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FIRE SERVICE ANSWERS DEVELOPER’S SAFETY CALL Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service answered the call from a North East regeneration and development specialist to strike a deal which has improved both site and fire safety. By agreeing a licence for nearly 1.4 acres of unused land, adjacent to Tynemouth Community Fire Station, Vistry Partnerships North East was able to create a much improved access to a development adjacent to Stanton Road. Rather than construction traffic using this road to reach the site, it will instead use Preston North Road - allaying fears of traffic safety and parking issues on the neighbouring residential streets, during the build. The proceeds from the deal are welcome income for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, which has seen significant funding cuts over the past decade. The extra funds will help to support a wider plan of
investment, as the service continues to ensure the highest standards of both public and firefighter safety. Work on the construction of a 64 apartment Extra Care facility for Housing 21 is expected to be completed by the end of this year. It is designed to help older people to live independently, in their own homes, for longer, through the provision of on-site care, which can be called upon as and when necessary. A number of attractions for community use will help the new residents to meet with and form friendships with each other and near neighbours. Andrew Rennie, Development Director with Vistry Partnerships North East, said: “By agreeing this licence, we have found a solution to unlock and regenerate a technically challenging site that has been dormant for many years. In partnership with Housing 21, we are creating a scheme which will enhance
SUCCESSFUL TRIAL OF SUSTAINABLE ROAD KERBS IN DONCASTER TO BECOME ‘THE NORM’ Doncaster Council has improved the safety of its highway maintenance by swapping traditional concrete road kerbs and drains for recycled plastic units designed by Durakerb, according to a report jointly produced by Doncaster Council’s Highway Operations and Highway Asset Maintenance. Made by green construction innovators, the eco-friendly construction products made from recycled plastic waste brought significant safety benefits to the workforce and are easily installed manually in accordance with social distancing guidelines. Initial trial installation of new kerbing took place in February at sites including the North Bridge and Marsh Gate junction in Doncaster – a high-stress area with typically high levels of HGV use and ‘override’ - after previous concrete units and restoration attempts had failed. Following a full assessment over time, the highways team was so impressed by Durakerb’s benefits that they decided to accelerate their use in both safety works and smaller construction projects across the local area. The report recommended that council ‘extends the use of the plastic kerbs to other suitable projects across the borough with a view to them becoming the norm rather than the exception’. Concerns over health & safety in the construction industry have increased in recent years as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is continuously raising awareness of the dangers posed to workers. Recent data released by the HSE revealed that in the last financial year the number of deaths in the construction industry has increased by a third making it higher than any other sector.
community facilities, with the grounds and amenities being open for use to the local neighbourhood residents. We listened to local residents’ concerns and are glad that we could find an alternative, more suitable access point to the site and that the outlay required to make it happen, is to be re-invested into the local community - through a range of fire safety initiatives.” As well as being pleased by the extra revenue secured by the deal, the fire service is also delighted that each of the 64 apartments will be fitted with a tank fed, cold water sprinkler system which, when activated, automatically alerts the fire service and centre staff, providing additional safety for residents. Assistant Chief Fire Officer John Baines added: “As a highly performing Fire and Rescue Service, we are proud of our service to the community and excellent reputation for the safety of our firefighters. Our track record hasn’t been without its challenges, particularly
POST-PANDEMIC PROPERTY MARKET SLUMP PRESENTS OPPORTUNITIES FOR SMALLER DEVELOPERS • The drop in land and house prices following the • •
pandemic opens opportunities for SME developers to push projects forward Growing unemployment will provide increased opportunities to obtain labour and skills for the project, further boosting the economy Lenders are offering development finance packages, with bridging options, to help SMEs to get back to business in the latter half of 2020
Saffron Walden, 31 July 2020: ‘Build, build, build’ is the Prime Minister’s message as we lift from lockdown and focus on getting the economy moving. Infrastructure and construction are the key to getting the country on track and preventing a worse recession than the country is already expecting. However, the focus of the government has been on larger construction companies and projects, with little emphasis on the estimated 280,000 SME developers (20% of all UK SMEs) who supply a good percentage of affordable homes, with smaller development projects.
It can seem a little daunting for smaller developers to begin a housing development at this time, but it could actually be the perfect opportunity to take advantage of high unemployment and the recession following this year’s unprecedented events
04 Construction UK Magazine - August 2020