INDUSTRY NEWS
NEW DEVELOPMENTS TO REPLACE CORK’S OUT DATED BEDSITS
A. PROCTOR GROUPS STEERS FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY
An increased focus on sustainability and recognition of the social and environmental responsibilities of the construction industry has prompted A. Proctor Group to set up a dedicated Sustainability Focus Group demonstrating the commitment of the company to achieving positive impact through action. The group led by A. Proctor Managing Director Keira Proctor brings together a fourteen-strong collective of specialists covering technical, operations, manufacturing, IT, marketing, sales, and accounts. The group is a new initiative however the company has already been instrumental in driving improvements in energy efficiency, waste reduction and recycling.
A project to improve education accommodation in Cork is on track to welcome students ready for the 2022 academic year. The large-scale effort to replace the outdated and unsanitary flats is ongoing. The 53m Euro Ashlin House, the biggest development, is set to receive its first intake in the next academic year. Work has already begun on the 16,430sqm complex with five independent blocks providing 554- beds across 77 apartments with sweeping panoramic city views.
The complex will offer six-bed to 8-bed modular clusters with communal living spaces across four to six storey blocks. Floor-to-ceiling windows will enhance natural light and space for unrivalled cityscape views. Internal courtyards will provide outdoor space, while Walker Modular assembled ensuite bedrooms offsite. Light steel elements were manufactured offsite before delivery for installation. Tipperary-based firm Horizon Offsite supplied the framing. Reducing the amount of work done on-site helped mitigate the risk of Covid, with work beginning in May 2020.
Asset management firm Round Hill Capital named Clancy Construction as the main contractor for the project after securing funding. Also joining the venture are NBK Capital and O'Mahony Pike Architects. Des Riordan, Associate Director at Clancy Construction, confirmed the scheme was on track to successfully deliver on budget, on time and to a Class A quality finish. The project will set the standard for student accommodation in the city.
UK-based student accommodation provider Nido will take charge of the development management.
14
Image: Nido Living website
LIGHTSTEELFRAMINGMAGAZINE.CO.UK
Keira Proctor said of the initiative: “For more than 50 years, the group has been serving the construction industry with high-quality, innovative solutions. As a family business, we are committed to continuously improving how we protect our communities and environment and care for our employees and customers. Sustainability is fundamental to our corporate vision and business philosophy, to provide and care for the future legacy of the generations that follow us." “The creation of a dedicated Sustainability Focus Group has generated much interest within the business. The group will investigate and review our internal processes, materials, and work closely with our external supply chains and customers." “The focus group is committed to ensuring the A. Proctor Group can lower its environmental impact while still offering customers the highperformance products they need to maintain a healthy building fabric.” The Sustainability Focus Group will meet regularly and look forward to reporting on progress as this crucial work unfolds further. Image: A. Proctor Group