study

FIBRELITE CUSTOM-ENGINEERS HEAVY-DUTY GRP ACCESS COVERS FOR PRECAST CONCRETE TROUGHS AT AIRPORT MAINTENANCE FACILITY A third-party engineering and construction company contacted Fibrelite to provide a bespoke GRP composite trough covering arrangement to fit precast concrete service troughs at a UK airport maintenance facility. The concrete troughs had already been sourced, and sizing and specification finalised, making a custom Fibrelite covering solution ideal.

Problem The fact that the concrete troughs had already been acquired prior to Fibrelite’s involvement in the project presented a number of design challenges, as well as those related to the nature of the application.

Key design challenges: • Custom cover dimensions required to fit existing troughs.

• E600 ‘Super Heavy Duty’ load rating essential due to frequent high wheel loads.

• Every third cover required 140x50mm apertures for access to compressed air lines.

• Non-standard colour pigment requested.

In addition to the above, a strict construction programme was mandated.

Solution Fibrelite proposed a custom, retrofit GRP composite cover design which would fit directly into existing troughs. This design was approved by the client shortly after submission.

Cover dimensions custom manufactured to fit existing trough dimensions

Fibrelite provided a bespoke composite trough covering arrangement for this airport maintenance facility

Key features: • Custom covers, dimensionally consistent to all details provided by the client, allowing them to be fitted immediately into existing trough rebates upon delivery.

• Covers stepped from 40 to 65mm deep in order to accommodate the E600 load rating required.

• Every third cover modified with 140x50mm ‘mouse hole‘ aperture to enable easy access to compressed air lines.

• Covers manufactured using custom light grey colour pigment.

• Covers were manufactured and delivered before the project deadline.

Results Fibrelite covers enable easy safe manual access to troughs, eliminating the need for specialist personnel or machinery during maintenance or operation (and resultant costs).

Covers were stepped from 40 to 65mm deep to meet the E600 load rating

An E600 load rating was essential due to the frequent high wheel loads

Key benefits of Fibrelite covers: Strength to weight ratio: all Fibrelite trough covers can be safely and quickly removed by two people using Fibrelite’s FL7 lifting handles.

• Easy access to trough services.

• Fit-and-forget corrosion-free long-term solution.

•

Click here for more Fibrelite case studies All Fibrelite trough covers can be safely and quickly removed by two people

Every third cover was modified with a 140x50mm ‘mouse hole‘ aperture

Construction UK Magazine - September 2021 15

Feature

HOW NET ZERO CARBON DIFFERS FROM CARBON NEUTRAL As understanding of the climate crisis increases and the harm to ourselves, the environment, business, industry and the economy that will follow, so a desire to not only reduce carbon but to be seen reducing carbon increases.

Two seemingly interchangeable terms often seen are ‘Carbon Neutral’ and ‘Net Zero Carbon’.

The two, however, are not the same thing.

Carbon neutral refers to a policy of not increasing carbon emissions and of achieving carbon reduction through offsets. While Net zero Carbon means making changes to reduce carbon emissions to the lowest amount and offsetting as a last resort. The offsetting is used to counteract the essential emissions that remain after all available reduction initiatives have been implemented.

In both cases Carbon Offsetting removes CO2 from the environment.

For it to count, that removal must be permanent and accredited or licensed. Projects can offer a range of benefits. As well as reducing carbon from the atmosphere, offset projects can be selected to also offer social and community benefits. Projects can range from local planting of trees to the funding of projects that empower families in developing countries to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels. Examples include afforestation, reforestation and conservation.

Alternative investments can also be made in initiatives that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as in cattle feed that reduces the methane output of cows.

Carbon neutral refers to a policy of not increasing carbon emissions and of achieving carbon reduction through offsets. While Net zero Carbon means making changes to reduce carbon emissions to the lowest amount - and offsetting as a last resort. The offsetting is used to counteract the essential emissions that remain after all available reduction initiatives have been implemented.

There are carbon offset schemes offered that are sold on an arbitrary average carbon footprint basis, as opposed to a quantified footprint. The risk with these is that they offer the temptation of an easy-to-buy option, which not only does not include any emission reductions they also may fail to meet sufficient offset to address the problem of climate change. These are sold on the basis that a true quantification of your carbon footprint can be expensive, time-consuming and complicated but this need not be the case.

availability of alternative energy - or internal opportunities from changes in processes, or collaborative opportunities with your supply chain. Potential opportunities could arise with local business partners such as neighbouring manufacturing facilities with whom you may be able to trade reused processed heat or reuse or repurpose materials. For example, could your carbon cardboard waste be shredded to become their packaging material or could waste heat from your processes be used for their hot water or offices?

Net Zero Carbon Commitments always involve emission reductions. This requires an initial carbon footprint measurement. This is followed by strategic greenhouse gas emission reduction initiatives, the implementation of renewable energy solutions and then carbon offsetting.

This sort of methodical, structured and quantified approach leads to more optimised use of resources, lowers energy bills, reduces waste, reduces reliance on the national grid, delivers true reductions in emissions and so true reduced harm to the environment.

The right carbon reduction service can offer you all of these. Furthermore, they can support you in your net zero commitment with ongoing monitoring both of the success of the initiatives but also of emerging technologies for further emission reduction opportunities. These could be in the form of technology, or

Other offsetting projects enhance biodiversity, improve soil quality, food production or rainwater absorption.

Projects that benefit soil quality are particularly pertinent to global warming and climate change, as soil is a significant store of carbo, holding three times as much carbon as the atmosphere - and the importance of soil quality has often been overlooked.

Food production benefits are relevant too given that crop failure is a significant negative impact of climate change, devastating communities and forcing migration.

16 Construction UK Magazine - September 2021

Dr Torill Bigg, Chief Carbon Reduction Engineer, Tunley Engineering Website: www.tunley-engineering.com

The right carbon reduction service can offer you all of these. Furthermore, they can support you in your net zero commitment with ongoing monitoring both of the success of the initiatives but also of emerging technologies for further emission reduction opportunities. These could be in the form of technology, or availability of alternative energy - or internal opportunities from changes in processes, or collaborative opportunities with your supply chain.

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A tiny 2.3kVA generator will provide back-up power if necessary to charge the battery on days of extreme low light. This back-up generator runs on HVO biofuel meaning that even if it does kick in, you are still using energy from a renewable source which cuts CO2 emissions by up to 90%. Furthermore, the back-up generator is fitted with DOC and DPF exhaust filters to reduce any emissions to even lower levels.

A DEEPER SHADE OF GREEN Boss Cabins launches a new range of environmentally-friendly site welfare cabins Throughout the construction and infrastructure industries, the drive for more environmentally-friendly low-impact products and processes has never been stronger.

These industries are undergoing a massive shift in how they do business. With pressure from shareholders and the need to comply with a growing raft of legislation, contractors are increasingly insisting on Net Zero and carbon neutral operations. To succeed going forward, it will be essential to supply products that comply with these requirements, including in the area of site welfare.

As the UK’s leading manufacturer of welfare cabins, Boss Cabins has always been at the forefront of environmental and other innovations, and now in order to assist companies to hit environmental targets, the company has launched what they are describing as “the world’s most sustainable welfare range” - Deep Green 2030.

Boss Cabins’ Managing Director, James Kearsey, says: “We developed the Deep Green 2030 range to give the welfare industry a product that truly reduces environmental impact while not sacrificing any of the performance you expect from a Boss welfare cabin. We’ve incorporated sustainability targets on many different levels - carbon neutral

operation; renewable energy; virtually zero emissions; minimal water use; low waste; longlasting build and materials; high recyclability - and we really do believe we have created the world’s most sustainable welfare range. We are extremely excited that with this new range, we will be helping to make the work place a much greener and less environmentally damaging places.”

James Kearsey states: “In field tests, we are finding that due to the combination of our ultraefficient electrical systems with high-yield solar panels, our cabins are able to operate virtually entirely from solar energy. Users can see it for themselves via our our SolarTrack energy monitoring telemetry system. They can get 24 hour remote access to transparent information showing exactly what their energy usage is and what source it derives from.”

REDUCED SERVICE VISITS

The Deep Green 2030 range includes mobile and static welfare units, portable static and mobile toilet block solutions, mobile and static on-site tool charging stations.

All products have been designed to have as minimal negative environmental impact as possible and to be fully compliant with all the new environmental demands that will be placed on the industry over the coming years in the shift to Net Zero.

Deep Green 2030 welfare units and toilets also incorporate a unique rain harvesting and grey water recycling system which sees UV-sterilised rainwater used for hand-washing and then re-used to flush the toilets. Other water-saving features are micro flush toilets and waterless urinals. Together, these innovations reduce significantly the need for service visits and their incumbent environmental and financial costs. In addition, the telemetry system also monitors water, waste and fuel levels remotely meaning service visits can be planned precisely when they are needed with no wasted trips.

SOLAR POWERED & CARBON NEUTRAL

SUSTAINABLE BUILD

The Deep Green range has been engineered to draw almost all its energy requirements from the sun. The cabins are fitted with a raft of roof-mounted high-spec solar panels, lithium-ion batteries for energy storage and a smart energy monitoring system which means the user can see either on site or remotely exactly how much energy they are generating and using at any time.

All Deep Green cabins are built from stainless steel with a guaranteed lifetime of 25 years. Boss Cabins’ engineers have also considered the end-of-life impact of the cabins and chosen materials with a high level of recyclability - the cabins are over 92.7% recyclable and rising.

The Boss-exclusive SolarFlow electrical system is designed to use as little energy as possible while still providing all the comforts and functions needed in a high-end welfare unit. All items operate from 24V battery power, meaning that all functions can be powered purely from solar energy.

18 Construction UK Magazine - September 2021

Demo units of the Deep Green 2030 range are available to view now. To book a visit to the Boss Cabins factory or a tow-and-show to your own premises, give the Boss Sales Team a call on 0845 1801616 option 1 or email sales@bosscabins.co.uk.

Or for more information on the Deep Green range, visit https://bit.ly/DeepGreen2030

BUILD BACK GREENER

AS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S “GREEN INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION”, WORKSITES ARE UNDERGOING PROFOUND CHANGES IN THE WAY THEY OPERATE AND IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL LEGISLATION THEY MUST COMPLY WITH. Deep Green is a new range of welfare from Boss Cabins with sustainability and accountability at its core. Be part of the solution with green and smart innovations designed to future proof your fleet to 2030 and beyond.

Carbon neutral operation Solar powered Near zero emissions Reduced service visits Rain harvesting Grey water recycling

SolarTrack energy monitoring Cabin sterilisation system (NHS-approved) Sustainable stainless steel build 97.2% recyclable

deepgreen2030.co.uk 0845 1801616

People On The Move

DICE STRENGTHENS STRUCTURAL TEAM AS PART OF BOLD EXPANSION PLANS East Midlands-based Dice – a multidisciplinary engineering consultancy that operates across the UK – is undergoing a period of strategic growth and has expanded its structural engineering team with a trio of new starters.

Charlie Smith, Jack Simmons, and Nezih Yasdiman have all joined the firm, with existing team member Niall Murray, who joined Dice last year, promoted to senior REVIT technician.

Nezih will act as team leader for the structural engineering element of the business, with Charlie and Jack appointed as senior structural engineer and senior REVIT technician, respectively.

Wayne Oakes, director at Dice, said: “We’re delighted to welcome a further three new team members, as well as announcing a well-deserved promotion for Niall. At this point last year, we only had a couple of people working on the structural side of the business, and these hires are an indicator of the firm’s rapid growth in that time.”

Nezih is an experienced associate structural engineer with a decade of experience in the industry, firstly as an engineer in Turkey and then within the consulting sector after moving to the UK, accruing a vast range of knowledge and expertise.

Charlie has more than five years of engineering consultancy experience, having already been heavily involved in a number of residential and commercial projects, and Jack started his career as an engineering technician before beginning to specialise in REVIT in 2015 and will act as BIM leader on the Dice team.

The changes to the team come off the

back of continued rapid growth at the consultancy, boosted by several new projects and client wins in the first half of the year.

Wayne added: “We‘ve had a flying start to the year, despite all the challenges thrown our way by COVID-19. This is 100% down to our brilliant team and our hands-on, client-focused approach. We have the skill, resources, and experience of a large firm but the responsiveness and agility of an SME and this approach has served us well during the pandemic. However, our fantastic team are the true heroes, so we place great importance upon staff wellbeing and ensuring they are supported. We also recognise that the industry is suffering from a skills shortage, and it needs to attract new talent. Therefore, the quality of recruits we’ve been able to hire and retain speaks volumes for the company as well as projects and clients we work with, and we’re excited for the next chapter of our growth.”

Having joined Dice as its first REVIT technician in summer 2020, Niall’s skills and wealth of knowledge from more than 12 years of industry experience have seen him promoted to senior REVIT technician in record time.

Niall said: “Working at a customer-focused business such as Dice is a really great opportunity, and it’s been good to continue developing my skill set. Seeing the team continue to grow has been really exciting and it’s been great to continue learning from my fellow structural engineers. As well as the projects themselves, it’s the supportive culture that makes Dice such an amazing place to work. Wayne and Raj really champion collaborative working and are passionate about making sure the team is happy - there’s a real sense of team spirit.”

20 Construction UK Magazine - September 2021

NEW M.D AT MICK GEORGE CONTRACTING Never one to rest on their laurels, the Mick George Group have signalled further intent to expand their ever-impressive Contracting Division following the appointment of William East to their Contracting Board, as Managing Director.

Considered an integral part of the growth achieved by the Mick George Group in recent times, William has been duly rewarded for his efforts, promoted from Projects Director, a position which he formally occupied within the business for the previous 3-years.

Projected to deliver Circa £55m this year, across it’s Earthworks, Demolition and Environmental provisions, the Mick George brand now takes pride of place within the Construction Industries elite; and this recent Organisation change is anticipated to further establish their status.

While serving their existing loyal client base with agile, pioneering and innovative working solutions has been pivotal in the Groups upward trajectory, concerted strides have been made to strategically increase involvement with Highways, Industrial and Government funded schemes; most notably their contribution towards Highways England’s delivery of the M1 Smart Motorway scheme.

The former development is recognition of the scale and profile of where Mick George’s Contracting Division currently resides, and with an impressive pipeline of projects with similar stature imminent, things continue to look bright for the business.

People On The Move FROM CARE WORKER TO FIRST FEMALE CONSTRUCTION SPECIALIST Three years after Lincolnshire care worker Jess Wells walked into a construction careers event, she’s now the first woman to have achieved a highly specialised construction qualification.

suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) and work clothing, and even a recent site not having women’s welfare facilities or female toilets.

Jess’s NVQ was assessed by the Resin Flooring Association (FeRFA), the not-for-profit trade body representing manufacturers, contractors and companies in industrial and commercial resin flooring, screeding and surface preparation.

Jess, 29, was a care worker in 2018 when she attended an event aimed at encouraging young people into the industry as part of Lincolnshire Construction Week, supported by CITB and local businesses and trade associations.

After witnessing a talk at the event given

by Lincoln-based surface preparation specialists The Preparation Group, Jess approached the company afterwards and was later taken on.

using high tech machinery. My goal is to be a site manager to mentor and train more females. It doesn’t matter if you are male or female you need to love what you do to deliver results.”

Jess said: “I enjoy journeying around the country with the people I work with, there is never a dull moment. I am onsite with guys

However, Jess has run up against issues faced by women working in a sector dominated by men, such as a lack of

FeRFA confirmed that Jess was the first woman to achieve NVQ Level 2 Specialist Concrete Occupations (Construction) – Substrate Preparation and Profiling, handling the equipment with ease and expertise, demonstrating ability and determination.

Jess said: “I thought working on site might be intimidating, but if you are interested in learning, people will show you how to do things right, help and support you. Go for it, it is entirely down to you.”

PREMIER MODULAR APPOINTS NEW HIRE DIRECTOR Premier Modular, one of the UK’s leading modular building specialists, has appointed Mark Rooney as Divisional Director for its Hire operations.

Mark joins the business with 15 years’ experience in leadership roles, 10 years of which have been spent in the construction hire space. He now takes responsibility for Premier’s highly successful Hire Division, from business development and project delivery to managing and developing the company’s expanding fleet of modular buildings for hire.

According to David Harris, Managing Director of Premier Modular, “The Covid-19 pandemic has really put the modular industry in the spotlight. It has given us the opportunity to demonstrate the responsiveness of modular construction and in particular of our hire solutions. We have worked on some really high-profile projects in the past year, to incredibly challenging programmes to help the Government in its response to the pandemic.”

Mark Rooney, Divisional Director – Hire, added, “This is a really exciting time to join the business, which has made tremendous progress in the past year. There is enormous growth potential for Premier’s hire solutions, particularly in healthcare and education, where we are well placed to provide larger, more complex temporary buildings which may be on hire for a number of years. These projects range from decant education facilities for use during school redevelopment works to acute healthcare buildings to help NHS trusts rapidly increase capacity – from specialist ward buildings to theatre blocks. We also have ambitious plans to increase our market share in the provision of high quality project offices for major construction and infrastructure projects, not just in the South East but across the UK.” Mark Rooney

Our aim is to provide additional space very quickly and with levels of quality, fitout, and comfort that make every building feel bespoke.

Premier is currently working on a number of multi-million pound contracts to provide project offices for HS2 in the South East and a £3m hire project for Kier is nearing completion at Royal Cornwall Hospital to rapidly increase ward capacity.

To help meet the increasing demand for our temporary building solutions in every sector, we invested £12m in our hire fleet in just 12 months and have an extremely high degree of fleet utilisation.

As the economy is starting to return to normal levels, we are pleased to report a very strong order pipeline.

Construction UK Magazine - September 2021 21

Events & Awards News

2021 STRUCTURAL CONCRETE STUDENT COMPETITION WINNERS ANNOUNCED The Concrete Centre’s annual student Structural Concrete competition, in partnership with Laing O’Rourke, has been won by Ashley Andersen from the University of Surrey. The 2021 competition challenge for teams of engineering students was to design a civic centre comprising a library and council offices in a new garden town in the north west of England.

The client has requested bids from design-and-build contractors for the construction of the building and its maintenance over the next 30 years. One of these contractors has commissioned an initial design for the new building at Porchester New Town, from a firm of consulting engineers. Entrants must respond as though they are the structural engineer responsible within the consultant’s team.

This year, The Concrete Centre held a virtual prize giving awards ceremony via webinar, which took place on Thursday 19 August 2021, where the winners were

announced to all delegates. The online event celebrated the winner’s highlights and achievements along with their fellow entrants and the judges.

The 2021 competition attracted entries from across UK schools of engineering and three prizes were awarded.

• • •

First prize - University of Surrey Runners up - Salford University Sustainability Award - Salford University

Jenny Burridge, judge and head of structural engineering at The Concrete Centre said:

This year’s project was a fivestorey civic building comprising a lower ground floor library and four floors of offices. The judges were pleased by the level of design knowledge shown in the entries and the work that had been done to understand the requirements of the brief.

CITB TO HOST SKILLBUILD FINALS AT NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION COLLEGE The UK’s top construction trainees will battle it out 16-18 November at CITB’s SkillBuild National Finals.

SkillBuild, the largest multi-trade construction competition in the country, will see more than 50 finalists from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland compete in their specialist skills.

The competitors will be set an 18-hour project to complete across the three days of the competition, which is set to take place at the National Construction College in Bircham Newton, Norfolk.

A series of remotely-delivered qualifiers ran across the UK during May and June, with nearly 100 colleges and training facilities

Ashley Andersen from the University of Surrey impressed the judges with his very high standard submission that included exciting ‘tree’ columns in the library which framed rooflights to allow more daylight into the space. Ashley’s drawings were clear and well presented.

Daniel Dickinson from the University of Salford came a close runner-up with his submission which included long span post-tensioned beams. Daniel was also awarded the sustainability prize for his report, which included an embodied carbon calculation. This was Daniel’s second year in the competition, having won last year.

The brief for the next competition “Structural Concrete 2022” was also launched at the event and is to design a school building within an existing school development in the suburbs of a large UK city.

More information can be found at http:// www.concretecentre.com/competition

supporting 250 competitors in their respective skills – bricklaying, carpentry, Foundation Skills: woodworking, furniture and cabinetmaking, joinery, painting and decorating, plastering, plastering and drywall systems, stonemasonry and wall and floor tiling. In addition to their physical tasks, competitors were set a new online assessment, which tested their understanding of employability aspects such as Health & Safety.

Those competitors who will progress through to the SkillBuild 2021 National Finals will be announced, by WorldSkills UK, in mid-September.

Sarah Beale, CITB Chief Executive, said: “SkillBuild is a terrific opportunity for young talent in the construction industry to shine, and I wish all participants the very best of luck. We’re delighted to be hosting the National Finals at Bircham Newton, it’s great that even with so much uncertainty during the past year the competition continues to proceed, albeit with significant safety restrictions.”

Long-term sponsors of SkillBuild who will be involved again in November include BAL, British Gypsum and Crown, with Michelmersh joining to support bricklaying competitions. The Stone Federation GB is also supporting the event. CITB is extremely grateful to all organisations and agencies helping to showcase the quality and potential of the next generation of tradespeople.

22 Construction UK Magazine - September 2021

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Project News CONCERT HAS PROVIDED CONSTRUCTION CONSULTANCY SERVICES ON CLIVEDALE LONDON’S NEW OFFICE SPACE IN LONDON’S PRESTIGIOUS MAYFAIR Concert has completed the construction and Category A fit-out of 75-77 Brook Street, a premium new commercial office for Clivedale London in the heart of Mayfair, London.

A typical floor plan is 1,998 – 2,013 sq. ft and the design is responsive to the need for more collaborative ways of working, offering a range of different settings for the required task.

Concert was appointed to the positions of Employer’s Agent, Cost Manager and Principal Designer on this new flexible commercial space spanning 31,500 sq. ft. over 8 floors. The completed scheme is stunning aesthetically, while also offering an unmatched range and quality of services, including luxury changing and showering facilities on the basement level.

The facade was designed to a high specification, featuring world class terracotta glazed tiles, Portland stone and Juliette balconies that allow for an extensive street view. Concert worked to stringent time constraints, with the terracotta tiles needing to be procured well in advance of the main works to ensure the programme was maintained and deadlines were met.

Located in the heart of Mayfair, in close proximity to Bond Street station and the long anticipated Cross Rail station, Brook Street is set to become an ideal location for commercial office space in Mayfair.

The project began in January 2018, when the existing buildings were demolished, giving the opportunity to rework the scheme to 73 Brook Street, increasing the overall lettable space considerably.

BEARD COMPLETES WORK ON £20M REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AT ST HILDA’S COLLEGE, OXFORD Family-run construction firm Beard has completed one of the biggest contracts in its history with a major redevelopment at St Hilda’s College, in the University of Oxford.

The city’s famous skyline and its dreaming spires, have another architectural gem added to them with the completion at St Hilda’s, and the crowning of its tower in gold foliage.

The £20m Front of College project also represents the largest redevelopment of the college in its history, having been completed to mark its 125th anniversary.

Described as ‘architecturally stunning’ by the College, key aspects of the estate have been altered as part of the project, including the entrance, the street-view and the riverside frontage.

The brief was to provide student accommodation (54 bedrooms), and to bring together key College administration functions into one place.

The specifics of the work include: • New main entrance to the college • New accommodation for students

24 Construction UK Magazine - September 2021

• • • •

New Boundary Building to house the Middle Common Room, Chapel and Porter’s Lodge New high-quality teaching and office space New riverside pavilion for entertaining Crowning of the tower using aluminium gold leaves mounted around a steel frame, painted by hand with bespoke St Hilda’s Gold.

The new accommodation is a key element in the redevelopment as it relieves both the financial pressure for students of finding accommodation in the private rental market, and also eases some demand for accommodation in the city.

Project News

RESOLUTION TO GRANT APPROVAL FOR 692BED BENDIGO BUILDING STUDENT SCHEME The decision means Godwin Developments has secured approval for 1000+ units this week following the approval of The Meridian in Sheffield.

Plans for the redevelopment of the former Royal Mail sorting office into a 692-bed student living development took a step forward after members of the Nottingham City Council planning committee resolved to grant planning permission for Godwin Development’s proposals for the Bendigo Building. The decision was made subject to clarification of further design details.

The scheme will see the currently disused property – which has been vacant for nearly 20 years - demolished and replaced with purpose build student accommodation (PBSA), which will provide new high-quality, contemporary living spaces for students in the city.

The development – which is situated less than half a mile from Nottingham Trent University – will consist of a mix of modern studio apartments, four, five and six-bedroom clusters and accessible studio rooms.

The scheme will also incorporate a range of indoor amenities such as two receptions, a spacious residents lounge, gym, study and games rooms, as well as a fully landscaped courtyard garden with outdoor seating, recreational and outdoor exercise equipment, 6 car parking and 312 cycle storage spaces.

Two commercial units, located on the ground floor, will also provide an additional amenity for residents and the neighbouring community.

£234 million of economic activity to Nottingham and the region in the form of construction, employment and discretional spend. Other community benefits will include a large contribution towards open spaces as well as employment and training, improvement of public realm and safety.”

“We would like to thank Nottingham City Council’s planning team for their support of the scheme, as well as our partners – architects RG+P, planning consultants P&DG and engineering business HSP Consulting - for their work to-date.”

The Bendigo Building is conveniently positioned within easy walking distance of Nottingham city centre, Sneinton Market, Nottingham Trent University and the main food and entertainment quarter, with the University of Nottingham and Nottingham train station also readily accessible via public transport.

The scheme has been designed with sustainability in mind and contains features, such as air source heat pumps, photovoltaic (PV) roof panels and an energy efficient building fabric. It promotes greener ways of travel in and around the city, supporting cleaner air and reducing traffic congestion in the area.

Once underway the Bendigo Building will create around 300 jobs during the construction phase – and 40 full-time positions when fully operational.

James Mulcare, Head of Residential Capital Markets at Godwin Developments, said: “In recent years, Nottingham has cemented itself into a major higher education destination.

The city attracts nearly 80% of its full-time students from the UK, making it resilient to fluctuations in international student demand.

As vaccination rates across the country continue to rise and young people seek to return to face-to-face learning and socialising, the need for purposebuilt student accommodation will continue to grow – and with it a strong interest from investors across the globe.

“We are confident that the Bendigo Building with its prominent location and high amenities provision will be popular with young people and will deliver attractive long-term returns to investors seeking to capitalise on the strong local PBSA market.”

Matt Chandler, development director at Godwin Developments, said: “We are delighted to have received the resolution to grant planning approval from Nottingham City Council for our proposals, which will transform this eye-sore of a building into a thriving student hub.

“With unmet demand of over 7,000 student beds in the city and the number of undergraduates rising as both universities continue their expansion plans, there is a clear requirement for more dedicated student spaces where young people can live, study, and socialise together. Our plans will not only cater to this demand but also support the Council’s ambitions to keep the city centre vibrant, house students better, and protect further traditional family housing from being converted for student occupation.”

“The Bendigo Building will also bring a substantial amount of investment, attracting

Construction UK Magazine - September 2021 25

Events & Awards News

MILESTONE INFRASTRUCTURE SECURES ROSPA GOLD AWARD FOR STREET LIGHTING OPERATIONS Milestone Infrastructure (‘Milestone’), a part of M Group Services, has received a prestigious RoSPA Gold Award for demonstrating the highest standards in health and safety across its Street Lighting activity.

Organisations receiving a RoSPA Award are recognised as world-leaders in health and safety practice. Every year, nearly 2,000 entrants vie to achieve the highest possible accolade in what is the UK’s longest-running health and safety industry awards.

Macaulay Rickard, Health and Safety Advisor, Milestone, commented: “This prestigious recognition is a fantastic achievement and testament to the health and safety ethos that is embedded across our organisation. We are

delighted to have achieved RoSPA Gold Award status for our street lighting operations and our focus now must be to maintain the high standards that we have set.”

Julia Small, RoSPA Achievements Director, added: “The RoSPA Awards scheme is the longest-running of its kind in the UK, making it one of the most sought-after achievement awards for health and safety worldwide.

“RoSPA is very proud of the achievements of its entrants, and with this award we recognise the best of the best, an organisation that has gone the extra mile for the delivery of safety in the workplace. Our RoSPA Award winners are central to achieving this goal, driving up standards and setting new safety benchmarks for organisations across the world.”

HENRY BROTHERS EMPLOYEE REACHES THE FINAL OF THE ‘OSCARS’ OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY A project manager at Henry Brothers Midlands has been shortlisted in the prestigious Construction Manager of the Year Awards 2021.

Neil Sleigh has been selected as a finalist in the higher education category for his role in project managing the hugely successful delivery of the £9m Dryden Enterprise Centre at Nottingham Trent University.

The new four-storey facility was handed over by Nottingham-based Henry Brothers Midlands in April.

Neil, who has more than 30 years’ experience in the construction sector, was the project manager on the scheme, which was developed on a tight, live site, with restricted access, in the heart of NTU’s City campus.

Managing director of Henry Brothers Midlands, Ian Taylor, said: “As a company, Henry Brothers is particularly proud to have built the stunning Dryden Enterprise Centre for Nottingham Trent University.

“Neil was involved in the scheme from start to finish - playing an integral role in the bid at tender stage through to project managing the successful delivery of this exciting development.

“We are delighted that he has been recognised for his skill, expertise and professionalism by being selected as a finalist in the Construction Manager of the Year Awards 2021, which are regarded as the Oscars of the construction sector. The whole team at Henry Brothers congratulates him on his success.”

Neil began his career as an apprentice civils groundworker and by the age of 19 was running a series of gangs on several projects. Having demonstrated his skills as a manager, he worked his way up to become site manager, then senior site manager and is currently project manager.

He joined Henry Brothers in 2016.

Neil said: “The Dryden Enterprise Centre is a landmark building for Nottingham Trent University. I was determined to bring to life the vision that the client and architect had designed and that the end result would exceed their expectations in terms of the quality finish of the building. I put my heart and soul into this scheme, delivering an outstanding project with detailing rarely seen in this value engineering age and I’m thrilled that this has been recognised in the Construction Manager of the Year Awards.

26 Construction UK Magazine - September 2021

It was a team effort, however, and this accolade is a reflection of the skill and hard work of everyone involved in this project which has created a wonderful facility to benefit the Nottingham community for years to come.”

The awards have been run by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) for more than 40 years. A total of 77 of the very best construction managers in the UK have been named in the shortlists for ten categories, with Neil being selected as one of 12 finalists in the higher education category.

Caroline Gumble Chief Executive of the CIOB said: “Our CMYA competition seeks out the very best of leadership and talent in our sector so my congratulations to everyone who’s made it to the finalists list this year.

These awards are a barometer for the management talent in our sector and those who have reached the final are an example of excellence in construction. We applaud them and their professionalism.”

The category winners will be awarded their gold and silver medals at a ceremony at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House hotel in London on 29 September 2021, hosted

by George Clarke, architect and presenter of Channel 4’s Remarkable Renovations.

The Dryden Enterprise Centre is a hub through which staff, students, graduates, and external businesses can benefit from a range of support, mentoring, networking, and training programmes delivered by NTU’s Enterprise team, business experts from Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, and associate partners.

ECOGREEN PLANT HIRE – WATERLESS WHEEL WASH We live in a green and pleasant land – but only because it rains so much and that rain also has the unfortunate effect of turning our construction sites into brown and very unpleasant swamps. But work has to go on – and you’re required by law to take all possible steps to prevent that mud from leaving the site and making a mess of the roads. Mud is a tricky problem to deal with.

Road sweepers are a normal reaction – but they can be expensive, are environmentally unfriendly as they create diesel emissions, can cause traffic chaos and sometimes just end up smearing the mess around.

Ecogreen Plant Hire Ltd have the answer with the DriveOn V-Tech waterless wheel cleaner. It’s a dry, raised ramp system but has around 60% less surface area than a rumble strip, so it creates more vibration, more tyre flex and more mud is removed, which falls into the void below.

It can’t freeze up or break down, doesn’t incur water or fuel bills, doesn’t need supervision, creates no emissions, reduces road sweeper requirements and so saves you money.

Of course, it will also show your customers that you are an environmentally responsible company.

We’d be delighted to survey your project and discuss our system’s suitability and implementation. www.ecogreenplanthire.co.uk info@ecogreenplanthire.co.uk 0800 130 3437

Wheel washes can just make more mud and make the situation worse. They can waste water, contaminate water courses, freeze up and break down in winter.

They can also cause extra cost for extra hires such as bowsers, lances, pumps, generators (and fuel of course), and bunds.

Considering a dry system? “Rumble strips” have been around for a while, but typically present such a surface area that much of the mud that they displace sits on the bars and re-contaminates following wheels – until they have buried themselves.

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For consistent comfort, the seamless designs are also available in 37.5® ventilating technology for efficient body moisture transport as well as odour-reducing merino wool to suit different types of work, whatever the weather conditions.

These cutting-edge AllroundWork, FLEXIWork and LITEwork designs and fabrics will keep you cool, warm and dry when you need to be. All the garments are made from quick drying, lightweight fabrics that come with special ventilation features to control and regulate the heat from your body.

All in all, Snickers Workwear Baselayer clothing will give you the kind of fresh working comfort you wouldn’t have thought possible.

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Project News

CARE HOME COMPLETION IS DOUBLE LANDMARK FOR BRYMOR AND CARE UK An independent construction firm has completed its largest care home development to date, including a cinema, bar and accommodation for up to 75 residents.

Brymor Construction Ltd designed and built Care UK’s new Ancasta Grove home in Sarisbury Green, near Fareham, after demolishing the former dentists’ surgery on the site.

The £8.5m purpose-built development in Barnes Lane provides residential, nursing, respite and dementia care, with more than 80 new jobs created locally.

As well as a cinema and bar, Ancasta Grove includes a hair and beauty salon, lounges, dining areas and landscaped grounds with a sensory garden and water feature.

The development is the largest care home

project in Hampshire-based Brymor Construction’s 34-year history and Care UK’s 125th home.

Stephen Morton, chairman of 150-strong Brymor, said: “With an ageing population in the UK, the care sector is assuming an increasingly important role in our communities.

“The high quality of facilities at Ancasta Grove, including a cinema and hair and beauty salon,

RAF ODIHAM RUNWAY UPGRADES COMPLETED RAF Odiham in Hampshire has seen upgrades to its runway and associated airfield lighting completed.

The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) awarded a £2.9m contract for the runway works and a £2.6m contract for the lighting works to Amey Highways in December 2020. Work started very quickly in early January and the runway resurfacing was finished ahead of schedule in February. The airfield lighting upgrades were completed in late July.

Royal Air Force Odiham is a front-line helicopter base and home of the UK Chinook Force working within Joint Helicopter Command. The Chinook is a capable and versatile support helicopter primarily used for transportation and can carry up to 10 tonnes of equipment or up to 55 personnel.

RAF Odiham operates three Chinook squadrons which were able to operate uninterrupted for the duration of the project. Despite being used primarily by helicopters, RAF Odiham still has a runway. This is important to provide resilience for the RAF and because from time to time, fixed wing aircraft need to use the station.

The works, which were needed to increase the amount of friction on the surface to keep it safe, saw the top 40mm of the runway removed and replaced, to a total of 8,500 tonnes of asphalt. This important project will extend the life of the runway for another 15 years.

Alongside this, the lighting needed to be replaced and at the request of the aircrews, it was also relocated. The new airfield ground lighting is modern, energy efficient and should last for years.

28 Construction UK Magazine - September 2021

Project News show just how dramatically residential and nursing homes have evolved over recent years.”

Brymor, which is headquartered at Denmead, near Portsmouth, with an office in Dorset, works in a wide range of sectors.

The £85m turnover company is a collaborative and flexible business with a seamless approach from conception to completion, with the focus on innovative solutions, quality, safety and transparency.

Ancasta Grove is Care UK’s 125th home.

Since 2013, it has opened more than 50 new homes.

There are about 17,600 care homes in the UK with 490,326 residents, according to industry source CareHome.co.uk.

In 2018, 18 per cent of the total UK population was aged 65 years and over, compared with 10.8 per cent in 1950, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This is expected to rise to 24.8 per cent in 2050.

Ancasta Grove is Care UK’s 125th home. Since 2013, it has opened more than 50 new homes.

Mark Stratford, DIO’s Project Manager, said: “It’s fantastic to see the upgraded runway and airfield lighting ready for aircrews. I’ve been really impressed with the team and how quickly this project has been completed, despite the challenges of keeping everyone safe during COVID. The newly-upgraded runway and improved lighting will be in use by aviators at RAF Odiham for years to come.”

Station Commander RAF Odiham, Group Captain Nicholas Knight OBE MA, said: “These essential works at RAF Odiham have upgraded our existing runway, and replaced the runway lighting with modern, more energy efficient lighting, extending the life in excess of 15 years.

200M TRANSFORMATIONAL BARNSLEY TOWN CENTRE SCHEME SET FOR OPENING NEXT MONTH Construction work on The Glass Works – Queensberry Real Estate and Barnsley Council’s transformative town centre development scheme – is almost complete, with hoardings coming down next month to reveal the town’s new public square.

The £200 million investment is part of a major council-led plan by Barnsley Council alongside the specialist development and investment company, Queensberry, to regenerate the town centre. The Glass Works is part of a wider town regeneration programme to make Barnsley an even stronger social, cultural and visitor destination.

Despite the challenges of the pandemic, construction has been able to safely continue and is set to be completed only a couple of months behind the prepandemic timeline.

Following the lifting of key restrictions, all existing elements of The Glass Works – including Library @ The Lightbox, Barnsley Markets and Market Kitchen – have reopened to the public. This also includes retailers such as Falco Lounge, Coffee Boy, JD Sports and Deichmann.

The full scheme will be launched in phases over the next four-to-six months.

The first new openings, which will take place on 9 September and include Next, TK Maxx and Sports Direct (with USC), with Flannels anticipated to follow.

Alex Hyams, Senior Leasing Manager, Queensberry, commented: “Over the last 18 months the pandemic impacted on occupiers’ ability to open new stores nationally, which has, unsurprisingly, caused some disruption to the leasing efforts in Barnsley.

“Nonetheless the town has continued to perform well when compared to what we’re seeing in many parts of the UK. Interest and confidence in Barnsley and The Glass Works has remained strong. We continue to build momentum and have a very exciting pipeline of interest, which will lead to further announcements in the coming weeks and months. Watch this space.”

A spokesperson for Next said: “We are very excited to be moving to our new store in Barnsley town centre. We have great confidence in The Glass Works and moving to a larger, more accessible and highly visible store enables us to deliver the maximum retail experience for both our staff and customers alike.”

Cllr Steve Houghton, the Leader of Barnsley Council, said: “The opening of The Glass Works Square and removal of the hoardings is a truly great moment. It gives everyone a chance to see the scale and quality of their new public space. It really improves the links between all key areas of the town centre and makes it a more enjoyable and attractive place to shop, work and relax.

“We have lots of exciting cultural events and activation ideas for autumn and are looking forward to seeing the square come to life during our large-scale winter events as we move towards Christmas.

“Although Covid has forced some of our signed occupiers to adjust their opening timelines, we are delighted with the finished product and just like the public, we are very much looking forward to more shops, bars and leisure venues opening soon. We have a great line-up of businesses fitting out units and getting ready for opening – it should be an exciting opening period.”

“Many thanks to Amey Highways, Levertech and their subcontractors, on behalf of DIO, who have successfully carried out the works which saw Chinook Force operations continue unaffected throughout.”

Tim Redfern, Amey’s Managing Director Defence said: “I’m delighted that once again, the collaborative efforts of Amey’s Highways and Defence teams has resulted in successful handover of upgraded runway works at this important site. By combining the expertise of both teams we have delivered real benefit to the client, DIO, and have future proofed this vital asset for the Armed Forces.”

Construction UK Magazine - September 2021 29

Project News WORKS UNDERWAY ON £10M MANUFACTURING FACILITY IN MANSFIELD Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson is progressing with the construction of a light manufacturing facility on Hamilton Way, Oakham Business Park, Mansfield.

The £10million scheme will see the build of a new single-storey facility and basement space for a UK leading multisector manufacturer based in the East Midlands.

The 80,000 sq. ft production facility, which is due for completion in early 2022, will comprise of a ground floor with workshop and office space including staff facilities, and a basement level for storage.

The new building will be cladded and feature composite insulation panels to the walls and roof and adjacent will be an external service yard with two artic loading bays and car parking spaces

over three levels for 139 cars. Previously allocated as Employment Land, the steel frame of the build is now complete.

Works are progressing with brickwork, roofing and wall cladding, which will be followed by the construction of ground bearing and suspended floor slabs, and the installation of fire protection and first fix M&E services.

G F Tomlinson is working alongside project manager and principal designer Jackson Design Associates and Webb Gray Architects – both firms the contractor has worked with previously on office and industrial projects in Mansfield and Lichfield.

Andy Sewards, managing director of G F Tomlinson, said: “Mansfield continues to attract major players in the industrial and manufacturing sector and we are pleased to be working with a new client on a scheme of such scale.

This facility will provide sizable and contemporary manufacturing and office space and the new building has been designed for the future expansion of our client’s production capabilities.

“We are proud to be working with Jackson Design Associates and Webb Gray Architects again to deliver this impressive scheme.”

30 Construction UK Magazine - September 2021

G F Tomlinson will also be carrying out £3m M&E works as part of the project.

David Grieves, project manager at Jackson Design Associates, said: “We first discussed the project with the client towards the end of 2018. It’s fantastic to now see the project taking shape so quickly, particularly given the challenges we have all endured over the last 18 months.

“The team have had to overcome many hurdles, Covid-19 being just one, to get us here today.

“The development is a great example of local businesses coming together to deliver a project which will enable a valued client to expand and grow. The expansion of this facility increases the client’s capabilities in the market and provides job opportunities to benefit the community.

“G F Tomlinson has done a remarkable job in managing the risk of Covid-19 and continue to adopt the precautions required to ensure a safe and controlled site is maintained.

“Whilst controlling the Health & Safety aspect, the project continues to progress safely, at speed and in a professional manner.”

G F Tomlinson, which has offices in Derbyshire and Birmingham, has many years of experience across multiple sectors including industrial, education, retail, healthcare, leisure, commercial and residential.

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Construction UK Magazine - September 2021 31

People On The Move NIGEL RAWLINGS JOINS BOARD OF MC CONSTRUCTION Salford-based MC Construction has strengthened its board with the appointment of a vastly-experienced industry professional as a non-executive director.

Nigel Rawlings has joined the company to provide strategic advice to its executive team.

He is the founder and chief executive of RISE Homes, formerly Housing Capital Property, an award-winning Stockport-based residential property developer of sustainable homes for rent across the north and Midlands.

He is also a non-executive director of Rowlinson Constructions group, Supportive Care (UK), which provides specialist support and advice to clinicians involved in complex medical cases, and renewable technology business Aquanovis Holdings.

Nigel co-founded the FTSE250 healthcare property group Assura Group and later served as its chief executive. He has also acted as a director for the Westbury Property Fund, which developed and invested in commercial and residential property across the UK. David Lowe, managing director of MC Construction, said: “Nigel has vast experience gained over many years at the forefront of the property and construction industry, including the commercial, residential and healthcare sectors. He has also been a pioneer in the build-to-rent sector with RISE Homes, whose developments such as the Tribe Apartments scheme in Manchester and The Mailbox in Stockport have won global recognition for their sustainable features.

“Nigel brings a wealth of knowledge to our board and will play an important role as we shape our business for the future to take it

to the next level. There are great synergies with his other business activities and interests which also provide a tremendous fit for the company.”

MC Construction, which is celebrating its golden jubilee this year, undertakes building projects throughout the north west with a focus on the commercial, education, heritage, hospitality, industrial, local authority, social housing and healthcare sectors.

Founded in 1971 by Charlie Lowe and John Purcell, the business remains family-owned and employs nearly 60 staff.

Nigel said: “MC Construction is a long-established construction company which has a great reputation and wins substantial repeat business. I’m looking forward to playing my part as a member of its board of directors to help it develop further over the coming years.”

MICHELIN APPOINTS CONOR TWOMEY AS COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR UK & IRELAND Michelin Tyre PLC has appointed Conor Twomey as Communications Director for the UK & Ireland.

The role encompasses press and public relations, social media, events and internal communications across the UK and the

Republic of Ireland and covers the entire Michelin brand portfolio, including car, motorcycle, bicycle, truck, bus, agriculture and construction tyres, the worldrenowned Michelin Guide as well as Michelin’s growing interests in sustainable industries such as hydrogen power and high-tech materials.

Conor brings more than 20 years’ experience, both in journalism and in public relations, to his new role at Michelin, having worked for numerous media outlets in Ireland and the US before beginning a new career in public relations in 2010 and relocating to the UK in 2013. Since then he was worked in PR for Jaguar, FIAT, Alfa Romeo and, most recently Mitsubishi, where he also oversaw social media, events, internal communications, partnerships and government affairs.

Commenting on Conor’s appointment, Florian Pitzinger, Vice President Communications & Brands Europe North, said, “Conor and Michelin – I am sure this will be an excellent combination. With him, we have a truly skilled industry professional, that

32 Construction UK Magazine - September 2021

will contribute with his experience in mobility communication, but is also eager to go beyond tyre communication. Our goal is to grow out of the tyre PR niche in Great Britain and Ireland and to make a broader public aware of Michelin stories.”

Chris Smith, Managing Director UK & Ireland, commented, “As Michelin evolves to meet the changing needs of consumers and make environmental protection a core focus, having an experienced communicator such as Conor on board is really going to help us get those messages to as wide an audience as possible. His interest in all things mechanical means he will instinctively know which of Michelin’s many interests to spotlight in as engaging a way as possible.”

Conor commented, “It’s such an exciting time to be joining Michelin. The brand is very much looking to the future with a strong emphasis on sustainability and growth with, around and beyond tyres. I have a wonderful team of people to work with, there is so much in the pipeline and I get to indulge my interests in all things mechanical, from bikes to quarry trucks to hydrogen-powered Le Mans race cars.”

People On The Move

LEE READ JOINS ANESCO AS PROJECTS AND ENGINEERING DIRECTOR Reading-based renewable energy company, Anesco, has appointed Lee Read as Projects and Engineering Director.

Lee joins Anesco as the company gears up for significant growth, with a pipeline of large scale solar and storage projects expected to exceed 1,500MW over the course of the next 5 years.

We’re thrilled to have Lee on board. He is a highly experienced energy professional, with a strong track record in power engineering, battery storage, project management and operations, and will be an asset to the team.

With a career within the energy industry that spans more than 30 years, Lee previously held senior operational, engineering, project roles at Bioenergy Infrastructure Group, where he was responsible for the turnaround of a waste to energy power plant in Hull, and Centrica, where he led a team delivering £180million of investment in distributed energy assets.

As Projects and Engineering Director, Lee will focus on delivering Anesco’s ambitious pipeline of new construction projects, both in the UK and Europe.

RATED PEOPLE APPOINTS DALE MURRAY CBE TO BOARD Find-a-tradesperson platform, Rated People, has appointed Dale Murray CBE to its board as a Non-Executive Director.

In this role, Dale will draw on her strong combination of experience as a tech entrepreneur and highly experienced board director to support and guide the entire team across the business. This varied experience will bring a new level of depth and breadth to Rated People’s board, building on the company’s recent achievements and accelerating its future success.

2021 is proving to be a landmark year for Rated People. The business has already appeared on the Sunday Times’ 100 Best Mid-Sized Companies to Work For, London’s 50 Best Mid-Sized Companies to Work For, and the Business Services’ 20 Best Companies to Work For. Rated People also achieved profitability for the first time and will focus on profitable growth for the remaining half of this year.

Dale co-founded Omega Logic which launched mobile phone “top-ups” in

the UK in 2001. Within 5 years the company’s gross transaction revenue had grown to £450m per annum and she completed the sale of the company to First Data Corporation, giving her firsthand experience of scaling a successful business. Since then, Dale has become a successful tech investor and held board roles in start-up through to listed companies, as well as British government departments. She served on the Business Taskforce for David Cameron in 2013 and received a CBE from Her Majesty the Queen, for services to business.

In addition to her new role with Rated People, Dale is a Non-Executive Director with property finance platform LendInvest plc, financial services specialists The Cranemere Group and Xero, a global cloud accounting software platform listed on the ASX 50.

Adrian Cox, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Rated People, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Dale to Rated People. As a co-founder of a successful company, Dale knows what it takes to start,

Commenting on his appointment, Lee said: “As someone who is passionate about the transition to clean energy, I’m really proud to be heading up projects at Anesco that will support the UK in achieving its net zero ambitions.

“I look forward to working with the team to drive further growth and champion innovation and excellence in renewable energy.”

Mark Futyan, Anesco CEO, said: “We’re thrilled to have Lee on board. He is a highly experienced energy professional, with a strong track record in power engineering, battery storage, project management and operations, and will be an asset to the team.

“Lee joins Anesco at an exciting time for us, as work gets underway on our latest wave of large-scale solar and storage projects.

“Despite the unique challenges of the last 18 months, we have experienced significant growth across all areas of the business, from development and EPC, through to asset maintenance and optimisation.”

Anesco is a market leader in renewable energy, managing the development, design, construction, maintenance and market optimisation of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. The company has constructed more than 100 solar farms, while its O&M service is monitoring more than 24,000 sites. run and scale a business. She brings a huge amount of experience across a range of capital structures, including public markets, private equity, and IPOs. Her passion for the people behind Rated People, and its customers, will also be a huge asset. Plus, her understanding of our customer set will make her a strong advocate for Rated People’s users in the board room.”

Dale Murray, Non-Executive Director, Rated People, commented: “I am thrilled to have joined Rated People as a NonExecutive Director. The company has already developed a reputation as an innovator and is passionate about being a great partner to trades businesses, as well as helping homeowners find skilled tradespeople.

“That resonates with me, and my love for technology platforms and long history with start-ups and scale-ups will help us build on the achievements to date.

“People and culture have always been a priority for me in business; I believe that how we treat each other and our customers is critical to success. Rated People has terrific talent and clearly invests a lot in its culture, which is one of the reasons it has been so successful to date. This is what really stood out for me and why I look forward to helping the business continue its journey.”

Construction UK Magazine - September 2021 33

Project News

BELLWAY STARTS WORK ON NEW DEVELOPMENT IN TONGHAM Bellway has started work on a 254-home development in Tongham.

The housebuilder is set to deliver 127 homes at Admiral Park, on land to the west of The Street, as part of a wider development.

Daniel Williamson, Sales Director for Bellway South London, said: “Construction work has started on this new development which will include a variety of homes to appeal to a wide mix of buyers. The homes range from two-bedroom properties suitable for first-time buyers to three and fourbedroom detached family homes.

“This development has a beautiful rural backdrop which is within walking distance of the village centre of Tongham. Admiral Park will cater for the needs of local buyers and those looking to move to the area.”

The 32.5-acre site will include 11.2 acres of public open space, featuring a children’s play area. An additional 43.7 acres of Sustainable Alternative Natural Greenspace

WORLD’S LARGEST ELECTROLYSER FACTORY COMPLETED BY CLEGG GROUP National construction specialist Clegg Group has used its extensive knowledge to complete the refurbishment of the world’s largest electrolyser factory for ITM Power.

ITM Power – a global leader in hydrogen technologies, which manufactures integrated hydrogen energy solutions to enhance the use of renewable energy that would otherwise be wasted – appointed Clegg as the principal contractor to undertake the specialist fit out at Bessemer Park in Sheffield.

This included an extension to the existing offices as well as the stack manufacturing and production areas. As part of the project,

(SANG) will be created on land to the west of the residential development. A total of 300 new trees will be planted on the site.

Of the 254 homes to be built at Admiral Park, 165 will be for private sale, with the remaining 89 being made available for affordable rent or shared ownership.

Bellway will contribute to the planning obligations of the wider development, which include a total of £2.3 million in funding for local services and infrastructure, such as roads and education. Farnham Heath End School will receive a £900,000 investment and Ash Grange Primary School will benefit from a £840,000 contribution.

Bellway’s first homes are due to be released onto the market this autumn.

Admiral Park is well placed to access major road routes including the A3, A31, M3 and M25. Farnham and Aldershot railway stations are both about three miles away with services to Guildford, Clapham Junction and Waterloo.

the team also created a ATEX rated test zone for factory acceptance that is coupled to a 5MW power supply on site.

Oliver Jenkins, business development manager at Clegg, said: “This was a really exciting project as the improvements to the factory will enable ITM Power to reach the production capacity of 1GW. “The energy transition is happening now, and the hydrogen sector is growing rapidly as the world pushes to reduce carbon emissions and meet government net zero targets. ITM Power is a leader in its field so it was a real privilege to work with such a cutting-edge client.”

Dr Graham Cooley, CEO at ITM Power, added: “We are very happy with our new Gigawatt electrolyser factory at Bessemer Park. The facility is now not only the largest in the world, but also has been designed and fitted out to include the latest state-of-the-art technology and semi-automated machines to enable us to scale up production of our electrolysers in line with the global demand for green hydrogen.”

34 Construction UK Magazine - September 2021

TILBURY DOUGLAS HANDS OVER SEND SCHOOL Tilbury Douglas has successfully completed and handed over a new SEND (Special Educational Needs) school at High Point Academy in Wednesbury, West Midlands. The new two-storey building offers a specialist leaning environment for 90 students, aged 11 to 16, with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), Asperger syndrome and a range of learning difficulties.

The project, procured through the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) medium band framework, was delivered under the Department for Education’s free schools’ programme.

Classrooms in the new building are designed to be safe and calming for pupils with severe autism and include a range of specialist rooms. A multi-use games area and a generous mix of green and hard-surface play surround the building, offering open and sheltered options for alternative learning.

Commenting on the completed development, Shifeek Hussain, Project Director for the Department for Education said: “It was great to see High Point Academy handed over; this is a great school, and it looks fantastic.

I have had the pleasure of working with a great team, who have shown passion and commitment to making this project happen. The Tilbury Douglas team and supply chain have been impressive and have delivered the school on time despite the pandemic, by working collaboratively with a one team approach.”

Simon Butler, Managing Director for Tilbury Douglas (Central) said:

High Point Academy is one of two of our SEND schools we are completing under the ESFA medium band framework, and I’d like to congratulate all of the teams involved on a brilliant, finished product. We look forward to delivering similar projects for the DfE in the future.

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INTEGRITY – EXCELLENCE – INNOVATION heightec is a leading authority within the professional height safety and rescue industry, designing and manufacturing innovative equipment and delivering specialist training.

Their mission - to be the most sophisticated supplier for specialist work at height, by joining values of elegant, innovative products and expertise in methods of use. heightec was founded in 1997 by people with extensive practical experience of rope access, caving and mountain rescue. It was clear existing equipment for work at height was not sufficiently adapted for more technical or industrial applications.

The first significant innovation was the Phoenix advanced rescue harness designed for UK Fire & Rescue Services and industrial rescue teams.

The Phoenix earned a UK Design Council Millennium Award for innovation and remains the most widely used harness by UK fire services. heightec has since developed the most advanced combination of height safety rescue systems available anywhere. The Rotor automatic rescue and evacuation descender was developed for demanding environments and is a core product in their Rotor Tower Crane rescue system. The Rotor is designed for self-evacuation or recovery of a casualty from a tower crane cab, jib or ladder.

The Rotor descender has a number of safety features and significant advantages over other similar devices. It automatically controls descent speed and allows a greater number of people to evacuate rapidly by making repeated two person descents (250kg).

Our approach is to work very closely with customers to ensure designs achieve exactly what they need to in terms of functional performance. For heightec, innovation is not merely a route to new products but a core competence at the heart of everything we do. This is a continuous challenge for our design team.

36 Construction UK Magazine - September 2021

Our strength as a manufacturer lies in our ability to respond rapidly to users’ needs and changes in industry.

We continue to pursue excellence at every opportunity, ensuring our products go above and beyond the norm where performance and safety are concerned.

The Rotor has both lifting and lowering capabilities and has been shown to be up to five times faster at lifting compared to competitor manual models. Changeover between modes is simple and more importantly can be done under load with no risk of accidental release. Unlike other devices, the Rotor has no external moving parts that could be snagged, preventing risk of injury or entanglement during descent or evacuation. It also has an integral load indicator pin at the attachment point which shows if the device has been loaded, extremely useful when undertaking periodic safety checks.

Keith Jones, Managing Director, stated “Our approach is to work very closely with customers to ensure designs achieve exactly what they need to in terms of functional

performance. For heightec, innovation is not merely a route to new products but a core competence at the heart of everything we do. This is a continuous challenge for our design team. Our strength as a manufacturer lies in our ability to respond rapidly to users’ needs and changes in industry. We continue to pursue excellence at every opportunity, ensuring our products go above and beyond the norm where performance and safety are concerned”. heightec is also the largest provider of height safety and rescue training delivered via their UK national network of centres based in Aberdeen, Kendal, Leeds, Birmingham, London. They launched their specialist Tower Crane Rescue course over a decade ago, it is their most popular course for the construction industry and

remains in high demand for delivery on client sites.

Subsequently heightec supported the CPA’s (Construction Plan-hire Association) Tower Crane Interest Group by contributing to the development of the Technical Information Note on “Rescue of Personnel from Height on Tower Cranes”. This document provides guidance on the planning for rescuing persons from height on tower cranes.

Tel: +44 (0)1539 728866 Website: www.heightec.com

Construction UK Magazine - September 2021 37

Project News COUNTY DURHAM GROUNDWORKS FIRM LAY FOUNDATIONS FOR GROWTH AFTER SECURING £194,000 FOR INNOVATION A Wingate-based civil engineering and groundworks business has received more than £194,000 in research and development (R&D) tax credits across two claims, thanks to the innovation demonstrated in its projects.

Founded in 2015, N&T Civils Ltd carry out high-quality groundworks and civils work across County Durham, Teesside and the North East, and the company has more than 20 years’ experience in the trade.

N&T Civils Ltd qualified for R&D tax credits for their work on large-scale jobs that required innovative solutions and problem-solving to overcome the issues faced by the team. Within this sector, it is essential to effectively develop solutions as large projects cannot be halted for long periods of time due to cost loss and wastage reasons. An example of a qualifying project was when the business was contracted to work on the build of a fire station and fit suitable drainage on the site. Upon encountering technical problems onsite, N&T developed a new solution for the industry. After various trials and adaptations, the company was able to overcome a number

of technical uncertainties to develop a successful solution. This project achieved an advancement within science and technology due to the client developing a novel method of design and engineering, where the knowledge was not readily available within the sector.

N&T Civils Ltd is using the claim money to reinvest into the business, including purchasing a new grab vehicle.

HMRC’s R&D tax relief scheme rewards businesses for investing in innovation by way of carrying out qualifying R&D activities, with the incentive being a reduction in corporation tax or a cash payment. R&D tax returns were secured by the firm’s advisers, R&D tax specialists Access2Funding, who identified all aspects of the business’s recent projects that qualified for research and development relief.

Owen Harvey in the R&D team had a totally different way of dealing with things, he asked and answered questions, is very knowledgeable in his field, and was easy to deal with.”

Owen Harvey, R&D Client Account Manager at Access2Funding, said: “By its very nature, the civil engineering sector poses many opportunities to innovate, as problems crop up in projects and businesses must adapt and overcome to achieve a solution. Yet so many qualifying projects are being undervalued as dayto-day business when they could be put forward as part of an R&D tax credits claim.

It is a pleasure working with N&T Civils and playing a part in their business growth!”

Darren Taylor, Commercial Manager at N&T Civils Ltd, said: “I received a recommendation for Access2Funding from one of our suppliers, after another R&D company had contacted us but didn’t really understand the business. Straight away,

WILLMOTT DIXON LANDS ANOTHER PASSIVHAUS SCHEME WITH UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD ACCOMMODATION PROJECT Willmott Dixon has followed up its contract from Spelthorne Borough Council to build a Passivhaus leisure centre with a £11m project from University of Oxford’s St Peter’s College to deliver a student accommodation building that will also be Passivhaus.

The project to create two buildings that will each be four storeys will provide 54 bedrooms for the college’s students. As well as meeting the ultra-low carbon Passivhaus Low Energy Building (LEB) standard, the buildings include a podium garden with paved and planted areas, as well as enhancing the existing Canal House garden and links to the main college site.

extremely expensive in ways that hit the poorest hardest.

This eco-friendly new development enables us to extend our accommodation offer to undergraduates in ways that are economically so important for them, while making a transformative difference to the feel of our whole estate.

To achieve Passivhaus LEB standard, the design will follow a ‘fabric first’ approach to achieve extremely low energy consumption and high occupant comfort, with a more relaxed target for space heating and airtightness, providing greater flexibility to the design of the building.

The Master of the college, Professor Judith Buchanan said: “St Peter’s is a beautiful college, but it is compact. Being able to offer more accommodation for our students matters crucially. Oxford’s private rental market is

38 Construction UK Magazine - September 2021

Richard Poulter managing director for Willmott Dixon’s Central South region said: “Following the UN’s report on climate change, and with COP26 looming, we are looking forward to working with St Peter’s College to deliver a low carbon student residential building that will be a template for future projects. Using our extensive Passivhaus expertise, it will be in keeping with the college’s philosophy of ‘honouring the past, building for the future’, creating a wonderful environment for students to live in one of the UK’s most sustainable residences as they study at the prestigious college.”

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UK Magazine - September 2021 39 2021 xx Construction UK Magazine - JulyConstruction

Project News Company News NEWCASTLE TECHNOLOGY COMPANY TWINVIEW SUPPORTS WORLD-FIRST SMARTSCORE ‘PLATINUM’ BUILDING Technology developed by Newcastle headquartered Twinview has supported the first building in the world to achieve the coveted SmartScore Platinum standard - the international benchmark for best-inclass smart, sustainable, carbon-neutral buildings.

The Hickman, a recently refurbished building in Whitechapel, London, is part of a property portfolio owned by Great Portland Estates plc.

SmartScore Platinum status is awarded only to those properties that use the latest technologies to create energy-efficient, future-focused spaces, offering a worldclass environment for those who live and work in them, as well as demonstrating their long-term viability through leadingedge innovations. No other building in the world has ever met the standard.

Twinview) and understand what is there, and that’s really important – it’s underestimated.

We have some really strong ambitions of achieving Net Zero and what we learn at The Hickman will help us get there.

“The relationship we have with Twinview is extremely important to us – it is how we like to collaborate and how we like to innovate.

By listening to people who challenge us, but also respond to challenges is really key to us in onboarding and integrating technology. It is a strategy we use throughout the portfolio.”

Adam Ward, a director at Twinview, said; “It’s great to see The Hickman receive the SmartScore Platinum status, which

demonstrates just how much thought, effort and planning went into the refurbishment of the building. Great Portland Estates were early proponents of our technology, recognising it could provide them with a holistic view of energy usage as well as a way of thoroughly documenting decisions and changes through occupation - all in one place.

“More and more building investors, developers and managers are understanding that by investing and designing-in technologies like Twinview at key stages in a building’s life, they are contributing to carbon-neutral targets, while creating longer-term efficiencies and more desirable environments. This might be at the start of a project or during a remodelling exercise, but whatever the timing, the use of smart technologies is here to stay and plays a critical role in the future of building design.”

James Pellatt, Director of Workplace and Innovation at Great Portland Estates commented: “For us, the exciting thing about the (Twinview) digital twin is to really understand how a building is used and how to predict energy – not just in this building (The Hickman) but for others in our development pipeline.

“The more we learn, the more we measure, the more we can improve and we’re always looking to improve.

“Since integrating with Twinview, we have seen some initial benefits. By just allowing engineers to understand the building before they arrive, they are able to look around (using

VITAL HUMAN RESOURCES SECURE £150M NETWORK RAIL CONTRACT Vital Human Resources, part of the Morson Group, has been awarded a £150m contract to provide Network Rail labour covering a range of strategic and operational roles over the next five years.

Running until 2026, with a possible extension until 2029, Vital will supply 100 per cent of frontline labour for the East Coast Mainline, North East, East Midlands and Wales.

Regionally, those roles will include Core Labour, Track, Civils, Trackworker Protection and Semi Professional Grades. The company will also manage all recruitment for Signalling & Telecommunications and Electrification and Plant, nationwide. Mobilisation of the contract is already underway, with deployment starting on October 1st.

Vital has pledged to leave a social legacy that spans well beyond the lifespan of the contract. In a bid to uplift the wider rail industry, the company will channel 20% of the workforce through SME alliance partners, supporting SME businesses in the rail supply chain and communities and sponsorship interests within the region under which it will be operating.

Vital’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion was also key to its success in the tender process, with Network Rail placing trust in its proven expertise in building inclusive workforces.

Vital will redress the balance of labour by consciously creating a workforce that reflects the communities it serves. Over the course of the contract, Vital will tackle the skills shortage within the rail industry by attracting and appointing BAME candidates, females, ex-offenders, entry-

40 Construction UK Magazine - September 2021 xx

level talent, and other under-represented groups.

Gary Hardaker, executive director at Vital Human Resources, said; “We are proud to be awarded such a significant contract with Network Rail. This is a great opportunity to develop a strong and mutually beneficial working relationship at an important time in the rail industry. With this contract in place, Vital will enhance its capacity to service the full spectrum of the UK rail infrastructure.

“We hire to make an impact, and the scope of this appointment means that we can work with Network Rail strategically, putting the right people in the right places for the benefit of the organisation and those who rely upon it. Ultimately, we hope to support Network Rail to achieve a personnel mix that represents the world we live in, a culture where people thrive, their ambitions are nurtured, and customers reap the benefits.”

Project News Company JOHNSON CONTROLS ACQUIRES FISHER GROUP TO BOOST HVAC OFFERING IN SCOTLAND

HEALTH & SAFETY SPECIALISTS REECE SAFETY LAUNCH INNOVATIVE NEW MOBILE TRAINING UNIT Specialist Safety Experts, Reece Safety, have launched a Mobile Training Unit to enable their specialist team to tailor training requirements to their customer’s needs.

The Yorkshire-based Lockout Tagout specialists have widely developed their business offering in recent years. With substantial time, money and resources invested, Reece Safety increased their offering to establish a Training Division, with LOTOTO, Working at Height and Confined Space Training as their speciality. All of these courses cover bespoke approaches for clients across a variety of industries - Manufacturing, Aggregates, Mineral and Chemical Companies being just a few.

Generally, it’s common for Confined Space training to take place within a designated training site, with trainees travelling across the country to attend the course. After travel restrictions and various roadblocks meant that this was far more difficult, Reece Safety has invested heavily in a Mobile Training Unit which enables remote training from any client site in the UK. The introduction of the innovative new training unit comes at a pivotal point in the company’s success, as the company also recently announced it the training specialists team has more than doubled recently.

The Mobile Training Unit uses unique technology, with the internal configuration of the Mobile Training Unit simulator allowing for an

extremely tailored approach to suit the requirements of any requested training.

The unit can replicate numerous working scenarios such as sewer manholes, mixing vessels, tunnels, duct or utility subways, with each training course teaching professionals how to use specialist equipment that may be required based on the scenario, such as Winches, Escape Breathing Apparatus and Gas Detectors.

In line with the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, regular training is obligatory by law across all companies that require their employees to work in any space of an enclosed nature, which comes with a risk of injury. The introduction of the Mobile Training Unit means that employees can keep up with regulations whilst no longer needing to book time away from site, with downtime limited to learning hours only.

This in turn is set to minimise business disruption, both in terms of productivity and additional costs associated with travel.

Andy Graham, Reece Safety Managing Director said “In response to a huge influx of demand for accessible training options in line with the new-normal, we are pleased to have launched our fully accredited Mobile Confined Space Training Unit. This has also allowed us to expand our team, so that we’re able to continue delivering the highest possible standard in training to industry professionals across the country. We’re looking forward to getting on the road and providing our expertise to those that need it!”.

Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI), the global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, today announced it has acquired Fisher Group, one of the leading HVAC installation and service providers in the UK. Headquartered in Glasgow, the acquisition of Fisher Group (including Fisher Group Ltd and Fisher Group Services) allows Johnson Controls to accelerate growth plans in Scotland, providing customers with easier access to its world leading portfolio of HVAC products, services, and solutions.

A trusted provider of HVAC equipment and services, the integration of Fisher Group will help Johnson Controls fill a service gap in Scotland, adding a number of experienced engineers and ensuring the company’s existing and future customer base in the country is offered the highest level of service.

With Fisher Group’s high level of knowledge in supplying HVAC solutions to commercial and industrial markets, the acquisition also enhances Johnson Controls’ full HVAC offering across multiple customer segments.

Reaching a new customer base in Scotland Johnson Controls offers an industry leading portfolio of HVAC equipment and controls around the world. The integration of Fisher Group will allow Johnson Controls to further diversify that portfolio, taking advantage of Fisher Group’s strong account relationships across the petrochemical, healthcare, education, facilities management, and commercial sectors.

The acquisition also allows Johnson Controls to draw on Fisher Group’s expertise in the design and installation of air conditioning for commercial and industrial markets, while expanding Johnson Controls’ pool of expert employees in the HVAC industry.

“We are delighted to announce that we have now completed the acquisition of Fisher Group,” said Michael Anderton, General Manager for HVAC at Johnson Controls UK&I. “Fisher Group is one of the leading HVAC companies in Scotland, with an enviable reputation and customer base. We are excited to be working with the talented team of HVAC professionals from Fisher Group and combining the strengths of both companies to better serve both existing and new customers.”

Construction UK Magazine - September 2021 xx 41

Latest News UK HYDROGEN STRATEGY: DECARBONISING THE COUNTRY’S HOUSING STOCK MUST START NOW In response to the Government’s publication of its Hydrogen Strategy, Laura Bishop (chair of the Ground Source Heat Pump Association) said: “We welcome the Government’s ambitions to develop the hydrogen economy in the UK. However the country has to get moving with decarbonising heat if it’s to reach the Net Zero targets. Heating peoples’ homes by using green hydrogen is certainly an option – albeit a costly one - but is highly optimistic given the short timeframe that we have to address Net Zero and the climate emergency.

“Heat pumps are a proven and efficient heating technology, and their costs will fall as investment in UK heat pump manufacturing and installation increases. We await the Government’s Heat & Building Strategy that I’m sure will provide a clear roadmap for the UK to crack on with decarbonising the country’s housing stock now rather than at some uncertain time in the future.”

MAYORAL VISIT GIVES GLIMPSE OF BRISTOL’S LOW CARBON FUTURE Mayor of Bristol, Marvin Rees and Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan visited the site of the new Castle Park water source heat pump project which will revolutionise how the city generates lowcarbon heat.

The 3MW water source heat pump will be the largest project of its kind in England and will take water from the nearby floating harbour and use it to generate heat and hot water for local businesses and residents.

The heat pump will be housed in an energy centre which will have a mixed-use development built above it. When operational it will contribute low carbon heat to the Bristol Heat Network which already supplies over 1,0000 properties.

Scott Lutton, Operations Director – North & Scotland explains, “This project is an ambitious partnership between Bristol City Council and Goram Homes which will deliver rapid decarbonisation and make a substantial contribution to meeting their carbon reduction targets whilst delivering secure, affordable homes. This is a particularly exciting as large-scale water source heat pumps are an underused renewable solution and this will be a fantastic showcase to demonstrate the carbon reductions they can generate.”

Both mayors toured the site, received a project briefing from Project Director Hugh Thompson and learned more about how the heat pump will take water from the nearby harbour and convert it into useable heat and hot water.

COST OF SKILLED LABOUR INCREASED BY 3.6% IN JULY, TAKING AVERAGE WEEKLY EARNINGS TO £904 The cost of skilled labour increased by 3.6 per cent last month, highlighting the inflationary pressures in the construction industry supply chain.

New payroll data from Hudson Contract show average weekly earnings for selfemployed tradespeople rose to £904 during July, handing them an extra £124 over the month.

by nearly £25,000 over the last year. We expect strong demand for new housing and renovation schemes to continue for the foreseeable future. The government is committed to big infrastructure investments as part of its ‘levelling up’ agenda, which is adding to confidence in the sector.

In the East Midlands, labour costs hit an all-time high of £1,014 with demand driven by new regeneration, housing and infrastructure projects.

“The challenge for construction firms will be in managing rising costs caused by shortages in building materials and skilled labour. We encourage ministers to consider how the industry can increase access to skilled freelancers from Europe under the new immigration system.

Ian Anfield, managing director, said: “The housing market is booming with the price of the average UK home increasing

“Self-employed subcontractors make up the most productive and flexible pool of resource in the industry and Britain needs

42 Construction UK Magazine - September 2021

them to deliver these projects on budget and on time.”

Hudson Contract, a £1.6bn-turnover group, is the UK’s largest provider of tax status and employment contract services to the construction industry and supplies more than 2,500 companies across England and Wales.

Hudson delivers the most accurate indication of subcontractor pay trends across the construction industry, publishing the average pay for a spectrum of 17 different trades split across 10 regions in England and Wales. It supplies statistics to the Bank of England to keep policymakers updated with real-time insights on demand for skilled labour.

HIGH VIS ‘SUPER STRETCH’ COMFORT FROM ENGEL WORKWEAR A new range of high visibility, flexible workwear which stretches to follow the movements of the body giving maximum comfort in any work situation has been introduced by Danish workwear specialists ENGEL. Called ‘Safety - Super-Stretch’ the collection consists of a wide variety of garments with elastic fibres woven into a

polyester and cotton mix; the strong yet extreme flexibility of the material allows each garment to return to its original shape thereby retaining all the inherent advantages of their design and style and is especially suitable for work in confined spaces.

does the high visibility workwear provide protection throughout the day or night, it helps reduce tiredness, 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;

Comfort as much as durable practicality is important to any wearer as not only

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 due to be added.

For more details contact Gareth Bladen at gbl@f-engel.com. Telephone +44 (0) 7759 520034 or visit www.engel.eu/en & ENGEL Workwear - Catalogue (f-engel.com) Click here for more information. https://youtu.be/ nc2se7xKKlE

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Construction UK Magazine - September 2021 43

xx Construction UK Magazine - September 2021

Project News

CREST NICHOLSON LAUNCHES LATEST PHASE AT FINBERRY, ASHFORD Award-winning developer Crest Nicholson has launched the sixth phase of its sought-after Finberry development in Ashford, Kent. The new phase, Sevington Lakes, will offer a mix of 154 two, three, four and five bedroom homes.

Finberry, has a well established community now that over 600 people have moved in and, upon completion, will comprise a total of 1,100 homes. The homes have been carefully designed and built using traditional materials to complement the local environment, as well as modern day lifestyles. Its excellent location means residents can enjoy a beautiful countryside setting as well as a state of the art primary school, play parks and a community centre.

Karen Coulson, Sales and Marketing Director at Crest Nicholson Eastern, comments: “We are excited to have launched this new phase at our Finberry development, which is an established, thriving development, popular with families and commuters. We have a variety of schemes available at this phase, including the government backed Help to Buy: Equity Loan, whereby first-time buyers will have additional support in getting on the property ladder and securing their dream home, whilst the Part Exchange scheme is also available on selected plots, guaranteeing a cash buyer for their previous homes.

“Finberry has a lively community, with easily accessible amenities, such as retail spaces, cafes and more. We are thrilled to be welcoming new residents this coming Winter.”

Located in the ‘Garden of England’, close to an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Kent Downs, Ashford offers families the best of town and countryside living. Residents at Finberry will enjoy a range of amenities on the doorstep, including the popular McArthurGlen Ashford Designer Outlet which is home to over 130 premium brands, restaurants and cafes.

Finberry is conveniently located for easy access to the M20 at Junction 10, with Ashford town centre and Ashford International station only a short drive away. Ideal for commuters, high-speed trains run regularly linking residents to London St Pancras in 38 minutes. Trips to Europe have never been easier, with the Eurostar passing through the town at Ashford International station.

MEDICINES MANUFACTURING INNOVATION CENTRE MOVES A STEP CLOSER Plans for a new Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre (MMIC) in Scotland are a step closer after the project officially ‘topped out’. The innovation centre, currently being built by Tilbury Douglas, will help solve major pharmaceutical industry challenges and accelerate access to affordable medicines.

5 years of its operation, the centre is expected to support over 100 jobs, both technical and non-technical, and generate £200M investment in advanced technologies. The facility aims to become an international beacon in medicines manufacturing, driving international engagement and attracting firms that do not currently have a presence in the UK.

Located in Renfrewshire, at the heart of the emerging Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS), the £35 million facility is set to develop next-generation pharmaceutical manufacturing processes to drive forward innovation in the medicines supply chain.

Cameron Stewart, Regional Director at Tilbury Douglas Construction said: “Today marks a real construction milestone for the project and our team are looking forward to handing over the centre at full completion.

The facility has been pioneered through a public-private collaboration between technology innovation organisation, CPI, the University of Strathclyde, UK Research and Innovation, Scottish Enterprise and founding industry partners, AstraZeneca and GSK. The centre, a two-storey steel frame construction on piled foundations, includes an office and reception area plus GMP compliant facilities. This includes four ISO 8 pharmaceutical cleanrooms with associated materials and people air locks as well as GMP compliant supporting activities including warehousing, process utilities, QC and analytical labs.

Following the topping out, internal fitout of the facility will be completed in early 2022. In the first

44 Construction UK Magazine - September 2021

We are proud to work alongside the partners involved and, along with our supply chain, we are working hard to deliver a top quality, highly technical centre which will include laboratories, ISO 8 pharmaceutical cleanrooms and GMP compliant supporting activities. We are delighted to be involved in a project that will make such a difference to the pharmaceutical industry.

SCHÖCK BOLE PREVENTS PUNCHING SHEAR RISK ON MAJOR MANCHESTER PROJECT Sitting adjacent to Manchester Victoria station, the £185m New Victoria mixed development is a two-phase scheme which will initially provide two residential towers of 20 and 25 storeys comprising 520 one, two and three bed apartments. An eightstorey, 150,000ft² office block is scheduled for the second phase. The residential towers are solid in appearance, with the façades referencing the surrounding historic listed estate along Corporation Street. The layout of the two structures maximises the number of apartments with dual aspect views resulting in a central core with three wings. The façade concept is a ‘hooped envelope around a glass box’ with

Example of Bole in position

the ‘envelope’ consisting of vertical panels from the first floor to roof level in a mix of profiled and flat panels. These also wrap around the top of the buildings to provide shelter for the rooftop terraces.

Punching failure risk is a critical issue The buildings are concrete frame, constructed using a slip-form method.

An economical form of construction with benefits such as shuttering time minimisation, simplification of reinforcement work, ease of underslab work and importantly, the optimum use of space.

However, with flat slab construction the risk of punching failure is always a critical issue. When increasing the loads in the stress areas, a great deal of consideration has to be given to variables such as the quality of the concrete, improving the reinforcement content and even enlarging the column heads. None of these options is necessarily time efficient or cost effective.

They rarely solve the problem to an optimal performance level either. So the ideal solution to resolving any potential problems

The two residential towers.

Courtesy of Muse Developments

To prevent the risk of punching failure on the New Victoria development, the Schöck Bole reinforcement system has been installed.

involving punching shear, needs to be cost-effective, easy-to-install and certainly dependable.

Greater resistance than a typical stirrup system To prevent the risk of punching failure on the New Victoria development, the Schöck Bole reinforcement system has been installed.

This trusted and popular solution consists of double-headed studs and anchors, with spacing bars, which enable installation after the bottom reinforcement and before the top layer. Two spacer bars are welded to the vertical studs, which ensure the correct distance between uprights; and the forged stud heads guarantee a perfect finishing bond with the concrete. As result, when compared with a typical stirrup reinforcement system, an increased shear force resistance of around 70% is achievable.

Bole is a cost-effective, timesaving solution – and straightforward to install.

In addition to the standard Bole solution, Schöck has developed three other punching shear reinforcement variants. The type U, designed for installation before the lower mat; the type O for installation after the top reinforcement layer; and the type F for use in element slabs at prefabricating plants. The entire range is supplied ready for installation.

There is downloadable user-friendly Schöck design software available too, which enables fast and simple dimensioning of the product to British Standards and the export of CAD drawings with dxf-format.

For further information on the Schöck Bole system contact the company on 01865 290 890 or visit www.schoeck.com

The Bole product

Construction UK Magazine - September 2021 45

Project News

WORK WELL UNDER WAY ON NEW PRESTWICK EDUCATION CAMPUS AFTER SUMMER TURF CUT CEREMONY Work is well under way on a major new £18 million Education Campus in South Ayrshire after pupils, councillors and members of the local community gathered last month to celebrate the official start of construction on the new Prestwick Educational Campus.

Prestwick Educational Campus will be developed on the site of the existing Glenburn Primary School and will accommodate the school’s current intake,

PILLARS £35 MILLION URBAN HUB SCHEME BENEFITS FROM A ‘KEY WORKERS’ STATUS Pillars developers announced that their latest 425-unit Purpose Built project in Preston is expanding its accommodation offering to more than 26,000 local key workers, almost doubling its target audience from the current population of 30,000 students and teachers.

as well as the relocation of the nearby St Ninian’s Primary. Temporary accommodation has been installed to provide additional teaching space while work is in progress.

Once complete, Prestwick Educational Campus will house 22 classrooms spread over two-storeys and an incorporated Early Years centre with nursery facilities for children aged two to five.

The Urban Hub is situated at the heart of Preston just minutes’ walk from UCLAN’s University, Royal Preston Hospital and other local and national government departments, who have been instrumental over the Covid-19 pandemic.

The optimal location, a wide range of high-quality self-catering studios and upscale on-site amenities all contributed to Preston Council’s additional key worker status favorable approval. Apart from all NHS staff, Urban Hub will offer accommodation to anyone with the official key workers’ status, including but not limited to staff from private hospitals, council and social workers, police, fire officers, prison officers and teachers.

A Pillars spokesperson: ‘’With ever increasing housing demand and steadily rising housing prices in central Preston, key workers and students often have to seek more affordable housing solutions, while relying on public transport connections to commute to / from work or university.

“Especially in the case of key workers, with their non-standard work schedules, travel times often do not coincide and travel can become a nuisance.

46 Construction UK Magazine - September 2021

Outside, the campus will boast outstanding outdoor sports amenities, include a sports hall, an Astroturf playing field and a gym hall. A new allotment garden, willow garden, and sensory garden will help children to learn about local nature.

The development will also deliver a community training programme through TIGERS Ltd (Training Initiatives Generating Effective Results Scotland). The initiative is aimed at helping local people into employment by giving them valuable construction skills and onsite experience.

The new campus is being delivered by Infrastructure Partnership hub South West Scotland Ltd on behalf of South Ayrshire Council and is being built by Morgan Sindall Construction.

The site will represent a transformative investment for South Ayrshire’s future generations and will enable a step-change in the way all-through education is delivered.

“To maximize the potential of the project, we looked for solutions that would add value to the PBSA scene in Preston as well as bring positive benefits to the local community. Our goal is to create a carefully balanced lifestyle development, with a mix of students and key workers and create an opportunity to improve work-life balance for both groups.“ The Urban Hub comprises of fully furnished 425 self-contained studio apartments, each with a private en-suite bathroom and kitchenette. The long list of amenities also includes a rooftop café and terrace with panoramic views of Preston, an exclusive private gym / fitness studio, games room and private cinema, plus laundry facilities and a library.

“With growing demand for the affordable quality accommodation in Preston we estimate for the scheme to be fully occupied from the first year onwards. Recent key worker status approval provides additional reassurances to our investors that all aspects of their investment have been fully and intelligently considered. Additionally, we look forward to work in partnership with the council and major organisations throughout the City to provide high quality and secure accommodation for this sector.”

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The JUWO Evolved SmartWall™ system comes complete with all the necessary ancillary items such as Insulated Steel Box lintels, fixings and finishing plasters, renders and brick slips options. Full ‘on site’ training can be provided if required.

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Project

THE FEHMARNBELT LINK – THE WORLD’S LONGEST IMMERSED TUNNEL

The Fehmarnbelt link is one of Europe’s most extensive construction projects to date. The 18 km Fehmarnbelt tunnel will connect Rødbyhavn on Lolland in Denmark with the island of Fehmarn in Germany.

In addition to the immersed tunnel Femern A/S is responsible for, the Fehmarnbelt link comprises landworks on the Danish and German sides. The railway - on both sides of the Fehmarnbelt - is being upgraded to two electrified tracks that can handle speeds of up to 200 km/hr. When the tunnel is completed, the train journey from Hamburg to Copenhagen will take well under three hours. The tunnel will be user-financed – the same model that was used for the Storebælt and Øresund fixed links.

The Fehmarnbelt tunnel’s payback period is 28 years. The tunnel project funds the investments for upgrading the railway

48 Construction UK Magazine - September 2021

Project The tunnel’s construction budget is EUR 7.1 billion (DKK 52.6 billion) – including reserves of almost EUR 1 billion (DKK 7 billion).

between Ringsted and Rødby. Status Q1 2021 Production facilities for the tunnel are currently being established at Rødbyhavn on Lolland.

Construction includes a largescale work harbour, a ‘town’ for the tunnel workers and a tunnel factory to manufacture the tunnel elements. Work in Germany and in the Fehmarnbelt begins in mid2021. The Fehmarnbelt tunnel is expected to be completed by mid-2029.

FEHMARNBELT TUNNEL IN FIGURES

sand are required for the concrete casting alone.

The 500,000 m2 work harbour will have a navigable depth of 10.3 metres. Up to 80,000 tonnes of sand, stone, cement and steel will be transported there per week during the construction phase.

The tunnel will have a two-lane motorway in each direction and two electrified train tracks.

The tunnel factory, where the elements will be cast, will measure approx. 1 million m2.

The total construction site at Rødbyhavn is the equivalent of 300 football fields.

Around 15 million m3 sand and soil will be dredged from the seabed during the construction phase.

Reclamation of material from the seabed will result in 300 hectares of new nature and recreational areas corresponding to around 450 football fields.

2.2 million tonnes of granite will be used to construct new breakwaters.

Construction of the Fehmarnbelt tunnel requires 360,000 tonnes of reinforcement bars and 3.2 million m3 of concrete. Some 2 million m3 of

The tunnel will comprise 79 tunnel elements and 10 special elements with a lower floor for equipment for the tunnel’s operation and maintenance.

One standard element weighs 73,000 tonnes, is 217 metres long, 42 metres wide and 10 metres high.

The tunnel’s construction budget is EUR 7.1 billion (DKK 52.6 billion) – including reserves of almost EUR 1 billion (DKK 7 billion).

The EU Commission has allocated the project EUR 789 million for design and construction.

The Fehmarnbelt tunnel is expected to be completed in 2029.

It will take 10 minutes to drive through the tunnel by car and seven minutes by train.

The speed limit will be 110 km/hr for cars and 200 km/hr for electric trains.

Construction UK Magazine - September 2021 49

3-Point Locking on Portaro SBD FD30(S)

Portaro SBD FD30S AC36 Inverse

DRIVING SECURITY FORWARD WITH THE COMPLETE PACKAGE

constructed with heavy duty and highdensity cores, surrounded by double timber rails on all sides, complete with hardwood lippings. Furthermore, the frames are made from hardwood and come pre-fitted with fire, smoke and acoustic seals.

If you were selecting a car for security reasons, would you be looking for one that just had 4 wheels, an engine and a door you could lock? No, of course not!

You would rightly be interested in its overall performance, verified roadworthy tests, the quality of its components, not to mention other safety features and naturally its appearance and stylish kerb appeal.

From the installers perspective, the Portaro SBD System really is the complete package. Supplied as doorkits for ease of fitting on site, the carefully and separately wrapped doors come premachined with all primary components, alongside the boxed and matching frame / architrave sections with simply connecting parts and screws. All designed for easy and rapid assembly.

Selecting the right Secured By Design (SBD) Doorkit is not dissimilar. It’s not simply a case of meeting the minimum requirement, with a piece of paper that says SBD Tested, anything will do! After all there is so much more to

consider in the modern build environment, from fire rating to life cycle expectations and installation to design flexibility. Portaro SBD Interior timber Entrance Doorkits from Vicaima provides just that scope, with ease of assembly, quality materials, outstanding performance and design appeal as standard, all encased in one of the most comprehensively certificated products on the market.

Of course, one of the first considerations for any project or development is how will it look and will it fit in with the project design theme.

Here the Portaro SBD system provides a rarity in today’s somewhat limited market.

With matching door, frame and architrave in a myriad of veneered, foil, laminate, paint lacquered and even special finishes, the Portaro system offers complete design freedom, so that performance does not equate to compromising aesthetics.

Beyond the finish itself, design configuration also offers flexibility, with a choice of either a conventional architrave or for a seamless face the Inverse system, where door sits flush with its surroundings. All door systems incorporate a 3-Point locking system, handle and security escutcheon, together with an automatic dropseal.

Portaro SBD FD30S AC35

Returning to our choice of car for a moment, another prerequisite in any purchasing decision, would be to lift the bonnet for a peak at the engine. Obviously a little harder to do with doorkits, however it should be remembered that the important performance of any security door assembly is often not visible to the naked eye. Here again no ‘cutting corners’ or ‘good enough’ criteria are employed when manufacturing a Portaro SBD Doorkit. The doors themselves are

50 Construction UK Magazine - September 2021

There are so many reasons why Portaro SBD Doorkits offer the ideal entrance security solution, of which these are just a few:

• • • • • • •

Certified Secured by Design with dual scope Fire and Security certification Sound reduction performance with Acoustic AC35 and AC36 options Completely matching door and frame surround Ease and speed of assembly on site Quality components and construction FD30 to FD60 Fire Rating SBD Inverse Model

For anyone looking to move out of first gear when it comes to security standards, then Portaro SBD Doorkits really are worth a test drive.

For further details download your copy of the new Portaro Brochure or visit the Vicaima website www.vicaima.com contact info@vicaima.com or Tel: +44 (0) 1793 532333