CONTRACT NEWS INVESTING IN THE FUTURE OF MANCHESTER AQUATICS CENTRE Details have been set out of a major investment package to protect the future of Manchester Aquatics Centre while improving its facilities and reducing its carbon footprint. The Aquatics Centre was built in 1999 and opened in 2000, playing a key role in the 2002 Commonwealth Games. After two decades of intensive use, a number of mechanical and electrical failures are starting to occur as parts of the building’s fabric begin to reach the end of their natural lifespans. Without significant investment, this would result in an increasing number of unplanned closures, cause the withdrawal of some services and make permanent closure of the flagship facility a serious threat. Detailed survey and investigation works over the past year has established that it will cost almost £31m to address these issues, refurbish the building and incorporate green technologies. The pool treatment plan and pool lighting both need replacing, as do the moveable floors. Heating and electrical systems must be upgraded, lifts require refurbishing and the spa facility also needs to be replaced.
It is also envisaged that underused parts of the building will be repurposed to improve health and fitness facilities and further increase opportunities to generate income. Under the plans, carbon reduction technologies will be used wherever
possible to replace worn-out elements of the building. These include ground source and air source heat pumps, LED lights and the use of solar PVs on the roof and will together deliver an estimated carbon saving of at least 750,000kg a year.
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If agreed by the Council, the work will take place on a phased basis over two and a half years to minimise disruption and ensure that access to at least one pool is maintained throughout. Manchester City Council, manchester.gov.uk
© William Avery and Studio Woodroffe Papa & Poggi Architecture (PRNewsfoto/Legendre)
More than 50,000 homes and businesses are benefitting from an electricity infrastructure upgrade by UK Power Networks. The firm has finished installing new electricity equipment that will help to ensure reliable power supplies for homes and businesses in the Stoke Newington area for years to come. This work involved extending an electricity supply point at Edwards Lane to allow space for new cabling to be connected to the network. It is part of UK Power Networks’ strategy for North London, which will mean it can decommission older electricity cabling in the Hackney area and move into a new era with state-of-the-art equipment for the future. UK Power Networks, ukpowernetworks.co.uk
MARSTON’S ACHIEVES ENVIRONMENTAL MILESTONE Marston’s has reached its latest environmental milestone by completing the installation of rapid EV chargers across 100 pubs in collaboration with Osprey Charging. The roll-out is the largest of its kind in the UK and will pave the way for mass EV adoption ahead of the UK’s 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars. The 50kW rapid charging stations across 100 Marston’s pubs enable drivers to fully charge in as little as half an hour and are easy to use with contactless payment. Each charge point is powered using 100% renewable electricity and is compatible with every EV on the market today. Since the roll-out began, over 180 tonnes of CO2 emissions have been saved and over 20,000 user sessions have taken place. The full roll out is due to be completed by 2022. Ian Johnston, CEO of Osprey, said: “With the ban on the sales of new petrol and diesel cars less than 10 years away, it’s crucial to support EV drivers with the infrastructure that they want – rapid, convenient and accessible to all. Our partnership with Marston’s will continue to meet the needs of EV drivers and allow them to enjoy great food and drink facilities while they top up.”
LEGENDRE’S NEW HOUSING AND COMMERCIAL PROJECT Property developer and contractor, Legendre, is building and investing in a new mixed-use scheme on Dockley Road in Bermondsey, London. Totalling circa 13,935m2, the new building is located one kilometre south of Tower Bridge and will comprise of 111 apartments, with a ground floor dedicated to retail and commercial use. The project is scheduled to complete in summer 2022. Signed up in August 2019, the construction work had been postponed due to the COVID-19 economic context. Conveniently located at a five-minute walk from Bermondsey Station, the nine-storey building will include private and affordable units. Out of 111 brand new homes, 42 have already been forward sold to a Housing Association. At street level, 1,100m2 will be available, including three retail units. This commercial space is leased to Spa Terminus who will sublet to businesses in the food manufacturing and wholesale sector. The RC frame and the MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) package will be self-delivered by the Legendre team. The building also features a secure by design standard and it is fully sprinklered. Legendre, who started the construction works in August 2020, has already constructed the foundations of the building and has recently erected the crane installation to assist the future construction. Overall, the project is estimated to last 23 months. Legendre, groupe-legendre.com
Osprey Charging, ospreycharging.co.uk
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