Premier Construction Magazine Issue 19-2

Roma Publications

The Smiler

Alton Tower’s biggest investment

Opening up the Soane Refurbishing Sir John Soane Museum

In the spotlight:

Grosvenor Construction

Volume 19 - Issue 2

Contents PREMIER CONSTRUCTION Dear readers, Welcome to the latest edition of Premier Construction magazine.

This month we take a look at some of the most celebrated projects in the country with our extensive coverage of the RIBA Awards and the NHBC Pride in the Job Awards.

RIBA Regional Awards and RIBA National Awards are for buildings in the UK by RIBA Chartered Architects and RIBA International Fellows. Winners of RIBA National Awards are considered for the prestigious RIBA Stirling Prize.

Meanwhile, the NHBC Pride in the Job Awards remain the bench mark for best practice in UK construction. The annual competition was established with the aim of recognising and rewarding quality house building and, specifically, the role that site managers play. The awards were intended to shine a light on the UK’s best construction sites; developments which were tidy, well organised, well managed, disciplined and innovative.

Commenting on the RIBA Awards, RIBA President, Angela Brady, commented: “For nearly fifty years, the RIBA Awards have reflected the changing state of British architecture and revealed emerging design trends.

What really stands out is that even in times of austerity, we can still deliver amazingly clever, high quality buildings that reflect the needs of today and enhance our daily lives.”

This month Premier Construction will also be featuring our usual round up of new developments and refurbishment schemes, including Blackburn Meadows and The Boathouse.

E.ON’s Blackburn Meadows Renewable Energy Plant is a new energy facility currently under construction in Sheffield. The plant, which burns 100% waste wood, is being built on a brownfield site close to Meadowhall Shopping Centre and replaces a former coal fire plant.

Blackburn Meadows Renewable Energy Plant will generate 30MW electrical output, providing approximately 40,000 homes. The plant will displace the emissions of around 80,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year – the equivalent of removing 20,000 cars off UK roads – and burns carbon neutral fuel instead of traditional fossil fuels, such as coal and gas.

The Boathouse project, meanwhile, comprised the renovation of a Grade II Listed boat store in Great Walsingham, Norfolk, into a twobedroom dwelling. As the building was a Listed property, all work was conducted sensitively, with the new living quarters designed to remain sympathetic to the surrounding area.

With all this and more, join us as we celebrate the developments that continue to shape our landscape.

Alex

Grosvenor Construction.................................................................................10 RIBA Awards.....................................................................................................12 NHBC Awards..................................................................................................30

North East & Yorkshire Grimsby River Terminal....................................................................................46 Blackburn Meadows........................................................................................51 Ripon Farm Services........................................................................................52

North West FutureSkills.......................................................................................................54

Midlands & East Anglia Victoria Retail Park...........................................................................................55 ODEON..............................................................................................................57 The Smiler..........................................................................................................58 Riverside Club House........................................................................................63

London & South East Port of Dover......................................................................................................67 Maidstone Hospital...........................................................................................70 Brent Civic Centre............................................................................................72

South West Castle House.....................................................................................................75 The Boathouse..................................................................................................76 South Crofty Mining Heritage Safety Works...................................................77

Scotland Glasgow Royal Infirmary...................................................................................80 23A Albion House.............................................................................................82 Auchinaim Gate................................................................................................85

Wales Newbridge Memorial Hall................................................................................86 Cardigan Castle.................................................................................................88

Associations Roofing Awards.................................................................................................89

Heritage Stain Glass Restoration....................................................................................90

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Managing Director: Marcus Howarth Editor: Alex Wiggan Assistant Editor: Daniel O’Donoghue Advert Co-ordinator: Nicola Owen and Lynne Dale

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

Volume 19 • Issue 2

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IET seeks world’s brightest engineering innovations The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) has launched a worldwide search for the best engineering innovations via its awards programme – the IET Innovation Awards.

The Innovation Awards recognise excellence across 15 categories, which span the breadth of science, engineering and technology. The free-to-enter, international annual awards are open to members and non-members of the IET and celebrate innovative engineering excellence.

Entries to the Built Environment Innovation Award category can relate to any aspect of the built environment including design proposals; system improvements or developments; installation methods; innovative use of new materials; product innovation; operation and maintenance of systems and equipment or components; and all other aspects relating to the built environment.

The Innovation Awards, now in their ninth year, are renowned for raising the profile of their winners and bringing them to a wider audience. Many former Innovation Awards winners report increased interest in their products as a result of winning the accolade.

Nigel Fine, Chief Executive of the IET said: “These awards recognise the most outstanding innovations across science, engineering and technology celebrating the contribution made by engineers and technicians to enhance people’s lives everywhere.”

Each category of the Innovation Awards is independently judged by a panel of experts in that field, with the shortlist announced each October. Winners will be revealed at a celebrityhosted glittering Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner in London

at The Brewery on 20 November.

To find out more about the Innovation Awards, sponsorship opportunities or to submit an entry, please visit www.theiet.org/ innovation. The deadline for entries is 26 July.

Clugston delivers impressive growth and record profits Clugston has announced a return to pre-recession turnover levels and record profits in its latest set of accounts.

Figures for the year, 2012/13, show turnover increased by 30 percent to £108.7m from £83.8m in the previous year and a threefold increase in pre-tax profit from £2.0m to £6.1m.

Despite the current economic climate, the Group, which celebrated its 75th anniversary of continuous trading in 2012, can also look forward with even further confidence having already secured a forward order book in excess of £220m.

The Construction division of the company, which saw turnover increase by 32% from £73.8m to £97.5m, is currently working on four Energy from Waste (EfW) projects, in Lincolnshire, Staffordshire, Oxfordshire and Shropshire, as well as a biomass plant in Kent. All the projects are in conjunction with joint venture partner Constructions Industrielles de la Méditerranée (CNIM).

The joint venture was also recently awarded a contract to build the new Leeds Energy Recovery facility for Veolia Environmental Services, who are waste management partners with Leeds City Council, further consolidating Clugston’s position in this market.

The Group’s logistics business also saw turnover increase by 11% to £10.9m from £9.8m, following the diversification into new markets, particularly the fuels sector. This combined with the continued growth of the curtain sider and the intermodal powder operations, are delivering positive results, countering the challenging conditions in some of Clugston’s traditional heavy building materials sectors. The three new markets now

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account for 25% of the divisions overall business.

The distribution company plans to capitalise on its Scunthorpe base, close to the Humber refineries, by focusing on further growing its fuels customer base.

The Group’s Property division also made significant progress on a number of joint venture schemes, including handing over a 422,000 sq ft storage depot at Turbine Business Park in Sunderland for Vantec Europe Limited. The depot was the largest pre-sale warehouse to be constructed in the North East, this century and the first and largest scheme to get underway within the latest round of Enterprise Zone investments.

Stephen Martin, Clugston Group chief executive commented: “2012 was a momentous year in the company’s history, as we not only celebrated our 75th anniversary, but achieved record profits, strong cash balances and an order book that allows us to look forward with increasing optimism.

“Whilst we expect several of our traditional markets to remain challenging, through our commitment to supporting our customers, we have confidence in our ability to make further impressive progress in 2013.”

GEOfabrics signs major deal GEOfabrics Ltd, a Leeds-based company specialising in the manufacture of geocomposite products used in large-scale civil engineering and construction projects, has signed a long-term partnership deal with ALYAF Industrial Co. Ltd. of Dammam, Saudi Arabia.

The partnership creates a new venture, ALYAF GEOfabrics, to be based in state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Dammam.

Established in 1992, GEOfabrics Ltd is the UK’s leading geocomposite manufacturer and their range of products are used in UK projects including flood protection, highways, railway track beds and land remediation as barriers, filters, waterproofing, drainage and reinforcement. Their products are also exported across Europe and beyond. The new partnership deal will enable the company to tap into the expanding Middle Eastern market where construction is booming.

Gordon Donald, Managing Director of GEOfabrics Ltd said: “This is a very exciting partnership deal and a landmark in our industry. ALYAF Industrial Co. is the market leading geotextile

Merseylink for Mersey Gateway

manufacturer in the Middle East and we are delighted to have secured this deal – it is great to be a British company with a good news story and shows that UK technical businesses are still competing and winning on the world stage.

We have been working closely with the team from ALYAF for a number of months and have great respect for their engineering and manufacturing capabilities. We know that by combining our companies’ skills, resources and technical capabilities and building on ALYAF’s huge market knowledge and customer base, we will be become the number one choice for geocomposites throughout the Middle East.”

ALYAF Industrial Co. Ltd. pioneered the development of geotextiles in the Middle East and is renowned for the quality of its products.

Nadar Nafady, President of ALYAF Industrial said: “We are very proud to announce the partnership agreement with GEOfabrics. They are a highly regarded British company and our partnership will allow both companies to expand successfully into new markets across the Middle East. This agreement is in line with our plans for diversification and expansion of our products and capacity.”

For more information on GEOfabrics see: www.geofabrics.com.

Merseylink has been announced as the preferred bidder for the Mersey Gateway Project by Halton Borough Council.

Merseylink and the council team will work on the final details of the plans before reaching financial close, signing a contract and starting site clearance and demolition later this year.

The Merseylink plans retain the iconic three-tower design, associated with the Mersey Gateway Project, but have developed the construction methods. The Merseylink design for the main bridge is based on a reinforced concrete deck, which is a change from the reference design, based on steel fabrication.

The centrepiece of the Mersey Gateway Project is a new six-lane toll bridge over the River Mersey. The existing Silver Jubilee Bridge will also be tolled as part of the project, which will bring major estimated economic, transport and social benefits to the region.

Counillor Rob Polhill, Leader of Halton Borough Council, said: “This is hugely important for Halton and the north west of England. This partnership with Merseylink will deliver Mersey Gateway for the next 30 years and it is very exciting to be part of something that will bring thousands of jobs and major regeneration opportunities to the region for years to come.

“I am thrilled that we have found a solution that keeps the iconic design, but also produces significant financial savings for the council and the Government. Our savings will be ploughed back into the project to reduce the impact of tolls on local residents and support public transport options.”

Chris Rhead, Project Director for the Merseylink consortium, said: “This is great news for the team and we are looking forward to working in a long term partnership with Halton Borough Council to deliver this much-needed new bridge, which will see benefits to the local area in terms of jobs, transport and regeneration potential. Our consortium has a wealth of experience of major projects across the globe and we are confident that we have the capability to deliver the Mersey Gateway Bridge to schedule and budget, with the least possible disruption to the local community.”

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Grosvenor Construction: Conservation specialists As a specialist building conservation company Grosvenor Construction is involved with a vast array of projects throughout the UK, including many award-winning schemes. The company employs conservation principles designed to deliver excellence and views itself as a stakeholder in the UK’s historic environment.

Grosvenor Construction has built its success on a carefully cultivated work ethic, which puts its focus on people and quality

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craftsmanship. Past projects for Grosvenor Construction include Denbigh Castle Visitor Centre; Dee Gull; King Charles Tower; Morgan’s Mount; Parys Mountain Pumping Windmill; and St Paul, Parish Church of Seacombe.

The brief for Denbigh Castle was to provide the castle with a new visitor reception building to replace a former, inadequate facility. The new building – completed in February 2012 – accommodates a visitor reception and interpretation

space with ticket sales, souvenir and refreshment sales, staff accommodation and welfare facilities. LABC County and Regional award winning 2013, and the All Wales Award for Best Commercial Development, this has qualified for the UK National Awards.

To reduce the environmental impact on the scheme, the masonry and rubble from the existing visitor centre was reused on the site, whilst sustainable features include a Sedum roof, a ground source heat pump and photovoltaic cells.

During the course of the construction, visits were arranged with local primary schools so that pupils could view the ongoing works and gain an understanding of the skills being used. The school site visits ran through to the project’s completion, as did links with local community interest groups.

Grosvenor Construction Ltd worked with B3 Architects on the 26-week, £580,000 project at Denbigh Castle. The project was implemented by the Welsh Assembly Government and CADW as part of an initiative to maximise visitor potential at its historic landmarks.

Moving a little further from home, Grosvenor completed the 12-week Dee Gull Interpretation Centre project for Chester Renaissance. The project saw the creation of a state of the art canopied platform with interpretation panels, designed

to enhance and augment the interpretation of the historic environment within Chester City Wall.

During the works, Grosvenor Construction Ltd removed concrete slab and steps, installed the canopy, railings and interpretation panels and installed top soiling and turfing. As Dee Gull is situated opposite a busy racecourse, the project required careful planning and cooperation with all associated businesses.

Remaining in Chester, Grosvenor Construction Ltd worked on a number of projects, including King Charles Tower and Morgan’s Mount. Working on King Charles Tower, Grosvenor Construction Ltd worked to conserve the fabric of the historic tower, whilst the Morgan’s Mount project saw Grosvenor Construction Ltd remove and rebuild large sections of the monument which had become eroded beyond use.

Meanwhile, the Parys Mountain Pumping Windmill project was a 21-week scheme, valued at £100,000 and completed in December 2012. Grosvenor Construction Ltd worked with architects Garner Southhall Partnership on the project – implemented by Amlwch Industrial Heritage Trust – to repair the historic pumping mill.

More recently, Grosvenor Construction Ltd is involved with a project for St Paul, Parish Church of Seacombe. Working alongside Pickard Finlason Partnership, the £250,000 project comprises the deconstruction and reconstruction of the church spire.

The spire was originally constructed using iron dog cramps to hold the masonry together, however the cramps had eroded over time, causing the masonry to lift and crack and fall from the spire. In order to rectify this situation, Grosvenor Construction Ltd manufactured a new stone spire and rebuilt the structure, replacing the iron cramps with stainless steel.

Additional projects for Grosvenor Construction have included Bonewaldesthorne’s Tower, Hafod Arch, Conwy Castle and Haulfre Clock Tower, amongst others.

For more information on Grosvenor Construction, including further insights into their extensive range of projects, please visit: www.grosvenorconstruction.co.uk.

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RIBA

Celebrating the 47th annual Royal Institute of British Architects’ Awards Running since 1966, the Royal Institute of British Architects Awards is an annual celebration of the UK’s best architecture.

In all, 179 projects were shortlisted for this year’s awards across 10 English regions. A further 44 projects were shortlisted in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. London had the largest number of shortlisted projects with 57.

RIBA Regional Awards and RIBA National Awards are for buildings in the UK by RIBA Chartered Architects and RIBA International Fellows. Winners of RIBA National Awards are considered for the prestigious RIBA Stirling Prize.

Named after James Stirling, the great British architect who died in 1992, the aim was for the Stirling Prize to be for architecture what the Booker Prize was for literature- and a £20,000 cash prize for the winning architects made the prize covetable as well

as prestigious. From 2000 to 2011 the Stirling Prize ceremony was broadcast on television, attracting household broadcasting names including Grand Designs’ Kevin McCloud.

RIBA also presents International Awards for outside the EU by RIBA Chartered Architects and RIBA International Fellows and winners go on to be considered for the RIBA Lubetkin Prize.

RIBA President, Angela Brady, commented: “For nearly fifty years, the RIBA Awards have reflected the changing state of British architecture and revealed emerging design trends. What really stands out is that even in times of austerity, we can still deliver amazingly clever, high quality buildings that reflect the needs of today and enhance our daily lives.”

This month Premier Construction will be featuring several projects which have won or were shortlisted for a RIBA Award.

Establishing Essex Mews Essex Mews is a small residential development in Crystal Palace, comprising three new-build mews-style family homes. MW Architects provided all architectural services on the development with Building Associates Ltd appointed as the main contractor.

Working with Roger Zogolovitch and Solidspace Developments, MW Architects and Building Associates Ltd completed the development in September 2012. Considine Consulting was the structural engineer on the project.

Commenting on the development, Matthew Wood of MW Architects, said: “Essex Mews is situated within a backland conservation area of Crystal Palace, and was built on a steep sloping site. Due to the nature of its location, planning was a bit of a challenge, however once work began on the development the process progressed smoothly.”

Matthew added: “What was very interesting about this scheme is the difference between the internal design and the external design of the properties. Internally Essex Mews is very spacious and contemporary, whilst externally the buildings look very polite in appearance, and are in keeping with traditional suburban mews houses.”

Taking advantage of the sloping location, each house within the Essex Mews development contains five levels, with three stories situated towards the back and two at the front. Internally the properties are decked out in modern fixtures and fittings, whilst the exterior includes parking provisions and landscaping.

The houses were built using traditional methods of brick and block and include timber floors and glazing. By employing traditional building methods, the construction timeframe and budget were cost competitive, whilst the scheme made use of local tradesmen which contributed to the local economy.

Matthew said: “We are a young architectural practice, primarily concentrating on architectural refurbishment works, so Essex Mews presented us with a great opportunity to get involved with our very first new build project.

“SolidSpace Developments were very supportive and their

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philosophy is that investing in good architecture, a quality build and a good space will reap rewards. The aim of SolidSpace is to create a new exemplar for house building, so the challenge was to design houses that remain consistent with the client brief whilst satisfying the planners’ requirement to preserve and enhance the conservation area.”

Matthew added: “A good dialogue with the planners can really make the most out of a site and that is something which we always strive to do with each project.”

Based in London, MW Architects is an award-winning expert architectural practice specialising in residential and commercial projects. Founded in 2009 by Matthew Wood, MW Architects’ projects range from £50,000 through to £2 million.

Essex Mews marks the first time that MW Architects has been recognised at the RIBA Awards and this is something that Matthew is very pleased about. Matthew commented: “This is our first completed new build project and the first time we have entered the RIBA awards. We are very pleased to have won an award for our first new build.”

For more information about MW Architects, please visit: www.mwarchitects.co.uk.

Building Associates Ltd Building Associates Ltd provides specialist services on construction and new builds, covering all aspects of internal and external building works, including education, housing, leisure and health services. The company has been in operation for almost 25 years and carry out work across the South East of England.

Past projects for Building Associates Ltd include Farringtons School in Chislehurst and bespoke specification new build flats in Purley, Croydon. Most recently Building Associates Ltd has worked on a youth hostel refurbishment in conjunction with the Stay Green charity.

Commenting on his involvement on the RIBA Award winning project Essex Mews, Ben Sands, Contract Manager said: “It was great to be the main contractor on a project which has won a RIBA Award and an innovative scheme to work on.”

Ben added: “At Building Associates we are always proud to receive repeat business from clients and always strive to provide a good quality service.”

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A re R I BaA

Transforming The Brassworks The Brassworks is a beautiful conversion of a former factory building in central London into a chain of stunning light-filled, loft style apartments. Located in a quiet area close to Marble Arch and Hyde Park, The Brassworks offers spacious, high quality residential accommodation in a prime location.

The original Brassworks was built in 1819 as a brass instrument factory for Distin’s Millitary Musical Instrument Manufactory.

During the 20th century the building received numerous alterations and significant damage, and was more recently used for offices.

Although The Brassworks was a Grade II listed building it was neglected and in bad condition, however Belsize Architects brought their skill and imagination to a previously unconsidered rundown factory, in order to give it a stunning makeover.

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Belsize Architects were engaged by the Church Commissioners to convert the building – previously known as 6A-10 Frederick Close – into a series of loft-style apartments. Belsize Architects were anxious to create attractive, liveable spaces while trying to respecting the original structure as much as possible, and worked with the building to give it a new life for contemporary residential use.

On the ground floor, the central entrance gives way to a welcoming reception area. On either side, car parking and other facilities are displayed behind a large arched doorway, whose gates include a brass motif in-keeping with the building’s musical history. Also, on this level lie two apartments, including a particularly impressive flat with irregular walls, an internal glazed courtyard and sunken media room.

From the first floor level, Belsize Architects have exploited the

U-shaped layout of the building. A series of former workshops were removed to create a central workshop, which now acts as a focal point for the building.

The central garden contains a specially commissioned bronze sculpture, bringing daylight and a sense of space into the heart of every apartment. The apartments facing the courtyard at ground level enjoy privacy thanks to a series of sliding glass panels that add further visual interest to the courtyard facades.

Each apartment has been designed to the highest specification including custom-made kitchens and furniture, en-suite bathrooms and bespoke wardrobes in all bedrooms and high-specification flooring and other finishes. State of the art heating, cooling and AV technology has been used throughout the development, and the energy efficiency of the building has been maximised whenever possible.

London-based Interior Design Company Perring Design were chosen to deliver a Full Design and Furnishing Service for The Brassworks, and transformed the stunning empty spaces into highly desireable residences using a sleek mix of contemporary design with superb attention to detail.

As specialists in the property market, Perring Design provide competitive Interior Design solutions for rental properties, show apartments and private clients. It was this experience that helped to ensure that over half of the apartments let within the first week of release.

Director Emma Perring said: “We were thrilled to work on this exciting development for The Church Commissioners, and understood exactly what was required to attract top-end clients and deliver the maximum return on their Investment.”

The budget for the project was £6.5 million and The Brassworks was completed in March 2012. The apartments were offered for rent through an agent specialising in central London property, and were all fully let by the end of April just over six weeks following the launch of the development.

Unsurprisingly, the quality of the development and its central London location are reflected in the rental income: the smallest flat (a 141 square metre two bedroom unit on the ground floor) commands a weekly rental of £1,850.

The Brassworks also succeeds in bringing new life to a previously run down building that is now a well-integrated into its surroundings. Prior to the refurbishment, this otherwise attractive corner of London was blighted by the old musical instrument factory, which was rapidly leading to dereliction; however it is once again an attractive and well-maintained building that sits comfortably alongside its neighbouring properties within an important conservation area.

The Brassworks has received a Commendation in the New London Architecture Awards 2012 and was also shortlisted in the AJ Retrofit Awards 2012 and the RIBA Awards 2013.

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RIBA

After the rain comes the Rain Bow Gate Rain Bow Gate is stunning new piece of public artwork to welcome the people of Burnley. The new award-winning artwork came about as the result of an artwork competition organised by Burnley Borough Council, implemented to enhance the image and overall perception of the Princess Way Gateway – Education & Enterprise Zone.

The Rain Bow Gate project was funded by the European Regional Development fund, Homebase Section 106 funds, Sustrans, Burnley College, and Bury Council. The aim was to create an improved public space at the campus entrance, and provide a positive, distinct first impression for visitors and residents of Burnley; and develop a contemporary, bold, creative, innovative and high quality design that denotes the area for education and enterprise in Burnley.

Discussing the new structure, Council Leader, Charlie Briggs said: “The sculpture is a small but inspiring aspect of the overall Princess Way Public Realm Project. Rain Bow Gate will create a contemporary gateway to the town and the Knowledge Quarter; which includes high quality paving, lighting and landscaping to

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improve pedestrian access between the town centre and the town.”

Mike Smith Studio a design and fabrication specialist, worked on the Rainbow Gate. Working alongside the team of architects and engineers, Mike Smith Studio worked hard in order to find the best way to create this beautiful structure.

Commenting on the project, Michael Smith, owner of Mike Smith Studio said: “It was great for us to be involved with Rain Bow Gate; the project has had good coverage from the local and RIBA press and has led to more work on similar projects.”

Showcasing a strong three-dimensional form constructed from flat, laser cut, 3mm steel sheets, the geometrically-stiff, ultralight structure minimises weight and wastage, demonstrating the Shell Structure’s principles pioneered by Tonkin Liu and engineers at Arup. Designed to harness beams of sunlight, 133 glass prism inserts were installed into the structure to cast rainbow-coloured light from the piece.

The three gateways welcome people from three directions, where three routes converge in front of the college, creating

a gathering place. The three perforated arches fuse to form a covered space that responds to the ever-changing weather.

The pavilion captures light and creates an array of colour from nature’s full colour spectrum. The design makes use of carefully considered angles and the perforations in the roof, which at night allow light to cast rainbows onto the mist.

The bow of the rainbow is the most simple and dynamic natural geometry, structurally efficient due to its curvature, thereby minimising use of material. The arches of the viaduct give the site one of its most defining architectural characteristics.

A Shell Lace Structure principle was used for the bow, using 3mm thick stainless steel to create a continuous strong form.

Shell Lace Structure is a technique informed by nature and gains strength from optimised curvilinear geometry, locking in stiffness with corrugation. Lightness is achieved through perforation, creating highly-efficient and responsive structures with minimum weight and wasted.

Such is the success of Rain Bow Gate that it received recognition with a RIBA Award, something which Anna Liu of Tonkin Liu is very proud of. Speaking to Premier Construction magazine, Anna Liu, commented: “We are delighted that Rain Bow Gate was completed to a level of quality and originality to win a RIBA Award. What better place for the innovative structural principles of Shell Lace Structure, than at Burnley’s college, where future designers, engineers and entrepreneurs are nurtured.”

Anna added: “After the rain comes the rainbow, and we hope that the sense of wonder continues in the spirit of learning in Burnley.”

The restoration of Astley Castle Originally used as a fortified manor for the Royal family, Astley Castle is a landmark building in Warwickshire.

Although not viewed as a castle in the traditional sense, the site comprises a moated castle, a gateway and curtain walls, a church, lake and gardens.

Astley Castle has a long and interesting history, however in 1978 all this history was almost wiped out when the Grade II Listed building was ravaged by fire, leaving it in a state of disrepair. Such was the devastation of the fire that in 2007 English Heritage highlighted the building as one of the ‘highest priority buildings at risk’ in the UK. In order to rectify and restore the building to its former glory an extensive restoration scheme was put in place by the Landmark Trust, to safeguarding the historic site for future use.

An architectural competition was then implemented with the

brief explaining that the site was to be adapted to provide good quality, modern living accommodation.

Although not all of the castle could be restored, Witherford Watson Mann Architects Ltd won the competition and began the impressive restoration process. Established in 2001, Witherford Watson Mann Architects Ltd is a professional practice focusing on projects which address the common ground shared by architecture, public space and urban planning.

The main aim of the scheme was to restore and preserve as much of the original site as possible. Work was conducted sensitively, with archaeologists working with the construction teams in order to excavate the site ahead of the installation of new materials. Existing walls were then strengthened using steel rods, before the new build could begin.

During the course of the £2.7 million project, the new build elements were blended together with the existing fabric of the building to create a truly remarkable development. The new accommodation was inserted within the ruined walls, with glass walls providing picturesque views out on to the landscape.

New accommodation was installed on the first floor, with bedrooms and bathrooms on the ground floor and a lift installed to provide easy access between the two levels. Rooms were designed to be spacious, yet homely, with modern furnishings including chairs and a fire.

An air source heat pump and underfloor heating was installed to provide heating to the property, whilst the kitchen was fully equipped with an electric cooker, freezer and dishwasher. The comfort of future guests was also catered for with the installation of three bathrooms, two of which include free-standing shower units.

Work on the project was completed in 2012. Funding for the project was provided through grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund, English Heritage and through a number of charitable trusts and individuals.

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Discussing the importance of the project, Caroline Stanford, a historian at the Landmark Trust, said: “This building has been in continuous occupation for 1,000 years. Its inhabitants have seen and shaped the course of British history, but without intervention the building would have been lost forever.”

Whilst work took place on what was a very significant restoration project, a Heritage Lottery Fund Access & Involvement Programme was implemented, allowing people to gain a greater understanding of the process. In addition, another competition was set, this time focusing on Astley Castle’s garden area.

Such is the success of Astley Castle’s restoration that the project won the highly respected RIBA National Award 2013,

along with the RIBA West Midlands Award and RIBA West Midlands Conservation Award 2013.

Steven Witherford and Freddie Phillipson from Witherford Watson Mann Architects Ltd attended the award ceremony, along with Mark Sharrat and Alastair Dick-Cleland from the Landmark Trust.

In addition to winning big at RIBA, Astley Castle has also achieved an accolade in the Building Conservation category at the RICS West Midlands Awards and achieved a joint win in the Restoration/Conservation category at the Museum & Heritage Awards.

For more information about Astley Castle, please visit: www.landmarktrust.org.uk.

Hope and Glory: Restoring Clonard Church Located in west Belfast, The Church of the Most Holy Redeemer, Clonard – is a magnificent building dating back to 1911. Over the past few years Clonard Church has been the subject of an extensive restoration scheme which has restored and rejuvenated the building for generations to come.

The first phase of works, which comprised roof repairs and stonework restoration works, was completed in 2009. The second phase of the refurbishment, which involved a major internal restoration, began in March 2011 and was completed in time for St Patrick’s Day 2012.

Killowen Contracts Ltd was the main contractor on the project, whilst Consarc Design Group provided all architectural services.

Consarc Design Group is a professional design consultancy practice, offering services in architecture, historic building conservation, quantity surveying and project management.

Speaking to Premier Construction about the award-winning project, Consarc Design Group Project Architect, Bronagh Lynch, said:

“Over the last 100 years Clonard Church had become tired and was in desperate need of restoration. During the 1970s the church had been reordered, but had never received the restoration that it required. This project – which was divided into two phases – represented the culmination of a lot of hard work to transform the church, taking it back to its former glory and giving it a new lease of life. In the process we also wanted the building to become more energy efficient, making it a building that could remain steeped in history but at the same time remain forward thinking.”

Brian McGivern of Killowen Contracts Ltd, added: “Following successful completion of Phase One we were appointed to complete Phase Two, which focused on a complete internal restoration. The scope of works for this phase of the restoration included redecoration to all ceilings and plastered walls; cleaning and restoring all mosaics and stonework within the church interior; the installation of new flooring with a tiled finish to the main body of the church; and the restoration of confessionals, pews and kneelers. In addition, new heating, ROMA PUBLICATIONS

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lighting and a PA system was installed throughout the church, whilst some hard landscaping work and the restoration of a few external areas rounded out the phase.”

Brian added: “Killowen Contracts Ltd was delighted to be the main contractor on the restoration of the Clonard Church.”

Before any work took place on the project a detailed survey was conducted to ascertain they key focus of the restoration scheme. Carpets were then removed, original tiles were restored and the sanctuary was reordered.

A major aspect of the work was the installation of energy efficient underfloor heating. Once this was completed a new tiled floor was fitted around the seating area, which was designed to match the pattern of the existing flooring.

To complete the interior work new lighting was fitted to enhance and highlight the church’s magnificent makeover.

Bronagh said: “This project was very important for us to be involved in.

We were selected specifically because of our specialities in conservation work. Clonard Church is very well known within the local community and the surrounding area, so it was a great honour and a delight for us to be involved.

“To be a part of a project that has now won an RIBA Regional Award is very rewarding for us. This is a huge achievement and the award also recognises the hard work and commitment from the Church and the Church community to deliver such a high quality restoration.”

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Emirates Air Line One of the newest links in London’s transport network opened up for public use in June last year lifting passenger s up to 90 meters above the River Thames for a 1.1km journey between the Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks.

The Wilkinson Eyre-designed scheme included a number of distinct elements, the design of which was given the opportunity to create a highly recognisable piece of infrastructure. The cable car is an important feature to the area on which it lands on either side of the River Thames, both in functional and in visual terms.

Wilkinson Eyre was commissioned, along with Expedition Engineering, as architects of the scheme after winning a design competition. The team had to fit the crossing in to a ‘corridor ’with numerous constraints, which included a minimum 54-metre clearance for Tall Ships above the Thames; constraints in plan and section relating to City Airport multiple landholdings; and existing infrastructure.

The sculptural form of the Emirates Air Line’s three towers makes an exciting addition to the London skyline. The open, spiraling structure merges engineering and aesthetics to provide a visually light construction that minimises perceived mass.

Wilkinson Eyre’s design for the terminals of the Emirates Air Line include a pair of visually light, stand alone glazed pavilions.

The plan of the terminals reflect the paths of the cabins as they pass around the drive wheels at either end of the system, engaging with the machine aesthetic inherent to the buildings.

The lightweight, glazed upper storey of the design houses the boarding platforms, which cantilever outwards above the ticket office and other services, located in the core at ground level.

The Emirates Royal Docks terminal houses the electric motor which drives the Emirates Air Line, while a garage for servicing

the cabins occupies an adjoining building at the Emirates Greenwich Peninsula terminal.

Oliver Tyler, Wilkinson Eyre Architect’s Director for the project said; “The Emirates Air Line makes a dramatic architectural statement and defines the emerging character of the Greenwich Peninsula and Royal Docks. The towers are a clearly identifiable symbol for the area and Emirates Air Line adds a dash of excitement to the experience which becomes a ‘must do’ experience for visitors.”

The Emirates Air Line is fully accessible to wheelchair users and the mobility impaired, with step free access in both terminals.

Wilkinson Eyre developed plans for the Emirates Air Line with Expedition Engineering and Mott Macdonald for Transport for London.

The practice was instrumental in assisting TFL to win planning permission for the project from the London Boroughs of Newham and Greenwich as well as the approval of the Mayor’s office in 2011. The plans were taken to completion through a Design & Build contract run by Mace, with Aedas as delivery architect.

Advanced Glass Technology Advanced Glass Technology is a bespoke window film specialist supplying and installing a full range of solar and security films for buildings across the globe.

Advanced Glass Technology has been operating since 2008, and they have provided their bespoke project services for numerous Government, Corporate and NGO’s in the UK , Jordan, Nigeria, Mauritania, Kosovo and Iraq.

In 2012 AGT was commissioned to solve a unique problem

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RIBA with the glass on the docking stations at the Emirates Air Line in London.

Commenting on his company’s involvement with the project, Managing Director, Martin Westney, said: “We became involved in the project because the client had an issue concerning the application of safety film to the U Glass – a very unique type of glass being installed at both docking stations – so we were asked to come and review the project

from a specialist point of view to find a solution.

“It was a prestigious project for us to be involved with (being part of the Olympic development) and set unique challenges, but our expert team completed the work on time and on budget.”

Martin added: “At AGT we pride ourselves on the levels of service and professionalism we offer our clients, each job is bespoke and therefore has its own unique approach.”

A flurry of awards for Hackney home Picking up the RIBA London Building of the Year Award last month and shortlisted for this year’s Housing Design Awards and New London Awards, Church Walk is an iconic new build terrace on one of the oldest roads in Stoke Newington, North London.

The project has provided four dwellings, with two houses, a flat and a triplex on a previously overlooked brownfield site.

David Mikhail and Annalie Riches undertook the project as both architect and developer with the aim of providing themselves and their newborn son with a home and three further dwellings which they could rent out. From the outset they wanted to concentrate on a design that would not significantly injure the light and amenity of the neighbours, and would contribute, not detract from the street.

The pair certainly achieved their aim as RIBA Chairman, Stephen Hodder said: “Church Walk is an exemplary model of how careful, sustainable design can greatly enhance the value of difficult inner city sites. It also offers a paradigm and a reference point for the quality of homes required to meet this country’s growing demand for housing.”

Materials for the build were intentionally taken from a limited palette, with white oiled Siberian larch, arranged board over board giving a ‘corduroy’ effect. A light buff coloured brick set in a flush white lime mortar, recalling the London stock brickwork of Georgian London, and a large gauge expanded aluminum mesh, finished like the windows in anodized bronze.

The extensive use of timber, lime mortar and wildflower roofs were all praised by RIBA for their carbon reducing effect.

Reflecting the external white wood, internally muted shades prevail. Light pours in through lined window reveals and internal

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sills and tall skirting boards and solid wide plank floors give an open spacious feel.

At the heart of each dwelling is a double height family room.

It gets good natural light, with windows looking north, plus clerestory glazing at the terrace level above. Living rooms address the street, providing surveillance and security. The rear ‘concertina’ elevation acts both to provide oblique views that prevent overlooking, and also to avoid a potentially overbearing and acoustically reverberant wall to the neighbours.

Based in Clerkenwell Green, David Mikhail Architects were established in 1992 and specialise in bespoke homes, Church Walk is just one of many to win an award.

For more information please visit: www.davidmikhail.com.

Yarm School: “One of the best acoustic environments in the country” Yarm School’s stunning performing arts centre reached the shortlist for this year’s RIBA North East Awards, which celebrates the best architecture and the design in the region.

Last year’s winners of the prestigious award included a derelict toffee factory in Newcastle which was reincarnated as a work space for creative industries and a 312-bed mental health village in Middleborough called Roseberry Park.

Yarm School admitted its first pupils in September 1978. Since then it has become the major educational success story in the North East and is now firmly established amongst the country’s leading independent schools. Over the course of the last five years the school has been completely transformed, with an extensive £15million redevelopment of their existing facilities taking place.

Associated Architects have been heavily involved for the duration of the project and speaking to Premier Construction, Lead Architect, Barbora Bott said: “Associated Architects have been working to deliver a masterplan for the whole Yarm School site for over four years now with the aim of upgrading and expanding their existing facilities.

“Central to the master-plan was the performance arts centre.

This has involved the erection of the performance hall which now has an 800 capacity auditorium- complete with flexible studio theatre, music performance suite, and a large glass atrium with an external terrace overlooking the River Tees.”

Upon a recent visit to the school, the London Community Gospel Choir performed in the auditorium and afterwards their sound engineer, revered as one of the best in his field, rated the auditorium as “one of the best acoustic environments in the country”.

Barbora continued: “We have also extended the existing teaching facilities complete with a double height dedicated

dance studio, and upgraded the kitchen and the dining facilities.

“We have tried to design a highly sustainable building, with good quality daylighting, high levels of thermal insulation and air tightness, and natural ventilation to most areas.

“A considered palette of materials was selected to create a visually stimulating form for the new buildings. These included pre-weathered zinc shingles, insulated render panels or anodised aluminium rain screen cladding panels mounted to the back of the performance hall. The panels are fixed through adjustable brackets onto galvanized rails sitting approx 0.5m proud of the building primary façade. The overall configuration gives appearance of continuous sweep around the building.”

When asked what it meant to be shortlisted, Barbora added: “The RIBA awards carry a certain weight; they are the most important recognition of our professional involvement. To be shortlisted was a great honour for us and was fantastic for everybody involved with the Yarm School project.”

Yarm School Headmaster David Dunn said: “It was fantastic news that the school’s new performing arts centre was shortlisted for such a prestigious award. Everyone associated with the performing arts department was ecstatic and credit must go to Adam Wardle, the architect who worked so hard on making the facility so flexible and impressive, as well as sustainable.”

Adam Wardle, Director of Associated Architects, added: “This development has provided state of the art facilities for music, drama, dance as well as a fantastic space for pupil performances. Work on the whole site was phased over four years, allowing pupils and staff to carry on without their lives being disrupted by the construction works.

“The RIBA awards are the Oscars of the architectural profession, so to be short-listed was fantastic. It’s an acknowledgement of a great building and recognises the whole team’s effort, but most importantly the school’s vision in investing in good quality design.”

Based in Birmingham Associated Architects have been designing buildings in the UK and elsewhere, for clients across the private and public sectors since1968. The practice aims to create architecture of the highest quality which embodies a deep sense of responsibility towards clients, their buildings’ users and the environment.

The shortlisted buildings were assessed by a regional jury with the winners of an RIBA North East Award announced on the evening of Wednesday 12 June 2013 at Newcastle Civic Centre.

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RIBA excellence on a national platform, announced on the same evening.

Theatretech was the theatre consultant on the project at Yarm School. The consultancy designed all the specific theatre systems on the project and worked with Associated Architects during the early stages of the design in order to develop the concept.

Theatretech is a leading theatre, television and audio-visual consultancy, working on projects in the UK and abroad. For more than 30 years Theatretech has worked on a range of projects, from concert halls, buildings for the Performing Arts, lecture theatres, through to stadia, recording spaces and TV studios.

Mick Way of Theatretech commented: “This was a fairly unique project for the school sector and we are pleased to be associated with this performing arts centre.”

Making the right choice: Viscount Classical Organs The incorporation of a traditional pipe organ into any space adds considerably to the design, budget and time management challenges. An instrument of the size requested by the school, built in real pipes, would have required a space the size of the stage to house the instrument and added well over £1million to the overall project. It would not have been possible to begin construction of the instrument in the building until all other works had finished as dust and pipe organ construction do not mix.

Digital organ technology has existed for well over 50 years and

keeps on improving. For a fraction of the cost of a traditional instrument, and with virtually no additional space requirement, Yarm School chose this solution.

Viscount Classical Organs Limited was chosen because of their unique and innovative organ voice platform ‘Physis’. This is a computer managed physical model that faithfully replicates the sound of a pipe organ and which is delivered into the auditorium through 22 loud speakers. ‘Physis’ also allows great control of the final speech of the instrument so after installation it can be acoustically managed to deliver a perfect match of the sound between the instrument and the building.

Console design was also important. The terraced layout being both striking to match the interior design of the building, but also keeping the height low so that sight lines to the stage from the side seating was not impaired.

With all the wiring installed during the construction phase under the supervision of Viscount, the instrument was installed in just 1 day last April with many other trades still working on the final fix of the building. 26 individual amplifier channels, providing spares just in case of failure, were installed in the under stage area where they can be easily accessed should any maintenance be necessary. The main speakers are housed in a specially created bay above the auditorium doors with 2 special high power bass speakers located at the rear of the building.

On switch on, the result was immediately pleasing and impressive with a very authentic sound convincingly filling the auditorium even before any final voicing had started.

Cornelius Vermuyden shines the way Described as a ‘beacon for learning’, The Cornelius Vermuyden School and Arts College is a brand new, twostory facility in Canvey Island, Essex. The new school, which comprises approximately 75% new build and a 25% refurbishment of an existing facility, was completed in February 2012, with an official opening taking place in July 2012.

Cornelius Vermuyden School and Arts College caters for 900 students, ranging in age from 11 to 16. The school strives to provide quality education within a supportive, caring and disciplined environment.

Leading architectural design practice, Nicholas Hare Architects provided the design for the new school, with Skanska as the main contractor. Paul Baxter, a partner at Nicholas Hare Architects took time out of his busy schedule to talk to Premier Construction about the project.

Nicholas Hare Architects Partner, Paul Baxter, said: “The Cornelius Vermuyden School and Arts College project was implemented as part of Wave 4 of the Essex batch of the government’s Building Schools for the Future Programme.

“When we began working on this project the head teacher told us that she wanted a new school which could become a beacon for learning and that’s exactly what we did. We placed the library at the front of the school so everyone can see that learning is very much at the forefront of this particular facility.

“As the school’s specialism is the visual arts, another important aspect of the project was to create exciting opportunities for the pupil’s to display their artworks. We created a two-storey gallery space which has the potential to be opened up for public exhibitions should the opportunity arise.The gallery varies in width along its length, and includes space for the entrance hall, dining area and the display zones.”

Paul added:

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“The new school was built from a mix of yellow stock brick, untreated timber and tinted and perforated bronze anodised aluminium. The new building includes a library, a sports hall with associated training facilities, dance spaces, classrooms, breakout spaces and teaching offices. Meanwhile, the refurbished element of the project saw a former 1960s building reworked into a centre for art and technology.”

Construction work began on the project in May 2010. In order to facilitate the works on the site, the project was divided into three phases, to work around existing buildings housed within the site’s footprint.

The first phase was the demolition and erection of the sports hall, whilst the second phase focused on creating teaching

RIBA areas. The final phase focused on the main hall, the library and ITC spaces and the refurbishment of an existing block.

Extensive landscaping completed the project.

Paul said: “It was a complex, phased plan, which always took into account the safety of students and staff.”

Such was the success of the Cornelius Vermuyden School and Arts College project that the site was shortlisted for an accolade at this year’s RIBA Awards. Although the project didn’t take home a prize, its recognition alone was enough for Paul.

Paul commented: “Although the project didn’t win a RIBA Award we were shortlisted and this was a great achievement.

There are many thousands of buildings under construction throughout the UK each year, even during difficult times, so to even be shortlisted for an award is fantastic. Winning would have been great, but the nomination was very pleasing.”

Set up in 1977, Nicholas Hare Architects is a leading design practice working on a vast array of projects, from arts and civic schemes through to medical and residential. In addition to The Cornelius Vermuyden School and Arts College, Nicholas Hare Architects has designed many schools and colleges, including Joseph Chamberlain Sixth Form College in Birmingham, All Saints’ Academy in Cheltenham and Aylesbury Vale Academy in Buckinghamshire.

For more information about Nicholas Hare Architects, please visit: www.nicholashare.co.uk.

Slip House: Bold design in Brixton Nestled amongst Brixton’s traditional Victorian terraces is Slip House, distinctive and innovative, the home has become somewhat of a landmark in the borough.

An urban sanctuary in busy South London, the prototype low energy home was designed in-house by Carl Turner Architects and has picked up several awards and featured on Channel 4’s Grand Designs.

Three simple ‘slipped’ orthogonal box forms break up the bulk

of the building, giving it its striking sculptural quality. The top floor is clad in milky, translucent glass planks which continue past the roof to create a high level enclosure for a private roof terrace.

The boxes are carefully placed to maximize light and outlook from inside whilst not intruding on the neighbour’s outlook.

“Designing and building your own home is both a privilege and an immense challenge. First and foremost it has to be home,

then maybe, an inspiring piece of urban design. We also wanted it to be sustainable both ecologically and financially”, says Architect and proud home-owner Carl Turner.

“Living and working (‘living over the shop’) is something that really interests us. We see a prototype new ‘terraced’ house, squeezed into underutilised city (brownfield) sites. This flexible type of home can allow for the artisan or home-worker to sub-let or downsize. This can enliven local communities and produce ‘homes’ which create opportunities rather than be dormitories or financial assets. Slip House is flexible and can be used as a single home, studio workspace and apartment, or two apartments.”

Designed to Code for Sustainable Homes Level 5, Slip House features ‘energy piles’ which use a solar assisted ground source heat pump integrated into the pile foundations, PVs, a green roof, rain water harvesting, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery and underfloor heating. The insulated pre-engineered panels were provided by offsite building solutions company, ‘Building With Frames’.

In keeping with the minimalist theme of the house there are absolutely no exposed fixings. “All of the joints were secretly fixed by hidden jointing systems, so attention to every tiny detail was paramount”, says Roy Middleton. Roy’s team carried out nearly all of the internal joinery work on the project, “It was a fantastic build and it is always great working with Carl”, Roy said.

Long term partners M and M Architectural carried out the majority of the bespoke steelwork on the building, having worked with Carl Turner on several projects in the past they were more than happy to help in the construction of his own home.

The achievement of Carl Turner Architects on this project was recognised last month with a Royal Institute of British Architects National Award in a ceremony held at the RIBA, London. The jury referred to Slip House as ‘elegant and confident’ whilst demonstrating an ‘admirable commitment to the creation of an exemplar low energy house, with a suite of sustainable

enhancements that are integrated effectively into the building design’.

Speaking about the project, Carl said: “We set out with a simple sculptural form of three canilevered (or slipped) boxes, the uppermost sheathed by a translucent glass screen. This upper box houses our living space and connects to a ‘sky garden’. The middle box houses sleeping and bathing and the ground box is given over to a multi-purpose space, currently housing our studio. This arrangement allows flexibility for future adaptation and uses.”

Carl Turner Architects was formed in 2006, and has established a reputation for high impact, low cost Architecture. The practice was shortlisted for Architect of the Year Award, small project architect 2012, receiving a ‘highly commended’ special mention.

For more information please visit: www.ct-architects.co.uk.

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Opening up the Soane Opening Up the Soane is an ongoing master plan project to restore and refurbish the Grade I Listed Sir John Soane Museum.

Phase One of the project marked the beginning of the restoration of the Soane-designed house at No.12 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, which was originally built and decorated by John and Eliza Soane as their home in 1792. The recently completed phase consisted of works within the house at No.12 as well as the reinstatement of two historically important spaces off the No.13 staircase, the Tivoli and Shakespeare Recesses.

Work began on Phase One of the project in February 2011 and reached completion following a 68-week construction period. Fairhurst Ward Abbotts was the main contractor on the £2 million phase, Fanshawe LLP was the project manager and Julian Harrap Architects LLP provided all contract administration and architectural services. Mann Williams Ltd was the structural engineer, D.R Nolans & Co the quantity surveyor and The Spencer Clarke Partnership the mechanical and structural engineer.

Specialist joinery firm, Appleton and Rowlinson Ltd manufacture bespoke furniture to the exact specifications of the clients. Working on Sir John Soane’s Museum, Appleton and Rowlinson Ltd supplied joinery items such as roof lanterns, panelling and door frames for the museum.

Commenting on the project, Paul Appleton, of Appleton and Rowlinson said: “This was an important and enjoyable project for us to be a part of, and we hope to work with them on the next stage of the refurbishment.”

Phase One completed in June 2012 has proved very successful, winning the 2013 RICS Building Conservation Award as well as being short listed for the 2013 RIBA awards.

Languishing unseen until now, the restoration of Sir John Soane’s Museum provides public access to the lower floors, with a new exhibition gallery and shop installed into the site, along with the creation of an enlarged conservation studio. The new additions to the museum incorporate furniture designed by Caruso St John Architects.

As well as new facilities added to the museum, the scheme also sees the interior and exterior of the house thoroughly, and academically, repaired and restored. Two new ingenious lifts – have also been installed within existing water closets, providing full visitor access to the whole of the museum.

Funding for the entire £7 million restoration of Sir John Soane’s Museum was raised through major grants from The Monument Trust; the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF); the Foyle Foundation; the Wolfson Foundation and through generous support from the US via Sir John Soane’s Museum Foundation. £500,000 was generated through a public appeal, which was launched in February 2011.

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Activities initiated to run alongside the restoration works – which are designed to extend the reach of the museum – include a community outreach plan; a conservation-in-action scheme; a volunteer plan; an oral history project; and a dedicated website which incorporates a Collections Management System (CMS) and online learning.

Due to the character and high significance of all the building fabric, the design team worked closely with Camden Council and English Heritage throughout the design process. The primary focus of conservation work at the museum is to repair and maintain the existing, and unique, historic fabric of the building. New elements of the building make use of both traditional and modern materials, and where possible traditional materials are given priority.

Sir John Soane’s Museum is a unique building, which retains a world reputation for its personal collection and has been open free of charge to the public since 1837.

For more information about Sir John Soane’s Museum, please visit: www.soane.org.

Double win for Stan Bolt Established in 1993, Stan Bolt Architect is a forward thinking practice working on an array of projects within the UK and oversees. Operating from an office in Brixham, Stan Bolt Architect comprises a team of six professional architects, producing bespoke solutions for individual clients.

Over the past twenty years, Stan Bolt Architect has developed a fantastic reputation for imaginative, crafted and site specific work, from Kaywanna Hall in Kingswear to Mirldown House in Wiltshire. Such is the high quality of Stan Bolt Architect’s work that two projects, Berry Head Rocks and The Green House, have received recognition at the RIBA Awards 2012.

The Berry Head Rocks project was implemented to replace a former dwelling which was housed within Berry Head Country Park. The project comprised the demolition of an existing building and the construction of a new, more modern replacement.

The four-bedroom property includes open-plan living spaces and an array of stunning fixtures and fittings, whilst the exterior was carefully designed to reflect both the landscape and the adjacent Listed building, Berry Head Hotel. Work began on Berry Head Rocks in November 2008 and reached completion in April 2011.

The Green House, meanwhile, was completed in April 2010, following a 12 month construction. The project comprised the demolition of an existing building and the construction of a two-storey tower dwelling, which included three bedrooms and associated living spaces.

The main contractor on Berry Head Rocks was Hartland Construction, whilst the main contractor on the Green House was Bovey Construction. Stan Bolt Architect provided architectural services on both projects.

Discussing the projects with Premier Construction, Stan Bolt of Stan Bolt Architect said: “Berry Head Rocks was placed within the landscape and as such the new building includes shingle covered planted roofs, taking up the form of the coastal slope. Although the building is quite large it was specifically designed in such a way that it has a very minimal impact on the landscape.

“Another significant feature of this dwelling is the way in which the interior and the exterior areas almost become one. The design of the communal spaces erodes the distinction between internal and external spaces, bringing the outside in and taking the inside out.”

Stan added: “The Green House was a very different project, and comprised the construction of a two-storey tower which sits above a rendered blockwork plinth. Entry to the building is via a bridge and inside the building includes living spaces, fantastic finishes and has glazed areas which offer picturesque views.”

Both Berry Head Rocks and The Green House were subject

to a few delays as a result of the original main contractor going into liquidation during the early stages of the schemes.

However the delays did nothing to detract from the end result, with both projects securing recognition at the RIBA Awards.

The importance of being involved in the success of both projects is something which Stan does not take lightly. Commenting on the double victory, Stan said: “As with any award it is always extremely satisfying to see your work recognised by your peers and the publicity generated by the awards is an added bonus for raising the practice’s profile.

The purpose of these awards is to educate society about what can be achieved when the right people come together.

“Berry Head Rocks and The Green House were both contemporary schemes that sit very comfortably in sensitive and historic environments. Neither project panders to a pastiche of past styles and this is an important message which I feel we can highlight thanks to the recognition that these awards bring.

“Modern design can work within a historic context and Berry Head Rocks and The Green House are perfect examples of this.”

For more information about Stan Bolt Architect, please visit: www.stanboltarchitect.com.

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NHBC

NHBC Pride in the Job Awards Over thirty years on from the first award ceremony, the NHBC Pride in the Job Awards remain the bench mark for best practice in UK construction.

The annual competition was established with the aim of recognising and rewarding quality house building and, specifically, the role that site managers play. The awards were intended to shine a light on the UK’s best construction sites; developments which were tidy, well organised, well managed, disciplined and innovative.

Scores of site managers up and down the country have now received notification of their award and will soon be able to proudly display flags, banners and certificates bearing the NHBC logo on their development.

The awards are divided into three categories: Quality Awards, Seal of Excellence Awards and Regional Awards.

Winners in these categories are then entered for the UK Supreme Award. Supreme Award winners are the very best site managers in each of the three categories in the UK housebuilding industry. They are the people who have achieved the highest standard of excellence in site management. The winners are announced at a prestigious national ceremony held in London every January.

Judging takes place over an 18 month period with winners in each category being assessed by NHBC Regional Directors and independent experts. Site managers are scored against 38 pre-set questions to ensure consistency and fairness across the competition.

This month, Premier Construction features several one-onone interviews with some of the lucky site managers to have

received an award.

National House-Building Council: Assuring quality for over 75 years To combat the shoddy building practices blighting interwar Britain, the National House Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) was founded in 1936 with the aim of increasing professionalism and improving standards across the industry.

The NHBRC achieved its aims by establishing an approved house builder register, by inspecting and certifying new houses as fit for purpose and by influencing legislation.

The registration process included an innovative warranty for buyers of certified houses which stated that defects arising from non-compliance with specifications during a two year period from date of purchase would be fixed by the builder, with NHBRC arbitrating in disputes. In 1965, this evolved into today’s ten-year Buildmark warranty.

Buildmark now covers over 80% of new UK houses, currently protecting 1.6 million homes. Nearly 8million homes have benefited so far, giving homeowners assurance and redress if things go wrong Over 75 years on the National House-Building Council (NHBC) as it is now known, is the leading warranty and insurance provider and standards setter for UK house-building for new and newly converted homes.

As a non-profit distributing company, it reinvests all income in achieving its primary purpose; improving quality in house building to protect homeowners.

Construction fit for a queen Currently under construction at Gleneagles is Queens Crescent, a brand new housing development comprising 14 properties. Each plot at Queens Crescent was valued at over and around £1 million and was sold by Gleneagles to fund their Ryder Cup campaign, aimed at the high end of the housing market. Many of the houses enjoy some stunning views across world renowned Queens Course at Gleneagles and beyond to Glendevon.

To date, Stephen Gardiner Construction Ltd has built two houses within the Queens Crescent development. The first house, Plot 12 had a build cost valued at £1.5 million (over and above the land value), carries a valuation in the region of £5-6

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million and was completed in 2011. The second property and the subject of this award, Plot 5, had a build cost of £2.3 million, with a current market value of £6-7 million, and was completed at the end of 2012.

Renowned architectural practice James Denholm Partnership (JDP) designed both Plot 12 and Plot 5 at Queens Crescent.

Each of the properties were built using timber frame construction, with a Sto-render finish, natural locally sourced stone, slate roofs and high performance Scandinavian and German windows.

In addition the house at Plot 5 boasts an impressive wine cellar, 3 kitchen areas including a main kitchen, a working kitchen and

an extensive utility room, all supplied by Siematic. State of the art mechanical and engineering components with intelligent heating and lighting systems as well as impressive media systems and controls were installed into the property.

Stephen Gardiner Construction Ltd MD (SGC Ltd), Stephen Gardiner, said: “Queens Crescent is being built on an area of land that was formerly home to part of an archery area and old golf course.

Planning permission was given to erect 14 high-end houses, creating a gated community and each plot was sold for around £1 million.

“Some of the plot owners have decided to construct the homes themselves, whilst others have looked to contractors such as SGC Ltd to build them. In terms of value, the properties at Queens Crescent are some of the most expensive houses in Scotland.

“The most recent house that we built at Queens Crescent covered an area of 10,000 sq ft and included eight bedrooms.

For the first time on a project we used Dinesen flooring, which is wide board solid oak, perfect for this particular project.

It looks fantastic in the large open areas, in particular below the impressive curved steel/glass stairway with individually handmade treads produced by SGC in the same oak finish.”

Both of the properties at Queens Crescent have been expertly landscaped to include grassed areas, trees and shrubs. Hard landscaping, exterior lighting and gates completed each property.

SGC Ltd’s work on Queens Crescent has certainly not gone unnoticed, with NHBC awarding site manager Gavin Cumming a Pride in the Job award for his work on Plot 5.

SGC Ltd Site Manager, Gavin Cumming, said: “This award is a fantastic achievement and something which I am very proud of. As you can imagine this was an extremely complex build, and we conducted our work, as we always do, to the best of our ability and so it is very gratifying that we have received this recognition.”

Stephen said: “This award for Gavin is a fantastic achievement and something which SGC is very proud of. We see this award as recognition of Gavin’s management skills along with a real team effort which includes the architects Bob Gunn at JDP, Allen Mackie at Allen Gordon and Co Engineers and of course Richard and Angela, our clients.”

Stephen added: “We have been working with NHBC for the past 25 years, building many bespoke houses to suit the budget requirements of the customer, which are of a very high standard. I think this is the first time bespoke builds have had a dedicated award for a one-off development and this is great as it demonstrates that the NHBC isn’t just about volume builders.

“We have been fortunate enough to have been involved in some of the most prestigious new build properties in Scotland and we don’t take this for granted. These projects have helped us to build up a great reputation in the area and this is something which we are very proud of.”

What is most refreshing is that SGC appears to have a simple but unique mantra; they appear to recognise the significance of building someone’s home.

Stephen said: “Building a house is a tremendous privilege. We invest heavily in time, effort and management but more importantly in understanding the client’s needs.”

Moving forward Stephen Gardiner Construction Ltd has been fortunate in the current climate to have another couple of million pound plus projects in the pipeline along with their own development project in Auchterarder.

Established in 1988, Stephen Gardiner Construction Ltd specialise in the construction of individually designed houses to meet the specific needs of its clients. Based in Auchterarder, Perthshire, Stephen Gardiner Construction Ltd has built a fantastic array of properties over the past 25 years, including many houses in rural Perthshire.

Stephen Gardiner Construction Ltd provides clients with a full building package, taking them from the initial design through to completion. The company is also a corporate member of Scottish Building.

For more information on Stephen Gardiner Construction Ltd, please visit: www.stephengardiner.co.uk.

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The future is bright for The Bay Situated on the Bangor coast, The Bay housing estate is a fantastic new development for North Wales. Work on the site is currently making great progress and thanks to a spot of good weather the development remains on schedule.

The Bay – known as’ Y Bae’ in Welsh – comprises of 72 dwellings, serving up a mix of high quality apartments and beautiful modern houses. The development benefits from a picturesque sea view, which looks out towards Snowdonia and Anglesey.

Within the development many of the 3 storey houses have a sliding door/Juliet balcony, whilst all interior fittings on the houses are modern, and certainly meet the requirements of new home owners. Externally the new buildings are being finished using a combination of facing brick and coloured render.

One striking feature within each of the houses is the balustrades which are finished in chrome and hardwood, presenting a stand out feature that is both durable and aesthetically pleasing.

After a few mild difficulties at the end of last year, due to the terrible British weather, the project is back on course to reach its scheduled completion date. The project, which began in July 2012, is now estimated to reach completion in July 2014.

Each of The Bay houses has their own gardens, allowing homeowners to be able to enjoy the warmer months, whilst relaxing in the privacy of their own homes. Moreover, each of

the apartments has their own communal area which provides a mix of soft and hard landscaping.

The Main Contractor of the project Watkin Jones is well known for giving a wealth of energy, experience and expertise to every project they do, ensuring a standard of excellence that’s renowned and respected throughout their industry. Highly commended for its quality of build and design innovation, the success of Watkin Jones Group has been recognised over the years by a variety of prestigious industry awards, including the NHBC Award.

The Watkin Jones Group is one of the most successful, forward thinking and dynamic construction and development companies in the UK. Nigel Pritchard, of Watkin Jones Homes is very pleased at winning his 8th quality award, Nigel said: “Winning this award is a great achievement, and is recognition of the high standards and build quality that we produce. We put a great deal of effort into every single one of our projects and our goal is to get it right first time.”

There are preliminary plans for the future of another phase of The Bay to be carried out. Although it has not been decided yet, it will be exciting to see what Watkin Jones Group can come up with next time around.

Breton Hall scoops third NHBC Award No strangers to the NHBC, JW & J Porter have been awarded yet again for their Breton Hall development in Lisburn, Northern Ireland.

In 2011 the site was presented with the highly coveted NHBC Seal of Excellence Award, a NHBC Regional Award followed last year and now Site Manager, Jim Porter has been given a NHBC Pride in the Job Award.

“The award gives everyone a boost, it shows that the work they are doing is first class”, says Jim proudly. “The award is the result of the high standards that we pride ourselves in. The company does everything with 100% commitment and doesn’t like to cut corners.”

Breton Hall has been modelled on an archetypal Georgian village and boasts an array of detached and semi-detached townhouses and apartments ranging from two to five bedrooms.

All of the units on Breton Hall are new builds and in its entirety, the project consists of 135 units.

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NHBC JW & J Porter Co’s own in-house architects with preliminary work beginning in 2007 and the build is expected to be completed by 2014. Work on the project has progressed well and as there have been relatively few difficulties throughout the design process work is currently on programme and within budget.

“As the houses have been sold we have continued to build, and they have been selling at a steady rate”, says Jim. “The site is starting to close in now; everything has been running well so far”.

The housing development is situated on the banks of the River Lagan and offers excellent transport links to Lisburn. The city is one of Northern Ireland’s most thriving, well known for its excellent range of shops, restaurants, parks, gardens and museums.

Lisburn is also home to a range of leading schools and sports clubs and is perfectly placed for commuting to Belfast. The city is steeped in history and enjoys the luxury of being surrounded by farmland, making Breton Hall an ideal location for your home.

The properties, 80 of which are now occupied, have been built with the most contemporary construction methods and materials available. Redstone blue brick and rendered exterior walls, slate roofing and granite effect window sills all come together to give a convincing Georgian aesthetic.

All of the detached homes on the development have the option of high specification fittings and sanitary ware, allowing buyers to put their own personal stamp on their properties.

In addition, Breton Hall also features picturesque exterior landscaping and groundwork, with the majority of homes overlooking green communal areas.

The buildings were designed by

Reaching new heights in housing With rolling green hills and epic views over the quaint Salcombe town centre and estuary, Salcombe Heights is perhaps one of the South West’s most desirable housing destinations.

The multimillion pound development has been under construction for just over two years and when complete it will be the perfect place from which to enjoy Devon’s natural beauty.

Valued at just over one million pounds each, the 13 properties are a mixture of four and five bedroom detached homes, all with garages and gardens.

Salcombe Heights manages to strike the perfect balance between a modern abode and a rural retreat, as John explains, “The houses are quite modern, zinc roofs, big windows and lots of glass, but there is also a lot of stonework and in keeping with the countryside there has been quite a lot of tree planting and there are a lot of native flowers and grasses.”

Internally the homes are spacious and have big kitchen dining

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NHBC areas and large lounges, all fitted to a high end specification.

Previously the site was untouched countryside and John described his amazement at the site’s transformation over the last few years. He said: “When we first moved onto the site it was just an old field, we have had a road cut through and all services and drains have been fitted. We have got pictures in the office of what it was and what it is becoming, it’s amazing.”

Kingsman Construction has been rewarded for their work on site with an NHBC Pride in the Job Award, the development has been recognised for its organisation, management and well disciplined approach.

Site Manager John Board was clearly very happy with the award, he said: “We have never entered anything like this before; we were told by the NHBC representative in the South West that this was one of the best sites he had seen and needed to be recognised. That was really nice and it reflects the quality of the team we have got working here.”

A subsidiary of the Acorn Property Group, developer Acorn Blue is supporting the rediscovery of some of the country’s favourite beachside resorts through outstanding new architecture and sensitive conversions.

The company offers properties without compromise that are designed to bring the very best in contemporary living to some of the country’s most beautiful shores. Well thought out space designed to capture light and celebrate the views together with a superior standard of specification, creates the perfect home or retreat.

As much of the UK’s coastline is bathed in history and are designated areas of outstanding natural beauty, Acorn Blue produce sensitive developments that reflect and enhance their location whilst respecting the local environment.

Salcombe Heights is scheduled for full completion later this year, for more information visit: www.acornpropertygroup.org/ salcombeheights/.

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Chalkley Bush Farm receives industry accolade One of the finest housing projects to catch the eye of the NHBC this year is Connolly Homes’ development of Chalkley Bush Farm.

Scheduled for completion in August, the 12 properties range from spacious two, three and four bedroom homes to impressive five bedroom detached houses. Reflecting the high standards of construction and quality of the materials used, all properties come with NHBC Buildmark Warranties.

As a further recognition of quality and as mark of his and his team’s hard work, Site Manager John Pinney received a regional NHBC Pride in the Job Award.

Speaking about the accolade, John said: “Everyone is pleased with the award; it’s recognition of a good job. I am very pleased, but it’s not all about me, I have got good tradesmen behind me and a good assistant, all of that goes together to make a successful job, which I think most people would say it has been.”

Drawing on the heritage of the area the houses have been created using a mixture of styles and materials, slate and plain tiles have been used in addition to brickwork and timber boarding to keep a farm aesthetic.

Within all the properties there are high end fixtures and fittings, good quality kitchen and sanitary units and under floor heating.

Despite its quaint rural setting, residents still have easy access to local shops, pubs, restaurants and garages. For more comprehensive shopping and other facilities Hitchin, Letchworth, Bedford, Milton Keynes & Cambridge, are all within reasonable driving distance. The village is also located within easy commuting distance of London Kings Cross and has excellent road links to Luton International airport, A6, M1 & A1.

As for local schools, Chalkley Bush Farm falls within the catchment area for Shillington Lower School, Robert Bloomfield Middle School and Samuel Whitbread Upper School in close

by Shefford. A choice of private schooling is also available in Bedford, Hitchin & Letchworth.

The farm is located near the historic village of Shillington, Bedfordshire. The village has a distinct shape and is based on several clusters of houses, or ‘ends’ and hamlets that grew around a small hill where a church has stood for a thousand years.

Furthermore the farm occupies an attractive area of countryside and lies within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Creating beautiful homes is nothing new to the Connolly Group which has been operating in the house building industry for over 45 years.

The company has constructed a multitude of award winning developments ranging from starter homes to detached

residences in exclusive locations throughout Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire & Northamptonshire.

In recent years Connolly Homes were awarded the ‘Best Regional House Builder, Beds & Bucks’ in the Which Home South East Awards and the R.I.B.A. Regional Award for excellence in housing design.

A spokesperson from Connolly Homes said: “As a housebuilder, Connolly Homes’ policy is to provide homes in various styles and sizes that are well built, well designed and well specified; homes that give great value, reflect our high standards and enhance our good reputation.

“Our homes are built using a combination of traditional building methods coupled with the latest technology to provide a home that is both comfortable to live in and economical to run.”

For more information please visit: www.connollyhomes.co.uk.

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NHBC

Making a mosaic A stylish collection of apartments are soon to be completed in the heart of St Albans.

Mosaic is a stylish collection of contemporary one, two and three bedroom apartments. The development launched in November 2010 and is due to be completed in December this year.

The internal design consists of fully fitted contemporary kitchens and worktops, vinyl flooring for the kitchen and bathroom area, half height tiling to bath and shower areas and video door entry for security. With every element of each carefully considered, and boasting a superb specification and easy accessibility, this development has been designed to suit a busy lifestyle.

Peter Taylor Associates provided the architectural work on the seven blocks of apartments that form Mosaic. Linden Homes, who carried out their own construction for the project, are a highly respected builder of new homes and offers a distinctive and diverse range of new homes and properties throughout the country.

Such is the success of the new Mosaic apartments in St Albans, that Linden Homes received a NHBC Pride In The Job Award.

Commenting on their success, Steve Meeking of Linden Homes said: “It is great to receive the award and it is a big achievement for us as a whole. It just goes to show that you can get recognition for your hard work on a project.�

Situated just off Victoria Street, the new apartments are situated in the heart of St Albans. At the residents feet there are great road and rail communications, numerous shops, restaurants and entertainments in the historic city centre and plenty of open green space including Verulamium Park with river walks and a view of the marvellous cathedral.

The development is located a short walk away from St

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Albans train station which connects people to St Pancras in approximately 20 minutes, whilst a cycle route leads out into the centre of St Albans.

Anderson APC Ltd was chosen to carry out the painting work on The Mosaic housing estate.

Speaking of the importance of working on the project, Steven Anderson of Anderson APC, said: “It was very important for us to be invited to do the paintwork

for The Mosaic, and the fact that the project received an award is fantastic.”

Steven added: “We enjoyed working with Linden Homes.”

Future plans on the project, will include six nearby commercial units which are now planned to be converted into apartment buildings, a doctor’s surgery and a gymnasium.

For more information please visit: www.lindenhomes.co.uk.

Another win for The Heath The Heath is a 125-unit housing development comprising a mix of three and four-bedroom detached and semidetached properties. Built on Loushers Lane, Warrington, The Heath is the latest development from Bellway Homes North West and includes five different house types, Weston Detached TH, Keats AV, Keats B, Keats Detached TH and Fleming H. Work began on the constructing The Heath in September 2011, with Bellway Homes as the main contractor. The houses on The Heath are being constructed using traditional methods of brick and block and include UPVC windows and doors.

Internally the units are finished in a fantastic array of high quality fixtures and fittings, suitable for the modern home owner. Externally each of the houses on the Heath includes front and back gardens, with room for parking at the front of the properties.

Bellway Homes North West Site Manager, Karl Allen, said: “The Heath is a lovely development, built on top of an old distillery. To date we have built 97 units and with work going well we only have the remaining 28 to go. The work is being completed in phases and the majority of the properties are already occupied with new home owners.

“The properties range from £295,000 up to £327,000 and are divided into Gold and Silver specifications. Once work reaches completion on the development The Heath will be completed, with no further extensions or alterations.”

The Heath recently received a NHBC Pride in the Job Award, however this is not the first time that the development has been given such recognition. In 2012 The Heath was awarded with an NHBC Award, something which Karl is understandably very proud of.

Karl said: “Getting a second NHBC award is just great. For myself and all the crew involved on this development it is very satisfying to know that we have been acknowledged once again. The award highlights the hard work that myself and Mark Aldcroft have put into this site to make it what it is.”

The Heath is conveniently located within walking distance of Stockton Heath and is perfectly positioned close to a range of local amenities, including supermarkets and a shopping centre.

The development benefits from good links to both the M56 and M6, providing access to Liverpool, Manchester, Chester and North Wales.

For more information on Bellway Homes North West, please visit: www.bellway.co.uk.

Carndale Meadows progressing steadily Winning a regional NHBC Pride in the Job Award, Carndale Meadows in Ballymena is the latest housing development from Northern Irish construction firm JFM Construction.

A family owned business, the company has a long and proud history in residential and commercial construction and has built up an impressive portfolio of developments throughout Northern Ireland.

“Our objective is to create quality and stylish homes at affordable prices. Our focus is on customer service throughout the entire construction process”, says Director Joe McLaughlin.

“From choosing desirable locations to develop, to the handing over our houses and aftercare, we look forward to building your new home.”

This strong focus on quality has been acknowledged by the recent NHBC Warranty given to all properties at Carndale Meadows and the NHBC Pride in the Job Award given to Site Manager, Neil Scullin.

“This is the first time I have received an NHBC Pride in the Job

Award and it put a smile on my face when I heard the news. It’s great for me and the team”, says Neil.

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Positioned within one of Ballymena’s most central and convenient locations, the development will be completed with an attractive range of two bedroom apartments through to three bedroom townhouses and semi detached properties, providing well proportioned layouts and finished both internally and externally to a quality standard.

Not only is Carndale Meadows within walking distance of the town centre, but it is also easily accessible to Ballymena’s main amenities and road links giving it an enviable position when considering a home that ticks all the boxes.

Ballymena is an area rich in history; new home owners will notice ancient buildings, churches and historical sites in the town and the surrounding villages of Gracehill, Cullybackey, Kells and Portglenone. The first recorded history of the area dates to the early Christian period between 5th – 7th centuries; however archaeologists have uncovered artifacts which are reputed to date from the Bronze Age. The town of Ballymena is built on land given to the Adair family

by King Charles 1 in 1626, on the provison that the town holds two annual fairs and a free Saturday market in perpetuity.

Almost four hundred years on, the town upholds its promise; the Saturday market still runs and for two days in June, the town’s Ballymena Showgrounds plays host to one of the largest

agricultural shows in Ireland.

The Carndale Meadows development is currently in its third phase with 30 properties out of a proposed 56 complete.

Neil said that the sale of homes was progressing steadily and projected that the development would be completed in around 15months.

The Avenue gets underway The Avenue in Aylesbury is a new housing development being built on a brownfield site, acquired from the NHS Stoke Mandeville Hospital. The land is being redeveloped into a beautiful housing estate located in the heart of the town and is being constructed in phases.

The development is being constructed in five different phases, with work currently concentrating on Phase One and Five. Once completed there will be 330 units, comprising a mix of flats and three and four-bedroom houses.

A solar panel is being included on top of every house, whilst the internal fixtures and fittings give each house a beautiful and modern appearance.

Each house in The Avenue has its own individual front and back gardens and a driveway or integral garage to allow residents easy access to parking. Moreover, the apartments have a communal area for the occupants, making The Avenue a great advantage for the kids in the neighbouring area.

The development first began back in early 2009 and it is expected to be completed in April 2015, making it a sizeable on-going project for Kier Homes.

Kier Homes, the contractor for the new housing development, is well-known for its quality and attention to detail. The company is innovative and forward thinking with over 70 years’ experience in new homes construction.

The government is offering their Help to Buy policy for The Avenue. The scheme enables first time buyers the ability to

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purchase a property through a 5% deposit, making it even easier for the young buyers to be able to purchase one of the apartments or houses.

Andy Clements, project manager at Kier Homes, spoke of their recent NHBC Pride In The Job Award win: “It is fantastic that we have won an NHBC award for The Avenue. We have been after this award for the past two or three years and each time we made sure that we were improving all the time and last year we were very close on receiving it. We are very pleased indeed about finally getting the award this year.”

Burghley Mews takes shape Located on King’s Road, Belfast, Burghley Mews is a fantastic new housing development being constructed

by Dingle Builders (NI) Ltd. Burghley Mews includes 41 properties, comprising a mix of detached and semidetached houses, apartments and duplexes.

The new units at Burghley Mews are being built through traditional construction methods, using brick and block, and include UPVC windows, composite external doors and roof trusses. Internally the properties are finished with fantastic fixtures and fittings, including ash doors and handrails.

The properties are fully insulated using cavity wall insulation and are heated with a gas central heating system. Secure parking is being installed underneath the apartments.

Some landscaping work will also take place, with gardens being created for the houses and communal spaces for the apartments. Each garden has been innovatively designed by landscape architects DMP Consulting.

Dingle Builders (NI) Ltd Site Manager, Mervyn Bowron, said: “The latest phase of the site has been running for approximately four years and at the moment we are close to completion with works scheduled to come to a conclusion within the next couple of months.

“When we started work on the development the housing market was going through a particularly tough time but thankfully things

improved and the future looks very good for this development.

“Burghley Mews is being built in a very prestigious area and the standard of the properties certainly reflects this. The apartments in particular benefit from fantastic views and all the units are being completed to a very high standard.”

Burghley Mews has recently been awarded a NHBC Pride in the Job Award, something which is extremely pleasing for site manager Mervyn.

Mervyn said: “The NHBC award means a great deal to me, as well as a great deal to the company. All of the hard work that we have put in, and all of the extra effort we have gone to, has been acknowledged. Every person that has been a part of this project should be very proud and it just goes to show that you do get rewarded for what you set out to accomplish.”

For over 45 years Dingles Builders (NI) Ltd has been constructing developments throughout Northern Ireland. As a forward thinking contractor, Dingles Builders (NI) Ltd invests time into both staff and the intricate details of their housing designs, in order to create carefully constructed homes.

For more information about Dingles Builders (NI) Ltd, please visit: www.dinglesbuilders.co.uk.

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NHBC

The Fairways remains on course Taking its name from its close proximity to Bedford Golf Club, The Fairways is a fantastic new development from David Wilson Homes.

The Fairways comprises just short of 300 properties and presents a stunning development in a much sought after area of Great Denham.

The Fairways offers easy access to local motorways and nearby Bedford station, making a trip to London achievable within 40 minutes.

The award-winning development comprises a range of high quality homes and is situated close to a country park and a new primary school.

Discussing the construction of The Fairways, David Wilson Homes Site Manager, Avtar

Bahra, said: “The development has been under construction for almost five and a half years and runs parallel to the nearby golf course. We are completing the development in phases with 120 properties constructed during the first phase and then 67, 59 and 41 in subsequent phases.

“The current phase is known as Parcel H3 and is due to reach completion towards the latter half of 2014.”

The houses on The Fairways are being constructed using traditional methods of brick and block, with UPVC windows.

David Wilson Homes ensures a superior design on all of its properties, building homes for growing families and modern lifestyles.

The unique location of the development has been taken into careful consideration and all of the buildings are both practical and reflective of the surroundings. Each of the properties includes rear gardens, with room for parking via a garage or off-road parking.

Each house on the development is connected through green spaces, with a play area for younger residents.

Avtar said: “Work on the development has continued to progress well and we are really pleased with the way The Fairways is shaping up.”

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Such is the success of The Fairways that the development has just won its third NHBC Pride in the Job award. The latest win is another fantastic achievement for both site manager Avtar and David Wilson Homes, as Avtar explains.

Avtar said: “I have won an award on every development that I have worked on. I am currently in my eleventh year as a site manager and this is my sixth award, averaging out at one award every two years.

“Usually because of the timeframes it can take until the second year before a new development is likely to win an award. This is the first time that we have won an award two years in a row and as we have been on site for five years it has given us the opportunity to win three awards just for this development alone.”

Avtar added: “Each of these awards is just as important as the previous one, but it is always great to receive this kind of recognition. All of our work is completed to the highest standards and it is fantastic that this is something highlighted by an award such as this.”

The Fairways is backed by the Government’s NewBuy scheme, which helps new home buyers achieve their dream homes with just a 5% deposit. With no special criteria to qualify the scheme is ideal for a development such as The Fairways. Part exchange offers are also applicable on The Fairways.

For more information on The Fairways or David Wilson Homes, please visit: www.dwh.co.uk.

Completing Heath Meadows Heath Meadows, the new build housing estate in Bedfordshire, is coming close to completion.

Heath Meadows is a mixed development comprising a mix of flats and Housing Association properties. The development got underway four years ago and construction is now drawing to an end, with an end date scheduled for late September/early October.

During the past four years the project has continued without any major challenges, however during the economic downturn the construction team was forced to down tools temporarily.

Some of the houses on the development, in specific the threestorey houses, include beautiful patio doors which give a view of nearby big open spaces. Each house has its own individual front and back garden, with a mixture of drives, integral garages and car ports, which is essential for residents who drive.

The new homes in Leighton Buzzard benefit from the traditional life the market town offers. Situated close to Chiltern Hills, where there is a market square, with a vast amount of high street shops and local boutiques.

The development is also situated within a short distance of schools, a play park, Stockgrove County Park, the M1 and A5 motorways. A railway grants access into the local area and beyond.

The main contractor of Heath Meadows is Taylor Wimpey North Thames. The development has received the NHBC Award during each of the 4 years that work has taken place, with the most recent award given to site manager Jason Dear who previously served on the project as an assistant site manager.

Jason Dear, who has been on the site from the very beginning,

commented on the importance of achieving the award this year.

Jason said: “It was very important for me and for Taylor Wimpey North Thames as a whole to win this NHBC Award. We have set ourselves a very high standard of work on this site and I especially wanted to keep that up after being a part of the work for the past three years as assistant site manager.

“From the moment I became the site manager I was determined we would win this award for a fourth time and that’s exactly what we have done.”

Third time’s a charm Located on Baillieston Road, Uddingston, The Avenues is a brand new development from Bellway Homes. The development, which has been under construction since 2006, may now be very close to completion, but that hasn’t stopped it from picking up its third NHBC Pride in the Job award.

George Carty is the site manager on The Avenues and has been for the past three years. In this time George has received two NHBC Pride in the Job awards and this is something that he is extremely proud of.

Speaking to Premier Construction magazine, Bellway Homes

Site Manager, George Carty, said: “I’ve been working with Bellway Homes for over ten years and until recently I had never won an NHBC award. I started on this site three years and I’ve now won two Pride in the Job awards.

This is a phenomenal achievement, especially to win the award two years in a row for the same development.

“The original site manager won an award for The Avenues when the development first got off the ground, so to know that as we draw to a close on the site we can still win awards is just fantastic.”

Not only has The Avenues managed to achieve three Pride in

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NHBC the Job awards, the site has also managed to come out the other end of the economic downturn without any major difficulties.

George explained: “When construction work on The Avenues got underway in 2006 the property market was booming, so the plan was for the development to be completed much sooner. Unfortunately when the market took a dip in 2008/2009 construction work was forced to slow down a little.

“Once sales started to pick up the construction work increased and we began to programme the site to suit the sales. We are now coming to the end of construction on what is a great site.”

In total there are 300 houses on The Avenues, comprising a

mix of three, four and five-bedroom properties. The houses are being constructed from timber frame kits, with a mix of facing brick and roughcast, with tiled roofing and white UPVC windows.

Internally the properties are finished with modern fixtures and fittings, with bespoke additional extras available on selected properties. Externally each house includes both front and rear gardens.

Work is currently scheduled to reach completion on The Avenues in late 2013.

For more information on The Avenues or Bellway Homes, please visit: www.bellway.co.uk.

Lakeview Lakeview is a stunning development from Colaren Properties which has been constructed in a rural, wooded area of Strichen, Aberdeenshire, overlooking Strichen Community Lake. The new development has proved extremely popular with home buyers, with plots selling very quickly once they are placed on the market.

Such is the high standard of the development that it came as no real surprise to see Lakeview appear on the list of winners for an NHBC Pride in the Job Award 2013. Site manager John Wemyss was given the award for his work on the development, which is shortly set to reach completion.

Lakeview is an 18 property development, comprising a mix of three, four and five-bedroom houses. The development has been built to meet the highest standards of quality, with houses ranging in price from £154,500 to £279,500.

The smallest house on Lakeview measures 82.5 sq meters and is a semi-detached property. The largest house on Lakeview is a detached four-bedroom house covering a floor area of 210 sq meters. Most of the houses on Lakeview include a garage.

The buildings on Lakeview are being constructed using a timber frame and include UPVC windows and doors and slate-effect tiles. The interiors of Lakeview are stunning, with a number of options available for home buyers, including a range of tiles.

All of the properties on Lakeview include both front and back gardens. Construction work began on the development in August 2012.

Colaren Properties is the main contractor on Lakeview, with Baxter Design as the architectural consultant.

Philip Baxter, Managing Director of Baxter Design, said: “The project has been very successful and site manager John Wemyss has done very well.

“Lakeview is located within a very unique site, adjacent to an

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existing lake and coffee shop. There’s a churchyard to the east and an agricultural field to the south, so it appears as if Lakeside is set within the countryside. There are landscaped areas within the development and it just looks fantastic.”

With the exception of a few minor issues during the planning stages, work on Lakeview has run very smoothly.

Philip said: “The work has gone very well and it is a great achievement for Colaren Properties to have constructed and sold so many houses within a short timeframe.”

Philip added: “I’ve been in this business for 35 years and in this time I’ve been associated with many award-winning projects, but it is always great to continue to be involved with projects such as this which has won the NHBC Pride in the Job award.”

Colaren Properties works hard to build all of its developments to the highest specifications, offering a wide range of house styles, often with the opportunity to personalise each unit with custom designing opportunities for kitchens and bathrooms are available.

As an added extra for its clients, Colaren Properties offers quotations to conduct additional wall and floor tiling, as well as the installation of electrical points, TV and telephone points and lighting.

All Colaren windows and doors have a ten year guarantee, whilst all houses benefit from NHBC ten year insurance plan.

In addition to Lakeview, other developments from Colaren Properties include Crichie Meadows, Kirkton House, Rosehearty, Hillview Meadows and the latest development at Northwoods Mintlaw. For more information about Lakeview or similar developments from Lakeview, please visit: www. colarenproperties.co.uk.

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Delivering Grimsby River Terminal A £26 million project to provide the Port of Grimsby with a new river terminal has reached another milestone.

Following the successful delivery of a specially designed linkspan bridge in January 2013, Associated British Ports’ (ABP) Grimsby River Terminal development has now seen the arrival of a new pontoon. The large, concrete floating pontoon – designed

by GRAHAM Construction – was towed from the River Tyne to the Port of Grimsby, taking approximately 40 hours and covering 123 nautical miles.

Measuring 80 meters in length, 30 meters in width and 5.6 meters in depth, the new pontoon is larger than four Olympic sized swimming pools and at just over 7,000 tonnes the pontoon weighs as much as Tyne Bridge.

Commenting on the installation of the new pontoon, Sean Blisset, ABP Engineering Manager, Humber, said: “GRAHAM’s and ABP’s engineering staff have worked closely to ensure the completed works are in line with our requirements and the delivery of the pontoon further reinforces the strong working relationship we have developed throughout the construction phase.

“The collaborative approach of both engineering teams has ensured construction efficiencies have been met, and we are on course to provide a riverside berthing facility which meets – and hopefully exceeds – the high standards of our customers.”

Towed by SMS Englishman, the new pontoon left Newcastle on 20th May 2013 and arrived in Humber two days later.

Approximately 2,600m³ of concrete was used to construct the pontoon, which included 800 meters of specialised selfcompacting concrete, providing a better resistance to corrosion.

Locally sourced material was used on the pontoon and this increased trade to more than 20 local suppliers. The choice of materials is also more environmentally friendly as it contains a

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smaller carbon footprint.

The installation of the new pontoon followed the successful delivery of a specially designed linkspan bridge, which was installed in January 2013. The linkspan was delivered to the Port of Grimsby for installation by heavy lifting experts Mammoet, using the crane barge Mammoet Amsterdam.

Commenting on the delivery of the linkspan bridge, John Fitzgerald, ABP Port Director Grimsby & Immingham, said: “It was great to see the development of the Port of Grimsby take shape with the addition of the new linkspan.”

Gareth McLaverty, GRAHAM Construction Project Manager, added: “The installation of this landmark structure marked a significant milestone in the delivery of the project. We now look forward to completing the new River Terminal and changing the landscape and port facilities on the Humber Estuary.”

The Grimsby River Terminal project was announced on 28th November 2011. Work commenced on the scheme in May 2012 and once complete the terminal will be able to accommodate vessels carrying in excess of 3,000 vehicles.

The work on the project comprises the construction of a 250 meter approach jetty; the installation of a floating pontoon and linkspan bridge; and the provision of berthing and mooring dolphins to include dredge pockets. Additional work on the project includes the construction of associated port pavements, as well as the installation of drainage, services, area lighting and fencing.

Structural steel work specialists, Donyal Engineering Ltd, built the restraint arm which anchors the pontoon back to land. The restraint arm was constructed using a mix of steel tubes and plates and holds the 7,000 ton pontoon in place.

Donyal Engineering Ltd Project Manager, Steve Barron, said:

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“We won the order for this aspect of the project based on the way in which we redesigned the arm.”

Steve added: “Our involvement with the Grimsby River Terminal project was very important to us as it was a major focus of our attention for the latter half of last year. This was a large engineering feat for us however we have completed big projects in the past so it was something which we were able to tackle without any problems.”

The Grimsby River Terminal project is being delivered by GRAHAM Construction, a privately owned company operating in the construction, asset management, property investment and development sectors. With a proud heritage where traditional skills and values are combined with professional management, the company has grown to have a turnover of approximately £325 million and employs over 1,300 people.

Operating throughout the UK and Ireland, GRAHAM is a leading player in all areas of construction with regional offices in England, Scotland, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

As a forward thinking company, GRAHAM prides itself on the positive and personal relationships that it develops with all its clients and subcontractors.

The Port of Grimsby and Immingham is the UK’s busiest car import facility, handing 380,000 vehicles each year. ABP’s planning application to develop the two-berth terminal was submitted on 6th April 2011, with the first vessels berthing at the terminal – on either side of the Finger Pier – in July 2013.

John Fitzgerald, ABP Port Director Grimsby & Immingham, commented: “The new terminal is on course to secure Grimsby’s position as the UK’s leading car import facility.”

On-site welding fabrication specialists, Quay Welding Services Ltd, employed seven welders on the Grimsby River Terminal project to complete the structural steel works.

Quay Welding Services Ltd Company Owner, Graham Largent,

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said: “Our welders worked on the Grimsby River Terminal project for approximately a year, welding the structural steelwork which supported the link span bridge along with the restraint and mini dolphins, tubular piles and fender jacket connections. All the welding was NDT tested.”

Graham added: “This was a good job for us to be involved with. Our welders were heavily involved with the site for a lengthy period of time and we were pleased to be a part of such an important project.”

Dockguard Ltd specialise in the design, manufacture and supply of fender systems. Working on the Grimsby River Terminal project, Dockguard Ltd designed the fender system which incorporates the steel fender panels, fender units, steel fabricated sleeves and support bracings, mooring bollards and quick-release mooring hooks.

Dockguard Ltd Sales Manager, Nigel Hall, said: “This is a very prestigious project and we valued our involvement.

There was a great deal of calculation and engineering work involved, making it quite a complex job, something we pride ourselves in offering as a UK based engineering company.”

ABP owns and operates 21 ports in England, Scotland and Wales, from Barrow and Barry to Teignmouth and Troon. ABP’s 21 ports, together with additional transport related businesses which make up the ABP group, form a UK wide network capable of handling every conceivable type of cargo.

ABP is backed by investment in modern facilities and equipment, and is supported by experienced staff. ABP’s £26 million investment in the Grimsby River Terminal is the largest ever in the Port of Grimsby.

For more information on ABP please visit: www.abports.co.uk and for further information on GRAHAM Construction, please visit: www.graham.co.uk.

Renewable Energy for Sheffield E.ON’s Blackburn Meadows Renewable Energy Plant is a new energy facility currently under construction in Sheffield. The plant, which burns 100% waste wood, is being built on a brownfield site close to Meadowhall Shopping Centre and replaces a former coal fire plant.

Blackburn Meadows Renewable Energy Plant will generate 30MW electrical output, providing approximately 40,000 homes.

The plant will displace the emissions of around 80,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year – the equivalent of removing 20,000 cars off UK roads – and burns carbon neutral fuel instead of traditional fossil fuels, such as coal and gas.

The site is located 5.5km north east of Sheffield city centre and once operational will create up to 30 full-time jobs. The plant includes a single generating unit with a combustor and boiler, a fuel reception facility to receive biomass fuel, a boiler house, turbine hall, flue gas treatment and stack and an administration building.

To facilitate the plant, a new access road has been installed, providing access from the site to an existing primary substation.

E.ON is funding the £120 million project and once work is complete on the scheme, E.ON will also manage and supply the energy generated from the site.

Commenting on the creation of the new plant, Sheffield City Council Councillor, Leigh Bramall, said: “We are pleased to see the construction on site and we continue to support E.ON’s investment in the city. The council is committed to working with the private sector to develop renewable energy projects to reduce carbon emissions and to ensure the security of energy supplies in the longer term.”

Civil works began on Blackburn Meadows in January 2012 and the project is currently scheduled to reach completion in summer 2014. At present turbines are being installed.

E.ON is the project manager on the site, whilst Building Design Partnership is providing all architectural services. BAM Nuttall is the civil contractor on Blackburn Meadows.

Plant and mechanical contractor Peter J Douglas Engineering (PJD) is responsible for the installation and erection of the main boiler and plant items on Blackburn Meadows. The company is also involved with the fabrication and installation of pipework on the site.

PJD Project Director, Steven Cooke, said: “The new build market is key for our future growth, so our involvement on this project is very important to us. We are delivering a high quality service on this project, which marks the first time that we have been onboard a site from the very beginning. This work allows the Group to manage its transition into the new build market so it is vital that we complete everything to the best of our ability.”

Commenting on the creation of this new facility in Sheffield, E.ON Project Manager, Luke Ellis, said: “With this being a brownfield site, before we could get work underway we had to undertake some important remediation works. This allowed us to remove any materials from the original site and once this was complete the civil works began.

“The remediation contract included various environmental works, to ensure that there was nothing contaminating the site.

We also monitored background noise in the area.

“We worked to very strict legislation with every aspect of the plant carefully considered during the planning stages.”

Luke added: “This site is perfect for Blackburn Meadows as it has a strong heritage of power production. The site originally produced power in the 1970s but stood empty since 2008 when the former facility was demolished.”

In order to get the local community involved in the creation of the new plant, a visitors centre is being constructed, where residents and school pupils will be kept updated on the project

once it opens. Once Blackburn Meadows is fully operational, the renewable energy produced will contribute towards the Government’s promise to meet 10% renewable energy.

Luke said: “This project is very important to E.ON, we have spent a great deal of time developing the scheme and now it is being constructed we are extremely pleased to see it taking shape.

Renewable energy is a big focus of the future and it is fantastic that we are developing this new plant in Sheffield.”

E.ON is one of the UK’s leading power and gas companies, generating electricity and retailing gas and power. The company’s aim is deliver cleaner and more efficient energy services and technologies which are specifically designed to meet their customers’ requirements.

For more information about E.ON, please visit: www.eon-uk. com.

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Ripon Farm Services expands Phase One of a project to provide Ripon Farm Services Ltd with new and improved facilities has reached completion.

The first phase – which reached completion in June 2013 – is part of a three-phased scheme to construct a new showroom, workshop, parts department, and storage offices in Ripon, North Yorkshire. Phase One comprised the erection of the workshop, which includes wash and valet bay facilities.

Local building contractors HACS Construction were the main contractor on Phase One of the project, whilst Peter Knowles & Associates Ltd is providing architectural services across the entire three-phase scheme.

Peter Knowles & Associates Ltd Director, Peter Knowles, said: “The existing workshop was far too small and didn’t have the height required for continued operations. The decision was made to upgrade and improve facilities and so far we have completed the first phase without any major problems. We did have to pile the site, due to the discovery of gypsum and some peat underneath the existing slabs, but we overcame this challenge and everything continued smoothly on the phase.”

Describing the approach to the project, Peter added: “As the work is being conducted on an existing site we are working around it a little bit like a chessboard, demolishing one building at a time before we move on to the next building.”

Work began on Phase One in September 2012. The new detached building was constructed using facing brickwork and insulated metal sheet to the roof and walls.

The project includes hard landscaping, whilst a new access route has been installed along the front of the site.

Commenting on the project, Peter said: “This project is very important for Ripon Farm Services Ltd and it is great for us to be a part of this scheme.”

Established in 1982, Ripon Farm Services Ltd represents

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leading manufacturers of agricultural, construction and ground care machinery and equipment. Ripon Farm Services Ltd has a vast array of manufacturers, including the likes of Honda, Yamaha, Stihl and John Deere, and strives to provide high quality products with exceptional customer care.

Ripon Farm Services Ltd has seven depots, selling new and used machinery and equipment, whilst Ripon Land Rover, which is also part of the group, stocks new and pre-owned vehicles from their dealership at Hutton Bank, on the outskirts of Ripon.

The company continues to develop its services, maintaining its established and well respected reputation within the industry.

For more information about Ripon Farm Services Ltd, please visit: www.riponfarmservices.com.

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FutureSkills at MediaCityUK Work is now well underway on the multimillion pound FutureSkills Centre, located in the vibrant heart of MediaCityUK, Salford Quays.

When complete the £6million state of the art education complex will provide higher education and a range of industry specific courses for school leavers and adult learners across the region.

The centre will form part of Salford City College which already consists of four outstanding Sixth Form Centres and the wellestablished Trinity Business Training Centre.

Speaking about the new development, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Graham Pennington said: “It is extremely exciting for the college to be in a position to be able to expand our estate in such a difficult economic environment which will ultimately enable more people to learn in their chosen sector and for us to deliver the needs of local businesses.

“We envision the centre as an inspirational and creative centre which will raise students’ aspirations and help them achieve success in these tough industries.”

Opening in time for the next intake of students in September, the centre will offer courses in hospitality and catering, creative media, music and also a Young Professionals Finance Academy aimed at school leavers will be created. For adult learners the centre will offer business and management, higher education and a range of industry specific courses.

All these courses will be facilitated by the finest modern facilities and will have strong links with industry-based learning, meaning students will be provided with lots of exciting opportunities to work at an industry-level standard in a professional setting.

When asked about the relationship with local industry, a spokesperson from the college added: “To be affiliated with industry leaders such as Apple, Roland, Damson and MediaCityUK is an excellent achievement and is also an indication as to how important these leaders view FutureSkills. We are extremely excited about being in a position to open a brand new centre that will offer completely new and diverse programmes of study.”

As for the construction works on site they have consisted of the erection of a steel framed building with ground supported

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concrete slab and composite concrete slab at first floor level.

Core walls are constructed in blockwork, with other internal non loadbearing walls constructed using metal stud partitioning and plasterboard to each side. Roof construction over the original building is a twin skin profiled insulated metal deck and the new two storey extension has a single ply membrane over an insulated ply deck. The single storey roof has paving on insulation on a Bauder waterproofing system on a concrete deck.

Works on the reception, teaching classrooms, informal learning areas, lecture theatre, audio visual suite (recording rooms, rehearsal rooms, Mac suite, performance area), office and administration suite were completed in February. Whilst work on the main kitchen and cafe area were completed in late April.

FRW Northwest ltd manufactured and installed the bespoke reception desk for the centre, speaking about their involvement with the project, Director, Frank Wardle said: “It’s very important for us to be involved on a high profile project such as this. We are also very happy to work alongside Aspect Construction who are a very important partner.”

The main contractors were Aspect Construction whilst the architects were Cartwright and Gross.

Midlands & East Anglia

The Crown Estate: Boosting leisure at Victoria Retail Park The Crown Estate is continuing to strengthen its portfolio with the development of a number of new leisure units at Victoria Retail Park, Nottingham.

The diverse property business has secured leading leisure brands Costa Coffee and Frankie and Benny’s for the park, whilst it is also to relocate an existing McDonald’s.

Frankie and Benny’s has agreed to take a new restaurant pod - spanning 4,000 sq ft - as part of a 25 year lease. The popular Italian-American diner will sit alongside existing anchor brands such as Tesco Homeplus and Next, whilst Costa Coffee will take a 1,500 sq ft unit, at a rent of £30 per sq ft on a 10 year lease.

Meanwhile, fast food chain McDonald’s has surrendered its lease and has signed a new agreement to relocate to a new 3,560 sq ft unit. McDonald’s and The Crown Estate have agreed a 20 year lease and McDonald’s will pay £27.50 per sq ft.

Wilkinson Williams acted for The Crown Estate, Perkins Fox acted for McDonald’s, Savills acted for Costa and Wareing and Partners acted for Frankie and Benny’s.

Longcross is the main contractor working on all the new developments on the Victoria Retail Park projects, whilst Mountford Piggott Partnership is providing architectural services. Litchford is the development manager and Barlow’s Fit-Out Contractors are involved with interior fit-out works on McDonald’s.

Commenting on the new developments, Hannah Milne, The Crown Estate’s Regional Portfolio Manager said: “We are committed to positive asset management across our portfolio to both enhance the visitor experience at our regional retail and leisure schemes and maximise the performance of our estate. Construction of these units will make better use of undeveloped land, providing the opportunity to introduce new

leisure providers that will increase the amount of time visitors spend at the park.”

Hannah added: “These deals demonstrate the enhanced leisure offering we are creating at Victoria Retail Park and our ability to attract leading names to the site is testament to our long-term strategy for the park. Restaurant brands and coffee operators are recognised footfall drivers and we are confident these will help provide a stronger, more rounded tenant mix.”

Purchased in 2010 for £57 million from HSBC Special Investments, Victoria Retail Park includes 201,500 sq ft of retail space. Leading brands that operate from the site include, Argos, Boots, Halfords, Tesco, B&Q and many more.

The Crown Estate manages a highly diverse property business, which is valued at more than £8 billion, with Victoria Retail Park making up part of the Estate’s regional property portfolio, now valued at over £1.6 billion. The portfolio includes 15 retail parks, three shopping centres and a regionally dominant leisure scheme.

In addition to its retail parks, The Crown Estate manages a diverse property portfolio which includes office, retail and industrial premises, housing, farmland, forestry and minerals, parkland, and around half the foreshore and almost all the seabed around the UK. The responsibilities of The Crown Estate are to maintain and enhance the value of the estate and its income over the long term. The Crown Estate pays a surplus revenue (profit) to the Treasury for the benefit of the nation every year and over the past ten years has paid out almost £2 billion to the Treasury.

For more information on The Crown Estate, please visit: www. thecrownestate.co.uk.

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Not just a lifestyle Portway Lifestyle Centre is a brand new leisure facility for Oldbury in Sandwell.

The £18 million centre, which focuses on sport, leisure, health and well being is being built on the site of the former Oldbury Leisure Centre in the West Midlands borough. Thomas Vale Construction is the main contractor on Portway Lifestyle Centre, while Design Buro (Coventry) is providing all architectural services.

The construction of Portway Lifestyle Centre is the result of a partnership between Sandwell Council, Sandwell Leisure Trust and Sandwell LIFTCo along with Sandwell and West Birmingham CCG and NHS England. Sport England has provided £1.5m in lottery funding from its Iconic Facilities legacy fund for the centre. The Department of Health awarded the scheme £15m in PFI credits.

Sandwell LIFTCo’s Chair, Simon Murphy, said: “Sandwell LIFTCo is delighted to be delivering such an important scheme as it will have a positive impact on the health and quality of life for many thousands of people living in the borough.”

Community Health Partnerships Senior Regional Director and Sandwell LIFTCo Board Member, Dr Sarah Raper, said: “CHP’s overall aim is to create the highest quality primary and community estates that serve the needs of local communities and contributes towards improving people’s health and wellbeing. When it opens, the Portway Lifestyle Centre will certainly achieve that aim.”

Work began on constructing Portway Lifestyle Centre in October 2012 with the erection of the centre’s steel frame.

Construction work continued to make great progress throughout the remainder of 2012, with a topping out ceremony taking place in February 2013.

Sandwell Council’s deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Resources, Councillor Steve Eling, said: “Thomas Vale has faced some difficult weather conditions since work began, but the project is on schedule to deliver what will be one of the most modern leisure centres in the country.”

Once work is complete on the project, Portway Lifestyle Centre will become the home of Portway Family Practice, a GP practice which will replace the former Tividale Family Practice.

The site will also include an extensive collection of sporting, health and leisure facilities, from a full-sized artificial grass pitch, sports hall, hydrotherapy pool and gym, to a dance studio, sensory room, outdoor exercise trail, climbing wall and café.

Commenting on the new centre, Partner at Tividale Family Practice, Dr Arun Saini, said: “The move to Portway affords us a great opportunity, not only to provide first class health facilities in a state-of-the art building, but also to offer our patients convenient access to facilities that can help them lead a healthier lifestyle. The combination of

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health and leisure in one building is a major advantage that will have an important impact on the health and wellbeing of local people.”

Sport England Property Director, Charles Johnston, said: “It is great to see work progressing with the Portway Lifestyle Centre.

“Through our Iconic Facilities legacy funding we are bringing the magic of a home Olympic and Paralympic Games to communities across the country, so those inspired to give sport a go will have a first-class facility in which to do so.”

Portway Lifestyle Centre is currently scheduled to reach completion later this year.

For information on Portway Lifestyle Centre, please visit: www. slt-leisure.co.uk.

Odeon kick starts New Square A £3 million project to fit-out a new ODEON Cinema in West Bromwich has reached completion.

The new cinema is part of a £200 million scheme, currently taking place in the town, which will see the creation of New Square, a fantastic shopping and leisure development. The scheme is one of the biggest renovations in the UK this year and once complete will see a number of restaurants and high-end retailers join the site.

The five-screen cinema fit-out, which got underway on the 1st March 2013, is one of the first to open from the £200million development of New Square development. New Square is anchored by a large Tesco Extra store for the 540,000sq ft development and the ODEON Cinema is just one of many developments set to appear once work is completed.

Peter Alderman, Project Manager for the new ODEON Cinema, explained his contribution towards the £200million development: “I have worked for ODEON for approximately 13 years. When you start looking at cinemas compared to other leisure facilities, the sheer scale of the businesses, the degree of height you have to deal with and the amount of space in particular, you can see many more challenges than when working on other retail stores.

“The main materials used for the fit-out was fly wood, plaster board, a metal studding system, electrical cables and we included a ventilation system. The last element to be installed into the cinema is the film sheet which takes approximately the best half of a day to install. There is a metal frame and spongy bands that go through the eyelet and the screen frame which stretches it out; the skill is to just keep adjusting it until the

screen is completely flat, or in the case of IMAX the screen has to be curved which can be more complicated.”

ODEON is one of the largest cinema chains in the UK with over one hundred cinemas. Founded in 1930 by Oscar Deutsch, ODEON has had a longstanding relationship with the film industry, spending 58 years as part of The Rank Organisation before being rebranded in 1998.

Over the next few years ODEON was sold to Cinven – who merged ODEON with its existing ABC cinema chain – before

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Midlands & East Anglia selling the cinema chain to a consortium of investors in 2003.

More recently private equity company Terra Firma acquired ODEON, along with United Cinema International (UCI), where the chain has continued to develop and grown under the ODEON name.

The extensive re-branding campaign has further enforced ODEON’s position as a market leader in the UK and introduced the brand’s slogan, Fanatical About Film. ODEON has been recertified with the Carbon Trust Standard for successfully measuring, managing and reducing carbon emissions across its UK cinema estate of 113 cinemas.

The new ODEON joins New Square which promises to provide modern shopping and leisure facilities for West Bromwich; creating more than 2,000 jobs; transforming West Bromwich into a visitor destination and developing an evening economy for the town. In addition, New Square will generate £200m of investment for the town.

Vinci Construction UK is the main contractor on the New Square development. VINCI Construction UK is a national civil engineering, construction and facilities company, offering their clients in-depth knowledge in each of the projects which they undertake.

Vinci Construction UK take projects through from inception, ground investigation and remediation, to project completion and beyond, to the delivery of operational solutions.

The New Square development is currently scheduled to open in autumn 2013. Leading retailers Next, Arcadia, JD Sports, Bank, Deichmann, Phones 4 U, Nandos, Prezzo and Harvester are all set to join Odeon when the development opens.

Peter added: “The development as a whole is driven by Tesco, there is also around half a dozen restaurant offers that are next to go into the development. It is a big opportunity for Bromwich”

Smiles all round

Renowned across the UK for its adrenalin-pumping spills and thrills, Alton Towers Resorts is one of the most visited theme parks in Europe.

Opening for the 2013 season is the theme park’s biggest rollercoaster yet, The Smiler. Not for the faint hearted, construction on the coaster began in September last year amid much secrecy.

Featuring a Guinness World Record breaking 14 loops, The Smiler is Alton Towers’ biggest ever investment at £18m. In addition to the 14 loops, the ride also features a series of twisted psychological effects including optical illusions and blinding lights designed to mess with your mind.

With plunging drops of 30m- comparable to 17 black cabs stacked up on top of each other, a ride time of 165 seconds which is 10km/hr. faster than Air and a track length 3x the length of Oblivion, The Smiler is set to be an intense addition to the Alton Towers Resort’s line up.

Tom Ibison from Guinness World Records commented: “Alton Towers Resort has smashed the record with The Smiler’s epic 14 inversions – four more than their nearest rival located halfway around the world. We’ve seen a number of extreme roller coasters open, but it’s so exciting to see such a world class attraction opening here in the UK.” Katherine Duckworth from Alton Towers Resort added: “We have been saying that The Smiler will ‘marmalise’ your mind for a long time and today we can officially reveal that it is set to do the same to your body. The combination of 14 loops with a variety of elements such as optical illusions, designed to mess with your mind make The Smiler a truly unique rollercoaster.

“This is by far the most exciting roller coaster for Alton Towers Resort to date. It is twice as big as Nemesis and our biggest ever investment.”

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John Wardley, a ride consultant on The Smiler, commented: “The amount of time, money and energy that has been poured into creating this world first attraction is huge. I’ve been working

in the industry for over 35 years and this rollercoaster really does push the boundaries. Who knows what we will have to do next to top this one!”

Alton Towers Resort is home to over 50 rides and attractions and there is something for all the family to enjoy, whether you’re after gentle thrills or pure adrenaline pumping experiences!

After an action packed day, enjoy a short break at the Alton Towers or Splash Landings Hotel situated just a stone’s throw away from the theme park. Discover the fun and quirky features of the Alton Towers Hotel, whilst over in Splash Landings, the sun shines every day in the crazy Caribbean themed hotel.

Visitors have been able to experience The Smiler’s 14 recordbreaking loops and all its twisted psychological effects since May 31st, for more information please visit: www.altontowers. com.

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Improving Lincoln Castle Lincoln Castle is a historic site which has been around for centuries, dating as far back as 60AD. In 1068, two years after the Battle of Hastings, William the Conqueror began building Lincoln Castle on a site occupied since Roman times and since this time the site has been used as a court and prison (the main focus for tourists) for around 900 years.

A new project is now underway at the castle and comprises the refurbishment of both prison buildings opening the previouslyclosed Victorian male prison to the public for the first time in many years.

During the course of the project, the castle walls will be repaired with a brand new wall walk circuit installed, providing easier access for each of the tourists, including disabled access. This aspect of the project will be accompanied by a new cafe, shop, toilets and education space also with disabled access improvements.

The final stage of the renovation will grant access into the grounds through the East and West Gates, which will become free for visitors during daylight hours.

The renovation which began around 10 years ago is due to be completed in 2015, in time for Magna Carta’s 800th anniversary.

At an estimated value of £19.9million – raised by a variety of fundraising schemes and with help from the Lincolnshire County Council – this ancient landmark is of significant importance for the community of Lincoln.

Once work on Lincoln Castle is complete, tourism in Lincoln is set to increase, resulting in £36-68 million increase for the

tourism economy, whilst approximately 1000 new jobs will be created for the local community.

The conservation architects for this project are Arrol and Snell who were appointed back in 2009 and have been leading the design team, which includes structural, mechanical and electrical engineers and archaeologists.

Arrol & Snell have gained a reputation for high quality repairs for projects in historic locations. Many other specialists have been involved in the project all with vast experience working on historical buildings.

Safety first: Widening the A453 A project to improve the A453 from Junction 24 of the M1 through to the A52 Nottingham continues to make great progress.

The project comprises the widening and improvement of existing carriageway, in order to provide motor users with a safer and more efficient route. Laing O’Rourke is the main contractor on the project, whilst White Young Green is the designer on the scheme.

Work began on the A453 Widening project in January 2013 and is currently scheduled to reach completion in early summer 2015. To date the project remains on programme and continues to make great progress.

Five months into the project, Premier Construction caught up with Highways Agency Project Manager, Jonathon Pizzey, in order to get an update on the project’s progress.

Discussing the project, Jonathon said: “The A453 Widening project is being implemented in order to widen the existing carriage road so that it can become a dual carriageway, from Junction 24 of the M1 through to the A52 Nottingham. There are two sections to the road, the dual carriageway which runs to Clifton, and a four-lane single carriageway which completes the scheme.

“Work is being undertaken on the project for a number of reasons. Firstly the road has poor alignment, so the new carriageway will ensure that it is a safer road to travel along and secondly the A453 is a very busy route which suffers considerably from congestion.”

Jonathon added: “The two different aspects of the project are being broken down into three distinct phases. The first phase runs from the M1 to Ratcliffe Power Station and will see new carriageway added to the existing route. There are ten major structures along the route including rivers and railway, so this phase has a few challenges.

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Midlands & East Anglia “The next phase is much more simplistic and takes the route from the opposite side of Ratcliffe Power Station through to Clifton. This area of track is predominantly off-line, so Laing O’Rourke can construct the new road alongside the existing carriage without any major problems or disruptions.

“The third phase, which is the most complex, is the construction of the single carriageways on an area where there is very limited space. The contractors will have to do a great deal of shuffling around to complete this section.”

Public exhibitions about the works were held at Clifton Leisure Centre on the 11th and 12th of January 2013 and at the Kegworth Whitehouse Hotel on January 13th. Advance works were undertaken ahead of the main construction works and included archaeology and ecology works, the installation of fencing and some site clearance.

With work on the scheme ongoing until 2015, reduced speed limits have been put into place between Junction 24 of the M1 and the edge of Clifton. A Traffic Management Plan has also been developed in consultation with the local police and is currently in place.

Jonathon said: “Getting a scheme like this off the ground is very rewarding.

At the Highways Agency we spend a great deal of time in preparation and development, so it is great to see a scheme being built.

“I started on this project back in 2009 when we took it through a public enquiry, but unfortunately it was placed on hold in 2010, before it was finally restarted in 2011. This gave us a year to get everything organised before getting on site. These projects certainly aren’t short schemes, they can really take some time to come to fruition, so finally seeing this one underway gives me an enormous sense of satisfaction.”

The Highways Agency is an executive agency of the Department for Transport (DfT), and is responsible for operating, maintaining and improving the strategic road network in England on behalf of the Secretary of State for Transport. The Highways Agency was set up in 1994 and covers a road network of approximately 4,300 miles, comprising motorways and trunk roads.

For more information about the Highways Agency, or to keep track of the progress of the A453 Widening project, please visit: www.highways.gov.uk.

Extending the Carrel Ward Nottingham’s University Hospital is making great progress in extending and refurbishing its Carrel Ward to make it same-sex friendly.

The refurbishment of the renal ward, which began back in November last year, and is due to be completed in November this year, is estimated at a value of £1.2million. The main contractor for the renovation project is J Tomlinson, whilst CGP is providing all architectural services on the project.

J Tomlinson is a professional company with extensive experience within the public sector. The company specialise in planned and reactive maintenance for commercial properties.

The renovation will have a major benefit for the patients as there will be more space for each patient, which will in turn provide a more comfortable stay. Also, with the extension of the ward, patients will be treated more efficiently with the facilities being able to accommodate same sex patients. The hospital will also be able to treat critical patients saving vital time, instead of the patient having to be moved to another ward.

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The interior refurbishment comprises the extension of Carrel Ward, which is located inside of Nottingham University Hospital.

Once work is completed the ward will provide a wider space for each of the patients, and will transform the existing six-bed area inside of the ward, into four-bed private en suite rooms.

With the hospital remaining open throughout the course of the project, access to the site has been challenging. However through careful planning and good communication the project continues to make good progress.

Matt Griffiths, Senior Project Manager, said; “The refurbishment of the Carrel Ward is a very important team project for the Nottingham University Hospital, and will largely benefit the patients and staff, especially with them being able to tend to critically ill patients.”

Matt added: “This project continues to remain on schedule and we look forward to seeing it reach a successful completion later this year.”

Avon Estates’ new clubhouse taking shape Taking advantage of panoramic river and countryside views the Riverside Clubhouse, set beside the River Avon in the picturesque Avon Park, is on schedule to open its doors later this year.

Local Evesham based contractor, Desertoak ltd are the main contractor on the development, which when complete will provide facilities including a bar and restaurant, a head office for Avon Estates and conference facilities over 2 floors.

The new clubhouse will have a floorspace of 18,400 sq ft and its footprint broadly replaces that of six buildings which were demolished. The building has been constructed using a technique quite uncommon to the UK, as Architect Simon Kirton explained: “Riverside Clubhouse is a highly sustainable building that Emission Zero have designed with Alexey Chikovsky of Fram the company that have constructed the log shell element of the building. Emission Zero specialise in sustainable building design closely linking architecture with mechanical / electrical system design, taking a holistic approach towards low energy buildings.

“The building adopts a rather unique kind of construction to the UK called log shell; this is where the fabric of the building has been made entirely from green timber sections. The length of tree trunk is simply stripped of its bark and then formed into a section called a ‘laft’ which is then staked and jointed one over the other to form a wall; the walls are 260mm thick solid timber sections, which requires a highly skilled carpentry operation to make it all fit together.”

Typically this method of construction is used in countries such as Russia, North America, and northern Europe where the temperature can get very low. When asked why this method was used is Stratford, Simon said: “The timber aesthetic that we have used for this building provides a wonderfully honest form of sustainable construction in that you can see almost all the carpentry details from the inside and out. The building was designed from a precedent of an upturned boat hull, a form which is expressed in the roof structure of the new building, providing a link between the

building and eth adjacent River Avon.

With last year being one of the highest on record for rainfall the construction did run into some difficulties. In November the site was covered by nearly two meters of water, this caused the timber to become warped and only through intricate restoration work was the team able to recreate the timber sections as they should have been.

Director of Avon Estates, Nicholas Allen acknowledged the river created difficulties, he said: “The River Avon is our greatest asset and our greatest liability. The river is what draws visitors to our parks, but it also brings occasional floods and as a company we are always striving to eliminate the disruption and damage caused.”

The clubhouse is currently entering the finishing stages of construction, with contracts now being tendered for the finishing packages.

Simon Kirton is the joint Director of Emission Zero, the company was formed several years ago with the aim of providing highly sustainable architectural solutions for clients. Speaking about the company, Simon said: “We look at highly sustainable designs and we marry that with a complete understanding of how a building performs.”

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Midlands & East Anglia Avon Estates ltd’s three caravan parks combine to be the largest visitor accommodation facility in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Guests at Riverside Park can enjoy a river taxi service which is available daily throughout the season (weather permitting) giving a picturesque journey into Stratford upon Avon. There is also around a mile of free fishing on the River Avon for those staying at the park, for more information please visit: www. stratfordcaravans.co.uk.

Desertoak Ltd For more than 26 years Desertoak Ltd has provided expert services across a range of sectors within the construction industry, from high end residential and retail projects, to heritage sites, commercial properties and health care facilities. Over the years Desertoak Ltd has worked for many prestigious clients, including Vertu, Gieves & Hawkes, DeBeers, TAG Heuer and are currently managing an £11 million refurbishment project for a Saudi Prince.

Desertoak Ltd, is the main contractor on the new Riverside Clubhouse at Riverside Leisure Park for Avon Estates.

Commenting on the project, Desertoak Ltd Director, Barry Downey, said: “Riverside will be the largest spruce log constructed building of this style in Europe and we are delighted to be involved with this unique and exciting project.”

Barry added: “At Desertoak Ltd we are very proud of our commitment to each job. Our goal is to complete all projects, to the highest standards possible, whilst maintaining a safe working environment throughout.”

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Developing Oak Meadow Oak Meadow is the latest housing development from family owned developer Abel Homes. Located in Shipdham, Oak Meadow launched in April 2013 and has already proved very successful, with two homes sold within the first 48 hours.

The new development – built by Abel Homes Limited – comprises 43 family homes and is perfectly placed within the heart of Shipdham, Norfolk. As one of the oldest villages in the county, Shipdham has a lively and thriving community, which includes schools, groups, retailers and many other local amenities.

The houses in Oak Meadow are being constructed between High Street and Mill Road and are surrounded by trees and greenery. The houses are being built with comfort and practicality in mind and include many stunning fixtures and fittings.

A choice of kitchen units and worktops are available for customers to choose from, whilst appliances include a stainless steel A-rated Bosch electric oven, a Bosch gas hob and an integrated fridge/freezer and dishwasher. Floors are finished in either ceramic floor tiles or luxury vinyl flooring, whilst wall tiles will be available from a range of Johnson Tiles.

Oak Meadow will include white Roca sanitaryware, with chrome finish taps and shower fittings in bathrooms in addition to heated towel rails. Security features include an intruder alarm system and mains smoke detectors.

To complete Oak Meadow, some landscaping work will take place on the project to provide each property with front and back gardens, and external lighting will be installed to the front and rear. A water butt is being provided to every property and electricity is to be supplied to garages.

Energy features of the new houses include triple glazed windows, high performance cavity walls with Ecobead Platinum

insulation and high efficiency Band A gas fired central heating.

All homes also include solar PV panels – allowing buyers to benefit from free electricity as part of the Government’s Feed in Tariff scheme – and low energy light fittings.

Monocouche coloured render is being used on the properties, to ensure the houses require minimal maintenance, and ground floors and lofts will also be fully insulated. In fact insulation levels in Oak Meadow are in excess of the usual building regulation requirements, making the properties even more desirable for buyers.

Abel Homes is an independent business, offering a personalised service for each of its customers. As a forward thinking and flexible company, Abel Homes offer customers a great deal of choice in their homes, often finishing houses to a customer’s specific tastes and requirements.

Abel Homes have dedicated members of staff on hand to coordinate property purchases, from initial choices through to handover and beyond. All Abel Homes’ developments are also backed by a ten-year NHBC guarantee, with the company also overseeing remedial repairs during the first two years.

As evident in the construction of Oak Meadow, Abel Homes cares about the environment in which buyers live and work. The company strives to create new and thriving communities and achieves this by carefully selecting the right architects for each project.

Other developments in Abel Homes’ portfolio include The Hatchery in Swaffham; Gardeners Green in Higham; and Crown House in Thetford. A show home is currently open in Oak Meadow, Friday to Sunday (and including Bank Holidays) from 10am to 4pm.

For more information on Abel Homes, including Oak Meadow, please visit: www.abelhomes.co.uk.

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Refurbishing the National Theatre A £70million project to rejuvenate the National Theatre s Grade II* Listed building continues to make great progress.

The project, called NT Future, will transform the facilities the National offers audiences and artists, enhance its relationship with the environment around it and place education firmly at the heart of the NT’s mission. Construction management is by Lend Lease, whilst Haworth Tompkins is providing all architectural services. £63 million has so far been raised; £35 million has come from individuals, trusts and foundations, Arts Council England made a grant of £17.5 million, and an additional Heritage Lottery Fund grant of £2.5 million was awarded in February this year.

The National Theatre has contributed £7.5 million to support NT Future, with most of this coming from its highly successful production of War Horse.

Enabling works began on the project in January 2012, with construction commencing in July. The project has been divided into two phases – A & B – and is due to be completed towards the end of 2014.

NT Future Project Manager Paul Jozefowski said: “The National opened its doors on the South Bank in 1976.

Since then there have been significant changes to the way we make, experience and learn through theatre. NT Future responds to these changes by opening up our building, allowing audiences closer engagement with the theatre, both on stage and behind the scenes, whilst at the same time improving our workshop facilities and creating an education centre within the National.

“The new build element – our new Production Centre – will have an aluminium and mesh façade, designed to echo the form of the fly towers on the theatre, in order to complement the

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existing building.

“The National employs almost 1,000 people, plus an acting company of up to 140 at any one time. We’re not closing down during the works; in fact we have never fully closed since the National first opened in the 1970s and a key aspect of NT Future is to open up the site, so that visitors can see what goes on behind the scenes. We continue to run the theatre as we always have done; we are just working around the ongoing construction.”

New features include office spaces, designers’ studios and a triple-height paint studio, and the new build element of the project is working towards a BREAAM rating of ‘Excellent’.

Additional work includes the refurbishment of the props, carpentry and metal workshops – including a special effects department – with improved insulation, lighting and ventilation.

Alongside all these works there will be improved access for disabled staff and visitors.

A temporary theatre known as The Shed has been built in Theatre Square, outside the main building, whilst the smallest of the National’s three theatres is closed for refurbishment.

Seating 225, it will remain in place for a year.

Jozefowski added: “As with any building from this period, asbestos was used in the original construction, so large-scale surveys were carried out and asbestos is being removed from all areas prior to any new construction.

“NT Future will improve the working conditions for all backstage staff and will also achieve a 25% saving in energy costs, which will in turn benefit the theatre as a whole.”

For more information about NT Future, please visit: www. nationaltheatre.org.uk.

Refurbishing Woking Leisure Centre A £2 million project to provide Woking with a state-of-theart leisure centre has reached completion.

The refurbishment project – implemented by Freedom Leisure and Woking Borough Council – comprised the complete refurbishment of an existing building to provide Woking Leisure Centre with modern facilities. Work began on the project in November 2012 and reached completion in May 2013, with the new centre opening its doors on 28th May. Describing the importance of the project, Councillor David Bittleson, Woking Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing, said: “These are exciting times for Woking Leisure Centre. The improvements establish Woking Leisure Centre as a first class facility for health and wellbeing that can help people of all ages and abilities achieve their fitness goals.”

Woking Leisure Centre now boasts a 130-station gym, a new reception and freedomcafé, and four new studio spaces including a new spinning studio. The gym includes improved workout spaces and an array of exercise equipment, whilst the redesigned reception area offers guests easier access to facilities.

The centre’s new studio space comprises four purpose-built exercise studios, designed to accommodate a comprehensive exercise programme, with one of these studios dedicated to spinning. Decked out in motivational decor and with a fantastic new sound system, the spinning studio presents a new and improved class timetable which is guaranteed to get guests moving!

During the works, Woking Leisure Centre’s Heatwaves Health Suite, which includes a Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna, underwent a transformation, and the new café was improved and boasts new opening hours. To complete the project, the centre s crèche was relocated to a custom-built area within the building and decoration works were conducted to freshen up the site.

To enhance facilities at Woking Leisure Centre a new,

customer-facing system has been introduced, which includes a cardswiping entry system, a smartphone app, a Facebook page and online timetables.

Morgan Sindall was the main contractor on the refurbishment of Woking Leisure Centre.

Whilst work took place on the project, disruption was kept to a minimum.

Freedom Leisure is a not-forprofit trust, managing 33 leisure centres in the south east.

Freedom Leisure was awarded the Woking Leisure Centre contract in December 2011 and also oversees the awardwinning centres Guildford Spectrum and K2 Crawley.

For more information about Woking Leisure Centre, please visit: www.freedom-leisure.co.uk.

Gateway to UK undergoes multimillion pound development Often described as the gateway to the UK, the Port of Dover is one of the busiest ferry ports in the world handling around 160km of freight traffic every day, amounting to £80 billion of trade each year.

Coping with the high volume of traffic is no easy task and requires expert management and ongoing major investment.

Last year, a multimillion pound Traffic Management Improvement project was initiated in order to reduce congestion within the Port and on the external road network.

As part of the development, a number of redundant buildings have been demolished, making way for a new holding area with a capacity to hold up to 220 freight vehicles. This facility is anticipated to be utilised mainly at peak times when the volume of traffic entering the port exceeds the capacity of one or more ferry operators at the check-in facility.

“This facility enables us to get traffic off the road and into the port so that we can better manage it; it will give us much needed elbow room”, says Nigel Bodell, Head of Infrastructure and Development at the Port of Dover. “Not only will we be able to better manage vehicles leaving the country, the improved facilities will also benefit the UK Border Force that monitors those coming in.

“This is the most important project we have got at the moment

because it has such a big influence on our capacity going forward and how we can manage our operations.”

Phased over nine concurrent stages and scheduled for completion in 2015, the development has been carefully planned to cause as little disruption as possible to the port’s day to day operations. “Keeping all the traffic running as smoothly as possible has been the main priority,” says Nigel.

Phase one has included minor demolition works and the diversion and installation of utility services and rearrangement of other essential port operational facilities. Phase two, which has been running from late 2012, has included the refurbishment of the ground floor of an existing building inside the port. This phase will also include demolition of a section of a bridge and two canopies.

Several contractors have been involved in the demolition and remodelling works at the Port of Dover, including international construction services company ISG. Speaking about the development, ISG’s South East Managing Director, Ian Gifford, commented: “Changing trends have meant that the large passenger terminal at the Port of Dover, which predominantly catered for passengers travelling on foot, is now underused.

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for upgraded facilities at the Port.

“This is an asset optimisation project that will allow our client to align greater use of the available space to current and future demand. ISG’s experience of managing large-scale projects in a complex live environment situation will prove essential in the successful outcome of this infrastructure upgrade.”

Phase three and four of the development are currently underway and include a variety of civil engineering and paving works to construct new improved facilities for the Border Agencies. Work will also include relocation of operational facilities from the buildings to be demolished to the new facilities.

Moving forward to the back end of 2013 and through to 2014, phase five will include demolition of the Travel Centre and No1 Control Building. Phase six will include civil engineering and paving works to reinstate the areas of the former buildings and to construct some of the new facilities such as the coach dropoff and pick-up areas.

Phase seven will include demolition of the remaining part of the bridge deck from Phase 2. The penultimate phase will see civil engineering and paving works for the new traffic routes into the Port and the new temporary holding area. The final phase will include the installation of a remotely controlled variable message signage system.

In addition to improving operational efficiency, the development is also set to enhance the Port visually and environmentally.

“The Port will look a lot more like a modern facility when the improvements are complete. The closure of the older buildings will result in less electric and heating used, saving money and

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benefitting the environment”, says Nigel.

With a project of this size and with the use of heavy machinery throughout, consideration for the local community has been of chief concern.

“With all our projects, including Traffic Management Improvement, we endeavor to speak to everyone who may be affected, from the local community and those who live in the vicinity of the Port through to traders and the relevant regulatory bodies,” says Barbara Buczek, Head of Business Development and Corporate Affairs at the Port of Dover. “We understand and appreciate the need to maintain an environment which has the best interests of the local area at heart.”

Throughout the project, and wherever possible, the Port has been employing the use of equipment that reduces dust and noise and, where heavy machinery has been necessary, every effort is being made to ensure that the work is completed as quickly and efficiently as is practicable. Work is being timed to fit in with regular working hours so as not to disturb residents during the evenings and weekends.

There has also been an added benefit for the local economy as many contractors are staying for a prolonged time period and they have been using accommodation, dining and other facilities in the area.

The development is currently on schedule for completion in 2015, for more information visit www.doverport.co.uk.

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Extending facilities for students A project to provide additional student accommodation in Stockwell continues to make great progress.

The Euro Tower extension project – which is being implemented

by The Mansion Group Ltd –comprises the extension of an existing substation to provide student accommodation. In total, 30 modern units are being created, with work set to reach completion ahead of the new term in September 2013.

Work began on the project in January 2013, with Tolent Construction Limited as the main contractor and JM Architects providing all architectural services on the project. Formed in 1983, construction company, Tolent Construction Limited carry out a range of building and civil engineering works for both the public and private sectors. Projects range in value from £1,000 to £60 million, and cover industrial, housing, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, commercial, leisure, waste and more.

At present, work continues on the Euro Tower project as planned. Discussing the progress of the project, Andrew Cohen of Tolent Construction Limited, said: “The frame has been erected, the envelope is going up and the internal fit-out is now taking place. As we are building on top of a substation we did have a few design issues, however these were resolved quickly to move forward.”

The new accommodation block is being constructed using a mix of structural steel and dry lining, with piled foundations.

The exterior will include metal and timber cladding plus render, whilst internally the units include one bedroom and shower room, with kitchen facilities provided.

The implementation of new student accommodation will provide an important boost to the local economy, providing benefits to local retailers amongst others.

Andrew commented: “This is a great project that will benefit the local community. As this is quite a residential area the new student accommodation sits well within its surroundings. This is an up-and-coming area

and this project will continue to upgrade the locality.

“Tolent Construction Limited is pleased to be involved with this project for The Mansion Group Ltd and we look forward to working with the group on future projects.”

The Mansion Group Ltd specialises in student accommodation and property investment funds. The group’s focus on the highly resilient student accommodation sector has proved invaluable during tough economic times, however it is the group’s simple, yet effective business model which has seen it continue to offer the best services possible.

Maidstone Hospital gets new multimillion pound facility Work on a new Endoscopy and Urology Investigation Unit at Maidstone Hospital has now reached completion.

Receiving praise from patients and doctors alike, the multimillion pound development has centralised all endoscopy and urology services in a larger and more modern facility, giving patients a much better experience. It is also thought that the new facilities will enable more patients to be treated per day.

A total of three procedure rooms, in addition to stage one and stage two recovery areas have been created. The procedure rooms have direct access to endoscopy washing areas, which contain four new endoscopy washing machines at a cost of half a million pounds each.

It is hoped that the new design will enable the department to achieve Joint Advisory Group (JAG) accreditation for Gastroenterology.

Work began on the development just before Christmas and reached completion last month, disturbance to the hospital’s day to day activity was said to be minimal although, Project Officer Mark Jackman did

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note one slight issue. He said: “There was a live operating theatre directly above on the first floor, so that was a consideration when carrying out the development.

“That said, the development ran smoothly and patients and consultants have been very happy with the end result; the feedback has been very positive.”

Clinical Lead for Endoscopy, for the Trust, Dr Laurence Maiden, said: “This is an exciting time for the Trust. We are very much looking forward to working in the brand new, state-of-

the-art Endoscopy Unit and we will now have all Endoscopy services centralised in one department and offer a high-quality, comprehensive service for all our patients.

“The unit has been planned with the patient’s journey, from start to finish, at the forefront of the department’s design.”

As of this month work has started on a new admissions lounge and a new discharge lounge. Due to open in November at a cost of £1 million, the additions will provide greater privacy, dignity and comfort for patients at the start and end of their stay in hospital.

Part of this summer’s work at the hospital also involves using a ward as a temporary admissions lounge, while the permanent

facility is being completely upgraded.

The same ward will then be used to accommodate other facilities as and when work is carried out as part of the Trust’s multi-million pound redevelopment and modernisation of all its inpatient wards over six years.

Glenn Douglas, Chief Executive of Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, added: “Our patients will really benefit from these significant service improvements as part of our long-term commitment to Maidstone Hospital.

“The new Endoscopy and Urology Investigation Units are modern and inviting and will help us continue to provide the best possible service we can to those in our care.”

Students settle in at new centre Students at London South Bank University (LSBU) are benefitting from a vibrant new state-of-the-art Student Centre at the University’s Southwark campus.

issues that might affect students whilst at university.

The centre is also home to Students’ Union, which was consulted during the design of the space to ensure students’ needs were met.

LSBU’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Martin Earwicker says: “We’re sure that this centre will really enhance the student experience at our University. LSBU students will not only have an exciting new space to meet and to work in, but they will also have quick and easy access to any support they need, and they’ll have information on professional opportunities, such as mentoring and internships, at their fingertips.”

Located under the University’s existing Tower Block at the corner of Borough Road and Southwark Bridge Road, the centre was designed by architects HawkinsBrown (who were named ‘Education Architect of the Year’ by Building Design in 2009) and construction work was carried out by Mansell Construction Services.

A specialist manufacturer of lampshades and pendant luminaires, Albioncourt designed and delivered the luminaires for the centre. The Dorset based company supply across the hospitality, commercial, retail, education and care sectors nationwide.

“This project allowed us to show several construction techniques and on a scale that shows off our work well,” says Tim Hargreaves, Albioncourt Director. “The luminaire pendants are a prominent feature throughout the build and play a large part in defining areas and the transition from one area to another.”

LSBU is one of London’s oldest and largest universities and the top modern university for graduate stating salaries in the UK. For more information please visit: www.lsbu.ac.uk.

The £7.42 million development opened its doors in November, creating a dynamic central location where students can easily access support services and find out more about employment opportunities, as well as providing a space where they can socialise and relax.

All non-academic services, such as Student Advice, Employability, Accommodation, Fees & Bursaries and Disability and Dyslexia Support will be under one roof. A key feature is the Student Life Centre, which is staffed by experts in a range of ROMA PUBLICATIONS

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Brent Civic Centre arrives Dubbed the ‘greenest public building in the UK’, the new Brent Civic Centre has arrived.

The £100 million building was designed by Hopkins Architects and houses up to 2,000 Brent Council staff, along with event facilities for up to 1,000 people. In addition to a public garden with community art displays, the Civic Centre incorporates a new library and learning resource centre, along with retail outlets and spaces to socialise.

Further facilities include a Registrar’s Office, Community Hall and Council Chamber. Car-parking and motorcycle-parking spaces are available in the basement, whilst the site also incorporates 250 bicycle-parking spaces and charging points for electronic cars.

Situated on Engineers Way, opposite Wembley Stadium and Wembley Arena, the new Brent Civic Centre is in the heart of the Wembley regeneration area. In addition to the nine-storey, 40,000 sq metre Civic Centre, Wembley City also includes a Hilton Hotel, the largest cinema in Europe and the only designer retail outlet in London.

The modernising and centralising of council services and spaces from 14 former sites saves approximately £2.5 million per year, whilst the Civic Centre also provides opportunities to generate an annual income of up to £9.7 million - which in turn is spent on services in the borough.

Commenting on the new Civic Centre, Programme Director at Brent Council, Aktar Choudhury, said: “This scheme forms an important part of one of the UK’s most exciting regeneration projects in a prominent setting opposite Wembley Stadium. We have created a community centrepiece in the heart of a modern development, and have built the UK’s greenest building.”

Work began onsite in November 2010 and was operational by June 2013, with Hopkins Architects providing all architectural services on the project. During the course of the construction, a number of paid employment and work experience opportunities were created for local people.

Managing Director of Hopkins Architects, Bill Taylor, commented: “This was a major new London project for us – a terrific opportunity to bring together administrative and civic functions in a new world-class building.”

Harry Construction Ltd carried out the complete concrete placement throughout the development. Harry Construction Ltd was formed in 2006 and provide a range of services to the construction industry throughout the UK.

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Commenting on the project, Harry Sandhu, the owner of Harry Construction Ltd, said: “I was heavily involved in the project so it was very important to me that everything went ahead correctly first time.”

One of the most important aspects of the project was the incorporation of sustainable technologies. Brent Council’s former buildings were inefficient, expensive to maintain and unfit for purpose. The new Brent Civic Centre hopes combated this problem through a combination of solar shading, natural ventilation, façade performance and combined cooling, heating and power using vegetable oil.

Further sustainable approaches include water conservation, the monitoring of water run-off and the installation of flood defence systems. In addition, waste is to be reduced and recycled, whilst sustainable and fairly traded products are to be transported using environmentally friendly methods. As a result of the sustainable technologies, carbon emissions will be reduced by 33%.

Internationally renowned construction company Skanska UK was appointed to build the new Brent Civic Centre following a competitive tender process. The company celebrates an extensive portfolio that includes London landmarks such as 30 St Mary Axe (‘The Gherkin’) and the construction of Royal London Hospital.

Skanska UK has won a number of awards for their commitment to sustainable construction, including an Area Based Regeneration Award in 2008 and the European Business Award for the Environment in 2010. In addition, the company was named ‘Industry Leader’ in the Sunday Times Best Green Companies Award 2010.

Discussing Skanska’s involvement with Brent Civic Centre, Executive Vice President of Skanska UK, Paul Chandler, said: “Skanska’s aim is to be the global leading green developer and contractor. We cannot achieve our goal alone. To do this, we need the support of our clients and the supply chain.

“We were delighted to have worked with Brent Council on this project, they truly were a client that inspired and drove the delivery of the UK’s first BREEAM Outstanding rated public building.”

Brent Council’s Chief Executive, Gareth Daniel, added: “I would like to thank all those who have been involved in the Civic Centre project. The Civic Centre represents a new beginning for the borough and symbolises Brent as a modern and forward thinking organization. It is a dynamic building and a hub for the community.”

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Taunton’s ‘best kept secret’ opens up to the public The majestic Grade Listed medieval building, Castle House is set to open its doors to the public for the first time after a magnificent restoration by the Somerset Building Preservation Trust, with grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Viridor Credits Environmental Company, English Heritage the Architectural Heritage Fund and the Garfield Weston Foundation.

Dating back to the 16th century, Castle House, which was built by the Bishops of Winchester, is situated within the curtilage of Taunton Castle. There have been no significant changes to the building in its history and it is perhaps one of the most significant buildings in the South West of England.

During its long history, Castle House has endured the English Civil War, hosted the infamous ‘hanging judge’ Judge Jeffreys, has been used as a lodging house for visitors to Taunton Castle and at one time was a school. Despite Judge Jeffreys, the building has a warm and welcoming feel to it and feels comfortable sharing its past with the present.

However over the past few decades the house had fallen into a state of dilapidation and was on the English Heritage Buildings at Risk Register. As a result Somerset County Council , who lease the House from the Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society, invited the Somerset Building Preservation Trust Ltd, a registered charity which restores derelict historic buildings in Somerset, to seek a financially sustainable future for Castle House and to restore the building.

The trust set the wheels in motion; raising funds to restore the building and project manage the restoration. Over £1million was raised to carry out the works and Architect, Robert Battersby was appointed along with contractors, Coombes of Ilminster.

Both are very experienced in the restoration of historic buildings.

Lime plaster and mortar are being used in the restoration and wherever possible repairs are being undertaken rather than replacements made.

The Ground Floor Area of Castle House will be transformed into a Discovery Centre, where great heritage can be shared

with the general public.

Activities will range from learning opportunities for all age groups linked to the broad spectrum of the history of the House, including its fabric and history, music, drama, crafts, literature and the politics of the times. In addition to this members of the public will be invited to take a stroll, accompanied by volunteer stewards and enjoy the chance to absorb the rich history that is Castle House Taunton.

Learning opportunities for students have been put in place by the Somerset Building Preservation Trust during the restoration of the House. Students from Somerset College have been assisting in the photographic recording of the building not only for archive purposes but for interactive display in the House once it is open to the public.

Speaking about the development, Erica Adams, Somerset Building Preservation Trust Secretary, said: “The SBPT has been enormously grateful for major donations from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Viridor Credits Environmental Company, English Heritage, Architectural Heritage Fund and the Garfield Weston Foundation as well as other major generous donations from individuals. Their generosity has enabled SBPT to achieve its goal and get on with the restoration and conversion of the building.

“This is a project of major importance, with Castle House, Taunton being one of, if not the, most important medieval buildings in the South West. Those involved in the project are devoted to making Castle House somewhere that people of all ages and abilities will enjoy visiting on a regular basis.”

Chris Sidaway, Chairman of the Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society which owns Taunton Castle and leases it to the local council, added: “We are delighted that the fund raising for the restoration of Castle House has proved so successful. We are confident that the restored building will enhance the cultural life of Taunton.”

For more information about Castle House please visit: www. sbpt.info.

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Converting the Boathouse A project to transform a former boat store into modern living accommodation has been hailed a ‘great success’.

The Boathouse project comprised the renovation of the Grade II Listed boat store in Great Walsingham, Norfolk, into a twobedroom dwelling. As the building is a Listed property, all work was conducted sensitively, with the new living quarters designed to remain sympathetic to the surrounding area.

Work began on the 20-week project in October 2012 and reached completion in April 2013. Fisher Bullen was the main contractor on the Boathouse, Donald McIntyre Design was the structural engineer and Napier Clarke Architects provided all architectural services on the project.

Discussing the project, Napier Clarke Architects Director, Amy Napier, said: “The client’s ambitions for The Boathouse were to provide an ancillary dwelling to their main house to ease the flow of their growing family. The family wished for the building to sit well within its existing context complimenting the surrounding buildings within their curtilage whilst applying a contemporary approach.

“The brief asked for a conversion of an existing boat store into a two-bedroom dwelling with kitchen and bathing facilities.

A renewable heat source in the form of an air source heat pump was required to ease dependence upon oil. The original footprint was to remain the same so a clear plan was required to accommodate the brief, which resulted in a successfully functioning space.”

Amy added: “A budget of £200,000 was set at the beginning of the project and was achieved. We spent time ensuring that the design was in line with budget, and products were carefully selected as we

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undertook the interior design.”

Internally the building was divided up along the building’s axis in order to make the best use of space, one half houses the living room, the other is split to accommodate bedrooms and shower room. Walls were raised to provide the building with more height, and additional space and natural daylight was emphasised through the installation of a vaulted ceiling.

Amy commented: “We approached this project with a simple plan as we did not

want to over complicate the design. So for instance originally the building had two mono-pitched roofs which we reworked into just one roof to tie the building together as a whole.

“Conservation was important, the original building was part of the foundry located opposite and featured original windows cast there. It was key to us and the client that these were maintained and replicated in each new window.

“We applied a fine attention to detail throughout the design, especially in the interior where each junction of materials was emphasized. The design maintains the rich vernacular of flint and red brick that balances heavy weight external envelope and lightweight contemporary additions.”

The transformation of the Boathouse has been truly remarkable and has given the existing facility a completely new purpose. A simple palette of materials was used on the project, including red brick, flint, terracotta pan tiles and cast iron windows, and

the result is a magnificent building that certainly meets client expectations.

Amy said: “The Boathouse project has been a great success for Napier Clarke Architects and we were pleased to be involved with such a fantastic scheme. Our client put a great deal of trust in us and it certainly paid off.”

Amy added: “I have a great deal of experience within the industry, however this was our first project as a practice. The Boathouse presented the perfect opportunity for us to apply the skills we have developed over the years and we have created a great show piece for Napier Clarke Architects.”

For more information on Napier Clarke Architects, please visit: www.napierclarke.co.uk.

South Crofty Mining Heritage Safety Works The £671,000 restoration of historical landmark and part listed building South Crofty Mining Heritage Safety Works, is underway in Camborne Cornwall.

Work to conserve and refurbish the iconic head frame at the South Crofty tin mine and Chapple’s two Grade II Pump Engine Houses – including the repainting of the steel head frame – started in February 2013 after being granted planning permission in late 2011. Work is currently scheduled to reach completion in September 2013.

Cormac Contracting Ltd is the main contractor on the project, who hired out a number of local sub-contractors to carry out the refurbishment of the mine. Cornwall Councils is providing the architectural management on the iconic head frame and engine houses, along with Historic Environment Service making sure that the restoration does not affect the listed buildings.

During the course of the works the existing features of the mine are to be maintained and improved in-keeping with archaeological standards; making sure the original features are maintained. One of the main materials used in this restoration is lime water and it has been attempted (as much as possible) to keep to the original stone for the mine which is dated from as far back as the 16th Century.

Some obstacles faced during the development were the challenges involved with carrying out certain work safely, especially during the early stages of the refurbishment, as the stability of the ancient buildings was in relatively poor condition before the restoration took place.

South Crofty has been mining since it opened back in the 16th century and was forced to close back in 1998 after the price of tin hit an all-time low, the Cornwall mine was the last tin mining

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company to close in Europe.

The reopening of the South Crofty mine will be a great boost for the community, as it will provide several new employment possibilities for people within the area, and will also improve the appearance of the historical landmark of Camborne, which has become rundown over the years.

The steel head frame of the South Crofty mine is not a listed building but is recorded as a building of local interest on the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Historic Environment Record. It was built in the 1950s and modified in the 1970s; it is no longer used for winding men or materials up from the mine shaft.

Chris Ridgers, the Council’s portfolio holder for economy and regeneration said: “We are delighted with this latest development at South Crofty which is a major part of the wider regeneration opportunities around the Camborne, Pool and Redruth area.

“As well as enabling WUM to progress their long term mining aspirations this will lead to excellent job creation for Cornwall.

The land vacated by the current surface mining operations is key to high quality commercial and residential opportunities in the area and we look forward to continuing to work with the private sector to ensure the potential economic benefits are realised.”

John Pollard, the Council’s portfolio holder for Localism, Sustainability, Devolution and Heritage said “It has been a longstanding ambition that this local landmark is conserved and maintained. It has been leased to the Council under the agreement with Western United Mines as it is not currently required by the company to access their proposed workings.

The restoration that we are carrying out will include a new coat of paint guaranteed to protect it for 25 years.”

The main contractor Cormac Contracting are widely known as south west’s leading Civil Engineering contractors, based with a multi-skilled local workforce and a range of specifically skilled and highly trained staff.

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New Outreach Centre for Cults Parish Church A £1.4 million project to transform a local church in Cults, Aberdeen into an engaging Outreach Centre, built for the community by Cults Parish Church, is inching closer to completion.

Once complete, the two-storey building – on the site of the old East Church - will include a new, attractive modern cafe, two public halls, on-site car parking, and several meeting rooms which will allow both adult and youth groups to attend simultaneously. Burns Construction of Aberdeen is the main contractor on the project and Ian Rodger Architects is providing all architectural services on the development.

The work on the community facility began last year in October and is due to be completed by September 2013. The new building will incorporate stained glass windows and will reuse granite from the two towers of the East Church building. The granite has been rebuilt to form a spine through the middle of the Outreach Centre.

A new feature added to the Outreach Centre will be the curved timber-clad segments encompassing the cafe and other facilities. In addition, the centre will also include some of the previous church’s architectural features, as well as include an added modern twist in order to make the church reach out to people of all ages within the community.

Cults Parish Church has been holding various fund-raising ventures in the community itself. Additional funding for the project was achieved through a partial sale of the site.

Ian Rodger, the Architect of the Outreach Centre, said: “It is an honour to be able to do a building that is designed for the community of Cults. It is quite a landmark building for the location.”

Cults Parish Church was previously two churches, split into Cults East and Cults West; before it was decided that attempting to maintain two church buildings in the same community was impractical. Upon reaching this decision the scheme was put in place to reinforce worship at West, whilst extending the church’s outreach to the community at the new development.

The church is already involved in numerous activities and

groups including; badminton, Brownies, bible groups, playgroup & nursery, and much more. Showing their commitment in connecting with their community, the number of activities at the church is set to increase even more thanks to the new building facilities.

Refurbishing Glasgow Royal Infirmary Over recent years Wylie Shanks Architects have been appointed on the refurbishment of 17 wards and various associated infrastructure projects as part of an ongoing programme of works undertaken by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde to fully refurbish the ‘old’ Glasgow Royal Infirmary.

The Category B listed buildings in Glasgow Royal Infirmary are being upgraded and renovated in order to provide a brand new look for the wards, patient facilities and service infrastructure.

Work currently comprises a complete refurbishment of Wards 4 and 5 to bring them in line with modern standards.

Work began with a new enclosure for the standby generators, and was closely followed by wetroom and toilet upgrades.

Multiple ward improvements are also being made to upgrade the open plan `Nightingale` wards.

The brief requires the refurbishment of finishes and services infrastructure, along with fabric repairs and improved disability access/provisions

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S c otl a n d The renovation is being carried out progressively in order to suit healthcare and occupational priorities. This has resulted in several contracts to ensure minimal disruption to ongoing patient care. Contractors are also asked to comply with latest HAI_SCRIBE requirements to minimise infection risk to adjoining occupied areas.

Internal work involves the overall layout being changed to comply with latest requirements on bedspacing and wash hand basin numbers for improving standards of infection control. All floor, wall & ceiling finishes are being replaced.

All mechanical and electrical installations are also being upgraded as part of the ongoing ward refurbishment programme including new fire alarms, nurse call, door security, full rewire and total replacement of the water pipework installation.

The external design of the wards will show new hardwood windows with sand mastic pointing to perimeter of openings.

Due to the hospital building being listed, the replacement windows required listed building consent before works could be carried out.

As work on Ward 5 has recently been completed the project is currently focused on renovating Ward 4. Downtakings are currently progressing to allow coring works for new drainage to be installed; this requires close co-ordination with the hospital management due to ward decant requirements.

In order to accommodate the hospital’s daily operations work

which includes high levels of noise are suspended for agreed periods each day, giving staff and patients respite from building related activities.

In addition, sealed screens and dedicated contractor access points have been employed to allow clinical services to be unaffected by the works wherever possible.

23A Albion Place Trust housing association has given the green light to build 34 new homes on the Meiklehill House site in Lammermoor, Scotland.

Plans for the new development include a mix of flats and houses. Sixteen of the new homes are being built for social rent purposes whilst the other 18 properties have been designed for

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social rent purposes with East Dunbartonshire Council.

The properties on the development comprise 13 one-bedroom flats, twenty two-bedroom houses, and one three-bedroom house. The project was given the go ahead in 2012, when 13 councillors from East Dunbartonshire Council approved the scheme.

Work is currently underway on the new development, which is scheduled to reach completion in 2014. East Dunbartonshire Council will also build 14 new homes in nearby Lammermoor Crescent, comprising a mix of flats, villas and cottage flats.

Homes on the Meiklehill project will comprise a mix of facing brickwork and render, with concrete roof tiles, windows and doors. Security features include detection and alarm systems, security lighting and permanent fencing.

Siteworks include linked mains supply, the installation of estate roads and a mix of hard and soft landscaping. Campbell & Morris Associates is the architect on the project, whilst Sim Building Group Limited is the main contractor.

The Meiklehill housing project is being constructed on a site which formerly housed the 19th Century Meiklehill House building. The former structure was demolished as part of the project after it was deemed no longer economically viable to repair or restore.

Although there was some initial concern about demolishing the existing building, the new development brings much needed affordable housing which can only be achieved by removing the Listed building. It is suggested that some of the stone from Meiklehill House will now be incorporated within the new development, particularly the formation of two stone walls on the eastern entrance to the site.

Additionally a number of trees are being retained and incorporated into the proposed development which means that some of the landscaped setting remains untouched.

The Meikehill housing project is being implemented by The Link Group, an organisation which provides new and improved homes for rent and sale, community regeneration services and

support care for individuals. The Link Group is one of Scotland’s leading providers of housing and relating services, with services reaching around 10,000 people in 26 of Scotland’s 32 local authority areas.

Formed in 1962, The Link Group comprise Larkfield Housing Association, Link Housing Association, LinkLiving and Horizon Housing Association and has grown its services to meet the ever changing needs of its residents. The group’s philosophy is to provide homes, value people and build communities, all whilst working together.

For more information about The Link Group, or their latest developments, please visit: www.linkhousing.org.uk.

Works Gets Underway on First of Council’s Five New Care Homes The construction of five new care homes to be built by Glasgow City Council is now fully underway.

The £80.4 million investment, for the city’s services for older people, has built their first home at Bardowie St in the city’s Possilpark area. The development of the 120-bedded home in the north of the city will also contain a new centre for day-care service.

The council’s exclusive committee gave the go ahead for the major capital spending programme to replace the council’s 15

care homes in April 2011. In total 600 new beds will be created for all parts of the city and will ensure all of the councils care homes will set standards that will surpass guidelines set by care inspectors far into the future. The plans also include the development of a total of four day care centres that will be able to offer support to 120 individuals each day.

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development, City Building. Councillor Matt Kerr, the council’s executive Member for Social Care, expressed his delight that the ground at Bardowie Street had now been cut and a care home would soon be taking shape.

Councillor Kerr said “It is a tremendous step forward to see work on the council’s new care homes actually begin in earnest.

Everyone involved in getting the project to this stage will be very pleased there are finally boots on the ground and construction staff are able to get on the job.

“Once they are complete, the homes and day care centres will be a credit to Glasgow and will greatly enhance the care and support we can offer our older people. The homes have been very carefully designed so that they will be future proofed against care standards for generations to come.

“The homes will also ensure the council has a strong presence in the care home sector, which will help us secure best value for residents and council tax payers alike. By building the homes we are also achieving our ambition of targeted support for the vulnerable, it also means a boost for skills and the economy at a difficult time.

“These homes will also be built to the highest possible standards and will ensure residents are living in warm, energy efficient and environmentally sustainable surroundings.”

All of the five homes will be made up of eight smaller; 15bedded semi-independent units to create the feeling of domestic environment for residents the home will also provide a range of large and small communal, social spaces as well as specialist facilities such as treatment rooms, and hairdressing salons.

Accessible outdoor spaces will also be created for service users on both ground and upper floors with garden spaces a key feature of the plans.

All sites have been carefully evaluated on criteria such as location, accessibility (including public transport links), local amenities and cost. Ensuring an even spread of resources across all sites was also a key consideration.

The sites for development include: Leithland Avenue in Pollok, which has been earmarked for a care home and a day care centre; Prospecthill Road in Toryglen, where a care home is planned; Springfeild Road, where a care home would be built only; Castlemilk Drive, which has been identified for a day care centre.

The home proposed for Prospect Hill in Toryglen had originally

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been earmarked for Queens Park Recreation Ground, but the Full Council agreed in November 2011 to change the location following consultation with local councillors and members of the community. Toryglen had always been the preferred option as the site for the care home in the South-East of the city, but the land only became available for use as a care home following agreement with the owner’s, Clyde Gateway.

£5 million development for Bishopbriggs

A brand new housing development in Bishopbriggs has opened.

Link Group Ltd’s new affordable housing development at Auchinairn Gate, Bishopbriggs was officially opened in May 2013 by East Dunbartonshire Council Deputy Leader and Housing Convenor, Councillor Ashay Ghai. The £5 million development – which got underway in September 2011 – comprises 46 properties for social rent, including eight units for East Dunbartonshire Council.

Designed and built by McTaggart Construction, the properties are a mix of four and five bedroom houses, three bedroom flats and one three-bedroom house for a wheelchair user. The development meets Link’s high design standards for affordable housing and each home includes gas central heating, hot water systems, high thermal insulation and double glazing.

The new houses in Bishopbriggs have been designed to provide residents with a warm, comfortable and energy efficient environment that is simple and economical to maintain. The Scottish Government and East Dunbartonshire Council funded the project.

Link Group Chairman, Peter Foreman, said: “These high quality homes will contribute to increasing the supply of affordable housing in Bishopbriggs and we look

forward to continuing to work with the local community and East Dunbartonshire Council in the future.”

Councillor Ashay Ghai, added: “East Dunbartonshire still has a considerable shortfall of affordable housing so it is wonderful to see a development like this completed and providing much needed accommodation for local people.

“I was delighted to officially open the new development and wish all the tenants every happiness in their new homes.”

Comprising five subsidiaries, the Link group of housing, support and regeneration companies, offers a wide range of services to 10,000 families and individuals, primarily within Scotland’s Central belt. Link builds or improves 100 homes each year for rent or low cost home ownership and plans to invest around £98 million to complete nearly 750 new or improved homes within the next five years.

In 2012, the Link group celebrated its 50th birthday, demonstrating its ability to evolve over the years, to meet the changing needs of the people who use them. Link takes an active role in the creation of sustainable communities, by developing partnerships with tenants, local people and other agencies to build low cost homes and community and health facilities.

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Restoring the heart of Newbridge Phase One of a £5.8 million project to restore Newbridge Memorial Hall and Institute has reached completion.

The first phase of the project – which reached completion in June 2013 – comprised the restoration of the Institute. Phase Two – which got underway in July – focuses on the restoration of the Memorial Hall – affectionately known as the Memo.

The two-phase scheme is being overseen by the Trustees of Celynen Collieries and is being supported by Caerphilly County Borough Council. The project is being funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government, Welsh Government’s Targeted Match Fund, the Heritage Lottery Fund, Big Lottery, CADW, Trustees of the Institute and Memo and the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, amongst others.

Howard Stone, Chair of Trustees for The Trustees of Celynen Collieries, said: “The project involves the two buildings, the Institute and the Memo. The Institute was built in 1907, whilst the Memo was constructed in 1924.

“Newbridge Institute was built by miners with the mortgage raised and repayments made by all of the miners across the two collieries. The Institute originally included a billiards room, a well stocked library, a reading room and committee room.

“The Memo was built after the First World War and was constructed to commemorate the young soldiers who didn’t return from the war. The Memo included a ballroom and a 700seat cinema.

“In 2003 the Institute and the Memo were closed down with the threat of being demolished. At this time a public meeting was called and the general consensus was to restore the buildings and bring them back into public use.

“The buildings have been an integral part of both Newbridge and the South East Valleys since their creation, so all efforts are being made to restore them back to their former glory.”

Seddon Construction was the main contractor on Phase One of the project, working from a design provided by Alwyn Jones Architects.

Seddon Construction Business Unit Manager, Grant Millar, said: “This is a building which had played a central part in the history of Newbridge and that’s been reflected in the dedicated and long community campaign which has brought about its restoration.

The entire construction team is delighted to help reinstate the Institute and ensure that this cherished local landmark is back at the very heart of the community which originally built it.”

Following the successful completion of Phase One, The Institute opened its doors on 6th June.

Trustees Chair, Howard Stone, said: “I remember these buildings from when I was a child and they have always been buildings of some note within the area. Many high profile people have played at the buildings, from Ivor Novello’s mother and the Joe Loss Orchestra to Tom Jones.

“The Manic Street Preachers – which includes James Dean Bradfield and Nicky Wire – are patrons, as are Gryth Rhys Jones and Lord Don Touhig, so it is quite easy to see the significance of this restoration project.

“Most of us met our partners or had our wedding parties at these buildings, so this project has certainly struck a chord with families in the local area.”

Councillor Harry Andrews, Leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council, added: “We are delighted to be working so closely alongside the Trustees to bring about the wonderful transformation of this historic venue. A small group of dedicated volunteers have been instrumental in driving this long-awaited regeneration programme forward, and I greatly look forward to seeing the completion of these landmark buildings.”

Harnessing the sun: Hazel Capital LLP As an FCA registered, independent specialist investment manager, Hazel Capital LLP invests in projects in the clean energy sector, specifically focusing on solar PV and small wind farm projects. Based in London, Hazel Capital LLP is one of Europe’s fastest growing renewable energy infrastructure investors and is compiling a sizeable and very impressive portfolio of developments.

Where previously Hazel had focused on developing its UK projects under the Feed In Tariff (FIT) subsidy regime - its Hazel Renewable Energy VCTs own six higher rate FIT solar parks among other FIT projects - over the last 18 months the company has shifted its focus to the development of larger groundmounted solar installations which are accredited under the UK government’s ROC (Renewable Obligation Certificate) Scheme.

In this time Hazel has developed more than 13 ROC projects in the UK solar sector, with a total funding requirement of over £130 million. Of these, four of the projects were sold to institutional counterparties prior to construction; five which includes the

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recent 33MW Wymeswold airfield solar farm - were constructed before 31st March 2013 achieving the 2 ROC accreditation banding; the remainder have planning permission and are due for completion by December 2013.

Located on the former World War II Wymeswold Airfield in Leicestershire, planning permission was approved for Wymeswold Farm in November 2012. Hazel Capital LLP partnered with leading UK solar development and construction company, Lark Energy on the development, which is the UK’s largest solar farm to date.

Three slightly smaller solar projects for Hazel Capital include Jordanston Farm, Halse Farm and Horsacott Farm. Jordanston comprises 19,296 Yingli panels, Halse comprises 34,752 Yingli panels and Horsacott includes 26,160 Canadian solar panels.

Early stage development on these three projects was carried out by counterparties AEE Renewables (Halse and Jordanston Farm) and Lumicity Limited (Horsacott). All three projects were then constructed by German construction specialists, Goldbeck

Solar GmbH over a three month period.

Goldbeck Solar GmbH is a medium-sized owner-operated group of companies specialising in the design, construction and service of projects. The majority of Goldbeck Solar GmbH’s system elements are built in-house, making it an economic, energy-efficient company.

The three sites that Goldbeck Solar GmbH worked on with Hazel Capital have proved very important for the company as it continues to expand into the UK solar market. Discussing the importance of their involvement on UK schemes such as these, Goldbeck Solar GmbH CEO Joachim Goldbeck, said: “The UK will stay a highly interesting market for us – next to our markets in Germany and Italy. We will keep growing in times where other companies in the solar industry are more likely contracting.”

Located in Tenby, Wales, Jordanston Farm is a solar farm covering an area of 26 acres, with a capacity of 4.6MW and an irradiation level of 1223 kWh/m₂/yr. Planning for the site was approved in September 2012.

Meanwhile, Horsacott Farm is located in Lydacott, Barnstaple in Devon and has a capacity of 6.4MW, with planning given for the site in October 2012. The third site, Halse Farm, has a capacity of 8.2MW and is located in Bishop’s Lydeard, near Taunton Somerset.

Civil engineering and groundworks specialists MDC Contractors worked on Jordanston Farm and Halse Farm, completing the ground works, civil works, reinstatement and water management on the sites.

MDC Contractors Managing Director, Matt Cole, said: “We are heavily involved in work within the energy sector, starting out on Pembroke Power Station before moving into the solar farm sector. Working on solar farm sites we conducted all the ground works, road trenches and concrete works on the site.”

Matt added: “Working on sites such as Jordanston Farm and Halse Farm is quite important to us as it is satisfying to see the solar energy sector continuing to develop. Renewable energy is both good for our company and for the future development of the energy sector.”

For more information on Hazel Capital LLP, please visit: www. hazelcapital.com.

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The restoration of Cardigan Castle The £11 million project to restore Cardigan Castle continues to make great progress.

Work on the 12th Century castle is now underway following a 14-year campaign to save the site. The project will see the castle re-established as a focus for the community, with a heritage centre and an open air concert space included.

Expert construction and civil engineering contractor Andrew Scott Ltd is the main contractor on the restoration project.

Andrew Scott Ltd has been delivering innovative projects for more than 140 years, working across the commercial, education, health, retail and leisure sectors through to industrial, nuclear & power and conservation sectors.

Work began on the project with a turf-cutting ceremony, followed by the removal of steel beams which have held up walls at the site since 1975. The scheme is being funding through a number of organisations, including Heritage Lottery Fund, CADW, Welsh Assembly Government, Ceredigion County Council, European Regional Development Fund and the lottery.

During the restoration of Cardigan Castle, walls, buildings and gardens are being restored and a new restaurant and luxury accommodation will be installed. Once work is complete on the project Cardigan Castle will boast a number of educational facilities, including cultural, crafts and horticultural information for the Welsh language.

The main aim of the project is to increase visitor numbers to the castle, taking numbers from 3,000 to 30,000 a year. Work is currently on schedule and due to reach completion in 2014.

Cadwgan Buildings Preservation Trust Project Chairman, Jann Tucker, said: “The whole site is being redone, putting back the regency gardens and the house.

“I’m so excited – I really am. This is something that the Trust has been working for. I’ve been involved with it for 13 years. This is what we have all been waiting for.”

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Jann added: “It is a very big project and hopefully it is going to bring a lot of input into Ceredigion and north Pembrokeshire. This is going to be a big tourist attraction as well as being a heritage one.”

Mark Davies, Project Manager for Andrew Scott said: “This is an exciting and interesting project for us to be involved in. The passion of the local community has been truly amazing and we can see that they are excited as us to see the Castle back to its former glory along with the new facilities that it will have to offer.”

Cardigan Castle is considered to be the first stone castle built by the Welsh princes and was home to Rhys ap Gruffydd, prince of the medieval kingdom of Deheubarth. The castle has had an interesting history, having hosted Wales’ first Eisteddfod, however more recently it has stood in a derelict state.

In 2006, Prince Charles gave the restoration project his full backing when he visited the site.

A s s o c i ati o n s

Roofing Awards 2013 – Winners announced On Friday 17th May, the eighth annual Roofing Awards took place at the Hilton Metropole in central London. The event brought together over 600 guests from across the roofing industry to congratulate this year’s winners, the ceremony was hosted by BBC Breakfast presenter Susanna Reid.

Winners of the 2013 Roofing Awards were: Pitched Roofing Roof Slating – Marley Contract Services, Rainbow House, Glasgow Roof Tiling – AST Roofing (Bournemouth) Ltd, Toorak, Westbourne Heritage Roofing – Jordan Heritage Roofing Ltd, Shippon and Calf Shed, Caernarfon

Flat Roofing Single Ply – Sika-Sarnafil working with Midland (Single Ply) Roofing Ltd, URS Building, University of Reading Reinforced Bituminous Membrane (RBM) – Briggs Amasco Ltd, St Andrews House, Glasgow Liquid Applied Roofing – Polyroof Products Ltd working with Barclay Roofing Ltd, Durham University, Gateway Project

Metal Roofing & Cladding Roof Sheeting – Everlast Group, London Victoria Station Vertical Cladding – Ash & Lacy Building Systems, Thomas Ferens Academy, Kingston upon Hull Fully Supported Metal Roofing – Clarke Roofing Southern Ltd, Maderia Lift, Brighton

Sustainable Roofs

Graeme Millar. The honour was given to Mike for his prolific work within the industry and his ongoing commitment. He continues to be involved in the most recent NFRC initiatives including solar, management and green roofing.

The Awards of course could not have happened without increasing and continued support from all the partners, hosts and sponsors; in particular to SIG Roofing and Roofline who are fundamental to the existence and development of the awards.

This year, along with NFRC, the awards hosts were CompetentRoofer, the Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA), the Roofing Tile Alliance (RTA), the Lead Contractors Association (LCA), the Lead Sheet Association (LSA), the Green Roof Centre, and the Single Ply Roofing Association (SPRA), the Federation of Traditional Metal Roofing Contractors (FTMRC) and the Metal Cladding and Roofing Manufacturers Association (MCRMA).

Key partners this year were B&CE Benefit Schemes (The People’s Pension), British Land, CITB, Electrical Contractors Insurance Company (ECIC) and Quality Assured National Warranties (QANW).

Sponsors, included, Associated Lead Mills, Avonside Group Services, EJOT, ICB, Icopal, IKO plc, John Brash & Co, Marley Eternit, Redland, Renolit Cramlington, Rockwool, SFS intec, Sika Liquid Plastics, Sika Sarnafil, Sika-Trocal and Xtratherm.

Green Roofs – Sky-Garden Ltd, Kanes Food, Evesham Solar – Prater Ltd, The Crystal, Siemens Offices, London Shingles & Shakes – John Brash & Co working with Attleys Roofing, Sophie’s House, Martha Trust, Hereford

Individual awards The Roofing Awards also look to put the spotlight on those individuals and organisations that go above and beyond the call of duty. This year the NFRC Health & Safety Champion 2012 went to Stephen Huitson. He graduated from the tools and made the important transformation to become contracts supervisor for Wensley Roofing in County Durham.

Exceptional Contribution to Training, in partnership with CITB, went to Longworth Building Envelope Solutions. Longworth doesn’t just keep training to its own staff, they open their doors to others so that they might benefit also. Longworth has shown by its commitment to training that this can reflect in being a successful business.

Also presented with an accolade was the best of the best from the NFRC Safety in Roofing Awards – those who scored highest within their roofing discipline – Dougall Roofing & Waterproofing Solutions Ltd for slating and tiling; Single Ply Services Limited for flat roofing; and Chris Petre Ltd for industrial roofing and cladding. A high number of gold, silver and bronze awards were presented to members at the regional annual general meetings earlier this year.

The Lead Contractors Association presented the Murdoch Award and Murdoch Sponsor’s Award for the best leadwork.

This year the Murdoch Award was won by Northwest Lead for their refurbishment work on the dome of the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. The sponsor’s award was won by Vince McKee for the lead roofed garden room and extended canopy to a Victorian ragstone house in Kent.

Special congratulations went to Mike Long who was presented with Honorary Life Membership of NFRC, by NFRC President ROMA PUBLICATIONS

89

Heritage

Contemporary glass in heritage buildings Sensitively preserving the atmosphere and heritage of ancient buildings, whilst meeting contemporary structural requirements is always going to be a difficult challenge but the timeless qualities of glass can create and divide spaces without obscuring or detracting from centuries old architecture.

Increasingly, architects builders and specifiers are recognising the value of incorporating glass into heritage renovations and refurbishments but it requires a wealth of experience to ensure that the glass installation meets every need.

Glass specialists Ion Glass have a well deserved reputation for their installations in heritage and ecclesiastical buildings and have developed some unique skills and techniques to ensure their wholly bespoke glass works perfectly in ancient buildings.

“Working in buildings originally constructed hundreds of years ago poses some very unique challenges,” says Ion Glass MD Peter Hazeldean. “Once the project has been agreed with everyone concerned we have to ensure that the glass is fully functional, fits perfectly and can be installed with minimum disruption.

“We have developed a range of concealed fixing systems to ensure that the glass makes minimal impact on the substance of the original building, providing a robust finish that meets all structural requirements without the need for visually intrusive framework.

“All our glass is precisely templated prior to manufacture and we have perfected a technique that ensures the glass fits around out of true walls and corbels.”

Typically glass is used within churches to improve the heat insulation and to provide an acoustic barrier. A contemporary glass screen across the nave will minimise heat loss without impacting on the original architecture and won’t obscure the flow of light within the space or detract from existing stained glass windows.

A recent project at St Nicolas Church at Great Bookham in Surrey saw the installation of a glass screen across the full width of the nave, perfectly engineered to fit into the arch and designed to minimise the heat lost up the original bell tower.

Precise measurements using laser technology ensured that the glass fitted perfectly around the original stonework with no more than a 6mm gap.

Keeping the visual impact of the screen to the absolute minimum involved a technically difficult construction using vertical glass fins to stabilise the multi-panel construction of the arch. The decision was taken to the fix the panels of glass to the ancient stonework by using a series of glass clamps in preference to a continuous channel, which minimised the impact on the ancient fabric of the walls and was less intrusive visually.

A glass door set into the screen had to be wider than average to allow for easy wheelchair access and also for a coffin to be carried into the church without hindrance.

“We take on all aspects of the job,” added Peter Hazeldean.

“Not just the glass, but the bespoke bracketry and fittings as well – that way we can offer a complete service that ensures the finished result works perfectly.”

Glass finishes vary considerably too. “We can commission artisan leaded windows as part of an overall project if required,” said Peter “but more typically clients are looking for contemporary glass that is fully functional in a traditional setting. Glass can be specified in different finishes and coated for easy maintenance, with sandblasted designs or coloured to specification. At Great Bookham a small cross detail was applied to the screen to replicate the cross embroidered on the

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PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

altar cloth.”

Peter continued, “We can also fit structural glass links between old and new buildings, providing a physical interface between centuries old construction and modern architecture.”

Glass is timeless, versatile, and robust but it is well worth consulting a specialist in bespoke heritage and ecclesiastical installations for the optimum result.

Visit: www.ionglass.co.uk or call 0845 658 9988.

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