Premier 13-3 by PHIL AINLEY

Roma Publications

SKILLS AND TRAINING FOCUS

The latest programmes and guidance from UK training bodies

MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT

Multi-million pound schemes from across the UK

WYNCLIFFE GARDENS An insight from an NHBC Supreme award winner

EVENTS

Ecobuild and the IOSH Conference

Volume 13 - Issue 3

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Contents Volume 13 • Issue 3

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION In the current economic climate, it’s vital that all construction workers are operating to the highest standards. Site operatives need to be aware of what’s expected of them and must be ready and willing to embrace new skills. This can only be achieved through a comprehensive of programme of education and training; this edition of Premier Construction focuses on the agencies which are providing these services. With features from the likes of Historic Scotland, the National Heritage Training Group and the HSE, we’ve got a complete rundown of the specialist training and awareness programmes currently taking place across Britain. And we’ve also got best-practice examples of construction techniques in practice, including the award-winning Wyncliffe Gardens in Cardiff; the hugely popular Victoria Square in Belfast; and the enormous Jennett’s Park development in Berkshire. Despite the economic downturn, the UK construction industry is still gripped by a stirring spirit of innovation and optimism. Read on to see the proof for yourself. Gareth Platt, Editor

CONTENTS TRAINING AND SKILLS AWARD

LONDON AND SOUTH EAST Mixed-use heaven in Camberley.……………................................................…56 New green office premises at the Peak.………….....................................……62 Stand-out style at Peacock Farm.…….................................................……….67

SCOTLAND Quartermile: Edinburgh’s trendiest new quarter.………….........................….74 Contractors digging deep at Oceanlab.………............................................….76 Waterloo Street development set to transform Glasgow city centre.………….......................................................................…..89

WALES St David’s 2, a simply sensational sequel.…………................................…….90 An update on South Hook LNG.…………...........................................…………91 Sweeping housing improvements in Carmarthenshire…………........………..91

IRELAND The rise and rise of Victoria Square.……................................................……..96 Major redevelopment at Celtic Park.………............................................……103 SeaGen: a new wave of energy technologies in Strangford Lough……......114

The National Heritage Training Group: a pioneering partnership between ConstructionSkills and English Heritage..……...............................................…5

ASSOCIATIONS

A review of the Health and Safety Offences Act 2008.…………..........………..7

The Painting and Decoration Association.…........................................……..120

Historic Scotland’s new approach to tried-and-tested building techniques..8

The Institute for Archaeologists.…………..................................................….121 The Security Industry Authority.………..................................................……..131

NHBC Supreme success at Wyncliffe Gardens.…………..............................………..14 Rustic luxury at Blackrock.…………….......................................................…….14 A futuristic vision of Victorian values…………...........................................…...16

Art Director:

Phil Ainley

Editor:

Gareth Platt

NORTH WEST

Production Manager: Danielle Burgoyne

The renaissance of Piccadilly Basin.……......................................…………….18

Production:

Kelsie Howarth

Published by:

Roma Publications Ltd.

2nd Floor, 1 Livsey Street

Rochdale, OL16 1SS

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e: admin@romauk.net

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Graphic Design by:

www.marcusmacaulay.co.uk

Potato Wharf: a chip of the old block……...........................................………..23 A ray of Sunlight on Merseyside.……………….........................................……25

NORTH EAST AND YORKSHIRE Stadium development Lighting up Sunderland.…………………........……….28 Work flowing smoothly for Yorkshire Water.……………………...................….36 Spas, pools and ice caves at the Feversham Arms.………….................…….39

MIDLANDS Winds of change at Edgbaston Mill.………………...........................................43 Caswell Adhesive moves into £7 million premises…..................……………..46 A new leisure centre for Evesham…………......................................................47

SOUTH WEST Spreading the Olympic spirit at Osprey Quay.……………......................…….48 Bournemouth School for Girls set for timely extension.……...........…………50 A new sports centre at Writhlington School.……………………..............…….50

Managing Director: Marcus Howarth

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© 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.

Tr a i n i n g a n d S k i l l s Fo c u s

Profile:

The National Heritage Training Group The National Heritage Training Group (NHTG) is a pioneering partnership between ConstructionSkills and English Heritage designed to encourage the training and recruitment of skilled craftspeople for the built heritage sector. The Group aims to achieve these objectives by working in partnership with clients, heritage bodies, contractors, Trade Federations, Trades Unions and FE and private training providers in the development of flexible training and skills development programmes; these will ultimately ensure that the UK has sufficiently skilled craftspeople to work on its historic building stock. The NHTG Executive Committee represents the relevant employers groups, Trade Federations, Trades Unions, FE and private training providers and heritage organisations from across the UK. The Group is keen to work with all construction companies, training providers and heritage organisations who are interested in the built heritage sector and a trained workforce. Key functions of the NHTG include: Stimulating client demand to use suitably skilled and competent contractors and craftspeople on pre-1919 building contracts; Coordinating an integrated regional Heritage Skills Network in each of the nine English regions, Wales and Northern Ireland; Developing a National Heritage Training Academy framework for coordinated delivery of training and skills development to meet regional demand; Working with the National Skills Academy for Construction (NSfAC) to integrate appropriate conservation and repair projects within this accredited mainstream construction on-site training programme; Advising employers and craftspeople on training needs and training plans; Working with colleges, universities and learning networks to improve opportunities for craftspeople to progress to higher education routes; Providing a range of information, guidance and careers advice; Organising, supporting and participating in UK-wide heritage skills events; Commissioning and publishing skills needs analysis research

to assess demand, supply and training provision for this sector; Liaising with relevant organisations to promote conservation training and best practice; Helping to develop training courses, taster days and so on for contractors, building professionals and historic property owners; Enabling partnership working on educational initiatives to raise awareness of the built heritage sector. In addition to its these key functions, the NHTG provides a range of products and services to help reduce skills shortages and skills gaps in the built heritage sector, and improve recruitment, training and career development for craftspeople. Key products include Heritage Skills NVQ Level 3; the Heritage Apprenticeship Programme; the Senior Cratsperson Scheme; a tailored Mentoring Scheme; a Training the Trainers programme, with associated teaching support materials; and a Traditional Building Skills Bursary Scheme covering England and Wales. Together with a series of partners including ConstructionSkills, English Heritage, the National Trust and Cadw, the NHTG is ongoing £1.2m year-long Traditional Building Skills Bursary Scheme designed to help address the high skills needs in the

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heritage sector. The Bursary scheme assists both craftspeople with transferable skills and knowledge already working in the main construction industry, and career changers who are seeking to obtain particular traditional building skills or experience in the heritage sector by funding and facilitating training placements with contractors and organisations. The main skills that the bursaries are aimed at include brickwork, carpentry and joinery, fibrous plaster, lime plaster, stone masonry and conservation, leadwork, traditional roofing, painting and decoration, earth building and blacksmithing. The Bursary Scheme is open to business of all sizes and to help craftspeople, trainees and career changers work towards gaining NVQ3 (or equivalent) in relevant heritage skills. New placements are available regularly and individuals can sign up to the Scheme’s e-newsletter to keep them informed of these and general progress. More information is available from the scheme’s website www.buildingbursaries.org.uk. In addition the NHTG is working in partnership with CSCS on the validation process for the CSCS Heritage Skills Card, in partnership with English Heritage, which has already endorsed the heritage skills NVQ Level 3 and CSCS heritage skills card and demanded that all craftspeople undertaking conservation, repair, maintenance and restoration on their 400-plus properties and sites will be working towards this card by 2010. The first two Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Heritage Skills cards in the United Kingdom were awarded at the NHTG Regional Heritage Skills Action Group Conference at Alnwick Castle to Charlie Catlow and Alan Foster, both of Historic Property Restoration Limited (HPR), on November 11 2008.

Investment In association with its partners the NHTG is currently undertaking

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a £1 million investment programme designed to reduce the heritage sector skills gap. The programme will be spent on a raft of initiatives including: Raising awareness of the built heritage sector and career opportunities through information and advice leaflets and brochures, plus a website and dedicated phone line, taster days and careers workshops; Encouraging up-take of qualifications such as the Heritage Skills NVQ Level 3 and a Heritage Apprenticeship Programme; Supporting Regional Heritage Skills Action Groups – providing training and skills development to meet regional demand and need; A mentoring programme, with experienced craftspeople passing on skills and knowledge to less experienced practitioners; Expanding the number of National Heritage Training Academies.

Research In December the NHTG made headlines by publishing a series of startling figures, which showed that only 33,000 of the 109,000 people employed on pre-1919 buildings in 2007 were equipped with the requisite level of skills to work with traditional building materials. Further figures will be published this year as the NHTG strives to present an up-to-date, warts-and-all account of our heritage sector.

Craven College Craven College is situated in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. Our Centre for Construction and Heritage Skills specialises in delivering heritage craft courses, including assessment for the new NVQ level 3 in heritage skills. We assess a wide range of craft areas and can offer training and up-skilling for craftsmen wishing to enhance their ability to support our precious built heritage. We have worked with the NHTG, Churches Conservation Trust, regional private estates and many or our contractors in the North of England. Our constantly expanding programmes range from introduction to heritage crafts to advanced skills, with a wide range of craft options on offer. Our most recently developed offers include; Traditional wrought iron work and stained and leaded glass work. These can all be tailored for introductory or advanced levels, as can our stone, plaster and timber courses. For courses and information call Craven College Centre for Construction and Heritage Skills on: 01756 708932 or e-mail: lireland@craven-college.ac.uk

The Health and Safety Offences Act: a new standard for site safety The Health and Safety Offences Act 2008 came into force on Friday, 16 January 2009. This new Act has increased penalties and provided courts with greater sentencing powers for those who break health and safety laws. The Act fulfils a longstanding Government and HSE commitment to provide the courts with greater sentencing powers for health and safety crimes. The effect of the Act is to: raise the maximum fine which may be imposed in the lower courts to £20,000 for most health and safety offences; make imprisonment an option for more health and safety offences in both the lower and higher courts; make certain offences, which are currently triable only in the lower courts, triable in either the lower or higher courts. The new penalties in the Act are not retrospective and will not apply to offences committed before it comes into force, i.e. offences before 16 January 2009. The Act has been welcomed by the chair of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Judith Hackitt, who said: “This Act gives lower courts the power to impose higher fines for some health and safety offences. It is right that there should be a real deterrent to those businesses and individuals that do not take their health and safety responsibilities seriously. “Everyone has the right to work in an environment where risks to their health and safety are properly managed, and employers have a duty in law to deliver this. “Our message to the many employers who do manage health and safety well is that they have nothing to fear from this change in law. There are no new duties on employers or businesses, and HSE is not changing its approach to how it enforces health and safety law.

“We will retain the important safeguards that ensure that our inspectors use their powers sensibly and proportionately. We will continue to target those who knowingly cut corners, put lives at risk and who gain commercial advantage over competitors by failing to comply with the law”. With overall responsibility for occupational health and safety regulations in Great Britain, the HSE will play an integral role in assimilating the new regulations into the working practices of Britain’s construction firms, and in educating site operatives about the implications of the new Act. For more information about the Health and Safety (Offences) Act, or the HSE, please visit the Executive’s website http://www. hse.gov.uk.

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A new voice for traditional construction Gareth Platt talks to David Mitchell, of Historic Scotland, about a new partnership formed to raise the standard of tried-and-tested building techniques All images Crown Copyright

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A collaboration between Historic Scotland, Constructionskills Scotland, and The Scottish Qualifications Authority has been launched in a bid to tackle the skills gaps in the traditional building sector, a key pillar of the construction industry which is now in urgent need of improvement. Titled ‘A Strategic Partnership for Skills Evaluation,’ the union is specifically designed to equip today’s building trades with the skills necessary to handle buildings of traditional construction – those which were built before 1919. The skills utilised in traditional construction have become increasingly rare in recent years, as tried-and-trusted building techniques have given way to modern methods and materials. However many of Britain’s most captivating buildings were constructed along traditional lines; this is most clearly evident in Scotland, where the vast majority of residential and commercial premises are based on stone and lime. Those backing the project believe it is essential that UK construction recognises the importance of these buildings, and possess the tools and knowledge to keep them in good condition. David Mitchell, director of Historic Scotland’s Technical Conservation Group, was instrumental in establishing the threeway partnership. He says: “Nearly half of Scotland’s construction activity relates to repair and maintenance, but gaps remain in the availability of a broad range of traditional building skills, largely because many tradespeople haven’t been given the skills to handle Scottish traditional buildings. “We’ve already begun to tackle the skills shortage among masonry contractors, and we now want to spread the net wider to embrace the whole of the heritage building sector. The primary aim of the project is to look at what training and qualifications are available, assess the construction industry’s grasp traditional building skills and then fill in the gaps.” David is particularly keen to distinguish between traditional building techniques and the skills needed to handle historic buildings. “People might think this is about inculcating the specific skills to work on a castle or prestige buildings, but that would be a misconception. This is about spreading a general knowledge of traditional building techniques and materials to practitioners, clients and specifiers. “Ultimately, we want to ensure that if a plumber, joiner or mason goes to work on a traditional building, they understand the fabric of the building and can adapt accordingly to use the correct techniques and materials.” The partners have already begun discussions with relevant trade bodies to identify areas for improvement; these discussions could eventually result in specific skills, such as the refurbishment of sash windows, being added as options to the modern apprenticeship. All parties recognise the need to educate those giving the training as well as those receiving it, as David freely admits: “A big part of our campaign is about developing the skills and knowledge of trainers. A whole generation of construction professionals have had increasingly limited training in traditional building skills, and, if the current campaign is to be successful, we need to ensure people from this generation are up to speed.” Although the global recession has reduced revenues in the construction industry, it has also given colleges the chance to start afresh. David sees this as a silver lining to the dark clouds cast by the credit crunch, because “education providers now have the chance to reevaluate their courses and consider areas they have previously overlooked, such as traditional construction.” Thankfully the current wave of renovation and redecoration programmes, led by Grand Designs, has given the general public a much improved understanding of classic construction methods. The recent upsurge in the Eco-build sector is likely to disseminate this base of knowledge still further. David continues: “With so many television programmes showing

us how to refurbish our homes better, people are spending more and more money on their houses and getting to grips with what was formerly construction jargon. The Eco-build sector relies largely on traditional materials, and dovetails neatly with what we’re trying to achieve. “We’re keen to emphasise that the most sustainable building is one that’s already there; by avoiding unnecessary demolition and reconstruction through the sensitive maintenance of existing structures, we can do much to meet the Government’s targets for sustainability.”

Next steps The partners have recently carried out a comprehensive programme of research into the state of the traditional construction sector. These findings, due to be released next month, will do much to inform the course of the campaign for improvement. Historic Scotland and Constructionskills are also carrying out a qualifications audit looking at the provision and delivery of vocational training relating to traditional building skills in Scotland. The audit, due to be completed by summer 2009, will be placed against a framework of traditional skills required to effectively care for Scotland’s built environment. The results will form a strategy for the development of qualifications, educational resources and training to meet demands and the industry’s main priorities. The partnership will approach colleges across Scotland and encourage them to introduce the strategy to either existing courses or establish new courses within the current Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework. Staff will be trained at delivery centres, assist with educational resources, and support SQA Quality Assurance in suggesting appropriately experienced External Verifiers, and assist with development.

About Historic Scotland Historic Scotland is an executive agency of the Scottish Government and is charged with safeguarding the nation’s historic environment and promoting its understanding and enjoyment on behalf of Scottish Ministers. The agency’s role is to deliver policy and advise on all aspects of the historic environment on behalf of Scottish Ministers. Staff also carry out statutory functions relating to two acts of Parliament - the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, which allows Historic Scotland to schedule sites of national importance and take them into state care, and the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997 that grants the agency the authority to list structures for their architectural or historical significance. Historic Scotland is headed by a chief executive, John Graham, who is responsible to Scottish Ministers, within the terms of the Framework Document, for its management, performance and future development. Historic Scotland’s staff encompass a wide range of disciplines and skills, from archaeologists to art historians, conservators to craftsmen, custodians to keykeepers, building professionals and specialised support staff to administrators. All provide a single agency in Scotland to safeguard the nation’s heritage for present and future generations. The agency is divided into seven groups which carry out the functions required by Scottish Ministers. The agency is responsible for all management functions, including staff pay and conditions, accommodation, finance, personnel, procurement, computer systems and external communications. Historic Scotland has undergone considerable cultural and organisational change since becoming an agency, adopting a business-like approach related to customers’ needs. Historic Scotland’s main office is in Edinburgh but the company also includes staff, properties, monument conservation units and regional offices, spread all across Scotland. ROMA PUBLICATIONS

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HSE warn as quick hitch fatalities mount consequences when a bucket detaches unintentionally from the hitch, but without injury because no one is underneath at the time. This means that quick hitch failures are relatively common. Although incidents have occurred with automatic quick hitches, accident statistics suggest that the majority of incidents occur on semi-automatic systems where a manual safety pin should be inserted, but where the operator failed to do so. Semi-automatic systems require the operator to leave his cab after he has operated the quick hitch latch to insert a retaining pin in the hitch as additional security. This pin usually works by locking the latch in its closed position; this is often referred to as the ‘safety bar’ and it is not a load bearing part of the hitch. The safety pin cannot be inserted unless the latch is in its fully closed position. Mr Paul Nolan of the NPORS said: “The main problem lies with semi-automatic quick hitches and we would like to see specific new requirements for operator training and assessment relating to the safe use of these devices, as well as restrictions on their import.” The HSE says that those in control of work should ensure that adequate precautions are in place, adding that the precautions to be taken should be identified by a comprehensive risk assessment. Precautions should include the adequate training of excavator operators on the use of quick hitches in general, as well as ensuring that excavator operators should be competent to use the specific hitch on the machine they use. The HSE has stated that its inspectors will be encouraged to take robust and appropriate enforcement action where quick hitches are found to be in use without adequate precautions. The HSE’s guidance on Quick Hitches can be summarised as follows:

Despite the issue of a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) alert on serious accidents involving excavators fitted with quick hitch devices, a high level of incidents continue to occur - and now the National Plant Operators Registration Scheme (NPORS) is calling for specific new requirements for operatives to be trained and assessed on the safe use of semi-automatic quick hitch devices. A quick hitch on an excavator is a latching device that enables attachments to be connected to the dipper arm of the plant and changed quickly. An excavator operator may change the bucket on his excavator up to 30 times a day in order to maximise the machine productivity. Quick hitches are in common use throughout the construction industry and, when properly designed, maintained and used can save a great deal of time when working with excavators. They allow operators to quickly use plant for a wider range of tools than just buckets, such as mechanical diggers and piling drills. There are many different types of quick hitch but the common theme through all fatal incidents was a missing retaining pin or bar. The pin holds the attachment in place against the quick hitch and insures against accidental release. A quick hitch may still operate for some time without the retaining pin in place and then suddenly, without warning will swing open or fall completely off. If this happens when lifting over / close to a person, then the result is likely to be fatal. Approximately 13% of all accidents investigated on excavators are attributed to the bucket detaching from a quick hitch and injuring a ground worker. These frequently result in serious injuries and even fatalities. However there can be many more dangerous

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Action by users of quick hitches. Those in control of work should ensure that adequate precautions are in place. The precautions to be taken should be identified by a comprehensive risk assessment and should include: • Excavator operators should be adequately trained on the use of quick hitches in general; • Excavator operators should be competent to use the specific hitch on the machine they use; • The manufacturer-specified retaining pin must be available on the machine; • Operators should only use pins which have been designed for this specific use; • There should be a system for checking that the pin is in place on the hitch before starting the work and every time a different attachment is fitted; • Operators should be instructed not to use the machine unless they are satisfied that the quick hitch is secured in place. If the operator cannot see from the cab of the vehicle due to poor weather then s/he must visually check from the ground; • Those in control of sites should undertake random checks to ensure the precautions are being implemented.

Additional advice on good practice Where there are loose pins or clips which may be easily lost, they should be retained or attached to the quick hitch. The area around safety pin insertion holes can be painted to make it clear to operators and site supervision where the pin should be inserted. Likewise pins can be painted to make them

more visible. Some duty holders have modified the safety pin so that it cannot be fully removed from the hitch. Duty holders should always check with the manufacturer before modifying the hitch. Ad-hoc replacements of pins with large bolts, wire or other substitutes should be forbidden in all circumstances; Safe systems of work should ensure that others are not exposed to risk by working below the bucket, for example, ground workers in excavations.

Legal requirements The main relevant requirements are: • Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 – ensuring safety at work. • Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (Regs 3 and 5) – risk assessments and precautions.

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Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (Regs 5, 6, 8 and 9) – machine safety maintenance, training and instruction. Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 (Regs 4 and 13) – planning and managing work. Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 - Quick hitches used with excavators are subject to a thorough examination regime under Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations. This should be undertaken by a competent person. If the hitch is permanently on the machine then the thorough examination of the hitch will be every 12 months or at an interval determined by the competent person. If the hitch is not permanently attached then it is classed as a lifting accessory and is subject to six monthly checks.

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NHBC

Supreme success at Wyncliffe Gardens Over the last three years Dave Bullock, a site manager with Persimmon Homes, has played an integral role in co-ordinating one of Britain’s biggest construction projects, at Wyncliffe Gardens in Cardiff. Now, nearly three years after work on this huge development began, Dave is about to receive his reward in the shape of a Supreme Award from the NHBC. Dave, who has been recognised in the NHBC’s Large category, is one of just four site managers honoured in the 2009 Supreme Awards, having been selected from approximately 18,000 site managers across the country. The Supreme accolade reflects the quality of Dave’s work at Wyncliffe Gardens, which comprises 255 properties covering every conceivable size of dwelling, from studio apartments to townhouses. Such glowing recognition would make many people arrogant and complacent – but not Dave, who believes his colleagues have played an integral role in his success. Dave says: “This award is testament to the hard work and determination shown by our whole team. It’s been a pleasure to work in such a positive and enthusiastic environment, and our contractors have really bought into the spirit of the site.” The Persimmon team arrived on site in April 2006 following completion of an extensive demolition phase, which saw an old Panasonic factory levelled to the ground. Dave and his fellow managers were immediately challenged by the fluctuating ground conditions of the site, and had to utilise several different types of foundation to ensure adequate stability. The development is fairly conventional, with brick-and-block houses sitting alongside timber-framed apartments. All 255 properties have been treated with render and facing brickwork, and the envelopes are completed with traditional pitched slate roofs. Dave believes the popularity of the development is attributable to the quality of its construction, rather than and unique design features: “Every trade that arrives on site is subject to constant monitoring, using a variety of criteria – we judge them on their attention to detail and their pride in their work, and if someone doesn’t measure up to our standards they’ll be asked to leave. We’re committed to the highest level of quality and professionalism, and the Supreme Award vindicates this approach.” Stability is another factor in the site’s success:

Blackrock: shining brightly in Northern Ireland The new Blackrock development in Hyde Park Road, Mallusk, is fast becoming one of Northern Ireland’s most exclusive new-build developments. Located in one of Newtownabbey’s most sought after areas, Blackrock is designed to match the finest homes in the city for aesthetic splendor and design excellence, while providing a rambling rustic elegance perfect for those wishing to retreat from the frantic pace of day-to-day business.

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“We’ve kept a fairly settled crew for the latest six or seven years, so my team and I have developed good relationships, good teamwork. Anyone can manage a site, but to lead people is a different thing…the continuity we’ve had within our team has made the tasks of leadership a lot easier.” Having joined Persimmon as an apprentice at 16, Dave has won the NHBC Seal of Excellence award on numerous occasions, but has never previously received the top honour. He hopes this latest accolade will stimulate further demand at Wyncliffe Gardens, which is already one of the country’s busiest sites: “Wyncliffe Gardens has something for everyone, and demand is already extremely high. Obviously I’m really pleased and proud to have received the Supreme Award, but the main thing is that the development is successful, and hopefully the NHBC recognition will ensure this is the case.” Gareth Powell, regional construction director for the Persimmon Homes Group, adds:L “This is a tremendous achievement not only for Dave but for the Persimmon Homes Group. We are both delighted and overwhelmed with Dave’s ‘Supreme Award’ win; this accolade comes after years of hard work, determination and focus and is thoroughly deserved. It is a significant award, when put in context with the number of entries, and the team couldn’t be happier for him. “The Supreme Award not only reflects the hard work Dave and the team have put in on site, but gives our buyers added assurance that they are buying a superior, high quality home from us. Dave has had much recognition during his time as a site manager, and with the help of the team at Persimmon, we are glad all his hard work has paid off in such a momentous way.” The NHBC Awards are judged from a total 18,000 construction sites in the UK and the Supreme Award is given to the top four site managers nationwide. It rewards site managers who demonstrate the highest levels of professionalism in every aspect of their work on site, from their organisation of the site to the quality controls in place. As one of the most intense and celebrated competitions in the industry, Pride in the Job is famous for establishing its winners as the best in their field. The NHBC carries out a rigorous judging procedure to determine the award winners. For over a year NHBC Inspectors have made spot check visits to each Pride in the Job nominated site, assessing the site at key stages of construction, from foundations to the finished product. Moulded with the classical elegance and styling of the Georgian era, Blackrock incorporates wonderful heritage colours, bricks, stone and architectural detailing – with a full range of functional modern utilities as standard. The focal point of Blackrock will be a huge landscaped garden with a cascading fountain centre piece, reminiscent

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NHBC of those grand squares found in historic areas of Chelsea and Kensington in London. A cluster of mansion-style townhouses will be arrayed around the central green space, and the development will be enhanced by a cluster of chic apartments hidden behind magnificent townhouse façades – all finished in complimentary colours of brick and plaster for an additional touch of grace and elegance. Each property is distinguished by deep moulded skirtings and architraves, four-panel interior doors, beam vacuum systems, broadband and central heating as standard and an allocated car parking space. Extensive landscaping is provided throughout, with each cluster of properties shaded by tasteful green space,

Vintage Victorian values earn award for Belfast boss David McGinnis, a site manager with Graham Construction, has won an NHBC award for his work on Victoria Place, Belfast’s newest and swankiest address. The development comprises an 11-storey block containing a total of 161 units. Eight of the units are earmarked for commercial office space, and the rest are reserved for residential accommodation defined by high ceilings, with each property rising up to 70 metres in height. David believes the award is a triumph for teamwork and cooperation: “We’ve maintained good quality on site and the quality of the job is excellent. This wasn’t just about me; the whole team deserves immense credit, and I’d like to make a special mention for the project manager, who has done a brilliant job from day one.” Situated in a prime location in the heart of Belfast City, just off Great Victoria Street, Victoria Place incorporates a range of one, two and three-bedroom apartments and penthouse apartments, all contained within two linked elements of contemporary accommodation. A double-height glazed foyer, created in curtain walling, forms the main entrance. Internally the development incorporates a tall balconied reception/concierge area with marble floors and timber walls, as well as a mailroom, the principal lift, the lobby and a link to the courtyard. The apartments are accessible from either an elevated landscaped courtyard, set above the surrounding city, or by lift from the private car park on the ground floor. Two elements – a lower two-storey accommodation strip and a principal element which tiers up to 11 storeys – define and form the edge of the landscaped courtyard. At the end of the courtyard is a highly-glazed residents’ fitness suite that draws together these elements and creates an environment of wellbeing that will add considerably to life in Victoria Place. The main block has a dramatic visual impact and incorporates stylish penthouse apartments creating a new landmark for this part of the city. Apartments have views of either the city or the courtyard and at higher levels the intelligent use of terraces and balconies provide an elevated sense of style and elegance. Victoria Place utilises the finest quality materials, in keeping with the considered design and model of contemporary living which this development embodies. Each apartment at Victoria Place is designed to maximise light and space in a modern, superbly finished environment and each is constructed to the highest standards of build and design. The apartments offer spacious accommodation, with

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perfect for communal activity in a laid-back rural atmosphere. All properties carry an NHBC 10-year warranty, offering peace of mind and long-term security for each customer. Last year Padraig O’Neill, who has played an instrumental role in the project on behalf of main contractor O’Kane Divine, received an NHBC Pride in the Job award for his work on the development. The site has already stirred a huge amount of interest from singles, couples and families – evidence of its allround appeal.

all the penthouse apartments and most of the two-bedroom apartments having the beneﬁt of an ensuite. The custom-designed kitchens marry worktops and eye-level units with feature brushed steel handles and stainless steel extractor canopies and splash backs. Integrated electrical appliances, including gas hobs, washer/dryer machines, dishwashers and fridge freezers are applied as standard, and the kitchens also incorporate recessed ceiling down-lighters, satin chrome faceplates to electrical sockets above kitchen worktops and high-quality ceramic wall tiling. Bathrooms and en suites have been built with contemporary white sanityware, complemented with chrome finished fittings. The quadrant showers come fully tiled, with partial wall tiling elsewhere. The development includes selected internal veneer doors, with a solid veneer door to the entrance of each apartments. Contemporary wardrobes have been introduced to all second bedrooms and one-bedroom apartments, and stylish satin chrome ironmongery has been fitted to all internal doors. All walls, ceilings and internal timberwork have been painted in a single colour throughout, creating a sense of continuity and a distinct identity for the development.

The landscaped courtyard provides an air of tranquillity and a place of retreat for residents from the bustle of city life, and the paved walkways and seating areas will encourage the development of a selfcontained community. The block has been built using an integral concrete frame, and David says this has presented an exciting challenge for the site team: “The concrete frame has been tough for us, and access and safety have also provided major concerns. We’ve got around these challenges by working as a team, and by establish systems that allowed us to work in safety and resolved issues as and when they occurred.” On top of this concrete frame the building’s elevations have been clad in a combination of masonry and brickwork, the windows are framed in aluminium and the roof is a kalzip structure. This simple, durable structure helped the site team progress the project on schedule; having begun the project in August 2006, the Graham team handed the development over on time in April, at a total cost of £13 million. David concludes: “Our main achievement was getting the job finished on time and to the quality Graham requires. We’ve got the development to look exactly the way the planners wanted, and we’re all very proud of this.”

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Piccadilly Basin: the apex of 21st century Manchester

For generations, the area known as Piccadilly Basin has given millions of visitors their first glimpse of Manchester. The Basin is sandwiched between Piccadilly station, the Piccadilly Gardens bus interchange and the Ashton and Rochdale Canals, providing a gateway to the city from all sides. By all rights the area should be a glistening hub of activity and prosperity, offering a warm reception for those new to Manchester, and a source of pride for those already there. Yet for years the Basin was one of Manchester’s least attractive quarters. The old mills and warehouses fell into decay through years of shameful neglect, creating a scruffy, shadowy atmosphere in which visitors were made to feel decidedly uncomfortable. While the rest of

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Manchester shopped till it dropped and partied like there was no tomorrow, Piccadilly languished in a grim, grey malaise. Thankfully a saviour was at hand to drag the Basin up by its bootstraps. Leedsbased developer Town Centre Securities saw the potential of the area, with its superb transport links and close proximity to Manchester’s retail core, and embarked on a £250 million regeneration scheme which has created one of the city’s most diverse and ambitious districts. The Basin now spans 5.18 hectares, and offers a full mix of office, residential, retail and leisure accommodation with a planned 750 secure multi-storey car parking spaces. It is home to Carver’s Warehouse Manchester city centre’s oldest-surviving and only stone built warehouse and the city’s first-ever ‘living

roof’ has been realised in a stunning design from prominent consultants BDP Architects. Historical buildings have been carefully blended with modern design to create a quarter which looks forward to the future and looks after its past. The old canal has been cleaned up, giving the Basin a charming waterside context and a chilled alfresco vibe; visitors can relax by the water’s edge and bask in the discreet urbanity of Moonlight Bar and Restaurant and An Outlet – fast becoming the trendiest meeting places in Manchester. Meanwhile the residential offering is going from strength to strength, anchoring the Basin with a permanent, stable community. Manchester is a city born and raised on the waterside, and this legacy has been revived in a new wave of apartment buildings on the banks of the

city’s canals. One of the most prominent examples is Vantage Quay, a seven-storey hub which offers more than 100 luxury and one and two-bed apartments in the heart of the Basin, offering residents metropolitan living around the clock. Work has progressed well on the Retail Village, the latest stage in the Basin’s metamorphosis. World-famous retailers and leisure chains are targeting this area of the development, a sure sign that the Basin is back to its rightful position at the heart of Britain’s most dynamic city.

Design

The Basin has been masterplanned by award winning Manchester architects Ian Simpson, and is specifically designed to blend tradition and modernity. The Basin’s recent projects have strived to emphasise the site’s historical

surroundings using materials redolent of Manchester’s industrial past, together with the most tasteful and thought-provoking examples of modern design. The grade II*-listed Carver’s Warehouse has been sensitively restored and reinvigorated with a contemporary extension. The refurbishment project, led by Martin Stockley Associates, has retained virtually all of the original timber and cast iron internal structure with its external walls constructed wholly from stone. The timber frame has been carefully reinforced with additional insulation to ensure long-term viability. The glass-clad extension is reinforced with steel roof beams containing 15mmthick panels, joined together with custom-made spider fixings. The extension is dominated by an atrium clad in reinforced glass, which will be utilised as a public art space – indeed the atrium has recently housed a display of photos by Len Grant of the restoration of the building. Manchester architect BDP has designed its own studio at 11 Ducie Street, where the Ashton & Rochdale Canals converge and the building has already become one of the Basin’s most captivating features. The south elevation is a curving wrap - a ‘duvet’ of stainless steel - almost randomly perforated by narrow vertical windows and louvered slots. In contrast, the north elevation, overlooking Piccadilly Basin and the rich mix of buildings in this part of the Northern Quarter, is largely glass. All this is held together by a highly efficient Metsec frame. Downstairs the building drops below the water, with a shimmering glass wall leaving visitors waist-deep in a pool of reflected light; meanwhile, in the top space of the building, a curving roof supported by tapering steel struts passes through the glass wall, projecting over an outside terrace. The Douglas Fir-lined ceiling is broken by big circular skylights that open mechanically, and the fivestorey building is topped by Manchester’s first ‘living’ roof, which will be a landing pad for two of the city’s newest arrivals of black redstart birds. Similarly Vantage Quay, the Basin’s flagship residential scheme, is designed to capture the imaginations. The building is a brick volume wrapped on its two waterfront elevations by a lightweight timber screen, with a striking cumaru scheme of apparently random panels, which provide privacy and act as a balustrade to the full height opening glazing behind. The two zinc-clad upper levels are cut back to provide terraces to the apartments with horizontal screens providing privacy to the fifth floor terraces. The two residential entrances on Brewer

Street are set back from the pavement with zinc cladding and horizontal strip windows at each storey height. A window at knee height gives views down to the street and another at head height gives views of the sky.

Water works

The construction works have been accompanied by a comprehensive programme of civil engineering upgrades designed to improve the quality of the canals which converge around the Basin. A new marina has been built on the Rochdale Canal to link in with the Basin development; key works on this project have included the dewatering and overpumping of canal throughflows, the excavation and disposal of fill materials within the abandoned and partially infilled 200M length of canal, including the handling and disposal of highly contaminated silts and water (including special waste). The canal’s existing brickwork and masonry walls have been carefully reinforced, and augmented with sheet piling and new RC brick-faced walls, together with copings and hardwood fenders. The project has been carried out in close liaison with British Waterways, the Environment Agency, Manchester City Council and North West Water. The canal has recently been further enhanced by a footbridge at Brewer Steet. The structure seems almost semi-circular on plan with slender supports on each canal bank, and appears to glide effortlessly over the canal, encapsulating the effortless style of the Basin project.

Specialists

Specialist contractors have been hired for each stage of the project. The first retail warehouse was handled by Shepherd Construction, with specialist support from a team of suppliers and sub-contractors including Hathaway Roofing and Ward Insulated Panels, who teamed up to deliver the roof structure. Kier North West and CPL have built the BDP Studio and the restoration of Carvers Warehouse has been carried out by John Hallissey Construction, with specialist engineering advice from Martin Stockley Associates, M&E services from leading contractor Inviron and roofing from J Hempstock and Company Ltd. Birse Construction has carried out the civil engineering works at the marina, and C.Spencer Ltd has built the footbridge. ROMA PUBLICATIONS

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Middleton Arena set to open this month The brand-new Middleton Arena in Greater Manchester is now open for business, providing a single state-of-theart home for facilities currently housed at Middleton’s Recreation Centre, Swimming Pool and Civic Centre. Main contractor Barr Construction has just reached completion on the £13 million project, having begun in August 2007. The Arena is expected to create around 50 jobs and provide stateof-the-art facilities for performing arts and commercial meetings as well as sport and recreation. Retail giant Tesco has provided the bulk of the funding under an agreement which will see a new supermarket built on the site of the old swimming pool and civic centre. The council has

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provided £420,000 to fund hi-tech equipment for the sports hall, swimming pool, fitness facilities, stage and lighting. The 7,300 sq m Arena has been built on cleared land near Assheton Way, the former home of the Hippodrome, a legendary nightspot which had sadly fallen into derelict decay before its demolition last year.

Design and facilities The hub of the Arena will be a huge Auditorium, providing a stage-based performance area for up to 500 people, with entertainment space for 300 guests. Billed as a ‘mini-Lowry’, the Auditorium has been designed to offer first-class acoustics, with

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Tesco and main contractor Barr providing a £40,000 lighting and sound system. A bar will be situated alongside the auditorium to ensure visitors are sufficiently refreshed at all times, and a large glass-fronted entrance hall will provide additional space for arts and heritage exhibitions, as well as a base for local studies access services. Meanwhile the main 25m x 13m six-lane competition swimming pool will be complemented by a secondary training pool spanning 13m by 7m, with fully inclusive spectator seating for 150 people. On the first floor a 600 sq m sports hall, comprising four separate courts, will provide facilities for badminton, basketball, netball and volleyball, as well as multi-functional events and demonstrations. Using moveable partitions, the Arena managers can split the sports hall into separate smaller areas, with charges being applied on a ‘per court’ basis. The new fitness suite will include around 80 different stations, incorporating the most advanced weight resistance machines, cardiovascular equipment and circuits. Televisions have been fitted above the running machines to provide a welcome distraction for those who are pushing themselves to the limit. For those who enjoy more competitive exercise, the Arena will

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include high-quality glazed squash courts with semi-sprung flooring, while the new dance and exercise studio will provide a dynamic range of aerobic sessions and activities for up to 35 people, including indoor cycling and body fit sessions. A 200-capacity Function Room and 100-capacity meeting venue will be available in the lower lounge, providing space for performances, member use and venue hire. The upper lounge will house a 100-capacity bar, combining auditorium performances with multi-functional amenities. The Arena is built around a Metsec infill system with Alumasc Swisstherm render and blockwork to the elevations. The internal layout has been designed to be flexible and visible, with extensive glazing throughout, particularly in the squash area. The Middleton Arena will be managed by Link4Life, the Rochdale Boroughwide Cultural Trust. The development is a key part of Rochdale Development Agency’s Masterplan for Middleton, which also proposes relocation of the market, new car parking provision and improved shops. A new public art feature and modern new housing will also be created as part of the planned improvements.

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Kendal College goes back to nature with phase one of huge building project

Staff and students at Kendal College are now enjoying a raft of brand-new purpose-built facilities, built by Border Construction in the first phase of an extensive redevelopment project. Border and its sub-contractors have recently completed construction of a brand-new entrance block and a construction heritage centre. The two facilities cost a total of £5.5 million and were constructed within a twelve-month build programme. Built on the site of the old College refectory, the new entrance block comprises three storeys with a balance of staff and student facilities on each floor. The ground floor houses a stunning reception, alongside a student support facility and two London High Street-style hairdressing salons. The first floor includes a huge lecture theatre, seminar room and function room, along with four classrooms. A capacious restaurant, catering for up to 450 students, dominates the second floor of the building.

Meanwhile the construction heritage centre will facilitate specialist tuition of a variety of skills including wood occupations, specialist furniture manufacture, plumbing and light engineering, electrical installation and traditional brick and stonework, drawing on the natural resources and building techniques of Cumbria. Both new facilities have drawn inspiration from the natural environment and the best of modern educational design. Architect Taylor Young, the firm which designed entrance block, toured the National Park, and looked at new university buildings in different counties, to gain ideas for the complexion of the facility. The construction heritage centre has been designed by visiting best practice at some of the best educational institutions, and Kendal College and its architects went to visit Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) in Accrington, Blackpool and Darlington. The result is a raft of captivating design features. The entrance block is predicated on a steel frame and faced in a combination of locally sourced block stone, a curtain walling lattice installed by Anglezark, and a specialist cladding system supplied by Speedclad. The rear elevation features a series of projected pods, using cantilevered sections mimicked by the design of the cladding. Inside the building the main atrium features a further series of pods, created with gyproc dry line walling and studwork. The new construction heritage centre has been built into the hillside and has been

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covered with living wild flowers and a grass roof, with a feature wall made from Lakeland materials. Like the entrance block, the heritage centre incorporates extensive curtain walling and a Speedclad facade system. A large portion of the building sits below ground level, reflecting the topography of the landscape. Work is now underway on phase two, which will create a new Academy of Art, Culture and Sport and a comprehensive scheme of refurbishments, at a cost of around £10 million. The project, set for completion in 2010, is broken down into two key stages; the primary stage features construction of a new engineering block, the creation of new nursery facilities and the redevelopment of the Allen Building and the Kendal Museum. Stage two will see the creation of a new sports facility and golf academy. Like the heritage centre, the refurbished facilities in stage two will feature living walls and glass pods, and solar shading will be applied to maximise the benefits of the environment.

Potato Wharf:

a chip off the old block from Crosby Lend Lease

Following the success of developments such as the Hacienda and No 1 Deansgate, Crosby Lend Lease is creating another stunning development in central Manchester – transforming the iconic Potato Wharf into a shimmering beacon of modernity. The developer is working in tandem with main contractor Carillion Infrastructure Services to create a new community at Potato Wharf, one of Manchester’s most significant industrial landmarks. The Castlefield site will soon be home to two eightstorey apartment blocks, which present a bold and alluring addition to Manchester’s skyline. The site will be anchored by 213 one and two-bedroom apartments with a central courtyard garden located between the two apartment blocks. A new footbridge will be constructed

underneath the viaduct, providing public access to the existing bridges over the canal basin. The development will be studded with protruding glazed facades, framed with bright colours to add a captivating design signature, whilst the main elevations will bear a deep grey colour, in homage to Manchester’s proud vernacular. In addition, a lattice of timber plinths will draw upon the nineteenth century wooden bridges which broached the canal as it passed through Manchester. Each apartment will be laced with luxury; entrance spaces will feature high-quality natural finishes, and natural daylight will percolate every nook and cranny to imbue the two apartment buildings with a bright, airy atmosphere. Open-plan kitchen and living spaces will provide a modern ROMA PUBLICATIONS

N o r th We s t and flexible living arrangement suited to entertaining in the city, and the stylish Siematic kitchens are stamped through with chic modern design. Durable tiles will be applied to kitchens, bathrooms, hallways and en suites, and bathrooms will be embellished with stylish white sanitaryware, Hansgrohe chrome fittings and heated towel rails. The design team has taken every conceivable step to make the scheme stand out; indeed the showpiece onebed apartment, unveiled last spring, was designed as part of a competition with Interior Design students at Manchester School of Arts. Based upon the concept of creating an apartment for Peter Saville to live in, the final design was influenced by the designer’s work and lifestyle. Four students from the winning team took on the £20,000 project commission and worked with Crosby Lend Lease to bring the apartment to life. The design of the one-bed show apartment was inspired by the energy of Peter Saville’s work and his nocturnal living patterns. This resulted in a thoroughly striking and contrasting space driven with electric and film noir influences. Key features include a curtained bedroom retreat set against an angular cinematic living area with a moody, seductive quality. Commenting on the development, Peter Vella, sales and marketing director for Crosby Lend Lease said: “Manchester’s renaissance is founded on sensitive, reflective design – new developments which hark back to our city’s industrial prominence and draw upon its grand building tradition. “Potato Wharf exemplifies these attributes. We want our development to sit snugly against its historic surrounds, yet also stand out from them with audacious design statements. We think we’ve got the balance just about right and this is reflected in a steady stream of public demand.” “Phase One of Potato Wharf, Saville will provide 111 luxury apartments for Manchester city centre buyers and is scheduled for completion in summer 2009.”

About Crosby Lend Lease Crosby Lend Lease was formed when global construction giant Lend Lease Corporation acquired urban regeneration specialist The Crosby Home Group plc from The Berkeley Holdings Group plc in 2005. The company has been associated with superior, innovative British homebuilding for over 80 years. From individual country residences to select suburban developments, from exclusive townhouses to chic city apartments, Crosby Lend Lease’s name has become synonymous with inspirational design, outstanding specification and exemplary build quality. A renowned leader in home building and development, Crosby Lend Lease has been a pioneering force in the city living revolution which has transformed urban centres such as Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds over the last decade. By creating dynamic new neighbourhoods - complete with quality homes, attractive communal spaces and exciting retail and leisure amenities – Crosby Lend Lease have helped breathe new life into the heart of Britain’s great cities.

About Carillion Infrastructure Services Carillion Infrastructure Services is a leader in the outsourced utilities market. During the last 40 years, the company has consistently enhanced its reputation for providing its clients with integrated solutions in a collaborative environment.

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The company’s expertise and experience in the installation, maintenance and renewal of water and wastewater assets is demonstrated throughout a number of ongoing contracts in the UK. Within these agreements the company offers innovative and value engineered solutions to provide best value and certainty of delivery.

Port Sunlight apartment scheme set for April completion Main contractor PJ Allison Limited is set to complete work on a development of 21 apartments in Port Sunlight in April, following a fifteen-month build programme. The development will provide 21 apartments for private rent, and is being built on behalf of Port Sunlight Village Trust. The site was previously a landscape yard and required little enabling work, apart from the demolition of existing buildings and the installation of piled foundations. All 21 apartments are located within a single block spanning three storeys; the seven apartments on the top floor are all single-bed properties, and the remaining 14 offer two bedrooms. Each property is designed to a luxurious specification including bespoke, fully-fitted kitchens and integrated white goods. The development is predicated on load bearing masonry, and the elevations will reflect the local vernacular with facing brick and Harling render. The roof is being laid using clay rosemary tiles supplied by Redland Roofing. Designed by architects from local firm Paddock Johnson Partnership, the interiors are based on a concrete floor slab with timber stud partitions, and will be heated by an electric heat pump system, which offers the highest standard of sustainability. Both hard and soft landscaping will be included throughout the development.

the village to The Port Sunlight Village Trust, an independent charitable organisation established to look after the long-term future of this historically important Conservation Area. The objectives for which the Trust has been established are firstly to preserve and maintain the land and buildings within the Conservation Area of Port Sunlight and secondly to promote understanding of the ideas underlying the foundation and development of the village. The organisation is governed by a board of Trustees and works closely with local residents and a range of organisations, including community groups and the local authority to fulfil its objectives.

Monarch Roofing Monarch Roofing has provided lead flat roofing and general leadwork for main contractor PJ Allison on the Port Sunlight project. The contractor has used a variety of specialist techniques including lead burning, lead welding and lead dressing during the roofing programme, and has also installed vertical leadwork using welting. Monarch was established in 1984 and covers the whole of the North West, focusing mainly on Cheshire and the Wirral. The company is renowned for its ability to handle bespoke and ornate leadwork projects, and has retained firm links with the industry’s biggest firms; indeed Monarch principal Declan McDaid worked for the renowned Marley Tile company for more than 20 years, and his company has provided bespoke lead box guttering services for Melwood Construction. This expertise is reflected in a string of accolades. Monarch won an NHBC Seal of Excellence award for Badger’s Green in Cheshire, and further recognition is expected in the coming months. Declan McDaid said: “We hope to achieve further growth in the near future through our commitment to tried-and-tested techniques and first-class customer care. We see each of our customers as a long-term partner, and this is reflected in the amount of repeat and retained business we achieve.” Declan is fully insured, has an ONC in electrical enginering and a BTEC in eletronics. He is well versed in reading plans and also possess the current health and safety CITB card.

About Port Sunlight Port Sunlight was managed by Lever Brothers until the mid-1960s when UML Limited, a new company created within the Unilever organisation, took over the administration of the village. During the 1960s and 1970s, the homes in the village benefited from a programme of internal modernisation, including the conversion of a bedroom into an upstairs bathroom. By 1980, it was evident that the days of tied tenancies were over. As more people in the UK were choosing to buy their homes, UML decided to sell properties on the open market when a tenancy expired and to offer the opportunity for existing tenants to buy their homes. A major change in the administration of Port Sunlight took place on 6th April 1999 when UML handed over the management of

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Sunderland Stadium Village Over the last decade Sunderland has become one of Britain’s most highprofile football clubs, thanks largely to its shimmering new ground, which has become a beacon for the entire North East. Appropriately called the Stadium of Light, the ground seats 48,000 people and is now one of the most recognisable landmarks in Sunderland. Regeneration specialist Sunderland arc is now looking to build on this success by creating Stadium Village, predicated upon the football ground. The Village will encompass the Stadium of Light and the nearby Sheepfolds industrial area in a mixed-use leisure development extending to a total of 30 ha (74.5 acres). The development will be forged through a partnership between key stakeholders including Sunderland City Council, One North East, Sunderland Football Club and the University of Sunderland. The first stage in the project, led by

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Sunderland City Council, is the spectacular Sunderland Aquatic Centre. The £20m Centre opened in April 2008 and is home to a 50m Olympic-sized swimming pool and wellness centre, which has already been selected as a potential training camp for the 2012 Olympics and will host regular competitions in future. Further proposals include a hotel and other substantive sports and leisure facilities. New homes with a focus on family accommodation will also form part of the Village, creating a permanent and full-time residential character. A proposed footbridge will link the Village to the Vaux development in the city centre across the River Wear, and a network of pedestrian and cycle links will offer direct pedestrian access between St. Peters Metro station and nearby bus stops. Keir Hardie Way will be improved to provide improved access to the site. Historical features of the Stadium Park and Sheepfolds area, including a gangway and coaching house, will be improved and

put to good use as part of the development plans – ensuring the development retains a firm foothold in the past as it moves forward in the years to come.

The local area

The site was previously home to the Wearmouth Colliery, a pillar of the local economy and a source of pride for Sunderland. The colliery opened in 1826 and soon began churning out coal for all corners of the world; the enterprise employed more than 2,700 people at its peak in the 1920s and continued to engage more than 2,000 people until the late 1980s. The colliery closed for business in 1993, and developers soon began planning the creation of a state-of-the-art stadium to replace the football club’s popular but outdated ground at Roker Park. Meanwhile the adjacent Sheepfolds area has been used for manufacturing and

foundry works for at least 150 years, and its position next to Monkwearmouth railway station ensured a constant stream of supplies and demand. Like the Colliery, Sheepfolds developed through a network of road and rail links - these will ensure the new Stadium Development is accessible for all sections of the community. Surrounding areas are characterised by densely packed red-brick Victorian terraces, as well as a number of 1960s tower blocks. The designers of Stadium Village will strive to retain the best of this architecture and augment it with developments which reflect the local vernacular while offering a dynamic, sustainable design signature.

Dipping a toe in the water: the Sunderland Aquatic Centre The Sunderland Aquatic Centre, which opened last spring, is designed to blaze a trail for the rest of the Village project and signpost the shimmering sustainable designs which will become its hallmark. Situated next door to the Stadium of Light, the Centre houses the first 50-metre pool in the area and also includes a 25-metre wide main pool with ten lanes, a 25-metre side multi-purpose diving tank, seating for 500 spectators and a changing village. The state-of-the-art wellness centre is attached to the main 50-metre pool development. Everything to do with the pool has been designed on a grand scale. Its construction required 5100 cubic metres of concrete and a staggering 225,483 tiles. The roof structure is supported by 11 huge timber beams, each of which weighs several tonnes and measures half the length of a football pitch. Main contractor Balfour Betty used over 6,000 sqm of Kalzip aluminium standing seam sheets, a similar quantity of Kalzip aluminium structural decking and an impressive array of Kalzip fabrications (all materials PVF / PPC colour coated to Matt Lilac 59BB63/066) to realise the stunning designs from Red Box Architecture. The frame for the development was split into four key parts - two curved and two straight. The curved glulam member has a radius of 3 m which leads to very thin lamellas of just 16 mm; the forces required a glulam section of 440 mm wide to two metres deep. The straight members are reduced to a width of 220 mm. This lightweight structure is both durable and sustainable – indeed the Centre has recently received an Excellent BREEAM rating for its environmentally considerate design. Both the main pool and multi-purpose pool have moveable floors that allow their depths to be varied so that they can

accommodate a range of activities from aqua aerobics to water polo, and allow swimmers at all levels to use them. The main pool can be modified or sub-divided using a moveable boom, which allows more than one group of swimmers to use the facility at the same time. Simon Elliot, property development manager for Sunderland arc, said: “The Centre enshrines all the attributes we want to express through the Village project – first-class design, comfort and convenience for users and an ongoing commitment to sustainable design principles. “We are delighted that the Centre is already proving so popular, and we see this as the start of an exciting journey towards completion of the Village.”

The future

Sunderland arc and Council chiefs are currently debating how best to build on the flying start provided by the Aquatic Centre. A Development framework for the Stadium Village project has been drafted and is currently out to public consultation. The framework suggests a number of uses which could be appropriate and includes: • • • •

An ice arena or other large floor plate leisure uses Dry sports facilities to complement the existing Aquatic Centre A four-star hotel A climbing wall

Housing and offices are also proposed for the area, with residential areas integrated into the overall scheme in a sensitive way to create a genuine community for the Village. Wearsiders are currently putting forward their views at a series of exhibitions and other consultations on the development guidelines, taking place across the city. Simon Elliot, property development manager at Sunderland arc, said: “The football stadium and the Sunderland Aquatic Centre are already here and, together with our partners, we hope to build on these fantastic facilities and create a critical mass of sports and leisure facilities for the city and the wider region. “We have recently put together a development framework which sets out the key principles and parameters, such as types of uses, the built form and public spaces, that are necessary and appropriate in achieving the proper redevelopment of this important area and complementing our wider vision for the regeneration of central Sunderland.” Those who would like more information can visit http://www.sunderlandarc.co.uk/ or view the development framework at http://www.sunderland.gov.uk/ stadiumvillage/ ROMA PUBLICATIONS

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Easington Road project set for July completion A £2.5 million residential project on Easington Road, Stockton-in-Tees is due for completion in July, creating a much-needed source of accommodation in one of the busiest towns in the North East. The development, which is being built through a joint venture between Endeavour Housing Association and Stockton Council, will create a total of 20 bungalow houses in three principal blocks, arranged in a Mews-style layout. All 20 properties will be available for affordable rent, and will offer full wheelchair access. Eight properties have been specifically designed to cater for people with learning difficulties, and six have been developed to assist those with physical disabilities. The remaining six properties are intended to provide a realistic and reassuring source of accommodation for the over 55s. The site previously housed an unsightly block of ‘E’ flats, which was demolished early

last year. Main contractor Koru Property Services began work on the site last August, following completion of the enabling works, and the project has remained on time and budget since then. Each property is being built around a timber frame, with facing brick treatments to the elevations. Roofs are being laid using traditional tiles with timber trusses, and the ground floors are of traditional beam and block construction. Internal units are being divided using timber stud partitions, with timber frame supporting walls to ensure excellent heat retention and noise attenuation properties. The development will comfortably achieve Code of Sustainable Homes level 3, thanks to a raft of sustainable features including high efficiency condensing boilers and solar panels.

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Once the work is complete, Endeavour Housing, Stockton Borough Council and Tristar Homes will work together to allocate the new bungalows to residents. Throughout the project Koru has received invaluable support from architect Brown Smith Baker and Partners, quantity surveyor RNJ Partnership and engineer BGP.

Ensus and Simon Carves building Europe’s largest wheat refinery on Teeside The Ensus Group has teamed up with experienced global EPC contractor Simon Carves and civil engineering leader BAM Nuttall to build Europe’s largest wheat refinery at the Wilton International site on Teesside, the industrial hotbed of North East England. When completed later this year, the refinery will use locally grown animal feed wheat to produce over 400 million litres of bioethanol, 350 thousand tonnes of high protein animal feed, and 300 thousand tonnes of carbon dioxide for use in soft drinks and food production each year. Power will be supplied by a combined heat and power plant, and surplus electricity will be used by other plants on the Wilton site. Significant investment has been provided by global private equity firms The Carlyle Group and Riverstone Holdings, and Ensus has entered into long term contracts with Shell Trading to purchase all bioethanol produced at the Plant, with Glencore for wheat supply and DDGS off take, with SembCorp Utilities for the provision of utilities at the Plant and with Vopak for the storage and handling of bioethanol. The plant is being constructed in response to UK and EU targets to reduce carbon emissions from road transport. The UK requires that a proportion of all petrol and diesel sold in the UK should come from renewable sources in order to combat global warming, and this target is likely to rise over the next few years. Ensus will be able to meet one third of the UK’s bioethanol demand, equivalent to taking 300,000 cars off the road. The refinery has been designed according to strict sustainability criteria. Producing biofuels from protein crops such as animal feed wheat delivers greenhouse gas emission savings which more than cancel out the emissions of the fossil fuels they replace.

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N o r th E a s t & Yo r ks h i re future growth are based on co-product value, consistently producing high quality animal feed ingredients that meet the needs of Europe’s animal producers and feed compounders, whilst reducing agricultural pressure on high carbon stock land outside Europe. The strategy also hinges on competitive feedstock sourcing, locating capacity near Europe’s regional wheat surpluses and close to ports for access to international feedstock markets. Ensus continues to seek strong strategic partners, with the ability to support the growth aspirations of the Group.

About Simon Carves

The project is due to come on stream over the summer with around 100 employees; around 800 people are being employed during the construction phase.

Design and facilities Spanning around 30 hectares, the site is part of an integrated petrochemical complex with excellent road and port access for both the supply of feedstock and the transportation of the finished product, bioethanol. Key facilities at the plant will include grain silos, a grain fermentation area, reception tanks, modular steel pipe bridges and piperacks, and an office complex for administrative purposes. The planned supply of combined heat and power (CHP) will be predicated on gas turbines capable of generating 40 MW of electricity, which will be used by a range of on-site customers; a key part of the CHP project will be a heat recovery steam generator, which will supply up to 162 tonnes per hour of steam to the site distribution system. The development is underpinned by piled foundations and precast concrete bases, and each component of the site is being supplied by a specialist in the field; for example Harry Peers Steelwork is fitting out the modular piperacks, distillation structure and DDGS technology, while NCB Erecting Specialists Ltd is currently working on the turrets atop the new grain silos. Baker Mallett has been appointed the role of Quantity Surveyor and Commercial Manager, and Engineering design, construction and commissioning work for the CHP project is being supplied by Engineering Services Ltd (Aker Kvaerner).

The next steps Ensus plans to build a number of plants across Europe, and will create value through a growth strategy based on World scale plants using proven technologies, integrating with existing transport and utilities infrastructure, and focusing on conversion yield and energy efficiencies that will also deliver significant greenhouse gas savings. The company’s key priorities for

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Simon Carves designs and constructs significant turnkey projects utilising technology provided by customers or licensors; these are often complex projects demanding high levels of management, front-end design, detailed design and logistical skills. In Alliance and Partnering arrangements with major companies, Simon Carves provides the complete range of engineering services. Using advanced project methodologies, the company adds value to its customers’ projects from the concept to handover, including detail design, procurement, construction and commissioning. Design methodologies have changed during the company’s long history in delivering projects. Simon Carves has been at the forefront in making use of the most advanced tools for achieving this delivery. Hand drawn pictures used in 1960s have today been replaced by modern 3D models, providing both the client and Simon Carves the ability to virtually walk through the plant, and offer a true visualisation of the project at an early stage in its life.

Interserve Industrial Services Interserve’s vision is to be the Trusted Partner of all our stakeholders. We are a services, maintenance and building group operating in the public and private sectors in the UK and internationally. We offer advice, design, construction and facilities management services for society’s infrastructure and provide a range of plant and equipment in specialist fields. Interserve is based in the UK and is a FTSE 250 company. It has revenue of £1.7 billion and a workforce of 50,000 people worldwide.

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In May 2008, Interserve was selected to work alongside Simon Carves as the preferred access provider on the ENSUS contract. We currently employ around 70 operatives and staff, and this figure is set to increase to nearer 100 as the workload escalates and end date approaches. As well as the relationship established with Simon Carves, we work closely with all the contractors on site with access needs covering civils, electrical, mechanical and structural steel requirements, with specialist vendor packages to come. Interserve also provides a range of alternative access solutions from system scaffold to powered access such as scissor lifts and MEWPS. Working alongside Nationwide Access, Interserve intends to roll out a powered access service which could see significant savings to Simon Carves by streamlining the supply of powered access through one common supplier. Working for multiple clients on site is a demanding role for a nominated contractor requiring an organised and dedicated site management team. Brad Neal, Simon Carves’ access coordinator comments: “Interserve’s work is to a very high standard, with a good health and safety record. Scafftags are always kept up to date and their supervision is proactive and readily responds to any requirements on site.” Peter Ford, contracts manager for Syntex Engineering comments: “All scaffolds erected are always in good order and fit for the tasks in hand… Safety is excellent”. With 256 standing scaffolds currently erected and more to come as the needs of the client increase, maintaining a level of service and quality for the users of the scaffolding is Interserve’s

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number one priority. Whatever the requirement each scaffold is rigorously inspected to ensure the highest standards are maintained. Working on site for over eight months and expending over 30,000 manhours, Interserve has maintained an excellent safety record performing over 80 audits and carrying out over 40 tool box talks. This commitment to safety emphasises Interserve’s position in providing a safe and healthy working environment for all our staff and operatives.

Construction News

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New hospitals in Pontefract and Wakefield project on target for completion Balfour Beatty is currently making steady progress on the Pontefract and Wakefield hospitals development project, with overall completion expected in 2011. The multi-million pound project will deliver state-of-the-art new hospitals, with the new Wakefield facility (also known as Pinderfields) spanning around 82,000 sq m and the Pontefract development covering a 20,200 sq m area. The new hospital in Wakefield/Pinderfields will provide comprehensive care for all patients, including the most seriously ill. Pontefract, too, will have a new hospital able to provide emergency, diagnostic, outpatient and surgical care. The new hospitals will join the Trust’s excellent modern hospital at Dewsbury to provide high quality care to people throughout the mid Yorkshire area. Specific facilities include: Wakefield/Pinderfields • An accident and emergency (A&E) department that is medically led open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week • Emergency medical, surgical and paediatric beds

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The full range of planned surgical services Maternity care, including midwife led services and an antenatal clinic Beds for the rehabilitation of local people after admission (including admission elsewhere) Specialist facilities, such as critical care beds, our burns unit and spinal unit.

Pontefract • An accident and emergency (A&E) department that is medically led and open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week • Diagnostic facilities, including endoscopy and CT/MRI • Paediatric assessment facility • Midwife-led beds and an antenatal day assessment unit • Specialist and general outpatient facilities, with improved access for patients and mobility impairments • Beds to admit medical patients for assessment and observation • Theatres and beds for day case and

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short stay surgery Beds for the rehabilitation of local people after admission (including admission elsewhere) • A new renal dialysis service. It is envisaged that the new Pontefract hospital will be handed over in November 2009, and will open for businesses following completion of a 13-week commissioning period. Phase one of the new Wakefield hospital will be complete in spring 2010, with the second phase reaching completion in the November. Both phases will be subject to a subsequent commissioning programme. The project is planned to reach overall close with the completion of work on the car park and landscaping in early 2011. •

Windsor Court development set for completion in March Work on Windsor Court, a stylish block of 12 private apartments on Hallfield Road, York, is due for completion before the end of March. The new block is being built by David Harrison Developments, one of the most ambitious property developers in Yorkshire. The firm’s in-house building specialist, David Harrison Building Contractors Ltd, is carrying out the construction of the scheme, with funding supplied by Yorkshire Bank. The development will offer a single three-bed apartment alongside five one-bedroom property, four two-beds and two one-bed studios. The apartments will punctuate a dynamic four-and-a-half storey block, designed by David Chapman Associates. The block will rise from four to five storeys in a stepped layout, with elements of flat and open roofing. Work on the project began in December 2007, and the contractors have made excellent progress throughout the programme, despite a few minor hold-ups early last year due to planning alterations. It is thought that the development has an overall value of £2 million. The site was previously home to the Hallfield Motors garage and car wash, which was demolished by David Harrison in late 2007. Although the previous owners left behind small traces of contamination, the site was generally smooth and level and required little significant enabling work. The building is based on raft foundations and the two distinct halves of the envelope have been built to strikingly distinct designs; the five-storey element is based on a steel frame

supplied and installed by LH Sleightholme, while the four-storey section is predicated on a traditional brick-and-block structure. External treatments comprise brickwork, rendered blockwork and cedar boarding, with powder coated aluminium windows supplied by Heron Architectural. The three highest apartments feature balconies supplied by Rhocco Engineering, and the roof comprises composite sheeting panel installed by Kim Scott, along with a section of GRP; all roof materials were supplied by Wards of Sherbourne. Sean Harrison, of David Harrison Developments, said: “The

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envelope looks great and comprises a number of contrasting and complementary treatments. We’re particularly pleased with the balconies from Rhocco Engineering, they’ve done a brilliant job.” Inside residents will find a particularly high specification; fully fitted kitchens are being installed by Smith Brothers, and each property will also feature ceramic tiling, oak veneer doors and a mixture of tiling and carpeting to communal areas. A number of sustainable features have been included in the design. The lightweight steel frame which underpins the fivestorey section will have higher than normal insulation values,

ensuring each of the residential units enjoys excellent heat retention properties. The use of double-glazing in energy efficient thermal-framed windows will provide additional energy efficiency, and solar panel heating will be fitted to the roof. Energy consumption will be further reduced through the use of low energy lighting, movement sensitive lighting and non-electric heating. Rainwater will be collected to water the landscaping and refuse collection points have been identified for the storage and collection of refuse and recyclable materials. The 12 apartments will be served by four garages, electrically operated gates and an extensive car and cycle parking area. Sean Harrison continued: “Windsor Court offers an excellent specification and we’re really pleased with the way it’s come together. York is renowned for the quality of its buildings and the high standard of living its population enjoys, and we’ve strived to reflect these attributes in our new building.”

Morgan Est and Yorkshire Water improving river quality in England’s biggest county Specialist contractor Morgan Est is currently carrying out two significant projects for Yorkshire Water as part of the River Life Initiative, a £250 million programme of improvements to waste water treatment works across Yorkshire. The two schemes – at Esholt near Bradford and Lower Brighouse near Huddersfield – are worth a combined total of more than £75 million. Both projects involve the installation of essential new equipment to improve the quality of final effluent returned to the Rivers Aire and Calder and to provide a more effective long-term service. The Esholt contract, worth over £50 million, was awarded in September 2006 and Morgan Est is currently working on the second phase of the project, which involves replacing the existing secondary treatment plant with a new activated sludge process. A raft of new equipment is being installed as part of the improvement programme, including four 35m final settlement tanks, a series of sludge storage tanks and digesters, and a huge sludge conditioning area. The main activated sludge plant comprises 12 tanks, each the plan size of an Olympic swimming pool and 7m deep. Sludge will be transported across a bridge made of two selfsupporting pipes, which have a clear span of over 40m across the River Aire. The larger 2.1m diameter pipe will carry partially treated effluent from the new activated sludge plant to the

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final settlement tanks and the smaller 1.5 m diameter pipe will transfer the return sludge back to the front end of the process. The surplus will be treated through the digesters. Initial works on the Esholt scheme involved the installation of piled foundations, the introduction of 100,000 cu m of concrete, and the construction of a 55,000 cu m slab for the conditioning area. The bridge pipes were welded together on site and then lowered into place by a 1,000 tonne crane, which was broken

down and ferried to site on seven articulated lorries carrying various additional jibs, load spreading pads and kentledge. Similarly, at Lower Brighouse, the contractors are introducing new activated sludge and settlement tanks and replacing the older, less efficient equipment. Initial works involved extensive excavation - as well as essential environmental works, including the installation of bat boxes. The works at Esholt are due for completion this summer, and the Brighouse improvement programme should be complete by Christmas.

The broader picture Morgan Est is one of six Large Scheme Framework contractors engaged on the River Life initiative. This huge project is designed to ensure that the quality of effluent returned to Yorkshire’s rivers

meets the standards set by the new European Freshwater Fish Directive, which becomes law in the UK next year. The results should see the quality of the region’s rivers returned to a standard not seen since the industrial revolution a century ago. A spokesperson for the project said: “The current improvement programme will enhance the quality of rivers Aire and Calder, and improve the chances of seeing water-based animals such as salmon, otters and herons. “River water quality is one of the government’s key ‘Quality of Life’ indicators, as rivers support a variety of wildlife as well as recreational activity. Yorkshire Water is making sure that the work it does now will have a lasting effect on the environment, meeting not just current legislation but going further to provide a level of treatment which exceeds that required by the European Union’s directives.”

Sir Robert McAlpine completes work on West Jesmond A team of contractors led by Sir Robert McAlpine has now completed work on West Jesmond Primary School, the latest development in Newcastle’s Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme. Pupils will moving into the replacement school during the February half-term, having spent the past thirteen months in a decant facility at nearby Castle Dene. Their new school offers capacity for 630 pupils and includes a number of amenities designed for accessible, joined-up learning. Key features of the design include a large pupil hall, a capacious studio/music room and several welcoming breakout areas,

which can double as ICT and after-school space when required. The external space includes a covered play area, equipped with multi-functional seating. The school’s commitment to innovation and inclusivity is reflected in the design of the new building. To reduce the visual mass of the new school, architect Parsons Brinckerhoff has broken up the elevations in a staggered layout spanning both two and three storeys, and stipulated a variety of different treatments. Although the majority of the elevations are clad in red facing brick, the core of the building has been emphasised using ROMA PUBLICATIONS

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reglit glass panels, render and vertical standing seam copper coloured cladding. Large sections of timber cladding have been introduced sporadically. The elevations are punctuated by PPC aluminium windows and doors, with louvre panels fitted at higher level. The envelope is completed by a standing seam metal roof with faceted eaves and rooflights. West Jesmond is one of eight schools to have received essential improvements in the first phase of Newcastle’s BSF programme, which is worth approximately £180 million. Having become one of the first authorities to benefit from BSF funding in 2004, Newcastle City Council has committed to improving sixteen schools in two principal phases. The programme is being managed by Aura Learning Communities, which signed a partnership agreement with the Council in 2007. The Aura Learning Communities team includes architect and engineer Parsons Brinckheroff, supported by Ryder HKS; construction specialist Sir Robert McAlpine; education consultant Place Group; facilities management expert Robertson Facilities Management; and whole life consultant Faithful and Gould. The other key projects in phase one of the BSF programme are as follows: •

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Kenton School Arts & Technology: Kenton is the largest secondary school in the country (2,000 pupils) and a 18,000 sq m new-build school will provide vital space for pupils. Benfield School: This design-and-build project will refurbish an existing secondary school with special sports status. Canning Street: this key school has received a brand-new children’s centre, bringing a wave of new services for children under five and provide new hope and community outlets in an area of high deprivation. Stocksfield Avenue Primary School: A new replacement school will provide facilities for 420 pupils on a large suburban site. The school has remained in full occupancy during construction although some classes have moved into temporary accommodation. Thomas Bewick: This special needs school will provide vital places and equipment for pupils with autistic spectrum disorders. The school will be attended by 90-100 pupils from the ages of three to 19. It is a new build scheme of 4,200m2 on a greenfield site. Walbottle Campus: This 1600m2 new build secondary school will be completed in phases on an existing school site. PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

Phase two will include a mix of new build and remodelled schools, and will create or improve seven key educational facilities. The seven schools in phase two are St Mary’s Catholic Comprehensive School, St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School, Walker Technology College, Trinity School, Sir Charles Parsons School, Gosforth High School and Gosforth Junior High School. All Saints College is the final school in the scheme. Work to create new sports facilities at the college was completed earlier this year as part of a ‘quick win’ solution.

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New East Riding campus set to open in August Hair and beauty salons, construction workshops and a fitness suite will be among the facilities included in the new £17 million East Riding College campus in Bridlington, which is set to open in August. Wates Construction is reported to be making excellent progress on construction of the new campus, which is situated on the grassed area at the front of the main college site. The existing college buildings are remaining open as usual during the construction programme, and will be demolished once students move into their new facility at the start of the 2009-10 academic year. The new campus building will span 6,200 square metres and include 44 teaching rooms - ranging from top-of-the-range standard rooms with the latest in teaching technology to entirely new commercial areas, including the hair and beauty salons and construction workshops. Other notable amenities will include a library, an IT zone, a fitness suite and a new full-size sports pitch with changing facilities. Work on the project began last summer with an extensive enabling phase and introduction of the foundations in a two-stage process, which saw more than 400 piles sunk 12 metres into the ground, before being capped for additional stability. The new campus is built around a steel

frame and a concrete ground floor slab, and will be characterised by a series of shear walls – large fins that will cut through the building to provide lateral strength and an eye-catching architectural detail. Other design features include external cedar cladding, facing brickwork, curtain walling and internal block walls. The new campus will also incorporate a raft of sustainable features to optimise energy use and maximise natural resources. Rain water harvesting will be used as grey water to flush toilets, and ground source heating will top up the heating systems and help cool the building in summer, saving on the amount of natural gas used to heat and electricity used to cool the building. Evacuated tubes will harness the sunlight and generate more heating support to help lower the gas consumption, and internal rooms will be fitted with light and movement sensors which switch off lights if they do not detect people in a room for a given length of time. The internal temperature will be controlled using a natural ventilation system so large heating boosts are not required on cold days.

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The new campus is part of a wider programme of redevelopment for East Riding College. Just a few miles away, in Beverley, the college’s managers hare planning to build a new £23 million facility, which will offer convenient transport links and close ties to one of Yorkshire’s most ambitious and prosperous areas. hese plans, which involve replacing the former Clariant factory and Museum of Army Transport, are the subject of a public inquiry, with a verdict from the planning inspector expected in the new year. East Riding College currently has around 3,000 students, including 16 to 18-year-olds on vocational courses and adult learners, from 19 into their 70s.

Feversham Arms better than ever thanks to new extension laced with old world charm For over 150 years it has set a glittering gold standard for hotel luxury...and now the Feversham Arms is bigger and better than ever, thanks to a stunning new extension. The £3.7 million extension project, led by Kirkdale Construction, has delivered the stunning new Verbena Spa as well as 10 new guest suites, a 35-space underground car park and a lavish reception area. Funded by Skipton Building Society, the project began last February and was completed on schedule in mid-October. The extension has more than doubled the size of the hotel and reinforced its commitment to classic gilt-edged elegance. The new facilities are spread across two capacious buildings, linked by a shimmering glass bridge. The elevations are enhanced by limestone and oak cladding, with extensive spans of curtain walling. The roofs have been laid using reclaimed using traditional Welsh slate, in keeping with the design of the original Victorian hotel. A spokesperson for the project said: “The Feversham Arms was built in the mid nineteenth century and is nestled in the heart of the North Yorkshire national parks, an area of outstanding natural beauty overlooking Helmsley Castle. “With this in mind we knew we had to come up with something

special for the extension, and we feel the new buildings befit the wonderful design of the main hotel.” The extension is infused with the character of its surroundings. The limestone used to clad the elevations was garnered from the area excavated to create the basement, and local material

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sources have been used wherever possible. Inside Kirkdale has spared no expense to deliver fittings and trimmings of the highest quality. The reception area comprises special imported stone with a tanned leather desk, and leads onto a captivating staircase with English oak treads and a polished plaster wall. Eight of the new suites have a glazed balcony, and each room has its own individual design signature, such as oak beams, oatmeal decor and an open fire. The colours have been specifically co-ordinated to exude a relaxing, enticing ambience, with a rustic countenance to match the hotel’s surroundings. The Verbena Spa is arguably the most eye-catching feature of the extension; guests can bask in a Monsoon shower or a unique ‘ice cave,’ or jump into an outdoor hot tub crafted in Canadian cedar. The spa garden has been designed by Matthew Wilson, formerly the curator at nearby RHS Harlow Carr gardens in Harrogate and now head of gardens creative development for the RHS. Matthew’s design features pleached lime trees, beautiful English planting, and even a fire pit for those who wish to step outside on a crisp winter’s day. The spokesperson continued: “Each room is stamped with

UK’s first fully self-serviced hotel opens in Sheffield The first UK hotel to offer a completely self-serviced check-in area has now opened in Sheffield, a crucial stage in the ambitious development of St Mary’s Gate. The new Premier Inn stopover, which opened in January following a swift build programme led by Woolf Ltd, offers guests the chance to check themselves in via a cluster of automated kiosks, or pods. It is thought the pods will reduce check-in times to less than a minute, compared to the current UK average of 8-10 minutes. Customer experience at Premier Inn will be made even smoother by a series of convenient workstations, housed in the reception area and manned by team members solely dedicated to helping guest enquiries. Because the self-service facility will take care

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splendor, and, although the extension is brand new, its elegance spans the ages. The extension gives the appearance of being as old as the main hotel, although its facilities are at the cutting edge of modern technology.” of all the routine aspects of checking in, Premier Inn staff will be free to devote even more time to the needs of their guests. The 13-storey hotel offers a total of 120 bedrooms and sits directly alongside 5,400 sq m of office space to create the eye-catching St Mary’s Gate development, one of the biggest

projects undertaken in Sheffield’s south-west quarter in recent years. The eye-catching development includes extensive sections of curtain walling, terracotta tiling and rainscreen cladding, and the hotel and office sections are based on completely different

design footprints; indeed the hotel incorporates an innovative modular solution has been used to create the hotel’s envelope, and the building is sheltered by a sedum roof which will offer a prime habitat for both plants and wildlife.

Fifth Avenue development nearing completion Work is nearing completion on a development of social properties on Fifth Avenue, one of York’s busiest and most recognisable thoroughfares. The contractors, led by RBA Moody Brothers, have already completed the principal building works. They expect to complete the landscaping and external works by the end of this month, although a final completion date has yet to be announced. The development comprises six two-bedroom apartments and five two and three-bed-properties, all designed for rent and shared ownership. The site was previously overshadowed by 1930s semi-detached houses, and the lack of space has necessitated a compact linear layout. Fifth Avenue is already extremely well developed, and this latest scheme is intended to fill in one of the few remaining gaps along its course. Project architect Smith Smalley has designed the scheme to reflect the traditional values of the surrounding houses, while offering a modern counterpoint which encapsulates the best of modern York. The majority of the design is traditional; both flats and houses have been constructed around a conventional brick and block design anchored by tubular steel piles and precast concrete

wide slab floors, with red brick and monocuche spray render to the elevations. The roofs comprise timber trusses and Sandtoft ‘Cassius’ interlocking clay tiles, bearing a distinctly antique appearance. However the externals are enhanced by brilliant blue trespa panels, a modern design feature which will clearly distinguish the development from its surroundings. Each property is further emphasised by a glazed entrance canopy, pre-fabricated off site, and an internal double-space stairwell, while ceilings and timber stud partitions are embellished with an acoustic fibreglass quilt. The new Fifth Avenue development will be managed by Yorkshire Housing, an umbrella group representing a number of housing organisations. The group provides a total of 16,300 homes for over 40,000 people; specializing in affordable homes, low-cost ownership schemes and provision of support to homeowners who are elderly, disabled or vulnerable.

More about Yorkshire Housing Yorkshire Housing aims to: Be in the top 25% of Housing Associations when measured against established performance indicators.

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Deliver efficiencies in costs and ways of working that facilitate the better delivery of services and recognise that greater efficiency is the key to all improvements. Increase the quality and effectiveness of its outward facing customer service, and extend its support to internal customers within the organisation, who are an integral part of delivering that service. Provide excellent homes for a diverse group within the communities that we serve, and we aim to build more homes. Provide excellent care and support services and increase the extent and range of these services.

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About Smith Smalley The Fifth Avenue development was designed by Smith Smalley Architects (SSA), a company which was founded in 1991 by Gordon Smith and Chris Smalley. Operating from headquarters in Harrogate, with 50+ staff, SSA is active in both the private and public sectors, and has carried out many commissions not only in the UK but also as far afield as South Korea and Thailand. The companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s client base extends from major national and international companies, to SMEs and private individuals. Smith Smalley is particularly proud that a substantial percentage of its work stems from repeat business for existing clients.

Midlands

Edgbaston Mill; a new dawn for Birmingham’s most influential district

In the nineteenth century it was one of the most affluent quarters of Birmingham; in the early twentieth century it provided inspiration to a teenage JRR Tolkien, arguably the most influential author in British history; and in 2005 it played host to one of the most intense moments in the annals of professional sport, when the England cricket team defeated the all-conquering Australians by just two runs.

Edgbaston is certainly a place with a past. But what about the future? The area has become increasingly schizophrenic in recent years; pockets of affluence sit cheek-by-jowel alongside unsightly tower blocks and badly planned council estates. The presence of the huge University of Birmingham campus adds youthful energy, yet further dilutes the clarity of Edgbaston’s identity. Work is now underway on a huge mixed-use hub which will give Edgbaston a new heart and a clear sense of place. The £100 million Edgbaston Mill development, opposite the cricket ground, has already created an exciting blend of contemporary apartments known as Hemisphere, and will introduce a range of leisure and retail facilities on residents’ doorsteps. The Mill will be characterised by quality restaurants, grade A office space, a convenient Express by Holiday Inn hotel and a fleet of high-end brands. These essential constituents will be

framed by landscaped surrounds, tree-lined avenues and two new public squares. Set in the centre of one of England’s largest urban conservation areas, Edgbaston Mill will be imbued with a sensitive green tinge, creating a relaxing rustic idyll at the heart of one of Britain’s most dynamic cities.

Plans

The development is the brainchild of Calthorpe Estates, architect Crouch Butler and development partner Cordwell Property Group, one of the most experienced speculative developers in the Midlands. It will eventually comprise 3,410 sq m of restaurant/retail space; 2,745 sq m of leisure facilities; 6,000 sq m of grade A offices; the stylish 200-bed Holiday Inn, a perfect stopover for busy commuters; and Hemisphere, which has been developed by Redrow Homes and comprises 344 apartments. This huge construction project is split into a series of phases. The initial phase, already complete, has provided the Hemisphere development, the Holiday Inn as well as 1,465 sq m of restaurants and retail space. A further 1,945 sq m of restaurant/retail development will take place in the second phase, which will also see the construction of 1,580 sq m of leisure outlets. The remaining 1,280 sq m of leisure space, a complex of grade A offices and a cluster of restaurants will be

delivered in subsequent phases, although a precise timeframe has yet to be finalised. Each of the three phases has been designed to complement the surrounding buildings, including the cricket ground and University. The commercial development includes striking features on all four sides; the elevations will be fitted with Kalwall and Rockpanel paneling, and will be embellished with an off-white render. This stylish envelope will be enhanced by aluminium powder coated screens, finished in metallic silver, as well PPC aluminium windows and protruding steel balconies with glass balustrades. Curtain walling is being introduced at ground-floor level and striking recessed panels embellish the roof sections. Meanwhile the Hemisphere development, designed by renowned architect Ruddle Wilkinson, is an exquisite combination of brick, render and rainscreen cladding, and incorporates its own landscaped courtyard. The site will be anchored by a public open space, a 200,000 sq ft focal point is being built by Fitzgerald Contractors Ltd. A boulevard of trees has been created along Edgbaston Road to improve the public realm and environment around the nine-acre scheme; the treeline is based on a canopy of London Plane trees, which are common to major international cities such as New York, Paris and London, and is a move welcomed by the Civic Society. ROMA PUBLICATIONS

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Caswell Adhesives moves into £7 million premises An experienced construction team led by Dale Contractors Ltd & KR Taylor Associates has just reached completion on a huge office and warehouse reconstruction project for Caswell Adhesives, a leading supplier of tailor-made adhesives based in Corby, Northants. Over the course of an eight-month project the contractors demolished Caswell’s original premises and provided completely new office and factory facilities on the original site, in a project worth around £7 million. During the construction programme Caswell Adhesives staff were housed in a warehouse next door to the site, which was previously unoccupied and ideal for temporary occupation. The company’s employees moved into their new base as soon as the development is handed over. Caswell Adhesives considered relocating to existing offices in another part of Corby, and also purchasing a brand-new site for development. The company eventually opted to stay on its existing site when it became clear this option was the quickest, simplest and most cost-effective route. Mark Hughes, of Caswell Adhesives said: “Because we already owned the land we didn’t have to go through a land purchase procedure, and we already have a presence on this site. Our customers are familiar with these premises, and our staff thrives on the atmosphere here. In the end staying on the same site emerged as the logical decision.” The project began with the demolition of the old facilities, carried out by specialist sub-contractor Green Plant. Aside from the demolition programme, little enabling work was required

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as the site was generally good for construction from the outset. The new facility comprises three principal parts: the administrative offices, a manufacturing zone and the warehouse. All three constituents are based on a steel frame, and the external walls comprise brickwork at groundfloor level and conventional cladding above. The roof has been laid using undulating steel panels. Internal partitions have been divided using traditional blockwork, with a concrete floor slab and TIBMIX supplied by F Bull and Co. The offices have been arranged over two storeys, and both warehouse and manufacturing space have been left as single-storey open-plan shells. To obviate potential traffic problems the contractors have installed a one-way system and introduced laybys which will allow lorries to park on site. Meanwhile a tank farm has been fitted to accommodate four emulsion tanks and one powder silo, allowing Caswell to buy and store materials in bulk. Mark Hughes continued: “Throughout the construction programme we have tried to utilise as much space as possible, and provide practical solutions to enable the company to grow. Thanks to this project we will have ample storage and distribution space in a clear, logical accessible layout. “We’re extremely grateful to the project team and have been extremely impressed with their work.”

New leisure centre set to open in Evesham this summer Galliford Try Construction expects to complete a new £10.75 million leisure centre in Evesham in June, following completion of a fifteen-month build programme on behalf of Wychavon District Council. The new centre is being developed on a brownfield site on Abbey Road, Evesham and replaces a 30-year-old existing building on Davies Road, which will remain open until the project is complete. The Council considered revamping the existing centre, rather than build a new one; however this option would have forced the leisure centre to close for up to 18 months and wouldn’t have provided the same long term benefits as a new facility. The new centre has been designed by Limbrick Limited: Architecture and Design with support from the client, structural consultant Clarke Bond Partnership, M&E design consultants Van Zyl de Villiers, quantity surveyors Davis Langdon and Millbridge project management. The building will span 4,500 sq m and include a full suite of both wet and dry equipment. Key facilities will include a 25m swimming pool, a studio pool with moveable floor, a sports hall, wet health suite, fitness room, aerobic studios and a climbing wall. The project also includes related access road, car parking area, external landscaping, and main services works. The early stages of the project focused on demolition of the site’s existing buildings, remediation of the ground to remove contaminants and improve quality, protection of the ecological balance by relocating bats, badgers and reptiles and archeological investigations. The new centre has been built around a brick-and-block envelope with timber and copper cladding and a combination of standing seam and single ply membrane roofs. Windows have been fitted with double glazing and UPVC frames, and floor finishes comprise of carpets, ceramic tiles and exposed timber. Speaking about the project cllr Paul Middlebrough, leader of Wychavon District Council, said: “This marks an important stage in the development of a new leisure centre for Evesham. We are delighted to be working with Galliford Try on this exciting project.”

PPP Investments Division develops and invests in public/private partnership projects. The Housebuilding Division operates through five regional brands: Linden Homes, Linden London Developments, Stamford Homes, Midas Homes, and Gerald Wood Homes. Concentrating on brownfield sites and individually designed developments, the business completes around 3,000 homes annually. The Group’s rapidly growing Affordable Housing & Regeneration Division specialises in the creation of sustainable communities.

About Limbrick Limited: Architecture and Design Limbrick Limited : Architecture + Design is one of the UK’s most successful and innovative architectural practices, with a reputation for creativity and professional integrity in the fields of sport, leisure, commercial and major scheme development. Limbrick is an incorporated company that owes its provenance to a practice that previously traded under the title of ‘Stephen Limbrick Associates’, after the name of the company’s founder and Managing Director. This practice is built upon an established reputation in the design and development of sporting, recreational and leisure facilities, in both the public and the commercial sectors and across the whole of the UK. Limbrick maintains an ever-strengthening position in this sector, but the increased breadth and scope of the company reflects its successful expansion into all types of large-scale commercial, retail, industrial and residential projects.

About Galliford Try The Galliford Try Group is organised in five divisions; Building, Infrastructure, PPP Investments, Housebuilding and Affordable Housing & Regeneration. The Group’s Building Division specialises in education, health, leisure, commercial, interiors, affordable housing and facilities management. Galliford Try’s Infrastructure Division encompasses work for the water, highways, rail, remediation, flood alleviation and renewable energy sectors. The Group’s ROMA PUBLICATIONS

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Osprey Quay, Portland At the gateway to the Isle of Portland, Osprey Quay presents one of the UK’s most captivating and beautiful development sites. This 33-hectare stretch of waterfront adjoins the grounds of Portland Castle and sits just yards from the World Heritage-designated coastline. The site has already been identified as a venue for the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, and the stunning marina which will host the Olympic sailing events is just part of a huge regeneration project which will create a new mixed-use mecca by the water’s edge.

The project has been developed by the South West Regional Development Agency (RDA), which seized the opportunity presented by the closure of the former Royal Naval Air Station in 1999 to create a new masterplan for the area that would bring a range of marine and leisure employment opportunities. The RDA has earmarked £38 million to invest in Osprey Quay, and its investment in new roads, services and flood defences, and new public access to the waterfront has already attracted more than £30 million of private sector investment creating more than 200 new jobs. Once fully developed Osprey Quay is expected to provide up to 50,000 sq m (535,000 sq ft) of development alongside a new £24 million marina, in an attractive landscaped setting including high quality public realm. A range of amenities are planned for the site including a hotel, shops, cafes/ restaurants and a network of public and private transport links. Meanwhile the waterside improvements will create a hub for local employment, enticing marine and boatbuilding specialists to draw on skilled local labour.

The Masterplan Gibberd Architects and Master Planners prepared the original Master Plan for Osprey Quay in association with White Young Green, on behalf of the RDA. Following public consultation, Weymouth & Portland Borough Council approved the design in December 2001. The Master Plan sets out a strategic vision for the Quay which is to create a mixed use scheme led by the marine sector, sailing and other supporting compatible uses including the following key

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provisions: In the northern and central parts, the proposed uses are intended to be primarily employment or marine leisurebased. The central part of the site will accommodate the existing Coastguard Search and Rescue facility together with its ancillary helicopter runway. The southern half of the site will accommodate a mix of residential and associated community uses, together with employment areas, while the land surrounding Portland Castle is to be used for leisure and tourism. The new marina includes the berths sheltered by a natural stone breakwater. The scheme also includes a fuelling berth supplying both petrol and modern bio-diesel fuels and a boat hoist of around 70 tonnes capacity. Ashore, the Marina Reception building will house high quality washrooms and showering facilities and a laundry and next to this will be a restaurant and bar overlooking the Harbour. A terrace of buildings is also being built to accommodate marine-related businesses, and the marina will also house a series of engineering buildings for the repair and maintenance of yachts. A series of welcoming spaces will be provided at the water’s edge, enabling boating enthusiasts to catch the action taking place at sea and imbibe the alfresco atmosphere generated by new shops and restaurants. An ‘exhibition green’ is also proposed for the stage of public events and marina-related promotional displays. The proposed realigned promenade maintains a route along the water’s edge and access to the marina pontoons. The landscaped plinths of the principle buildings on the new promenade will provide sweeping circuits for walkers, cyclists and mariners, allowing different combinations of routes between the water’s edge and the two points of access into the marina development. The new buildings will generally comprise a simple palette of external materials including timber and render with double glazed areas of clear glass. The roofs will have a natural finish metal standing seam system with solar shading louvres, venting and natural lighting systems, solar thermal and photovoltaic panels. This low-energy design approach will optimise natural ventilation, natural light, renewable energy and material

resources, providing the highest standard of sustainable construction; indeed the buildings will harvest rainwater for use in WC flushing, boat washing and landscape irrigation. A minimum of 10% of the building’s energy demand will be generated by on-site renewable energy as part of an integrated energy strategy.

Current progress The marina is being built by leading UK marina operator Dean & Reddyhoff, with support from globally renowned civil engineering specialist Atkins Design. Called Portland Marina, construction has been underway since October 2007 and has progressed at an impressive rate. The marina’s 875-metre breakwater was finished last August and the structures of all the shoreside buildings are also in place, including the marina reception, washrooms, a 6,500sq ft bar/restaurant and 20 new commercial premises. In addition, new 50T and 320T hoist docks have been constructed and the marina boatyard is already operating for lift out and winter storage. Work is now focusing on the interiors of the buildings and landscaping, with installation of the pontoons scheduled to commence in February ready for the first phase of 300 berths to open in April. Meanwhile, the Olympic Delivery Authority has completed a multi-million pound enhancement of the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, which first opened in 2005 and is the first UK venue to be ready for the 2012 Games. Work included a new permanent 250m slipway and new race-boat parking, lifting and mooring facilities. This year will see the start of work on a £30 million tourism and leisure development next to Portland Castle known as Castle Court. The development, which is being carried out by the Sutton Harbour Group, will provide a large landscaped public courtyard, a multi-use facility for the Royal Yachting Association, hotel and self catering accommodation, restaurants, retail, residential and marine employment units serving both the local sailing community and the large number of people who visit the area to participate in amateur water sports and sailing activities. Last year internationally renowned marine company Sunseeker International submitted detailed plans for an expansion

of facilities at its Osprey Quay base. The plans include a 4,200 sq m boat building facilities which will enable the company to meet future demand for high-quality motor yachts; indeed the facility will provide enough space for the construction of a full range of boats including the 37 metre tri-deck yacht, recently unveiled at the London International Boat Show. Meanwhile experienced Poundburybased sustainable development company Zero C is building a new ‘green’ community at Officer’s Field, adjoining Victoria Square. The 4.61 acre site will be redeveloped to include 70 new eco-homes complete the latest environmentally friendly technology. The existing football pitch will be retained and Zero C will work with the RDA to re-invest up to £500,000 to improve local leisure and community facilities and an area of nearby land safeguarded for community use. Set for completion by 2011, the project will be constructed to the highest sustainable standards and aims to generate at least fifty per cent of its energy from renewable sources, buildings will be super-insulated with provision for solar thermal insulation and a combined district heat and power scheme will be installed using a biomass boiler. EcoInteriors will fit-out the internal elements of the homes and other innovative ‘green’ features will include the provision of two electric cars available for residents to use on a pooled basis to discourage secondcar usage. ROMA PUBLICATIONS

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Bournemouth girls school preparing for timely extension

A £1.3 million extension project, designed and led by Hampshire based architect Sheerin Bettle and Associates, is due for completion in May 2009 at Bournemouth School for Girls one of the country’s top single-sex schools. The project, being constructed by Raymond Brown Building Ltd, will deliver an 800 sq m single-storey Arts and Social Science Building, enabling the school to move students out of the cramped and tired classrooms currently used for tuition in these subject areas. Work began in August 2008 on a site which was previously used as a car park; the car park surface was stripped under the main contract by Raymond Brown’s contractors. As

the site was already smooth and level, the new extension required little enabling work – indeed the only major preparatory improvements concerned a sewer diversion scheme. The new block is a mixture of traditional masonry and steel frame construction - the steel frame sections are used to support the vaulted ceilings which add character to the development. The elevations are a combination of traditional brickwork, and the envelope will be completed using a green Protan exposed membrane to match closely the copper roofs that give the school a unique identity among the surrounding buildings. Specialist consultant the English Cogger Partnership has provided advice on the building’s acoustic requirements to meet BB93 standards; based on the consultant’s recommendations Raymond Brown will install a combination of E-Cousti insulation and

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plasterboard partitions on steel studwork, and all walls are dry lined. To improve the project’s carbon footprint, the development team engaged Gary Jones and Associates as a ‘low carbon consultant.’ The team recommended the introduction of Monodraft passive ventilation, and a ground source heat pump system to draw warmth from the earth’s core. The ground source heat pump system has been laid up to 1.2m below ground level, in a loop which covers an area of 2400 sq m.

Collinson completes Writhlington indoor tennis contract Main contractor Collinson plc has now completed the construction of a four-court indoor tennis centre at Writhlington School, Avon – providing ideal facilities for those captivated by the exploits of British racket sensation Andy Murray and international superstars such as Rafael Nadal. The new centre is dedicated to tennis and has been built to Lawn Tennis Association standards. Set to open in the next few weeks, the facility will enhance the school’s reputation as a centre of excellence for sport; Writhlington already houses a high-tech Leisure and Learning Centre which offers facilities for all levels of sporting prowess, and serves both the school and the local community. Dan Collinson, sales/marketing director of the family-owned main contractor, said: “This is a truly special new facility and we are confident it will increase the number of people enjoying tennis at all levels in this area. The building is fitted out to give tennis players every conceivable advantage, and the atmosphere will inspire those who are committed to excellence, as well as those who just want a friendly knockabout.” Spanning 65m in length, nearly 40m in width and 11.5m in height, the new centre is a proprietary structure known as a Challenger Tennis Hall, specifically designed for racket sports. The Challenger series of sports halls is based around the BestHall building system, for whom Collinson is the UK and Ireland supplier.

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The Best-Hall system is based on a steel frame with lattice stanchions and exposed trusses. This modular system is renowned for its efficiency, and can be erected within a matter of weeks without the need for internal columns or supports, which could prove particularly disruptive for tennis players. The frame is augmented with a tension PVC coated polyester membrane, with gutters and downpipes pre-fitted. To enhance this basic envelope Collinson has erected profiled steel cladding to a height of 3m on the elevations. The internal layout offers an ideal arena for tennis; the building

features rebound boards to a height of 2.2m inside the building along with sight screens and court divisional netting. A powerful lighting system manufactured by Collinson was also installed within the roof. The playing surface is a painted tarmac solution. Dan Collinson continued: “Our company specialises in this area, and our large, open building designs have attracted a number of clients in the sports sector, particularly tennis providers. “The main benefit of the Best-Hall building system is the amount of natural light it allows into the building. The PVC membrane permits approximately 12% of available natural light, and this will

ensure the courts are bright and airy at all times. “The Best-Hall system is also particularly durable. Our PVC membranes typically last 25 years or more, without a significant decrease in performance or aesthetic appeal. Those playing tennis at Writhlington will continue to benefit from top-class facilities for years to come.” For more information on Challenger Sports Structures, or other Best-Hall solutions, please contact Collinson plc on 01995 606 451 or visit www.collinson.co.uk

Lovell making excellent progress on Caernarvon Road scheme Experienced contractor Lovell Partnerships is making excellent progress on a development of flats and apartments on Caernarvon Road, Keynsham for Somer Community Housing Trust. The development, set for completion in May, includes a total of 40 properties, comprising four two-bed maisonettes, three onebedroom apartments, three two-bedroom flats and 30 houses, ranging from two to four bedrooms in size. The flats will benefit from an enclosed communal landscaped garden, complete with cycle and bin storage, and each of the houses will include a private enclosed front and rear garden. Several properties will be available on a New Build HomeBuy basis (shared ownership), and priority will be given to first-time buyers registered with Bath and North East Somerset council on their housing waiting list. All of the properties are being constructed to an Eco Homes rating of ‘very good’ and the development will also benefit from Buildmark Choice, a 12-year

warranty and insurance cover from the National House Building Council (NHBC). Work on the project began in June 2008 with the demolition of a cluster of PRC dwellings to make way for the new development. Following demolition of the unsightly old dwellings, the site required significant enabling works including the diversion of existing gas, electric and water mains into a new footpath as well as the diversion and upgrade of existing foul and surface water drainage in Caernarvon Road. Project designer Hammond Architectural Services Ltd has based the development on timber frames, with external facing blockwork and render treatments, UPVC windows and soffits, and concrete tiled roofs with breathable felt and timber trusses. Several properties include projecting bay windows, which break up the elevations and give the development a distinctive visual signature.

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S o u th We s t Each property is being built to an excellent specification, including fully fitted kitchens with an oven, hob and extractor hood, and a living room with provision for both TV and telephone points. Each bathroom will contain a thermostatic shower over bath with shower screen, and gas central heating will be fitted to each property as standard. The site has a new adopted road and a private drive to serve the dwellings, and the development includes extensive landscaping, which has been approved by the local planning authority.

About Somer Community Housing Trust Somer Community Housing Trust owns and manages around 9,700 homes in Somerset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Bristol. The Trust was formed in 1999, when IT took over Bath & North East Somerset Council’s properties in a stock transfer. In 2002, the Trust set up and became founder member of Somer Housing Group. Three quarters of the Trust’s homes are in urban areas, including Keynsham, east Bristol, Norton Radstock and in the world heritage city of Bath. The Trust is also a significant provider of rural housing with homes in 40 villages and parishes. The types of property are very diverse with high-rise blocks, deck-access flats, bungalows, cottages, modern semis and Victorian and Georgian terraces.

About Lovell Partnerships Ltd Lovell has over 1,500 committed employees and refurbishes over 10,000 homes per year, most with residents in occupation. The company is able to draw on experience of hundreds of different projects from every part of the country, and is renowned for its meticulous assessment of local needs and its ability to create unique, holistic plans in response to these needs. Lovell aims to inspire local people to ensure all stakeholders are pleased with their project; indeed the firm recently employed two local trainees on Caernarvon Road as part of its commitment to training and development. Lovell aims to form partnerships with residents, and provide choice and versatility wherever possible.

Fynamore gearing up for vital extension Since its foundation in 2001 Fynamore Primary School in Calne, Wiltshire has grown consistently year on year, and facilities have become increasingly stretched as demand for places has risen. Thankfully pupils will soon be able to move into a state-of-the-art extension, which will offer much-needed teaching space and allow the school to continue its expanding. The new extension, currently being built by Rigg Construction (Southern) Ltd, will provide seven new classrooms and support spaces and enable several teaching groups to move out of mobile classrooms, which have stood on site since the school opened eight years ago. Work on the current building project began in October and the work is due for overall completion in August 2009, enabling pupils to start the 2009-10 academic year in their new classrooms. The scheme is thought to be worth around £1.2 million, with all funding provided by Wiltshire County Council. The site of the extension was previously used as a playground for the school, although the current project was always included in the overall plans for the site. To compensate for the loss of playground space the contractors have introduced a temporary hard-surfaced area next door to the school, and have also provided access through an adjacent hedged boundary to allow children to pass to and from school in safety.

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Spanning a single storey with a floor area of 850 sq m, the extension is based on pad foundations and a steel frame, with brickwork treatment to match the existing building. The windows are encased in metal frames and the envelope is completed by a metal clad roof. Architect The Bush Consultancy has designed the layout of the new extension to match the main school building, with a splitlevel roof to provide natural light to a dominant central corridor, the central artery in a linear layout. The interiors will be furnished with carpet and vinyl flooring, painted plaster and painted timber doors, and natural ventilation will be utilised wherever possible. The project also includes reinstatement of old soft landscape areas, additional tree planting and the replenishment of the hedgerow which was broken to create the access road.

About the project team Incorporated in 1989 and steadily growing over the last few years, Rigg Construction (Southern) Ltd is now a well established Contractor, with a proven record on achieving quality completions for refurbishments, new builds, and sustained maintenance contracts. Geographically the firm covers a wide area of South West England from Bristol over to Berkshire, Cornwall to West Midlands, and has also completed several projects further afield. The Bush Consultancy was formed in 1989 to provide a full architectural design service, and the firm is now renowned for a solid partnership approach and a wide-ranging balance of experience in design and construction environments. The company can assume the role of project manager as well as architect, and its portfolio of education projects covers school building schemes across the South West.

Mears embarks on Octavia contract Gloucester-based public sector contractor Mears Group is demonstrating its repair and renovation skills through a 10-year partnership with Octavia Housing and Care, a prominent social landlord based in London. The partnership contract, which was signed last August and came into effect in October, is worth approximately £36 million and commits Mears to the provision of day-to-day repair and void services over the next decade. Octavia is committed to providing repairs to all areas of its tenants’ properties wherever necessary. Repairs provided by Octavia cover everything from basins, baths and ceilings to external decorations, doorbells and drains, and the landlord is also committed to providing upgrades to electrics, floors, heating and lighting. The company owns and manages nearly 4,000 properties, and aims to bring its entire property portfolio up to the ‘Octavia Standard,’ which is over and above the Government’s Decent Homes Standard. Bob Holt, chief executive of Mears group, said: “We would not achieve these levels of contract wins without the great references that we get from our existing clients. “Our strategy, based upon long term partnerships delivering customer excellence, innovation and investment in our people, continues to be the driver behind winning god quality contracts that provide clear and sustainable margins. Mears is already widely regarded as the leading social housing

repairs and maintenance provider in the UK and a growing presence in the domiciliary care market, with a subsidiary mechanical and engineering division. An ambitious company with a powerful vision, Mears operates in a growing market, with an excellent financial base, strong management and a solid base of clients. Mears’ business is focused on the social housing and community sector with the specific objective of bringing the highest standards of care to people, their homes and their communities. The company specifically looks to win longterm contracts for repairs and maintenance work, Decent Homes Standard upgrading, domiciliary care and improvement projects for community spaces, facilities and other factors affecting quality of life.

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ROK set to complete West End View project in April

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A team of contractors led by ROK Group is on course to complete work on West End View, a development of social properties in South Petherton, Somerset, on schedule in April. The development for South Somerset Homes will replace eight semi-detached Petronissen properties with a total of 19 houses, six of which will be available for shared ownership. The site will be arranged in a cul de sac and will include a total of 55 car parking spaces, which will serve existing dwellings as well as the new homes. Eighteen unsightly garages have been demolished as part of the project. The homes will comprise five three-bedroom properties from South Somerset Homesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Tones range; two three-bedroom Torridge homes; one four-bedroom dwelling in the Teign style; seven three-bedroom units from the Lynton range; and four two-bedroom properties to the Cary design. All four two-beds will be available for shared ownership, along with two of the three-bedroom homes.

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All 19 properties are built around precision engineered off-site manufactured timber frames, with concrete ground floors and timber truss roofs, clad in classic concrete tiles. The elevations comprise buff facing brick and buff reconstructed stone, with both flat and double Roman concrete interlocking tiles in tudor brown and breckland black. The internals will be characterised by timber partitions and dry lined plasterboard, and the project also includes soft landscaping to give the site an attractive periphery.

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The Church of St Mary, Great Wymondley St Mary’s, Great Wymondley is a small Grade I listed parish church near Hitchin, Herts, which has recently been restored through a programme of conservation works designed by architect Alan Greening and carried out by conservation builder Between Time Ltd over the past five years. The oldest parts of the church, the nave and chancel, date from the early 12th century, and these stunning original features were augmented through extensions, alterations and restorations in the 15th and 19th centuries. However by 2006 the church was beginning to suffer serious structural difficulties; the flint and ironstone rubble work which underpinned the building was prone to deterioration, and the clunch stone quoins at its corners were not deep or thick enough to hold the rubble sections in place firmly. These inherent weaknesses had been compounded by the decision during much earlier repairs to re-point many of the rubble sections in modern cement-based mortar. Being impermeable to water, yet prone to cracking, this mortar allowed moisture into the rubble but then trapped it inside, causing large areas to bulge outwards and eventually fail. The problem eventually became so severe that pieces of masonry began to fall off the structure. At this point the church had to be closed to the public and the tower scaffolded as a temporary measure to provide structural support until works could begin. This was achieved using a ‘crown’ of standard lattice scaffold girders to form a tight band enveloping the top of the tower. By this stage several problems had become evident. Several clunch stone quoins and capping stones had become heavily eroded, and the church’s small timber spire had suffered decay. The lead gutters had deteriorated, and several areas of lead on the nave roof had suffered from the decay of the wooden structure below. In the tower’s lower sections buttresses had begun to fail, while the opening to the bell chamber, elaborately framed by stone Gothic tracery, and the attached timber louvers had suffered severe damage.

Where original tiles survived they were re-used, but many of the tiles proved to be modern machine-made replacements – these were themselves replaced with traditional handmade equivalents. As a final touch the weathervane on top of the spire was repaired and re-gilded. Other notable works involved repairs to the lead guttering using traditional sand cast lead. The tower’s buttress supports were composed of a patchy mixture of rubble and mortar, which were rebuilt where necessary, and sections of plain rubblework walls between the buttresses which had fallen into poor condition were filled. Sections of the elaborate Gothic stone tracery around the opening to the belltower had become severely eroded, and sections had to be replaced. The oak louvres in the opening had required total replacement, using materials matching the oldest surviving type. This meticulous work added a final flourish after the more urgent structural repairs to the tower; as a result of this attention to detail it is hoped that the church roof and tower will not need any further work for several decades.

The works Much of the battlemented wall on the tower needed to be taken apart entirely, the quoins and cappings being numbered and stored if they could be re-used. Re-building of the wall itself could then begin, using the original flint and ironstone rubble materials but only employing traditional, water permeable lime mortars to prevent future water retention. The rubble work sections were reinforced with stainless steel mesh, while the entire wall was backed with traditional soft red bricks. Reconstruction of the parapet wall raised a number of challenges. A string course installed during the nineteenth century was removed during the initial dismantling, but contractors could not return it to the wall without it falling out. Eventually it was replaced by a heavier, thicker and more durable replacement. Meanwhile the base of the wall’s exterior retained a number of medieval gargoyles; although these were severely weathered it was decided that it would be good conservation practice to retain them, as this would preserve much of the church’s original character. The small spire behind the battlemented wall was repaired insitu. This first required the removal of the tiled roof to reveal the underlying oak structure; thankfully most of this original material could be retained. Although the timbers at the point of the spire no longer met or held together before work began, this and other problems were resolved successfully, enabling re-roofing to commence. ROMA PUBLICATIONS

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The Atrium: proving there is life outside London for commuter belt residents With ever increasing numbers of people flocking to the big city to do their shopping, the small towns, particularly those in commuter belts, face a battle for commercial survival. Nowhere is this truer than in Camberley, a town just 31 miles from London with ideal motorway access and thousands of residents who work in the capital.

Now Camberley is attempting to secure long-term commercial viability by enticing the most desirable high-street brands, and revitalising the town centre with a dynamic retail presence which satisfies the most demanding shopper. These aims are at the forefront of a unique mixed-use development known as the Atrium, which encourages local people to ‘Rediscover Camberley.’ Launched by developer Crest Nicholson in November, the Atrium bridges the gap between the town centre and Camberley’s residential neighbourhoods, bringing

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shops and eateries to the doorsteps of local residents. The retail offering is specifically designed to complement the existing Main Square shopping centre, and the development has also brought long-overdue improvements to the town centre landscape and public realm. In addition to a fleet of renowned brands such as Next, Laura Ashley and Sports Direct, the site offers myriad leisure uses including a multiplex cinema, bowling, health and fitness and restaurants. These complementary constituents are linked together by a naturally lit triple-height central atrium, which gives the development its name; the atrium uses passive thermal controls with a solar wall and etfe foil roof to assist tempering the internal public areas, creating a memorable arrival point and a gateway for the town. Meanwhile the Atrium’s residential element will comprise 217 flats, 55 of which are affordable and key worker units;

this will create a smooth transition between the garden city environment bounding the south and western approaches to the site and the urban life style concept of the new development.

The site

The site covers seven acres of land west of Park Street, and had previously been an open-air car park. A redevelopment project was first discussed in 1985, when Surrey Heath Borough Council identified the location as a potential site for redevelopment. In 1997 the Council appointed THI as its preferred development partner, and in January 2001 the development team received planning consent for a 500,000 sq ft hub combining retail and leisure uses. However THI fell into receivership just three months after consent was secured, and the project fell back into the balance. Surrey Heath Borough Council then

appointed Drivers Jonas LLP to remarket the opportunity and advise in the selection of a preferred developer. Four companies - Centros Miller, Crest Nicholson, Stannifer Developments and Wilson Bowden - were short-listed to work up detailed schemes, and following a lengthy round of discussions and enquiries Crest Nicholson emerged victorious in June 2002. Work began on site in September 2006 under main contractor Laing O’Rourke and project manager GTMS. Working with guidance from architect DLG, structural engineer Thomasons and quantity surveyor Gardiner and Theobald, the contractors made excellent progress from the outset and reached completion on the first stage of the project, the ‘Centro’ apartment terrace, in October 2007. The scheme has continued to make excellent headway, with several key milestones reached on schedule; indeed the North and South Court Apartments opened last month and are already attracting concerted interest.

Design

Each aspect of the development is designed to stand-alone as a unique and aspirational lifestyle hub, defined by an eye-catching and forward-thinking design. The elevations are enhanced by large amounts of glazing and broken up using stainless steel standing seam profiling, powder coated aluminium soffits and fascias, terracotta cladding and powder

coated aluminium panels. A series of glazed canopies have been introduced to provide the perfect welcome for visitors, and several residential properties open out onto painted metal ‘C’ section balconies with painted balustrades and perforated infill panels. The main atrium is distinguished by full-height curtain walling, and is sheltered by the state-of-the-art EFTE pillow roof, which offers solar shading and excellent heat retention properties and has been used on a number of the world’s most prominent building projects, including the Eden Project in Cornwall. This is just one of a number of sustainable features enshrined within the project; indeed the development also offers timber boarding and passive ventilation. Other key features include fair-faced blockwork, self-finish profiled metal cladding, self-coloured precast concrete and stainless steel panels. By using different colours of render and brickwork, the contractors have created a subtle yet clear distinction between each aspect of the site. Each apartment includes a modern designer kitchen with fitted units supplied by the Manor Cabinet Company; the kitchens comprise a built-in dish

washer, washer/dryer, oven and glass ceramic hob, embellished with black laminate worktops and chrome cabinet handles. The open plan living/dining areas and wide spacious hallways are fitted with oak laminate flooring throughout, and the master bedrooms are beautifully proportioned with fitted wardrobes and a fully tiled and luxuriously fitted en suite bathrooms. Roca fittings continue into the ensuite with a shower with outward opening screen, and chrome with clear glass. There are mirrors above the vanity casings in both the bathroom and ensuite, and the bathrooms are further enhanced by porcelanosa ceramic tiling to both floors and walls.

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Cosmur set to complete North London Hospice project next month Experienced contractor Cosmur Construction London Ltd is putting the finishing touches to a £500,000 extension and remodelling project at North London Hospice, a multifaith care facility for those living with a terminal illness in the borough of Barnet, Enfield and Haringey. Due for completion at the end of March, the project has seen the replacement of two four-bedroom units with five single en suite bedrooms, as well as substantial refurbishment to the kitchen, toilets and reception area. These improvements are designed to provide a more welcoming environment for visitors, and bring both toilets and bedrooms up to the standards stipulated in Part M of the disabled building regulations. During the early stages of the project the contractors demolished a number of old internal walls, removed existing partitions

and broke up the internal slab to facilitate the creation of the new single-bed units. They then set about realigning the internal layout using blockwork partitions, working to designs supplied by Mathews Serjeant Architects. In addition to these remodelling works the project team has replaced the Hospice’s outdated equipment using a raft of specialist suppliers. Old windows have been taken out and replaced with a Comar system, and a series of new lighttubes have been introduced to increase visibility around the Hospice. Static Systems has carried out a comprehensive overhaul of the nurse call system, and fire alarms have been updated. Heckmondwyke has laid new carpets for the office area, and Armitage Shanks has supplied sanitary finishes, taps and integrated IPS Panel systems for the clinical sinks.

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State-of-the-art assisted baths have been provided by TR Equipment. The refurbishment programme complements a striking two-storey extension, built by Claydon Associates at a cost of around £850,000. Designed by the Philip Pank Partnership, the extension was built using a concrete frame, concrete retaining walls, masonry external walls and a timber roof construction with clay tiles, all to match existing where applicable.

The Waterside Project, Aylesbury A team of contractors including Willmott Dixon is making excellent progress on the Waterside Project, a flagship initiative which will shape the future of Aylesbury through a multi-use arts and leisure hub. The development, due for completion next spring, is based on a superb theatre complex – Aylesbury Waterside Theatre. The theatre incorporates a 1,200-seat auditorium that converts into a 1,800-capacity hall for larger shows, and a 220-seat suite for smaller events including dance, drama, community activities, meetings and conferences. The theatre will be augmented with a major retail area, a greatly enhanced canalside environment and a large residential quarter. The new shopping area will link Market Square, the High Street and Hale Leys shopping centre with Exchange Street, creating 265,000 sq ft of new retail space to entice major department stores and independent retailers. Debenhams has already signed up to become the anchor department store, and an announcement regarding the food store is imminent. Meanwhile the theatre will replace the Civic Centre in Aylesbury and stage a wide programme of events and entertainments. The new amenity is expected to attract up to 300,000 visitors each year. The theatre’s main auditorium will offer more than twice the capacity of the old Civic Centre, and the building will also house three bars, four meeting rooms, six dressing rooms and full kitchen facilities to support banquets and conferences. The redevelopment of Aylesbury is a reflection of the major growth planned for the district (including 21,500 new homes and jobs by 2026), much of which is expected to take place in and around the county town.

Design Internationally renowned theatre architect ARTS TEAM (a part

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of RHWL) has played an instrumental role in the design of the theatre, and the retail and residential element of the scheme has been designed by architect Chapman Taylor. The theatre is being developed by Aylesbury Vale District Council and is set to open in early 2010 at a total cost of £35 million. The new theatre, positioned at a major gateway to the town, is designed to provide a more visible public presence than its predecessor, and bridge the gap between the town centre and the canal basin with a dynamic, multi-purpose quarter. Suzie Bridges, of ARTS TEAM, said: “The new theatre has been designed to meet both current known and future anticipated

needs of the Vale. It will be an iconic venue which is able to attract major touring shows whilst maintaining a programme of rock, pop and comedy events for which the current venue is well known. “The development is based on a prime site which unites Exchange Street with the canal. The rest of the site will be devoted to attractive public realm and a combination of retail and residential properties, bridging the town centre and the waterway and attracting footfall to the canalside.” The site was previously home to a cluster of office buildings and car parks, leading directly onto the canal bank. The ground itself is fairly level, and, despite the site’s proximity to the canal, the water table is fairly well controlled. To eliminate any chance of water ingress, enabling works contractor Cheetham Hill Construction built the basement using reinforced concrete walls. The new theatre is built around a large auditorium, will be fitted with an adjustable floor at stall level to facilitate the increase in capacity for big events. Two-tier seating areas will accommodate spectators at higher levels, and the building will contain four levels of foyers and a large function space which will seat up to 220 people. ARTS TEAM has invigorated the redevelopment with a modern, iconic design, inspired by a drive through the Chiltern Hills which overlook Aylesbury. The shape of the building rises and falls like a rolling hill; an undulating curved base-level plinth supports a series of glulam columns, each a different height. These ‘fins’ are linked by huge areas of curtain walling, supplied by Finnforest Merck, while the lightweight alumnium roof ripples like a wave, giving the impression of a forest sat on a hill. The entrance foyer is based around a huge timber frame, and

the auditorium is highly tailored with pre-fabricated timber balconies, which will bring to mind a verdant forest clearing. The area outside the main entrance will be embellished with a sculpture of legendary comedian Ronnie Barker, who performed his first-ever show in Aylesbury. Suzie Bridges said: “Wherever noise attenuation is a priority internally, we’ve relied on conventional materials – the majority of the building will have blockwork and dry lined partitions, and the auditorium is encased in a solid envelope comprising blockwork and concrete walls. “We have sought to express ourselves through the design of the building and have really pulled out all the stops. The exposed fins which punctuate the elevations are akin to the trees which punctuate the dense woodland around the town, and this natural theme is continued throughout the building. This building will become a landmark for Aylesbury Vale and the wider Waterside scheme and a symbol of the ongoing redevelopment of the area – everyone is confident these goals will be realised.” Norman Bragg, principal director of ARTS TEAM, said: “It’s thrilling after such a long design and lead in time, to finally see the shape of the theatre emerging from the scaffolding.”

The next stage Once work on the theatre is complete contractors will begin work on the surrounding cluster of retail and residential complexes. A definitive starting date has yet to be announced, although it is expected that the project team will start on site in early 2010. This section of the project consists of ten principal blocks, arranged around a number of streets, a central care and a new civic square fronting the theatre. The development will be of more traditional design than the theatre; architect Chapman Taylor has based its designs on brick, masonry and flint panels. The roofs will vary – the retail element will incorporate flat roofs, and the residential element may incorporate a significant amount of pitched roofing, although this has yet to be decided.

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Green tower set to give the Elephant its groove back In its heyday the Elephant and Castle was known as the Piccadilly of south London, a hotbed of activity and excitement. Now, after years of decline, the area is abuzz once again, thanks to a remarkable £135 million development on the site of the old Southwark University. Developer and main contractor Brookfield Europe is currently making excellent progress on Strata SE1, the first development in the world to house a turbine inside a residential building. A total of three turbines, each spanning nine metres, will be housed in the roof of a 43-storey (147.85 m) tower – the largest residential building in Central London, and undoubtedly one of the most original. The turbines will be encased in a steel structure stretching from floors 43 to 45 (a total height of 15m). With its semi-circular shape, metallic facades and huge windows, the building will make a truly breathtaking addition to the South London skyline. In addition to the tower, Strata will include a five-storey pavilion offering stylish, spacious accommodation. The project, which is also known to many as Castle House, will create a total of 408 properties, of which 399 will be concentrated in the tower. Ninety eight apartments have been allocated as Shared Equity housing, ensuring a balanced community, and a significant retail cluster will be concentrated at ground floor level. Matthew Hewitt, Project Director for Brookfield Constructions (UK) Limited, said: “This is without doubt one of the most significant projects undertaken in London in recent years. No other building in the world houses a turbine, so we are truly making history here; Elephant and Castle required an icon to prove that the long awaited regeneration of the area was finally underway, and we are delivering it to them.”

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Programme

The project began with the demolition of the Southwark University buildings in April 2007, and the contractors are currently on schedule to reach completion in spring 2010. Following completion of the demolition stage, the project team levelled the site to create a flat base and laid a total of 37 bored friction piles, ranging from 900 to 1500mm in diameter. The core raft slab was formed with sheet piles, and a reduced dig to a depth of 4m allowed the slab to be cast in two pours of 450 cu m arranged in a cruciform shape. To create a basement car park for the site, the contractors cut into the existing basement and reinforced the party walls with temporary steel. Once the reinforcement was finished a new retaining wall was poured up against the existing structure, and the temporary supports were then removed. The only significant excavation work required during the enabling phase was a reduced dig at the north end of the building. Using self-climbing Perri jump form and SGB perimeter safety screens, Brookfield Constructions (UK) Limited has been able to maintain an excellent rate of progress throughout the project thus far. Up until floor 14, the frame was rising at the rate of one floor every 6 days. Fast vertical transportation has been made possible using two high-speed Alimak Scando 2837 passenger hoists and an Alimak 4000 kg-capacity ‘Mammoth’ transport hoist. Both the tower and pavilion are being built in a post tension concrete frame, with an in situ concrete ground floor slab and structural concrete columns. The external elevations are being clad in unitised aluminium to give the development its striking metallic sheen.

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Lo n d o n & S o u th E a s t Visitors to the tower will be captivated by an entrance and retail area clad in sheer glass, reaching two metres in height; meanwhile, at the top of the building, a series of double sky lobbies will open up some of the best views available anywhere in London. The wind turbines will contribute power to the landlord system and in turn contribute to the common areas of the building, and Brookfield Europe has ensured these huge structures fit snugly into the fabric of the building; having created full-size mock ups to investigate the effect of the turbines, the developer has employed one of the most innovative acoustic consultants in the world to ensure their presence causes no inconvenience to residents.

Consideration Indeed the new building has been designed to be as sustainable and considerate as possible. In addition to the turbines, the architects have added a combined heat and power system, lowenergy lighting and future provision for connection to MusCo, to make maximum use of natural resources, while minimising energy waste. As a result of these features, overall carbon emissions are expected to be 15% lower than the good practice benchmark values produced by the Mayor of London, and energy costs per apartment are envisaged to be up to 40% less than the typical UK average. The development is a key part of the wider regeneration of the Elephant & Castle. Led by Southwark Council, the regeneration programme purports to deliver a number of environmentally friendly benefits, including tree lined streets, high-quality open spaces and a largely traffic-free environment. According to Matthew Hewitt, Strata will point the way for future considerate developments: “We’ve tried to create a development which offers sustainability as well as style, and will remain compliant with the most stringent emissions regulations for years to come. Strata is going to be one of the best-looking developments in London, yet it will also be one of the most considerate.”

The Peak: a new lease of life for London’s lynchpin With its huge transport interchange and dynamic commercial economy, Victoria, is very much the lynchpin of London. The area engenders a truly unique atmosphere, as tourists from all corners of the globe mingle with high-powered businesspeople to create a bustling 24-hour hotbed. This prosperous commercial hub is set to become even more exciting with the launch of the Peak, a new headquarters office building developed by Heron International in partnership with the Co-operative Insurance Society and being constructed by Carillion plc. The building is set to become one of London’s greenest office developments, and will attract high-end brands from all corners of the retail and commercial community. Set for completion in Autumn 2009, the Peak will include approximately 7,321 sq m of office space and 1,782 sq m of highquality retail on the ground and lower ground floors. Halifax, part of HBOS plc, has taken the ground floor and lower ground floor of the building, and further blue-chip names are set to rent space in the coming months, establishing the building as a landmark commercial hub in a dynamic Peninsula location.

Design Architect Sheppard Robson has given the building a flexible design, divided into three distinct parts. At ground and first floor levels the north facade is recessed to form a double height colonnade, allowing access to the ground floor retail units from

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the widened pedestrian footpath. Directly above the retail level, the office floors from 2nd to 6th level provide clear floor plates of around 10,700 sq ft (994 sq m). Finally, above the seventh floor, a curved roof profile rises a further three storeys. The steel roof structure envelops two further office floors and roof top plant, all contained within an asymmetrical barrel vault. The curved roof sets forward from the Apollo Theatre and reaches towards the north. At levels seven and eight, the floor plates step back forming terraces beneath the cantilevering roof to create depth and interest at a high level at the culmination of Wilton and Vauxhall Bridge Roads. The building is based on bored piled foundations with reinforced concrete pile caps, and is underpinned by a steel frame, a concrete core and a reinforced concrete basement structure. The Wilton Road and Vauxhall Bridge Road elevations are being treated with double-height columns at ground level, and Portland stone facades up to the sixth floor. The office glazing is formed as a layered façade comprising fitted glass solar shading in front of an aluminium framed curtain wall system. The solar shades are held by a lightweight aluminum support structure and provide a subtle contrast to the robust detailing of the stonework. The glazing to all office elevations is thermally broken, anodised aluminium frames with double glazed units comprising clear toughened glass outer panes, argon filled cavities and clear Low E laminated glass inner panes. Around and within the core area, partitions have been formed

using both plasterboard dry lining and shaft wall construction, incorporating metal studs, plasterboards and fire line board. Plasterboard ceilings will be provided in the lift lobbies, stair landings and toilet areas, and the offices have been designed with suspended ceilings comprised of polyester powder coated perforated pressed metal tiles, fixed into a flush visible grid system with sound absorbent mineral wool pads located above and fully encapsulated in flame retardant coverings. The offices are also being fitted with medium-duty raised access flooring with a nominal overall depth of 150mm. Internal features of the offices include flush solid core hardwood veneer doors, stainless steel ironmongery, recessed modular fluorescent luminaires and air conditioning. Outside the offices, a series of ‘superloos’ will offer flexibility and a plethora of high-end finishes, including full-height glass panels, high-gloss lacquered laminate paneling, high quality terrazzo or ceramic floor tiling, timber veneered full-height doors and recessed linear slot downlighters. The building is intended to meet the aims of the Mayor of London’s energy hierarchy on sustainable design, using less energy, using renewable energy and using energy efficiently. The incorporation of renewable energy technologies is a concept which is integral to the design of the building; the air conditioned office spaces are served by a water-based heat pump system, integrated with ground source water obtained from two separate boreholes. Supplementary energy requirements are derived from a significant array of photovoltaic panels and solar thermal collectors located at high level on the south façade.

Abford House London –a glass-steel giant for the UK metropolis

The Facade element dimensions of 6.7 x 3.8 m per element result in a great challenge for logistics and transport, as the standard width of a truck is 2.4 m. Therefore special transport devices had to be created and the elements have had to be installed directly from the truck as there is no storage facility on site. The roof is composed of a huge steel structure with louvres, consisting of 35 tonnes of elliptical bespoke aluminium profiles which form an elegant screen. The building envelope fulfils both the demand on daylight and solar control, and the total building concept results in low energy consumption, use of renewable energy and power efficiency.

GIG FASSADEN Scope in Brief: • • • • • • •

• •

Manufacture and installation of total 4750 sqm of various facade types: 1600 sqm Unitized cladding including horizontal glass louvres, aluminium fins 900 sqm Unitized semi structural glazing – partly curved; including „top & bottom glass extension“ 1400 sqm Mullion-transom-constructions 400 sqm Metal sheet cladding 300 sqm Integrated photovoltaic panels & solar hot water collectors 130 tons Roof construction made of 90 tons steal and 40 tons aluminium: steal frames, Al–louvres, “hat” (roof) element for the Building Management Unit (cradle) 150 sqm Shopfronts Revolving and pass doors, glass canopies and glass balustrades.

For more information, please contact GIG Fassaden GmbH: www.gig.at

A key architectural element of the Abford House is the sustainable building envelope, made by GIG FASSADEN GmbH.

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Grafton East car park undergoing vital improvements The multi-storey Grafton East car park, one of the busiest and most important facilities for motorists in Cambridge, is currently being revamped with a raft of vital refurbishments. Cambridge City Council is working with main contractor Concrete Repairs Ltd to deliver the programme of improvements, which began over the summer. The first enhancements were delivered to level 6 of the car park; these included structural repairs to the floors and ceiling, and a fresh coat of paint to the exit spiral ramp and handrails. The contractors have since moved around the car park, making improvements to each floor as they go. Contractors have laid a new deck coating to the floors, improving the aesthetic quality of the surface while also preventing ingress from salts and water. Rubber joints between the concrete floor

slabs have been replaced, and new expansion joints, covered in asphalt, have been fitted providing a filler between the slabs across the parking deck and preventing leakage. A specialist team of electricians has rewired the car park for the installation of new lights which will improve visibility and make users feel more secure, whilst offering improved energy efficiency. Meanwhile the staircase onto Napier Street has received a long-overdue jet wash, and has subsequently been redecorated. The visitor experience will be further enhanced through the introduction of

Framework partners making excellent progress on St Helens school A team of contractors led by Framework BSL is making excellent progress on the construction of the new St Helens Catholic Primary School in East London, and expects to complete the first phase of the works in May. The contractors are working on a new two-form entry school on a site previously used as a playground by St Helens’ pupils. The second phase of the development will see the old school demolished and the remaining land converted back to recreational use. The structure of the new two-storey building is now complete and fully watertight, and works are progressing on schedule. The new school includes dedicated space for special needs provision, and the design team has maximised room areas by keeping internal circulation routes to a minimum. A nursery is directly integrated into the main building, and all foundation and key stage 1 teaching spaces will have direct access to the playground including external teaching spaces. Vehicular access and pedestrian access are kept well apart, with the only exception allowing for provision for the disabled. Meanwhile, on the upper floor, pupils at key stage 2 will benefit from a secure balcony overlooking the playground, providing opportunities for external teaching and activities. The school will be served by the latest ICT equipment, linked to Newham’s borough-wide information technology strategy and offering all the latest learning resources. Alongside the new school building, the current hall and stage are being refurbished and augmented with a new kitchen, complementing the new-build by preserving the best of St Helen’s existing facilities.

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user-friendly new equipment such as paystations, emergency help points and signage. The number of disabled parking spaces has been significantly increased to ensure the improvements benefit all sections of the community.

The new school building is formed from a proprietary timber cassette panel structure supplied by Framework BSL, comprising walls, floors and roof. By constructing the cassette panels offsite, Framework BSL has reduced the contract period on site to an impressive 32 weeks, while cutting prelims and traditional site waste and bringing costs down. The nature of the cassettes and their structural performance make them particularly suitable for nursery and primary school provision.

The scheme is expected to achieve at least a Very Good BREEAM rating, by virtue of its timber construction, the high levels of insulation and the horizontal layout ground-source heat pump which provides the required levels of renewable energy. The site falls within a Flood Risk Area which has been accommodated by a Sustainable Urban Drainage (SUDS) System. Living-architects has worked with Framework BSL on a number of nurseries and children’s centres. St Helen’s is the largest project on which they have collaborated together, and both parties hope it will be the most successful.

Woodgate Park set for summer completion Woodgate Park, a complex housing 24 assisted living units in Dereham, Norfolk is set for completion in the summer – providing vital facilities for older people who require personalised care and support. Funded and managed by Castlemeadow Homes, Woodgate Park is specifically designed to give residents a relaxing, comfortable life through sensitive, unobtrusive care. The development will offer a range of service packages, from basic domestic services such as laundry, cleaning, meals and garden maintenance to tailored personal care. Each of the 24 units will enjoy a unique and exclusive function suite, where residents can dine together or simply meet to participate in a variety of social activities. The development is situated just minutes from Lincoln House, one of Castlemeadow’s oldest and most respected care homes, as well as Swanton Morley Surgery – ensuring specialist help and advice is never far away. Disability provision is built into each unit, with extra wide doors and level wet rooms for bathroom and shower rooms. Each bath will be equipped with a hoist and all 24 properties will have a call system to contact the nurse at any time of the day. Dr S Kaushal (MbChb), director of Castlemeadow Homes said: “Our aim is to allow the residents of Woodgate Park time to concentrate on enjoying their retirement, by delegating the pressure of day to day responsibilities to us.

“Through the bespoke service packages delivered by our dedicated staff, we want to enable our residents to live at home for as long as is physically possible, and design and deliver needs fit for the 21st century.”

Design Each of the units has been designed as a unique structure; some are completely detached, others are laid out in blocks of three and four. The community hall is being built as a separate, stand-alone building. All 24 units are being built to a traditional brick-and-block design, with pan tiled and trussed roofs and block and beam floors. Elevations are clad in timber, render and blockwork and windows are being fitted in double-glazed UPVC. Internal walls are being built using blockwork partitions and ROMA PUBLICATIONS

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the development will enjoy excellent heat retention properties thanks to a high level of insulation.

The project A team of contractors led by H Smith and Sons began work on the project in July with an extensive enabling phase which included site clearance and the installation of new access roads,

as well as foul and surface water drainage systems. The contractors have now completed the foundations and oversights, and work has now commenced on all 24 of the new units. Units 1-5 are already fully roofed and plastered, and kitchens are currently being fitted. The main access road is now complete, and private drives are currently being laid to service the individual units.

Two new developments from Axiom Housing Having celebrated its fortieth birthday in 2007, Axiom Housing is now firmly established among the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading providers of sheltered and supported accommodation. The company is renowned for its ambitious approach to stylish speculative development, and has reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to tailored, high-spec housing provision through two outstanding developments in the heart of Cambridgeshire. Main contractor SDC recently reached completion on the Pavilions, an extra care facility on Alma Road, Peterborough. The development contains 35 apartments for rent and five further units for shared ownership, and is specifically aimed at local people over the age of 60 who have extra care requirements, and meet the eligibility criteria for accommodation of this type. The site was previously a sports ground owned by a large manufacturing company in Peterborough; this has been replaced with a four-storey block containing both one and two-bedroom

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apartments together with facilities such as a private garden with sensory features, a spacious residents’ lounge, hairdressing salon, a multi –function craft room and a mini shop. The development is based on a steel frame, and the elevations comprise brick and render treatments as well as striking eternit cladding. This varied envelope is sheltered by a sarnafill membrane roof. Internal partitions have been divided using metal studwork and the ground floor is based on a concrete slab. Built to achieve the Eco Homes Very Good standard, the Pavilions is distinguished by an excellent level of insulation and a communal boiler system which provides a reliable, sustainable source of warmth. Meanwhile specialist contractor Larkfleet Homes is making excellent progress on a development of stylish affordable accommodation on Elm Road, Wisbech, which is being funded through a partnership between Axiom Housing, Fenland District Council and the Homes & Communities Agency. Set for completion in April, the Elm Road development will comprise a total of 45 units, including two and three-bedroom houses and apartments. The properties will be specifically aimed at families and first-time buyers; 34 of the units will be available for rent and the remainder will be provided through shared ownership, ideal for young house hunters. The development is based on a timber frame, with brickwork to the elevations. The roof is being built to a an interlocking concrete tiled design, and internal partitions are formed using metal studwork. The floors are being laid using engineered joists and a decking arrangement with a floating floor on top. All wood used in the construction programme has been sourced from sustainable forests, and each property will meet

the Eco Homes Very Good standard. The scheme is also working towards the police Secured by Design accreditation. The first wave of residents are extremely happy with their new surrounds. Mr Flower, a brand new resident living at The Pavilions, said: “It’s lovely to finally be here at The Pavilions, Extra Care Scheme. I’m sure I am going to have many happy days here with all my new friends and neighbours.”

Jennett’s Park, Bracknell Nationally renowned housing developers Persimmon Homes and Redrow Homes (Southern) Limited have joined forces to create the consortium behind the new Jennett’s Park community in Bracknell, Berks. With homes being provided by leading housebuilders Charles Church, Persimmon Homes, Redrow Homes and George Wimpey - the development will span 110 hectares and create a fully-integrated community and residential development in a prime location, with homes just a short walk from several areas of open space. Thirty three hectares will be devoted to residential development, facilitating the construction of between 1300 and 1500 homes. The remainder of the site will be dedicated to a Village Centre and amenity space, with open space covering around half of the total area of the site. Key features of the project include a country park spanning 37 hectares and a five-hectare commercial area, which incorporates a new pub/restaurant in a converted listing building, a new flagship hotel and park-and-ride facilities. The total development area is divided into 23 residential and ROMA PUBLICATIONS

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six commercial land parcels, and these will be developed in a series of phases. Work on phase 1 began in April 2006 and the development is programmed for completion in 2014.

Initial works To prepare the site for construction, a team of contractors led by Rider Levett Bucknall installed a large surface water attenuation tank, laid underground high voltage power cables across the site and carried out a number of significant utilities diversions and upgrades, including a new primary substation and foul water pumping station. Highway infrastructure specialist Ashridge constructed a new spine road, including drainage and attenuation system, surfacing, signs, street lighting, hard landscaping and road markings. The highways works also included a temporary haul road and managed the transportation of materials excavated during the enabling stage. All highway works were completed by November 2006. Work on the first phase of houses began in Autumn 2006, and the first residents moved into their new properties the following summer. Since the onset of the housing construction programme, contractors began work on the conversion of the old Peacock Farm buildings to the north of Peacock Lane into a new pub/ restaurant owned and operated by Hall & Woodhouse. A new bus stop has been erected on Peacock Lane for the new bus service through the development which commenced in 2007, and the first of ten play areas to be built across the site opened on the edge of Tarman’s Copse, a woodland area preserved in the development scheme.

Design The Master Plan design team led by PRP Architects based the site on an open, accessible layout in which each resident feels secure and welcome. Both houses and flats front onto the streets which cross the site, providing continuous ‘active’ street frontages. Secure car parking courts are situated in the centre

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of the apartment blocks, and brick walls are being introduced to separate the public and private realm. Natural boundaries, such as the site’s wildlife corridors, will be used to divide the site into individual ‘character areas;’ housing densities will vary between each character area, generally increasing towards the heart of the neighbourhood. Each character area will include landmark buildings to express its unique identity. Each area has been designed to dovetail with its surroundings. For example, The Peacocks character area embraces the land north of Tarman’s Copse, fronting onto Peacock Lane. Properties in this zone have been designed to offer protection from the Fujitsu Building next door, and will be styled as a high-quality ‘gateway’ to the site to reflect their position at the front of the development. Meanwhile The Gateway character area is situated on a prominent sloping site, and this position will be emphasised by irregular and articulated roof forms and a series of informal residential areas, with parking at their heart.

Materials The houses are being built to a traditional brick-and-block design, reflecting the local vernacular through the use of classic Ibstock and Hanson bricks. Several properties have been designed with quaint and classic features such as string courses in the brickwork, arches and lintels around the heads of windows and door openings, and cills moulded to express the shedding of water beyond the surface of the wall. Projecting brick and stone elements are being introduced to several properties, and a number of homes feature recessed windows and door frames, specifically designed to express the depth and solidity of the wall and ensure relief to the façade. The design will be emphasised by steep pitched roofs, and several homes will be embellished with chimneys, dormer windows and overhangs, in line with local tradition. Windows will generally have vertical proportions, with a simple and restrained pattern of mullions and transoms, and floors are being laid using gorgeous timber.

More information For further information on Jennett’s Park or the housebuilders on the development, please visit the website www.jennettspark. co.uk.

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New sports hall set to raise the bar at Queens School A Hertfordshire sports college described as “rapidly improving” in a recent Ofsted report is about to get even better, thanks to a 1000 sq m sports hall which opens at the end of next month. With more than 1600 students, Queens School is one of the busiest state schools in the south east, with sports and fitness enthusiasts from across the county flocking to the Bushey campus to enjoy high-class coaching. The new sports hall is designed to satisfy this incredible level of demand, provide a fitting stage for all levels of athletic achievement. The new facility has been built by Ashe Construction in a 38-week build programme worth around £2.7 million. Funded by the Local Education Authority, in tandem with Sport England and the school itself, it contains two classrooms, a fitness suite, sports injury clinic and four changing rooms; each aspect of the building will be furnished

with the best available equipment. A spokesperson for Queens said: “The new school has everything a budding athlete or fitness enthusiast could want. The sports hall offers the perfect arena for a variety of sports, and those studying sports science will get a first-hand insight through the sports injury clinic.” The site previously housed changing rooms for the school’s outdoor playing fields; these were demolished by Ashe under the main contract in April last year. The new building is based on a steel frame, with elevations combining brickwork, cedar cladding and external steel. The roof is a pre-form steel sheet solution. Although the majority of the building spans two storeys, the main sports hall provides a capacious open space stretching from floor to

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ceiling, equipped with a high-tech floor solution supplied by Gerflor. The rest of the building is covered with carpet and vinyl, and the walls are a standard brick with paint finish. With grey water and solar panels to the roof, the building will set a new benchmark for sustainability as well as sporting achievement. A small amount of landscaping has been introduced to the site as part of the project.

Asda defies retail crunch with new distribution centre at Didcot Supermarket giant Asda is defying the gloomy forecasts for the retail sector by building a huge new distribution centre in Didcot, Oxon. The new distribution centre, being built by McLaren Construction, will comprise more than 410,000 sq ft of warehouse space, and an office area comprising of 29,000 sq ft. The new centre will be dedicated to the storage of dried goods, such as tinned foods, and will be served by a state-of-the-art recycling area. When complete the development will replace the 200,000 sq ft Asda warehouse at Southmead Industrial Estate, on the outskirts of Oxford. The Southmead warehouse current employs 400 staff – each position will be relocated to Didcot, and move to larger, more advanced premises. Work on the project began in October 2008 and the contractors are on course to complete the project (including the fit – out & associated ‘Asda Direct Works’) for May 2009. The development is based on a double-height warehouse space, with a ridge height of 13.5m broken up by racking. A twostorey office hub is contained within the envelope of the building, directly alongside the warehouse space. Chetwood Architects and planning consultant Turley Associates have based the building on a steel frame, and designed the envelope using a striking two-tone Kingspan solution – merlin grey at lower level and goosewing grey above. An ‘energy wall’ cladding system has been incorporated to office elevations, contrasting with concrete dock levelers to the elavations. The warehouse interior comprises of a ground bearing concrete floor slab, and individual rooms in the office are divided using

either metal stud partitions or ‘cold box’ construction. The offices will be fitted with timber doors & double glazed windows & house facilities including restaurant, office facilities & gymnasium. Around the edge of the building the Landscape Architects have incorporated strategic landscaping, including significant sections of banding – this is specifically designed to reflect the relationship between the Asda distribution centre and neighbouring Didcot power station.

About the project team McLaren is a Design and Construction specialist operating in the Commercial, Industrial, Retail, Leisure and Hotel sectors taking schemes from inception to completion. Education and Public Sector works are also very much part of the McLaren portfolio. McLaren are focused on engineering solutions to resolve problems, thus adding value at every stage of the process. Projects are executed up to £40m in value, and the company’s growth is built on securing repeat business. Chetwoods was founded in 1992 by Laurie Chetwood and now employs over 100 architects across three offices in London, Leeds and Birmingham. The company now ranks among the top twenty architects in the country. Over the past 13 years the practice has developed a broad portfolio of work which is balanced between commercial and bespoke projects. Chetwoods specialises in sustainable design and endeavour to incorporate sustainable principles, economic, social and environmental, in all its projects. The company has demonstrated its proven ability to deliver projects, with a built ROMA PUBLICATIONS

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portfolio in excess of £1.5bn. Turley Associates is a leading independent town planning and urban design consultancy operating throughout Britain. The company works creatively and in partnership and is successful for its clients and as a business. Turleys is passionate about creating places of enduring quality that will be enjoyed for generations, and the company commands a well established and expert network of offices in the major towns and cities of Britain: • Belfast • Birmingham • Bristol • Edinburgh • Glasgow • Leeds • London • Manchester • Southampton The firm works with a wide range of clients including private companies, financial institutions, developers, brand operators, communities, private individuals and government. Its consultant teams total some 180 people and each office and client project is under the lead of an experienced director. Turleys is deeply rooted in its regions, towns and cities with expert knowledge and experience of how they work – the policies and the people. The company’s technical skills combine with expert strategy and local knowledge to deliver informed solutions.

Integrated Visual Protection Limited Integrated Visual Protection Limited (IVP) has provided a fleet of IP Addressable cameras to the Didcot distribution centre site during the construction programme, enabling project client Asda to view the site 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The cameras are renowned as an excellent management and boardroom tool and their presence on site has significantly improved the efficiency and co-ordination of the project. IVP is primarily a CCTV monitoring, maintenance and installation company, also providing many other support security services. The firm has been operational for more than 10 years, has its own Alarm Receiving Centre, based in London, and has built up a base of around 1,000 end users/customers. IVP is committed to forming partnerships with the most innovative and ambitious suppliers of CCTV and alarm receiving equipment, and has now

formed strategic alliances with around 30 installation firms within the UK. These long-term business relationships, allied to continuous investment in the most advanced technology, will enable IVP to realise its ambitious strategy; by 2010 the firm intends to be established as the UK’s number one privately owned monitoring station. The company believes its position as an independent, privately owned monitoring station will realise substantial savings for both customers and end users. Piers Brown, operations director of IVP, said: “We want to remain at the vanguard of CCTV and alarm receiving equipment, with alignment to all the major manufacturers and suppliers in this field. We see our independence as a major advantage, as it allows us to provide a personal service to our clients and give each customer the care and attention they deserve.” IVP’s growth strategy is built on firm foundations. The company is already: • An NSI Alarm Receiving Centre Gold award holder; • Accredited to NSI SSQS 102; • A certified BS5979:2000 Receiving Centre; • Accredited to the satisfaction of the UKAS Quality Management programme; • Backed by comprehensive insurance cover; • Quality assured to BS EN ISO 9001:2000 standard; • Certified to BS7858:2006 security screening standard; • An BS 8418 RVRC gold holder.

Hill scaling new heights with Circle Anglia developments Over the past decade the new town of Cambourne has taken shape through the sensitive and careful development of a series of land parcels. Each of these parcels has been meticulously planned by ambitious local developers, working in partnership with experienced contractors to create balanced, secure and stable communities.

month following a year-long build programme; Hill is also making excellent progress on UC05, a development of 12 houses and

The developments created by Circle Anglia, an umbrella agency representing a group of housing associations in Cambridgeshire, and affordable housebuilding specialist Hill Partnerships epitomise the methodical, cohesive approach which has underpinned Cambourne’s development. Each of these developments offers a blend of flats and houses, covering both rent and shared ownership, and their construction has drawn on the most efficient and cost-effective modern building techniques. Hill Partnerships is currently developing three land parcels for Circle Anglia. Work on land parcel UC04, a development of 33 houses and 10 flats, is due for completion at the end of this ROMA PUBLICATIONS

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four flats, and expects to complete this development in May. Finally work on UC10, also known as Lancaster Way, is progressing extremely well, and Hill is on course to reach completion on the development of 27 houses and 10 flats by late September. All three projects are being built using off-site manufactured timber frames, designed and installed by Potton; external treatments comprise a mixture of rendered blockwork and facing brick, although the layout varies from house to house, giving each property its own distinct identity. Elevations are enhanced by soldier courses at high levels and UPVC canopies above the entrance doors. The envelopes are completed by timber truss roofs finished

with Mini Stonewold concrete tiles, and the internal layout is dominated by timber partitions and timber truss floors, with concrete slabs and screed at ground floor level. In addition to its day-to-day construction duties, Hill Partnerships is also taking part in the ‘Stepping Stones’ project, which aims to promote the rich history of Cambourne. Ted Layton, of Hill Partnerships, sees this project as a key part of the company’s aim to reach out to the communities it serves: “Some experts believe the area of Cambourne dates back to 360BC, and the area is clearly one of the most historically significant sites in the country. We want to play our part in unravelling this history and framing the town in the context of its unique past.”

TSR Construction set to raise profile with Abbeyfields development Experienced contractor TSR Construction, the company which led the development of the Meadowlands retail park in March, Cambridgeshire, is making excellent progress on a development called Abbeyfields – which will reinforce the company’s reputation as one of the fastest-growing firms in the South East. The Abbeyfields Development, on Fletton Avenue in Peterborough, will comprise 40 private apartments and is due for completion in July. TSR is now undertaking the second phase of the development, converting three old residential blocks to complement the three new-builds erected in phase one. The new-build element of the scheme has yielded 22 properties, and a further 18 apartments will be created through the conversion of the old houses. The conversion element will create six one-bed and twelve two-bed units. Although the new-builds were fitted using timber frames and partitions, they were clad in a brick outer leaf to match the complexion of the conversions. All six blocks have been roofed in concrete tiles, and the timber truss floors will be enhanced by robust detailing. In addition to the residential development, TSR is introducing access roads, landscaping and a new infrastructure as part of the Abbeyfields project. The site was originally purchased by Abbeygate Properties, but the company subsequently sold the development onto Whitfield Group, which will manage the properties following completion of the scheme this summer. TSR is already highly respected in Cambridgeshire, thanks largely

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to its success at Meadowlands, which was completed in March last year. The retail park, on Wisbech Road, is now home to a unique Halfords ‘neighbourhood’ store as well as expansive warehouse and distribution outlets run by Argos, Mattress Man and Carpetright. The site previously housed a tractor repair depot, which had been derelict for several years before work began. TSR demolished almost all the buildings on site; the only building which remained was reclad.The rest of the Meadowlands buildings are completely new, comprised of steel frames, concrete floor slabs and composite cladding to walls and roof. Having been originally scheduled to last twelve months, the Meadowlands build programme was completed six weeks early. The development is now firmly established as one of the premier retail destinations in Cambridgeshire.

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Quartermile, Edinburgh For over 250 years Edinburgh’s Royal Infirmary has captivated Scotland’s leading architects. World-famous designers including William Adam, Sidney Adam and David Bryce have applied their visionary ideas to make the Infirmary one of Scotland’s most beautiful and evocative buildings. Now the site is a centre of architectural interest once more, as a huge redevelopment project designed by internationally renowned architects Foster + Partners transforms the old Infirmary into a mixed-use complex which will become an integral part of 21st century Edinburgh. The £450m development, known as Quartermile, will restore the best of the Infirmary’s original buildings and augment these striking structures with the best examples of contemporary architecture. The built element of the site will be accompanied by seven acres of green space – three times the amount available in Edinburgh’s iconic St Andrew’s square. Quartermile is a joint venture between Gladedale, one of the UK’s largest private property development and housebuilding groups and Bank of Scotland Corporate, with funding from Aviva. Gladedale’s masterplan for the site provides over 900 apartments in new and period buildings; over 300,000 sq ft of premium office space ; more than 55,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space, and seven acres of of landscaped gardens and public space.

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Residential buildings will be concentrated around the greener edges of the site, with the busier commercial and retail activities concentrated in the centre. These groundbreaking plans are currently being put into practice by key contractors Sir Robert McAlpine and Laing O’Rourke Scotland, with support from an experienced team including landscape architect EDAW, quantity surveyor Thomas & Adamson, M&E Engineer Hulley and Kirkwood and structural engineer Arup Scotland.The project team is progressing in a series of key phases; the first apartments expected were completed in 2007 and the remaining residential element was completed last year, alongside a large chunk of the commercial offering. The project is set for overall completion in 2013. It is believed that the development will ultimately house almost 2,000 residents, with 3,000 people employed in its offices, shops, restaurants and boutique hotel.

Design

The development is designed to link the area around Quartermile with Edinburgh city centre through inclusive, integrated design and a commitment to accessibility and convenience for all users. Key features of the design are as follows: Residential. Until now househunters have found it extremely hard to find property in the centre of Edinburgh, given the high

demand for residential space in one of Europe’s busiest cities. Quartermile will attenuate this shortage with a cluster of apartments which open up new views across The Meadows, towards the Castle or to the distant Salisbury Craggs. The new-build High Meadows apartments will be opened up by fullwidth glass walls, bringing residents into contact with the surrounding buildings which flank the site. The residential buildings are clad in aluminium to match the colour of the local slate, ensuring the development fits snugly alongside its historical neighbours; each floor benefits from lift access emphasising the open, accessible character of the site. Residents will be able to look out onto their beautiful surroundings through full-width glass windows, and all the kitchens are open plan to the main reception rooms, opening up the living space and maximising the views by letting the landscape and the surrounding buildings into the apartments. Meanwhile the old medical wards, designed by David Bryce in the 1870s, will be transformed into single-level apartments and two-storey duplex accommodation. The restoration project has involved a number of challenging specialist works; experienced restoration contractor Vetter UK has repaired the external stonework, cut out and indented the window sills, jams and transoms, and installed new stone sills wherever necessary.

Each apartment has been designed to take full advantage of the vast floor to ceiling heights of the old wards. All will benefit from tall, elegant sash and case windows, flooding the rooms with light and bringing the views inside. Residents of Quartermile will be living in and among some of the finest period buildings in Edinburgh. Two-storey duplex apartments will maximise the sense of space, with galleries overlooking double-height main living spaces. All apartments will be equipped to a high specification. Kitchens, bathrooms and en suites have all been laced with authentic features redolent of 18th and 19th century living, including contemporary flueless gas fires, classically high walls, timber veneer doors and reconstituted stone worktops. The bathrooms will be fitted with opaque glass panels and tiling, along with stunning timber paneling. Offices. The commercial element will be split into four principal buildings: Quartermile One, which is already complete, Quartermile Two, which is under construction, and the forthcoming Quartermiles Three and Four. Quartermile One, which was purchased by Morley in October 2007, sits next to the Grade A-listed former surgical hospital and has been designed to provide column-free open-plan office space. The elevations are based on a steel frame and encased in shimmering curtain walls, and

the interiors are distinguished by highquality finishes such as stone cladding to the lift cores, stone tiling to the floors and feature lighting around a capacious central atrium. The lift ceilings have been fitted in pressed metal with recessed light fixtures, and the office ceilings have been fabricated using high-quality perforated metal tiles. Retail. The retail element of the Quatermile scheme has already attracted a huge volume of interest, with blue-chip names such as Starbucks and Sainsburys among those to have signed up. The retail cluster is also home to Scotland’s first Swedish bakery, Peter’s Yard, which was enticed by the high specification of the commercial properties – which includes glass and steel frontages, flexible, open plan interiors Affordable Housing. Quartermile will provide more than 170 affordable housing units to the west of the site, adjacent to Chalmers Street. Many flats will enjoy outstanding views across the Meadows or towards the Old Town. These units will be developed in partnership with a Housing Association. There will be provision for a crèche and surgery facilities to serve the residents of the block and for Quartermile as a whole.

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Contractors are now making excellent progress on the hotel element of the scheme. A striking apartment hotel is rapidly taking shape, and is set for completion in late 2009, whereupon it will be operated as a Citadines by the Singapore-based Ascott Group. Meanwhile work has commenced on the transformation of two B-listed buildings, which date from circa 1900 and which were originally designed by architect Sydney Mitchell & Wilson, to create Quartermile’s landmark boutique hotel. Developer Gladedale Capital has appointed DTZ Hospitality Group to handle the sale of the hotel, which is expected to generate significant interest. As the site shoots up, the awards are beginning to flow. Last year Quartermile was announced as the winner of the Regeneration prize at the RICS Scotland (Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors in Scotland) Awards, one of the most prestigious ceremonies in Scottish construction. Speaking at the awards ceremony Colin MacPherson, development director for Gladedale Capital, said: “This RICS award helps reinforce the growing reputation of Quartermile as a new residential and business district within the city centre. The success of this regeneration project is a testament to the hard work and commitment of the whole team.” ROMA PUBLICATIONS

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Second phase of Oceanlab going swimmingly

A team of contractors led by Burns Construction (Aberdeen) Ltd are making excellent progress on the second phase of Oceanlab, a hub of deep sea research and investigation at the University of Aberdeen. Located at Newburgh on the North Sea Coast, 20 km north of the main University campus, Oceanlab is a unique organisation specialising in exploration of the world’s oceans using unmanned robot vehicles known as landers, ROV operated tools, and long-term undersea observatories. The Oceanlab I building, commissioned in 2001, contains engineering laboratories, high pressure chambers, vibration tables, immersion tanks and all facilities needed to design, build and test deep-sea systems. The new facility, to be known as Oceanlab II, will complement the technical facilities

housed in the first-phase development by providing fully networked office space for up to 35 persons through a combination of single rooms and a large open-plan work area. A seminar room will allow teaching of classes of up to 40, hosting of professional scientific meetings and use by local environmental groups. Specialised laboratory spaces will accommodate examination and sorting of preserved biological specimens (such as rare fish) and biogeochemical analyses. The ground floor will house a “Marine Environment Futures” research facility, with controlled environment systems capable of simulating changes in temperature and atmospheric CO2 expected over the next centuries. The building has been ergonomically designed to facilitate mechanised movement of material in and out of the ground floor laboratory areas and attractive naturally-lit work areas on the first floor. Architect George Watt and Stewart has designed Oceanlab II to embrace and enhance its surroundings. The building will be sheltered by a green sedum roof, matching that of Oceanlab I, and elevations will be emphasised by coloured brickwork and

WestPoint entering second phase of success Since its launch in March 2008 WestPoint Business Park has become one of the most talked-about developments in northern Scotland. Phase one of the £40m Westhill commercial hub is already fully let, less than ten months before the sales offices opened for business. Now work is well underway on the second phase, with completion expected in July. The current project is designed to build on the publicity commanded by phase one, which consisted of three stunning office pavilions. Phase two will provide four further buildings,

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western red cedar lining. The front gable and return bays will be distinguished by traditional Fyfestone, in keeping with the local vernacular. The essential structure is based on strip-and-pad foundations and anchored by a steel frame, with brick-and-block partitions and a series of five-tonne Creagh concrete units making up the ground floor slab. Heating will be supplied by a ground source heat pump, which required excavation of 12 deep boreholes at the outset of the project. The main roof is now watertight and contractors have completed the installation of the green roof system. All the internal blockwork has been installed and the external coloured blockwork is now in place. Window installation has been completed and all front doors are now fully fitted.

designed to the same high specification that generated such interest in their predecessors. The scheme has been developed by Knight Property Group, a key player in the Grampian property market. A spokesperson for the Group said: “The increcible take-up for phase one gave us the confidence to begin work on a second phase, which provides the same level of design as our original offering. “The four pavilions in phase two will provide rentable space that ranges in size from 2,995 sq ft to 31,695 sq ft. Produced to the highest specification, each client package boasts salient features and site benefits include arterial transport links and centrality within a high-profile commercial area.”

Design The pavilions have been designed around steel portal frames, with composite panel cladding for the entire envelope. Internal spaces have been divided using plasterboard with gyproc metal stud framing, the floors are reinforced and cast in situ concrete on holorib decking with raised access flooring, and the development incorporates extensive amounts of metal framing. Each pavilion is emphasised by full-height double-glazed aluminium curtain walling to the most prominent elevations, framed by overhanging eaves. Each building has been designed to a flexible open plan layout with clear floor plates to avoid column interference. Other key features include flexible three-pipe VRV heat recovery air conditioning systems, lighting in the spirit of LG7, eight-person passenger lifts, advanced security systems and 2.7m floor-to-ceiling heights. The team of contractors, led by Stewart Milne, has equipped each building with a number of unique design features. Specialist contractor Modul8 carried out a full interior fit-out for BlueSky Business Space’s 12,500 sq ft, three-storey pavilion in phase one; this included a demountable partition-wall system to enable the serviced office accommodation to be re-configured at any

time in line with client specifications. Modul8 undertook a similar project for the 15,000 sq ft pavilion occupied by Seabrokers Limited. Key features include a shimmering feature glass wall, frosted with a corporate logo, and matching kitchen and breakout areas. When work on phase two is complete, the site will span 6.75 acres in a prime location for business in the Grampian region. The Knight spokesperson continued: “The Westhill area is a rapidly expanding magnet for subsea engineering companies and major international energy firms, and has become a hotbed for enterprise and original thinking. The ambition and dynamism of the area make it a fantastic location for a young, growing company which wishes to expand, and we are already seeing a huge volume of interest in phase two.” For more information on WestPoint please contact Arron Finnie, Ryden on 01224 569 651 or arron.finnie@ryden.co.uk.

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Scotstoun getting ready for 2014 Experienced sports contractor Barr Construction is currently rebuilding Scotstoun Stadium, a mixed-use sports venue which will play a key role when Glasgow hosts the Commonwealth Games in 2014. Barr and its sub-contractors have already demolished the stadium’s old stand and are currently rebuilding a huge modern structure in its place. Meanwhile the Scotstoun leisure centre, which provides facilities for the general public to complement the stadium’s role in elite sport, will receive a timely upgrade. Worth around £17 million, the redevelopment programme will equip Scotstoun to act as the main training venue leading up to the event and will host the squash and table tennis competitions. When work is complete the stadium will have capacity for 5,000 spectators. Key facilities In addition to the main spectator seating area, the new stand will house a 100m indoor athletics strait, a high-performance

strength and conditioning facility, office accommodation and hospitality suites. New and additional car parking space will be introduced as part of the project. The stand is being built on piled foundations, concrete and structural steel. Solaglas Contracting is supplying a mixture of regular and fire rated curtain walling, standard and frameless fire screens and bolted glazing to give the structure a striking finish. While work on the new stand continues apace, Scotstoun’s leisure centre will receive a bigger reception area, a better cafe and 44 new workout machines in the fitness suite. The entrance to the 13-year-old centre, which attracts one million customers a year, will be extended and updated, and the main games halls are currently closed to allow floors to be relayed and new lamps to be

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fitted. Toilets, showers and changing rooms for the halls are also to be improved with a new spa and steam room being added. Work began on site in June last year and the project is due for completion before the end of 2009. The improvements have been designed by Glasgow City Council, which has also co-ordinated funding for the scheme.

Coldstream cottage hospital set for timely dental conversion A beautiful cottage hospital in Coldstream, one of the oldest ‘toons’ in the border region, is being transformed into a dental facility containing five surgeries for the most state-of-the-art treatment and care. Main contractor M&J Ballantyne Ltd is set to complete a £935,000 conversion project this month, following a six-month build programme. The project has provided a completely new set of facilities throughout the hospital building, which had become increasingly stretched and out of synch with modern healthcare requirements in recent years. During the project the contractors have completely reconfigured

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the internal layout to create surgeries, waiting areas, triage space, offices and staff changing rooms. The building’s existing partitions have been replaced with new metal stud divisions, and load-bearing sections have been reinforced with steel beams. Specialist contractors WH Dunne and James Stewart and Son have carried out a completely new M&E installation, equipping the building to the most modern standards. Existing windows have been replaced where necessary, and brand-new timber doors have been introduced in a number of areas. The roofspace has been reinsulated, and flat section of the roof has been replaced using a sarnafill system. New marlet safetread floor coverings have been introduced, and the whole building has been replastered using wet plaster for a skim finish. Other key works have included the introduction of new suspended ceilings, ironmongery and sanitaryware. The conversion project has been carried for NHS Borders, and complements a six-surgery dental extension being built at nearby Hawick Community Hospital. The two projects, worth a combined total of £2.6 billion, are designed to bring dramatic

improvements to oral health across the borders over the coming years. Throughout the project Ballantyne has received invaluable support from an experienced team comprising architect Camerons Ltd, consulting engineer AE Robb and Associates, structural engineer Wardell Armstrong, QS Robertson and Dawson and CDM co-ordinator Thompson Gray Ltd.

About M&J Ballanytne Established over seventy years ago, M & J Ballantyne commands a reputation for the highest quality of design and craftsmanship, and insists on maintaining traditional standards. Kenneth Ballantyne, son of the founder of the company, is now at the helm of M & J Ballantyne and with the help of his management team and elder son Michael he ensures that the high standards on which the firm’s reputation was built are maintained. The firm has undertaken many varied contracts, as well as its own private housing developments, and can lay claim to the development or refurbishment of much of modern Kelso; the

swimming pool, Edenside and Broomlands Primary Schools, Kelso High School Music Department, Border Ice Rink and various local authority and housing association developments.

Galliford Try working through the freeze to complete Fillan viaduct project Experienced contractor Galliford Try is battling the big freeze to complete a £1.25 million strengthening project at Fillan Viaduct – part of a sweeping improvements programme being carried out by Network Rail on the West Highland Line.

designed to encapsulate the existing stonework and incorporate brackets to locate with steelwork on the main superstructure. The new collars are about 350mm thick and were poured using a

Network Rail requires the linespeeds and the RA loading capacities to be improved on this vital span. With these priorities in mind Galliford Try was awarded a design and build contract for refurbishing Fillan viaduct to give the structure RA5 at 40mph and RA8 at 20mph. The strengthening work consisted of a series of new stiffeners connected to the existing cross girders to form a new U frame. Other steel repairs involved plating the top flanges. Meanwhile the handrails have been taken off the bridge to be refurbished; they have been taken off site to be repaired in factory conditions, and will be re-erected at the end of the project. The stiffeners were installed in Tii possessions taken during the day, while the top flange repairs were installed during night time possessions. Road rail machines couldn’t be used on the bridge while rivets were taken out, because of obvious loading considerations. Heavy materials were lifted in by a 160t mobile crane positioned on the southern side of the river - this was the principal means of materials handling as the site’s conditions prevented access to the northern side. Fortunately access to the south was reasonable and greatly assisted by a temporary haul road installed at the start of the works. Access to the detail of the bridge was by a scaffold erected in two stages. The first scaffold spans sections one and two on the south side; after completing this initial project the scaffolders then switched across to the north side to a structure spanning five and six - which was one of the reasons for the big crane. Once that was carried out, scaffolding was built off the central pier. Ladder beams were then erected between the spans. The other main element of the project involve the strengthening of the pier heads, which were a mix of granite blocks and concrete repairs. The designed lateral restraints needed to be secured from the pier heads, however the existing heads were not suitable for this purpose, so cast concrete collars were ROMA PUBLICATIONS

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47m concrete pump on the southern bank of the river. Following completion of the strengthening works, the erection of total encapsulation was carried out to enable contractors to blast the paintwork in a controlled environment. Because of environmental concerns, a dry blast was specified at the outset. To avoid the need for generators adjacent to the sensitive river Fillan, an electricity supply has been run to the bridge from the site compound approx 150m away. As with all painting projects on bridges with old paintwork, precautions have had to be taken to avoid the harmful effects of lead. All debris was vacuumed back to a sealed skip, where the contents were analysed and the waste sent to an appropriate disposal facility. Blood lead levels for personnel have also been monitored to ensure a safe working environment throughout the project. The final part of the scheme covers the painting works however the recent prolonged icy conditions have forced site temperatures as low as -110C, presented a challenge for the site team. Heaters and dehumidifiers have had to be introduced to achieve the correct climatic conditions for painting. The contractor expects to reach completion this spring. The project is part of a wider £8 million enhancement programme being carried out by Network Rail to improve the reliability of services on the West Highland Line, one of the most important rail arteries in Scotland. The programme includes the

refurbishment of three key viaducts, laying new track, clearing vegetation and major earthworks. During a series of scheduled closures Network Rail engineers are carrying out steelwork and masonry repairs, timber replacement and waterproofing works and painting worth £1.3m at Manse viaduct and £3.6m at Glen Falloch viaduct, just a few miles from the Fillan site. According to David Simpson, Network Rail Route Director for Scotland, this investment programme “is essential to ensure the continued running of a reliable rail network in the Highlands.”

About Galliford Try Galliford Try is one of the UK’s leading construction and housebuilding groups with revenues of circa £1.1 billion. The Group is organised in five divisions; Building, Infrastructure, PPP Investments, Housebuilding and Affordable Housing & Regeneration. The Group’s Building Division specialises in education, health, leisure, commercial, interiors, affordable housing and facilities management. Galliford Try’s Infrastructure Division encompasses work for the water, highways, rail, remediation, flood alleviation and renewable energy sectors. The Group’s PPP Investments Division develops and invests in public/private partnership projects.

Byzak completes Dufftown project Main contractor Byzak has completed an extensive capital maintenance project at Dufftown wastewater treatment works in Moray, as part of an ongoing programme of investment by Scottish Water’s in-house delivery specialist, Scottish Water Solutions. The £420,000 contract was awarded to Byzak in November 2007 and work began on site in February last year. The project reached practical completion on schedule in October. The contractors’ brief involved installation of new motors to the primary settlement tanks; the insertion of new sludge removal equipment to clean the primary settlement tanks; the introduction of a combination sewer overflow (CSO) screen; and the provision of a series of penstocks. Each of these three works provided a like-for-like replacement of existing systems. Each aspect of the programme was provided by a specialist in the field. The motors were supplied by Energy, the CSO screen was fitted out by Huber, and the penstocks were supplied by

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renowned wastewater management expert Ham Baker Hartley. No associated works were carried out during the eight-month project – however contractors may shortly begin work on a few essential improvements around the Dufftown site. Scottish Water has planned to invest £23million in Moray by 2010. Across the region drinking water and waste water treatment works are being upgraded, water mains and sewers are being replaced and extra capacity is being added to accommodate development. Scottish Water has also been working closely with Moray Council on the important issue of flooding. Moray is home to more than half of Scotland’s distilleries, and clean, reliable water is the lifeblood of the local economy. Scottish Water and its contractors are working tirelessly to ensure the works are completed on schedule with minimum disruption to the bustling distilleries which have made the area famous. Steve Scott, Scottish Water’s Communities Manager for Moray, said: “We’ve worked with local communities throughout Moray

to explain the benefits of what we’re doing. By planning the work carefully, and taking on board local views, we have kept disruption to a minimum.”

The bigger picture In 2007/08 Scottish Water delivered £625 million of Quality and Standards (Q&S) investment to improve treatment works, water mains, sewers and networks across Scotland. This was the second year in Scottish Water’s four year regulatory period to March 2010. In this period hundreds of communities and millions of customers will see the benefits from a huge £2.4 billion programme of investment. Over the course of the current year (2008/09) Scottish Water plans to invest over £650 million to continue the transformation of the services provided to customers across Scotland. The company is already working on the next investment programme, 2010-2014.

About Byzak Byzak is a long established (1984), multidisciplinary contractor providing wide ranging construction capability for both public and commercial clients, and specialising in the Water, Environmental and Public Realm sectors. Contracts, undertaken throughout the United Kingdom, are of all types, including conventional admeasurement, lump sum, design and construct, target cost and professional services. Byzak’s turnover and client base have steadily increased, with each trading year yielding a profit. The company continues to extend its capabilities and versatility. Whilst water and environmental sectors remain central to Byzak’s business, its ability to deliver on time and within budget has encouraged diversification into other sectors, including general infrastructure works and the process and pharmaceutical industries. With capabilities in civil engineering electrical and mechanical disciplines, Byzak is a comprehensive project provider. Many of Byzak’s senior management team have been with the company for more than 15 years. In developing relationships with its clients, Byzak builds on the reliability and commitment of its project teams, as this leads to greater levels of empowerment and a stronger working partnership.

The Old Sawmill -

Springing Back into Life The site of an old sawmill in Berwickshire is once again abuzz with activity, thanks to a high-spec conversion project led by ARB Developments. ARB is transforming the former mill site in Earlston into a development of 24 private properties, offering three, four and fivebed properties from £199,500. The development will be known as the Old Sawmill in recognition of the historical importance of the site to the people of Earlston. A raft of sustainable features will deploy the most advanced timber technologies endorsed by Building Research Establishment, Watford and TRADA, Timber Research and Development Association. Each of the 24 homes is being built around a timber frame, and will be partially clad in Accoya wood, which is sourced from managed sustainable forests in New Zealand and comes with a 60-year guarantee against rot and decay. Accoya is renowned as one of the the most environmentally friendly building materials currently available. Other wooden features include Burbidge pine stair balustrade with turned spindles and moulded handrails, high performance severe exposure rated canopy style timber windows, and

timber fencing to both front and rear gardens. Children will even be able to enjoy a natural timber equipment play area, supplied by renowned recreational specialist Caledonian Play Equipment Ltd. “We wanted to ensure the timber related atmosphere remains undiminished. We have tried to use timber wherever possible and the rural sustainable complexion of the site will draw residents back to ROMA PUBLICATIONS

S c otl a n d the days when this site was a center of the timber industry.” Surrounding the timber frame, each property is clad in a facing brick basecourse and a rendered concrete block external leaf. The roofs are comprised of Mini Stonewold concrete roof tiles, and each property will offer excellent heat retention and sound proofing, with 140mm insulation to external walls (including garage), 270mm to the roof and 85mm high performance insulation to the ground floor. All 24 homes will be fitted with Swedoor high performance insulated/laminated front and rear entrance doors, with glazed panel and 3-point espagnolette locking. The high-performance

canopy style timber windows will be accompanied by Low ‘E’ sealed double glazing units, fully reversible for cleaning with safety restrictors and wash stops. Internal doors will be given a maple veneer with stylish chrome lever handles; the only exceptions will be a 10-pane glazed door to the vestibule, a glazed screen with double doors to the lounge. Standard bathrooms will be embellished with white sanitaryware from the Ideal Standard ‘Cameo’ range, and a range of fitted units from Kelvin Bathrooms. Each bathroom unit will be fitted with a bi-fold glazed door to the shower enclosure. Meanwhile kitchens will be fully fitted using Joinery and Timber Creations, “Tay Valley” or “Cosmopolitan” ranges, and each unit will offer a choice of door fronts and worktops, and the option to upgrade to a higher cost range. The spokesperson continued: “Residents will enjoy a home defined by open-plan living space and an unwavering commitment to excellence in every nook and crannie. The Old Sawmill has been designed as a flagship development for the Borders; we want people of all ages, backgrounds and circumstances to enjoy what we are building here, and we hope this development gives a boost to an already outgoing and forward-thinking community.” The construction stage of the programme began in 2008 and the first couple of houses are already complete. The project is due for overall completion in May 2010. The Old Sawmill is being built by a number of long established quality local firms with Roger Builders Ltd or Earlston the main site contractor, Camerons of Galashiels as project architect, Cobb McCallum & Co (UK) Ltd as quantity surveyor and McKay & Partners as structural and civil engineers.

Craiglockhart Sports Centre Refurbishment and Extension Project Main contractor Reywood Construction is making excellent progress on a £2.1 million improvement programme at Craiglockhart Sports Centre, an internationally renowned tennis centre in Edinburgh. Working with Comprehensive Design Architects and Edinburgh Leisure, the sports trust which manages the Sports Centre on behalf of The City of Edinburgh Council, the contractors are refurbishing and extending the original sports centre adjacent to the main tennis centre and centre court. A new entrance is being created in the heart of the centre, reducing the effective distances between the various facilities and enlivening the

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previously long and dark internal routes. The improvement project will provide a raft of new facilities, including a new larger gym with views over the Craiglockhart Pond and two fitness studios where Members can benefit from additional yoga, pilates and bodybalances, and the four existing squash courts will be replaced by two new glass-backed courts. The existing four-court Badminton Hall will be fully refurbished with new Junckers flooring, lighting, heating and decoration. The new entrance feature will provide a visual link to the public car park/Colinton Road and a clear focal point for the building, which is one of the busiest sports and recreational hubs in the Scottish capital. The new extensions are being built using steel frames and embellished with sensitive materials which respond to their environment and improve the building’s visual quality. The existing walls to the front of the building, which are generally in poor aesthetic condition, will be over-clad with render and insulation to create a unified façade, as well as improving the thermal performance of the existing fabric. To the rear elevation, slate-grey vertical profiled cladding and insulation will be applied to both new and old walls, ensuring visual consistency. Both front and rear elevations will be enhanced by PPC aluminium curtain walling, creating a sense of openness and accessibility, and the roof will be reclad using built-up Speeddeck roof cladding. The main entrance rotunda will be clad in Scottish Larch vertical timbers to create a strong contrast with the surrounding render, and will be fitted with curtain walling glass panels to capitalise on daylight and direct visitors into the main entrance and reception space. Work on the project began last August and is expected to be completed within the original ten-month timeframe.

Craiglockhart is one of Edinburgh’s most popular sports centres, with a wide range of facilities including indoor and outdoor tennis courts, a gym and free weights area, fitness space, an RPM studio, a kayaking pond, a meeting room in the centre court and a relaxing café.

The project team The Craiglockhart project team is as follows: • • • • • •

Client - Edinburgh Leisure Architect – CDA Project Manager, Quantity Surveyor and CDM Co-ordinator – Hardies Property & Construction Consultants Structural Engineer – Will Rudd Davidson Mechanical & Electrical Engineer – The Keenan Consultancy Contractor – Reywood Construction

Edinburgh Leisure was created by the city council as a not-for-profit company in 1998 with a bid to run its sport and leisure services. The company is now firmly established as a leading leisure trust with a turnover of £23 million, a staff of 750 employees and over 4.1 million customers a year. As a not-for-profit company, Edinburgh Leisure reinvests any surplus into improving services and maintaining gyms, pools, halls, courts to the highest standard. The company’s venues include Meadowbank Sports Centre, the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Port Edgar Marina and the Braid Hills Golf Course, along with a range of ancillary facilities including sports and leisure centres, swim centres, golf courses, tennis courts, bowling greens, outdoor football pitches and, now, the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena, Ratho.

Biwater-Leslie joint venture delivering vital water improvements in Aberdeen A joint venture partnership between Biwater Treatment and George Leslie Ltd is delivering a vital package of improvements worth more than £14 million at Invercannie Water Treatment Works in Aberdeenshire. The Biwater-Leslie joint venture is making excellent progress on the huge upgrade project, and expects to reach completion in October. The programme of works will deliver enhancements to the existing membrane plant and create a new inlet works which will provide chemical dosing, essential for removing colour from raw water.

Funded by the Scottish Executive and being delivered by Scottish Water Solutions as part of the Quality and Standards III programme of works, the project is designed to meet the drivers set by the Water Industry Commission for Scotland, while reducing operating costs and providing greater security of supply for the end user. The membrane plant improvements will replace the current membranes, which are not equipped to remove colour, with 3,200 new membrane modules equipped with full colourremoval properties. Built off-site and supplied by Memcor, the new modules are around six inches in diameter and four feet ROMA PUBLICATIONS

S c otl a n d in length, and are based on tightly-wounded bundles of plastic fibres within a fibrous tube. Meanwhile the new inlet works will comprise a chamber housing two fine screens; a lime mixer and injection point for lime dosing; a lime dissolution tank; a dosing station for Polyaluminium chloride (PACL), the most widely used coagulant in water treatment plants; and a large flocculation tank. Each of these key structures will be built in concrete, with several elements of steel such as the walkways, screens and mixers. Two new filter presses are being delivered by Ashbrook SimonHartley, Scottish Water’s framework supplier of filter press dewatering equipment, to accommodate the removal of sludge which is produced as a by-product of the new treatment process. The programme also includes construction of a number of ancillary structures, notably a chemical building for the storage of lime and PACL. All ancillary buildings will be built to match the site’s existing premises, with elevations clad in split-faced blockwork and naturally faced slate. Following completion of the construction process, a section of the existing plant which currently houses ozone treatment will be decommissioned. The ozone treatment is known for its high energy cost and high maintenance requirements. In addition seventeen slow sand filters, used as the primary treatment process prior to the introduction of membrane filtration, will also be taken out of use during the decommissioning process. The existing filters, which are still operational, will be decommissioned once the new treatment process has been fully tested and commissioned, causing little disruption to the plant’s existing operation.

New Filter Presses for Scottish Water The first of seven new filter presses for Scottish Water’s Quality and Standards III (Q&S3) programme has been delivered by Ashbrook Simon-Hartley (AS-H), their framework supplier of filter press dewatering equipment. The first two presses have been supplied to Invercannie WTW (serving the city of Aberdeenshire) as part of a complete dewatering package, ranging from the outlet of the sludge holding tanks to the discharge of cake into skips, all supplied as part of Scottish Water’s £14.8M drinking water upgrade. The AS-H Manor semi-automatic Filter Presses, each consisting of 112 off 1500mm square recessed filter plates, were supplied in 2008, along with the supply of clothwash system, feed pumps and compressed air. Each Filter Press has a locally mounted control system allowing either singular operation or in conjunction, dependant upon the requirement, giving full duty/ assist basis. A further five Presses are scheduled for delivery to Scottish Water’s Camphill, Daer, Roberton, and Loch Turret WTW’s for their Q&S3 upgrades. All five projects will contribute to providing cleaner, fresher water for Scotland.

Another big step in Falkirk Stadium project For generations of football followers, the right-hand end at Brockville, home of Falkirk FC, was a hotbed of partisan passion. The old Railway End housed Falkirk’s most vocal supporters, and their vociferous support made Brockville one of the most evocative grounds in Scottish football. Now, five years after Falkirk moved from Brockville into their new home, The Falkirk Stadium at Westfield, contractors are building a new ‘home’ stand behind the right-hand goal. The new

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Filter presses continue to be the preferred option for sludge dewatering at water treatment works. AS-H’s Matt Gibson, Managing Director, adds. “They produce the high solids cake required but with far less energy consumption and lower operational cost than alternative technologies, like centrifuges.” A further factor in their favour and one Matt feels will become more significant as water companies strive for sustainable solutions, is that filter presses have a long design life and are relatively easy to refurbish and upgrade cost-effectively. For further information, contact: Matt Gibson, Managing Director Ashbrook Simon-Hartley Ltd Tel. 01782 578650 enquiries@as-h.com www.as-h.com

southern stand will recreate the fervent atmosphere of the old Railway End, giving both heart and soul to the new ground. The Stadium currently comprises only two permanent stands, on the north and west sides. Supporters at the southern end have hitherto been housed in a temporary enclosure, which offered only basic facilities and lacked the charm and homeliness of a permanent enclosure. The new stand will seat approximately 2000 people, with a substantial family enclosure, as well as administrative offices. The project has been led by the South Stand Development Company, which was set up specifically for this project and will lease the new stand back to Falkirk Football Club on completion of the project. Work on the stand began on 1st December and contractors are on schedule to reach completion before the end of July, in time for the start of the 2009-10 football season. Following the removal of the temporary seating, the southern end was completely vacant and required little enabling work. The excellent ground conditions have facilitated a smooth, efficient

construction programme, and the team of contractors led by Ogilvie Construction are already making excellent progress. The design will largely mirror the existing North Stand; the internal structure will be predicated on pad foundations, a concrete ground floor slab and precast concrete terracing, with plastic seats bolted on. The roof will be constructed of aluminium standing seam roof and internal partitions will be built using traditional blockwork. The stand will have an internal mezzanine floor, and the higher level will house a number of administrative offices, finished with suspended ceilings and double-glazed windows. A spokesperson for the project said: “We hope that the new stand becomes the ‘popular end,’ and reawakens the fervent traditions of the old Railway End. Our stadium looks fantastic, but the new stand will give it a genuine fulcrum, and a clear reference point for our supporters.” The stadium already includes its own self-contained Soccer Centre, and a network of function and hospitality suites to secure long-term revenue beyond match days. Completion of the new stand will raise the total capacity over 10,000 and demonstrate Falkirk’s ambition to become one of the leading football clubs in Scotland. Main contractor Ogilvie is already receiving expert support from an experienced project team including Bracewell Stirling Architects, quantity surveyor Fairbairns and civil and structural consultant Arup Scotland.

About Ogilvie Ogilvie Construction, part of the Ogilvie Group, has worked hard over the last sixty years to build and maintain a reputation for quality, trust and delivery.

Today the company is firmly established as a successful, privately owned business, working within the majority of property market sectors. Ogilvie is renowned for delivering quality buildings through all procurement routes. From its head office in Stirling, Central Scotland, Ogilvie works throughout Scotland and the North of England, with a turnover of £100m and a workforce of over 400 people.

About Bracewell Stirling Bracewell Stirling was established in 1925 and has grown to become one of Scotland’s biggest architectural practices. This reputation is reflected in a string of recent awards, including the Green Energy Award for the Best Renewable Energy Project (2003), the Scottish Housing and Environmental Award (2000) and the EAS Energy Savers Award (2005).

Mansell undertaking major works in Scotland

Mansell, one of the UK’s biggest and most ambitious construction firms, is currently undertaking two prestigious projects in Scotland worth a combined total of more than £7 million.

The firm will design and construct an extension for Parkhill Primary School in Leven, Fife, in a project worth around £4 million. Meanwhile, in Dundee, Mansell has started work on a £3 million project to build the new international headquarters for learning and development company Insights. The Parkhill project will provide a sympathetic extension to one of Scotland’s oldest primary schools. Built in 1910, Parkhill Primary is characterized by its Baroque detailing, domed cupolas and feature stonework.

The extension will span two storeys and include both teaching space and a gym hall. The structure will provide a modern counterpart to the classic footprint of the original building, featuring a Metsec frame with aluminium windows and curtain walling, and a glazed link to the main school site. Other key features of the extension will include metal decking, dry lining, suspended ceilings, roughcast and rendering and lift installation. Meanwhile the new Insights headquarters, at Dundee’s Technology Park, will initially house 50 employees with potential for up to 135 staff. The three-storey building will cover a 17,000 sq ft floor plan and be characterized by a landmark octagonal feature – a symbol ROMA PUBLICATIONS

S c otl a n d which is integral to Insights’ philosophy and approach to learning and development. The creation of a new global headquarters in Dundee represents a significant milestone for Insights’ CEO, Andy Lothian, who was born and bred in the city. “This is good news for Insights, good news for Dundee and good news for Scotland,” he says. “We are building a platform for global expansion from which we can continue to change personal and professional lives across the world through innovative learning and development techniques. Our success is based on our people and we are looking forward to creating more high-value jobs across the company. “The planned new headquarters is testament to the success and dedication of our workforce and represents our long-term commitment to a global base in Scotland.” Mansell’s Tayside office has also undertaken a £1m contract to alter and extend Crail Golfing Society’s Balcomie Clubhouse, as well as a £700,000 project to construct a new showroom in Dundee for BMW. Further contracts have been awarded to the company by the Ministry of Defence to complete various projects in the Tayside area, worth around £500,000 in total. Lindsay Cowan, regional director for Mansell, said, “We are extremely pleased to have been awarded these major contracts within such a diverse range of sectors. In these troubled times for our industry, and the economy as a whole, it’s fantastic to be able to have an optimistic outlook for a change. “This is just the lift our staff and operatives deserve for their hard work and commitment in consistently delivering a quality product and providing a construction service of the very highest calibre. “These projects will see innovative buildings being constructed across the region and we are thrilled to play our part during such a positive and exciting period for the Tayside area.”

Jaydee Heating and Electrical Jaydee Heating and Electrical will carry out the installation of the M&E services at the Insights Global headquarters in Dundee. Mechanical works will include a full VRF air conditioning system installed throughout the building. Also there will be a ventilation system to give supply and extract throughout fed from 2No electrically powered AHU’s and also fans installed to provide local extract to the toilet areas. The heater battery at each AHU will be fed via a run round coil from served from the air conditioning system.The water services will be also fully electric and will operate via immersion heaters. Parkhill Primary School extension, Leven, Fife Jaydee Heating and Electrical is also responsible for the design

Second phase of Forbes project about to get underway Contractors are about to start the second phase of an enterprising construction project for Forbes, a leading manufacturer of tanks, vessels and odour control systems. The project is specifically designed to modernize Forbes’ existing premises on the Pinnaclehill Industrial Estate in Kelso, and provide much-needed new facilities to give the client sufficient capacity to expand and diversify. The project team, led by J Thorburn and Sons, has already made excellent progress on phase one of the project, which will deliver

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and the installation of the M&E services, comprising an energy efficient design approach with a natural ventilation scheme via windows supplemented by ‘Windcatchers’ to additionally provide natural ventilation to internal areas. Solar panels are also to be provided to ensure low running costs in producing hot water. Other services to be installed include:Mechanical : LTHW underfloor heating to classrooms and radiator heating systems to common areas, local and central extract mechanical ventilation systems with tempered supply air to internal rooms, H&CWS, rainwater harvesting system, pumped sprinkler system, drainage and full BMS controls system. Electrical : Lighting, power, fire alarm, voice/ data, CCTV, security/ access control systems, induction loops and disabled alarms. a 16m high building with four loading bays, two five tonne cranes and a set of large loading doors. The second phase will provide two new production facilities as well as a lower level stores area, and Forbes will vacate its existing premises at Pinnacle Hill once the two-phase scheme is complete. Work on phase one began in September last year on a stretch of virgin ground adjoining Forbes’ existing premises. Enabling works included groundworks, drainage and levelling, and the main building being built in the first phase is based on a steel frame, a concrete ground floor slab and insulated cladding to the elevations. The new building will be divided using steel-clad partitions in a versatile design which will allow its occupant to adapt their surroundings with ease. The units in the second phase will be given a similarly flexible layout, and all the new buildings will be characterised by excellent levels of insulation, minimising Forbes’ energy requirements. The redevelopment project is part of a wider plan to transform the Pinnaclehill estate; indeed Forbes is working with an influential group which aims to build a huge new supermarket on Pinnaclehill Estate. The company’s chairman, Lee Forbes,

said in December that the group was at “an advanced stage” of negotiations with Sainsbury’s, who intend to build the supermarket.

About the Forbes Group The Forbes Group has its origins dating back to the late 1950s, and is a major force in the field of plastics fabrications. A privately owned group of companies, managed by a tightly knit team, with strong financial & technical bases, Forbes is dedicated to the design and manufacture of tanks, vessels, scrubbers, degassers and other chemical plant in thermoplastics and glass fibre reinforced materials. The Pinnaclehill expansion demonstrates the company’s commitment to continuous improvement and the pursuit of excellence, efficiency and first-rate customer service. In 1993 Forbes became the first company in its field to achieve accreditation to BS EN ISO 9001: 1994 in formal recognition of its established quality systems, and the company is now accredited to BS EN ISO 9001:2000. Fabrications are to the highest specifications as stated in industry standards such as BS4994:1987. Forbes’ extensive in-house capabilities include mechanical engineering design along with chemical process design. The company has a CAD network operating with Autodesk Inventor Professional 10 and Autodesk Mechanical 2006 software. The Forbes Group head office, design and administration offices was located in purpose converted 16th century Norfolk barn complex on a 6000 sq m site at Denver, Downham Market, Norfolk, UK. In 2006 this site became too small & the company relocated to a custom built modern office on 2.5 acre site at Crimplesham, close to Downham Market, Norfolk. The company has a manufacturing facility on this site, however the major manufacturing arm is concentrated at Pinnaclehill, in Kelso and is dedicated to both plastics manufacture and the fabrication of metal accessories, such as ladders and walkways, mainly in stainless steels, carbon steels and aluminum.

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Bristow Helicopters project set for June completion

A team of contractors led by Stewart Milne Group plans to complete a new headquarters and training academy for Bristow Helicopters, the leading global supplier of helicopter services to the oil and gas industry, by the end of June 2009. The new headquarters in Dyce, Aberdeen will comprise a three-storey office block, with more than 12,000 sq ft of office space, 6,000 sq ft of classroom/training accommodation and 11,500 sq ft capable of housing up to four flight simulators. Bristow is currently headquartered at a smaller facility less than a mile away. The current project will support the company’s continued growth and demonstrates its

intention to remain at the forefront of the helicopter services industry where it has invested nearly £180 million in the past three years in new technology helicopters supporting the oil and gas sector. John Cloggie, director of European operations for Bristow Helicopters in Aberdeen, said: “This is a new era for Bristow and again shows our commitment to the North Sea. We are delighted to be delivering a first-class training facility with simulators to support our new fleet.” The site was previously greenfield land and required only minor enabling works when the project got underway late last year. The new headquarters have been built on concrete pad foundations, with a simple, durable envelope comprising a steel frame, a rib deck concrete slab and Ward composite metal cladding. The training facility roof has a curved, built up roof cladding system. The elevations are punctuated with integral aluminium windows, and the main entrance atrium is distinguished by feature curtain walling. The offices will be served by a functional specification including suspended

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ceilings and raised flooring and individual units are divided using demountable partitions. Sustainability is provided through air-source heat pumps, low E glazing and the cladding exceeds building regulations standards for insulation, targeting an energy performance ‘B’ rating. Stewart Milne has been skilfully supported throughout the project by a professional design team incuding architect Space Solutions, quantity surveyor Murray Montgomery Partnership, structural consultant W A Fairhurst and Partners and contractors including groundwork contractor Andrew Cowie Construction.

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Developers making excellent progress on Ravenscraig project Developers are making excellent progress on Ravenscraig, Scotland’s first new town in more than 50 years which will eventually cover an area twice the size of Monaco – and 13 times the size of Canary Wharf. The huge new development in North Lanarkshire, the heart of Scotland’s central belt, will become home to more than 10,000 people, and is expected to create 12,000 jobs. More than £1.2 billion of private sector investment will be secured over the next 20 years, The Ravenscraig masterplan includes 3,500 new homes; a new town centre with 84,000 sq m of retail and leisure space; up to 216,000 sq m of business and industrial space; a new sports facility, two new schools and a brand-new campus for Motherwell college.

Background The development is based on the site of the old Ravenscraig Steelworks, which was one of the biggest employers in Scottish industry before it closed in 1992. Following remediation of the site and essential infrastructure works, developers published a detailed strategy for the site’s regeneration in 1994; the strategy espoused the benefits of a mixed-use development with all the trappings of a stable, long-term community. In 1997 the developers launched a Masterplan for the site, and in 2000 the Clyde Valley Structure Plan gave Ravenscraig town centre status. Following several years of meticulous preparation, planning permission was conferred by North Lanarkshire Council in 2005; a new joint venture company, Ravenscraig Ltd, was established the following year. Two years ago Balfour Beatty was appointed to undertake the infrastructure works for phase 1; this tranche of works will yield more than 800 new houses, the indoor and outdoor sports facility and the new 200,000 sq ft campus for Motherwell College. All three elements commenced on site in early 2008, and will ultimately generate more than £200 million of investment on 100 acres of the site.

Progress to date A team of contractors led by Miller Construction is making excellent progress on the new £70million, 200,000 sq ft campus for Motherwell College. Work began on site in early 2008 and the new campus is set to be ready to replace the existing campus by summer. The new college will include a five-storey teaching block, a residential building for up to 50 students and workshop block for engineering students. The campus will also feature conference facilities, a public learning centre, performing arts space and a job shop. A nursery building will provide 300 places for preschool children and after-school care. The residential building has been created in a cylindrical design to reflect the former Ravenscraig steelworks structure and a plaza in the centre will provide space for students to meet. A pedestrian link will connect the buildings. College principal Hugh Logan said: “The new college at

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Ravenscraig will have the most modern of facilities and will provide the best quality of education in Lanarkshire. Motherwell College is at the heart of the community and we are part of the regeneration of that community.” One of Scotland’s largest further education colleges, the institution attracts 20,000 students a year from more than 40 countries. Students can opt for courses including sport, social sciences, engineering and beauty therapy. Meanwhile David Wilson Homes has completed the first wave of houses in the first phase residential development, which will eventually see more than 800 family homes built adjacent to Carfin and Cleekhimin. Construction began in early 2007 and the first houses were handed over early last year. The new houses have been designed specifically for Ravenscraig; developer Ravenscraig Ltd has imposed a series of design and environmental guidelines to ensure the highest standards are achieved in both areas, and David Wilson Homes has rigorously adhered to these guidelines.

The next phase A new town centre forms the heart of the plans for Phase 2, which will create an exciting new future and unique identity for Ravenscraig. Development activity began last year and the second phase is set to take shape over a three-year build programme. Offices, shopping, leisure and social amenities will be carefully blended into a unique, vibrant character that will form the new Ravenscraig town centre – one designed to reflect the benefits delivered by a traditional town centre. The town centre will have around 620,000 sq ft of shopping in a modern, attractive retail centre,as well as a range of leisure, restaurant and community facilities. The heart of the new Ravenscraig, the town centre will be served by a new railway station, a bus interchange, and have substantial car parking with dual carriageway access from both M8 and M74.

One Waterloo Street: a sleek new office complex in the heart of Glasgow Developer Stockland Halladale is replacing the old Shaftesbury House building on Glasgow’s Waterloo Street into a 59,500 sq ft hub of grade A office accommodation in a prime city centre location.

tenant fit out adjustments. High performance glazing optimises daylight while meeting low energy target.

Now known as One Waterloo Street, the development will span eight storeys and include 53,500 sq ft of offices with 6,500 sq ft of ground-floor retail space. The build programme, led by Miller Construction, is worth around £14 million and the estimated completion value is £33 million. The old Shaftesbury house building was demolished in late 2007 and construction of the new development began last March. The project is due for overall completion before the end of 2009. Based around a steel frame, One Waterloo Street will be distinguished by a combination of dramatic glass curtain walling detail and Clashach natural sandstone, specially sourced from Morayshire. The sandstone will adopt darker buff and red tones to complement the neighbouring Daily Record building, one of Glasgow’s most recognizable landmarks; indeed the roofline of the new development will be set back to ensure the gable end of the Record headquarters remains visible. Key features of the internal layout include an imposing and spacious entrance foyer, two high-speed passenger lifts and a 2.8m clear floor to ceiling height. Each floor will include dedicated male, female and disabled person toilet facilities, and each office unit will be fitted out to a high specification, which includes full metal raised access flooring and metal suspended ceilings with recessed high efficiency LG7 light fittings. The building is designed to BREEAM ‘Very Good’ standard, with an efficiency energy system underpinned by a range of high-tech features. A state-of-the-art heat pump system will reduce the building’s CO2 emissions by 20% when compared with standard buildings of this size and construction. Meanwhile a centralised roof mounted air-handling unit provides fresh air to the offices via an efficient heat recovery system. To reduce the use of artificial lighting, automated lighting systems are linked to daylight levels — lights dim as daylight increases — and presence detection ensures that lights are off when not required. The system is inherently flexible: the spare capacity provided on each LCM can be adjusted to align with ROMA PUBLICATIONS

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St David’s 2, Cardiff Any film buff will tell you that the sequel is never as good as the original. The film world has led us to believe that sequels are underwhelming, ill-considered and exploitative – a cynical perversion of the lofty ambitions which inspired the original. The property industry has done little to disabuse us of this view; for every groundbreaking development there are usually a handful of pale imitations, designed to ride the success of the original without adding anything to the local built environment.

St David’s 2, the latest phase of development in Cardiff city centre, is very much an exception to the rule. The project will build on the success of the original St David’s shopping centre project through a mammoth £675 million programme of investment designed to make Cardiff a haven for high-end living. Plans for the phase include a major four-storey John Lewis department store, with a gross floor area of 280,000 sq ft; over 100 new stores and 3,000 car parking spaces; 300 luxury rooftop apartments and a state-of-the-art central library covering 55,000 sq ft. In addition the original St David’s shopping centre will be modernised and refurbished, and one of Cardiff’s busiest urban quarters will be reinvigorated with myriad green spaces and improved public realm. It is thought that the project will create 4,000 permanent retail jobs and 1,000 construction jobs, and attract more than £250 million of new spending in Cardiff city centre every year. It is hoped that St David’s 2 enables Cardiff to make the final transition from an ambitious UK city to a true European capital, and one of the most desirable cities on the continent. A spokesperson for the project recently said: “The scheme is set to transform the Southern end of the City and give a currently underused area a new lease of life by creating attractive and safe public spaces for people to enjoy, alongside a unique and exciting contemporary retail

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space which caters to the needs of the 21st century shopper. This is one of the most important city developments in the UK today and currently the largest private financial investment in Wales; a development in keeping with the burgeoning ambition of our nation.”

Partnership

St David’s 2 is a joint development between Land Securities, and Capital Shopping Centres, working together as the St David’s Partnership. The two companies have split their duties 50:50: Land Securities is handling construction & project management, while Capital Shopping Centres takes care of Leasing. The Partnership has engaged Bovis Lend Lease, a leading UK specialist in major construction projects, as main contractor. The project began in 2005 with essential enabling work for the new development, and the demolition of the old Ice Rink and Toys R Us store. Construction of the flagship John Lewis store began in 2006 and reached completion last summer; work on the new library commenced in 2007 and reached completion last year, and the library is currently being fitted out with a view to opening later this year. The main construction scheme is making excellent progress and contractors expect to reach practical completion in the second quarter of this year. Once the Bovis Lend Lease team has handed over the keys to the new development, specialist interior contractors will begin fitting out the individual units, working towards a projected completion date in the third quarter. The public realm works are scheduled to reach completion around the same time, and work on the residential apartments is progressing in phases and is set for completion in June 2010.

Design

It was important for ‘St David’s 2’ that the building design reflected Cardiff’s unique

arcade shopping experience whilst drawing on inspiration from European styling and cutting edge architecture. With this in mind the design team based the project on the idea of a ‘Grand Arcade’- a central open hub that will create an almost contemporary cathedrallike quality, with the gentle curve of the arcade leading the eye towards the John Lewis anchor store at the southern end of the arcade. The Arcade will be built using natural stone, light coloured timbers, reflected light and other natural materials to create a true sense of Welsh space. The department store buildings features a three-storey glass-fronted section, overlooking a new square below, and the Arcade roof is also being built in glass with timber panel supports. The apartment buildings are being constructed around a brick-and-block envelope, with a render finish. The project also features a striking glass bridge, which will link the development with the existing Debenhams store. The modernisation of the existing centre comprises the introduction of bulkheads to St David’s Way West and Town Wall North, decoration of the existing walls around the atrium with plasterboard finishes, the installation of new services within existing bulk areas and the provision of essential support structures for both new and existing bulkheads.

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New LNG terminal taking shape in multi-million pound Milford Haven project

One of Europe’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) receiving terminals is currently being constructed in Milford Haven, West Wales. South Hook LNG is carrying out the development, which will create a new facility for importing and regasifying LNG - natural gas which has been converted to a liquid by cooling it to a temperature of minus 160°C. In its liquid form, Natural gas occupies around 600 times less space in liquid than in gaseous form, and can therefore be easily stored in tanks, or pumped into ships and transported across the seas.

South Hook LNG’s operation is in an excellent location for the construction of a receiving terminal and regasification plant, as both Pembrokeshire County Council and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority have designated the site for this type of use. The terminal will comprise a jetty, which will allow the docking of large tankers, five tanks into which the LNG will be pumped, and a regasification plant. LNG will be converted from liquid back into gaseous form at the regasification plant, before being delivered to the UK’s homes and businesses via the national grid. When LNG is transported by sea, it is pumped as a liquid into double-hulled ships specifically designed to handle the low temperature of LNG. A state-of-the-art fleet of double-hulled ships will bring the LNG from Qatar’s immense gasfield to the safe, deep anchorage provided in Milford Haven. Upon completion, the plant will provide the capacity to supply the UK with around 20 per cent of its natural gas requirements. LNG imports will greatly increase the UK’s

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security and diversity of gas supply, while helping to ensure that natural gas remains a competitive source of energy. LNG is colourless, odourless, non-corrosive and non-toxic and offers manifold benefits; as the UK’s domestic sources of natural gas decline, imported LNG will become an increasingly important source of clean and reliable energy. As the cleanest of the fossil fuels, liquefied natural gas has a bright future and South Hook LNG has a vision of being the world’s leading LNG receiving terminal. Companies involved in construction of the South Hook LNG project include Taylor Woodrow, Dawnus, Dean & Dyball and Interserve.

The Carmarthenshire Homes Standard Although England’s Decent Homes Standard has become internationally renowned as one of Europe’s most forward-thinking housing renewal programmes, a similar initiative in Wales has passed almost unnoticed. Yet the Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS) is just as demanding as its English counterpart, and its impact will be just as quick; according to the Welsh Assembly Government’s national housing strategy, all social accommodation in Wales must be brought up to

the WHQS by 2012, a challenging target that has forced landlords across Wales into swift and decisive action. No-one has been quicker, or more decisive, than Carmarthenshire County Council, which is committed to a £230 million programme of improvements spanning eight years. Council tenants of Carmarthenshire will receive a standard of accommodation above and beyond the WHQS, and the repair works are specifically design to create secure, welcoming and attractive environments for all.

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By creating the Carmarthenshire Homes Standard, Carmarthenshire Council signaled its intention to provide a unique renewal service governed by the wishes and circumstances of individual tenants, rather than the basic requirements imposed by the Assembly. Two years after the renewal programme began, the Council is well on the way to meeting its objectives, with thousands of homes already seeing tangible improvements.

The Carmarthenshire Homes Standard In 2001 the Welsh Assembly Government produced the ‘National Housing Strategy - Better Homes for People in Wales,’ which asked all local authorities to improve the standard of their housing to the WHQS by 2012. Yet Carmarthenshire’s councilors were keen to go further. In 2003 the council asked 1000 tenants to give their views on the WHQS; although the majority of respondents agreed that the Standard was a fair, balanced and appropriate blueprint for their accommodation, several asked for a slight improvement on its key requirements. With this in mind the council devised the Carmarthenshire Homes Standard, which incorporates the stipulations set out in the WHQS, yet adds further demands wherever appropriate. By 2012, under the terms of the Carmarthenshire Homes Standard, the council will ensure that all its homes are: • In a good state of repair; • Free from damp; • Free from significant condensation; • Structurally stable; • Located in safe and attractive environments (the council aims to increase tenant satisfaction with the estate environment by 2% each year); • Suitable for the household (the council aims to ensure that 95% of tenants feel that their home is suitable for their needs); • Managed to the Carmarthenshire Housing service standard. By 2012, the council will ensure all its homes have: • •

Secure UPVC doubled glazed windows; Doors to the same standard as windows with 5 lever locks and viewing holes; PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

Been Modernised to Secured by Design requirements; Electrical wiring that is no more than 30 years old; External security lights to the front and rear; At least one double power socket in each room, and at least four in the lounge and kitchen; A mains powered smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector; Full gas or oil central heating with energy efficient condensing boilers and secondary fire if tenants want one; Bathroom suites no more than 20 years old with showers; Downstairs toilets (where there is enough space); Kitchen units that are no more than 15 years old; Non-slip flooring in Kitchens and bathrooms; Space for a fridge freezer, a washing machine, a tumble dryer and a cooker; Bedrooms which can at least accommodate a single bed, a wardrobe, and a bedside table; An additional handrail to the stairs; Lockable external sheds and out houses (where provided by the Council); Gardens that are safe for children, free from risk of flooding and with paths that are in good order; Boundary and dividing garden fencing.

These improvements will be concentrated within four main work programmes, which are as follows: • Internal works; • Windows and doors; • Insulation and thermal comfort; • Environmental works. The internal works will bring fundamental improvements to kitchens (including the introduction of non-slip floors from Artisan flooring); bathrooms (including work to the shower, provision of new non-slip flooring and dual-flush water closets, and specialist improvements from JG Powner Plumbing & Heating); internal wiring; gas or oil central heating (including the introduction of new energy-efficient boilers); smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and feature fires. The window and door improvements will see the introduction of uPVC double-glazing in all homes, and the insulation enhancements will bring cavity wall insulation and external wall finish upgrades wherever possible; such upgrades could include painting or matching the finish to the existing finish on the walls. If contractors are unable to introduce cavity wall insulation, they will add either internal or external cladding. The garden works will aim to ensure the health and safety of residents and eliminate potential hazards. When contractors begin work on a garden, they will focus on repairing and improving any paths, railings and steps that could cause an accident – minimising the risk of falling and providing a clear, relaxing environment for those using the garden. The improvements are intended to give residents a choice wherever possible. Indeed the range of units supplied by Premiere Kitchens, the council’s designated kitchen supplier, will allow residents to select from a number of doors, work surfaces and tiles, and similar variety will be afforded in the new bathrooms, supplied by LBS Building Suppliers and Travis Perkins. Although the council is committed to providing a full rewiring service wherever possible, the electricians from RT Contractors will tailor their service to the individual circumstances of each property, ensuring wires and circuits which are most in need of improvement receive immediate attention.

Schedule of work The schedule of work has been designed to ensure each area of Carmarthenshire receives regular attention. Rather than just focusing on the houses in worst condition, the council has factored a number of priorities into its work schedule. These include length of tenancy, the potential for disruption and the need to balance the work between rural and urban communities.

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Wa l e s A spokesperson for the project said: “We want to ensure good distribution in each of the housing officer areas, and provide clear signs of improvement in each corner of Carmarthenshire. With such a large programme there’s a clear danger that certain areas could be overlooked or bypassed for large parts of the programme – our schedule guarantees this won’t happen.” The work is being divided among eight main contractors: TO Jones, TPT Construction Ltd, Lloyd and Gravell Building Contractors Ltd, Dyfrig Dalziel Ltd, TAD Builders, Tycroes Group, Gee Construction and a prominet building firm. The council is striving to split the workload evenly among the eight firms, ensuring each company is given a schedule tailored to its own location and capacity. The spokesperson continued: “We’re trying to work in partnership with the main contractors wherever possible. Before allocating each contract we look at what work each firm has got on, their past performance and their carryovers. Each of these factors plays a key part in the selection process, along with the need to ensure balance.”

Targets and Agreements The programme is underpinned by a range of challenging targets, which are subject to regular review and improvement. These targets demand that the programme brings quick and genuine improvement; for example the 2007/8 targets demanded that 6.8% of homes met the Carmarthenshire Homes Standard, compared to 3.6% in 2006/7. In the first year of the programme, it was stipulated that 32.4% of homes must meet the Standard’s requirements for doors and windows; in the second year this target increased to 63.5%. To reassure tenants and ensure all stakeholders know exactly what is happening, the council is entering into a formal agreement with each tenant before work begins. Known as the ‘major-work agreement,’ the compact is a good-practice guide produced by tenants and council officers. The agreement contains information on the following: • Who is and isn’t involved in the agreement; • The responsibilities of the main people involved in the scheme to carry out the work • How the council will maintain communication with the resident; • What the work will involve • The choice of finishes available to the resident; • Any other work involved in the project; • How the council will handle disruption and delays; • When the resident(s) is entitled to compensation, and how much will be available; • How the resident’s rent will be affected; • Damage and breakages; • Personal safety; • The role of the county councillor

•

How the resident can ask questions and make complaints, compliments and comments • Before work on each property begins, a council officer will visit the resident to discuss the contents of the major-work agreement before both parties sign it. The spokesperson concluded: “We are committed to maintaining a two-way stream of communication at all stages of the improvement programme. The support of tenants is vital to the success of this scheme and we want to provide a service that is proactive, personal and punctual at all times. “The Carmarthenshire Homes Standard aspires to be as good as, or better, than any improvement scheme currently taking place in Britain, and our commitment to stakeholder satisfaction is the cornerstone of our policy.”

The renaissance of Cardiff Castle SINCE 2001 Cardiff Castle has been the subject of a major programme of conservation, which has seen the fabric and foundation of the Castle restored, conserved and enhanced. The £8 million project is supported by a Heritage Lottery Fund grant of £5.7 million – one of the largest grants ever awarded in Wales. It is also supported by Cadw.

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Several milestones have been reached throughout this ambitious project, one of the first being the restoration of the Castle’s Clock Tower returning the original splendour of the Castle’s exterior for everyone to see and enjoy for free. Cardiff Castle is renowned for its Gothic Revival interiors designed by the renowned Victorian architect William Burges. And Burges also designed the seven nine-foot high statues on

the Clock Tower personifying the planets: Mercury, Luna (the moon), Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Venus, and Sol (the sun). The statues were carved by the London sculptor Thomas Nicholls as part of the Clock Tower’s construction, which began in 1869, and the statues were painted in 1873. The restoration work began after historical research into the statues revealed how much they had changed due to various decoration cycles throughout the last century. Thanks to painstaking research and analysis, through paint sampling and by referring to Burges’ original designs, the project team discovered that the statues were originally decorated with gold leaf. With the help of expert craftsmanship that gold leaf has now been restored along with gilding to windows and other elements of the structure. The Tower’s four clock faces have also been gilded and repaired and the backgrounds of the clock have been painted back to their original colour of dark blue which has made the clock, which is the oldest public clock in Cardiff, really stand out. The statues now provide a glittering display for passers by, with the Clock Tower resplendent and looking as it would have done in the 1870s. The restoration of the Clock Tower complements the work done on restoring the external fabric of the Castle, managed by a dedicated project team employed by Cardiff Council. Conservation work costing more than £4m has seen major external work carried out on the Castle’s Roman fort, medieval towers and magnificent neo-gothic house. The work has proved to be a real challenge, not only in terms of implementation, but also in the fact the castle was been kept open throughout – with visitor numbers actually increasing by

more than 10 per cent. The variety of the work undertaken has been immense including major stonework, as well as work on water gutters, slate roofs, windows and doors. Much of the work has involved making the Castle watertight which will allow the next phase of work, the conservation of the Burges interiors, to proceed and to allow other exciting Roman and Burges experiences to be created in the walls and towers of the Castle. During the restoration programme every stone face has been inspected for deterioration and delaminating; every mortar joint tested for strength and quality; every window decorated and to be fully operable; every roof 100% watertight. In June the Castle’s new Interpretation Centre opened to the public. The new £6m attraction will present the story of the Castle through its 2000 years of history, and will offer visitors a unique opportunity to learn about the different phases of the castle’s development from the Romans through to the modern day. As a result of all this outstanding conservation work, Cardiff Castle has been presented with two prestigious national awards - winning the building conservation category of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Wales Awards and the British Building Maintenance Award 2007.

Bersche-Rolt Ladies Walk forms part of the outer wall of the castle, believed to be part Roman, and constructed from random stone with a variable rubble core. Bersche-Rolt is installing lateral restraint ties through the wall to re-bond the inner core with the outer stone walls; 1200 ties varying from 1.5m to 4m are being installed at regular intervals. Bersche-Rolt stainless steel consolidating ties are installed in holes formed with diamond tipped core drills and are bonded in place with specially formulated grout. The system is designed to strengthen the wall with the minimum visual impact on this historic structure.

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Victoria Square:

a flagship retail development helping to make Belfast the Paris of the North If Titanic Quarter is the figurehead of the new Belfast, Victoria Square is undoubtedly the engine room. Multi Development’s £400 million development, which opened last March, has increased the number of shops in Northern Ireland’s capital by more than a third, and has attracted world-famous brands such as Apple, House of Fraser and Urban Outfitters.

With its multi-level streets and massive glass dome, Victoria Square symbolises the growing optimism in Northern Ireland and realises the design ambitions of its architectural visionaries. Stunning historical features, such as the 130-year old Jaffe Fountain, have been refurbished as part of the development, and it is believed that the huge retail hub will attract more than 17 million visitors per year. Each aspect of the development has been constructed on a grand scale. Approximately 700,000 sq ft of retail space has been laid out over three floors, and is supported by a huge basement parking area with around 1,000 spaces. The retail offering is supported by a plethora of leisure units including restaurants, bars and cafes, 70 unit shops ranging from 300 to 60,000 sq ft, and 106 apartments. The apartments are airy and spacious, with one-bedroom apartments ranging between 520 and 740 sq ft, two-bedroom apartments sized between 750 and 1000 sq ft, and three-bedroom apartments spanning 1200 sq ft. The residential offering includes a tower building stretching 10 floors, and several of the higher-floor apartments have doubleheight living space with extensive glazing.

Early Works The development replaces the old Victoria Square, a once affluent and bustling quarter which had suffered the ravages of time and become an outdated eyesore. The site’s original buildings were demolished in stages, culminating in the levelling of Churchill House, an unsightly office tower, in November 2004. A short, controlled explosion removed the 19-storey edifice within seconds, enabling contractors to begin work on the new project. The new Square is anchored by its

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21,000 m2 basement, which covers two levels; the initial phase of the construction programme was devoted to the design and construction of this huge subterranean car park, as well as the lower ground floor shopping area. This stage of the project, spanning a total of 210,000 sq ft, is worth around £30 million and presented a major civil engineering project in its own right. Ground conditions were poor and presented a major challenge to the project team, which comprised a joint venture between local contractors Farrans and Gilbert Ash (FGA). A surface layer of made ground overlay soft alluvial sediment known locally as sleech; this in turn overlay water-bearing gravels. Below this lay a level of glacial tills with underlying sandstone bedrock. To overcome this challenge, the project team excavated a total 240,000 cu m of material (approximately 16, 000 lorry loads), working with extreme care to minimise disruption on the tight city centre site. Following this essential enabling work the contractors moved onto the crux of the basement programme; FGA worked closely with their designers to manage and mitigate risk throughout the project. The basement foundation included 665m of permanent sheet piled wall, 185m of temporary sheet piled wall and a combination of rotary bored cast-in-situ piles and continuous flight auger (CFA) piles to support the overall building. The rotary bored cast-in-situ piles were constructed from existing ground level, in the zones where strutting is used, with the CFA piles being constructed from final excavation level. The concrete works involved approximately 40,000m of concrete. The perimeter wall was constructed from high modulus sheet piles, fabricated into a composite section by adding a Universal Beam (UB) to the buried face to reduce ground movements and deflections. A combination of ground anchors and strutting frames supported the perimeter wall during excavation and construction of the permanent works; the perimeter wall acted as a hydraulic cut-off to groundwater in the gravel layer, allowing the gravel layer to be completely dewatered inside the pit. Pumping from deep wells controlled the ground water

pressure in the sandstone.

The main body of the programme Following completion of the basement stage FGA and their sub-contractors began work on the main body of the programme. The main construction phase was dominated by erection of the showpiece glass dome, which is augmented with floating platforms linking all levels of circulation. The 37m diameter dome rises to 45m above lower ground level and comprises 648 triangular panes of glass. Fitted with thousands of LED lights, the dome emits a blue glow at night, invigorating the Belfast skyline. To maximise the development’s sustainable credentials, the dome was fitted with a standard low-emissivity glass with ventilation at the dome’s apex. A fabric ‘solar sail’ was installed on the internal motorised cleaning gantry to reduce direct sunlight. This system saved about 50% of the original cost of fritted glass. J & J Carter was contracted to design and manufacture a series internal tensile fabric sun screens, which were individually connected to the sails booms with a Keder track system, and catenary tensioned vertically. Inside the dome visitors can enjoy a huge central atrium, comprised of four key platforms. Specialist contractor MJM Group supplied bespoke curved and elliptical panels to underpin the platforms, providing a durable and eye-catching feature. To bridge the gap between the lower ground floor and the base of the dome, the contractors used Lochabriggs sandstone supplied by S McConnell and Sons, ensuring a classic finish with a quintessentially Irish feel. Meanwhile S McConnell used 75mm thick Stanton Moor sandstone and Crème Cascais, a high-quality material imported from Portugal, to clad the flagship buildings within the Square. Other buildings were clad using traditional Belfast red brick, in keeping with surrounding building. A hardwearing plinth was installed to anchor the development, and approximately 15,000 square metres of various types of Chinese granite were used to pave the site. The main mall was covered with classic paving, selected and supplied by Medusa Stone Masonry.

The key units within the development were built using the MevaDec formwork system, which allowed large slab areas to be quickly and easily formed around beams and filler areas. A large section of the roofspace has been covered in Sedum, a combination of moss and heather, in a direct attempt to reduce the development’s carbon footprint. This feature has ensured that Victoria Square is now one of the greenest and most captivating sites in Belfast.

Layout Interdisciplinary design practice BDP and Multi Development’s in-house architect T+T Design worked together on the design concept, including the division of Victoria Square into two principal street levels. The lower level targets aspirational fashion brands in standard units, and notable occupants include Coast (part of the Baugur stable of fashion brands), Tommy Hilfiger and Clockwork Orange. Meanwhile the upper level offers larger floorplates providing double-height units for the mainstream high street brands. Alongside the burgeoning Urban Outfitters store, H&M has taken 26,000 sq ft, and River Island has occupied a large store to triple the size of its Belfast representation. The retail element of the scheme is anchored by House of Fraser, which occupies a store of approximately 200,000-sq ft trading over five levels. Above the malls sits the eight-screen Odeon cinema, which has capacity for 1,800 seats. The Square’s catering offering is spread around the Odeon; this includes a ‘pit-stop’ area for fast food at first floor level, and exciting names such as La Tasca and Pizza Express close to the cinema foyer.

Recognition In December Victoria Square claimed the Urban Regeneration Initiative of the Year title at the MAPIC Eg Retail Awards in Cannes, France. This award was based on the development’s integration with the urban environment and its positive impact on the local society. The MAPIC award was presented to Northern Ireland’s Department for Social Development (DSD) in Northern Ireland, which worked in partnership with Multi Development UK on the development. At the awards ceremony Margaret Ritchie, minister for social development, said: “I am delighted that my department and Multi Development UK have won this prestigious award for Northern Ireland. It is a tangible international recognition of the regeneration of Belfast city centre delivered by a strong private and public sector partnership which together has delivered the flagship Victoria Square regeneration scheme.” The scheme also recently won a BCSC Gold Award - recognised as the top awards within the retail property industry. The judges remarked that Victoria Square is “.. an engaging development in an area of Belfast desperate for change [and] the scheme has attracted a formidable retail line-up including top fashion brands housed in well designed units. With its unique central viewing platform linking all levels, the scheme offers accessible and inviting integration.” Meanwhile, in an article which claimed Belfast was “moving fast towards its 19th-century accolade of the Paris of the North,” internationally renowned travel publisher Frommer’s wrote: “Towering above the city, it’s the glass dome of the sophisticated new Victoria Square shopping centre that’s the real emblem of the city’s renaissance.” ROMA PUBLICATIONS

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Embankment project opening up new frontier for Belfast

The next stage in the revival of Belfastâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s waterfront is rapidly taking shape at Annadale Embankment, with contractors making excellent progress on one of the most sustainable developments ever undertaken in Northern Ireland. Known simply as the Embankment, the development will offer a series of ecologically considerate features including passive solar gain, water efficient fixtures and fittings, integrated recycling facilities and wildlifefriendly planting. The Carvill Group, the company behind the project, is funding a Translink Metro bus service and a pedestrian crossing point connecting the Embankment with the River Lagan. The Embankment will ultimately comprise

216 apartments over five main blocks, each spanning five storeys. Fifty properties will be reserved for rent by the housing association, ensuring a balanced community representing all walks of life. Designers from Richards Partington Architects have given the building a unique design to match its pivotal status; each block will include a series of different heights, stepping up from three to five storeys. Each of the five blocks will sit on a podium, directly above a huge basement car park. The elevations, enhanced by coloured render, will be punctuated by a series of steel and glass balconies. The roof will vary between flat and pitched alignment to provide further variety, and will be sheltered by parapets to minimise visual disruption. Each block will include a large atrium space through the main entrance, and a main staircase which will extend to the apex of the building, illuminated by a large lightwell and feature rooflight. The Carvill Group began work on the project last Spring and is progressing through the

Soloist progressing well in Belfast A site in the heart of Belfast which has been hoarded for almost a decade is now being transformed into a stunning office development, and will soon be a centrepiece of the burgeoning commercial quarter at Lanyon Place. The ÂŁ20 million development, known simply as the Soloist, is being funded by developer Ewart Properties and carried out by Patton Group, one of Northern Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most respected contractors. Work began in February 2008 and the contractors are due to complete the main shell and core work in August. The development was the subject of an international design competition, managed by the Royal Society of Ulster Architects; the competition was won by Norwegian architect Niels Torp in 2000. Their design is now being taken forward by Belfast-based architect WDR & RT Taggart. When complete the development will cover two separate buildings, each spanning five floors with a floor area of approximately 2,000 sq m. The scheme could ultimately be split into one tenant per floor or one tenant per building, although the precise details have yet to be finalised. Before being boarded up in 1999 the site served as a car park for the iconic Waterfront Hall. The land was fairly contaminated and required a substantial amount of remedial work before the project could begin in earnest. Other enabling works involved removal of existing bollards and pavia slabs, and several trees

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scheme in stages from one end to the other. Work began with extensive excavation for the basement, creating a huge rectangular area which has been continuously piled on three sides with a cantilever retaining wall on the fourth. The main column bases for the car park have been laid using concrete pads. Work on the car park is now 70% complete and the contractors are now at an advanced stage of work on the superstructure of the first block. The superstructure will be based on load-bearing masonry and a plate floor slab construction, with fair-faced brick facades and high-quality windows supplied by Rationel in aluminium-faced timber. The project is due for overall completion in the final quarter of 2010.

were removed and replanted elsewhere. The development is based on a reinforced concrete piled foundation, and the two constituent buildings are built around a reinforced concrete shell. The offices will be clad in curtain walling supplied by McMullen Architectural Systems, with a feature cladding bullnose made from lucabond material, supplied by Roofscape. The roof will be built using trocal and insulation on plywood and timber joists, which in turn sit on a structural concrete slab. Floors have been poured in concrete, using formwork supplied by Peri. Patton has introduced a series of concrete columns, based on a Plankatube system; these columns give the appearance of marble and are renowned for their stylish appearance. The buildings are linked by staggered bridges, built from structural concrete and finished with glass balustrades, supplied by Fleck Imet. It is proposed that the ground floor of the development will consist of commercial or mixed use, whilst the upper floors will consist of category A commercial office use. A public arcade will slice through the two buildings on a Northeast – Southwest axis and it is envisaged that this exciting space will become the ‘heart’ of the development, accommodating office entrances and lined with cafes, bistros and galleries. The Soloist is the last remaining site to be developed at Lanyon Place, close to the Waterfront Hall, which has become a symbol of Belfast’s stability and ambition, and the stunning Hilton Hotel.

A spokesperson for the project said: “The Soloist is a landmark building in every sense, and it’s really exciting to see it taking shape. “Lanyon Place is now Belfast’s most prestigious business address, and is very much the cornerstone of the city – just round the corner is Waterfront Hall, which has become one of Belfast’s most recognisable landmarks, and we’re delighted to be creating such an evocative building to complete this quarter.”

Building One of the Concourse now complete A team of contractors led by Heron Bros has just reached practical completion on Building One of the Concourse, a £20 million office complex situated at Northern Ireland Science Park (NISP), the commercial cornerstone of Belfast’s Titanic Quarter.

Design has maintained ongoing liaison with prospective tenants to draw up plans for their new office. Standard internal features

Tenants are already moving into Building One, which has been constructed at a cost of around £6 million. Meanwhile work is progressing steadily on the other two buildings, and the project is currently on schedule to reach overall completion in summer 2010. When complete the Concourse will consist of three five-storey buildings linked together by two glazing hinges. The buildings will span a total area of over 70,000 sq ft, with around 10,000 sq ft of lettable space on each floor. Key facilities include on-site catering, conference facilities and car parking facilities. All three buildings are aimed at international and innovation-based businesses, and the Government has supplied funding of £4.2million to help stimulate the local science and research base. Client Northern Ireland Science Park Foundation Ltd received planning permission for a speculative office development in early 2007, and Heron and its sub-contractors began work on the project last Autumn. The site was already park of the science park, and the contractors inherited a flat site which had already received enabling works. All three buildings are based on a piled foundation and a structural steel frame, with insulated composite cladding panels and Shuco curtain walling to both front and rear elevations; Shuco’s sub-contractor Carey Glass has also supplied a highspec glazing system to prevent solar gain. The envelope is completed with a single ply membrane structure, and the internals are predicated on a precast concrete floor slab with blockwork partitions. Each floor rests on a large rectangular floor plate of around 900 sq m; this plate can be subdivided into smaller units if required. It is thought that the contractors have used around 500 tonnes of steel and 900 tonnes of concrete to build the extension. To help secure business for the new building, architect McAdam ROMA PUBLICATIONS

I re l a n d include raised access flooring, energy efficient lighting systems, individual utility metering and mechanical air handling equipment. Each of the three ‘cores’ has its own toilet block, and the internal specification also encompasses ample vertical risers, with provision for rooftop plant accommodation, as well as combined natural and mechanical ventilation and a gas heating/ cooling system. A full suite of technology is provided in each office space, incorporating tier 1 internet and telephone gateways and scalable VOIP Systems. It is thought that such leading-edge equipment, alongside flexible office spaces, will stimulate creativity and innovation within the Concourse. Once the Concourse is complete the NISP will boast more than 400,000 sq ft of office space, following a total investment of £73 million. Northern Ireland Science Park Foundation Limited was established in March 1999 to create a self sustaining, internationally recognised knowledge-based Science Park in Northern Ireland offering a commercial and research driven centre for knowledge-based industries. Although the Foundation is headquartered at the main

Science Park site, it aims to create a network of similar facilities throughout Northern Ireland, with a thriving community of tenant businesses seeking to exploit the university research base with industrial applications. The parks will have a high-quality built environment and infrastructure, supported by high-speed telecoms, enabling tenant companies to focus on knowledgebased entrepreneurialism. The Foundation acts as a parent company for a network of NISP subsidiaries, receiving and administering government financial assistance. Its subsidiaries include NISP (Holdings) Limited, NISP Property Limited and NISP Trading Company Limited. The Science Park is an integral part of Titanic Quarter, a development which takes its name from the tragic ship which was manufactured on the site almost a century ago. Spanning a total of 185 acres, the development aims to rekindle the memories of Titanic’s construction and invoke the spirit of Belfast’s shipbuilding past, alongside a raft of ultra-modern business and retain facilities. The site already includes a mile of water frontage, with more than 7,500 apartments, 900,000 sq. m. of business, education, office and research and development floor space and a cluster of hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars and other leisure uses.

Dove Gardens: flying the flag for a new design approach The Northern Ireland Housing Executive and Ulster’s North & West Housing Association are making history with the £7.5 million redevelopment of Dove Gardens, a 1960s housing estate in the heart of Derry which will soon be replaced by 63 smart and secure terraced properties. The project was designed by the Executive’s in-house architectural team following completion of a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) – a first for any housing scheme in Ireland. The unique pilot project was facilitated by the cross border health body, Co-operation and Working Together (CAWT), in partnership with the Housing Executive, Bogside and Brandywell Initiative & Health Forum and Western Investing for Health. Funding was provided by the European Union, which hopes to introduce HIAs across the continent. With a mission to gauge the impact of the redevelopment scheme on the local population, and salve any potential design problems, the Assessment drew opinion from all corners of the Dove Gardens community. Their recommendations have been incorporated into plans for a stylish terraced quarter, in place of the unsightly old tower blocks which previously characterised the site. Each concern voiced in the HIA has been addressed in the plans. Residents were particularly conscious of the cost of fuel, as many had found it difficult to heat their drafty old flats and maisonettes; with this in mind the new houses have been designed with a 150ml timber frame inner leaf for additional

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thermal performance, as well as solar roof panels which will provide a sustainable, cost-effective source of heating. Residents also voiced their support for a return to a traditional street layout, in place of the old tenement clusters and ‘walkways in the sky.’ The architects have embraced this preference, and the new houses will be built in classic linear rows. Although the vast majority of the 63 houses will span two storeys, six will rise to a third tier, creating focal points for the development at regular

intervals. To assuage residents’ concerns about security, the architects have introduced car parking on streets or in front gardens. The rear gardens will be encased with 1.8m fencing, and the development will be completely free of ginnels and alleyways, ensuring visitors and residents can pass from one end of the development to the other without having to duck through shadowy passages along their way.

Progress to date The demolition of the old four-storey tenements began in 2007, and construction of the new houses began last August under main contractor McGurran. The contractors are currently progressing on time and on budget towards completion in September at an overall build cost of around £5.5 million. The development is based on piled foundations, comprising ground beams and a precast concrete slab; this base was thought to be more suitable for the soft, undulating ground than strip foundations. The site will be accessed via a brand-new road; this was constructed using geogrid textiles and tarmac paving kerbs. The timber frames of the new houses are embellished with brick, block and plaster external treatments, and the roofs are being laid using Redland concrete tiles and timber trusses. The internal layout comprises a concrete ground floor slab, with timber truss floors to higher levels and timber partitions throughout. Following completion of the project the development will be managed by North & West Association, and all properties will be

available for affordable rent. A spokesperson for the project said: “The Dove Gardens project is a pioneer for a new type of design approach, which proactively engages with the end users and designs social harmony and inclusivity into the fabric of the scheme. “It’s a real privilege to be part of such an important project, and we hope the success of this project creates a best-practice example for others to follow.”

St Comgalls project passing halfway stage Versatile contractor DA Wishart is around halfway through a four-month programme to extend the St Comgall’s Parish Centre in Bangor, County Down. The £480,000 project, which began in December, will deliver much-needed community facilities and offer a secure facility for local young people to meet and socialise. The extension, designed by WH Stephens, will create a dynamic two-storey space with a gross floor area of 2,971 sq m. The facility will be dominated by a youth hall and also including meeting rooms, a drama area, computer teaching space and a coffee bar. The two storeys will be linked by a prominent lift, and each internal unit has been designed to provide a relaxing, open setting. Father McCann, of St Comgall’s, said: “Although our existing building is popular among youth groups, it has a lot of other users and youth groups are sometimes unable to use the facilities here because someone else has taken them. The new extension will give youth groups a large, welcoming space which they can enjoy whenever they like. “However this isn’t just about youth groups; we want the whole parish community to enjoy the extension and we feel the new building will provide something for everyone.” The project was conceived in early 2008 by a retiring youth group leader who harboured a burning desire to create a dedicated facility for young people. Funding was provided through a fiscal reserve created by the parish for such projects. WH Stephens has based the design on a steel frame with brickwork, western red cedar cladding and powder coated aluminium glazing, with an exciting colour scheme for the fenestration to match the existing windows. The roof will be fitted using Redland concrete tiles, blending in with the roof of the main Parish Centre building. ROMA PUBLICATIONS

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I re l a n d Centre to remain open while the extension takes shape. The programme is due for overall completion in April. Completion of the programme will mark another milestone in the evolution of St Comgall’s Parish Centre. In 2007 the building was subject to an intensive refurbishment programme, which involved removal of the existing entrance porch, demoilition of several internal walls and introduction of several doors, frames and screens.

About WH Stephens

The interiors will be based on a combination of blockwork and metal stud partitions, and will include long sections of slide panels, enabling the end users to convert compact meeting rooms into expansive drama space. The main entrance will be dominated by a striking canopy. Father McCann continued: “The main Parish Centre is brickbuilt with a slate roof, so the new extension will blend seamlessly into its surroundings. Yet the building will also offer something new and exciting, as expressed in the aluminium glazing and slide panels. It’s the ideal blend of old and new.” The project is being completed in stages to enable the Parish

Established in 1865, WH Stephens is older than the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, and reflects the innovative spirit which its founders demonstrated during the late nineteenth century. • The company provides the following key services: • Quantity Surveying Services • Building Surveying Services • Project Management Services • Employers Agents • Contract Administrators & Cost Managers • Planning Supervisor Services • Property appraisals and investment advice • Insurance valuations, assessments and claims Each service is delivered with a proactive attitude and strong commitment to partnership and two-way communication.

Project satisfies food firm’s hunger for expansion Contractors are entering the final stages of work on the €180 million new Centre of Excellence for Cuisine De France, the speciality food business of IAWS Group plc, in Grange Castle Business Park, Clondalkin. A team of contractors led by Bennett Construction are carrying out final snagging on the 30-acre development, and will soon bring to a close one of the largest projects ever undertaken in the Irish food processing sector. Designed to fuel the continued growth of IAWS Group’s Irish and international food business, the Centre of Excellence incorporates a research and development centre for concept and product development, a customer visitor centre to showcase concept and product offerings, a training academy, a state of the art food manufacturing facility and various distribution and central management functions. The development comprises buildings totalling 42,600 sq m and will create a further 124 new manufacturing jobs and 10 new R&D jobs at the Grange Castle site Cuisine de France expects to achieve €35million in exports by 2011 thanks to the world class, innovative production of high quality bakery products. It is thought that around 100 additional jobs were created in the area during the construction programme. Commenting on the project, Hugo Kane, head of the IAWS Food Group said: “This investment signals IAWS Group’s intention to stay at the forefront of the food industry. We will continue to innovate in the fast moving international ‘Food to Go’ sector providing new solutions of value to customers in the retail and food service sectors. We invest substantial sums on an ongoing basis in developing our products, facilities and food concepts. This new Centre of Excellence is a key part of this programme.” IAWS chose to move to Clonalkin because of the easy access it provides to markets, and the availability of a well-trained local workforce. The business park is home to the world’s largest biopharmaceutical plant Wyeth and the high tech Takeda Pharma plant, and IAWS was keen to tap into such an ambitious and progressive environment. The Fianna Fail TD for Dublin mid-west commented: “The

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fact that Clondalkin can attract these plants, which require a specialised workforce, shows that the area can compete with anywhere when it comes to attracting companies which provide quality jobs.” “Enterprise Ireland has been actively involved in attracting big business to Grange Castle with the provision of infrastructure to facilitate business development and employment. The agency has also supported the development of Community Enterprise Centres in Bawnogue and Neilstown, which are contributing to job creation in these areas.” “Following the opening of the world’s largest biopharmaceutical plant at Grange Castle Business Park by Wyeth, I met with my

colleague the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheál Martin, to discuss the future development of the business park, which has been promoted jointly by South Dublin County Council and the Government.” The new Cuisine de France facility is based on a steel frame with a sarnafill membrane roof supplied by ACB roofing. Prestressed wideslab floors and stairs have been supplied by Flood Flooring and AMi Designs has installed a state-of-the-art GRP tank cover. The development is underpinned by support of €4.85 million by Enterprise Ireland, coupled with investment of around €20 million from Cuisine de France in R&D and strategic development.

Celtic Park

refurbishment set to be complete by end of May

A team of contractors led by PRH Construction is racing the clock to complete the refurbishment of Derry’s Celtic Park in time for the opening game in the Gaelic Football championship on May 24th. The project team is making excellent progress on the £1.7 million refurbishment programme, and is confident the stadium will be ready to host Derry’s match with Monaghan in the first

round of matches in this year’s Ulster SFC tournament. The programme of improvements will add a roof and plastic seating to Celtic Park’s main stand, which was previously exposed to the elements and offered only concrete bleachers for the spectators. The revamped Lone Moor Road stand will also include extra exit gates and improved toilet facilities. With a capacity of approximately 3,600, the stand will include

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provision of 40 purpose designed places for disabled spectators. Meanwhile, on the other side of the ground the contractors are building a state-of-the-art press box/crowd control building. Located on the site of the old press box, this facility will incorporate a TV gantry, a first aid room and space for the

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briefing of safety stewards. The building will be the key communications centre for the Park and will be the base for the provision of a new male/female toilet block, including facilities for disabled persons. In addition to the new WC block, all existing toilet facilities will be upgraded with further provision for disabled spectators. Other improvements include the creation of three new exit gates along the Lone Moor Road side of the park; two new entrance gates, facilitating wheelchair access; a new dedicated access gate for use by the Emergency Services, and replacement of the existing dug-outs to meet the current requirements for player/ official numbers and their safety needs. Finally the Brandywell Terrace is being brought up to Gaelic Athletic Association standards; the bottom 12 rows of steps on the Terrace will be replaced, together with safer spectator exit arrangements at either corner. These improvements will enhance the matchday experience for partisan supporters who wish to stand in comfort. It is believed that the overall upgrade programme will make the stadium â&#x20AC;&#x153;among the best in Ulster.â&#x20AC;? The new roof is a cantilevered structure featuring steel supplied by Michael Hasson and Sons, embellished with Steadman metal

profile seating supplied by Docherty Roofing. The roof will be supported by concrete bases in the core of the stand; PRH Construction has had to break out parts of the existing slab to make room for the new pillars. The seats have been prefabricated by Metalliform and have been transported to the site in groups of three, before being bolted onto the existing concrete terracing. The new Control Room and press facility is being built using blockwork partitions, rendered walls, timber doors and double-glazed windows in uPVC frames. The project design team, headed by Gregory Architects and including Doran Consulting (Structural Engineers), Bennett Robertson (M&E Engineers) and Naylor & Devlin (Quantity Surveyors) work closely with PRH on project implementation. Celtic Park is already one of the busiest stadiums in Ireland. With a capacity of over 18,000,the ground is home to Derry’s hurling team as well as its Gaelic football side, and regularly hosts the Derry Football Championship at junior, senior and

Construction News

intermediate level. The stadium has been subject to regular improvements over recent years. The most recent upgrade yielded a brand-new set of floodlights, which were erected at the start of last year and were first used for a National League game in February.

About the project team PRH Construction (NI) Limited was established in 1982. Since its inception the company has achieved remarkable growth in the Residential, Industrial and Educational sectors of the building industry. PRH has proven itself able to handle a diverse range of requirements, from a custom designed home to large scale housing developments, from multistory apartments to office block projects. The company is renowned for its expertise and its ability to meet agreed completion dates.

Call our news team on 01706 719972

Ulster Museum rejuvenation nearing completion

The Ulster Museum, a building as beautiful and historically significant as the artefacts it displays, is currently undergoing a multimillion pound refurbishment to provide an even better experience for its thousands of visitors. Main contractor Patton Group is renovating the entire building to improve accessibility and maximise available space. The new, improved museum will be distinguished by high ceilings, interactive facilities and a prominent central core displaying the most iconic exhibits. The ground floor is being reorganised to provide a new orientation space at the heart of the museum. Visitors will enter the building through a brand-new entrance area before entering the orientation area, where they will learn about the museum and its exhibits much improved visitor information facilities. The old roof has been removed to make room for a higher ceiling, designed to engender an open, welcoming atmosphere and help new visitors acclimatise. If the orientation space is the most vital aspect of the refurbishment, the new ‘Window on the World’ gallery is surely the most innovative; this unique feature will showcase the very best displays the museum has to offer within a large tower, which will run through the entire building from ground to top floor with glazed panelling on all sides. A series of suspended steel walkways will criss-cross the structure at higher levels, and

visitors will be able to stand and admire the exhibits at leisure on a series of protruding balconies. On the upper floors, the history and science galleries are being remodelled and fitted with new display casing, information panels and interactive technologies. The art galleries are being redecorated and a new discovery zone is being introduced adjacent to the history space, featuring a wealth of hands-on exhibits such as original objects, photos and archive materials. In addition to these primary works, Patton and its sub-contractors are installing two new lifts, cast in reinforced concrete, which will take visitors directly from the orientation area to the galleries and overhead walkways. The museum will also receive a new glass fronted restaurant overlooking the Botanic Gardens, a gift shop and a refurbished lecture theatre. The museum was built in the 1920s and its design evokes both neo-classical elegance and brutalist exposure. This unusual architectural history has earned the building listed status, which has placed particular constraints on the design team. Without the scope to make major changes to the museum’s structure, the designers, led by Belfast-based Hamilton Architects, have sought to make alterations to the internal fabric to provide large, clear communal spaces and a simple, logical layout. A new clerestory roof will allow light into all corners of the building and internal space will be reorganised; a mezzanine floor of staff offices in the former design department will be removed to make room for a bigger gallery area, and the old joiner’s workshops will be converted into an expansive ‘Learning Zone’ for schools and other groups. The old link corridor has already been stripped out to allow direct access from the courtyard to the art galleries, and walls have been demolished in several areas to provide larger viewing spaces and brand-new links between different

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enclosures. The courtyard roof has been removed to facilitate the installation of a new, allencompassing roof. A series of steel ‘legs’ rooted in the orientation gallery will support an eye-catching display tower, which is being constructed entirely from glass, will provide a signature for the new museum. As well as making the internal spaces bigger and more rational, the designers have sought to make the building and its surroundings more welcoming and accessible. The floor of the courtyard/reception area is being removed to provide level access from the new main entrance, and the external grounds are also being levelled. Ramps will be introduced throughout the building, alongside the new lift shafts, greatly improving accessibility. Museum staff believe these improvements will provide a level of disability access in excess of 97%. The museum has been closed since October 2006, with staff undertaking an extensive outreach programme throughout Northern Ireland and beyond, continuing to care for collections and some staff being redeployed across the National Museums Northern Ireland organisation. The project is due for completion later this year, at a total cost of £15million. This cost is being funded by a £9.2 million grant from the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure and a £4.5 million contribution from the Heritage Lottery Fund, with the museum’s own fundraising efforts providing the remainder of the cost.

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Lagan delivering new wastewater treatment centre in Enniskillen Civil contractor Lagan Construction is working with NI Water to deliver a new wastewater treatment works at Enniskillen, providing sludge treatment facilities for a total population equivalent of 35,830. The new works, which are set to open in May, will also provide Total Nitrate removal and will act as a regional sludge centre. The facility is being built on the same site as its predecessor, which was constructed in the 1960s and provided preliminary, primary and secondary treatment for a population equivalent of 24,000. These services will now be provided within a purposebuilt hub embracing a full range of specialist components. The site will be served by a dedicated access road, enabling staff to reach their place of work quickly and conveniently. Key constituents of the works include an inlet screw pump station, preliminary treatment (screening grit and grease removal), storm overflow and holding tanks, primary treatment, secondary treatment (activated sludge plant), final settlement, and a long outfall to Lower Lough Erne. The plant also includes sludge reception (import screens), holding tanks, thickening and dewatering plant producing a sludge cake for road transport to the NI Water incinerator in Belfast at Duncrue. The main drivers for the scheme, which forms part of DRD Water Service’s capital investment programme, are legislative requirements, increased discharge standards and future flows. The project is intended to deliver significant benefits for the local population, its economy and the environment whilst meeting the needs of the growing local population. The new works will meet the latest Environment and Heritage Service discharge consent standards and the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive. The Ravenscraig Masterplan details how this major regeneration project will build a modern environment with a distinct identity and real sense of place and community where people will want to live and work. This will be based on a sustainable urban community complete with jobs, homes, schools, shopping, leisure and community facilities, parks and wildlife areas - all linked by an advanced public transport system. Sustainability will be the key to ensuring a better life for everyone at Ravenscraig, now and for future generations. Achieving this involves a commitment from Ravenscraig Ltd to recognise the needs of everyone, protect the environment, use natural resources responsibly and maintain economic growth and employment. We will set the highest standard in urban design and architecture, ensuring an integrated, consistent approach to developing the environment. This will be achieved through detailed area planning briefs and design code guidelines which establish high-quality design principles that all developers must adhere to. As a result, Ravenscraig will be characterised as a welcoming, attractive, safe, accessible and pedestrian-friendly place.

Project history Work on the Enniskillen scheme began in October 2007 and it is thought the project is worth around £13.5 million. The site previously comprised an existing hardstanding concrete yard, originally designed for sludge storage but latterly used as a temporary storage area for plant and equipment by NI Water. Elements of the site included existing disused buildings and structures and existing in service sludge tanks which were decommissioned as part of the temporary works. Lagan began the project with an extensive enabling project, including full site clearance and the installation of temporary works for sludge processing. These works were installed to ensure the

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plant could remain fully operational throughout the works, without any deterioration from their existing standard of performance. In addition to the challenge of maintaining full operation during the construction process, the contractors have also been forced to address a number of difficulties concerning the site, including planning constraints, poor ground and a high water table. However the experienced team, led by Lagan with support from specialists such as WDR and RT Taggart, has found answers for each problem and the project has remained on schedule with few delays. The tanks are being built in both reinforced concrete and glasslined steel, and the project also incorporates extensive use of off-site construction methods, including precast concrete rings. Two of the key buildings are being built around steel frames, with one cast in blockwork. The design incorporates a full range of sustainable features, including raintwater harvesting systems and equipment to facilitate the re-use of final treatment effluent. Existing FSTs are being used as storm tanks, and large chunks of the existing concrete slab are being salvaged and utilised to reduce the cost of laying the new access road around the plant. Demolished concrete is being crushed onsite, steel from the existing plant is removed and recycled and the concrete rubble is being used as hardcore to underpin the new works. The new wastewater treatment works has been designed using the most up-to-date technology, and draws on the best available technologies to comply with legislative requirements, including the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, PPC Regulations, and environmental requirements. The plant has been designed in accordance with planning requirements and the design has been specifically tailored to minimise and mitigate the impact of the plant on its surrounding environment.

The future On completion of the new wastewater treatment works the existing site will be decommissioned. The old facility will then be demolished by Lagan Construction in association with Castle Contracts, and the redundant structures and plant will be disposed of. The work in Enniskillen is one of many projects being undertaken by NIW to deliver a 21st century infrastructure to Northern Ireland. NIW is investing £1 million per day on water and wastewater services between 2007 and 2010 to bring Ulster’s sewerage and water treatment systems up to the latest standards and comply with the most stringent environmental regulations.

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Tyrone wind farm set fair for March completion Leading renewable energy developer RES is currently finalising the first phase of a major wind farm complex at Slieve Divena, near Sixmilecross Co Tyrone, which could eventually offer total capacity for over 27,000 homes. Phase one of the project, due for completion next month, consists of 12 turbines and will generate electricity equivalent to the needs of around 16,000 homes every year. The development also comprises access tracks, a meteorological mast, a control room and a large sub-station. Work on the current phase of the project began in March 2007 and is set to reach completion on schedule. Day-to-day civil works have been undertaken by WH Alexander Construction Ltd of Omagh since the project began. Enabling works involved excavation of a large amount of material to facilitate installation of the turbines, and subsequent reintroduction of these materials in a sensitive landscaping programme. In addition a Sustainable Urban Drainage scheme was set up to preserve the existing hydrology system, and a new access road was created off the busy A5 using tarmac and sub-base. The sub-station was built using traditional masonry in keeping with the local environment. Foundations for each of the 12 turbines were constructed using gravity-based foundations, with gravel and weathered rock providing a fairly natural formation. Wind turbine manufacturer Nordex supplied the turbines in individual sections; the towers were delivered in three parts and the blades, nacelles (the boxes on top of turbine towers), drive trains and hubs were conveyed separately. Each component was deposited within metres of the turbine foundations to ensure ease of transit and a quick, efficient and safe installation process. Upon completion of phase one the site will be handed over to Airtricity, one of the world’s biggest wind farm operators, and electricity produced at the farm will go straight into the NIE local grid. Planning permission for phase two was granted last October, facilitating the creation of a further eight turbines which will generate renewable electricity equivalent to the needs of an estimated 11,000 homes per annum. However construction of this phase is not expected to begin until next year.

About RES RES is one of the world’s leading renewable energy developers

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working across the globe to develop, construct and operate projects that contribute to the goal of a sustainable future. In the quarter of a century since RES was formed, the organisation has played a central role in the development of the global renewable energy market and has helped to move the sustainable energy debate from the margin to the mainstream. RES has a portfolio of low-carbon energy technologies and a range of services which together can meet demand from the industrial, public and commercial sectors. RES is part of the Sir Robert McAlpine group, a British familyowned firm with over 100 years’ experience in construction and engineering. Renewable Energy Systems Holdings Limited is a subsidiary of Sir Robert McAlpine Enterprises Limited, and has three primary direct subsidiaries: Renewable Energy Systems Limited (the main operating company in relation to wind assets); RES Enterprises Limited (a relatively new division which is committed to building integrated renewable energy technologies for the industrial, public and commercial sectors); and Inbuilt Limited (a relatively new division which is committed to providing technical and consulting excellence in sustainable built environments).

Courthouse redevelopment on course for early finish Originally scheduled to take 12 months, the redevelopment of Kilmallock courthouse in County Limerick is set for completion eight weeks early, according to main contractor Brian McCarthy Building and Civil Engineering.

very happy to have worked for Brian McCarthy Contractors and a small number of other quality driven, professionally run ﬁrms, who honour & value their subcontractor relationships & agreements.

McCarthy and its sub-contractors are over halfway through the €4.8 million redevelopment project, having begun in August last year. The team currently on course to complete the building programme on 17th June, providing additional space and the most advanced facilities on one of Ireland’s oldest and busiest judicial sites. The existing courthouse opened in 1841 and was originally used as a workhouse before being converted into a legal hub. The courts previously met upstairs in confined surroundings which lacked the latest technology and became stretched as the volume of cases handled by the courthouse increased. The contractors are currently refurbishing the old stone courthouse, having demolished its more modern and less attractive extensions. The old courts will be taken out of use, and the building will become the reception and entrance foyer for a new, larger courthouse site. Legal proceedings will take place in a new single-storey building adjoining the original courthouse; another brand-new development will house a library, area office and energy centre (plant room). The three buildings will span a total area of 1,640 sq m, and will be served by a large car park. Project client Limerick County Council, which owns the courthouse site, will moveinto the premises upon completion of the redevelopment project.

In 1978 Garry Gleeson began to research damp & rot defects in buildings, by building a library of every relevant Building Research Digest & Defect Action Sheet. At the same time specialist books by the PSA (Property Services Agency) e.g. Common Defects in Buildings & the ultimate building defect bible, The Repair & Maintenance of Buildings provided the spring board for a 30 year passion for the understanding & conservation of buildings. However knowing what needed doing, and ﬁnding a shortage of the relevant craft skills around the country led to a frustration with just providing reports that could not be properly implemented. Thus was born the idea for Constructive Solutions, a core team of craft-people that he could directly inﬂuence towards implementing “Best Fit” conservation techniques & solutions.

Constructive Solutions Ltd - Background

Constructive Solutions Ltd - Teamwork Mission “Passion for Our Work & Enduring quality in All We Deliver.” This is the team mantra & it received a ringing endorsement in the following unsolicited client testimonial:“I could tell from the very ﬁrst day that I was dealing with people who loved what they were about.....Speaking as a musician, I could not but equate the whole thing to a great band - and to a great piece of music as the ﬁnished product.”

Progress thus far Initial enabling works on the project involved the removal of contaminated soil, the introduction of hard and soft landscaping, and the construction of foul and surface water drainage and a large attenuation tank. During the refurbishment works the contractors have stripped back much of the existing courthouse roof, and are replacing the stripped materials with original slate. The original windows have been taken away and treated, and the stonework is being repointed. Inside the building the contractors have gutted the existing partitions and reconfigured the building with dry-lined walls. The new courthouse building has been constructed upon a steel and concrete frame, with external treatments including curtain walling and coloured render. The windows are being framed in aluminium and the roof will comprise asphalt and a single ply membrane. The main library and office area has also been built using a combination of steel and concrete framework; the elevations with be dominated by stone and curtain walling, and the envelope will be completed by a raised seam Europrofile roof. The internal layout will be divided using metal stud partitions. Main library and area offices will have a raised seam Europrofile roof, clad in stone and curtain walling and coloured render, metal stud partitions inside, concrete frame to first floor with steel above.

Constructive Solutions Ltd - Project Inputs Constructive Solutions initially provided a detailed report to Limerick County Council on the roof weathering defects & identiﬁed remediation works required. Later, on behalf of Brian McCarthy Contractors, they carried out random slate repairs, leadwork renewals & insitu conservation of barge board detailing. In the latter 2 years of the boom, they had taken a decision to opt out of specialist sub-contracting generally, however, they are ROMA PUBLICATIONS

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AMEC and ALSTOM closing in on Kilroot completion Joint venture partners AMEC and ALSTOM are entering the closing stages of work on a new flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) plant at AES Kilroot power station, which provides one-third of Northern Ireland’s electricity requirements. The FGD facility is designed to reduce the output of gases responsible for acid rain, and help Kilroot meet its emissions obligations under the EU Large Combustion Plant Directive.

works in diverse and often challenging environments, from subzero temperatures in the north of Canada to the sweltering heat of the Persian Gulf. AMEC’s Operational Excellence programme is helping the firm to create a successful, sustainable company for the long term and will be a major contributor to AMEC delivering its margin target of 8.5 per cent in 2010.

The new three-acre hub will use the natural alkalinity of seawater to remove sulphur dioxide from the gases produced at Kilroot, which uses coal and oil to generate electricity. Sulphur dioxide released into the atmosphere is a key contributor to acid rain; once this harmful chemical is removed, Kilroot can safely release the gases back into the atmosphere. Built on a previously vacant site within the existing Kilroot premises, the plant is based on a series of highly specialised constituent parts, including seawater pumps and valves, which will convey the seawater already used to cool the plant’s main turbines; large towers with convoluted packing in the upper section, which will bring the seawater into full contact with the gases and then release the gases once they have been cleaned; and an activated carbon injection (ACI) system coupled with a set of bag filters, which will ensure no release of mercury and heavy metals from the cleaning process to the seawater, while reducing overall emissions significantly. The ACI system is a first for any power plant in the UK. It is thought that the project has created around 200 jobs during the construction process, and added eight permanent position at the plant, which previously employed 120 people. It is thought the project is worth around £17 million to the local economy. Furthermore, Kilroot hopes theFGD facility will reduce SO2 emissions by 75% and allow Kilroot to continue serving NI until 2024 under its contracts with NIE. Completion of the FGD project will mark a key milestone in an ongoing programme of works at Kilroot, enabling the station to make a significant contribution to the cleaning of Northern Ireland’s air while continuing to provide the province with low cost and reliable electricity. A spokesperson for Kilroot said: “The FGD facility will provide invaluable diversity at a time when Northern Ireland has become more dependent on imports of very expensive gas for power generation. It also allows Kilroot to continue to burn biomass, retaining its position as Northern Ireland’s largest renewable energy producer.”

About Alstom

About Kilroot Power Station Situated outside Carrickfergus to the North of Belfast, AES Kilroot is one of the main Northern Ireland electricity generators, producing one third of the province’s consumption. The company is also one of the Top 100 companies in Northern Ireland. Total plant capacity currently stands at 520MW, and average capacity is 97%. The plant burns 130 tonnes of coal and 90 tonnes of oil every hour, and the main chimney stands 200 metres high. As a coal fuelled power station, AES Kilroot is conscious of its impact on the environment, and the FGD plant is one of a raft of measures designed to reduce emissions at the plant. Other projects include a unique testing programme to burn various biomass products with coal, the plant’s current main fuel.

About AMEC With annual revenues of over £2.3 billion, AMEC maintains major operations in the UK and Americas and work internationally for customers from the Arctic to Australia, employing over 23,000 people in more than 30 countries worldwide. The company

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Alstom is a recognised world leader in integrated power plant, in power production services and air quality control systems. Alstom works with all energy forms (coal, gas, nuclear, fuel-oil, hydropower, wind) and is a leader in environmental protection (reduction of CO2 emissions, reduction of nitrogen oxide emissions..). Alstom will provide the conventional island for the future EPR nuclear power plant in France. The Group is also developing CO2 capture processes that could lead to commercial scale in the medium term. In financial year 2007/08, Alstom’s Power Systems Sector booked: • a record 38 gas turbines, including 18 GT26. • a major contract for steam turbines and generators in a coal power plant in South Africa. • an order for four conventional islands in Chinese nuclear power plants. • several hydro projects in Brazil, China, Vietnam and Uganda.

Students enjoying their surroundings at the new Holy Family School Students are already enjoying the state-of-the-art facilities on offer at the new Holy Family Special School in Charleville, Co. Cork, which was completed in September at a cost of E5.5 million. The build programme was completed within the original 14-month timeframe by John Ronan and Co Ltd, working to designs supplied by project architect Kelly Barry O’Brien Whelan in tandem with the St Joseph’s Foundation, the project client. The new school is situated just metres from the old Holy Family School, which has now been vacated and is currently being refurbished for use as an adult special needs learning centre. The site of the new school was previously greenfield land and required little enabling work apart from a reduced level dig, varying in depth between 225mm and 1.5m. A total of 11 classrooms have been created within the new school, as well as medical and managerial facilities. Key constituents of the building include a general purpose hall, a kitchen a dining room, therapy rooms, offices and ancillary accommodation. The building adopts an eye-catching triangular shape, with the three sides divided up into junior school, senior school and administrative zones. These distinct areas are linked by a main corridor running round the periphery of the building, with smaller corridors spanning the school’s inner core. The development is based on strip foundations, structural blockwork and a concrete floor slab, with elevations embellished with paint and render. The majority of the roof is a Kingzip solution supplied by SIAC Construction, although small sections of the building have been given a flat roof using precast concrete slabs with a two-coat asphalt finish. Internal units have been divided using blockwork partitions with a scud scratch and skim finish, and the walls have been given a painted finish. A number of sustainable features have been woven into the design; the hot water is driven by solar rooftop panels, and the elevations are enhanced by generous amounts of teak cladding.

Project Omega enters commissioning stage Project Omega, one of the largest Public Private Partnership (PPP) schemes ever undertaken in the UK, has entered the commissioning stage and is nearing completion, following a build programme lasting more than two years. A team of contractors have made excellent progress on the construction phase of the project – which involved the

creation of a new, state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant at Donaghadee, the erection of a second sludge incinerator in Belfast and upgrades to six existing wastewater plants across Ulster. When work is complete the scheme will provide a fifth of Northern Ireland’s wastewater treatment capacity. The improvements are intended to form a sustainable wastewater strategy to meet the ROMA PUBLICATIONS

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Progress thus far The project reached an early milestone in late 2007 with completion of the new facility at Donaghadee, one of the UK’s most advanced WWTWs and a rival to the best in Europe. The development consists of three buildings, two housing all the process units, one of which will be partially buried and landscaped, and the third smaller building housing the reception area, administration, welfare facilities and control centre. This building will also be buried and landscaped, reflecting the design of the treatment building. Preliminary treatment will consist of 6mm bidirectional screens, screening conditioning and grit removal - housed inside the inlet and sludge treatment building. The screened sewage will then be pumped to the main treatment building. This will contain a crude sewage sequential batch reactor (SBR) plant, treated effluent balancing tank and effluent pumping station. The main treatment building also will house tertiary treatment units and uv disinfection to meet the microbiological standard for effluent during the bathing season. All treated effluent will then be pumped to a long sea outfall in the Irish Sea. The new treatment centre integrates sophisticated odour control technology and has been designed with the surrounding landscape in mind; indeed all rock excavated during construction has recycled into fill material to help blend the facility into the countryside and reduce its visual impact. Meanwhile the second Belfast incinerator boasts an annual rated capacity of 24,000t of sludge dry solids and has already significantly improved the existing incineration facility in Belfast, while doubling Northern Ireland’s total sludge processing capacity. Sludge is treated in a purposebuilt fluidised bed incinerator, operating at a temperature of between 850 – 950°C and working at between 70 – 100% of its effective rated capacity. The state-of the art flue gas cleaning system complies safely with all applicable emission limits for releases to air. The two incinerators enjoy a symbiotic relationship, the electric power

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output of the new incinerator being influenced by the volume of steam produced by the existing facility. The new incinerator is designed to produce the maximum amount of power through its associated new turbine – the 45 bar / 420°C superheated steam produced by the forced circulation boiler being used to generate electricity. In essence, the more steam the current incinerator is able to send to the new one, the greater the power production. The close relationship of the two incinerators is also conveyed by the consistent design and appearance of the new and existing buildings. Ballynacor Waste Water Treatment Works, which serves the catchment areas of Portadown, Lurgan and Craigavon, is being upgraded to become the main sewage treatment centre for existing flows and for flows from Bullay’s Hill and Seagoe Wastewater Treatment Works. This work will ensure that all discharges from the works into Lough Neagh meet the consent requirements of the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive. Included in the works are new storm tanks, new aeration tanks, new final settlement tanks, a new inter-stage pumping station and a new Return Activated Sludge (RAS)/Surplus Activated Sludge (SAS) Pumping station. Construction work at the Ballynacor WWTW and Dewatering Plant is expected to be complete within a matter of weeks. Other key works include the upgrade of Bullay’s Hill Wastewater Treatment Works to provide preliminary treatment, storm tanks and screened flows. Odour control has been installed and the existing Pumping Station has been modified to accept screened sewage. The existing storm tanks will be fitted with a cleaning system. Work is scheduled for completion by April 2009. Meanwhile the existing preliminary treatment, storm tanks and screened flows at Seagoe Wastewater Treatment Works have been upgraded, and the existing pumping station will be modified to accept screened sewage. A new storm tank cleaning system wil be installed along with a standby generator. The project has also delivered new pumping stations at Millisle and Briggs Rock, and pipelines have also been laid between many of the key structures.

The project team The project sponsor is the Water Service Northern Ireland (NI Water), with Glen Water – a Veolia /Laing O’Rourke JVC – as main contractor. The Glen Water consortium partners are Glen Water, BSG Civil Engineering, Dawson WAM, Williams Industrial Services and Hyder Consulting. McGrigors provided contract advice to Glen Water with Mott MacDonald as technical adviser to NI Water. The engineering design has been supplied by Hyder Consulting and Grontmij is the independent project certifier. The incinerator technology has been supplied by Bamag GmbH.

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SeaGen project nears completion in Strangford Lough The end is in sight for a huge construction project in Strangford Lough, which will provide a vision of the future for renewal energy in the UK. British tidal energy specialist Marine Current Turbines (MCT) has now completed the installation and commissioning of the SeaGen tidal energy convertor, which has a generating capacity of 1.2MW and will supply energy to the Northern Ireland grid. Designed and developed by MCT, SeaGen will harness the energy from free stream tide using two giant turbines, each offering 600kW capacity. The technology works much like a submerged windmill, but is driven by flowing water rather than air. The SeaGen concept is designed for off-shore sites in areas with high tidal current velocities, or in places with fast enough continuous ocean currents, to take out copious quantities of energy from these huge volumes of flowing water. Each of the turbines measures 16m in diameter, and together they drive tidal power through a gearbox, with an invertor connected to the grid. The turbines include a patented feature whereby the rotor blades can be pitched through 180 degrees to facilitate operation in bi-direction flows â&#x20AC;&#x201C; that is on both the

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I re l a n d ebb and the flood tides. The twin power units of each system are mounted on wing-like extensions either side of a tubular steel support structure; the complete wing with its power units can be raised above sealevel to permit safe and reliable maintenance. The twin rotors will operate for up to 18-20 hours per day to produce clean, green electricity, equivalent to that used by a 1000 homes. Plans for the project were first drawn up in November 2003. Strangford Lough was chosen as the site for the development because has a very fast tidal current, and at the same time is fairly sheltered from bad weather which could hinder the installation procedure. It is also a convenient place for an independent team of scientists to monitor the interaction of the system with the environment. The SeaGen technology was developed on the basis of results obtained from SeaFlow, the world’s first full-size tidal turbine installed by Marine Current Turbines off Lynmouth Devon in 2003. Over the next four years Marine Current Turbines to designed and built SeaGen, before securing the necessary environmental and planning consents for this groundbreaking technology. To ensure the project did not damage any plants and wildlife, MCT has developed a comprehensive £2 million environmental monitoring programme, in conjunction with the Department of the Environmental and Heritage Service, scientists and conservationists, to ensure that any potential significant impacts on the integrity of the internationally designated site were identified early. A SeaGen Science Group was also established to regulate the project, and ensure the environmental monitoring was carried out to the highest of standards. Construction began in late 2006 on a site 400m off shore. To ensure the turbines remain in place once SeaGen is operational, the development has been built on a hybrid gravity pin pile foundation, otherwise known as a quadrapod. This structure comprises steel and concrete ballast, and is anchored to the seabed by pins in each corner. The quadrapod structure was pre-fabricated near Edinburgh

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before being transported to the Harland and Wolff site in Belfast and then ferried to Strangford Lough. Before this huge unit could be installed, specialist contractor Longbore TG created a 450m long Horizontal Directional Drilled bore hole, measuring 300mm in diameter. An 11kV cable was then pulled through the duct to create a power source for the site; this cable feeds directly into an on-shore substation, built by Protean. Initial work on the main installation project focused on the installation of a mooring system, followed by the deployment of the SeaGen turbine by the crane barge Rambiz, operated by the Belgium Company Scaldis. Once the installation was complete, a team of experts began a meticulous testing programme validated by the international marine classification society Det Norsk Veritas (DNV). The SeaGen components were manufactured in various locations in UK and Europe. The significant subsystems were tested at locations close to the Marine Current Turbines office in Bristol, prior to being delivered to Harland and Wolff for final system assembly and preparation for installation. In December SeaGen reached its maximum capacity of 1.2MW for the first time; in doing so it generated the highest power so far produced by a tidal stream system anywhere in the world, exceeding the previous highest output of 300kW produced in 2004 by Marine Current Turbines’ earlier SeaFlow system, off the north Devon coast.

The future MCT is already working on a 10.5MW project involving seven SeaGen turbines to be installed off Anglesey in 2010-11, in partnership with RWE npower renewables. The company is hopeful that the SeaGen technology will make a major impact on the UK’s future energy strategy. A spokesperson for the Strangford Lough project said: “SeaGen offers a carbon-neutral alternative to traditional power systems which harnesses our natural resources and helps the UK meet the targets enshrined in the Kyoto Protocol. We’re confident the

gains made in Strangford Lough will open people’s eyes to the benefits and potential of tidal energy.” Martin Wright, Managing Director of Marine Current Turbines, said: “SeaGen is a hugely exciting project, as well as an historic achievement for both Marine Current Turbines and for renewables in the UK and Ireland. No other system can harness the power of the tidal currents in the way this one can. Tidal energy has the great advantage of being predictable. “We take great pride and see enormous potential in the technology and hope it will eventually make a significant contribution to the future energy needs of the British Isles, Ireland and beyond.” Commenting on the future prospects for tidal current energy, Martin Wright added: “We will build on the success of SeaGen to develop a commercial tidal farm, of up to 10MW in UK waters, within the next three years. With the right funding and regulatory framework, we believe we can realistically achieve up to 500MW

Construction News

of tidal capacity by 2015 based on this new SeaGen technology.” The SeaGen experimental tidal stream turbine is supported by the Northern Ireland Government and the Department of Trade of Industry (DTI). Malcolm Wicks, the UK Energy Minister, said in December 2005: “The Strangford location will afford a unique opportunity to further our understanding of the true environmental impact as well as the generation potential of these new technologies. It is a real feather in the cap for Northern Ireland to be at the forefront of developing the technology to commercial scale”. Last year, secretary of state for energy John Hutton said: “It is great news that Marine Current Turbines and British innovation are leading the world in the development of marine energy technologies. It’s this sort of project which will help the UK meet our ambitious targets to significantly increase the amount of energy from renewable sources.”

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Turley reaches completion on Falls Road apartment scheme

Contractor John Turley & Co Ltd has completed a purpose-built block of 18 apartments on Falls Road, Belfast for the developer Sean Osborne. The development, being marketed as La Salle Court, was built by Turley’s construction team over a 10-month programme worth approximately £1.5 million, with assistance and expertise provided by architect Coogan & Co and quantity surveyor Crawford Dugan Partnership. Alongside a core of one and two-bedroom apartments, the development includes a cluster of stylish duplexes specifically designed for urban living. Each property will have its own car parking space. The site was previously home to a petrol

station owned by the Osborne family, which was remediated before work began; following completion of the demolition work the construction team carried out essential decontamination to remediate the chemicals left behind by the petrol station, and bridged an old culvert running below ground. The development has been built around a durable and reliable envelope; the foundations comprise bored piles, pilecaps and ground beams, and a mixture of precast and in situ concrete slabs are being laid on top. The upper floors are predicated on precast, prestressed concrete units, with screed and plywood on timber joists. The superstructure of the apartment block comprises load bearing walls and a partial steel frame, and the external walls are being cast in facing brickwork. The roofs combine both flat and pitched elements -the pitched roof has been constructed using traditional tiles & lead coverings while the flat roof is based on a trocal structure.

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At the corner of the building, a stunning brickwork tower with an eye-catching turret roof will create a lasting and distinctive identity at the junction of two of Belfast’s busiest streets. Each apartment boasts an excellent specification, including PVC double glazed windows and hardwood paneling to all external doors. Recessed downlighters have been fitted in the kitchen areas and internal doors have been adorned with traditional panels, topped while the moulded skirtings and architraves are complemented by an emulsion paint finish and gorgeous timber floors. ROMA PUBLICATIONS

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Brookfield project on course for January completion Main contractor McCombe Bros has now completed a ÂŁ5 million construction project to create a brand-new special school in Craigavon, Northern Ireland, backed by the South Eastern Education and Library Board (SEELB). The new Brookfield School boasts capacity for 110 pupils and consolidates the services previously offered over two split sites, which were more than a mile apart and posed considerable challenges for pupils and staff. The facility comprises 14 classrooms in addition to two nursery rooms and a host of ancillary units including offices, training rooms, computer suites and medical rooms. A large communal space in the centre of the school houses a library and assembly hall, and provides an open social area in which students can relax and interact in comfort. Work began on a greenfield site in June last year, and significant enabling works were required to make the site ready for construction. The site was quite level before work began, but the ground conditions were sandy and the engineers chose to pile the foundations. The site also lacked storm and foulwater drainage; to alleviate this problem the contractors installed a large sewage treatment works to process waste from the new school and clean it up to create good-quality effluent. The new treatment works was supplied in a kit system by Klargestor, and installed by the project team on site. The school is built around load-bearing cavity walls, and the inner leaf comprises lightweight blockwork with a 150mm thermal cavity, 100mm high-density high-performance insulation and a 100ml blockwork external skin, finished in render. An eyecatching western red cedar rainscreen cladding system has been applied to large sections of the elevations. The excellent heat retention properties of the inner leaf are enhanced by the design of the roof; the main standing seam aluminium structure has been reinforced with Rigidal metal cladding to give a U value of 0.16 Meanwhile the floors include six inches of high-density rigid insulation between the floor slab and screed. Renewable technology is provided throughout the building; a rainwater harvesting system will collect water from the roof of the building for re-use to flush the toilets, and photovoltaic and solar panels will garner energy from the sun. A state-of-theart biomass boiler, powered by wood chip deposits, provides a sustainable source of fuel, and a heat recovery system will ventilate the building. In order to make the building as clean, relaxing and reassuring as possible, the designers have also incorporated special mineral-based paint, which is low in toxins and contain no solvents of VOCs.

About the SEELB The SEELB is the local authority for education, library and youth services in the district council areas of Ards, Castlereagh, Down, Lisburn and North Down in Northern Ireland. Covering most of Co Down and a small part of Co Antrim, the area served by the SEELB stretches from Bangor southwards to Newcastle and eastwards from Lisburn and surrounding area over to Portaferry on the Ards Peninsula.

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Shadow health minister appointed PDA chief The Painting and Decorating Association (PDA) has appointed former MP and shadow health minister Paul Marsden to the role of chief executive officer.

Mr Marsden takes control of one of the largest trade bodies in the UK, which represents the interests of thousands of painters and decorators – ranging from large-scale contractors through to sole traders. His priorities for the PDA include raising awareness of the training offered by the Association, and making the public aware of the high standards to which painters and decorators must work before they can secure membership. Mr Marsden said, “I am delighted and honoured to be given this opportunity to help take forward the PDA. “I am keen to see new opportunities for young people to enter the profession, and secure high training and qualifications, so that the public and clients can be assured of the highest standards of service from a PDA member. “In these tough economic times I shall also be listening to painters and decorators across the country about their concerns and lobbying key decision makers to reduce unnecessary red tape, whilst highlighting the need to drive out the cowboys in the profession”. As well as a successful Parliamentary career, which included campaigns for better cancer care and the introduction of innovative road safety measures, the 40-year-old has an extensive background in management consultancy.

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A fellow of the Chartered Management Institute and member of the Institute of Directors, Mr Marsden brings to the role considerable construction industry experience – which included a managerial role at Taylor Woodrow before being elected to Parliament. Mr Marsden was the first ever Labour MP to be elected in Shrewsbury, in 1997. He was re-elected with a majority doubled and retired from his Parliamentary career in 2005. A keen historian, Mr Marsden achieved literary success with the The Black Friars of Shrewsbury, a book which has proved immensely popular and demonstrated the author’s diligence and flair. These varied experiences are sure to prove beneficial to the PDA. Mr Marsden continued: “The PDA is very much a broad church embracing skilled tradespeople of all ages, backgrounds and circumstances. I believe my varied experience in politics and business will stand me in good stead and enable me to steer a course that benefits all parties. “The PDA is an ambitious organisation with a commitment to growth, expansion and innovation. These aims very much tally with my own objectives, and I look forward to working with our members to create a vibrant, forward-thinking atmosphere going forward.” Ken Bull, national president of the PDA, said: “Paul’s experience in business strategy, policy and marketing will help lead the Association into a new era. We are delighted to have him on board.”

About the PDA The Painting and Decorating Association (PDA) was established in 2002, following a merger of the British Decorators’ Association and the Painting & Decorating Federation. The British Decorators’ Association was originally founded in 1894. With some 2,500 members this new organisation is Britain’s largest trade body dedicated to the painting and decorating trade. Members include sole traders through to large-scale national contractors. Decorators looking to become members of the PDA are rigorously vetted prior to admission. Members are committed to the highest standards in health and safety practice, as well as training development. The PDA is proud of its long history and high standards, and a registered member can be relied upon to do a good professional job at a fair price.

Shifting Sands:

Changing Times for Archaeology and the Institute for Archaeologists By Tim Howard, Recruitment and Marketing Coordinator, Institute for Archaeologists

With major reform of the heritage protection system at an advanced stage, new planning policy guidance for archaeology on the drawing board and rapidly changing market conditions, the historic environment sector is, like many others, in a state of flux. We are in the midst of a major period of transition, not only for the sector but also for the professional institute that represents it.

What’s in a Name? The Institute for Archaeologists may be an unfamiliar name for many readers who will identify more readily with the Institute of Field Archaeologists, but they are, in fact one and the same. In October 2008 the IFA (which was established in 1982 and now has more than 2,650 members across the heritage sector) resolved to change its trading name to the Institute for Archaeologists (IfA). The Institute has a fresh logo and an updated brand but the changes are not skin deep and reflect the breadth of its membership and its commitment to representing a much broader range of practitioners than simply those traditionally regarded as ‘field’ archaeologists.

Quality Assurance for the Construction Industry That is not to say that the IfA is any less committed to its central role of formulating and maintaining standards within the historic environment sector, generally, and within archaeological fieldwork in particular. One of the major successes of the IFA over the last 10 years has been the development of its Register of Archaeological Organisations, a quality assurance scheme for those commissioning (or affected by) work in the historic environment sector. The scheme now has over 60 organisations carrying out work in the sector who subscribe to the IfA’s Code of conduct, submit to inspection and monitoring by the IfA and are accountable through a complaints procedure (and, if necessary, through a disciplinary procedure for individual members). The scheme is increasingly recognised in the construction industry, not only on account of the growing numbers of archaeological consultants and contractors who are registered, but also through the involvement

of the IfA in initiatives such as the recently published CIRIA guide, ‘Archaeology and development: A good practice guide to managing risk and maximising benefit (C672)’ and the forthcoming ICE-sponsored Site Investigations Steering Group series of publications. The current rebrand of the Institute will see the Register simply become the Registered Organisations scheme (although those whose work is specifically archaeological will have the option to remain as a Registered Archaeological Organisation), but the ethos and principles underlying the scheme will not change. Although the range of organisations registering may broaden (to include local authority curators, universities and colleges and those doing wider heritage-related work), those contractors and consultants working within the construction industry will remain a key component of the scheme and one that we are committed to supporting and developing further.

Wider Changes in the Sector The Institute’s desire for greater inclusivity is mirrored in the historic environment sector generally. The draft Heritage Protection Bill (which it is hoped will be introduced in the next session of Parliament) seeks, for instance, to replace a wide variety of designations in England and Wales such as listed buildings, scheduled ancient monuments, historic battlefields and registered parks and gardens with a ubiquitous title of ‘heritage asset’. It would also allow conservation areas to be designated on archaeological or artistic grounds and would remove the need to obtain separate conservation area consent. Just as important in the development world (if not more so) is the proposed revision to Planning Policy Guidance Notes 15 and ROMA PUBLICATIONS

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16 (on ‘Planning and the Historic Environment’ and ‘Planning and Archaeology’ respectively). PPGs 15 and 16 are likely to be combined into one high level planning policy statement supported by a planning circular and good practice guides. These are crucial tools facilitating the day-to-day management of the whole of the historic environment within the planning system (and not just those nationally designated assets that constitute less than 5% of that environment). It has been estimated that developer funded work contributes something in the region of £180 million a year to research into the historic environment and it is vital for all concerned that the most appropriate guidance is produced to see that this system runs smoothly and effectively.

IFA The Institute for Archaeologists is the professional organisation for all archaeologists and others involved in protecting and understanding the historic environment. It acts in support of its members, works to improve pay and conditions, represents the interests of archaeology and archaeologists to government, policy makers and industry, keeps you up to date on developments in archaeological practice, sets standards and issues guidelines,

promotes and organises training, improves individual career prospects, provides a wide range of membership services, and through its Registered Organisations scheme improves employment practices and raises standards of work. There are 2600 members of the IfA. Membership is open to practising archaeologists and members of allied disciplines in all fields, whether professional or amateur. Archaeologists are admitted to corporate membership after rigorous peer review of their experience and qualifications. They may identify themselves as corporate members by using the designation PIfA, AIfA and MIfA depending on membership grade. There are non-corporate membership grades of Student and Affiliate. All members agree to abide by the Code of conduct (PDF), for all archaeologists have a duty to adhere to the highest professional and ethical standards. Members can claim tax relief on their subscription payments if they are a UK tax payer. For more information please read this document. Please note that the tax office have us listed under ‘F’ for ‘Field’ rather than ‘I’ for ‘Institute’ The Institute is a democratic organisation run by an elected Council supported by committees responsible for standards, career development and training, working practices, membership validation and appeals, Registered Archaeological Organisations, conferences and publications.

Preview: Ecobuild 2009 In February 2008 Ecobuild confirmed its status as the world’s biggest event dedicated to sustainable design, construction and the built environment, with thousands of visitors flocking to Earl’s Court for the three-day exhibition. This year the event will take another huge stride forward; Ecobuild 2009 will be almost twice the size of last year’s show, and will take place alongside Futurebuild, the UK’s most important event for innovation in construction – creating a comprehensive hub for the latest construction materials and techniques. Ecobuild 2009 will take place between 3rd and 5th March 2009, and is expected to attract more than 30,000 visitors to Earls Court. The exhibition will feature over 800 suppliers of sustainable construction products and services, making it an unrivalled resource for specifiers and built environment professionals. From the biggest names in the industry, such as Saint Gobain, DuPont, Tarmac and Wienerberger, to an impressive array of start-ups and grass-roots innovators, Ecobuild presents the most comprehensive showcase of sustainable construction products available anywhere.

Exhibitors Wienerberger will be using the event to launch some of its newest sustainable products as well as showcasing its most environmentally friendly clay bricks and pavers. New to the market and on display will be Wienerberger’s Porotherm, a clay block walling system which can be used to help achieve the latest requirements to meet the Code for Sustainable Homes. Silva Timber will be launching a new 100% ecological cladding product at the Ecobuild show. Silva has exclusive distribution rights in the UK for the new ‘Thor’ cladding product, which is FSC certified and comes with a 60-year warranty against decay thanks to a 100% natural high heat treatment which increases its resistance to decay and insects, and reduces fluctuations in moisture. The UK’s largest showcase of green and brown roofing systems will give visitors the opportunity to see first-hand the latest and most innovative products available. Protan UK will be launching a new Scandinavian turf roof system, suitable for domestic and commercial applications, while environmentally sound, aesthetic roofing solutions will also be on display from Bauder, City Roofs, Lindum Turf, Axter Ltd, Flag-Soprema UK, Blackdown Horticultural Consultants and many more.

Leading UK combined heat and power system supplier Baxi-Senertec will be exhibiting the Dachs mini-CHP unit and accessories. Seventeen thousand of these compact units have been installed throughout Europe, and the technology is proven to deliver fuel efficiencies well in excess of 75%. The Epwin Group will be displaying an extensive range of roofline products, cladding, windows, doors, conservatory roofs, guttering, cavity closers and curtain walling at Ecobuild. Approximately 50% of all UK PVC-U window manufacturing waste is recycled and reprocessed by the Epwin Group, a company which owns the UK’s largest PVC-U recycling plant. Resource G will be exhibiting the innovative G-Blok Pavers, made from up to 95% recycled materials and boasting a lifetime warranty against cracking. One-third the weight of traditional concrete pavers, G-Bloks are also easy to work with and provide excellent slip-resistance characteristics. Hanson Formpave will exhibit its new Aquaflow Thermapave, which integrates patented permeable paving with the proven technology of ground source heat pump (GSHP) technology. This combination delivers a unique system for harvesting rainwater and managing floodwater whilst using the earth’s heat to provide a sustainable heat and cooling solution for the interior ROMA PUBLICATIONS

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A s s o c i ati o n s of the building. CA Group, one of the biggest building products suppliers in the UK, will be displaying its award-winning SolarWall perforated Transpired Solar Collector at Ecobuild 2009. Used successfully in the Beijing Olympic Village, SolarWall provides environmentally friendly heating with minimal electricity usage. Providing a valuable context for the thousands of products on display, Ecobuild’s free seminar programme will offer practical advice and case study-based learning on all the key topics including low and zero carbon construction, building regulations, micro-renewables, energy efficiency and more. The renowned Ecobuild Conference will take place at the same time, focusing on emerging policy, the latest thinking and best practice for the sector. Over 500 of the most highly-regarded speakers will present more than 100 conference and seminar sessions, all of which are free for visitors to attend. The inaugural UK Green Building Council Conference will also take place at Ecobuild in 2009. Attendees will be the first to hear a plethora of announcements on policy direction, including consultation on the Code for Sustainable Homes, and an explanation of the basis for a new code for sustainable buildings. One of the most popular new initiatives, The Ecobuild Arena, is back for 2009, featuring debates, interviews and keynotes covering design, politics, science, philosophy, art and the environment. A host of famous speakers including Alastair Campbell, Michael Portillo, Germaine Greer, John Beddington, Bjorn Lomborg, Dan Cruickshank, Tony Juniper, Sunand Prasad will take part in sessions hosted by James Naughtie, Matthew Parris, Mark Lawson and Roger Harrabin. Over a dozen live attractions at Ecobuild will bring the learning to life, including the brand new Renew attraction. Renew will tackle one of the sector’s biggest challenges: sustainable refurbishment of the UK’s existing buildings. Split into Renew Housing and Renew Commercial, this will address three key elements across the sectors: the built fabric, building services and interior fit out. Renew will provide visitors with a clear understanding of

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the essential techniques, materials and products for effective sustainable refurbishment solutions. The immensely popular Cityscape returns with a water theme for 2009. Entitled ‘A River Runs Through’, Cityscape 2009 will address the role of water in a sustainable urban environment, using natural, recycled and recyclable materials to create a series of thought-provoking spaces for visitors to consider and enjoy. Highlighted in the Pitt Review into the 2007 UK floods, SUDS is a theme that will be explored extensively at Ecobuild. Manufacturers such as Alumasc, Bauder, Hydro International and Blackdown Horticultural Consultants will be exhibiting the full spectrum of water management solutions, from green roofing and walling to urban landscaping and stormwater treatment devices. Dedicated seminars taking place every day at Ecobuild will target SUDS and flooding, as well as topics such as water management in the public realm and rainwater harvesting. The hugely-popular Natural Materials attraction focuses on working with English green oak to build traditionally jointed frames which can be insulated and clad to produce a highly thermally efficient envelope. With live demonstrations every day, showing the making of peg and timber nails used to hold the joints of traditional timber frame buildings, Carpenter Oak will also show various jointing methods and demonstrate how a cruck frame can be assembled and taken apart with ease. Always a crowd-puller, Solar City returns updated and improved, showcasing a huge array of the latest renewable power and heating products from the leading manufacturers. Systems from Alpha Heating Innovation and Veissmann will be on show, plus trained installers from Schüco will be using a specially built roof rig to demonstrate the installation of the company’s Compact Line solar panels. Other new additions to the Ecobuild line-up include Concrete Futures and EWI Live! This will feature a continuous, real time demonstration of the application of insulated render, cladding and external wall insulation (EWI), showing how buildings – housing and non-domestic, low and high rise - can be thermally upgraded and their appearances transformed. Ecobuild 2009 will also see the launch of Green SCIN – a partnership between Ecobuild and SCIN, the UK’s material library, consultant and showroom. A selection of outstanding eco-materials will be showcased, including surfaces made from recycled yoghurt pots, cloth made from organic plant fibre and the strong, lightweight Kirei Board, made from sorghum stalks. Created in association with Natural England, the new Biodiversity pavilion will build on ideas of developing a more sustainable built environment by integrating our human habitats with those of the creatures around us. Exhibitors include the RSPB, Buglife and Canopy Human Habitats. A year after its hugely successful launch at the event in 2008, the Zero Carbon House returns to Ecobuild for 2009. With updates

to the original ruralZED design and a detailed case study on the performance of the very house on display at Ecobuild last February – since reassembled in Dunkirk – it’s an unmissable opportunity to gain an insight into the realities of zero carbon design and construction. The Zedfactory team will also be showcasing their LandARK ‘eco-cabin’ in the Off-Grid Living attraction. Always committed to supporting the grass roots innovators of the industry, Ecobuild 2009 will see the return of the popular Green Shoots area for new companies and entrepreneurs. Over thirty exhibitors will be demonstrating a diverse range of new products, ranging from Ekobe’s coconut-shell interior panels and Chris Nangle’s street furniture to Glowled’s advanced LED lightbulbs and Rotaloo’s waterless composting toilets. The new Precast, Eco Interiors, Stone Zone and Timber Works pavilions will give start-ups and small organisations a platform from which to demonstrate the breadth of products, techniques and applications available from some of the most innovative young organisations in the sector. Embracing expertise from around the globe, Ecobuild 2009 will also host a range of international pavilions, including representations from France, Austria, Denmark, The Netherlands, Belgium, USA and Canada. Running alongside Ecobuild, Futurebuild is the UK’s leading event for everything that’s new in construction. Focusing on the key concerns of innovation, efficiency and profitability, Futurebuild will showcase the leading suppliers of building

structures, finishes and services, in addition to a dedicated information programme and attractions. ManuBuild will be taking part in Futurebuild 2009 to unveil the conclusions of a four-year research programme into the combination of unconstrained building design with highly efficient industrialised production. ManuBuild is an industryled collaborative research project, part-funded by the EU, and involving 22 partners from eight countries across Europe. Fast Forward Foundations will see foundation engineering specialists Roger Bullivant giving daily demonstrations of SystemFirst at Futurebuild. This fast, eco-friendly and Code Level 6 compliant foundation solution is suitable for homes, offices, commercial buildings, and education and healthcare establishments. Innovate Offsite at Futurebuild will feature the largest display of offsite solutions in the UK, including examples of ‘living pods’ for social housing, student housing, hotel apartments and prison accommodation. An EcoCanopy building designed by Bryden Wood will provide the venue for a series of free offsite seminars by participating suppliers, including Ruukki, Verbus, NG Bailey, Tarmac, Hemway Podit and Bryden Wood.

Further details Ecobuild + Futurebuild 2009 will take place on 3-5 March at Earl’s Court, London To register for a free invitation, go to www.ecobuild.co.uk or www.futurebuild.co.uk.

IOSH Conference set to offer fresh advice on today’s health and safety issues The 60th annual Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) conference and exhibition takes place next month, and will aim to provide answers to some of the most pressing challenges faced by health and safety practitioners. The event will be held at the BT Convention Centre in Liverpool on 17th and 18th March, and will be themed ‘Fresh ideas – practical solutions.’ Attendees will receive the latest guidance from Geoffrey Podger, Chief Executive of the HSE, on the enforcement authority’s priorities and expectations, and hear an insight from Lord McKenzie on how the Health and Safety Offences Act is having an impact on health and safety practice. A series of experts will provide advice on what legislation to expect in the future, and will brief attendees on new solutions to manage safety culture in times of organisational turbulence. A series of best-practice case studies will be presented from highhazard industries on optimising risk management processes and techniques, and attendees will receive news on strategies to reduce the cost of employee absenteeism and stress. With over 30 conference sessions and networking opportunities with over 1,200 health and safety professionals, IOSH 09 is

intended to cover every conceivable angle in the management of health and safety risks and costs. The conference comes just a few months after IOSH welcomed its new president, and embarked on a campaign for improved communication and better understanding of workplace needs. Nattasha Freeman, who trained to be a solicitor and has held senior positions in both the rail and the construction industries, assumed the presidency on 11th November, succeeding Ray Hurst. Having spent several years forging a career in both property and construction consultancy, Nattasha is renowned for her ‘hands on’ approach to stakeholders and hopes her personable and proactive approach will prove advantageous in her new position. Speaking about her ascension to the presidency, Nattasha said: “As President, I hope to demonstrate the importance of face-to-face communication, and to utilise the lessons I’ve learned particularly in construction to create pragmatic and durable solutions - sensible safety and practical solutions are what people want particularly at a time where some find it easier to save costs by cutting corners on health and safety.” Nattasha has already outlined the four key themes which will underpin her presidential focus. These are: Improved internal communications: having chaired the Midlands Branch of IOSH for three years and realised how much best practice we could all share, Nattasha will strive to highlight the influence of IOSH networks whose membership is nearly 34,000 strong. Improved communication with external agencies: These include the Health and Safety Executive, the Department ROMA PUBLICATIONS

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A s s o c i ati o n s of Work and Pensions and relevant government ministers. Nattasha says: “We need to work with these allies to underline the importance of health in health and safety as we’re all cars on the same motorway, travelling to the same destination but getting there by different means. Through improved communication, we can encourage a more joined-up approach to health and safety.” Helping SMEs: IOSH is currently working on several initiatives with SMEs including the provision of practical information and guidance free of charge. Nattasha says: “SMEs are very much the lifeblood of the construction industry, and it’s important that we continue to support them with relevant, up-to-date health and safety guidelines.” Helping those returning to work: We need to consider that more older people are going back to work, to what is an unfamiliar environment, and some orientation may be required. With the credit crunch biting, Nattasha fears that some people who are suffering from a work related illness will return to work too early – living to work and not working to live – causing them long term problems, while others will struggle to return to a work environment that deals with sickness absence in a reactive rather than proactive way. Speaking about the forthcoming conference, Nattasha said: “The event will be a chance to emphasise our push to work with key stakeholders, who are fellow enablers and influencers. This is a key time for health and safety professionals in the UK to seize the initiative: “communication, communication communication” is the war cry that will take us forward.”

Long Term Guarantees – The Modern Approach to a Traditional Skill Whilst lead sheet is the most traditionally used material for our historical roofs, the approach of today’s muchin-demand specialist leadwork contractor is very much a forward-thinking philosophy. Lead sheet’s unrivalled performance as a roofing and weathering material has been continually proven over Centuries of use and it remains the outstanding long term “value for money” choice. As well as traditional applications, modern designers also continue to explore the variety of applications to which this most flexible of materials can be adapted and as a result demand for quality leadwork continues to escalate. Unfortunately, when faced with any delay in the availability of skilled specialists, there is a danger that the client or main contractor may opt for second best in order to get the job done quickly. This false economy could prove costly. The high demand for leadwork installations has attracted the less knowledgeable contractor who may perhaps know enough about the material to create the impression of competence, but is often lacking in the essential design knowledge critical to long term performance. Such is the malleability of user-friendly lead sheet, it is easy for a non-specialist to appear to know what they are doing. Indeed,

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even badly fitted lead sheet, that breaks all the long established recommended application practices, could still perform for a lengthy period, perhaps even several years. Certainly long enough for the installer to get paid and be long gone when problems start to appear. The client is left with an absentee contractor and an expensive repair (or even replacement) and likely regrets the choice of material, even though the actual problem was the choice of installer. Formed in 1984, the Lead Contractors Association (LCA) has almost consists of contractors that specialise in leadwork design and installation. To be accepted into the LCA, a contractor must submit three examples of their workmanship for a stringent onsite roof top technical assessment. They must demonstrate their application and design awareness, their knowledge of current recommended practice (through the “Lead Sheet Manual”) and have a commitment to training. Even if a contractor meets the initial qualifying criteria, they continue to be subjected to an ongoing review through an annual vetting programme as part of the LCA’s policy to maintain standards among its members. Whilst this continual internal policing by hands-on inspection sets it apart from other trade organisations, in fact the LCA goes

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A s s o c i ati o n s even further in its demands for a long term commitment to quality standards from its membership. It is particularly significant that the LCA requires each of its members to offer a twenty five year guarantee of their workmanship to clients on all leadwork applications valued over £2,500. This guarantee, endorsed and administered by the LCA on behalf of its members, is provided through a ring-fenced Trust Fund, insurance backed and underwritten through Lloyds of London to provide cover upto £250,000. The details of each contract is registered with the LCA (there is an all-inclusive, one off registration fee, which is the only additional cost to the client) and on completion a formal Certificate is issued. Without affecting the client/contractor legal relationship, the guarantee remains in place throughout the

guarantee period even if the contractor ceases to trade, or is no longer a member of the LCA. Therefore not only is the client gaining the benefit of a contractor of proven quality, there is the further comfort of an independently administered long term guarantee to substantiate that quality. In effect, the LCA members’ Guarantee Scheme provides twenty five years peace of mind. One of the oldest and most traditional crafts within the roofing industry is therefore looking forward to the future with confidence and enthusiasm. Lead sheet roofing has risen to the challenge of modern materials and by virtue of its uncompromising approach to quality standards in both material and application, is more popular today than ever. Thanks to the continuing efforts of the Lead Contractors Association, its members, associates and supporters, leadworking remains a modern skill. The historic buildings adorned with lead sheet that have been inherited from previous generations can be successfully maintained to the same exacting standards for generations to come. New projects with imaginative leadwork designs can be developed, with the designer confident in the application skills at his long term disposal. The traditional craft of leadwork is not only surviving, but positively thriving in a modern, commercial environment, where finally the priority of value for money, long term performance, has replaced short-sighted cut price expediency. For further information on the Members of the Lead Contractors Association, contact the Secretary at Centurion House, 36 London Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 1AB (tel. 01342 317888) or Email rwr@lca.gb.com

More than a new name:

CAA is aiming to continually improve levels of service by being open to customer feedback through forums, research and dayto-day contact with customers. The new CAA website, www. caaalliance.co.uk, is one example of how CAA is providing customers with easy access to all the information they need in one place. Customers will now be able to make initial applications

Construction Awards Alliance Driving up standards in construction qualifications ConstructionSkills and City & Guilds have announced a raft of improvements to the construction industry’s largest awarding body, which awards construction qualifications and accredits quality training providers. To mark these changes, Construction Awards Alliance (CAA) has been introduced as the new name for the awarding body. CAA will continue to offer over 75 nationally recognised construction qualifications through a network of almost 900 accredited training centres across the country. To date, these centres have helped over 700,000 candidates to become qualified in construction trades. Following an 18-month customer consultation period, significant changes to the awarding body have been introduced, which will benefit centres, candidates and construction companies. CAA has appointed a full-time team of quality advisors who will ensure consistency in quality assurance monitoring. They will provide centres with regular, ongoing support and guidance to help improve quality. It is expected that this will help reduce sanctions on centres by trouble-shooting any quality concerns as they arise, thus avoiding delays to candidate training and assessment. The operational side of the awarding body will be managed by a dedicated team at ConstructionSkills, which is providing a simpler, streamlined process for customers. In response to feedback, every CAA-accredited centre now has a named customer coordinator, creating one point of contact for all customer queries. This operational structure is already showing benefits for construction companies, with turnaround times for candidates’ application forms and accreditation certificates reduced to 10 days.

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for centre approval and for offering further qualifications online, making administration quicker and easier. The wealth of knowledge and experience within City & Guilds will still help to shape the direction of CAA, particularly in the range of quality qualifications offered to the industry. Adrian Beckingham, CAA manager, said: “I’m looking forward to working with all our centres over the coming years and continuously improving our products and services. “We are not satisfied with simply remaining the number one awarding body in construction - we are determined to lead all awarding bodies for innovation and customer service. “We have listened to customer feedback over the last 18 months and we’re proud of our approach and what it stands for: excellence, openness and simplicity. “ Dick Winterton, managing director of City & Guilds Awards added: ‘City & Guilds is fully supportive of the lead taken by ConstructionSkills in developing a new approach to qualifying people in the industry.’ To find out more about the Construction Awards Alliance, please contact Nicki Williamson on 01485 577688 or visit www. caalliance.co.uk

New interim chief for SIA Security Industry Authority (SIA) chairman, Baroness Ruth Henig, announced the appointment of Dr Bernard Herdan CB as interim chief executive of the SIA in November. Bernard joined the SIA on 17th November in succession to Mike Wilson, who left the SIA earlier in the month, and will continue as chief executive until the recruitment process for a permanent successor is completed. Until September 2008 Bernard was Executive Director of Service Delivery at the Identity and Passport Service (IPS). Before this Bernard was Chief Executive of the UK Passport Agency and was responsible in this position for the establishment and initial operations of the Criminal Records Bureau until it became a separate Agency in September 2003. Bernard has enjoyed a distinguished career with a number of public and private bodies. Previously the Chief Executive of the Driving Standards Agency, Bernard has also served as commercial director of the Met Office, managing director of Defence Technology Enterprises Ltd, managing consultant at BIS-Mackintosh and broadcast satellites programme manager at the European Space Agency. This experience has brought Bernard huge influence; he currently holds non-executive director positions on several Company Boards in the UK and USA and is currently a member of the Board and Deputy Chairman of the Bedford Hospital NHS Trust. He was appointed by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster to lead the Review of the Charter Mark scheme. As well as an MA from Cambridge, Bernard has a Diploma in ROMA PUBLICATIONS

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A s s o c i ati o n s Management Studies and a Doctorate in Business Administration. Bernard is a member of the Institute of Engineering and Technology and has published numerous articles in professional journals. Speaking about the appointment, Baroness Henig said: “I am delighted to welcome Bernard as our interim Chief Executive. The SIA Board and I look forward to working with him. We know Bernard has extensive experience in implementing change management and improving customer service and his appointment will be a great asset to us all as we build on the success and achievements of the SIA.” Bernard Herdan said: “I am looking forward to working with the SIA’s expert and dedicated staff at an exciting and challenging time for the security industry. It is important that I can provide the leadership and the continuity to keep us focused on the important work of managing the licensing of the industry.” Speaking about Mike Wilson, Ruth Henig said: “Mike, the SIA Board and I came to the mutual agreement that Mike would leave the SIA next week (13 November 2008). The Board and I are grateful to him for all his hard work and dedication to the development of the SIA in the past year, and we wish him well.” Meanwhile, the SIA has continued its Stakeholder Engagement Strategy with a number of well-received initiatives. The Authority has invited close protection operatives to register their interest in attending a network meeting with the SIA and other representatives of their sector; this meeting will provide an opportunity for those in the close protection sector to engage with the SIA and others in the industry, to act as a contributor to the meetings and discuss topical issues such as regulation, SIA developments, and moving the sector forward. The SIA will arrange and facilitate the first meeting, after which

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it is anticipated that this new interest group will self-manage subsequent meetings. The network meeting will be held on Thursday 22 January 2009, at a central London location.

About the SIA The Security Industry Authority is the organisation responsible for regulating the private security industry. As an independent body reporting to the Home Secretary, established under the terms of the Private Security Industry Act 2001, the SIA’s mission is to regulate the private security industry effectively; to reduce criminality, raise standards and recognise quality service. Their remit covers Great Britain. The SIA has two main duties. One is the compulsory licensing of individuals undertaking designated activities within the private security industry; the other is to manage the voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme, which measures private security suppliers against independently assessed criteria. SIA licensing covers manned guarding (including security guarding, door supervision, close protection, cash and valuables in transit, and public space surveillance using CCTV), key holding and vehicle immobilising. Licensing ensures that private security operatives are ‘fit and proper’ persons who are properly trained and qualified to do their job. The Authority’s Approved Contractor Scheme introduced a set of operational and performance standards for suppliers of private security services. Those organisations that meet these standards are awarded Approved Contractor status. This accreditation provides purchasers of private security services with independent proof of a contractor’s commitment to quality. The SIA believes that a professional, regulated private security industry has the potential to become a valuable member of the extended police family, helping to reduce crime, disorder and the fear of crime.

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