CONTRACT NEWS CREATING THE SMARTEST UNIVERSITY CAMPUS IN THE WORLD The University of Birmingham, in partnership with Siemens, is combining digital sensor and analytics technologies, artificial intelligence, decentralised energy generation and storage, renewable energy and concepts that help change users’ behaviour to transform the university’s Edgbaston and Dubai campuses into the world’s smartest global campus, creating a ‘Living Lab’ where research, teaching and learning all benefit from access to new data and connectivity. The ‘Living Lab’ will capture data from the university’s building technologies, estates infrastructure and energy plants and use it for innovation, R&D activities, as well as teaching. Scrutinising energy demand and production with live data from across the sites provides a unique opportunity for applied learning for students and creates a platform for cutting-edge research. Siemens will sponsor a team of PhD studentships at the university based in the UK and Dubai. Their research projects will be co-designed by Siemens and the university to address important challenges in data, technology, urban systems and the net zero goal. This year, the University of Birmingham will become the first university in the world to roll out Internet of Things (IoT) technology at scale. Starting in autumn 2021, the first phase of this major energy efficiency project will include the roll out of 23,000 Enlighted IoT sensors across the university estate. In addition, Siemens will deliver a 10-year bureau for Energy and IoT services to ensure that the university reaps the full potential of both the technology and industry expertise. Siemens, siemens.com
J S WRIGHT SECURES £6M-PLUS CONTRACT FOR SOHO WHARF Building services provider J S Wright has secured a contract worth more than £6 million to help turn a derelict canal-side site in Birmingham into a quality residential-led development. The mechanical and electrical specialist will install the mechanical infrastructure services and fit out all 650 apartments at the 117-acre Soho Wharf scheme at Soho Loop on the city’s Main Line Canal, opposite Birmingham City Hospital. J S Wright will install a boosted cold-water plantroom with distribution pipework to all six blocks on the development, which will range from six to 14 storeys including retail and parking space. In addition, the shell and core works involve installing soil and wastewater services, internal rainwater services, and dry risers for firefighting. The company will also fit out all the one and two-bedroom apartments on the scheme with hot and cold-water services as well as soil and waste services. The contract package for the apartments also includes installing domestic sprinklers and both heat recovery and extract ventilation systems. Work has already commenced on the project, with completion scheduled for summer 2023. J S Wright, jswright.co.uk
NEW COUNCIL CHAMBER IN THE SPOTLIGHT A giant feature light that will illuminate one of Sunderland’s City Hall’s most prominent rooms has been hung, as the city’s community hub draws closer to completion. The new digitally enabled chamber, pitted at the heart of City Hall, features a 9.3m circular diameter light fitting, creating a super-modern space that has been designed to enhance open democracy, as well as providing a focal point in a room that will be used by the community for weddings, as well as conferences and events. City Hall’s chamber – which integrates digital technology to enable open democracy through the streaming of council meetings – is a key focal point of the 190,000ft2 building and will make it easier than ever to join meetings remotely, in-line with the city’s ambitions to become carbon neutral by 2040. Cllr Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, says: “Throughout the pandemic, millions of people and organisations across the globe have had their eyes opened to not only the environmental and economic benefits of hybrid and remote working, but also the many work-life benefits it brings, and the ability to live stream and broadcast from the new chamber will help improve the work-life balance of everyone utilising the chamber, be it for council meetings, training or conferences.” The building is being constructed by Sunderland firm, Bowmer + Kirkland, ploughing millions of pounds into the local economy. Riverside Sunderland, riversidesunderland.com
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