Premier 17-4

Roma Publications

Volume 17 - Issue 4

John Paul II Library

A major refurbishment project is underway at the National University of Ireland, Maynooth

Google

One of the funkiest workspaces in London is completed

To infinity and beyond Spaceport America nears completion

Velocity

Brand new office development will transform the site of the former Brooklands motor racing circuit

Train. Develop. Perform.

As ever in our fast paced industry, the last 12 months has seen a raft of changes to contracts, regulations and legislation. Quality training from Construction Study Centre’s knowledgeable speakers, with real industry experience, can equip you with the tools required to perform at your best.

See our fold out or www.constructionstudycentre.com

4

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

ROMA PUBLICATIONS

5

6

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

Contents PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

Volume 17 • Issue 4

Dear readers, This month our magazine focuses on the exciting improvements that are being made in the communities around us.

With improvements made to sporting facilities, schools and community buildings, our neighbourhoods are being redeveloped and rejuvenated every day.

In Warrington, the capacity of the East Stand at the Haliwell Jones Stadium has been increased from 13,000 to 15,000 in a direct response to regular attendance and an annual increase in the sales of shirts and season tickets. The town will also host matches and a team training camp during the 2013 Rugby League World Cup. Award-winning comedian, actor and writer Jo Brand officially opened the new Emergency Care Centre at South Tyneside District Hospital in January.

Lorraine Lambert, Chief Executive of South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust, commented: “The completion of the project achieves our ambition of bringing all our emergency care services together to provide fully integrated care in a patient-friendly atmosphere with modern and efficient facilities... which will enable us to offer our local community the best possible care.”

As the latest restaurant in the extensive portfolio of celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, the new £2 million Jamie’s Italian restaurant in Manchester promises to serve up a unique eating experience that will tickle the taste buds of diners visiting the city centre and instil a sense of pride in the town.

In Bradford, a landmark scheme has been unveiled as part of Bradford City Council’s regeneration plans. City Park contains the country’s tallest urban fountain, which can sprout water up to heights of 100 ft.

We now invite you, readers, to join us as we make the improvements for our future.

North West Jamie’s Italian.....................................................................................................10 Sellafield Ltd.....................................................................................................20

North East & Yorkshire City Park............................................................................................................22 Diana Princess of Wales Hospital....................................................................25 Inspire Bradford.................................................................................................27

Midlands & East Anglia Carlton Digby School.......................................................................................28 The Broadway Hotel.........................................................................................29

South West Hans Price.........................................................................................................33

London & South East Velocity............................................................................................................. 34 Crossrail............................................................................................................35 Gabriella Park Gardens....................................................................................65 Medway Mail Centre.........................................................................................72

Wales Oystermouth Castle..........................................................................................76

Scotland Parklea Community Sports Facility.................................................................80 Griffin Wind Farm..............................................................................................85 Parliament House..............................................................................................87 Mulvenny House...............................................................................................88

Ireland Letterkenny Institute of Technology................................................................92 Athlone Art Gallery...........................................................................................94 Highfield Hospital..............................................................................................97

Overseas Spaceport America.........................................................................................102

Follow us on twitter.com/pcbyroma and www.premierconstructionnews.com Managing Director: Marcus Howarth Editor: Charlotte Emily Brazier Assistant Editor: Alex Wiggan Production Manager: Nicola Owen Customer Advisor: Joanne Murphy

Published by: Roma Publications Ltd. t: 01706 719 972 f: 0845 458 4446 e: admin@romauk.net w: www.romauk.net Graphic Design by:

www.marcusmacaulay.co.uk

© Roma Publications Ltd. All contents are copyright. All rights are reserved. No part may be stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from the publishers.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no responsibility can be accepted for inaccuracies however caused. Contributed material does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher. The editorial policy and general layout of this publication are at the discretion of the publisher and no debate will be entered into. No responsibility can be accepted for illustrations, artwork or photographs whilst in transmission with the publishers or their agents unless a commitment is made in writing prior to the receipt of such terms.

ROMA PUBLICATIONS

7

N o r th We s t

Jamie serves up another success Italian food is on the menu in Manchester with the opening of a brand new £2 million Jamie’s Italian.

10

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

ROMA PUBLICATIONS

11

N o r th We s t Jamie’s Italian in King Street is the latest restaurant in an ever-expanding portfolio of eating establishments that have been served up by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver. The restaurant officially opened on February 20th 2012 and with up to 240 covers, the high-profile eatery promises to offer a unique dining experience for culinary connoisseurs.

Jamie’s Italian in Manchester is located within a Grade II listed building formerly constructed for the Midland Bank. The building housed HSBC Bank until it relocated to different premises in 2008, whereby the building was left vacant.

The building was chosen as the site for the new restaurant as it is a dynamic structure located in a fashionable area within the heart of the city. The Manchester restaurant is surrounded by a number of leading retail outlets including Vivienne Westwood and sits opposite Rio Ferdinand’s restaurant, Rosso.

Internally, the layout is split into three levels – a ground floor banking hall, a mezzanine floor and a basement vault room – all of which have been designed to provide diners with a memorable experience.

In order to preserve the rich history and stunning architecture of the original building, all of the existing features have been retained. These include marble columns, decorative lighting and a marble staircase that leads down to the vault room, along with the original wooden panels from when the building traded as a bank.

The main banking hall comprises a bar, an antipasti counter and a large seating area that offers a great view of the kitchen.

Brand new black and white marble flooring has been laid across the ground floor in order to replicate the original design, whilst all of the existing marble work has been cleaned to bring it back to life.

A feature that diners will instantly notice upon entering the banking hall is the main bar counter, which runs along almost the entire width of the building. The bar was constructed using the hardwood panelled fronts of the original bank counters, which were

repaired and refurbished before being incorporated into the new bar and antipasti counter. Additional joinery work was then carried out where necessary in order to fill in any gaps in the wooden structure. Following this, a marble countertop was added to the bar and decorative metal and glass work was incorporated to create an interesting focal point for the restaurant.

The main banking hall has also incorporated two bespoke private dining rooms that are available for diners who are celebrating a special occasion or require a more tailored dining experience. These rooms were previously the offices of the bank manager and the bank manager’s secretary and can seat up to eight people. The rooms have now been completely renovated, with finishes including hardwood panelling and stunning fire places.

Located below the main banking hall is the vault room, which has also undergone extensive renovation in order to create a private dining room that can seat up to twelve people. Many of the original features remain on show, including approximately 200 strongroom boxes that once housed valuables belonging to the customers of the bank. The unique display presents diners with an opportunity to soak up the splendour of eating in what was once a very valuable room, in the process creating a rather memorable talking point.

The vault is also home to a number of other important facilities that are all part of the inner workings of the restaurant. Viewing rooms that once formed part of the vault are now spacious customer toilets, whilst a number of back of house areas – including offices, store rooms and associated utilities – are located behind the vault.

The final area designated for diners is located above the main banking hall via a mezzanine level that runs three quarters of the way around the building. The mezzanine floor creates three separate sets of dining area via large antechambers and offers a stunning view of the entire restaurant.

Arguably one of the most important elements of the restaurant

is the kitchen, which is the hub of the entire eatery.

A state-of-the-art kitchen has been fitted to cater to the demand of serving up to 240 people. In a conscious effort to maintain the existing features of the building, careful consideration was given to making it part of the redevelopment and the kitchen has effectively been slotted into the building. As a result, the kitchen may be removed with ease and without damaging any of the existing walls should the restaurant decide to relocate in the future.

In order to incorporate the new kitchen, the walls were dry-lined so that the original wall panelling could be retained. Following this, the original walls were then hidden behind new stud walls which have effectively left parts of the original interior of the bank intact. This particular phase of the redevelopment work was seen as a key area of importance during planning stages and has now safeguarded the walls of the kitchen from any unnecessary damage caused in such a creative environment.

All of the work conducted has complied with the relevant building regulations, whilst considerable efforts were made to use materials sourced from sustainable resources. Ceilings were completely repainted, windows were refurbished and all of the joinery was manufactured to replicate the existing design.

The project was completed on 3rd February 2012 and was immediately followed by a week of staff training. Following on from the resounding success of the opening night, the restaurant has already proved to be very popular with diners in the North West.

Up to 100 jobs have been created at the restaurant and Jamie Oliver has attended the site to meet the staff.

Jamie Oliver commented: “I’ve wanted to open a Jamie’s Italian in Manchester for years but we had never found the right location until now. It’s a wonderful place to eat and one of the jewels in the Jamie’s Italian collection.

“Since I was a teenager I’ve been totally besotted by the love, passion and verve for food, family and life itself that just about all Italian people have, no matter where they’re from or how rich or poor they may be. That’s what I’m passionate about – good food for everyone no matter what.

“There is such diversity in lifestyles, cooking, traditions and dialects and this is why as a chef I find this country so exciting and it’s what inspired me to create Jamie’s Italian. I should have been Italian.”

Managing Director of Visit Manchester, Paul Simpson, added: “It’s fantastic news that Jamie Oliver has chosen Manchester as the home of his new restaurant.

“As one of the country’s most popular celebrity chefs, his restaurant will no doubt attract visitors from far and wide – adding further character to Manchester’s thriving food and drink scene.”

Main contractor for Jamie’s Italian in Manchester was du Boulay Contracts, whilst Martin Brudnizki Design Studio was the architect and Jack De Wet was the project architect.

The project manager for the restaurant was Gavin Beasley, whilst Thomasons was the structural consultant. In addition, Current Affairs Electrical Contractors Ltd designed the electrical works package and Chapman Ventilation Ltd provided a ROMA PUBLICATIONS

13

ventilation and air conditioning package.

Managing Director of du Boulay Contracts, Michael Reed, said: “Jamie’s Italian was designed to fit within a Grade II listed building that was originally designed by renowned architect Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1928.

“Many components from the original design were recycled within the building so that they would remain a part of the new restaurant and this was a very important factor throughout the project.

“As we wanted to retain as many of the existing features as possible, all efforts were made to refurbish the parts of the building that just needed a little reworking. An example of this is the doors, which we knew we wanted to keep straight away as they are just magnificent. Because the doors were not compliant with fire safety requirements, we upgraded them where necessary.

“The Portland stone was also cleaned and repaired, and even the steel gates were restored. All of the work was completed sensitively on and around the building and I think it shows.”

Michael Reed added: “Transforming the building from a bank into a restaurant was surprisingly straightforward and everything ran to schedule.

However, that’s not to say that we didn’t encounter any problems as there were a number of challenges – particularly whilst attempting to install the electrical and mechanical services around the building.

“The air conditioning alone needed a lot of pipework and cabling, and tasks like this required careful consideration and planning. Preparation took place onsite and offsite with input from all of the various contractors and members of the site team.

“This team collaboration worked well and ultimately everyone involved was happy with how we managed to lose all of the services, especially considering the fact that we were unable to strip panelling off to hide it. Unfortunately this does tend to happen when working on an older building.

Jamie’s Italian in Manchester is the 17th restaurant that du Boulay Contracts has been involved with and their previous projects for the chain include the redevelopment of the Guildhall

14

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

in Cambridge and the conversion of the Justice Courts in Cheltenham.

Now that the Manchester project is complete, du Boulay Contracts is looking forward to working on the next three restaurants in the celebrity chef’s portfolio, which will take shape in Edinburgh, Norwich and Gatwick Airport’s North Terminal.

Gatwick Airport will be the first of the three to open when it is completed in the summer of 2012. The restaurant will provide 200 covers within an air-side diner, along with a Union Jacks bar and an express bakery where food can be eaten onsite or taken away.

Each of these new restaurants promises to showcase Jamie Oliver’s trademark food and provide excellent service in a unique and interesting location.

Michael Reed added: “Working on Jamie’s Italian in Manchester was very important to us and is something that we have taken a great deal of pride in. The project was technically interesting and the best part was that we got to hand over a development with a fantastic interior that we knew diners would love.

“Jamie is a great guy to work for and the team that he has are first-class, so seeing one of his restaurants full of customers is something that makes us very proud.

“All of the Jamie Oliver restaurants are bespoke, one-off designs every time. Sometimes they are constructed in difficult buildings under some very difficult circumstances, but when we’re tasked with finishing them on time that’s exactly what we do.”

Jamie’s Italian is a nationwide chain with restaurants in Bath, Cambridge, Liverpool, Covent Garden, Cardiff, Glasgow, Guilford, Oxford and Birmingham.

Dar Marble & Granite Ltd For 27 years Dar Marble & Granite Ltd has provided the construction industry with a one-stop service for marble and granite works. This includes the fabrication, supply and installation of marble and granite as well as limestone and quartz engineered stone.

ROMA PUBLICATIONS

15

N o r th We s t

16

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

Dar Marble & Granite Ltd work with a number of high profile clients and have previously completed jobs at Manchester Airport, the Hilton Hotel and the Panacea in Manchester.

On Jamie’s Italian in Manchester, Dar Marble & Granite Ltd supplied and fitted 250 metres of marble which was used in flooring, waiter stations and across the main counter bar.

Dar Marble and Granite Ltd Managing Director, David Gray, said: “At Dar Marble and Granite Ltd we are specialists in all different areas of marble and granite work, including carving and moulding, and we have all of the facilities at our disposal to complete any job.

“We’ve got a great reputation in the industry and a lot of our business comes from referrals from satisfied clients.”

Chapman Ventilation Ltd Starting life as a general ventilation company in 1967, familyrun business Chapman Ventilation Ltd. has since become an industry-leading supplier of kitchen ventilation systems for the leisure and fine-dining industries.

The company specialises in conducting heating, ventilation and air conditioning fit-outs and works on all Jamie’s Italian restaurants in the UK. Other high-profile clients include Nando’s, Frankie and Benny’s, Hawksmoor and Cabana.

On each Jamie’s Italian Chapman Ventilation Ltd. is involved throughout the duration of the project, from assessing the site’s suitability through to the installation and handover. Chapman

Ventilation has been involved with Jamie’s Italian Manchester since the first assessment of the site in 2009 and has continued to advance the project since then.

Chapman Ventilation Ltd. Head of Marketing, Jenny Handy, said: “We have over forty years experience designing, manufacturing and installing odour control, grease and smoke removal, and kitchen ventilation solutions for a wide range of clients.

“We’re committed to using the most sustainable products that we can find, partnering with market leaders and sourcing from companies that have a good reputation for sustainability.

We’re particularly proud to be working with sustainable systems manufacturer Sirius Products on all of Jamie’s Italian’s upcoming sites.”

Heleine & Whattam Ltd Founded in 1980, Heleine & Whattam Ltd is a well-established specialist joinery manufacturer that supplies a range of high quality products to clients within the interior contracting industry.

For the Jamie Oliver’s Italian (Manchester) project, the company manufactured all of the internal joinery for their preferred customer, Michael Reed of du Boulay Contracts. This included the main bar counter and integrated seating structure, waiter stations, working tables, wall panelling, and the feature main entrance doors.

Andy Mundy, Heleine & Whattam Ltd, said: “This is the ninth project that we have completed for the du Boulay Contracts and Jamie Oliver partnership, with the quality of our work leading to us becoming their known and preferred supplier. We are particularly proud of the Manchester project as we believe that the overall finish to the building and the quality of the design is exceptional.

The company prides themselves on their ability to cater for a wide range of joinery-based projects. In addition to supplying bespoke furniture for high-end residences, Heleine & Whattam Ltd have also been involved with casino and restaurant projects, along with construction projects such as a cricket club fit-out for the Indian Premier League and a bank fit-out for Virgin Money.

ROMA PUBLICATIONS

17

N o r th We s t Andy Mundy added: “Heleine & Whattam Ltd are continually working towards increasing our customer base in order to offer a wide range of joinery-based solutions. We are constantly developing ourselves to match our customers’ specific requirements and we pride ourselves on our determination to work with our customers to achieve a first-class result every time.”

South Coast Stone Ltd South Coast Stone Ltd specialises in the supply and installation of all types of natural and engineered stone including marble, granite, slate, limestone and quartz.

The well-established stone masonry company has substantial experience in completing commercial projects for clients including the Jamie Oliver and Pizza Express restaurant chains. Whilst South Coast Stone Ltd mainly completes kitchen work, they are also adept at bathroom stonework and all types of tiling.

South Coast Stone Ltd source materials from around the world and import slabs from China, Turkey, Italy, Belgium and France.

The company uses the latest technology and machinery, along with CAD drawings that assist the manufacturer.

Andy Croce, South Coast Stone Ltd, said: “With approximately sixty years in the industry between us, my director and I have been involved in a range of larger projects across London. South Coast Stone Ltd is highly experienced in the supply and installation of all types of natural and engineered stone.

“Not only do we important the stone, but we also complete a lot of in-house manufacturing and can produce designs. We are a one stop shop when it comes to stonework.”

Brothers Services Ltd Brothers Services Ltd provides specialised builders cleaning and support services to the commercial, industrial and residential sectors. The company provide services across London, Bournemouth and Southampton and this includes working on

18

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

offices, student accommodation, restaurants, housing communities, shopping centres and car show rooms. Brothers Services Ltd is also accredited to ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001:2004 and OHSAS 18001:2007 and is a Construction Online Accredited contractor.

Amongst the company’s many varied projects Brothers Services Ltd has completed work for John Lewis, Sainsbury’s, Bournemouth University and Southampton University, as well as BMW Showroom, Mini Showroom and the Portland Marina.

Brothers Services Ltd also provides specialist services for Jamie’s Italian restaurants and has proudly worked on all of the sites in the south of the country including Portsmouth, London and Oxford.

Brothers Services Deputy Managing Director, William Bazzani, said: “Working on a Jamie’s Italian is always a very delicate operation due to the intricate fixtures and features at each restaurant.

Attention to detail is always our number one priority. We use specialist equipment for each project and we are constantly looking at ways to improve our operation.

“Our mission is to provide total customer satisfaction through high-quality, cost effective and environmentally friendly services.”

Ideal Glass & Glazing Ideal Glass & Glazing is a specialist supplier of bespoke mirrors and glass for both the domestic and commercial sector. The company supplies and installs unique glass work for churches, private homes and bars and has worked on such high-profile restaurants as The Ivy and Fifteen.

With 16 years of glazing experience, the company has built up a unique portfolio of glass projects and are proud to be able to offer a direct service to homeowners, developers, builders and architects.

Ideal Glass & Glazing has worked with du Boulay Contracts on up to fifteen Jamie’s Italian restaurants around the country including sites in Oxford, Cambridge, Westfield, Kent and Brighton. The extent of the company’s work varies at each of the sites but has seen Ideal Glass & Glazing produce many handmade glass works for screens, antique mirrors, bar areas and wine storage units.

Ideal Glass & Glazing Financial Director, Emma Weaver, said: “With over 16 years of glazing experience, our range of knowledge consists of commercial subcontracting and bespoke domestic installations.

“We pride ourselves in providing a personal bespoke service direct to all our clients with professional advice and a reliable turnaround.”

ROMA PUBLICATIONS

19

N o r th We s t

Sellafield makes changes for the future Sellafield Ltd is responsible for safely delivering decommissioning, reprocessing and nuclear waste management on behalf of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. The company has the largest concentration of nuclear expertise in Europe, boasting over 50 years of experience.

One of the recent projects at their Cumbria site is Evaporator D, a new Highly Active (HA) Liquid Evaporator that will provide additional evaporator capacity to support the existing evaporators. Highly active evaporators play a vital role in the delivery of reprocessing and hazard reduction missions across the Sellafield site.

The Evaporator D building comprises 11 prefrabicated modules, the sizes of which range from 60 to 500 tonnes. In total, the building will incorporate over 22,000 metres of pipework and more than 500 plant items.

In order to provide services to the new Evaporator D building, a 1600m² development has been constructed on the site. The development will incorporate a compressed air plant, switchroom and diesel generator along with cooling towers and substations.

Designed to minimise the impact on road and rail access in the area, the development will be linked by a high level pipe bridge over one of the main Sellafield site roads.

Another welcome addition is the Separation Area Ventilation (SAV) project, which will see the demolition and replacement of two ageing stacks with a long term facility to support future decommissioning.

Construction of the new discharge facility began in early 2010 and when complete the facility will comprise a 120-metre high stack with an associated plant room, monitoring room and

20

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

substation. The three-storey plant room will house the fans, additional filtration and the control room.

Located away from the main processing areas of the site, the facility will be connected to the various donor plants via new ductwork runs and pipe bridges.

The main design-build contractor is Doosan Babcock, whilst subcontracts have been awarded to Kier Construction, Balfour Kilpatrick, Jacobs Engineering, Bierrum International, Shepley Engineers and Senior Hargreaves.

Warrington Wolves pride themselves on their loyal fan base.

Warrington Wolves bite back An exciting project to construct two new quadrants for the Warrington Wolves East Stand has reached completion.

The Halliwell Jones Stadium opened nine years ago and has since become the template stadium for all other clubs and stadia developments. Under the project, both corners of the Martin Dawes (East) Stand have been extended in order to increase the stadium capacity by 2,000 to a total of 15,000.

Further facilities include additional seating and standing areas, along with services in the concourse food kiosks and bars.

The £1.3 million project began in August 2011 and was completed in February 2011. Main contractor for this exciting scheme was JLJ-Group Ltd and the architect was Jenkins Design Services.

Warrington Wolves pride themselves on their loyal fan base and the expansion of the stadium is a direct result of regular attendance and an annual increase in the sales of shirts and season tickets. The expansion of the stadium will not only benefit the loyal Warrington Wolves supporters, but the borough-wide community too.

Increasing the capacity of the stadium from 13,000 to 15,000 has widened the opportunities for potential usage, whilst the town of Warrington will be hosting matches and a team training camp in the 2013 Rugby League World Cup. The stadium expansion follows many other developments over the years, including the creation of additional corporate boxes within the main stand for the 2010/11 season.

Keith Newman, Engineering Manager for JLJ-Group, said: “This has been a very demanding project. Challenges included working with difficult ground conditions in a restricted space that was within close proximity to roads and pedestrians. There was also the additional pressure of having to stage several Super League games during the construction phase without compromising the safety, access and revenue of the stadium.

“However, all challenges were overcome and the project was delivered successfully.”

ROMA PUBLICATIONS

21

A re N o rath E a s t & Yo r ks h i re

Bradford’s City Park arrives The UK’s largest city centre water feature has been unveiled in Bradford as part of Bradford City Council’s plans to regenerate the city.

The landmark project is part of the City Park development and is set to become a talking point for residents and visitors to the city.

Officially opened in March 2012, City Park is a 2.4ha area of public space that has been constructed in front of the Grade I listed, 19th century City Hall. City Park comprises a 4,000 sq m reflective mirror pool with a stunning water fountain, three reconstituted stone sculptures and two pieces of public art that have been designed to look like steel reeds and rushes.

The water feature was designed to provide an architectural connection to Bradford’s industrial history and contains the country’s tallest urban fountain, which can sprout water up to a height of 100 ft. A hardwood boardwalk with a width of 4 metres surrounds the pool and will allow brave Bradford residents the opportunity to dip their feet in the water during the warmer months.

New lighting will ensure that City Park looks just as stunning after dark, whilst sustainable features such as rainwater capture have also been incorporated.

A bus canopy and an earth-covered pavilion have also been constructed, with the pavilion comprising an office for onsite staff, a control room, public toilets and a fountain plant room.

Birse Civils was the main contractor, whilst Gillespies was the lead consultant and landscape architect and Sturgeon North Architects was the building architect. Arup provided civil, structural, geotechnical and M&E services.

Gillespies Company Partner, Tom Walker, said: “We designed City Park as a beautiful public space with water at its heart. Water was the engine for the success of Bradford during the industrial revolution and we are confident that water will once again act as the catalyst for the regeneration of the city over the next decade.

22

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

“This new centrepiece for Bradford acts as a pivotal focal point and gives Bradford a new postcard identity with the unique dynamic mirror pool and high quality landscape. Its magnificent grand public spaces promise to delight both local people and visitors.”

Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration and Economy, David Green, added: “City Park promises to bring great long-term benefits to the city and the Bradford district as a whole. It provides a brilliant place for people to relax, meet friends or family or enjoy a breath of fresh air within the city and will also be capable of hosting large and small-scale events.

“In creating such high-quality public space we aim to make the area more attractive to visitors, residents and businesses. City Park has been designed to act as a magnet for inward investment and forms a key part of our ongoing work to support the city centre economy.”

ROMA PUBLICATIONS

23

N o r th E a s t & Yo r ks h i re

Jo Brand opens new Emergency Care Centre The new Emergency Care Centre at South Tyneside District Hospital is set to enhance the emergency care patient experience and redesign, integrate and streamline the patient pathway.

Completed in January 2012, the £8 million centre was designed

by Dunwoodie Architecture and Design and constructed by Robertson Construction (North East). The new centre boasts an Accident & Emergency department, an Emergency Assessment Unit and paediatric assessment rooms.

Award-winning comedian, writer and actor Jo Brand officially opened the new Emergency Care Centre on 20th January 2012.

Jo Brand worked as an NHS psychiatric nurse for ten years before becoming a household name and told staff how impressed she was with the new facilities, particularly with regards to how the needs of the staff and patients had been carefully taken into consideration.

Lorraine Lambert, Chief Executive of South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The completion of the project achieves our ambition of bringing all of our emergency care services together to provide fully integrated care in a patient-friendly atmosphere with modern and efficient facilities. The new areas are equipped with the very latest technology, which will enable us to offer our local community the best possible care.”

Chairman of the South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust, Peter Davidson, added: “We are very proud of our new Emergency Care Centre.

Bringing all of our emergency care facilities together and integrating them allows real improvements in the delivery of care to our patients.”

Comprising approximately 2000 square metres of space, the single-storey development features aluminium curtain walling and render for the external finish with Marmoleum flooring, British Gypsum Glasroc Rigidur walls, Leaderflush doors, radiant heating panels and integrated plumbing services all enhancing the ability to maintain high levels of cleanliness and minimising any infection risk.

As part of this prestigious project, the manufacture and fitting of the blinds, curtains, cubicle track and window film was entrusted to Solo Blinds Contract Division, a regular member of Robertson’s supply chain.

An existing entrance to the outpatient department was remodelled and all external works were redesigned in order to form a patient safety zone and an efficient ambulance drop-off area. In addition, new canopies and seating areas were installed along the new facade, whilst the entire infrastructure was considered and a one-way system was implemented.

24

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

Derek Shepherd, Dunwoodie Architecture and Design, commented: “The project was a success due to the ambition and commitment of the NHS to providing a service and building that exceeds the guidance already produced by the NHS. This ambition was shared by the design team and the exceptional design solution was recognised by an experienced and committed contractor.”

The first stage of the development opened to the public in

December 2010 and comprised 10 assessment rooms with state-of-the-art facilities for emergency adult patients. Further facilities included a dedicated emergency paediatric care area with five specialist assessment rooms, three beds and a specialist paediatric resuscitation area.

In November 2011, an Emergency Admissions Unit and a major injuries department opened to patients. This department will facilitate the assessment of patients who need to be evaluated over a longer period of time or who may require later admission.

Once assessment is complete, patients will be directed to the appropriate ward.

Construction News

Andy McLeod, North East Managing Director for Robertson Construction, said: “Robertson Construction is delighted to be part of the team that has delivered this fantastic new assessment centre within the Emergency Care Centre at South Tyneside District Hospital.

Working closely with the Trust, their advisors and hospital staff, we have managed to complete the project with minimal disruption to the current care provided by the original treatment facilities. Patients can now enjoy an integrated Emergency Care Centre.”

Call our news team on 01706 719972

Work continues at Diana Princess of Wales Hospital Phase Two of the Relocation of Services project at the Diana Princess of Wales Hospital is now underway.

Work on the second phase began in February 2012, following the successful completion of Phase One in January 2012. Phase One involved the relocation of the oncology ward to an unused area of the hospital and Phase Two will now see a number of additional wards relocated to the same site.

The £3 million scheme comprises the relocation of the oncology, rheumatology and haematology wards, along with the construction of outpatient, inpatient and day-case facilities at the hospital. All of the new wards are being constructed to modernise and increase the size of the existing facilities.

Redevelopment work is largely taking place on the ground floor of the hospital and will include extensions on the southern facade to house en-suite accommodation. A major internal courtyard extension is also being constructed in order to form oncology day-case suites.

Additional work will update the plant works on the roof. Whilst this is taking place a

number of small interconnecting works will run through the first floor, where facilities shall remain open and fully operational.

As part of Phase Two, an existing entrance to the oncology ward will also be fitted with a new glazed canopy and DDA power assisted doors.

Lindum Group Ltd is the main contractor on the project, whilst Globe Architects is the lead consultant and architect. The mechanical and electrical consultant is Pick Everard and the structural consultant is Capita Plc. Globe Architects Managing Director, Andrew Ledbetter, said: “We’ve enjoyed a long and valued relationship with Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and we’re pleased to see it continue with this latest development at the Diana Princess of Wales Hospital.

“We’ve worked on a number of projects at

www.romauk.net

this hospital, including the specialist MRI CT unit, the emergency care centre, the orthopaedic unit, the child development centre and a number of ward refurbishments.

“We enjoy working here and we understand the clinical standards that Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust are aiming to achieve. We work towards creating a balance between a functioning clinical environment and one that is comfortable for patients.”

Phase Two is scheduled for completion in July 2012.

Grenfell Club opens its doors A brand new purpose-built community centre has opened its doors in Redcar.

The Grenfell Club on Grant Street opened in March 2012 and has replaced a former club building that was no longer able to accommodate its members. The new £675,000 community centre boasts improved access for disabled visitors and exciting facilities such as a large multipurpose hall and a coffee bar.

Work began on the 12-month project in February 2011, with Willmott Dixon Construction as the main contractor and Plus 3 Architecture as the architect.

The two-storey Grenfell Club has been constructed on the site of a former town car park and is a timber frame construction with brick walls, rain screen cladding, aluminium powder coated windows and a single-ply roof. Comprising around 450 square metres of space, the building features an L-shaped design and faces a south-westerly direction.

On the ground floor, the club boasts a large multipurpose hall and coffee bar, multisensory rooms, offices, a kitchen and a toilet block. Additional facilities include a wet room with special hoists for wheelchair users.

In order to facilitate the physical activities taking place within the club, vinyl flooring has been installed throughout the ground floor.

The front doors of the main hall also open up onto the garden,

offering the opportunity of outdoor activities in the summer.

Club members will notice a clear distinction between the recROMA PUBLICATIONS

25

N o r th E a s t & Yo r ks h i re

reational use of the ground floor and the educational purpose of the first floor. The first floor is fully carpeted and features an additional hall, a games room and WC facilities along with storage space, a meeting room and an office.

One of the key reasons for constructing the new club was to make the facilities more accessible for disabled members. As a result, a glass platform lift was installed to offer access to both floors. Special hold-open devices have also been fitted to the doors in order to ensure that they can be kept open with ease.

At the front of the club is an onsite garden that is surrounded by block paving and a fence. Planting has been kept to a minimum so that the garden is a blank canvas for club members to shape as they see fit.

Plus 3 Architecture Architect, Matthew Glen, said: “We visited the original club during the early consultation period of this project and were quite surprised to see how popular

26

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

it was with local residents. However as the building was constructed in the 1970s it was no longer able to meet the requirements of its members.

“The new Grenfell Club is a world apart from the previous building and has been designed to provide the best possible facilities for members. This includes a more flexible approach to the usage so that different areas can be opened up and then rented out to generate additional income for the club.

“We’ve really enjoyed being involved with this project and now that the club is open it will make a huge difference for the community of Redcar. The building is even being put forward for the RIBA regional awards.”

Now that the project is complete, the former Grenfell Club building has closed and will be demolished.

An official opening ceremony for the new club will take place in April 2012.

New venture for Newlands Work is currently underway on a brand new business park in the Eccleshill area of Bradford.

Inspire Bradford Business Park is a £4 million commercial property that is currently under development on a Brownfield site close to Eccleshill Community Hospital in East Bradford.

The business park comprises 14 fully serviced offices and 14 unique and flexible work spaces housed within two buildings that cover a combined area of 2,787 square metres. Facilities will include an onsite cafe, childcare facilities and a digital media suite.

Inspire Bradford Business Park is located close to the M62, M1 and Leeds Bradford International Airport and will provide Bradford with some of the highest specification commercial properties in the area.

Work began in August 2011 when the first straw bale wall panels were installed on the site. In total, over 4,000 traditional straw bales have been used to form the prefabricated wall panels for the buildings.

Stainforth Construction is the main contractor for the project, whilst Waller & Partners Ltd are the architects.

The development is expected to achieve a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ due to the incorporation of a number of sustainable features. This includes a ground-source heat pump, photovoltaic cells in the roof and a rainwater catchment reservoir that will supply lavatories and plants with water. The building will also be fitted with carpets and wooden fittings that are constructed from recycled materials.

Once complete, Inspire Bradford Business Park will be owned and managed by the Newlands Community Association (NCA), a community-based organisation that provides a range of training, education and care services in Bradford.

NCA Chief Executive, Tony Holdich, said: “The installation of the straw bale wall panels is a major part of the construction process and to actually see the panels being put in place is very exciting. Once installation of the panels is complete, we’ll be one step closer to completion and potential

tenants and members of the local community will be able to see for themselves how impressive the business park is going to be.”

“By redefining what a business park is, we are implementing a blueprint for commerce and the community to coexist, promoting enterprise from both.”

Stainforth Construction Stainforth Construction has an impressive wealth of experience in the construction industry that has been amassed from working within various industry sectors since 1991. Their portfolio includes buildings in the sport and leisure industry, along with work completed in the commercial and industrial sectors.

For the past 21 years, Stainforth Construction has built longterm relationships with their clients, taking into account their individual needs and requirements and recognising the need to complete contracts on time.

ROMA PUBLICATIONS

27

Midlands & East Anglia

Children’s needs are top priority for exciting new school The new Carlton Digby School in Mapperly, Nottingham, will cater for a range of very special children when it opens for the start of the autumn term in September 2012.

Designed by Nottinghamshire County Council, the new purpose-built school building will cater for pupils from the ages of three to nineteen, all of whom have profound or multiple learning difficulties. The project has been fully funded by the Nottinghamshire County Council capital programme and replaces the existing school on the site.

Willmott Dixon Construction is the main contractor for the £8.2 million project, which began onsite in July 2011.

The building has been designed in consultation with urban design specialists, highways teams, Crime Prevention Force Liaison Officers and a Disabled Access Officer. Many of the pupils at Carlton Digby have severe physical disabilities and the new building subsequently had to cater for this.

Covering 3353 square metres of space over three floors, the school is a steel-frame building with a single ply roof, aluminium windows and external doors. The building also features timber internal doors, glazed curtain walling and wood effect weathertight aluminium panelling.

In addition to the classrooms, staffroom, administration and meeting space, the new school also boasts a range of exciting facilities. These include a hydrotherapy pool with changing facilities, specialist physiotherapy and treatment rooms, an immersive technology (sensory) room and a soft play area. Further facilities include a library, learning pods, accessible WCs and informal seating areas.

28

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

In order to make the building accessible, specialist areas have been carefully planned and located, whilst two passenger lifts have been installed to accommodate all of the relevant mobility equipment.

The school has been designed to achieve a BREEAM rating of ‘Very Good’ and as a result celebrates a wide variety of sustainable features. Increased levels of insulation and air-tightness have minimised thermal transmission, whilst natural daylight and ventilation have been maximised in order to reduce energy costs. Existing school equipment has also been recycled where possible, which has been complemented by an impressive building management system and centralised metering.

Moreover, the school has incorporated the extensive use of photovoltaic cells and the use of high efficiency equipment and

low energy dimmable daylight linked lighting using PIR sensors.

A sustainable drainage system will also attenuate the outflow of surface water.

Despite a number of days lost over the winter period due to freezing temperatures and high winds, the project is currently on programme and is due to be handed over in July 2012. In consultation with Willmott Dixon Construction, Nottinghamshire County Council has been able to accelerate certain elements of the build in order to make up for the time lost.

Once the new school becomes operational in September 2012, the existing school will be demolished and external works will commence. Landscaping will include a habitat area, external covered learning zones, sensory gardens and a general play area. In addition, there will be a hard-court sports area and a 3G all-weather sports pitch. This phase of the project is scheduled for completion in December 2012.

Stuart Risk, Project Manager for Nottinghamshire County

Construction News

Council, said: “The site lies within a heavily residential area, which presented numerous challenges at the planning stage. Although some objections remained, a vast majority were addressed by close consultation with the local residents.

“One of the biggest challenges in this area is traffic congestion as a result of the school’s proximity to two other infant/junior schools. Most of the pupils at Carlton Digby arrive by specialist minibus transport, but the present lack of parking space means that the minibuses have to queue up outside the school to pick up or drop off children. The new scheme enables all of the minibuses to park on site, thus reducing congestion on the main road at peak times.

“A couple of short-term road closures were required in order to facilitate service connections, however these have been undertaken during school holidays and in close consultation with the local residents.”

Call our news team on 01706 719972

Jeavons Wood Primary School

The new Jeavons Wood Primary School in Great Cambourne will provide 420 new places when it opens for the autumn term in September 2012.

Constructed around an area of stunning woodland, the steel-frame school features masonry walls with brick work, render and cedar cladding. The school is spread over one storey and comprises around 2750 square metres of space, which has in turn incorporated 14 classrooms, community facilities and a children’s centre. Sustainable features include a ground source heat pump that will facilitate underfloor heating and the replanting of any trees cut down during the construction phase.

Additional features that have been proposed

include a new hall, activity room and a large atrium area that can be tailored to suit a range of facilities such as a library or an ICT area. The space may also be used for activities, assemblies, performances and exhibition space or be utilised as an alternative learning environment.

Main contractor for the project is Kier Eastern and the architect is Mouchel.

The £6.4 million project began in June 2011 and has been funded by Cambridgeshire County Council.

In order to allow the construction phase to commence, a temporary 180-place primary school was erected on a nearby site. The temporary school has incorporated an innovative timber flat-pack prefabricated design and Mouchel was able to deliver the four new classrooms in just 26 weeks. This in turn has significantly reduced the amount of construction waste and vehicle issues associated with traditional design and build projects.

Mirjana Corovic, Mouchel, said:

www.romauk.net

“This has been an extremely challenging project and it has been a long journey for all of us. However everyone – including the client, developers and contractors – has worked as a team from day one.

“Challenges have included retaining the majority of the existing trees and the creation of alternative construction access points, both of which have been dealt with successfully.

“As a result of the great progress, we are confident that the project will be finished in time for children to move in for the new school year. It has been a pleasure to be part of this project, which will bring over four hundred primary school places to Eastgate.”

The Broadway Hotel is on to a winner A substantial project to upgrade the award-winning The Broadway Hotel will be completed in time to open for the Cheltenham races on March 12th 2012.

Located in the charming village of Broadway, the hotel nestles beneath the Worcestershire hills of the Cotswolds. The Cotswolds is the largest of forty Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) in England and Wales and is admired by people from all over the world for its quintessential English beauty.

A striking building of half stone and half timber, The Broadway Hotel overlooks the village green. In the sixteenth century, the building served as a rural retreat for the Abbots of Pershore and has continued to provide excellent service ever since. In 2010,

The Broadway Hotel was awarded a GOLD award in the ‘Small Hotel of the Year’ category of the Heart of England Excellence in Tourism Awards.

The refurbishment and new-build project began in October 2011 and will see the construction of a large feature atrium with a glass dome, along with the relocation of existing services within the hotel. Main contractor for the project is DA Cook (Builders) Ltd and the architect is Barrington Payne.

ROMA PUBLICATIONS

29

Midlands & East Anglia As a result of the project, the structural layout of the ground floor of the hotel has been completely altered. The existing The Jockey Bar has been relocated to the site of the former restaurant and when opened in March will be renamed The Broadway Country Bar. In turn, the old bar has been converted into a lounge area where people can eat and relax.

In order to accommodate the larger bar and restaurant areas, a conservatory and small seating area have been demolished and incorporated into the new build.

In addition to the refurbishment of the ground floor, the bedrooms will also be upgraded in order to ensure a comfortable and high-quality stay for guests. Further facilities to the rear of the building will include a new reception area for checking in guests and male, female and disabled toilets.

One of the most important aspects of the project is the atrium, which has been constructed inside the internal courtyard.

Comprising two floors, the atrium has incorporated two new bespoke kitchens, a staffroom and a cellar.

In order to respect the traditional style of the hotel, upgrades to the exterior of the building have been kept to a minimum and have included unobtrusive measures such as painting the windows.

Paul Davis, Operations Director at The Broadway Hotel, said: “This project will bring something very different to Broadway, along with providing additional benefits for the village. By increasing the capacity of the hotel and offering a unique experience for visitors, it is hoped that we will be able to attract more people to the area.

“The atrium will be a stand-out feature, whilst the new interior of the hotel may also surprise visitors. The materials selected – from the chairs and wallpaper to the colour scheme – are contrary to what people may be expecting, and are certainly different to what we have had previously.

“This has been an exciting project for us and there has been a lot of local interest so far.”

For more information on The Broadway Hotel, visit www. cotswold-inns-hotels.co.uk

Prestigious hotel and restaurant open in Birmingham A brand new luxury four-star Hotel Indigo and skyline Marco Pierre White restaurant have opened at The Cube in the heart of Birmingham.

The exciting £13 million project began on the Commercial Street site on 4th January 2011 and works included the construction and fit-out of the 300-seat restaurant and 52-bedroom luxury hotel. In addition, a health club and spa have been built on the ground floor of The Cube.

Sanguine Hospitality will operate both the hotel and the restaurant, whilst their in-house construction company Denizen Contracts LLP has been responsible for the fit-out. DBK Partners LLP was the project manager and was appointed to provide funding and development monitoring services.

Sanguine Hospitality Managing Director, Nick Taplin, said: “The scale of our investment and the calibre of venues we are bringing to Birmingham aim to provide a defining shift in how people spend their free time. I was astounded to discover that Birmingham did not already have a sky bar or rooftop restaurant, given the range of magnificent buildings in the city.

“We have definitely redressed this now.”

Hotel Indigo is a boutique brand by InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) that combines the intimacy of a boutique hotel with the flexibility of a major hotel brand. The vibrant design of its bedrooms reflects the geometric exterior of The Cube, with the themed decoration depicting vivid images of cubes, mosaics,

30

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

square patterns and bold colours.

Located on the 23rd and 24th floors of The Cube, the boutique Hotel Indigo boasts 52 bedrooms, including Executive, Deluxe and Feature rooms. Each of the exclusive Feature suites are fitted with a balcony, whilst all of the rooms boast Cloud 9 beds, flatscreen LCD satellite televisions, iPod docking stations, air conditioning and complimentary mini-bars and wireless facilities.

Another exciting facility is a luxury salon operated by celebrity hair stylist, Adee Phelan.

General Manager, Mark Nesbitt, said: “The level of demand has been astonishing. When I came here I thought the venues would be popular addition to The Cube, but we have actually created a new destination. This is very much the place to be.”

Marco Pierre White Steak House Bar & Grill is situated at the top of The Cube on the 25th floor and offers 360 degree views of the city. The restaurant features a private dining room, an open-air terrace and a Laurent Perrier Champagne bar.

Described as “the ultimate experience”, Marco Pierre White’s Steakhouse Bar & Grill is now the focal point of The Cube and brings Marco’s concept of ‘affordable glamour’ to Birmingham.

The chef has worked with Sanguine Hospitality since 2009 and the collaboration has produced four Steakhouse Bar & Grills, with a fifth scheduled to open in Newcastle in the May of this year.

A glitzy event to celebrate the opening of the hotel and restaurant took place on 12th January 2012. Hosted by Marco Pierre White, the event boasted a number of celebrity names on the guest list.

Marco Pierre White said: “I always enjoy hosting these kinds of events as it’s a great opportunity to meet local foodies and restaurant-goers. It’s also a good way of gauging feedback about the venue.”

The final phase of the project comprised the construction of the health club and spa, which opened on 1st January 2012.

Although it is an exclusive members-only club, the facility is also accessible to Hotel Indigo guests. The club houses a gymnasium that boasts three fitness studios, a large functional training zone, an 8 metre climbing wall and a dance studio. Additional features include UPTV driven machines, Vibration Training and assorted TechnoGym equipment.

Personal training and personal fitness programmes will be available, whilst members will be granted internet access and complimentary beverages and energy drinks.

The spa comprises ten treatment rooms, including thermal rooms, mud and salt rooms and a vitality pool, bio sauna, spray tan booth and steam room. In addition, guests may enjoy the Laurent Perrier champagne nail bar or the wooden Kelo sauna.

The Cube Director, Neil Edington, said: “All three elements bring a huge boost to the city - both for its residents and for tourists visiting the Midlands - and we’ve really looked forward to watching it take shape right here in the heart of Birmingham.”

“The Cube has already made a name for itself as an iconic building and landmark destination at the heart of Birmingham, as over the past 12 months our vision for this unique venue has come to life.”

The Cube is a 25-storey mixed-use building that was designed by architect Ken Shuttleworth of Make Architects and opened on 1st December 2011. It is situated within the Westside district of Birmingham, alongside The Mailbox.

The development is situated within close proximity of the M5 and M6 motorways and includes offices, cafes, retail outlets and a car park, along with the new rooftop restaurant, health club and hotel. The striking design includes a glass-clad roof that was constructed using 666 panels.

The Highways Agency was the first tenant to take residence at The Cube, acquiring commercial office space for 3,000 staff.

The Cube also boasts nine floors of residential apartments.

Construction News

Call our news team on 01706 719972

Exclusive studio apartments for Nottingham students An exciting conversion and new build project will create 98 state-ofthe-art studio apartments at 116-120 Talbot Street.

The scope of the project includes the refurbishment of an existing Georgian house which has been completely transformed in order to provide ten self-contained postgraduate studio apartments, all of which are en suite.

External works have included the cleaning of the brick face façade and the replacement of the existing windows with Georgian timber double-glazed windows that comply with the current insulation regulations. All external materials have been retained and upgraded, including the existing slate roof.

The new-build element of the scheme has seen the construction of a modern development that comprises three wings of six, four and two storeys. Boasting an impressive 88 studios, the new building will incorporate a range of sustainable features, including rainwater harvesting for the en-suite toilets, solar panels to provide hot water and photovoltaic cells to generate electricity. An additional facility is the laundrette, which is

located on the ground floor.

An interesting aspect of the design is an innovative louvre system that will provide shade and protection from overheating, whilst also minimising the effect of noise created by the surrounding streets.

The louvres are set in random arrangements, which has in turn created a striking architectural design.

A two-storey link connects the six and four-storey sections together. The link features vertical planting, which is intended to mimic the large park located behind the development whilst providing an additional green space.

KKE Architects Ltd designed the building and the main contractor for the project is GB Building Solutions.

Director of KKE Architects, Jorge Eguiguren commented: “This project involved a long planning process working closely with the Nottingham City Planners who were keen to see a landmark building in the centre of the city. The project is progressing well and GB Building Solutions Limited are doing an excellent job.

www.romauk.net

“The developers, Romiga Studios, have played an extremely important role in the development of the building. It has been extremely satisfying to work with a developer who is committed to the provision of high quality accommodation for students.”

About KKE Architects KKE Architects is an award-winning, Worcesterbased practice specialising in health, education and landscape design. We pride ourselves on a thoughtful, listening approach to clients and their challenges and on the creation of bespoke, innovative designs which are sensitive to location, environment and the needs of the project’s end users. www.kkearchitects.co.uk / Twitter: @ KKEarchitects ROMA PUBLICATIONS

31

Midlands & East Anglia

Out with the old and in with the new A huge refurbishment project has transformed a derelict building in Great Yarmouth into the state-of-the-art Phoenix House primary and community healthcare centre.

R.G Carter was the main contractor and Chaplin Farrant was the architect for the project, which was completed in September 2011.

Unfortunately the earlier 19th century school house building on the site was destroyed in a fire in 1999, leaving a substantial external shell. This had become overgrown with vegetation over the following decade and the building therefore needed to be completely cleared of this and extensive fire-damaged materials before construction could commence. Once the building had been cleared, an extra storey was built on top and a new roof was installed.

Although no landscaping has taken place given the close proximity of a large public car park, the development does feature a small courtyard with planters and bird boxes. In order to achieve the required BREEAM standard, an extensive programme of ecology research was carried out and the centre has also incorporated sustainable features such as photovoltaic cells on the roof.

Now operating as a fully functional primary healthcare centre, the development also features a walk-in facility that offers care from 8am to 8pm every day of the week, including Christmas Day. Gitte Kjeldsen Highland, Chaplin Farrant, said: “This was a challenging project as we had to respect the traditional style of the existing building whilst updating it in order to facilitate the change in use. We therefore tried to replicate some of the original features, such as the sash windows, whilst adhering to modern requirements like insulation levels.

“Making sure that the building was structurally sound was an initial priority, particularly as it had fallen into such a state of disrepair. The building is also in a conservation area, so we had to make sure that it sat well within the existing surroundings.

“A particularly interesting aspect for us is the way in which we have been able to integrate a modern building within a traditional build. We ultimately chose not to follow the more common method of simply modernising an existing building and have instead combined the two eras.

“In general, the project progressed very well. There are always

32

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

snags and the unexpected when working on a building but a collective team effort ensured that all challenges were overcome.

“This was a fun project to have been involved with and it was very exciting to see the finished building. Phoenix House will help to bring that part of Yarmouth back to life whilst serving an important community purpose.”

S o u th We s t

Weston College transformation is a work of art The Hans Price building on the Weston College campus has been transformed into a 21st century conference and function facility.

The building was named after Hans Price (1835-1912), a notable architect who was responsible for much of the development of Weston-super-Mare during the Victorian era. Unfortunately over the years the building had fallen into disrepair and was in need of a complete refurbishment in order to meet the needs of a new generation of students.

Work began on site in April 2011 and the intensive refurbishment programme was completed in the December. Main contractor for the project was Bray & Slaughter and the architects were Arturus Architects.

Work included the complete internal strip-out of building and the change in layout from many small rooms to large spacious

rooms that may now be used for a range of conferences and functions. In addition, new floors were installed and all M&E services were replaced.

Linda Burlison, Weston College, said: “This is a Grade II listed building and as a result, it was important that the refurbishment was sympathetic to the original design.

“Although the interior has been transformed from a very old fashioned space into a modern area, we’ve kept as many original features as possible and incorporated them into the new design. We have restored the stonework and tiling and have retained the impressive stone pillars and archways, along with the woodwork, roof beams and window handles.

“The project progressed well and everyone is very pleased with what has been achieved. There are always some surprises when working with a listed building, but it has certainly made it interesting.”

Bray & Slaughter enjoy a strong working relationship with Weston College and their completion of the Hans Price development builds on the work they have recently completed on the South West Skills and Knightstone campuses. The company organised a student site visit during the project and were one of the sponsors of the annual Weston College Celebration of Success student awards evening in January 2012.

Weston College has been an important part of the local community for more than 150 years and is now one of the top performing colleges in the region. The College celebrates significant success rates, with examination achievement rates at 99.8% for A Level and 100% for vocational courses. Ofsted has praised the exceptional attainment of the College and has recognised the high quality teaching and state-of-the-art resources.

ROMA PUBLICATIONS

33

Lo n d o n & S o u th E a s t

Velocity remains on track A brand new office development is currently under construction on a site adjacent to the former Brooklands motor racing circuit in Surrey.

The Velocity project is being developed by Exton Estates Limited and comprises the construction of two five-storey office buildings that will provide around 105,000 sq ft of net lettable area (NLA). The project is taking shape on the Brooklands estate in Weybridge, which was previously the home of the famous Brooklands race track. The estate is owned by German car manufacturer Dalmer Chrysler and incorporates MercedesBenz World and the Brooklands Museum in addition to a number of new developments.

VolkerFitzpatrick is the main contractor for the £15.3 million project, whilst ESA is the architect and Kevin Griffiths of Gleeds is the project manager.

Construction began in September 2011 with funding provided by leading fund manager Rockspring Property Investment Managers LLP. Work completed so far includes the construction of reinforced concrete frames for each of the buildings, along with the steelwork for the plant and flat roof structure. First-fix mechanical works have now commenced, along with the construction of the car park and the bridge feature at the site entrance.

Once work is complete, the office buildings will feature curtain walling and a rainscreen façade, along with a glazed atrium that spans the height of the building. A brise soleil stretching the length of both buildings will also be added to the front reception areas. The brise soleil will provide shade to each building whilst at the same time giving the impression that the two buildings form one large office block.

Interestingly the architect has chosen the colour silver for the curtain walling and brise soliel as a direct reference to the history of the site, in particular the Napier Railton race car which holds the all-time race lap record.

The buildings have been designed to be clean, contemporary and dynamic with a visually striking shape. The highly visible raking front elevations have been developed to give the buildings a strong sense of identity and relate to the idea of speed, movement and technological innovation. Although this design is structurally challenging, it does allow for additional flooring on the upper storeys.

All efforts have been made to ensure the buildings are as energy efficient and environmentally friendly as possible, with the development expected to achieve a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’.

Sustainable features include rainwater harvesting tanks that will be used for washroom facilities and external watering, as well as the incorporation of photovoltaic panels across the

34

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

roof. The building will also be thermally efficient and lighting systems will include automatic dimming linked to daylight sensors, Passive Infrared Sensor lighting controls (PIR) and LED lighting in key areas. Electric car charging points are also being provided in the car park along with substantial bike storage to promote green travel options.

A car park will also be constructed and will house a storm water retention system to store excess rainfall. This feature will be installed beneath the car park and will provide a cost-effective method for water retention. The car park will be constructed using a mixture of tarmac and permeable block paving to allow water to soak through with ease.

Additional work will include extensive landscaping around the site to include trees, plants and sustainable shrubs.

As the project is being built on a former motor racing circuit, various parts of the track are being retained by English Heritage for their historic significance. Immediately behind the office site is an original section of the race circuit, which is a listed ancient monument.

In order to work around the designated areas of preservation, a rear entrance to the estate provides access for site traffic and specialist track-way systems have been installed to preserve the ancient track beneath. Considerations have also been taken into account for a hotel that sits adjacent to the development.

Construction crews are liaising with hotel staff in order to reduce any unnecessary disturbances, with noisy work being conducted between set timeframes.

Work on the Velocity project is on schedule and external elevations are currently being constructed to make the building watertight. First-fix brackets are being attached for cladding and glazing to be installed, whilst steel work is being installed on the fourth floor for plant rooms and the roof of the upper-storey office areas.

Once the main structure and elevations are complete, the next stage of construction will be conducted on a floor-by-floor basis to provide services and finishes for floors and ceilings.

Gleeds Project Manager, Kevin Griffiths, said: “In the current market finding clients that are involved in speculative developments are few and far between, so it’s a good to be involved with a project like Velocity where we have a good working relationship with Exton Estates Limited and their funders, Rockspring PIM. “This project has a confident client who is satisfied that the end result will be provided on time, and that is very satisfying to know.”

The Velocity project is scheduled for completion in September 2012.

Connecting the capital through Crossrail Crossrail Limited (CRL) is a subsidiary of Transport for London and is responsible for delivering the Crossrail project, which is Europe’s largest civil engineering tunnel project.

The company was set up in 2001 to develop vital commuter links for people and businesses across the southeast and supports regeneration projects throughout the region.

Crossrail is CRL’s most significant project since the Jubilee Line Extension and Channel Tunnel Rail Link and will see new Crossrail stations built along the central route of Paddington, Tottenham Court Road, Bond Street, Farringdon, Whitechapel, Liverpool Street and Canary Wharf. The stations will link routes from Maidenhead and Heathrow in the west to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east.

The UK’s leading architects and engineers have worked on the design stages of the new Crossrail stations, with each stage promising a distinctive style that has taken inspiration from the local area. Additional architectural components will also be included throughout the tunnels and platforms in order to ensure that each station retains an individual identity throughout.

As part of the project, station platforms will be constructed to cater for the 200m-long trains that will operate from the stations.

Provision for future platform extensions will also be provided, enabling the Crossrail stations to cater for larger trains as the number of passengers using the service increases. Between Paddington and Whitechapel, up to 24 trains per hour will operate during peak periods.

It is predicted that the new route will increase the travel capacity of the capital by 10%. Once completed, an additional 1.5 million people will be within 45 minutes commuting distance of London’s key business areas.

Tunnelling is due to commence in March 2012 and it is estimated that a total of 21 kilometres of twin-bore tunnel will be constructed under London.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “This crucial pro-

ROMA PUBLICATIONS

35

ject that I fought for will be of huge importance to the future of our city and these contracts will provide an immediate boost to employment in the UK.” Crossrail’s central section will be delivered in 2018 and a phased introduction of services along the Crossrail route will follow. It is expected that the Crossrail project will generate up to 14,000 jobs between 2013 and 2015.

In addition to the Crossrail project, the Tunnelling and Underground Construction Academy (TUCA) has been established in order to provide training for approximately 3,500 people throughout the lifetime of the project.

TUCA opened its doors in early 2012 and as well as providing a number of vocational training courses, one of its first courses will focus on the Tunnel Safety Card. This is a vital training course required for anyone working below ground on the Crossrail project.

Boris Johnson said: “I am a huge supporter of the aims of this academy and I am thrilled that it is now enrolling its first students. At the height of construction many thousands of people will be working on Crossrail, so our new academy in east London will be a vital resource. Crossrail is working closely with job centres along the route to ensure that as many local people as possible are able to learn the skills necessary to play a part in the largest construction project in the southeast for 50 years.”

Rail Minister, Theresa Villiers, added: “Investing in this Academy further emphasises the government’s commitment to rebalancing our economy and promoting the skills our young people need to help Britain compete in the world.

“This academy’s legacy will be a new generation of specialists able to help deliver important infrastructure projects to support growth here and anywhere across the globe.”

Students attending TUCA will include first time entrants to the industry as well as existing Crossrail contractors. In addition to teaching new skills to the next generation of industry workers,

those already experienced in specific practices and procedures will be able to gain nationally recognised accreditations and NVQs alongside other training programmes. The academy is valued at £13 million and is one of only two dedicated training facilities in Europe, with the other academy based in Switzerland.

Liverpool Street and Whitechapel Located below London Underground’s existing Liverpool Street and Moorgate station, Liverpool Street Station will soon serve London’s major financial centre – the City of London.

Once the project is complete, the station will provide interchanges for Northern, Central, Circle, Metropolitan and Hammersmith & City lines. In addition, there will be connections to Stansted airport and links to National Rail services.

A new ticket hall will be constructed in order to provide stepfree access from street level to Crossrail platforms, whilst a stairway will also be constructed directly beneath an existing escalator adjacent to the Northern Line. As a result of this, a connection will be provided between Crossrail and the Northern Line at Moorgate.

Other improvements include a replacement Communications Equipment Room, a new Powerlink substation and the creation of a number of switch rooms.

Mott Macdonald is the lead design consultant for the project and is responsible for mechanical and electrical systems, enabling, civil and structural works, passenger modelling, spaceproofing and architectural work.

The main construction contract for Liverpool Street Station will be awarded during 2012.

At Whitechapel, the new Crossrail station will be located to the north of the station and will use the existing Whitechapel Road entrance to the underground and overground stations.

In February 2011, the first phase of preparation work took place before construction of the station could begin. This involved ROMA PUBLICATIONS

37

Lo n d o n & S o u th E a s t a six-month operation to extend platforms and simplify the District Line. Additional track works took place on the District and Hammersmith & City lines and a site compound was set up in Durward Street to support the operation.

Following this phase, an 800 square metre protection deck in the Essex Wharf area off Durward Street was constructed. This deck was installed above the London Overground tracks and was constructed using two 130-tonne cranes and 433 tonnes of structural steel. Work was conducted each night during threehour windows when the railway was closed and in total involved over 90,000 man hours. Now that this section is complete, work is underway on the main access shafts at Whitechapel station.

Whitechapel Station Project Manager, John McGrath, said: “I am particularly proud of the efforts of our team during the construction of the new protection deck over the London Overground station platforms. This deck is vital to our programme and has allowed us to start piling and shaft construction at Durward Street on schedule.

“I also want to welcome our new contractors, Carillion, BAM Nuttall Kier Joint Venture and BBMV on board. These contractors bring a wealth of experience to Crossrail and I am confident that they will continue to work to the high standards that we expect.

“The majority of our utility and preparatory work is complete and our efforts are now focused on the construction of a station platform shaft and ventilation and emergency escape shafts around Whitechapel. These shafts are vital in Crossrail’s construction as they allow us to tunnel under the area and build the new Crossrail station safely.”

BAM Nuttall Kier Joint Venture will build the main access shafts, which are to be constructed using concrete and diaphragm walling. This phase will take place on Cambridge Heath Road and Essex Wharf off Durward Street.

Due to space constraints at the Durward Street site, the retaining wall to the rear of the southbound London Overground platform will be demolished in stages. This work will be conducted behind existing hoardings in order to ensure that the work will not disrupt train services.

Whitechapel is positioned along the central section of Crossrail’s route and as such the station is set to become an important interchange point for many commuters. During peak times there will be an increase in the number of trains arriving and leaving the station in order to ease overcrowding. In addition, a new ticket-hall will be created to provide step-free access to Crossrail, London Underground and London Overground.

The majority of Whitechapel Station will be above ground in order to reap the benefits of natural daylight and ventilation.

It will have an environmentally friendly concourse roof so that solar thermal heating and rainwater harvesting operations can be developed in the future. The height of the roof has also been designed to coordinate with surrounding fences and walls to make the appearance more aesthetically pleasing.

Thames Tunnel The Thames Tunnel will be built underneath the River Thames and will significantly improve journey times from south east London to central London. Thames Tunnel will be the only point on the Crossrail route where the route crosses the River Thames.

Built 15 metres below the existing river bed, the tunnel will be 2.6 kilometres long. Portals will be constructed at either end of the tunnel at North Woolwich and Plumstead and the first Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) will be launched in late 2012. Due to the chalk ground conditions in the surrounding area, slurry TBMs will be used on the Thames Tunnel.

Following construction work in 2011 on the Plumstead Portal, the North Woolwich Portal construction will begin in early 2012.

Hochtief Construction AG and J Murphy & Sons Ltd have been awarded the prestigious contract, whilst the two slurry TBMs that will dig Crossrail’s Thames Tunnel are being manufactured

by Herrenknecht AG, who also manufactured the first six TBMs used on the Crossrail project.

38

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

L+A Reinforcements Ltd L+A Reinforcements Ltd is a civil works contractor specialising in piling and diaphragm guide wall works for shaft and basement construction. The company is well known in the industry for its specialist skills and over the past twenty years has worked with all UK based piling contractors and a large number of main contractors and form work contractors.

On Crossrail, L+A Reinforcements Ltd were involved in constructing the guide walls for the majority of its station projects, including Tottenham Court Road, Bond Street, Stepney, Farringdon, Pudding Mill Lane, Royal Oak Limmo shaft and elements of Woolwich. This year brings the commencement of Liverpool St and completion of Bond St and Farringdon.

L+A Reinforcements Ltd Contracts Manager, Stewart Green, said: “We’re a specialist company that concentrates solely on the construction of piling and diaphragm walls and we have a longstanding history of working with all of the key names in the industry.

“We are proud to be associated with such a high profile project as Crossrail and with the current economic climate being the way it is the work on Crossrail is providing a much needed boost to the construction industry.”

Danny Sullivan & Sons Ltd Danny Sullivan & Sons Ltd is a civil engineer supply contractor, supplying the construction industry with skilled and qualified trades and labour. The company has over 30 years of experience in both the private and public sector and work with clients such as Balfour Beatty, Skanska, BAM Nuttall and Fitzpatricks.

Danny Sullivan & Sons Ltd has supplied labour for a number of high-profile projects including the Jubilee Line extension project as well as work at Heathrow Airport. The company is currently involved on the Olympic Park for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

For Crossrail Danny Sullivan & Sons Ltd is supplying skilled civil engineering trades and labour to various sites including Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Royal Oak Portal, Victoria and Paddington.

Danny Sullivan & Sons Ltd Finance Director, Michael Dowling, said: “As a civil engineer supply contractor to the construction industry it is very important to us that we are known as being a reliable and reputable company. We have 30 years experience in the sector and have a team of skilled professionals working for us.

“Our clients know exactly who to ask for when they are after skilled civil engineering trades and labour and will even request specific members of our team.

“We have a continued transparent relationship with our clients and this is something that we’re very proud of.”

Crossrail goes west The Crossrail project includes a planned phase to cover the Western Running Tunnels.

The Western Running Tunnels phase covers Royal Oak to Farringdon west (Drive X) and the length of drive is approximately 6.4 kilometres. It is the first of five drives required to construct the Crossrail tunnelled section and will provide the access point for rail services from the west of the capital.

The first Crossrail Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM) will be launched from Royal Oak in March 2012 and TBMs will pass through the stations at Bond Street, Paddington, Tottenham Court Road and Farringdon east. At its final destination, the cutterheads will be removed from the TBM and the machines will be dismantled.

TBMS will be launched towards east of Farringdon and will pass under Bond Street, Paddington, Tottenham Court Road and Farringdon stations - creating the running tunnels. Following this, the area surrounding the running tunnels will be enlarged.

As the main tunnelling works progress, Spray Concrete Lining (SCL) works will be implemented at Bond Street and Tottenham Court Road. As the TBMs pass Bond Street, a cross-over tunnel will be installed in order to allow this work to be completed.

Material that is excavated by TBM will be diverted through one tunnel to allow for a SCL station at the other. This excavated material will be moved out through Royal Oak Portal and transported by rail to a transfer dock in order to be re-used on further development sites. This new strategy for tunnelling in the western section reduces the amount of material transported through London’s streets by over 85%.

Transport Advisor for the Mayor of London, Kulveer Ranger, said:

“London is a step closer to making this all important railway a reality. With contracts in place we can begin burrowing beneath the city’s streets to forge the line which will make zipping from east to west even quicker and easier for Londoners, commuters and visitors.”

BAM Nuttall Ltd, Ferrovial Agroman (UK) Ltd and Kier Construction are the joint contractors and the phase is due to be completed in the third quarter of 2013.

Temple Group Ltd Temple Group Ltd is an environmental and planning consultancy providing services to a range of clients in the construction industry and the corporate and private sectors.

The company provides technical and strategic expertise includ-

ROMA PUBLICATIONS

39

Lo n d o n & S o u th E a s t ing air quality, noise and vibration monitoring services, carbon calculating and sustainability advice. Temple Group Ltd has been involved in a number of prestigious projects including the Shard, High Speed 2 (HS2), the Thameslink Programme and London Underground’s Cooling the Tube programme.

On the Crossrail Running Tunnels West project Temple Group is providing specialist air quality advice and expertise, monitoring services and stipulating control measures for dust management.

Temple Group Ltd Technical Director, Robert Lockwood, said: “For the Crossrail project we are providing continuous real-time monitoring at all relevant sites which goes beyond the usual dust monitoring requirements.

“We set up on-site triggers so that every time dust levels rise above the recommended levels, we and the contractors’ are noti-

Tottenham Court Road transforms Tottenham Court Road Tube station is currently undergoing an extensive redevelopment programme that will dramatically reduce congestion and provide vital links to Crossrail services.

The £500 million redevelopment of the Tube station will create a huge amount of new underground space, with stunning new entrances, step-free access to all platforms and a direct interchange

40

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

fied enabling the necessary investigation and action to be taken very quickly.”

He added: “If the environmental obligations on a construction site can be managed in a pro-active way it benefits everyone and enhances the reputations of all involved.”

Temple Group focus on developing innovative and value-added services and in doing so they have developed a reputation as a leader in their respective fields. Effective project management and quality procedures mean that they deliver to a high standard, on time and within budget.

Temple Group offers strategic advice and technical expertise, examples of specialist services can be viewed on their website: www.templegroup.co.uk

with Crossrail services when they arrive at the station in 2018.

When Tottenham Court Road station was built over a century ago, it was not designed to cope with the 147,000 people that currently use it every day. As one of the most important stations in the heart of London, the station serves the Central and Northern lines that bisect the city. To combat increasing levels of congestion, an intensive upgrade programme is now underway.

Preparation work began back in 2007, when a three-year programme of utility diversions, strengthening and replacement commenced. This work effectively created the space below Charing Cross Road for the new ticket hall to be constructed and culminated in the strengthening of old cast iron trunk utilities below Oxford Street to protect them from the potential effects of settlement.

ROMA PUBLICATIONS

41

Lo n d o n & S o u th E a s t The main works contract to build the station got underway at the start of 2010. London Underground appointed a joint venture of Taylor Woodrow BAM Nuttall (TWBN) to deliver the works over a seven-year construction programme.

London Underground Programme Manager, Les Hamilton, said: “Anyone who has visited the area recently will recognise that construction of the station is a huge logistical challenge.

“Our site is surrounded on all sides by busy streets, offices, shops and homes, not to mention a Grade II* listed church.

“Space on site is at a premium so co-ordinating the works efficiently is hugely important – our contractor simply has to make the most of every inch of space.”

The site includes the northern end of Charing Cross Road which now diverts around Centre Point. Multiple works have been carried out simultaneously including the construction of the new ticket hall, an entrance from Oxford Street, a new emergency escape shaft, new tunnels to the Central and Northern line and a deep shaft that will link the new ticket hall with Crossrail below Goslett Yard.

Taylor Woodrow BAM Nuttall’s Project Director, Jez Haskins, said: “London Underground’s new ticket hall is a huge double basement excavated within a secant piled box.

“The new ticket hall will be nearly six times bigger than the existing station which will ease congestion once it’s built, but for now the challenge is civil engineering – during 2012 we will excavate around 30,000 cubic metres and pour around 20,000 cubic metres of concrete.

“The engineering challenges posed by the project could hardly be greater. The design required the Northern line platform tunnels to be reshaped during an 8 month platform closure in 2011.We had to create space between the tunnels to install new lifts and staircases to platform level.”

Jez Haskins added: “Over the 8 months our tunnel gangs removed around 800

tonnes of old cast iron segments and installed around 1000 tonnes of new steel props. This was all done in the narrow worksite down the length of the platforms in very difficult conditions.

“All materials and plant were lowered down to platform via a 4.5 metre diameter shaft that will ultimately be fitted out for passengers to access services step-free – and vitally for London Underground we handed back on time as planned.”

While the majority of the Tottenham Court Road improvement scheme focuses on providing better facilities for passengers, external areas will also be transformed as part of the project.

London Underground’s project team, including architects Gillespies, have been working with Camden and Westminster councils to develop a brand new urban environment. This centres on a large new piazza which includes glass station entrances at the foot of Centre Point.

Reinstating the urban realm in this way will help improve pedestrian routes to Soho, Covent Garden, Fitzrovia, Bloomsbury and of course, Europe’s busiest shopping street – Oxford Street.

Capital Programmes Director, David Waboso, said:

Lo n d o n & S o u th E a s t “The upgrade of Tottenham Court Road station is underway. The station is currently operating with heavy congestion, which is why it is essential to upgrade the station. The new ticket hall will be 6 times that of the current ticket hall and the station will also have step-free access along with new lifts.

“While the entire Crossrail project will be the biggest construction project in Europe, no-one should underestimate the scale and extent of the work that will take place at Tottenham Court Road. This will be one of the biggest station redevelopment projects ever undertaken in central London.

“By 2018, Tottenham Court Road station will be one of the most important stations in the West End, serving both London Underground and Crossrail. The expanded tube station will be integrated with the new Crossrail station to form a major interchange.”

Rentavent Rentavent specialise in providing temporary air quality control solutions for the construction industry in order to reduce noise and dust pollution. One of the company’s most commonly used products is the Soundex Acoustic Curtain, a lightweight curtain that can be hung from either temporary fencing panels or scaffolding.

The Soundex Acoustic Curtain mainly absorbs noise to confine and contain the sound emitted from a site or from machinery.

What makes the Soundex Acoustic Curtain so unique is its Velcro connection which provides a simple to install, consistent and efficient sound barrier.

On the Tottenham Court Road project, Rentavent is providing Soundex Acoustic Curtains for use on temporary fencing around the main work areas and localised barriers close to noise sources. The curtains will assist in protecting the general public from site noise.

Rentavent also offers Quick Erect Acoustic Enclosures which are ideal for creating temporary enclosures in particularly sensitive areas. The enclosures can be erected by two people within 10 minutes and are easily transportable.

Rentavent’s Marketing Manager said: “At Rentavent, we specialise in our ability to develop innovative new products, and we always aim to find the correct solutions to meet our clients’ needs.”

SIG Construction Accessories SIG Construction Accessories is a market leading UK wide specialist distributor of products designed for use within the construction, civil engineering and infrastructure industries. These products include waterproofing, concrete accessories, formwork products, concrete repair and industrial flooring coatings. In addition, the company distributes grouts and anchors, geotechnical products, masonry support, brickwork accessories and sealants.

With 15 branches strategically located across the UK its network offers a massive choice of stock, combined with flexible delivery, first class service and expert product advice. SIG Construction Accessories works with many national contractors and sub contractors, including Laing O’Rourke, BAM Group, Morgan Sindall, Kier, Vinci, Costain, Balfour Beatty and Carillion, amongst others.

SIG Construction Accessories National Account Manager, Wayne Brown, said: “At SIG Construction Accessories we have products that can be used during each stage of a project and with experienced and knowledgeable teams on hand at all of our branches, we can

44

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

provide our clients with a range of solutions to meet their needs.

We have a vast range of products available within our portfolio, with core items available for next day delivery.

“We are heavily involved with Crossrail and have set up a dedicated Crossrail Project Team to enable complete support in all areas, from providing tenders and value engineering identification to ensuring all deliveries are correct and on time. We are proud to supply Tottenham Court Road Station with specialist construction accessories products and expert advice.”

VJ Technology Established in 1991 VJ Technology specialise in the manufacture and distribution of top quality fixings, hand and power tools and related consumables for the construction industry. VJ Technology has offices in Ashford in Kent, Bristol and Southampton and has a portfolio of over 2,000 customers with clients including BAM Nuttall, Kier Group, Laing O’Rourke, Balfour Beatty, Morgan Sindall and the Costain Group.

At Tottenham Court Road, VJ Technology is providing fixings, tools and consumables to BAM Nuttall, Ferroival and Kier for use on the project. A technical key account manager has been appointed to oversee the project and includes regular visits to the site to keep track of progress. Deliveries are made daily using their own fleet of drivers. VJ Technology is also providing fixings and consumables for a number of additional Crossrail projects and has a dedicated team in place to work specifically on Crossrail with key functions in place for technical assistance, purchasing, internal sales coordination and lab testing.

VJ Technology Managing Director, Dr Pietro Grandesso, said: “We would like to thank all of our clients for choosing us as their preferred supplier of construction fixings and tools. At VJ Technology we always strive to deliver the correct products at the correct time and with the correct technical support. We look forward to working with our clients for the duration of the project and we hope we can support them on new projects in the future.”

Bond Street Tube station gets redeveloped Hailed as a major milestone in London Underground’s station upgrade programme, Bond Street Tube station is just one of the stations to undergo a significant redevelopment.

The £300 million station upgrade will help to alleviate the congestion created by the significant rise in the number of passengers that use the station.

Bond Street Tube station provides transportation for tourists, local residents and workers employed in the surrounding area, serving approximately 155,000 passengers daily. With demand expected to increase to 225,000 passengers with the advent of Crossrail, an urgent need to increase the capacity was identified.

Works will include the construction of a new Tube station entrance on Marylebone Lane, on the north side of Oxford Street.

In addition, there will be a new ticket hall, new escalators to serve the Jubiler line and the creation of an additional access route.

Further facilities will include new lifts to provide step-free access from street to platform and an improved interchange between the Central and Jubilee lines.

Capital Programmes Director for London Underground, David Waboso, said: “By 2017, Bond Street station will be served by both London Underground and Crossrail and will be a key gateway to the West End. This redevelopment is essential to ensure that the station can accommodate the large increase in passengers that will use this station.

“The £300 million redevelopment of the tube station - coupled

46

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

with the new Crossrail station - will transform the Bond Street area and act as a catalyst for further investments, securing the West End’s position as a premier shopping and entertainment destination and major employment centre.

“Work is underway to increase the station’s capacity by creating a new entrance and ticket hall on the north side of Oxford Street and installing additional escalators and passageways below ground. In addition, the station will be made accessible with step free access from the street to all platform and interchanges.”

Kulveer Ranger, Transport Adviser to the Mayor of London, added: “This station emphasises the need for progress to be maintained on both upgrading the Tube and building Crossrail. Our focus at all times will be on delivering the infrastructure London needs at the best possible value for tax and fare payers.

“London is the heartbeat of the UK and upgrades like this are vital to long-term job creation and economic growth around the whole of the country.”

Before excavation works for the new ticket hall could begin, archaeological investigations were carried out at the Davies Street site in order to record any evidence of historic occupation.

Archaeologists subsequently discovered that the now-demolished 65 Davies Street lay above the historic bed of the River Tyburn. There is also some evidence to suggest that the region was a settlement area from the Roman to the medieval periods.

In November 2010 London Underground purchased 354-358 Oxford Street, which has been demolished to provide a site for tunnelling new passageways and constructing a new station

entrance. The demolition of this building to ground floor was completed before Easter 2011 to create a new worksite for the construction of new tunnels and passageways for the expanded station. As the building sits on the busy Oxford Street, a gradual and controlled demolition occurred in order to ensure minimal disruption for the local residents.

Works have presented a number of challenges, particularly as the water mains are encased in concrete. As result, it has been necessary to use hydro-demolition, which is when a jet of water at high pressure is used to carefully cut away concrete without causing damage to the water main.

Oxford Street will be close to eastbound traffic road users during the works, resulting in the diversion of traffic from a section of Oxford Street located between Duke Street and Vere Street.

London Underground has also worked closely with business and retailers in order to minimise disruptions in this high-profile area.

Chief Executive of New West End Company, Richard Dickinson, said: “Transport for London (TfL) has worked closely with us on the closure plans which will of course cause a certain amount of disruption, but we’re focussed on the long-term benefits it will bring to West End retailers and shoppers.

“A large majority of our shoppers rely on Bond Street station and without this upgrade and vital Crossrail link businesses would suffer from a tube station that is unable to cope with the huge increase in passenger numbers.”

In 2010, TfL awarded the £130 million joint venture construction ROMA PUBLICATIONS

47

Lo n d o n & S o u th E a s t contract for the redevelopment of Bond Street to Costain and Laing O’Rourke.

Chief Executive for Costain, Andrew Wyllie, said: “We were delighted when we were awarded the contract in the heart of central London, as it builds on two recent contracts with Crossrail and again demonstrates our skills and capabilities in this area.”

VVB Engineering VVB Engineering has provided mechanical and electrical services and systems to enable tunnelling drives and excavations for the installation of the station’s new passageways, lifts and escalators.

In addition, VVB has provided mitigation designs and carried out associated work for areas where the tunnelling work interfaces with the operational station. A staged migration process was established to enable inherent systems to be relocated prior to the completion of the tunnelling breakthroughs.

The main objective was to preserve the operational status of the station, ensuring that disruption to passengers is kept to a minimum and the current freedom of passage is maintained.

VVB are responsible for approximately £17 million of the overall budget, split into tunnelling and enabling works.

In order to realise the successful delivery of the project, key dates had to be met early in the scheme in order to combine services, civil and architectural activities and ensure that the

timescales facilitated the completion of the works by 2017.

A workforce of approximately 50 staff has been involved over the lifecycle of the project. The work has been managed and undertaken with full compliance with London Underground standards and specifications in accordance with the strict assurance requirements of a Sub-Surface (Section 12) Underground Station.

In order to successfully complete migration and alterations to the existing infrastructure, a ‘Lift and Shift’ plan was implemented. This interfaces with London Underground, stakeholders and their asset maintainers to ensure that the current station ambiance and operational status is sustained throughout the duration of the project.

VVB have also worked closely with Costain Laing O’Rourke as the MEP contractor in delivering the Farringdon Station Thameslink Project. Farringdon station is a London Underground and National Rail station in Clerkenwell, just north of the City of London in the London Borough of Islington.

The project has involved the redevelopment of the existing heritage station in order to accommodate longer Thameslink trains, along with a range of important improvements.

VVB provide complete project solutions ranging from mitigation to design, construction, installation, commissioning and maintenance of all mechanical and electrical systems. The company currently employs approximately 300 staff and undertake around £50 million worth of work each year.

Paddington Station project is on track for success The construction of a new Crossrail station at Paddington Station will vastly update existing services and provide both daily commuters and international passengers arriving from Heathrow Airport with a state-of-the-art transport experience.

The existing Paddington Station is a central London railway terminus and London Underground station complex served by four underground lines – Bakerloo, District and Circle, Hammersmith & City and Departures Road south – whilst the northern perimeter is bounded by the Grand Union Canal.

Opened in 1854, the station was first served by underground trains in 1863 and was the original western terminus of the Metropolitan Railway, the world’s first underground railway. As the existing station is a Grade I listed building, Crossrail is forbidden from altering any part of the listed structure without prior permission from English Heritage.

Work on the new Crossrail station began in October 2011 and will comprise the construction of an underground box directly under Departures Road and Eastbourne Terrace. In total, the box will measure 260 metres long, 25 metres wide and 23 metres deep.

The main concourses will be located between the two entrances and their gatelines, whilst two banks of escalators will lead to platform-level. Lifts will also be provided from ground to concourse and concourse to platform level.

There is a single island platform at track level for eastbound and westbound trains, separated at each end by the evacuation and ventilation cores. Each of the cores has incorporated a pair of staircases, intervention lifts, tunnel draught relief and three sets of tunnel ventilation fans, whilst Automatic Screen Doors (PEDs) extend the length of the 200-metre long platforms.

A glass canopy has replaced the existing Grade I listed canopy and protects the concourse area from the sunlight.

48

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

It has been estimated that construction will generate 160,000 cubic metres of concrete and 15,000 tonnes of reinforcement.

In order to enable the excavation of the 260-metre long station box, Westminster Council has agreed to a full closure of Eastbourne Terrace for two years.

The full closure of the road commenced on 12th February 2012 and will continue until 2014. Closing Eastbourne Terrace will allow for the establishment of a larger worksite and a two-year reduction in the time taken to construct the station whilst alleviating the overall impact on commuters, businesses and residents.

Whilst construction takes place, all traffic – including buses and taxis – will be diverted to alternative routes. In addition, Transport for London will closely monitor the situation in order to assess the impact, aid traffic flow and limit disruption to the surrounding area.

The existing taxi rank on Departures Road will also be permanently closed and taxis will be relocated to a newly constructed facility to the north of the mainline station. Passengers will be able to access the station from the taxi deck via lifts and escalators.

The new Crossrail station at Paddington Station is scheduled for completion in 2017.

ROMA PUBLICATIONS

49

Lo n d o n & S o u th E a s t Ardent Services Ltd Formed in 1998, Ardent Services Ltd specialises in fire protection and general builders work services for rail and infrastructure sectors.

Ardent Services Ltd is UKAS 3rd party accredited by FIRAS alongside their PROMAT licensee and Approved Installer status for Fire Protection. The company are also LINKUP Audited annually for Builders Work activities.

Ardent Services Ltd’s Fire Protection expertise include diaphragm and tunnel walls, hoardings, ceilings & partitions, duct work, glazing, steelwork protection & Durasteel systems. The company also have in-house trades to carry out minor builders’ packages that invariably arise as part of their works.

With an extensive background in construction projects for rail services Ardent Services Ltd has completed over 150 rail projects including Blackfriars and Kings Cross for Network Rail and Elephant & Castle and Warren Street for London Underground. Projects range from 100k to 2m.

On the Crossrail Paddington (C272) project Ardent Services have been involved during the early stages of the project engaging with Mott MacDonald’s & Weston Williamson through the design process to the construction phase sub-contracted with Carillion. With Blackfriars nearing completion for Ardent Services, they are also deployed at Tottenham Court Road and Farringdon Phase One. Ardent Services Ltd Operations Director, Jonathan Davey, said: “Working on a Crossrail project health and safety is of paramount importance and we are committed to meeting all of the requirements as set out by Crossrail. Their commitment along with Carillion to the Fair Payment Charter ensures we have the capital

A new cardiac centre for Luton & Dunstable Hospital Improved recovery facilities and a significant upgrade of services has proved to be just what the doctor ordered, as work on the new cardiac centre at Luton & Dunstable Hospital nears completion.

The £4 million project will see the refurbishment of the existing building in order to create a fully functional cardiac catheterisation laboratory, two clinical rooms, a six-bed recovery ward and three single-bed recovery rooms.

Main contractor for the project is Medicinq Osborne and the architect is P+HS Architects. The mechanical and electrical consultant is Couch & Perry Wilkes LLP and the structural consultant is AKS Ward.

Works began on site in August 2011, when a number of internal structural walls were demolished in order to create space for the new catheterisation laboratory. Following this, replacement walls were erected from steel, brick and block work in order to shape the layout of the new facility. Because the catheterisation laboratory is a working procedure room, the next stage comprised the installation of mechanical and electrical services to connect important ventilation equipment.

Additional work will include the installation of vinyl flooring and the complete fit-out of the building, along with a new reception desk, medical grade cupboards, storage facilities and desks for nurses.

50

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

to invest in health and safety from the start of these demanding and complex projects.

“We are working with our suppliers to ensure the creation of local jobs and adherence to the principles of the Cross Rail Skills pledge and CBH scheme.

“As a consequence of a Crossrail initiative all our delivery vehicles have been upgraded to increase protection to cyclists and vulnerable road users.

“At Ardent Services our ethos is quite simply in our company name.”

Although external work has been kept to a minimum, a flat roof will be constructed to cover the courtyard.

Luton & Dunstable NHS Trust Capital Projects Manager, Ian Manning, said: “It is great to see this project coming together and once it is complete, the services it provides will be very beneficial to the patients at Luton & Dunstable Hospital. Rather than having to travel to Harefield, Bedford or other hospitals in the region, residents will be treated locally – making the recovery process much easier for both patients and their families.

“Although we are slightly behind schedule as a result of working in an old building, work onsite is progressing well. One of the challenges of working with a building that was built over 70 years ago is that we unfortunately uncover problems as we go along, and these issues have to be addressed before we can progress

further. However, I am confident that we will make this time up in other areas and successfully meet our target date.

“We are looking to achieve BREEAM ‘Good’ standard and are subsequently looking at ways in which we can minimise the environmental impact of the project. So far this has included the use of LED lighting in order to reduce energy consumption.

“This work is important for us and it is vital to the development of the hospital. However, this project has been designed to improve the lives of our patients, and this has been our main concern throughout.”

Luton & Dunstable Hospital has remained fully operational during the redevelopment scheme and continues to provide 24/7 care for patients.

The new cardiac centre is scheduled for completion in May 2012.

New station will span the Thames An exciting project that will deliver the brand new Blackfriars National Rail Station in London is almost complete. Built to replace an older facility, the station will house the first railway to span the Thames and will greatly improve train services in the region.

Main contractor Balfour Beatty was awarded the contract to deliver the Blackfriars Station and Bridge Reconstruction Scheme, which is part of the £5.5 million government-funded Thameslink investment managed by Network Rail. Architects for the project are Jacobs & Tony Gee. Headed by Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering Major Projects Division as part of an integrated Balfour Beatty Team, the project

is due to be completed in May 2012.

The contract was split into two distinct phases. Stage One commenced in October 2008 and comprised the setting of an agreed target cost and timelines for the completion of the Stage Two major works. In addition, the phase covered a wide range of advanced works at and around the existing National Rail and underground stations and a railway bridge across the River Thames.

Stage Two began in 2009 and will deliver a new station with the capacity for twelve car trains, which will in turn provide increased opportunities for more trains to stop at the station every hour.

Ultimately the project will result in three new stations: the North Station, the South Station and the Blackfriars Underground Station.

ROMA PUBLICATIONS

51

Lo n d o n & S o u th E a s t North Station features a new common entrance hall that will provide superior connections to the Tube. It is a curved glazed structure with a curved roof upon which 4,000 PV panels are mounted.

The station also incorporates a ticket office, new platforms and escalators to the underground station.

South Station is the first station to be built on the South Bank for 120 years and will facilitate improved access to the Tate Modern and the surrounding area. Smaller in size than the North Station, it is nonetheless an architecturally impressive building that features a glazed concourse and a concrete structure that supports the tracks above. The station incorporates a ticket office and access to the four platforms and part of the station opened in December 2011.

The redevelopment of the Blackfriars Underground Station is now virtually complete. Works involved the construction of a steel shield structure over the track in order to enable the demolition of the station above, which has subsequently been completely rebuilt to modern standards and now includes a ticket office and escalators down to the platforms.

The west side of the Blackfriars bridge has been strengthened and widened by approximately six metres. Three new rows of rib arches support a new bridge deck and two new terminating ‘bay’ platforms above, creating four platforms in all. Engineers built the bridge out to the west over one row of the remaining redundant piers from the former rail bridge and these new bay platforms will open in the spring of 2012.

The demolition works were particularly challenging due to the fact that the station is located on a very tight site between two buildings. However, all challenges have been overcome with minimum impact.

Materials required for the overall project have been transported by barges on the River Thames in order to avoid road congestion.

In total, it is estimated that around 14,000 tonnes of material was

required in order to build the station’s new bridge, platforms and the roof spanning the river.

Blackfriars Station first opened in 1886 as St Paul’s. Four years later, a new underground station was opened and the station was renamed Blackfriars by Southern Railway in 1937.The entire station was modernised in the 1970s,with the exception of a destination wall that was preserved at the mainline station platform.

Blackfriars is now visited by more than 44,000 passengers a day and serves as a main terminus between Kent and South London.

ICL Solutions For the past 11 years ICL Solutions has been a specialist provider of electronic protection systems for the construction industry.

Services include access control, biometrics, payroll systems and CCTV for use on sites and premises in order to restrict access and provide security. Previous clients include Balfour Beatty, the Costain Group, Carillion, Morgan Sindall, Fitzpatrick and Skanska.

On the Blackfriars Station project ICL Solutions installed a full electronic protection system which included CCTV cameras, access control with biometric payroll, turnstiles and specialist portable clocking-in systems. ICL Solutions is also involved in installing protection systems across a number of other stations including Bond Street and Farringdon.

ICL Solutions Managing Director, Darren Elvin, said: “At ICL Solutions we have a well established track record of providing cost effective security solutions for the construction industry. We design, supply, install and maintain electronic systems that provide a wide range of solutions.

“Unlike the competition we don’t have salesman, we know how to make it all work together and the delivery of our service along with a great client relationship is right at the top of our agenda.”

Neasden Depot Upgrade remains on track An extensive programme of upgrade works at London Underground’s busy Neasden Depot continues to remain on schedule.

The Neasden Depot Upgrade project is a five-year programme of works that will upgrade and improve services at the North West London facility. Once the programme is completed, the improved depot will fully accommodate the new generation ‘S’ stock trains that are currently in use on parts of the London Underground.

This will include almost all of the S7 and S8 rolling stock trains, alongside any existing C and D stock trains that are still in use.

The upgrade project is just one of the many renewal programmes that are being implemented by Transport for London (TfL) in order to meet the capital’s growing transport requirements.

Overall improvements to the depot include the construction of a new train maintenance shed with upgraded lifting equipment, the construction of three overtrack cable crossing bridges and the relocation of a training centre to the northern end of the site.

The depot will also benefit from improved wheel inspection and repair facilities and additional berthing capacity. During the upgrade operation, the depot’s entire DC traction system will also receive an overhaul and an existing maintenance shed will be demolished.

In 2009 BAM Nuttall signed a £51.5 million contract to deliver the project through six phases, with the first phase largely focused on improving access to the site. As the original layout of the depot dates back to the 1930s, access to the site is incapable of coping with the requirements of a lengthy upgrade operation. In order to combat this problem, a heavy duty tarmac road was constructed to facilitate the transport of construction materials to and from the site.

52

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

Another challenge for main contractor BAM Nuttall is the ongoing predicament of keeping the site fully operational whilst complex engineering works are underway. Neasden Depot has remained open throughout the course of the upgrade works, therefore night work is being carried out in order to keep work on programme.

In order to accommodate the nocturnal working hours, temporary living quarters have been installed onsite to offer much needed rest facilities for site staff. A pair of ArcGen Hilta 200kVA Denyo generators have been installed at the depot to provide up to 16 hours of continuous energy for the staff quarters. These particular generators have been chosen because they are cost effect and can reduce fuel consumption by 25%.

Neasden Depot is the largest depot on the London Underground and is responsible for servicing, maintaining and storing all of the train stock on the Metropolitan Line. The Neasden Depot Upgrade project is due to be completed in 2015.

REHAU Ltd Established in 1948, REHAU is a global polymer manufacturer and supplies products to the construction, automotive and industrial sectors. What sets REHAU apart from other suppliers is their ability to utilise polymer in ways that derive real benefits for their customers.

On the Neasden Depot Upgrade project, REHAU Ltd partnered with main contractor BAM Nuttall to supply a variety of polymer products as an alternative solution to the traditional ceramic and timber materials.

The products supplied were REHAU’s Patented GRP Height adjustable insulators PVC Guard boarding. Both products offer an

innovative solution to the railway sector as they ensure reduced installation time, ease ongoing maintenance and offer a life costbenefit.

REHAU Ltd Marketing Coordinator, Anthonia Ifeanyi-Okoro, said: “At REHAU Ltd our company strap-line is ‘challenge us today’ and that’s exactly what we ask our customers to do.

“Our work in the industrial solutions division means that we are

able to develop products that provide our customers with unique solutions to meet their requirements and we are always looking for the next challenge.”

REHAU invites you to discuss specific new and existing product development opportunities and trade extrusion requirements.

For further information, contact REHAU’s product development team on: 01989 762655 or visit the website at: www.rehau.co.uk

ROMA PUBLICATIONS

53

Lo n d o n & S o u th E a s t

Cameron Black Googles it Fit out and refurbishment specialist Cameron Black has completed a prestigious 40,000 sq ft high end fit out for the Google Engineers HQ at Belgrave House, Buckingham Palace Road, London.

As the second largest engineering office in Europe (after Google Zurich), Google’s UK office in London is a busy mix of technical Googlers, direct advertising sales and a variety of other essential business and administrative functions.

Google Search is now the most-used search engine on the World Wide Web, receiving several hundred million queries each day through its various services. Developed in 1997 by Larry Page and Sergery Brin, Google Search provides over twentytwo special features beyond the word-search capability. These include maps, film show times, time zones, weather forecasts and synonyms.

In order for the new Google HQ to reflect the exciting progress being made, Cameron Black was contracted to transform the office development.

Duncan Taylor, Cameron Black, explained: “We’ve been involved with Google for a number of years now and this is by far the most exciting project that we have undertaken for them to date.

“The space was fully fitted out so we stripped it back to open plan, reconfigured all of the services to match the new layout

54

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

and installed the new partitions and ceilings. Following this, we installed the flight pods, VC booths, meeting rooms, state-ofthe-art Tech Talk, flooring and signage.

“Regarded as one of the funkiest workspaces in London, this is one of the most high profile projects that our company has been involved with. Although we were faced with the normal pressures of high specification, fast-paced fit out, for Cameron Black it has been one of the most enjoyable projects that we have had the opportunity to work on. This was largely due to the team effort from everyone involved, including the client, architect and consultants.”

Architects for the project, PENSON Group, produced a unique design that incorporates high-tech features and the creative flair that has made Google so successful. The space works around the Googlers and not the other way around.

Along with a range of collaboration and working spaces, the development comprises an exciting mixture of spaces, gaming rooms, music studios and flight pods. In addition, there are lounges and kitchens, along with a park, coffee lab and an amazing auditorium labelled ‘Tech Talk’.

One of the most exciting features is the installation of flight pods, which PENSON Group invented especially for Google.

These pods look amazing and solve a number of programme, landlord and technical problems by allowing for supersonic fit

56

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

ROMA PUBLICATIONS

57

Lo n d o n & S o u th E a s t

out speeds. They also appease acoustic issues and provide semi-private seating opportunities, providing an exciting alternative to meeting rooms.

Corridors are nonexistent due to the shrewd maximisation of the existing footprint. In order to stop the areas from becoming blocked off, large isles of walkways feature interconnecting lines that create a joined-up approach, in the process breaking up the floors whilst keeping the space open.

Most of the walls across the space are magnetic white board laminated and allow scribbles across the entire floor. In addition, all of the desks are fully height adjustable and screens are framed with self-illuminating Perspex.

Another interesting feature is The Coffee Lab, which is made from compressed sheets of spent fresh coffee shavings and overlooks the internal park. Also included in the space is the Android studio, which is responsible for all Android developments. The space has electrically adjustable studio tables for working whilst standing or collaborating at low level, whilst magnetic walls feature throughout in order to allow for the pinup presentations of software or new patents currently under development.

Other schemes that have been considered include acoustics, day-lighting, zoning and socialising.

Lee Penson, PENSON Group, said: “This was a high profile, high class and quirky interior fit out and design to a budget within normal high class perimeters.

“This project for Google underlines our position within the media and office sectors, not only exposing our supersonic design flair, but also our delivery capabilities. Handing over 300,000 sq ft for Google in less than a year from start to finish to this level is no mean feat and as the remainder of the Google programme is released, the underline will simply get thicker. This is a good looking, functional, commercially and forward thinking project.”

Henrique Penha, Google, added: “Working with the team

at PENSON was a pleasure; they truly understood the functional and aesthetic attributes we were after when redesigning Google’s new engineering offices in London. Together, we pushed the ambition of the project into every phase, giving the Engineering teams in London a place to incubate and execute on numerous Google projects and products.”

In addition, Scott Brownrigg Interior Design has now completed two floors at 123 Buckingham Palace Road, in the process creating a combined 77,500 sq ft of innovative, inspiring office space for over 60 Google staff.

Phase One of the project comprised the creation of a dynamic and collaborative work environment on Level Three. Like many other Google offices worldwide, the office has a strong local theme. Joe Borrett and Jane Preston from Google, working with the Scott Brownrigg Interior Design Team, chose a theme of London-Brighton.

Many iconic elements are incorporated into the office design.

For example, the meeting rooms are brightly coloured timber beach huts and giant colourful dice accommodate individual conference booths. In addition, original dodgem cars and traditional red telephone booths are all work spaces that are available to both staff and visitors.

Open plan workstations for all staff are mixed with a few offices, meeting rooms, open break out seating areas and support spaces for printing and IT technical support. In order to accommodate for the health and welfare of Google staff, the development also includes a fully fitted gym and shower facility, massage and spa treatment centre, and an Asian Fusion/Sushi restaurant that is free for all staff.

Ken Giannini, Interior Design Director of Scott Brownrigg, said: “It is little wonder that Google is one of the most desirable places to work in the UK. We have enjoyed every minute of this exciting project. All of the Google staff are up for innovation, brilliant ideas and they like to be challenged. We also recognise

that Google is a serious business and demands efficiency, value and solutions that can support their business practices. This project has it all – a fun working environment that also incorporates lots of practical solutions.”

Joe Borrett, Head of Real Estate and Construction for Google, added: “The office was designed and delivered in a very fast timescale (four months) and the team of consultants and the contractor pulled out all the stops to get it done. It was an impressive effort.”

Jane Preston, UK Facilities Manager at Google, said: “The first impressions by visitors and our staff has been very positive.

The project fits well with our real estate and HR strategy and will definitely help support our growth plans. We see the work environment as a major recruitment factor for us to compete for the best talent and this new office certainly does that.”

Phase Two of the project continued with the London-Brighton theme, but aimed to offer a more sophisticated design twist.

The development contains both open plan and cellular spaces, along with significant support and welfare space for over 300 staff. A variety of work settings have been created, including a 70-person events space, a mixture of meeting rooms to accommodate 12-16 people, individual video conferencing booths and various huddle areas.

Upon entering Level One, visitors are greeted by a 3D Union Jack wall, which on closer inspection is composed of layers of postcards and overlapping transparencies. The adjacent entrance houses 120 scooter mirrors, which splay out from a central scooter parked on Brighton beach and catch the reflections of people passing by.

Punch and Judy themed meeting rooms have been stripped of their classic design to create a modern offering of glazed interlayer panels and graphics. In addition, the graphic of a swarm of starlings has been used on the office glazing throughout. All of these elements create a dynamic sense of movement, making

the space a more interesting place to work.

The Pavilion Cafe is adjacent to the main entrance and is a nod to the Mods and Rockers era, albeit with a decidedly modern attitude. The light enters via two black glass clad portals and reflects against the dark, shiny surfaces. Interestingly, reclaimed flooring has been used under the seating area. Lightly sanded, the flooring gives the space a truly authentic look and a feel that is similar to walking on Brighton Pier.

Level One has also incorporated a fully operational kitchen, two micro-kitchens and a supporting cafe to seat 120 people.

In addition, a Yoga/Pilates studio is available and has the ability to separate into two individual rooms for maximum flexibility.

The ‘Creative Lab’ department worked closely with Scott Brownrigg Interior Design to inform their unique space. In order to create a college reel, raw concrete wallpaper has been used and wrapped around the core and a large bespoke collaborative desk with edge lit acrylic has been installed.

Sarah Simmonds, Senior Designer from Scott Brownrigg, said: “The design has evolved from Level Three in the sense that we wanted to create a dynamic environment, but in a less obvious way. We made a conscious decision to not use the brand colours, but similar to Google, who are a layered organisation, look closely and you will discover more than what is on the surface.”

(SUB) Admiral Network Infrastructure (END SUB) Admiral Network Infrastructure is part of the Admiral Group of Companies established in 1996. Admiral Network Infrastructure specialises in delivering data and fibre optic cabling, wireless networks, and fully resilient network infrastructure systems.

Based in Milton Keynes the company employs 165 staff and works with a number of high profile companies including Google and Georgian hotels, as well as local councils. With an experienced team in place, Admiral Network Infrastructure can install cables from one network point in an existing office through to the networking requirements of a 12 storey building.

ROMA PUBLICATIONS

59

Lo n d o n & S o u th E a s t Describing the difficulty that arose, Adam said: “A week prior to the opening day, an air conditioning unit flooded, this damaged a quarter of the cables that we had previously installed.

“It was a race against the clock to terminate and remove the old cables and then reinstall 450 new cables. This is usually a three week operation, so we were pleased to complete this task within 5 days.”

In order to achieve this operation Admiral Network Infrastructure worked closely with the electrical contractors and a number of additional on-site teams to turn the situation around.

Admiral Network Infrastructure is currently working on a number of projects including Google Innovation; Google Rome; Basec in Milton Keynes; and various projects for Milton Keynes Council. It is also in talks with Yahoo Paris, following a referral from Google.

Admiral Network Infrastructure Marketing Manager Krishna Chauhan said: “Admiral Network Infrastructure specialises in managing and delivering all manner of builds; from single site installations to comprehensive multi- site projects. This includes all elements of design, technical, engineering, procurement, site management and project co-ordination” “The Admiral Group of Companies provides a range of services including; Network Cabling, IT Services & Support, Telephony and Audio Visual & Conferencing. Whether you want to upgrade your systems, expand your business or you’re moving offices, Admiral offers a broad range of integrated technology solutions.”

She added: “Working directly with Google was fantastic, as Adam mentioned, projects like this really help to raise the profile of the Admiral Group and highlight our expertise and our excellent customer service.

“We are a medium size company with a head office in Luton and offices in London, Milton Keynes and Leeds, we offer our customers the resources of a major national group delivered through local points of contact.

“Our main aim is to offer a reliable service that delivers on time to meet the clients’ requirements.”

James Johnson & Company Ltd Admiral Network Infrastructure’s Director Adam Sullivan said: “A lot of the work at Admiral Network Infrastructure tends to come from referrals from existing clients. Clients often recommend us to other companies that they are affiliated with, our new clients appreciate the recommendation and our knowledge. They can trust the Admiral Group to complete the job to their requirements and to a high standard.

“There’s no job too small and even some of our smaller-scale jobs evolve into larger contracts.”

He added: “Admiral Network Infrastructure falls under the umbrella of the Admiral Group who specialise in integrated technology communications. When we install cables on one project, it can often lead to enquiries for other products and services at the Admiral Group.”

On the Google Office fit-out project, Admiral Network Infrastructure conducted design work alongside Google project manager Simon Hall. This involved deciding the best course of action for cabling the office from the communications room to 1400 locations. The project also involved installing low smoke cables throughout the site; setting up switches and completing patching work. Admiral Network Infrastructure also installed fibre links and copper link cables between the floors and a modular panel to the modular outlet.

Admiral Network Infrastructure was one of the few companies on the site that worked directly for Google. Admiral began and completed the project in less than 2 ½ months, with 4 – 8 members of staff working at any one time. At the peak of the operation 10 men worked on the site.

The operation ran smoothly for most of the project’s duration, however the team did encounter one setback.

60

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

James Johnson & Co. was established in 1991 and has achieved recognition as one of the leading specialists in bespoke joinery.

The company provides blue chip clients, architects and interior designers with products of exceptional quality and reliability.

For the Google Office project, James Johnson & Company Ltd manufactured and installed meeting rooms, feature A/V walls, desks & ceilings, flight pods, magnetic writing walls, coffee lab, micro kitchen, games room and back-lit circulation node paneled lobbies.

Company Managing Director, Mike Craven, said: “At James Johnson & Company Ltd, we are experienced in dealing with fast-track fit-outs and we offer a quality of service that is second to none.”

Bringing a new Ibis Hotel to Hammersmith A £5.2 million project will bring a brand new Ibis Hotel to the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham.

Ibis Hotel Shepherd’s Bush is a 128-bed hotel under development on the site of Atlantic House, a former four-storey office and retail block in West London. The new hotel is located close to the Westfield shopping centre and will benefit from easy access to bus, Tube and London Overground services.

Work began in September 2010 and has so far included a number of demolition and construction operations to reshape the external layout of the building. The fourth floor was previously home to the building’s caretaker and has now been completely demolished and reconstructed, whilst both the north and south wings of the structure have been extended.

At the southern end of the building, four retail units have been removed in order to allow for the formation of a new lobby and reception area, whilst at the northern wing of the building new columns have been installed to take the weight off the extension.

As many of the original features are now considered dated, a rainscreen cladding facade will be vertically laid on the exterior of the building to make the structure more visually pleasing.

The project will also include the creation of a first floor access point to an NCP car park at the rear of the hotel.

The remainder of the work on the building includes the fit-out of the hotel to meet the standard Ibis Hotel specifications. In

addition, a significant effort is being made to ensure that the building achieves a BREEAM rating of ‘Very Good’.

John Cobb of Land Securities is the project manager on the development of the new Ibis Hotel, whilst the main contractor is Mclaren Construction and the architect is Leach Rhodes Walker. The mechanical & electrical consultant is Design and Management Services Limited and the structural consultant is JUBB Consulting Engineers Ltd. Land Securities Project Manager, John Cobb, said: “For us the main area of concern is our close proximity to the general public. As we are working in a busy and populated area, all efforts are being made to ensure that the work we are conducting is safe for both us and the people that pass through this area on a daily basis.

“As this is a residential area, we are unable to conduct any night work and we are therefore working to a tight schedule. However, I am pleased to report that everything is on programme and we have not encountered any major problems.

“Now that the demolition works are out of the way, we can begin what we see as the real building work. With a couple of sample rooms due for completion in the next few weeks, it’s great to see this project really coming together.”

Ibis Hotel Shepherd’s Bush is due to be completed in September 2012.

ROMA PUBLICATIONS

61

Lo n d o n & S o u th E a s t

Making exercise accessible for all The £9 million Horley Leisure Centre opened its doors for the first time on Monday 9th January 2012.

Located in Anderson Way on Court Lodge Road, the centre replaces the existing Horley Anderson centre, which opened in 1974.

The new state-of-the art facility boasts a range of exciting facilities, including a 25 metre six-lane swimming pool with ramped access for disabled users, a teaching pool and a fitness gym with 45 exercise stations and free weights. Additional features include a four-court multiuse sports hall and an exercise and dance studio, along with separate male, female, family, group and disabled changing areas.

Comprising approximately 2,500 sq ft of space, the timber frame building is spread over two floors and has incorporated a range of highly sustainable features. These include a biomass boiler with a burner that is suitable for woodchips and wood pellet, photovoltaic cells and a lighting scheme based on daylight saving and PIR sensors.

Landscaping has included the provision of cycle parking and 150 car parking spaces, which are shared with the neighbouring Horley Town Football Club.

Executive Member for Healthy Communities, Councillor Adam De Save, said: “The Council has invested £9 milion in the development of the new Horley Leisure Centre, which will vastly improve sport and leisure opportunities for the local people.

62

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

“The centre looks amazing and provides fantastic new facilities to help people of all ages and abilities keep healthy and active.

We’ve had a lot of positive feedback already from residents and sports clubs, who are keen to be able to get in and use it for the first time, and I hope they will be as pleased with their new leisure centre as we are.”

Reigate and Banstead Partnershop Manager, David Hughes, added: “This fantastic new centre benefits from a wide range of the latest fitness and leisure equipment and offers a huge choice of activities, with something to suit every member of the community regardless of age or fitness level. We hope that this flagship facility will help to encourage participation in physical activity and promote a healthy lifestyle.”

An important aspect of the centre’s design is the concept of making exercise accessible for everyone. In order to facilitate this, the pool has full length ramped access with waterproof wheelchairs and a poolside hoist for disabled users. There are also four fully equipped disabled changing rooms, two of which are fitted with ceiling-mounted electrical hoists to assist carers.

Furthermore, the centre has high visibility signage with captions in Braille, a hearing loop system and tactile paving around the outside of the centre.

The centre has also been designed to be as energy efficient as possible in order to minimise the impact on the environment and reduce running costs. In a first for a GLL operated centre, the biomass heating system will supply 100% of the heating during the summer months and approximately 75% in the winter. A UV system for cleaning and removing the bacteria from the pool will use half the amount of chlorine that a pool of this size would normally require, whilst the pools themselves have thermal covers that reduce water heating costs by 30%.

Community values also played a major part in construction process. Out of the 80 subcontractors used on the project, 26 were local companies that provided work for local people and reduced the impact on the environment from commuting to the site.

Also on board were S& P Architects - who provided technical expertise for the Olympic London 2012 Aquatic Centre - and main contractor Pellikaan Construction Ltd, who has completed over 900 leisure centre projects across Europe.

Gert-Jan Peeters, Pellikaan Construction Ltd, said: “This has been an interesting project for Pellikaan as we were able to use the sustainable techniques that we have used on previous projects, in England as well as abroad.

“One challenge arose in the early stages of the project and led to the design being changed in liaison with the architect.

As a result, the basement was reduced in size by 50% and a mezzanine floor was introduced in its place.

“However, the project has nonetheless progressed very well and it has been a pleasure to work with this team, both with the client and the architects.”

ROMA PUBLICATIONS

63

Lo n d o n & S o u th E a s t

The number one development in Guildford A fantastic project that has seen the transformation of One London Square into 55,000 square feet of Grade A office space is now almost complete.

The £5 million scheme has been designed and project managed by Triglyph Property Consultants and is being carried out by main contractor Overbury for IM Properties Plc. Works have included the complete strip-out of all the previous fixtures and fittings, the installation of a new main M&E plant and the relocation of the circulation and WC cores in order to create a continuous office space around the central atrium. In addition, all of the glazing throughout the property has been replaced and a card access system installed to provide security for the tenants of the building.

Additional features include four pipe fan coil air conditioning, a fully accessible metal tiled suspended ceiling and three 12-person passenger lifts.

Landscaping proposals include the creation of a new walkway from the entrance to the site, whilst 132 car parking spaces have been provided externally and at basement level. Onsite cycling facilities will also encourage sustainable forms of transport.

Richard Wilson, Project Manager, said: “The aim of this project was to create a top-end office space that could compete with the best of the properties available on the market in Guildford and the surrounding area. As a result of the strong design and high quality finish, I believe we have managed to achieve this.

“It was also important to create a building that was sustainable.

We have reused the existing structure and recycled materials where possible and we now expect the development to achieve

64

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

a result of BREEAM ‘Excellent’.

“The project is on track to meet the scheduled completion date of April 2012 and everyone is very pleased with the excellent progress that has been made. Indeed, not only have we managed to refurbish a building to BREEAM ‘Excellent’ standard – no small challenge in itself – but we have been able to achieve this within the project budget.”

One London Square is just a short walk from Guildford Town Centre and London Road railway station. Just fifteen miles south west of London, the town of Guildford celebrates easy access to the M25 and regular rail services to London Waterloo.”

Guildford ranks within the top 40 CACI retail locations in the UK and according to statistics is the second most resistant region in the country to a recessionary economy. The town also celebrates an impressive range of retailers including HMV, Topshop and Jo Malone.

Overbury Overbury is dedicated to providing their customers with the best quality service. The company has specialist teams that carry out fit-out refurbishment projects in the office, retail, leisure, education and technology sectors.

Overbury delivers projects from a few thousand pounds to £100 million. Indeed, whilst the company loves the challenge of large projects, 88% of their work is currently under £1 million.

With offices in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bracknell and Leeds, Overbury can provide you with a competent team and the right knowledge and experience to ensure that your project is a success.

Redevelopment at the former Normansfield Hospital When complete, the Gabriella Park Gardens scheme will provide up to 89 dwellings on the site of the former Normansfield Hospital in Teddington.

Gabriella Park Gardens is a large private development that comprises a number of separate buildings, including the Grade II* listed White House. Under Phase One of the two-phase project, the White House will be converted into brand new residential accommodation.

Phase One of the Gabriella Park Gardens project will see the construction of forty-five new apartments, along with a linked extension comprising an additional twelve single and duplex units. A separate four-unit apartment and two small detached houses will also be constructed on the site.

The second phase, which is expected to commence in late 2012, will include the construction of twenty-six one and twobedroom houses.

Main contractor for the project is Eramo Developments Limited and the architect is Haines Phillips Architects. The structural consultant is Betts Associates.

Work began onsite in 2010, when ground testing and additional preparation work took place. This was followed by the start of

the construction phase in March 2011.

Internal structural alterations have included the erection of new spine walls in order to reposition some of the existing rooms within the building, whilst internal walls are to be replastered where necessary. Each of the new apartments will also have new kitchens and bathrooms installed, along with additional fixtures, fittings and floors that comply with current regulations.

In order to respect the historical significance of the Grade II* listed building, all of the external features have been maintained and the stone and brickwork has been lovingly restored.

Although new windows have been fitted and some sections of the roof replaced, the alterations are all in keeping with the original style of the building.

Also included in the scheme is the significant revamp of utility services, which will enable the water and electricity facilities to meet the requirements of the new development. A new pumping station will improve water pressure across the site, whilst a new electrical substation will improve the power output.

Landscaping will include the creation of a 70-space residential car park, a waste storage area and a secure zone designated for bicycles.

ROMA PUBLICATIONS

65

Lo n d o n & S o u th E a s t Careful consideration has also been made to preserve the fauna and wildlife that currently populate the site. A large number of trees have been preserved, whilst Eramo Developments Limited is working with Natural England to maintain the existing habitats for a number of endangered animals. For example, a badger habitat has been conserved and one of the lofts on the site has been kept clear for the bats that have made it their home.

Eramo Developments Limited Project Manager, Vincenzo Giordano, said: “We are very pleased to be involved with the redevelopment of the former Normansfield Hospital. Gabriella Park Gardens is an extremely prestigious project on a site that is very important to the area. As a result, we are working closely with all the correct departments in order to ensure that the redevelopment meets the requirements needed for working on a listed building. It has been fantastic to get this project off the ground.”

Normansfield Hospital opened to patients in 1868 and provided care for people with learning difficulties. The site quickly grew to incorporate a number of buildings within the grounds, all of which were designed to help care for the wellbeing of the patients.

During the 1990s the hospital was taken under the wing of the Richmond, Twickenham and Roehampton Healthcare NHS Trust, before being closed and sold to developers in 2000. In 2008, Richmond Council approved plans for the construction of 89 homes on the site, which ultimately led to the development of the Gabriella Park Gardens scheme.

Stanley Haines, Haines Phillips Architects, said: “Normansfield Hospital originated as a rather large Victorian building called the White House which was owned by Dr. John Langdon-Down, a pioneer in the field of a condition we now refer to as Down Syndrome.

“Langdon-Down started his work by taking patients with learning difficulties into his own home to improve their quality of life

66

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

and gain a better understanding of their condition. He then quickly increased the number of buildings around his home in order to provide additional facilities for their care.

“These buildings, along with the development of an orchard on the grounds, provided patients with a place where they could be stimulated on a daily basis. Indeed, it has been suggested that his methods helped to increase the life expectancy of the patients in his care.

“Langdon-Down was so successful that he expanded his home considerably and it gradually became what is known today as Normansfield Hospital. The site comprises of a collection of rather fine and unique Gothic style buildings with an approximate area of 50,000 sq ft.

“Due to the high profile nature of Langdon-Down’s work, the former hospital is now a Grade II listed building and is an important Middlesex landmark. However, over the years the development has sadly fallen into a bad state of repair and was therefore in desperate need of rescuing.

“Thankfully Normansfield Hospital is now being sensitively restored back to its former glory. Although this project is a big operation, work is well underway and it already looks very impressive. Restoring a building like this is a tremendous experience and it is the sort of project that you can’t help but get absolutely engrossed in.

“I believe Langdon-Down would be very proud of the progress that has been made so far.”

Phase One of Gabriella Park Gardens is scheduled for completion in November 2012.

Construction News

Call our news team on 01706 719972

Making homes affordable with The Oakwood Group As a professional construction and development company, The Oakwood Group works alongside the leading housing associations and landowners to successfully regenerate parts of the nation’s capital and transform areas into vibrant communities.

The Oakwood Group is presently involved in a series of development schemes, for which they procure 100% of the development costs. In addition, the company plays a major role in the delivery of affordable housing.

With over twenty years experience in the housing market, the current management structure enables the company to broaden their range of services and establish an enviable reputation for the delivery of high quality residential and mixed-use development projects.

One of The Oakwood Group’s flagship schemes was the construction of Victoria Works in Feltham, which was completed in March 2010. The project involved the construction of 73 one, two and three-bedroom apartments within a mixture of tenures, delivered in conjunction with a housing association partner.

The Oakwood Group has a number of exciting projects planned for 2012. The company has recently commenced construction on a scheme of 20 apartments in Sanderstead, which should

be coming to market in spring 2013.

The company’s planning pipeline is diverse and this year will also see the transformation of a former car dealership site in Coulsdon Town Centre to provide 94 residential units with basement parking and retail and office space.

Additional projects to follow include the regeneration of a disused warehouse site in Lamberth comprising 68 flats together with commercial space, along with a scheme in Merton comprising 14 four-bedroom houses.

The Oakwood Group Managing Director, John Fleetwood, said: “Our main strength is our capability and expertise in managing a wide range of multi-disciplinary projects and our unique selling point is that we are not put off by any particular location. We are backed by a broad range of skills and resources and our core business areas of design, planning and construction are interwoven to provide a cohesive framework for

www.romauk.net

developing individual site solutions.”

He added: “Over the years our staff levels have grown and we have retained a very good core of people.

Within the last eight years our turnover has increased threefold, notwithstanding the challenging economic climate.

“We take a huge amount of pride in what we do, particularly as we’re so heavily involved in the design and planning process. With so many of our developments being constructed close to our headquarters, it’s fundamental that we deliver an exemplary quality built environment that is capable of standing the test of time.”

Creating a community at Granville Road A community has been brought back together, thanks to a £9.46 million makeover at three residential tower blocks on Granville Road, London.

The design-build project has involved the refurbishment of Granville Point, Templewood Point and Harpenmead Point and was funded by Barnet Homes. Main contractor for the project was Apollo Property Services Group.

Work commenced in summer 2009 and the refurbishment scheme affected approximately 180 residential units across the site.

Kitchens, bathrooms and brand new boilers were installed in the majority of units, whilst a number of homes benefitted from brand new central heating systems. All of the front doors were replaced - including those belonging to 44 leaseholders - in order to make them Secured by Design 30 minute fireproof (FD30).

In addition to new screens and doors in the lift lobbies, hardwired smoke alarms and fire doors were installed in each of the flats. The water mains were renewed or upgraded and electrical meters were repositioned, whilst further improvements included the remodelling of entrance lobbies, improvements to lifts and staircases and the upgrading of safety signage. In addition, floor coverings were renewed.

External work on the tower blocks included the installation of aluminium rainscreen cladding for floors 2 to 15, which has increased the thermal efficiency and weather protection of the buildings. Due to the importance of this feature, the design was decided by the local planning office, Barnet Homes, HDA Architects, the structural engineer and the immediate and surrounding residents.

A brick cladding system was also added to the ground and first floors. Each block subsequently received new insulated roofs with a safe access system, along with new windows and

balconies.

Landscape work has included new paving for the entrances and the installation of motion sensor lighting in order to make the site more energy efficient.

As the site remained occupied for the duration of the project, it was important to involve the local residents. Measures included the organisation of community fun days, setting up a nearby communal garden and the introduction of an on-site residential area. A Facebook page was also created for the project, which provided residents with a platform to express their opinions on the ongoing work.

Apollo Property Services Group Divisional Manager, Kevin Jones, said: “It is always important for us to get involved with residents.

This makes project life less fraught and it is undeniably more rewarding when residents are involved in a positive way.”

Another important aspect of the project was the implementation of Apollo Property Service Group’s apprentice scheme, which was introduced to provide residents with employment opportunities.

Kevin Jones explained: “Apollo has a very strong community support ethos on all of our projects and a key part of this is our drive to tackle the ‘back to work agenda’. We do this through training, work placements, job opportunities, local labour initiatives and apprenticeship schemes.

“Part of the tender bid on this project was to implement a range of activities for the community and Apollo has followed through by taking on apprentices themselves.”

Contracts Manager for Barnet Homes, Kieran Ryan, added: “We also have a new apprentice working at Barnet Homes who was a resident on the selection panel for the contractor, so it’s ROMA PUBLICATIONS

67

Lo n d o n & S o u th E a s t been very rewarding for everyone involved.

“Overall the vibe has been really good on this refurbishment project and it really has brought the community together.”

ETEC Contract Services Ltd Established in 2005, ETEC Contract Services Ltd is a refurbishment contractor that specialises in refurbishment and electrical contracting. This involves property maintenance across all industry sectors including industrial, residential and commercial.

On the Granville Road Tower Blocks project, ETEC Contract Services Ltd conducted painting and general building works in each tower block. This involved the application of a specialist fire resistant paint to all communal areas.

ETEC Contract Services Ltd Director, Michael Smith, said: “At ETEC Contract Services Ltd we pride ourselves on the level of service and professionalism that we provide to our customers.Our aim is to always deliver a first class product on time, every time.”

The Flooring Company Ltd Since 2006, The Flooring Company Ltd has specialised in the provision of commercial floor coverings. This includes the installation and subfloor preparation for both new builds and refits.

On the Granville, Harpenmead and Templewood Point project The Flooring Company Ltd installed new floor coverings on all lift lobbies and stairwell landings. This involved the application of a latex smoothing compound, followed by linoleum flooring.

The company also installed entrance matting.

The Flooring Company Ltd Director, John Butt, said: “At The Flooring Company Ltd we pride ourselves on our communication skills with our clients and we always aim to meet deadlines on time and to a high standard.

“This allows us to work efficiently alongside any team involved on a project, to achieve an end result that is satisfactory for all.”

Hackney Homes maintain standards of living Safety and security is at the top of the list as Hackney Homes continues to invest in the welfare of their residents in a number of key projects and planned programmes across Hackney.

Created by the London Borough of Hackney and launched in 2006, Hackney Homes is a non-profit scheme that was originally set up to manage council homes in the Hackney area. The organisation provides repairs and maintenance for the properties within their portfolio and offers important and much-needed services to residents and the local community.

Hackney Homes has invested £184 million in the programme since 2006 and despite a reduction in government funding for Decent Homes, the development still received a guaranteed £33 million in funding for 2011/12. A further £27 million in funding has been provisionally set for 2013/14 and 2014/15, whilst Hackney Council also invested a further £4 million throughout 2011 and into 2012.

Whilst the cut in funding may have resulted in Hackney Council having to prioritise the areas in which the money is spent, this has not prevented the process from moving forward. Indeed, it has simply led to a greater focus on repairs and improvements to external work.

Such improvements encompass high-tech security systems including an around-the-clock CCTV network and improvements to entry ways, footpaths and communal TV systems. In addition, faulty lifts are now being repaired within two hours between 8am and 6pm during Monday to Friday.

Properties will now be repainted every eight years in order to

68

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

ensure that they remain as fresh as the day that they were first painted, whilst outdated heating systems have been replaced with more energy efficient alternatives.

Residents are given as much say as possible when it comes to the finer details and are regularly update of any delays or disruptions to planned work.

In the summer of 2010, Lakehouse, Mansell and Essexbased contractor Mullaley were announced as the partners for Hackney Homes. The four-year framework had an estimated cost of £350 million and was split into three individual sections, covering areas such as Decent Homes, Planned Maintenance and Responsive Repairs.

Commenting on becoming a partner, Lakehouse Chief Executive, Steve Rawlings, said: “The Hackney Homes framework was a massive win for Lakehouse and further demonstrated our growth and success in social housing, where we are recognised as one of the leading service providers in the south east.

“To be selected as one of only three contractors for the high profile partnership made all of our hard work worthwhile.”

Described by Lakehouse Communities and Regeneration Director as “a fantastic achievement”, the work of Lakehouse focused on two of the three framework areas, including Decent Homes and Planned Maintenance.

Decent Homes partner Mansell is certainly no stranger to working on large contracts, as owner Balfour Beatty has previously worked on affordable homes projects for Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council and Riverside Housing Association. This work

ROMA PUBLICATIONS

69

Lo n d o n & S o u th E a s t has included the internal and external refurbishment of existing properties, along with several new build projects.

Chief Executive of Balfour Beatty, Ian Tyler, said: “We were delighted to have been appointed to this framework and look forward to continuing our long-standing relationship with Hackney Homes and the local community in order to deliver improved housing for residents.”

As part of their involvement in the Hackney Homes scheme, Mansell has worked with the DSSL Group on a wireless CCTV system that can be accessed at any time by both DSSL and Hackney Homes staff. The scheme enables any faults to be rectified within a 24-hour period, leaving residents to rest assured that a secure and reliable system is in place.

DSSL Group MD and project manager, Bob Lack, said: “We linked one site to begin with and then we built it up five sites at a time. There are now 60 sites across the borough of Hackney that are linked on this wireless network.”

At the recent Association of Consultant Architects awards ceremony, Mullaley were awarded the PPC/TPC Award for their hard work and innovative money-saving processes.

President of the ACA, Terry Brown, commented: “Their study was a first-class example of constructor-led innovation for the benefit of the whole Hackney Alliance, not just the client or an individual constructor.”

In order to receive the award, Mulalley demonstrated the value that engineering under PPC2000 could bring to the project. In the light of funding cuts, this innovative and cost-saving method was seen as a big boost that had further benefitted the Hackney Homes project.

Head of Asset Management for Hackney Homes, Jonathan Oxlade, said: “This award is good recognition of our work with Mulalley and partners, which has ultimately led to innovative

and better ways of working.”

Mulalley Director Bruce Benson added: “It is just recognition for the added value that has been brought to this programme by the Hackney Alliance.”

DSSL Group Since 1996 the Essex-based DSSL Group has been specialists in the field of safety and security.

Via the technical and engineering skills within the DSSL Group, Hackney Homes has developed a CCTV system that consists of over 1500 cameras and 120 digital video recorders. Designed, installed and maintained by DSSL Group the system operates across a wireless network and is one of the largest housing CCTV networks in the UK. The system relays images from a number of high rise buildings back to a central monitoring facility and requires no or minimal civil engineering.

DSSL Group company MD and project manager, Bob Lack, said: “We’re recognised as being a group that is very flexible and can respond to any security situation; whether it involves access control, building protection or CCTV. “We’ve got a good background in working for local authorities, police services, central government and the industry of petrochemical, pharmaceutical and power stations within the area of Essex.”

Recognised by its clients as being flexible enough to respond to any project involving CCTV, access control or perimeter protection systems, DSSL prides itself in its reputation for excellence and ingenuity. It strives to be at the forefront of delivering wireless technology and IP systems to its broad base of clients and maintains the Hackney Homes security system on behalf of Mansells.

Privacy and dignity for Frimley Park Hospital Frimley Park Hospital will be the first hospital in the UK to implement an innovative streaming and cabin model when the £22 million phased upgrade of the existing emergency department is completed in 2012. The new-build section of the works is on schedule for completion in June 2012, whilst the refurbishment phase will be completed by the end of the year.

Main contractor VINCI Construction UK Ltd is responsible for the construction of the new emergency department, day surgery unit and helipad. Architects for the scheme are Devereux Architects Ltd. The new development features an attractive modern design that has incorporated some of the language of the adjacent Eye

70

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

Treatment Centre, which itself is connected to the new building via a link bridge. Clad in a light brick, the new development also features Trespa panels and a striking Reglit glazing stairwell.

Built to achieve a BREEAM rating of ‘Very Good’, the building has incorporated a range of sustainable features including natural ventilation wherever possible.

The new resuscitation area of the emergency department will be constructed on the ground floor, in the process increasing the number of available resuscitation beds from five to eight.

On the first floor, there will be a new day surgery unit with two operating theatres and sixteen treatment cubicles, whilst the development will also feature a plant room on the second floor and a helipad on the roof.

ROMA PUBLICATIONS

71

Lo n d o n & S o u th E a s t Subsequent to this phase of the project, the existing emergency department will be refurbished and a new Clinical Decision Unit (CDU) and Medical Assessment Unit (MAU) will be created.

In addition, portions of the paediatric department will be refurbished and other service areas will be extended.

Flavia de Almeida, Project Manager for the development at Frimley Park Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The design is centred around privacy and dignity. One of the most fundamental aspects of this project is the implementation of an ‘American’ approach to treatment cubicles, whereby the patients are offered a much more discreet recuperation space than is normally seen in UK hospitals.

“Normally when patients arrive in a traditional emergency department, they will stay on an open ward with curtains that can be opened or drawn when required. However, what we will have here are cubicles with glazed manually operated doors that are completely separated from one another and offer complete privacy from a sound and visual point of view.”

Before work began onsite in April 2011, civil and ground works were carried out in order to enable the construction of the main new building structure. This included the introduction of new road access into the hospital site and an island with a security office in the centre.

Flavia de Almeida commented: “This has been a very challenging project as the hospital has had to remain operational 24/7 whilst construction work has taken place. Despite this, excellent progress has been made so far and we are confident that the project will achieve the scheduled completion date of June 2012 for the new build section of

the project.

“The new design will facilitate a new and more efficient way of working for the staff of Frimley Park Hospital. It will allow for the streaming of individuals via the emergency department, which will subsequently alleviate pressure on the clinical staff and create more time for treating patients.

“Overall, this has been a challenging yet enjoyable project that will bring many benefits to the local community.”

Bayards Aluminium Constructions For almost 50 years Bayards Aluminium Constructions has been a world leader in aluminium construction. The company is active in many different industries and works on a variety of projects from the fabrication of hull structures of reconnaissance vehicles for the defence industry, to the assembly of a fully prefabricated rooftop helipad assembly kit.

On the Frimley Park Hospital project Bayards Aluminium Constructions built a 780m² turnkey rooftop helipad with an additional 120 metre walkway. The helipad was fully equipped with perimeter drainage, lighting and a fire fighting system.

Bayards Aluminium Constructions’ Commercial Director, Dick de Kluijver, said: “Thanks to its many years of experience, Bayards is a company that complies with every national and international standard and can offer a turnkey solution, custom made, to meet both the safety and architectural requirements of the client. As demonstrated at Frimley Park Hospital we can deliver helipads that fit in seamlessly with the wishes and ambitions of the hospital.”

John Sisk & Son delivers first class Royal Mail project Leading main contractor John Sisk & Son has completed an exciting project that will revolutionise the way that mail is processed in the South East.

The new Medway Mail Centre in Strood will handle up to 3.2 million items of mail a night and serve as the only mail centre in Kent once processing work transfers from the Canterbury, Dartford, Maidstone and Tonbridge mail centres.

Once the centre becomes fully operational in the autumn of 2012, 850 staff will sort mail posted to and from addresses in the CT, DA, ME and TN postcode areas.

Commenting on the new Medway Mail Centre, MP Mark Reckless said: “This is an exciting project which could provide a real boost to the local economy. The location of the new centre on formerly developed but currently unused land is a significant step forward in the wider regeneration of Strood, and I welcome Royal Mail’s decision to locate their sorting hub here in Medway.

“Once again Medway is showing that it is open for business and has the infrastructure to attract large-scale investment into the towns. I offer my congratulations to everyone who has worked so hard to make this happen.”

Comprising approximately 15,500 square metres, the development contains a three-storey block for admin and associated activities and a large single-storey processing facility.

Watson Batty Architects Limited selected different colours for the horizontal and vertical cladding, whilst the building also celebrates a distinctive polished block work entrance feature.

Interestingly, as the building is built into a hillside the staff access the building via a bridge that takes them onto the first floor, where they can either go down to the operational floor or go up to the canteen and welfare area.

Facilities include a large staff restaurant with formal and informal seating, along with a recreation area and a staff roof terrace. There are also a number of ‘team pods’, which have small

72

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

lecture theatres where staff briefings can take place.

In the processing facility, six new intelligent letter sorting machines will sort mail into batches that can be sequenced into exact walk order to save postmen and women time when preparing to go out on their rounds. At full speed, the machines can sort up to 45,000 items an hour. In addition, there will be five machines for cancelling stamped mail and one flat sorting machine for A4-sized mail.

The centre has achieved BREEAM ‘Very Good’ and celebrates a number of sustainable features that will help Royal Mail to reduce its carbon footprint. These include provisions for natural daylight, a solar wall to deliver preheated air into the heating systems, an energy efficient biomass boiler and solar panels in the roof for domestic water usage.

Landscaping has included terraced areas and external areas for vehicle parking and maneuvering.

Paul Ryan, Watson Batty Architects Limited, said:

“This is one of a new generation of mail centres that have been designed across the country for Royal Mail and is arguably the most advanced.

“As with all buildings on a Brownfield site, some challenges did arise. The existing concrete floor had been left in, so we dug it up, crushed it and reused it. The site is also between two railway lines, so we had to liaise with Network Rail throughout the project and form a new entrance into the site for HGVs. “However, the project progressed well and finished on time and within budget. I would like to extend my thanks to our client Royal Mail, who we have enjoyed a strong working relationship with for almost twenty years.”

Watson Batty Architects Limited Watson Batty Architects Limited was established in 1976 and now boasts a 50-strong workforce who undertake work nationally across most sectors and with a wide range of clients.

The award-winning company provides an extensive range of services including 3D graphics, interior design, sustainability, CDM and health & safety services.

Watson Batty Architects Limited adds value to every project by taking the time to understand their clients and striving to meet their every need.

For more information on Watson Batty Architects Limited, visit www.watsonbatty.com.

Housing for Bell Green Phase Two of the Bell Green Development project will bring 156 new residential flats to Lower Sydenham in south London. Under the project, the disused Bell Green Gas Works site will be transformed into a retail park with adjacent residential accommodation.

Design development work for the £16 million phase began in March 2010 and was followed by initial groundwork in October 2010. Funded by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and the Circle Housing Group, the project has been carried out by main contractor Willmott Dixon Group and architect bptw partnership.

Even after Castlemore Securities Ltd went into administration subsequent to purchasing the land in 2009, Circle Housing Group continued with its purchase of part of the site for the residential units, whilst the remainder of the site was taken for retail use.

Phase One of the project is now completed and has seen the construction of a new Sainsbury’s supermarket with an accomROMA PUBLICATIONS

73

Lo n d o n & S o u th E a s t panying car park on an area of land adjacent to the residential block.

Phase Two comprises the construction of the residential block, which itself will incorporate 156 flats, two commercial units, a residential car park and associated infrastructure works.

Additional commercial units will be constructed during Phase Three of the project.

Comprising a mixture of one and two-bedroom flats, the 156 units are divided into 85 rented units and 71 units under the rent to buy scheme. This scheme is a government initiative that allows tenants to rent a property for a predefined period of time before purchasing it once the tenancy ends.

The main accommodation is divided into two structures that are provisionally entitled the north and south blocks. Constructed using a traditional concrete frame, the building boasts a unique circular design and features an external brick-block facade with a rendered finish and UPVC windows.

The north block is a four-storey structure that comprises two commercial units on the ground floor and twenty flats on the three storeys above. The remaining 136 units are contained within the four-storey south block.

A combined heat and power plant (CHP) will be built on the site and will act as a centralised boiler, providing heating and hot water for all of the residents. In addition, a number of photovoltaic panels will be installed on the roof in order to provide an additional source of hot water.

Such environmentally sustainable features will enable the housing units to achieve a Code 3 classification for Sustainable Homes, which was part of the funding agreement set out by the HCA. Furthermore, the high levels of sustainability will allow the development to meet guidelines set out by the Mayor of London, including the ambitious aim to generate 20% of energy via renewable technology.

17-4-u 1/2?

74

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

Circle Housing Group Development Manager, Luke Chandler, said: “The primary intention of Phase Two is to provide London with much-needed affordable accommodation on an area of land that is currently undergoing radical redevelopment. Work continues to progress well and we haven’t encountered any major problems so far.

“Bell Green’s new neighbour - Sainsbury’s - has also been very accommodating. Indeed, they have allowed all of the contractors and subcontractors to use their car park, which has made the job significantly easier.

“Nevertheless, this is still a very challenging project and everyone has had to work very hard to construct this phase to a very tight budget, particularly as Phase Two was tendered in an extremely difficult climate. Despite this, everyone has remained remarkably positive throughout the construction phase and I have no doubt that work will be completed on time.

“It’s always satisfying to see any project get off the ground but the unique design of the building truly sets this one apart from the more traditional social housing projects. Although some social housing developments can be rather rudimentary in their construction, this one most certainly isn’t. This is incredibly pleasing to know, especially as the development continues to take shape.”

Works yet to be carried out for Phase Two include an extensive internal fit-out programme and additional landscaping.

Landscaping will include a stunning artwork installation that has been designed by a local artist and is linked to the local history of the site – in the process satisfying one of the original planning agreements.

Phase Two of the Bell Green Development is scheduled for completion in July 2012.

ROMA PUBLICATIONS

75

Wa l e s

The conservation of Oystermouth Castle An extensive programme of conservation works is currently underway to conserve a historic Mumbles monument.

The Oystermouth Castle Conservation Project is being led

by Swansea Council in order to conserve, repair and improve access to the important Swansea landmark. The ÂŁ3.1 million partnership project has been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Welsh Government, Cadw and Visit Wales, European Regional Development Funding (ERDF) and the City and County of Swansea. The project has also received great support from the Friends of Oystermouth Castle, a locally formed volunteer group.

The main contractor for the project is WRW Construction Ltd, Llanelli and the architects are Davies Sutton Associates, Cardiff.

In a rich and varied past, the 12th-14th century Oystermouth Castle has seen the likes of Kings, Lords and Ladies residing within its thick stone walls. The monument was originally built as a stronghold to keep people out, but in 2010 the dilapidated castle opened its doors to the public once more.

Initial works included the construction of new access points and footways to enable people to enter the castle whilst at the same time reconnecting the structure to the Victorian seaside village of Mumbles.

76

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

Visitor facilities have been provided within the castle, including Alinas Chapel which has never been opened to the public. In addition, a modern glass bridge has been inserted at the chapel level in order to represent the addition of a 2011 layer of history to the medieval structure.

During the works, the discovery of medieval murals, inscriptions, coins and even staircases within staircases have provided puzzles for conservationists and architects to resolve.

The people of Mumbles - particularly local traders and community groups - have been delighted at what they see as a huge boost for local tourism. A Phase One July 2011 Open Day was a huge success and now follow-up events are being planned in partnership with the City and County of Swansea.

Between July 2011 and September 2011, 13,000 people visited the castle whilst works were still ongoing.

From October 2011 to May 2012 further works will take place to stitch back together the ruinous structures rising from the limestone bedrock within the castle walls. In June 2012, a medieval labyrinth of vaults, chambers and rooms within the walls of the

castle will be waiting to be discovered by the public, who will be able to explore the mysteries of the mazelike castle structure.

S c otl a n d

Molly the Mole, Wullie Worm and Scottish Water Scottish Water’s tunnelling machine, Molly the Mole, has completed a 1.2km storm water sewer under Airdrie.

Named by local school pupil Aimee Stewart, the machine was raised from the ground at an event attended by local councillors Jim Logue and David Stocks.

Now that the project is complete, the storm transfer sewer can be connected to the local sewer network and made operational later in the year. Designed to improve water quality in the South Burn and reduce the risk of flooding at Cairnhill Road, the project will also facilitate the removal of eight additional properties from the flood register.

The tunnel runs from Airdrie Railway Station car park to a Brownfield site behind Club 300 Bingo in Coatdyke. With an internal diameter of 2.44 metres and an external diameter of just over 3 metres, the tunnel depth varies to as deep as 40 metres.

Ground conditions across the track of the tunnel vary from boulder clay and mudstone to sandstone and mine workings.

Although the construction team came across a small void and some heavy water ingress, no major issues have emerged during the tunnelling process.

Brian Dalton, Project Manager for Scottish Water, said: “During 2011, our delivery partner Byzak Ltd successfully completed the 1.2km tunnel below Victoria Place using Molly the Mole, who ended her journey in late December 2011.

“The tunnel was needed as part of the overall solution for the project. There are currently discharges to the local watercourses which breach our consent with SEPA, our environmental regu-

78

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

lator. These flows will now be transferred via interconnecting pipework from their source, before being transferred along the to a storm tank. Following this, the storm flows will discharge to the North Calder water.

“Our original route was actually going through the centre of Airdrie, however when we were in talks with Byzak at the planning stage they highlighted an alternative route that caused much less disruption, required less surveying work and would be quicker to complete.

“Meeting the programme dates has been the biggest challenge so far. We set Byzak a tight programme and they have done very well to stick to the foreseen timescales thus far. We are happy that they have completed the tunnel without any major delays and on schedule.

“We thank the community for their continuing patience and understanding while we carry out this essential work.”

Work in Cairnhill Road and Broomknoll Street included the upgrading of an existing sewer network and is now complete.

As a result of this phase of the project, Scottish Waters expect a significant reduction in the high flood frequency of the area.

Additional work has been carried out adjacent to the Airdrie Business Centre.

In the coming months, Wullie Worm – a tunnelling machine named by Sikeside Primary pupil Ethan Lynch – will create smaller tunnels under the area surrounding the railway station and the adjoining streets. These works will in turn connect the new storm transfer to the local network.

In order to enable the tunnelling process, a phased construction programme will take place at the car park to the rear of Stirling Street to maximise available car parking space for local residents. North Lanarkshire Council has authorised the works and this phase of the project is due to be completed by March 2012.

Geoff Aitkinhead, Scottish Water, said: “This is one of the largest projects that Scottish Water is doing in Scotland in the 2010-2015 investment period.

“We have regularly communicated with the local community to ensure that the work has as little impact as possible. Our team has also volunteered for a community event cleaning up Centenary Park in Airdrie by weeding plants, painting and cleaning up play equipment.

“Local businesses and residents are kept aware of the latest

news on the project through letter drops, posters, press releases, school bag drops, face to face meetings and our online channels.”

The entire scheme is expected to be completed by the autumn of 2012 and will significantly improve water quality in watercourses across Airdrie and beyond.

Milton Burn nears completion Phase Two of the Milton Burn Flood Prevention Scheme in Dunoon is nearing completion.

The second phase of the £4 million scheme involves the replacement of approximately 100 metres of combined sewer pipes and associated manholes between George Street and John Street.

The 30-week phase is due to finish in early 2012 and will con-

clude the major flood prevention scheme implemented by Argyll and Bute Council. The scheme was designed as a two-phase operation in order to provide flood relief to Dunoon as soon as possible.

Civil engineering contractor George Leslie Ltd is the main contractor for the project.

Work began on Phase Two in early 2011, following the suc-

ROMA PUBLICATIONS

79

S c otl a n d cessful completion of Phase One. The first phase largely concentrated on improving pipes and associated works to the upstream areas of the burn, whilst Phase Two has focused on downstream improvement works.

Milton Burn Flood Prevention Scheme was first announced in 2009 with construction initially scheduled to take place in 2010.

However, the project suffered a number of delays and therefore did not commence until the following year.

During the 30-week second phase, new retaining walls have been built in sections of the burn, whilst a flood relief pipe has been installed underneath a Morrisons car park close to the burn. The relief pipe will now direct the overflow water under John Street and out into the sea.

A number of roads have been closed so that work can take place. However, local residents have been kept informed of any disruptions throughout the project.

Chair of the Bute and Cowal Area Committee, Councillor Bruce Marshall, said: “This work is thanks to the diligence of Councillor James McQueen, who has been fighting to get it done since he be-

came an elected member twelve years ago. It’s great news for local people and businesses, particularly around the Milton Bridge area where they have had to endure being flooded on many occasions over many years in the past.

“After these works are finished, there will be more work done on connecting the flood relief culvert via a weir in the Milton Burn, together with new burn training walls. This means water will be removed from the Milton Burn when there’s heavy rainfall so there is less risk of flooding downstream.”

George Leslie Ltd George Leslie Ltd is a privately owned civil engineering contractor that delivers infrastructure and engineering projects throughout Scotland. The company was founded in 1964 and includes local councils, water companies and government bodies amongst its key clients.

George Leslie Ltd has a reputation in the industry for being a resourceful contractor that works in both urban and rural locations. The company is fully accredited to Quality, Health & Safety and Environmental standards.

Parklea transformation nears its goal

A £6 million redevelopment project to transform Parklea Community Sports Facility is nearing completion.

The sports facility in Port Glasgow is currently undergoing a makeover that includes the construction of a brand new £2.9 million football pavilion. The project includes improving changing facilities as well as constructing two brand new 3G synthetic pitches with associated flood lighting. A major overhaul of drainage services to eight grass football pitches is also being carried out as part of the project.

Work began in July 2009 and the project has been funded by Inverclyde Council’s capital programme, Sportscotland. Barr Ltd is the main contractor, whilst S&P Architects is the architect.

Extra care is being taken throughout the lifespan of the Parklea project to meet the requirements of a Special Protection Area (SPA) that sits adjacent to the site. For six months of the year the adjacent site is frequented by migrating Redshank, therefore construction work has been carried out around the migratory habits of the birds.

Construction Director of Barr Construction, Paul Griffen, said: “The schedule we have developed with Inverclyde Council and Scottish Natural Heritage is very demanding and presents considerable challenges as a result of the arrival of the Redshank.

80

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

“However, because the project team had already completed the building envelope, viewing stand works and the erection of an acoustic fence prior to the birds’ arrival, we were able to ensure that work on the site could continue without disturbing the birds.”

As the Parklea project nears completion, remaining work includes the connecting of utilities and the completion of one of the 3G synthetic pitches. The drainage work on the eight pitches is almost complete.

Leader of Inverclyde Council, Councillor Stephen McCabe, said: “Parklea is very much the jewel in the crown of our investment in leisure and it is very exciting to think that it is so near to completion. Football players and fans from across Inverclyde and beyond will come here to make use of these quality facilities and that can only be good news on sporting, social and health grounds.

“We said from the very beginning we were committed to providing the best possible leisure facilities to improve the health and quality of life for our communities and I believe that the development here at Parklea is a perfect example of that commitment.”

Parklea Community Sports Facility will be completed in summer 2012.

Innerleithen WTW project is flowing swiftly Scottish Water is making a significant investment in the Innerleithen area of the Scottish Borders. In January 2012, works to construct a new £3.6 million water treatment plant began.

Designed to offer cleaner, fresher water to communities living throughout the Tweed Valley, the new Innerleithen WTW will comprise a membrane plant with chemical dosing facilities that will remove naturally occurring elements and any cryptosporidium organisms from the raw water supply. Following this, the existing storage tank will be used to hold the drinking water from the treatment works before it is supplied to the local community.

Main contractors for the project are Ross-shire Engineering and the scheme has been designed by URS Scott Wilson.

The single-storey building stands at 43 metres long by 13 metres wide and will be clad in profile sheeting. Internally, the building comprises a control room, welfare facilities, toilets, a small laboratory and a large plant room floor containing all of the process equipment.

External landscaping will include tree planting, mounding and an open water course. In addition, the existing dry stone walls have been retained and mature planting will be kept around the perimeter of the site.

The project has proved challenging in terms of the design, as Malcolm Miller explained: “There have been some difficulties in terms of integrating the building into the landscape, as it is a fairly large building in an exposed location. With regards to the design, we have tried to create the impression of an agricultural building that blends into

surrounding landscape. In simple terms, we have deliberately made it ‘uninteresting’ to look at.

“The new plant complies with Scottish Water standards and has incorporated numerous environmental considerations. In particular, the building has a lower carbon footprint and we aim to minimise the amount of power used for pumping and process work. We have also met the operational and planning requirements to avoid excess clutter on the site.”

In July 2011, approximately 6,000 mountain bike and cycling enthusiasts made the pilgrimage to the Tweed Valley for the week long Tweedlove Festival.

Tweedlove organiser, Neil Dalgleish, welcomed Scottish Water’s investment. Highlighting the importance of hydration for the riders tackling the terrain, he said: “Staying hydrated is possibly the number one priority during a bike race like the Glentress Seven - or any of the other TweedLove bike events. It’s so easy to become dehydrated when you’re putting in so much physical effort. You soon notice the difference in your performance and how well your head is working too.”

Scottish Water provides 1.3 billion litres of drinking water every day and removes 840 million litres of waste water daily. The company is currently working on improvement projects across Scotland, including improvements at Loch Ryan, Seafield and Glencourse.

Earlier this year, Scottish Water launched a new division that will export the impressive expertise that the company has built up over the last ten years. The contract in Canada will enable

ROMA PUBLICATIONS

81

S c otl a n d Scottish Water to deliver training to operational staff in the water industry throughout Alberta.

Alex Neil, Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment, said: “Scottish Water’s contract in Canada underlines that Scottish

ingenuity and expertise is seen as a valuable global commodity.

It shows that there is real potential for further contracts to be secured across the world, which is why Scottish Water’s decision to create a new international division is to be applauded.”

Multi-million pound water project will deliver massive environmental benefits Scottish Water is carrying out an exciting project that will deliver massive environmental benefits for rivers and coastal waters in Ayrshire.

The Meadowhead and Stevenston Work Package 6 (WP6) was designed to significantly improve the environment for those living in North and East Ayrshire. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has identified water quality and aesthetic failings in inland and coastal waterways within the River Irvine, Kilmarnock Water and Irvine Coastal Water.

The scheme comprises several projects to construct new pipelines and pumping stations, along with the modification of combined sewer overflows (CSOs) in order to address the drivers for these waterways. These drivers include: the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, the Bathing Water Directive, the Freshwater Fisheries Directive and the Water Framework Directive.

As one of the biggest projects of its kind to have ever been undertaken in Scotland, the storm water management work will improve water quality in the River Irvine and Kilmarnock Water and the bathing waters of Irvine Bay. The scheme will also help

Scottish Water meet Scottish Environment Protection Agency regulations and stringent EU directives.

MBV, a joint venture between contractors Morrison Construction and Black & Veatch and their design partners Halcrow, has now completed the first phase of the project. This £31 million phase comprised the installation of a new storm water network between Irvine and Meadowhead Waste Water Treatment Works.

The Irvine-Meadowhead project will improve storm water management in the Irvine and Kilmarnock areas through a new collection and transfer system which will allow better control of waste water discharges and substantially reduce unsatisfactory intermittent discharges (UIDs) to the rivers and the Firth of Clyde.

Covering a geographical area of approximately 125 square kilometres, the catchment consists of both urbanised and rural areas and has a population of over 300,000.

The new systems in both towns will collect combined sewer overflow (CSO) discharges that occur when there is too much

water for the existing infrastructure to handle, usually during or after heavy rainfall. Excess flows will then be discharged into local watercourses in order to relieve pressure in the system and avoid flooding.

Creating the new storm water network involved constructing approximately 12 miles of large pipelines and the creation of three new transfer pumping stations and a new storage tank south west of Kilmarnock. This has in turn provided 12,000 cubic metres of storage capacity that will prevent early spills to rivers by holding back waste water in storm conditions before it is pumped forward for disposal via an existing long sea outfall at Gailes Pumping Station in Irvine.

Further works included additions to the inlet works at the Meadowhead WWTW, including a new screening chamber that provides preliminary screening to the storm water prior to discharge via the Gailes outfall.

Now that the first phase of the project is complete, Morrison Construction and Black & Veatch have secured a £17 million Scottish Water contract for the second phase.

AE Yates Trenchless Solutions Ltd

This range of equipment means A.E. Yates Trenchless Solutions Ltd can offer an underground conduit from 150mm to 2.0m in diameter for sewers or the insertion of any utility apparatus.

The company’s range of services coupled to its ISO 9001, 14001 and 18001 accreditation has enabled it to work with a large number of contractors such as Balfour Beatty, Galliford Try and Carillion.

On the Meadowhead and Stevenson Project A.E. Yates Trenchless Solutions Ltd successfully completed approximately 600 metres of microtunnelling. This consisted of 2 No 1.2m ID drives both in excess of 230 metres with the remainder being a 0.6 metre ID microtunnel, along with associated pits and shafts.

In addition, they also constructed a 5.5 metre diameter x 11m deep pump station, plus a short horizontal directional drill.

A.E. Yates Trenchless Solutions Ltd. Managing Director, John Nuttall, said: “As well as resolving construction issues relating to easement, ground conditions and traffic, trenchless construction is very environmentally friendly as it uses approximately 10% of the CO2 compared to that used in open cut operations, which is an incredible saving.”

A.E. Yates Trenchless Solutions Ltd operates the most varied fleet of trenchless construction equipment in the UK. Since its establishment in 1986 it has increased its specialist service range to include auger boring, horizontal directional drilling, pipe bursting, micro tunnelling, tunnelling and associated shafts.

Construction News

Call our news team on 01706 719972

Silverdykes takes shape

make use of the fully automatic solar thermal panels, in the process reducing the reliance of the site on fossil fuels and safeguarding the energy costs for future owners.

Additional features include plastered internal walls, facing brickwork and reconstituted stonework for external wall cladding. The roofs of the homes also feature slate and tiles.

Landscaping has included the creation of new access and estate roads.

Main contractor for the Silverdykes project is Muir Homes Ltd and the architect is Roy Mitchell Design.

With the first phase now complete, Silverdykes continues to take shape in the village of Cellardyke. The village neighbours the historic fishing village of Anstruther and the development therefore offers easy access to Anstruther Golf Club, Billow Ness beach and Kellie Castle. Indeed, Silverdykes has proved so popular with current residents of the town that several residents are now looking to move from their current homes to the site.

The wide range of housing available at Silverdykes has piqued the interest of many different cross-sections of the community, including senior citizens looking for retirement bungalows and new families keen to set up home. As the site previously housed a caravan park, those who have previously kept caravans at the park are also now looking to invest in a permanent holiday home.

Muir Homes bought the site over ten years

The first phase of a brand new luxury housing development from Muir Homes has been completed in the village of Cellardyke.

Located on the site of the former Anstruther Caravan Park in Fife, the £20 million Silverdykes scheme includes over three hundred newly constructed residential homes situated around interconnecting carriageways.

The residential units comprise a mixture of detached and semidetached two and three- bedroom bungalows and two, three and four-bedroom detached and semidetached villas, along with a number of two-bedroom apartments.

In addition to the housing units, the development has incorporated two additional units that will become a convenience store and a chemist. Also included in the scheme is a large green space in the centre of the development, which will be complemented by the council’s provision of decorative concrete obelisks around the site.

All of the units have been built to meet the requirements of modern day living and feature a contemporary interior design. The homes boast natural wood finishes, stylish bathrooms and fully tiled and integrated kitchens and each home has incorporated gas central heating with energy efficient boilers and low energy lighting throughout.

Muir Homes has a strong commitment to their environmental principles and as a result, sustainable materials have been used wherever possible. To date, this has included advanced insulation, double glazing and automatic solar thermal panels that generate hot water. Silverdykes is also the first development in Muir Homes’ portfolio to

www.romauk.net

ago and has since spent a considerable amount of time consulting with the local community to make sure that residents are kept up to date with the latest phases of construction. Considerations have also been made in order to ensure that the housing development remains aesthetically pleasing to neighbouring residents.

Muir Homes Site Manager, Danny Robin, said: “There’s a local community committee which meets with the developers on a monthly basis.

We kept the blocks of flats down to two storeys rather than making them high-rise because there are no high-rise blocks in the Fife region and we didn’t want anything to stick out too offensively in the landscape.”

Muir Homes is a family owned company that provides high quality homes across central Scotland and the east coast of Scotland. For over thirty-five years it has been involved in the development of numerous villas, bungalows and apartments for families, couples and individuals.

S c otl a n d

Improving Scotland’s water Upgrade operations are currently underway at three waste water treatment works (WWTW) in Scotland to improve services for over a million people.

Scottish Water is investing more than £15 million into projects at Shieldhall and Dalmarnock WWTWs in Glasgow and Laighpark WWTW in Paisley. The upgrade works include a major overhaul of site infrastructure in order to improve operability and to ensure that the facilities continue to protect the River Clyde.

Scottish Water’s investment is being divided between each of the three sites, with £6.5 million being spent on Shieldhall WWTW and £5.5 million at Laighpark WWTW. The work at Shieldhall WWTW is largely focused on ensuring that the water discharge operation continues to meet ministerial and Scottish Environment Protection Agency requirements.

This work includes the replacements of screens, the refurbishment of the sludge pumping station’s main switchboard and the replacement and refurbishment of pumps.

Meanwhile, work at Laighpark WWTW will see the provision of new screening alongside additional improvements to associated equipment.

The remaining £3 million of the investment is being split at Dalmarnock WWTW. A £1 million operation is taking place to upgrade mechanical works including screens and hydraulic pump valve actuators, whilst £2 million is being spent on tackling an odour issue at the facility.

MWH Treatment Limited is the main contractor for each of the projects and is working on behalf of Scottish Water Solutions, a joint venture partnership between Scottish Water and a number of the world’s leading construction, engineering and water companies.

84

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

Executive Member for Development and Regeneration Services at Glasgow City Council, Bailie Liz Cameron, said: “Scottish Water is investing a significant amount in improvements to these key waste water treatment works that serve so many people in Glasgow. I think that many of us take these facilities for granted but they provide such an important service for every one of us – 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

Councillor Bailie Barker, Glasgow City Council, added: “Glasgow councillors take a keen interest in these facilities and we are delighted to hear that this new investment will help protect and enhance the natural environment on the River Clyde. ”Historically our city council forefathers have had a long association with the provision of water and waste water services to Glasgow’s citizens and we are delighted to see what Scottish Water is doing to improve key waste water treatment works in the 21st century.”

Over the next five years, Scottish Water Solutions and its delivery partners will complete hundreds of regeneration projects across Scotland as part of a £2.5 billion investment programme

by Scottish Water. The work being undertaken at Shieldhall, Laighpark and Dalmarnock will benefit over a million residents living in Paisley, Newton Mearns, Renfrew and the north east and south areas of Glasgow.

Scottish Water’s Waste Water Operations Manager, Steven Fraser, said: “Scottish Water is delighted to have started this major investment in the capital maintenance of three of the most important waste water treatment works in the Glasgow and Paisley area.

“Shieldhall, Dalmarnock and Laighpark WWTWs play a very important role in providing waste water services to about a

million customers in parts of the Glasgow area and this new investment will ensure that they continue to provide a first-class service and help to protect the natural environment of the River Clyde for years to come. “We are committed to supporting the regeneration of the Glasgow area and to improving our infrastructure in the city as it prepares for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and other major events.�

The Shieldhall, Laighpark and Dalmarnock projects are due to be completed by summer 2013.

MWH Treatment Limited MWH Treatment Limited is part of the MWH organisation, a global leader in wet infrastructure operations. The company has been in operation for over a hundred years and provides expert services for water environment engineering, water systems investment and management, along with wastewater products.

MWH Treatment Limited pride themselves on their comprehensive array of in-house services to treat and control all grades of water and wastewater, whilst the company works closely with all of their clients to achieve high quality standards throughout all of their operations.

The power of Griffin Scotland will soon celebrate the completion of a new onshore wind farm that will bring renewable energy to Perthshire.

Griffin Wind Farm is a 68-turbine wind farm project that is located just south of Aberfeldy in Perthshire. Valued at ÂŁ200 million, Griffin Wind Farm will become fully operational in spring 2012 and will provide a combined capacity of 156.4MW. The project is a new venture that has been entirely self-funded

by SSE and covers an area of 30 square kilometres across land that was previously used for commercial forestry. Lagan Construction is the main contractor on the project, whilst Enterprise Utilities is the groundwork subcontractor.

Construction began in July 2010 and the turbines have been supplied by Siemens. The first 61 turbines to be installed have a hub height of 77 metres and a blade tip height of 124 metres, whilst the remaining seven turbines have a hub height of 67 metres and a blade tip height of 110 metres.

The first turbine began generating in May 2011 and with the

final turbine assembled in November 2011, all 68 turbines have now been installed on the site.

As part of the Griffin Wind Farm project, a number of off-site improvements were conducted on roads around the site in order to improve access for the installation of the turbine components.

This work included temporarily closing a section of pathway that cut through the site.

The path connects Dunkeld to Aberfeldy and is a popular route for walkers and cyclists. However, in the interests of health and safety, public access to the route was temporarily suspended in 2010. The path was briefly reopened partway through the project, but was closed once again when it was determined that access could not be safely managed.

In order to facilitate the needs of the general public, a period of limited controlled access was introduced. This involved the use of a short vehicle transfer to transport members of the public across the closed part of the route. During the entire operation, the usage of the path was monitored so that members of the

ROMA PUBLICATIONS

85

S c otl a n d public were not endangering themselves by trying to gain entry.

Reinstatement work is currently taking place on the site. As the area previously comprised a mixture of grassland and heather moorland, reinstatement work will include the replanting of a variety of trees that are native to the surroundings.

Once Griffin Wind Farm is operational, the facility will add to the 2,000MW of renewable energy that SSE already operates. This increase in energy capacity will contribute to the company’s targets to own and operate 4,000MW of renewable energy in the UK and Ireland by 2013, whilst at the same helping SSE to halve its carbon impact levels over the next eight years.

SSE began generating electricity from wind farms in 2002 and by 2010 had over 900MW of onshore wind farms in the UK and Ireland. The company’s core purpose is to provide sustainable energy in a reliable way and it is the UK’s largest generator of renewable energy.

Northern Ecological Services Northern Ecological Services (NES) provides specialist ecological consultancy advice to the construction industry, including ecological impact assessment and ecological clerk of works (ECoW) provision. The company provides advice and supervision throughout the construction phase which also includes advising on projects post development.

On the Griffin Wind Farm project as well as providing the ECoW

service, NES compiled the ecological sections of the Land Management Plan, produced as part of mitigation requirements.

Northern Ecological Services Principal, Kathy Ader, said: “We provide an expert and experienced ecological clerk of works service that ensures compliance with environmental planning conditions for the purpose of environmental and ecological protection.”

Join the Caravan Club The Caravan Club has announced that it will be adding a new site to its network in 2012.

Situated in the breathtaking Strathclyde Country Park just twelve miles from Glasgow, the new caravan site will be open 365 days a year. The site is located in one of Scotland’s most

86

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

popular tourist destinations and will provide visitors with a range of attractions including sailing, kayaking, water skiing, rowing, country walks and boat and bike hire. In addition, visitors can participate in every outdoor activity imaginable, from kite flying to sunbathing.

Ellen Shotts, The Caravan Club Product Development Manager for the UK, said: “The addition of this site to the network is very exciting for The Caravan Club, as we are continually striving to provide more pitches in more locations for our members and British tourists.

“This site offers a slice of country life whilst being only twelve miles from a major city. As a result, the site is bound to prove popular with Scottish visitors, those from further afield and tourists wishing to stay at the site en route to other destinations.

“The site will also be a major source of accommodation for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, which are being held at Strathclyde Country Park.”

Renovation work began onsite in January 2012 and is expected to be completed by the end of October. The new site will have 107 all-weather touring pitches including 12 service, 10 enlarged and 50 tent pitches, which will in turn provide nearly 135,000 extra beds per year for members and non-members alike.

Once the refurbishment work is complete, the Strathclyde Country Park Club site will have a range of first-rate facilities.

These will include two toilet and shower blocks, an information room, cycle racks and a children’s play area. Moreover, there will be a family restaurant just a few minutes’ walk away.

Main contractor Pinington already enjoys a strong working relationship with The Caravan Club, having been awarded contracts for sites in Strathclyde, York and Southport.

Mark Ayrton, Pinington, said: “We are delighted to have secured these projects against stiff competition and we are committed to taking on local resources for each scheme. More importantly, the contract awards have helped to generate a positive path in these difficult times and provide the business with much needed comfort for the year ahead.”

The opening of the new Strathclyde Country Park site reflects a growing desire for the provision of facilities for domestic holi-

daymakers. Indeed, statistics show that the number of domestic holidays has increased by 11%, whilst the number of outbound holidays has dropped by 21%.

Daniel Yates, Managing Director of leading camping website Pitchup, commented: “A growing thirst for the outdoors, investment in ‘alternative camping’ options and Met Office predictions of a hot summer are all contributing to a higher camping and caravan bookings this season, against a background of increasing reluctance to travel abroad, higher exchange rates and persistent economic uncertainty. Domestic tourism is also benefitting from the growing appetite for short breaks amongst ever more spontaneous and deal-hungry customers.”

The success of The Caravan Club was celebrated in February 2012 at the Scottish Caravan Show, held in Glasgow’s SECC. Formula One star Paul Di Resta officially opened the event, which celebrated the organisation’s 25th birthday.

Nick Lomas, Director General of The Caravan Club, said: “We are very pleased to be in Scotland this year. It is the 25th year of this show, which is a great reason to celebrate. The Caravan Club is making a lot of investment here in Scotland, which I am very pleased to be talking about. We have new sites opening - one at Strathclyde Park later this year.

“In the last few years, we have seen more and more bookings on our sites. ‘Staycation’ is something that is definitely happening. There is a lot of uncertainty in Europe and reasons to stay in the UK like the Olympics and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. I think lots of people will be staying in the UK.” As Europe’s premier touring organisation, The Caravan Club represents the interests of over one million caravan, trailer tent and motor home owners. For more information, visit The Caravan Club’s award-winning website at www.caravanclub. co.uk and www.discovertouring.co.uk.

Early success for Parliament House The second phase of the Parliament House project has been praised after it was completed six months ahead of schedule.

Referred to as ‘first class’ by Parliament House’s Lord President, the early completion of Phase Two is a significant step forward in the redevelopment of the historic building, which is currently undergoing a process of modernisation.

The £18.5 million Phase Two operation began in October 2009 and saw development work focus primarily on the mid-section of Parliament House. In particular, redevelopment work was concentrated on the site’s Reid Building.

Like the first phase of the project, works involved upgrading services and systems. Further improvements were made to jury and witness facilities, judicial chambers, office accommodation and security building links. Court rooms two and three were also refurbished as part of the programme.

Interserve is the main contractor for Parliament House and Aedas Architect Ltd is the architect. The project is being funded entirely by the Scottish Government and in total comprises three phases over a five-year period.

Chief Executive of the Scottish Court Services, Eleanor Emberson, said: “Parliament House is both a working court building and an important part of Scotland’s heritage. The second phase is the most substantial as it equips the building to deal with the modROMA PUBLICATIONS

87

S c otl a n d

ern requirements of civil court business and assures its future within this world heritage site.”

Located in the centre of Edinburgh, Parliament House comprises of a collection of buildings that house the Supreme Courts of Scotland. The buildings are a prominent feature of the Scottish judicial system with the oldest, Parliament Hall, dating back over 400 years. The £63 million Parliament House project will update facilities and maintain the unique history of the site in order to ensure that it remains a central feature in Edinburgh for years to come.

An attempt to redevelop Parliament House was made in 1999; however the project was abandoned due to the fear of spiralling costs. The current contract has reduced these costs and timescales considerably.

Phase One began in February 2008 and was completed in October 2009. The £12.3 million project included a variety of maintenance and improvement works to replace and upgrade

essential services with work undertaken for electrical wiring, water pipes, heating, cooling and ventilation units, fire systems and lifts.

Two civil courtrooms also benefited from an upgrade in IT facilities, whilst additional courtrooms received improvements to jury and witness facilities and office accommodation.

Due to the location of the building and its historic importance in Scotland, a number of restrictions and special considerations have been implemented - particularly with regards to working hours.

With the first two phases now complete, Phase Three is currently underway. This phase comprises the refurbishment of additional courts, whilst artwork and statues in the historic Parliament Hall are also being removed in order to enable rewiring, plasterwork repairs and fire alarm upgrades to take place.

The Parliament House project is due to be completed in 2013.

Continuing the Mulvenny legacy The new 48,000 sq ft Mulvenny House in Clydebank will mark yet another success for family-owned company Labelgraphics (Glasgow) Ltd when it opens in March 2012.

Labelgraphics was established in 1983 and specialises in the production of self-adhesive labels. Their work includes the manufacture of clear on clear labels, metalised and laminated foils, screen printing, foil blocking and embossing.

In December 2011, Labelgraphics was approached by the Scottish government and asked to host a visit from the Cabinet

88

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

Secretary for Finance and Employment, John Swinney, as part of a programme that focuses on economic growth and the availability of funding for growing companies.

The visit tied in with Labelgraphics’ £5 million expansion plans, which include the new purpose-built Clydebank factory and the upgrade of existing presses. The expansion comes on the back of £1.8 million of funding support from Lloyds Banking Group and a further £1.25 million of Regional Selective Assistance funding from Scottish Enterprise.

The Cabinet Secretary’s visit included a tour of the production facility, with a focus on the printing presses and wide range of available products.

After the visit, John Swinney commented: “As we work to accelerate Scotland’s economic growth, it is important that access to finance does not hamper the plans of firms with strong potential for growth.”

Located on Clydebank Business Park, the new £2.3 million development comprises a manufacturing facility for self-adhesive labels for the wine and beverage industry.

The warehouse has been constructed on an area of derelict land that formerly fed into an old Singer factory. Although the majority of the development is work floor space, the project has also included the creation of 4,000 square feet of office space.

The building features steel and silver-grey cladding, whilst at the front there is some decorative cladding in silver, black and red.

One of the most impressive features is the absence of internal support panels holding up the roof. Instead, the whole apex is supported by the perimeter walls – which has in turn allowed the space to be completely opened up and removed the need for cumbersome steel beams.

The exterior of the building is now complete and the development is both wind and water-tight, whilst the car park has also been completed. In addition, the offices have been portioned and first fix electrical has been carried out.

Peter Mulvenny, Labelgraphics, said: “The project is progressing well and we have been very lucky

with the weather. The subcontractors have performed brilliantly and everyone is doing a fantastic job. I would particularly like to praise the work of Interlock, who have been the star guys out of everyone that we’ve had the pleasure to work with onsite.”

Mulvenny House was named after Founder and Chairman of Labelgraphics, Alex Mulvenny, who in 2007 received an MBE from HRH Prince Charles for his services to the printing industry. Main contractor for the project was Sidon Developments Limited.

Northcare and One Architecture partnership will bring care back to the community An important project that will provide vital care facilities for elderly people is almost complete in Cathcart, Glasgow.

Northcare (Scotland) Ltd is carrying out the £4.4m project, which began in June 2011 and is scheduled for completion in May 2012.

The Three Bridges Care Home has been designed by One Architecture and comprises 72 bedrooms over two floors, with two wings located on each of the floors. Each wing contains a dedicated day dining room measuring approximately 90 square metres and a dedicated quiet room to the far end of each of the wings. In addition, an external balcony on the first floor provides external recreational space.

Along with special care for high dependency residents – including those with dementia and Alzheimer’s – there is also a range of exciting facilities available for residents. These include a hair salon, beauty parlour and a cafe that is also open to the public.

All of the day rooms have been carefully designed to allow maximum daylight through a predominantly glazed facade. The corridors also benefit from natural light and a wall of double

doors that are held open in order to prevent the building from feeling institutional.

Landscaping has included the creation of an attractive garden

ROMA PUBLICATIONS

89

S c otl a n d to the south, which provides residents with an array of spaces and activities. Included within the green space are a bowling and putting green, various seated areas for relaxing, raised planter beds, wander paths and a large barbeque and patio area.

The superstructure of the building comprises a Metsec structural framing system with cast-in-situ concrete floors, therefore making the building extremely robust. Sustainable features include air source heating, whilst the care home features contemporary finishes throughout.

Working together to create a future Northcare (Scotland) Ltd has been established as a family run business for over 20 years. The company owns care homes in the South Lanarkshire region and will expand to Glasgow in the spring of 2012.

As one of the few privately-owned care homes in the central belt to have been awarded with a Customer Service Excellence award, the company is committed to operating their homes as a home in every sense of the word.

Clients are encouraged to achieve independence and inclusion within the community, whilst any disabilities are recognised and honoured through the provision of a variety of methods of support to suit the individual concerned. With all care undertaken in an environment that is safe and secure, the client will be given the opportunity to work in partnership with the care staff in order to maximise their quality of life.

All of Northcare’s care homes provide menus that are reviewed

by Diet Scotland in order to ensure that clients are offered nutritious and well balanced meals. Other important provisions include activities programmes, outings and regular entertainment.

Northcare (Scotland) Ltd pride themselves on their participation strategy. The company holds monthly forums where residents, families and staff make decisions in the running of the homes and the future direction of Northcare. Margaret Sawers, Northcare Director, holds monthly surgeries in each of the homes in order to enable residents and families to raise any concerns or suggestions that they might have in a confidential environment.

If requested, the company is willing to email families an update of their relative’s wellbeing. The homes also boast a Skype facility, which enables families who are unable to visit often to see and speak to their relative on a regular basis.

Northcare (Scotland) Ltd and One Architecture have enjoyed a successful working relationship for approximately ten years.

Their mutual respect is largely based on One Architecture’s belief that their client’s aspirations are as important as the users of the development.

As a result, One Architecture has worked with Northcare

(Scotland) Ltd on a number of projects throughout the years, including the Carmunnock Road scheme. The company has stated that it is very proud to be associated with Northcare Scotland) Ltd and it looks forward to continued involvement with them as the architect and lead consultant in future projects.

One Architecture One Architecture was established in 2007 and is located in Central Glasgow at 145 St. Vincent Street. The company specialises in several sectors across the construction industry, including: healthcare, residential, care homes, hotels, commercial, commercial refurbishment, residential refurbishment and retail.

As a young, dynamic practice of chartered architects, One Architecture service clients and projects across the UK.

Pulse Electrical Established in 2006, Pulse Electrical is a dynamic electrical services contractor that specialises in the supply, installation, commissioning and maintenance of a wide variety of electrical services. We undertake projects across the commercial, industrial, retail and residential sectors and have successfully done so both directly for the client and/or as nominated subcontractors.

Pulse Electrical has built and maintained a strong relationship with Northcare Developers over the past four years and were delighted when offered the role of Electrical Subcontractor, project managing the electrical installation including fire, data/ telecom, TV and nurse call of the new Carmunnock Care Home.

With our focus on complete client satisfaction, we look forward to future developments and projects with Northcare Developers Ltd.

Gordon Street receives a makeover A £4 million refurbishment scheme has been completed in Paisley.

Completed in March 2012, the 4-16 Gordon Street project comprised the refurbishment of fifty-three residential units in a prominent location within the town centre. Of these flats, forty-seven units are affordable accommodation for the rental market, whilst six are privately-owned flats. The project has also included the refurbishment of six commercial premises.

The scheme was implemented by Paisley South Housing Association after Renfrewshire Council flagged the site as a high priority project within its overall regeneration strategy. Renfrewshire Council provided grant assistance for both the privately-owned flats and the commercial premises. Paisley South Housing Association were supported by subsidy from the Scottish Government.

90

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

Lovell was the main contractor, whilst ASSIST Architects Ltd was the architect. Glasgow based Allied Stewart & Williamson was the quantity surveyor and the structural consultant was Structural Partnership.

Work began in November 2009 and included the complete strip-out of the units, new finishes to roofing and the grouting of foundations. Extensive repairs were also made to stonework and new windows were installed across the units.

Original common toilets were removed to the rear of the buildings, whilst further landscaping also took place to the backcourt areas behind the properties. The landscaping works included the installation of boundary walls, fences and paths, along with improvements to grass-covered areas and the provision of refuse storage facilities.

The project encountered a number of challenges, including delays in funding approval. Access to Gordon Street was also problematic at times due to the location of the site within Paisley town centre.

All of the work has been designed to bring the area back to its former glory, whilst at the same time ensuring that each unit meets the current standards of living.

Now that the work is complete, all of the owners of the privately-owned flats have returned to their homes, whilst new tenants have taken up residence in the rented accommodation.

Another page turned on the Abbotsford House refurbishment project A thrilling project to restore Abbotsford House to its former glory is underway in Melrose.

Abbotsford House is located on the banks of the River Tweed in the heart of a beautiful landscape that inspired the poetry and novels of its creator, Sir Walter Scott. Claimed by some to embody a physical representation of the Romantic movement, the stunning development celebrates an impressive collection of historic relics, weapons and armour, along with an extensive library that contains over 9,000 rare volumes.

Under the £14.5 million refurbishment scheme, the entire building will be lovingly restored and a new education suite and offices will be created. In addition, the Hope Scott wing will be converted into 5-star visitor accommodation.

Main contractor for the project is M&J Ballantyne and the architect is LDN Architects.

In June 2011, the first sod on the site of the new Visitor Reception Building was cut by The Duke of Buccleuch. Through the creation of the new building, the Abbotsford Trust aims to encapsulate the story of Scott and articulate it in a way that will appeal to a modern audience. It is hoped that interest will be regenerated through the inventive presentation and inspiring educational programmes that have been specifically designed to establish the development as a place of enlightenment and entertainment.

A range of special packages will be provided for the guests, including guided walks, outdoor pursuits (including golfing and fishing breaks), spa treatments and exclusive packages for wedding groups.

During the project, several interesting features have been discovered. These include beautiful decorated floors, an ancient well and private gas works.

Matthew Withey, curator at Abbotsford, said: “We always hoped that the restoration work at Abbotsford would yield some fascinating finds and we have not been disappointed.

“The treasures uncovered so far are a wonderful insight into the history of this amazing property and help tell us much about

the way Scott lived and his love of craftsmanship and innovation. We’re greatly looking forward to seeing what other secrets will be uncovered as the project progresses.”

Grand Davidson, Contracts Manager for M & J Ballantyne Ltd, added: “We’re delighted to be working on such an important regeneration project. We have a great deal of expertise gleaned from our work on numerous historic properties such as Floors Castle near Kelso, Dewars Lane Granary in Berwick upon Tweed and Ednam House Hotel in Kelso and are pleased that we can use our experience to help develop one of the most significant restoration and conservation projects the Borders and Scotland has seen in recent years.”

The Abbotsford Trust has raised approximately 75 percent of the £14.5 million needed to safeguard the long-term future of the development, and continues to work to raise the remaining £3.7 million.

If you would like to learn more about the project or make a donation, visit www.scottsabbotsford.co.uk

ROMA PUBLICATIONS

91

I re l a n d

The science of construction A new £2.4 million project to provide Letterkenny Institute of Technology with improved facilities for its Department of Science is nearing completion.

The Third Level Science Block Extension project has created a single-storey extension on top of the existing two-storey structure. The new extension covers a total floor area of 1115m² and will comprise new laboratories with prep rooms, along with offices, a plant room and storage areas.

Letterkenny Institute of Technology currently houses a large Department of Science, but in order to extend its programme even further the college required additional space to accommodate facilities and students. The most cost-effective method was to build a new extension, as opposed to a new structure alongside the college.

Once the extension is complete, the college will offer a variety of courses including bioscience, bioanalytical science, analytical & forensic science, food science & nutrition and veterinary nursing.

Boyle Construction is the main contractor for the project, which has been designed by architect Coady Partnership Architects. The mechanical and electrical consultant is Gillespie & Cummings and the structural consultant is HGL O’Connor and Co. Work commenced in July 2011 with the construction of a steel frame approximately 700 millimetres above the existing roof membrane. Steel was selected as the material is lightweight and therefore ideal for supporting the load of the new building.

The internal stud walls of the extension have been constructed using plywood, whilst lightweight vinyl has been used for the flooring and plasterboard has been used for the ceilings.

Hardwood door frames with Formica facing have been used inside the facility in order to offer a hardwearing durability for entry and exit ways – ideal for a busy college.

External work has included the installation of a felt roof and a rainscreen cladding system with fibre cement panels on the sides of the extension. The fibre cement cladding has been designed to tie in with an existing extension and has only been used for the more prominent areas of the building, whereas shadowline cladding has been used for the less visible areas.

External lights have also been fitted to the roof in order to encourage north facing illumination in the laboratories and reduce the amount of glare created from natural sunlight.

As the project involves increasing the size of the original building, a number of important safety elements have been considered to ensure that the development adheres to building regulations.

Coady Partnership Project Architect, Neal Keaney, explained: “One of the most challenging elements that we came across at the beginning of this project was how to ensure that the whole building would remain safe in the event of a fire.

92

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

“If the project had involved the construction of a brand new building on a Greenfield site then consideration would only have be given to that particular build, however on this project we had to take into consideration the existing building. Particular attention was also paid to the fact that the new extension interfaces with the existing building in five different locations.

“We had to make sure that we were compliant with building regulations in terms of fire separation areas so that in the event of a fire the outbreak would be limited to just one part of the building. This has been a primary consideration during the project and we made sure we addressed it early in the detailed design stage.

“Every project offers its own little challenges, but we see this as a very beneficial way for our company to develop.”

Additional work on the project has included the reconfiguration of car parking spaces in order to create additional provisions for disabled drivers, whilst the forecourt located at the main entrance to the campus has also been revamped.

Letterkenny Institute of Technology has remained open throughout the construction phase and all efforts have been made to minimise any disruptions. As the existing science facility has no direct crossover with the new extension, construction work has been able to continue without disrupting the timetables of budding scientists.

Neal Keaney said:

ROMA PUBLICATIONS

93

I re l a n d

“A lot of thought has gone into the health and safety aspects of the build and how Boyle Construction accesses the site as it’s a busy campus with a lot of students and staff coming and going. There are two vehicular entrance points on to the campus, so whilst the construction crew is using the rear entrance to access the site, staff and students are using the front entrance.

“Everyone involved with the extension is working closely with Letterkenny Institute of Technology to make sure that there is very little disruption to college life and most students are working away without noticing anything is taking place above them.”

Construction work is currently running to schedule and is due for completion towards the end of March 2012. Fit-out work will then take place before the Department of Science moves into its new home in time for the summer term. The fit-out will include the installation of an air handler unit (AHU) and associated equipment, along with liquid petroleum gas (LPG) distribution and proving systems, a laboratory gasses distribution and

Keith Williams’ design is a work of art The new Athlone Art Gallery in Westmeath will engage the local community with a range of exciting art exhibitions when it opens in the autumn of 2012.

Located on a spectacular site on the banks of the River Shannon, the gallery lies adjacent to the Athlone Bridge and the neo-baroque St. Peter and Paul’s Church. The development is also situated on the site of the medieval town defences, namely the Connaught Tower.

Under the project, the existing Father Matthew Hall will be sympathetically restored and transformed into a modern art space that will include a new ‘white box’ gallery wing.

The development will incorporate a 115 sq m gallery within the former Father Matthew Hall, along with a 145 sq m ‘white box’ gallery. Although the galleries will cater primarily for the visual arts, there will also be an emphasis on meeting local audience needs in terms of art exhibitions and engagement.

Also included in the scheme are informal meeting areas for the public and administration offices for the Athlone Art Gallery management and staff.

For the refurbishment aspect of the project, the Father Matthew Hall will be re-rendered and re-roofed in slate, whilst internally the building will be stripped back to the bare walls and roof structure. Whilst the refurbishment scheme will significantly update the building, all efforts have been made to retain the historical character of the important landmark.

The new gallery wing will boast an innovative palette of materi-

94

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

vacuum systems.

Prior to the handover of the project, a thermal imaging test will also take place and an assessment of the building will commence in order to ensure its compliance with all of the necessary building regulations. The extension has been designed to achieve a BER rating of A3 as well as a grade of air tightness that is 3 m³ per 1 m² at 50 particles of air pressure. All efforts are being made to ensure the building remains energy efficient throughout the duration of its life.

Neal Keaney added: “We’ve been conducting work up in Donegal since the early 1990s and have a long and successful history of working with the Letterkenny Institute of Technology. We developed the original master plan for the campus and have been involved with most of the work that has taken place on the IT site to date – it’s great to be a part of this latest phase of development.”

als, including rough cut horizontal limestone strips in varying widths and zinc-clad roof lanterns that will be set back from the parapet wall in order to highlight the use of limestone and centralise the light penetrating the gallery.

Once the project is complete, the new Athlone Art Gallery and the Abbey Road Artists Studios will operate together to promote educational initiatives.

Main contractor Purcell Construction and architect Keith Williams Architects are carrying out the scheme for Athlone Town Council. Midland Heating and Plumbing Ltd have provided all of the heating, ventilation and control systems whilst working closely with the design team and main contractor to deliver the project.

It is the third commission for Keith Williams Architects in Athlone, following the successful completion of the multi-award winning Athlone Civic Centre and Library in 2004 and the town’s Army Memorial in 2010.

Belfast leads the way for renewable energy The UK’s first purpose-built offshore wind logistics facility is under construction at Belfast Harbour.

The Belfast Harbour D1 development consists of a 480-metre deepwater quay supported by a 50-acre hinterland.

The £50 million project is entirely self-funded by Belfast Harbour Commissioners, the port authority that manages and operates Belfast Harbour. The leading Danish Utility, DONG Energy, will then use the facility to assemble turbines and foundations for use in a number of its wind farm projects in the Irish Sea. The first of these projects is the West of Dutton Sands Offshore Wind Farm, located off the coast of Cumbria.

Main contractor Farrans Construction is carrying out the Belfast Harbour D1 project, which was designed by Doran Consulting. Construction began in August 2011 and is scheduled for completion in October 2012.

Belfast Harbour Commissioners Commercial Manager,

Michael Robinson, said: “The offshore wind industry has two key requirements when looking for new sites: large areas of land and immediate access to an unrestricted deep water shipping channel. Belfast Harbour D1 is one of the few sites in the whole of the British Isles that ticks both of these boxes and DONG Energy quickly saw that we had a huge advantage over other highly competitive sites across the UK, even though geographically we’re not the closest to its wind farm locations.”

He added: “We were also able to demonstrate to DONG Energy that we had a very streamlined planning process with a number of existing stakeholder relationships already in place.

As a result, we were able to turn the planning element of the project around within six months.”

Approximately 1 million tonnes of aggregate is being used on the site to create the hinterland section of the development that ROMA PUBLICATIONS

95

I re l a n d will store wind turbine components. The aggregate will be placed on top of a layer of geogrid, which is a geosynthetic material that is used to reinforce soils and materials whilst providing load bearing capacity. A stone base has also been constructed on the seabed in order to offer protection to quay structure when the installation vessels jack up at the quay.

Michael Robinson said: “The turbines and components that we are handling are huge in size and weight, so the loading requirements of the quayside relieving slab are substantial. A standard quay at most harbours would have a loading capacity of approximately 5 tonnes per square metre; however the D1 relieving slab will support loads of up to 15 tonnes per square metre, three times the strength of a usual dockside.”

He added: “With so many projects in the Irish Seas within the D1 site’s natural catchment area, we have great aspirations for this development and with DONG Energy being the world’s number one offshore wind developer, we couldn’t be working with anyone better to realise those aspirations.

96

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

“The work taking place here includes a number of firsts for the industry, meaning that Belfast is now well positioned to become a leading hub in the UK for renewable energy.”

ABI Equipment Ltd ABI Equipment Ltd is proud to have been selected as the key supplier of specialist pile driving equipment to Farrans Construction Ltd for the high profile Belfast Harbour D1 project.

The equipment supplied included two crane-suspended Delmag D100-13 diesel hammers for the impact driving of the large diameter steel combi-wall tubes (Ø1620mm x 32m long), plus a purpose built piling rig designed to install both vertical and raking piles. This equipment utilised a Delmag D46-32 diesel hammer to impact drive the 30m long tubular anchor piles - Ø762mm and Ø660mm raking at an angle of 1:3.

The equipment and services provided ensured Farrans Construction Ltd completed piling works within a very tight time frame over what were challenging winter months, with adverse weather and limited daylight working hours.

Construction News

Call our news team on 01706 719972

Redevelopment at John Paul II Library

A brand new extension will provide state-ofthe-art library facilities for the National University of Ireland,Maynooth.

The existing John Paul II library in Maynooth, County Kildare is currently undergoing a major refurbishment operation that will include the construction of a 6,000m² extension and a range of improvement works. Once complete the new library will boast improved provisions for students, including a brand new ground floor student café.

The redevelopment of John Paul II Library has incorporated a number of environmentally friendly features, including photovoltaic panels and twin glazed façades with automatically activated solar control blinds. Additional sustainable features include automated lighting systems, natural ventilation and ground water heat pump systems.

Work commenced in January 2011 with Walls Construction as the main contractor and Scott Talon Walker Architects as the architect.

As the project is being conducted whilst the University campus remains open, works have

been programmed to take place during specific time frames in order to limit the disruption to student life.

So far the project has involved extensive demolition works and the construction of new internal walls to reconfigure the existing layout of the library.

This has included the removal of existing walls, ceilings and floors, along with the complete removal of all mechanical and electrical services in the library. Plant facilities and associated equipment have also been removed from the roof and will be replaced with new facilities during the course of the construction.

External works will include the construction of a new plaza located to the east of the new extension, along with two new pedestrian bridges. Landscaping works will also take place

www.romauk.net

and will include the planting of new trees to replace the trees that were removed from the site during the initial planning stages.

Additional works include the removal of an existing pedestrian footbridge and the redevelopment of associated traffic works, footpaths and cycle paths.

The project is due to be completed in October 2012.

Providing care at Highfield Hospital A brand new 200-bed residential care facility will provide much needed services for people living with dementia.

The care facility at Highfield Hospital opened its doors in March 2012 and will provide appropriate care for patients within a nursing home style environment. The £20 million facility was built on behalf of the Highfield Hospital Group, an organisation responsible for providing important residential care for people suffering from dementia.

The project was funded by the Ulster Bank, whilst JJ Rhatigan and Company was the main contractor and The O’Toole Partnership was the architect.

Planning for the residential care facility took place in 2008, with tendering following in late 2009 and construction commencing in October 2010. The project reached completion in January 2012.

Following an official handover by the site team, the facility underwent a process of approval overseen by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) in order to ensure that the new building met the required standards and criteria for clinical guidelines. HIQA is an important health body and every residential care centre that opens in Ireland needs to get approval from the organisation before it can accept patients.

The facility has been built on a former Greenfield site that is now partly used by two other residential care units under the Highfield Hospital Group. The three-storey building was constructed using a block wall frame with precast walls on the first and second floors, whilst the exterior finish is a mixture of cladding panels, stone and an acrylic render system.

The greatest challenge encountered whilst constructing the care facility was the close proximity of Dublin’s Port Tunnel, which lies below the development. The tunnel is an important traffic route that forms a section of the M50 motorway and completes the northern area of the C-Ring around the city.

As a result of weight restrictions applied by Dublin City Council and the National Roads Authority, there is a limit to the amount of weight that can be placed above the tunnel. To aid in construction and reduce the weight of the building, a top layer of soil was removed from the site. This served to counterweight the structure before a light weight method of construction was applied.

In order to make the building as energy efficient as possible, all of the work conducted on Highfield Hospital was implemented to go above and beyond the usual standards of insulation. In

ROMA PUBLICATIONS

97

I re l a n d

JJ Rhatigan & Company is proud to be the main contractor on the new 200-bed care facility at Highfield Hospital.

order to achieve this and to help reduce fuel consumption costs a warm wall construction method was used, which involved filling walls with up to 150 millimetres of insulation.

A combined heat and power (CHP) unit was also installed in the building in order to provide the facility with power and water security throughout the life of the hospital.

Additional work on the project included maintaining a number of mature trees on the site and replacing shrubs and plants that were removed during the initial stages of construction.

98

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

The O’Toole Partnership Partner, John Dennehy, said: “It’s always great to have a finished project in your portfolio, especially one as good as this one at Highfield Hospital. There was a tight schedule on this project and it had its challenges, including constructing above the Port Tunnel and limited storage space for materials - however everything ran exactly to plan.

“We are always looking at a project from the point of view of how we can improve on what we have already created and this is what we work towards when we are looking at our next project. Highfield Hospital was an important project and the key for us is to now use what we’ve achieved on this as a benchmark to show potential clients what we can do in the future.”

“Highfield Hospital Group is a fantastic client that has been in the business for 150 years. They were a pleasure to work with and the end result reflects how understanding they were during the build. They allowed us to get on with the work to do what we needed to do and we look forward to continuing this working relationship with them.”

JJ Rhatigan & Company With over 50 years of experience in the industry, JJ Rhatigan & Company is one of Ireland’s leading construction companies.

The premier contractor has successfully completed a diverse array of projects working across industrial, commercial, residential and healthcare sectors and this includes working on the Highfield Hospital project.

JJ Rhatigan & Company is proud to be the main contractor on the new 200-bed care facility at Highfield Hospital. The company is also involved in modification work to a care unit located at the Highfield site for patients living with Alzheimer’s.

JJ Rhatigan & Company prides itself on its ability to complete projects on time, within budget and to a very high standard.

Many satisfied customers continue to trust JJ Rhatigan & Company and this is reflected in the amount of repeat business that the company achieves.

Team effort will benefit Belfast community The first phase of a project to provide vital health services is nearing completion at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.

As part of a major capital programme to improve health provision across Northern Ireland, the new twelve-storey critical care unit (CCU) will provide essential medical facilities including critical care theatres, accident and emergency treatment and maternity accommodation.

Planning permission was granted in March 2007 and the project began at the end of 2008. With the help of Envirowise, main contractor McLaughlin & Harvey established a supply chain project to work with local suppliers such as Warwick Engineering Ltd, Blackbourne Integrated M&E and McMullen Architects in order to identify areas for improved resource efficiency and environmental performance.

Designed by established architects URS in conjunction with Capita Architecture, the £110 million centre will have the capacity to treat up to 80,000 attendees each year. Almost two-thirds of the Northern Ireland population live within forty minutes travel of the hospital, which is situated only a few minutes drive from Belfast city centre.

Built on a Brownfield site that once belonged to the former Quinn House, the site is surrounded by an eight-storey building that comprises the Eyes, Ears, Nose and Throat (EENT) department, a maternity department and an A-block containing wards and theatres.

The highly modern build features a range of interesting features, including ceramic tiling and extensive glazing.

Charles Stokes, URS, said: “The design reflects the high-tech nature of the internal clinical functions and the sterile environment that we are trying to create. On levels five and six where the critical care areas are located, an external corridor separates the patients’ families from the staff, therefore reducing the risk of cross-contamination.

“We have had to introduce and change three floors of the building from one function to another whilst the building was being constructed, which was obviously a challenge. Although this affected the project somewhat, all problems have been overcome by the hard work of the construction team.

“URS is extremely proud to have been involved in this project,

which will bring cost-efficient and high quality health services to the population of Belfast – in the process setting precedence for the rest of Northern Ireland.”

The new CCU also features an innovative new curtain walling system. The aluminum composite panels have a metallic silver finish and are fixed within an extruded aluminum frame. This innovative method of construction allows for the creation of a stunning flush-glazed facade to the building.

McLaughlin & Harvey are committed to the promotion of sustainable projects and as a result, the development has incorporated a range of eco-friendly features such as photovoltaic cells and a CHP. Sam McCloskey, Envirowise Regional Manager for Northern Ireland, said: “McLaughlin & Harvey is a great example of a company looking at not only its direct impact on the environment, but also the ways in which working with suppliers can reduce the carbon footprint of the entire site and cut costs for all concerned.

Sharing ideas and best practice in this way not only boosts the bottom line for the companies involved, but will also help to forge strong business relationships for future years.”

ROMA PUBLICATIONS

99

I re l a n d

Energia Renewables powers on Energia Renewables is the largest independent energy supplier in Ireland, supplying gas and electricity to over 65,000 businesses.

As part of its commitment to the environment Energia Renewables has invested €200 million in developing renewable sources of energy through its portfolio of ten wind farms including their most recent wind farm projects Corkermore, Crighshane, Church Hill and Caherdowney.

Corkermore Wind Farm is now fully operational, whilst Caherdowney Wind Farm is currently under construction and is on schedule to be energised in April 2012, around the same time as Crighshane and Church Hill in County Tyrone.

Energia is one of Ireland’s leading providers of sustainable energy and will shortly have 550MW of operational renewable electricity capacity within its energy portfolio, with a further 290MW of wind farm projects currently in development across Ireland. Up to 75% of its portfolio is contracted with third party wind farms, giving Energia Renewables the broadest wind farm coverage in Ireland.

Corkermore Wind Farm Corkermore Wind Farm was constructed on a Class 2 wind site in County Donegal and comprises five Gamesa G80 turbines with a combined capacity of 10MW. Each has a hub height of 60 metres, a rotor diameter of 80 metres and a tip height of 100 metres. In total the €15 million wind farm has the potential to power up to 10,000 homes.

Construction was completed in August 2011, with Belfastbased Lagan Construction as the main civil works contractor and Powerteam Electrical Services responsible for the electrical fit-out works.

100

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

Energia Renewables Projects Manager, Brendan McGarr, said: “There are a couple of smaller wind farms in the vicinity but in terms of the size and scale there’s nothing quite like this one in the area.

“We chose this particular site because it offered good prevailing winds coming in off the Atlantic Ocean and because the high mountains to the west help to mask the turbines from public view. The site was assessed and wind measurements were taken and although the wind speeds are lower than a Class 1 site, it was decided that it would make a viable location.

“We then chose to use Gamesa G80 turbines as they have a large rotor diameter and so are particularly suited for use on Class 2 wind sites where they can be used to generate more energy.”

Caherdowney Wind Farm Caherdowney Wind Farm is currently nearing completion on a Class 1 site in County Cork and comprises four wind turbines with a combined capacity of 9.2MW. The turbines are Enercon E70 models with a hub height of 64.5 metres and a rotor diameter of 70 metres.

Work started on the €14 million project in June 2011 and Lagan Construction was once again contracted to conduct the main civil works for the project. The site was chosen due to its high average wind speeds and once the wind farm is fully operational it will be capable of powering up to 9,200 homes.

Brendan McGarr said: “On both Corkermore and Caherdowney we’ve received a lot of support from local residents and we’re very thankful for this.

The development of both wind farms is a very positive step forward for renewable energy in Ireland and this is something that

is very important to us.”

“All of our wind farm developments bring significant benefits to the local economies, including job creation, increased rates for the local authorities and improvements to local infrastructure. “

Energia Group Energia Group comprises of Energia Supply, Energia Renewables and Energia Generation and is Ireland’s largest independent supplier in the Irish business energy market, with a 28% market share of the business electricity and gas market on an all–island basis. The group is a member of the Viridian Group and has offices in Dublin, Galway, Cork, Belfast and Omagh.

Energia Renewables sources conventional power from the Group’s power stations in north Dublin, where the company has invested €500 million with the capability to supply up to 17% of electricity requirements on an all-island basis.

Energia Group has also signed a preliminary off-take agreement to purchase the electricity generated from the pioneering Wave Energy Converter that is being operated by US firm Ocean Energy Systems (OES) off Belmullet, Co Mayo.

ROMA PUBLICATIONS

101

O ve r s e a s

To infinity...and beyond!

Spaceport America is set to become the world’s first purpose-built commercial spaceport. The £133 million project is the result of almost two decades of work to increase the commercial accessibility of spaceflight.

The project has provided jobs for almost 800 construction workers and the New Mexico Spaceport Authority (NMSA) expects a further 2,000 long-term jobs to be created. In addition, the new spaceport will also generate important tourism businesses for the area, including hotels, restaurants and tour guide arrangements.

Spaceport America is owned and operated by the State of New Mexico in the United States. The spaceport is located on 18,000 acres of state-owned land, just west of the U.S. Army’s White Sands Missile Range (WSMR). The spaceport will contract services from WSMR and will utilise the range’s unique restricted airbase in order to create a new way to travel into space.

The newly constructed three-storey Terminal Hanger facility was named the ‘Virgin Galactic Gateway to Space’ in October 2011. The iconic 110,152 sq ft building was designed by Foster + Partners and URS. The western zone of the facility houses support and administrative facilities for Virgin Galactic and the NMSA, whilst the central zone is the heart of the facility and contains a double-height hangar to store up to two White-Knight-Two motherships and five SpaceshipTwo spacecrafts. The eastern zone contains the principal operational training area, departure lounge, spacesuit dressing rooms and celebration areas, whilst the restaurant and mission control room have direct east views across the apron, runway and landscape beyond.

The Terminal Hangar Facility was designed to meet LEED Gold standard. As a result, the development has incorporated several sustainable features including earth tubes under the earth berm to cool the building, underfloor radiant cooling and heating and natural ventilation in midseason.

Phase One comprises the construction of the spaceport’s large runway, the Terminal Hangar Facility for Virgin Galactic and the internal roads, fencing, electrical system, water/sewer systems, along with the Space Operations Centre.

Phase Two construction will include the final build-out of the permanent Vertical Launch Complex facilities, a visitor centre on the main spaceport campus and a southern road to the space port. This phase is projected to be complete in 2013, at which time the spaceport will become fully operational.

Both Phase One and Phase Two construction are part of the

102

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

already-funded State of New Mexico’s $209 million spaceport construction budget.

Officials at Spaceport America have been working closely with entrepreneurial space leaders such as UP Aerospace, Virgin Galactic and Armadillo Aerospace in collaboration with established aerospace firms like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and MOOG-FTS to develop commercial spaceflight at the new facility. The economic impact of launches, tourism and new construction at Spaceport America is already delivering on the promise of economic development for the people of New Mexico.

McDade-Woodcock McDade-Woodcock Inc has been an Industrial based electrical contractor for 32 years, specialising in high-tech electrical products and solutions including industrial construction and water and waste water treatment.

McDade-Woodcock Inc provided electrical work on the Spaceport America project, based in New Mexico, including site and electrical communication and electrical work in the airfield and fuel storage facility. This also included electrical work for the site’s fencing and gates, the wastewater treatment plant and its water booster pump station.

President and CEO of McDade-Woodcock Inc, Rob Rives, said: “We’re the premier industry leading electrical contractor in the South-West, we have the financial capacity and bonding ability to tackle almost any size project and we have a long established reputation of quality.”

He added: “For McDade-Woodcock and for me personally, we always wanted to get involved with NASA and space endeavours and this was a pioneering one as it’s the first one!”

McDade-Woodcock Inc installed runway guidance signage and wind cones, a 2.5 mile communication and airfield ductbank and over 10 miles of 25kv ductbanks. It also installed SCADA communications (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), a system used to remotely monitor the infrastructure of a network, as well as 1.5 miles of fibre optic cabling, 36 miles of 25kv power cable, 25kv power electrical system distribution equipment and back up generation equipment.

The company also used a number of innovative items on the project including the use of environmentally friendly lead free 25kv power cables from Southwire and all of its site lighting made use of solar energy.

Heritage

Hidden cost of lead thefts threatening our heritage Ray Robertson, Secretary, Lead Contractors Association – Stealing lead from a church roof is no longer the victimless crime traditionally portrayed. Record metal prices have resulted in regional / national organised gangs that methodically strip vulnerable sites, with the lead easily distributed through the UK network of metals reclamation merchants.

Increasing demand world wide for lead acid batteries has also spawned large scale thefts by the container load to be shipped directly abroad from UK ports.

More often than not the ‘vulnerable sites’ are church properties in remote locations where access is open and visitors are encouraged. This has meant the repeat targeting of some churches with the thieves simply waiting for the lead sheet to be replaced before stripping it off again.

Although perhaps involving relatively few people directly, the damage caused to the external building structure and internal decoration, as well as its precious, often irreplaceable contents is heartbreaking to those locals affected.

It is reported that between January and August 2011, the cost of lead stripped from ecclesiastical properties had exceeded £3.5M - more then the whole of 2010. More than 5,000 churches in the UK have now suffered from a theft of lead and this is not a problem which is going away.

Although lead thefts have been escalating chronically over the past three or four years, it affects relatively few. Ironically it has been the recent increase in the theft of copper cable and result-

104

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

ing massive inconvenience to thousands of rail commuters and cost to transport, power and communication companies (and their insurers) which has dramatically raised the public awareness of ‘metal thefts’ and led to demands for action.

Now there are investigations into security systems, alarms, lighting and lead theft deterrents such as Smartwater and Led-Lok. Neighbourhood watch schemes such as Church Care and National Church Watch have quickly become a focal point for the community. The entire UK metals reclamation network

(colloquially “scrap metal merchants”) has come under the microscope, with calls for changes to legislation, stricter regulation, licensing, banning of cash scales, improved identification procedures, record keeping, Certificates of Origin, etc.

Demands for the skills of the experienced lead craftsmen increased to the extent where LCA members undertook to work to an agreed schedule of rates and an organised system approved

by Ecclesiastical Insurance which meant the rapid response by a leadwork specialist when a theft occurred. It also meant an installation carried out in accordance with the UK Code of Practice (BS6915) and which was sympathetic with the demands of the original roof design.

In the hands of a skilled and experienced craftsman, lead sheet can be shaped by hand to fit the most complex and ornate details which are found on our historic properties, in order to provide comprehensive and maintenance free weather protection that (untouched) will consistently perform for more than 100 years.

Because it is a soft metal, lead sheet reacts to temperature changes by expanding and contracting. The specialist leadworker knows exactly how to allow for this thermal movement in the sizing and fixing of each individual detail. However also because it is a soft metal which moves, lead cannot be sealed down on all sides and still perform, so increasing its vulnerability to theft.

Installing lead sheet properly is therefore a specialist craft that requires a degree of skill and knowledge which the general roofing contractor is unlikely to have, regardless of their competence in other materials.

When a lead theft occurs there is an increasing temptation to change materials. Even when lead sheet is re-installed, there is the mistaken belief that money can be saved by using a non specialist.

These two consequences of lead theft have resulted in a sharp fall in demand for the services of the specialist leadworker, at a time when the entire UK construction industry continues to suffer from the economic downturn.

When metal prices ease (as they will), when lead thefts decline (as they will), when demand for lead sheet revives (as it undoubtedly will because of its unrivalled long term maintenance free performance), where will the specialists be to make sure it is fitted with the skill, knowledge and careful attention to detail it deserves?

For more information on the Lead Contractors Association: www.lca.gb.com ROMA PUBLICATIONS

105

Heritage

Ensuring a bright future for the past English Heritage exists to protect and promote England’s spectacular historic environment and ensure that its past is researched and understood.

English Heritage is the government’s statutory adviser on the historic environment. Officially known as the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England, English Heritage is an executive non-departmental public body that is sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

The powers and responsibilities of English Heritage are set out in the National Heritage Act (1983) and today they report to Parliament through the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.

Although sponsored by DCMS, English Heritage works with a range of government departments, notably CLG and Defra, to help realise the potential of the historic environment.

English Heritage is funded in part by the government, and is also part funded from revenue earned from their historic properties and other services. In 2008/09 the organisation’s public funding was worth £132.7m, and income from other sources was £48.1m.

English Heritage works in partnership with central government departments, local authorities, voluntary bodies and the private sector to conserve and enhance the historic environment, broaden public access to the heritage and increase people’s understanding of the past.

The organisation meets these responsibilities by: acting as a national and international champion for the heritage; giving grants for the conservation of historic buildings, monuments and landscapes; maintaining registers of England’s most significant historic buildings, monuments and landscapes; and advising on the preservation of the historic environment.

English Heritage also encourages broader public involvement with the heritage, promotes heritage-related education and research, cares for Stonehenge and over 400 other historic properties on behalf of the nation, maintains the National Monuments Record as the public archive of the heritage and generates income for the benefit of the historic environment.

English Heritage is currently running a five-year investment programme for its properties. Based on an audit of all the organisation’s properties, £30m is being targeted at those sites with the most commercial potential, in order to make as many sites as possible self-financing. Projects range from major refurbishment and restoration works at Kenilworth Castle to relatively small but significant improvements to exhibitions and interpretation, catering and retail facilities.

In the construction sector, English Heritage has joined forces with ConstructionSkills to call for concerted action across the construction industry, the built heritage sector, educational establishments, careers organisations, funding bodies and government departments to tackle the continued shortage of heritage building skills.

English Heritage has also published research demonstrating the shortage of craft skills across the country and a Skills Action Plan which they are now implementing. This includes raising the profile of vocational training and the built heritage construction sector and attracting more young people to pursue careers within it.

The plan is also geared towards encouraging the use of suitably skilled and qualified people, and developing qualifications to ensure that traditional building knowledge and skills can be attained from GCSE to Master Craft level.

Find out more at www.english-heritage.org.uk

106

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

Meet the conservation specialists Mike and Gary Simpson, a father and son team, run a specialist conservation firm called Heritage Consolidation from their base in Northumberland. Their specialities include stonemasonry and lime-based mortars, along with plastering and render. Recent years have seen them take the admirable and, some would say, bold decision to focus entirely on heritage restoration work.

The duo has completed restoration work for both English Heritage and Natural England. Their experiences have helped them to reach the conclusion that not only is a conservationfocused business an extremely viable enterprise, but their traditional skills are lacking across the UK. And that’s without mentioning their love for the work.

A s s o c i ati o n s

Expo strikes back The world’s largest event for sustainable design and construction is returning to the UK for a seventh year.

The Ecobuild 2012 Expo will take place at London’s ExCel from Tuesday 20th March to Thursday 22nd March and will showcase the largest selection of sustainable construction products in the world. Over 1,500 suppliers will exhibit at the event, with leading names such as BASF Construction Chemicals, Saint-Gobain, Kingspan and Worcester Bosch in attendance.

There will be an expansive seminar and conference programme running throughout the three day event, as well as a number of additional special interest features and attractions. In addition, the world’s largest green building will also be exhibited.

During the course of the event, Ecobuild’s seminar programme will conduct over 130 sessions covering such hot topics as Energy & Innovation in Buildings, Future Energy and Sustainable

by Design.

A session on the 2012 Olympics will also be part of the programme and will be hosted by the Construction Products Association and BRE. This session will focus on the lessons that have been learnt from the delivery of the Olympic Park and how they can be put to use in other developments. The Olympics’ lasting legacy will also be discussed, including how it will increase the UK’s reputation for sustainable design and construction.

Highlights of Ecobuild 2012 Expo include a three-day, threestream conference sponsored by the UK Green Building Council, with commentary from the likes of Janet Street Porter, Greg Dyke and Sir John Beddington. The riveting Renewable

Heat Focus will showcase the latest working models for solar thermal energy, biomass and heat pumps alongside daily talks on how to benefit from the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).

On the exhibition floor, Renew will provide practical advice on achieving an air-tight, highly insulated and energy efficient building, with demonstrations focusing on how to upgrade cavity walls and insulate internal walls, lofts and floors. One of the UK’s leading testing bodies, Chiltern Dynamics, will also be on hand to promote the impact changes that Approved Document L (ADL) has had on air tightness requirements for all new buildings.

In addition, Chiltern Dynamics will discuss additional services including pre-completion sound testing, thermal modelling and energy assessments, including SAP, BREAM, EPC, SBEM and Code for Sustainable Homes.

The Ecobuild event will also have a Solar Hub in order to demonstrate how the installation of PV can still offer attractive rates of return via the UK Feed-in Tariff, despite adjustments to the Government’s incentive scheme. Here visitors will receive practical guidance on how to choose the most appropriate system for the best results, whilst learning how to reduce carbon emissions, mitigate rising energy costs and maximise return on investment.

Additional highlights include demonstrations for cob wall building, carpentry techniques and straw bale construction.

Experts will also be on hand at the event to conduct daily talks, provide one-to-one advice and demonstrate the latest technology in action.

ROMA PUBLICATIONS

107

A s s o c i ati o n s

What is the Ecobuild conference?

The Ecobuild conference focuses on new thinking and challenging ideas, along with pressing issues affecting Government policy and the construction sector – including how to keep the industry profitable, remain committed to a low carbon built environment and manage the country’s economy through a low growth period with record levels of public debt.

Engaging in big-picture debates on international cooperation, the role of science and technology and the psychology of climate change, the conference also tackles more tangible issues such the way in which the UK construction sector needs to change, the impact of the Energy and Localism Acts and the implications of the proposed NPPF. Ecobuild has introduced a three-stream format that includes: Beyond Construction: achieving a sustainable future; Making Sustainable Construction Happen and Design, Architecture & Sustainability.

Beyond Construction: achieving a sustainable future This session will take place in Platinum suite 2 and will include: Tuesday 20th March • Geo-engineering: can we affect the climate change conundrum?

• Climate change – whose responsibility is it anyway?

• A flavour of the future: food security and justice in a resource constrained world • Green and clean: the great future energy debate Wednesday 21st March • Collaborative Consumption: the future of building strong communities • People and the planet • Rio 2012: 20 years on – what have we achieved since Rio 1992 (‘The Earth Summit’)?

• ‘The Incredible Human Journey’: 195,000 years out of Africa – but where to next?

Thursday 22nd March • Growing out of trouble – how social enterprise can help restore society • The Biodiversity Crisis: can we end the economic invisibility of nature?

• Who predicted a riot? How to rebuild more sustainable communities

Making Sustainable Construction Happen This session will take place in Platinum suite 1 and will include: Tuesday 20th March • All build is Ecobuild: mainstreaming low carbon construction

108

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

110

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

ROMA PUBLICATIONS

111

A s s o c i ati o n s • Green expectations: is the Green Deal the real deal?

• Creating an energy efficient property sector • The road to zero carbon: the future for house building Wednesday 21st March • The greenest games and the greatest learning • Green construction: turning the strategy into reality • One home every minute – the great refurbishment challenge • Don’t generate, insulate: changing our relationship with energy • Smart technology for a smarter planet Thursday 22nd March • Solving the housing crisis: towards a sustainable housing strategy • From megawatts to negawatts: taking the energy out of buildings in use • Making renewable generation happen: getting the scale right

Design, Architecture & Sustainability This session will take place in Mezzanine level – 5, 6 & 7 and will include: Tuesday 20th March • The City After Now • London 2012: the greenest Olympics ever • Architects and architecture in straitened times • How green is tall?

Wednesday 21st March • The future of design and the role of architects as localism gains teeth through the NPPF • SENSEable Cities: living environments of the future • Designing buildings for the next century • A Stirling Prize for retrofit?

Thursday 22nd March • Architects, planners and the post riot city • From earth to water – the sustainability of floating habitats

112

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

•

The place of art in sustainable architecture

Ecobuild seminars Ecobuild’s renowned seminar programme offers over 130 sessions and covers the most pressing and important issues for built environment professionals.

With an emphasis on delivering practical and applied information, each seminar is structured to provide key learning points – supported by case studies, analysis and examples of best practice.

The seminars are split into 13 categories: • Sustainable self build & renovation • Energy and innovation in buildings • Better through BIM • Standards, guides and regulations • Designing & building with Passivhaus principles • Buildings in use • Olympics learning legacy • InstallerConnect • Refurbishing Britain • Future energy • Sustainable by design • Sustainable architecture & design • Sustainability and the city

Thinking outside the box: Ecobuild offer a huge choice of events Ecobuild’s exhibitors and partners offer a huge choice of events outside the official programme. Here are a few of the highlights: • Trada Timber Tours • RIBA CPD sessions • Building on the Olympics • BREEAM Awards • Landscape Architecture – inspiring great places • Wood Awards showcase

• • • • •

European B2B matchmaking event UKTI focus on international opportunities UBM open-house UK-GBC ‘big tent’ RIBA village

Why Ecobuild?

Ecobuild is the most effective marketing platform for suppliers of sustainable and innovative construction products and services. The event is attended by the most influential individuals and organisations within the design and construction industries.

Since the programme launched in 2005, Ecobuild has almost doubled in size every year to become the biggest event in the world for sustainable design, construction and the built environment.

Over 1,300 suppliers of sustainable and innovative construction products will showcase their goods at the event, which will boast more than 100 conference and seminar sessions that will be delivered by 750 expert speakers. With dozens of interactive and educational attractions, Ecobuild is a compelling proposition for exhibitors and visitors alike.

The event ensures a trusted source of high quality contracts and access to the most valuable projects across the UK and further afield. Indeed, 55,039 design and construction profes-

The UK Concrete Show 2012

sionals attended Ecobuild 2011.

Daniel Nevitt, Group Marketing Director of Armourcoat said: “The 2011 show went very well, we met with great architects and designers looking at live projects and it was a tremendous springboard for our new product launch. Ecobuild is now a regular – and important – part of our UK exhibition programme.

There is a real focus on design to the event, which is a great fit for Armourcoat and our expanding product range.”

Alison Hopkinson, Marketing Manager for Bona Limited, said: “Over the three days we’ve spoken to all types of specifiers and made some valuable contacts. The show has been consistently busy and there’s a great buzz surrounding the whole event.

It was definitely the right decision for us to return this year.”

Mike Lomax, Marketing Communications Manager for Lafarge Cement UK, said: “Ecobuild has once again proved its worth to us as the UK’s premier event for the construction sector. The move to ExCeL added to the sheer scale of this year’s show. Our presence with all three Lafarge divisions on display proved very successful both in terms of the quality and quantity of the leads we generated and customer reaction to our stand concepts.”

For more information on Ecobuild 2012, visit www.ecobuild. co.uk

pH concrete wash water can be a major hazard to the environment and must be treated as such. The old practice of just storing solids in plastic lined skips and ‘loosing’ the wash water on site is no longer acceptable. At the very least, contractors must now undertake a risk assessment prior to discharging even small volumes of high pH water to ground.

“For most operations, contractors will have little choice but to fully treat and adjust the pH of water prior to discharge to either sewer or to the environment. Failure to do so could cause a pol-

As Europe’s best specialist concrete show, The UK Concrete Show 2012 was the most exciting yet. When it took place at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry from the 22nd to the 23rd of February, the event celebrated 30 unmissable seminars and 6000m² of the best concrete products, tools, systems and technology.

The UK Concrete Show is a fantastic opportunity for specialist contractors, ready mix producers, utility providers, engineers and architects to view the latest concrete products under one roof. In addition to seminars, the event also showcased a new virtual demo zone that allowed visitors to see and hear products in action via a giant 15m² LED screen with Dolby sound.

Another exciting new feature for 2012 was the Concrete Society Bookshop, which offered a wide range of technical publications and literature for sale.

Exhibitors returning for a second year included SIKA, Putzmeister, BASF, Doka,Armcon, Hilti,ICS and Husqvarna. The 2012 event also attracted a number of new companies, including: Tarmac, Aggregate Industries, CIFA, Minova, Halfen. and 14 DSA Supplier members.

The event was supported by a variety of trade associations, including the Drilling and Sawing Association (DSA), Concrete Repair Association (CRA) and the Mineral Products Association.

One of the event’s most highly anticipated events was a presentation by Dr. Richard Coulton, the managing director of concrete wash water management specialist Siltbuster Limited.

At 12pm on 22nd February 2012, Dr. Richard Coulton presented a paper about the recent Environment Agency regulatory position statement (RPS) that clarifies the management of concrete wash water on construction sites. The paper outlined how the RPS affects sites and what construction managers can do in order to ensure that the treatment and disposal of concrete wash water is managed professionally.

Dr. Richard Coulton said: “The EA now recognises that the uncontrolled release of high ROMA PUBLICATIONS

113

A s s o c i ati o n s lution incident that may well result in prosecution. While time pressures are often great on site, there is no excuse for ignoring this clear advice and risking the consequences.”

The UK Concrete Show also saw Siltbuster reveal their latest range of Concrete Washout Solutions. As a larger and more versatile version of Siltbuster’s groundbreaking RCW (Roadside Concrete Washout) unit, ‘Big pHil’ provides the onsite capture, treatment and neutralisation of high pH cement laden wash water runoff from a wide range of concreting plant equipment – including concrete pumps and crane skips with a capacity of up to 2,000 litres.

Also in attendance at The UK Concrete Show 2012 was Permaban, who revealed their latest innovation for the first time on stand M19.

Although Permaban is renowned for its industry-defining armoured joints, their new product – branded Permaban Signature® – has adopted a rather different approach from traditional joint armouring.

The unique half-hexagon shape of Permaban Signature® prevents the wheel of materials-handling vehicles from falling into the gap between the two edges of a joint. As a result, there is no impact on either the joint of the wheels, thus preventing damage and costly repairs to both. Due to this very reason, this ‘disruptive face’ technology has been a popular method in road construction for many years.

Because Permaban Signature® provides a smoother transit, vehicles can move over the joints at a faster speed, therefore saving valuable time for operators. Permaban Signature® also eliminates the ‘clunking’ noise that is often associated with ve-

hicles passing over joints because wheels do not impact on the joint at all.

The product was designed to address the challenges of directional traffic. This typically occurs in transfer and racking aisles, where vehicles pass over a joint at a 90 degree angle and the greatest impact is caused.

Due to the shape of Permaban Signature®, a smooth, quick and noiseless transit is offered at any angle of approach. This means that even if the use or configuration of the building changes over time, with Permaban Signature® the joints will still be fully protected.

Another unique feature is the ‘full-depth’ corrugation, which means that the joint is fully supported all the way to the ground, thus ensuring maximum strength and stability.

The joint is designed to operate with gap sizes of up to 40mm, which makes it ideal for large-bay jointless concrete floors or cold stores and freezer stores, which typically larger gap sizes.

Load transfer between adjacent concrete floor slabs is accommodated by square dowel bars, which are supplied fully fixed into the product. The dowel length has been carefully calculated by design engineers in order to ensure that efficient load transfer is maintained, even with a gap size of 40mm.

By eliminating the need for heavy joint armouring, Permaban Signature® is significantly lighter and stiffer than many joints, making it easy for operatives to lift, manoeuvre and install on site.

For more information on The UK Concrete Show 2012 and all of the exhibitors, visit www.concreteshow.co.uk.

Employers of building maintenance and repair workers are required to carry out a risk assessment before undertaking any work which exposes, or is liable to expose, employees

to asbestos. They must take the appropriate steps required by the Asbestos Regulations to prevent or reduce these risks.

Taking measures to protect you from asbestos

114

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

However, in many cases, the employers and their workers have little or no information about the premises where they will undertake work and are not aware if materials containing asbestos are present. Consequently, it is difficult for them to consider the risks, or decide if precautions may be needed.

A duty to manage the risk from asbestos in non-domestic premises was therefore added to the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations in 2002 to address this issue. These requirements have since been brought forward unchanged in the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 as Regulation 4.

Those who own, occupy, manage or have responsibilities for premises that may contain asbestos, will either have: • •

A legal duty to manage the risk from asbestos material; or A legal duty to co-operate with whoever manages that risk

They will be required to manage the risk from asbestos by: • Finding out if there is asbestos in the premises, its extent and what condition it is in • Presuming the materials contain asbestos, unless you have strong evidence that they do not • Making and keeping up to date a record of the location and condition of the ACM’s or presumed ACM’s in their premises • Assessing the risk from the material • Preparing a plan that sets out in detail how they are going to manage the risk from this material • Taking the steps needed to put their plan into action • Reviewing and monitoring their plan and the arrangements made to put it in place; and • Providing information on the location and condition of the material to anyone who is liable to work or disturb it In the United Kingdom, work on asbestos is by law to be carried out by a contractor who holds a licence under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006, although there are exceptions.

Normally, non-licensed work includes work on asbestos-containing textured coatings, asbestos cement and certain work of short duration on asbestos insulating board.

The duties imposed by regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos

Regulations 2006 supplement the provisions of some of the duties imposed by other sets of regulations, in particular the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 which require the client to provide designers and contractors who may be bidding for the work or who they intend to engage, with the project’s specific health and safety information needed to identify hazards and risks associated with the design and construction work.

Asbestos awareness training is a legal requirement for most employees and supervisors working in the construction industry. In addition to initial training, the Approved Code of Practice which accompanies the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 also states that refresher training should be given at least every year. Therefore, there is an ongoing annual legal requirement for refresher training to be carried out for the identified employees.

ARCA is the leading supplier of asbestos awareness training aimed at building and maintenance workers. To find out more or to arrange a no obligation meeting to discuss your employees asbestos awareness training needs, please contact ARCA on 01283 531126.

ROMA PUBLICATIONS

115