UK Construction v16n06

OIL

on troubled waters Sweett Group’s

Alan Manuel

discusses areas of opportunity in Scotland page 4-5

V16 N06

cost management project management programme management advisory services www.sweettgroup.com

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Oil on troubled waters Alan Manuel, Senior Director, Sweett Group If you ask a Texan to name two places in the UK, they are very likely to say London – and Aberdeen.

Aberdeen is the oil capital of Europe, and many of the big oil companies are headquartered there and use it as a regional base, attracted by the wealth of expertise from its own North Sea oil industry.

What this means for Aberdeen's construction market is that it's very much separate from the rest of Scotland and it doesn't follow anywhere else. There's a huge amount of work going on right now –Sweett Group opened our Aberdeen office a year ago partly because we were being asked to take on significant projects there.

Activity spans the public and private sectors.

There is not only a strong pipeline of public-private partnership projects through the government’s hub North Scotland framework – on which Sweett Group is a private sector development partner, providing a range of consultancy services – but a thriving commercial sector. There is a

huge demand in Aberdeen for high-quality office space, and there are a number of office-park developments on the edge of town, as well as the infrastructure to support them.

companies via Sweett Investment Services, our investment business, and we are also working on three of the other four hubs.

Unfortunately, this is in stark contrast to the rest of the country. When the recession hit, the commercial market in Scotland more or less stopped overnight as bank finance disappeared, and the construction industry has been heavily reliant on public spending since – even more so than in the rest of the UK.

There has been quite a lot of construction work happening in Scotland for the size of the market, but that is now changing. The Scottish government is still committed to spending, but the level is dropping. It is seeking “shovel-ready” projects to fund or part-fund with an immediate start to try to soften the blow, though the jury is out on how successful this has been.

The Scottish government’s funding from Westminster was ring-fenced for the early period of the recession, and it has spent a significant amount on public buildings, including a major schools programme and investment in the rail network and in road building. Under its £2bn hub initiative, the government established five public-private partnerships to deliver a whole range of improvements to Scotland’s community infrastructure over a ten-year period.

Sweett Group is part of one of these

Over the next two years, contractors with civils as well as building divisions will do better than those focused primarily on buildings. Medium-sized contractors will suffer most, as the big firms step down to take on smaller projects. That's already been happening for the last three years and will continue for the foreseeable future, likely resulting in many more casualties in the sector. Almost all public sector work is now procured through frameworks, and contractors who are not

RETAIL:

Union Square

Scotland’s largest retail and leisure development opened in October 2009, creating 600,000ft2 of new space on the 9ha Aberdeen rail and freight yard site adjacent to the station. Sweett Group was responsible for procuring the £250m Union Square scheme, which included the relocation of the existing rail freight to two new sites on the city’s outskirts, remediation of the contaminated land and major upgrades to the city’s transport infrastructure. We continue to act as employer’s agent for developer Hammerson.

EDUCATION:

Robert Gordon University, Garthdee Campus The redevelopment of the Garthdee Campus will give Robert Gordon University some of the best teaching and learning facilities in the UK. The masterplan integrates new facilities within the existing site, and will include a state-of-the-art BREEAM “Very Good” building to house the schools of engineering, computing, life sciences, pharmacy, architecture and the built environment. Sweett Group is providing cost consultancy, risk and value management, whole-life costing and sustainability advice across the £120m scheme, of which Phase 1 is due to complete in the summer of 2013.

MARKET VIEW:

PUBLIC SECTOR: hub North Scotland

One of five public-private partnerships established by the Scottish government, hub North Scotland will deliver £435m-worth of community facilities over its first ten years, and run until 2031 with a possible five-year extension. Sweett Investment Services is a 50% shareholder in the hubco’s private sector development partner, and Sweett UK is providing a full range of consultancy services to enable clients in the local government, education and health sectors to plan, procure and deliver affordable, value-for-money projects across the region. We have already assisted in the successful closure of Scotland’s first revenue-funded hub project, and we are currently closing the country’s first-ever bundled revenue-funded multi-participant hub project.

Aberdeen’s oil & gas sector

“The oil and gas industry is developing at an extraordinary pace. Many billions of dollars are being invested in new facilities to meet growing energy demand worldwide, particularly from countries such as China and India, and across the Middle East. Though the industry is concentrated in the Middle East, Aberdeen will always be the oil and gas capital of the UK. The recent discovery of new gas reserves off the coast of Shetland mean it will continue to be a very important market from both a Scottish and UK point of view for the foreseeable future.”

David Mitchell, Director – mining, oil & gas at Sweett Group part of any of the hubs, the Health Facilities Scotland framework or the other public-sector frameworks are going to have very lean times.

On the commercial side, there are some early signs that work is beginning to pick up, but that will take 12 to 18 months to feed through to work on site. When the market does pick up, Glasgow and

Edinburgh will do well, as they always do – both have a severe shortage of commercial office space.

Speculative office developments are beginning to move forwards, and we can expect to see a couple start on site in the last quarter of 2013. There is also demand for hotels, though it is very difficult to secure funding for these in the current market.

For the time being, contractors will have to continue to focus on the public sector, while picking up what commercial work there is – when the market comes back, they will need to have these projects on their CV to be in the running. For most commercial clients, price is very important, but contractors also need to demonstrate that they've got people with the right experience to deliver and that they're financially stable. The last thing a client wants is to appoint a contractor that doesn't finish the job because they've gone bust – and you only have to pick up a newspaper to see that even some of the big contractors are struggling.

The positive message is that there is still public-sector work out there – and there's Aberdeen, which is still going strong.

www.sweettgroup.com

PROFILE 35 Canal & River Trust 50 North Yorkshire County Council Engineering Framework 59 Melhuish & Saunders 60 Persimmon Homes 62 Association of Drainage Authorities 64 Highways Agency 74 Lincolnshire Energy From Waste 76 ACIFC 78 Linden Homes 79 Fort Vale Engineering 80 Mansell 82 Construct 86 Secured by Design 96 Bowmer & Kirkland 99 4 Crosses Construction 102 Carvers 113 Blackburn Rovers 116 Bryland Fire Protection 118 Brecknell Willis 121 Northumbrian Water 122 Alex Coleman Associates 137 Camping & Caravan Club

CIVIL 54 73 98 112 131

London Underground Port of Southampton Berths Home Farm, Kettering Ferrybridge Multifuel Facility London Luton Airport

COMMUNITY 72 County Hall Truro 73 Oving Village Hall

EDUCATION 66 68 84 88 89 97 124 125 126 128

University of Essex Forest Fields Primary School Flakefleet County Primary School Ellis Guilford School Victoria Education Centre Petroc MidKent College Milton Hall Primary School Djanogly Northgate Academy Cleethorpes Academy

COMMENTS 22 23 26 27 30 34 138

NHBC Foundation Cheetah Learning – Michelle LaBrosse Thomas Eggar – Laura Phoenix Sheridan Gold – Jonathan Marvin Bibby Financial Services – Graham Plater West Midlands Contract Framework Defribillators - Doc UK

HOUSING 53 67 77 92 93 100 124 127 130

Victory Pier Abberycliffe Residential Care Home Newton Abbot Stover Court Hollyview, Wythenshawe Roose House Care Home Fulham Wharf Taylor Wimpey Piper Green Route De La Nouvelle, Guernsey Quasar Student Accommodation

LEISURE 48 61 90 93 97

Lee Valley White Water Centre National Railway Museum IWM London Langdale Hotel Conniburrow Sports Pavilion

COMMERCIAL 91 Clarence House, Blakes Envelopes 135 Queens Road Veterinary Surgery 136 Bridgehead Business Park

200 HEALTH 134 Herstmonceux Health Centre

RETAIL 46 Tesco 114 Victoria Retail Park

NEWS

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UKC NEWS

London Gatwick unveils ‘The People’s Monarch’ artwork London Gatwick has unveiled the latest addition to its British artwork collection in time for the 60th anniversary of the Queen’s coronation.

‘The People’s Monarch’, commissioned

by BBC South East and created by British artist Helen Marshall, depicts the Queen at the time of her coronation and at her Diamond Jubilee. Viewers of BBC South East Today and listeners of BBC Radio Kent, Sussex and Surrey were asked to send in photographs of themselves, friends and relatives, which were then used to create the unique mosaic to celebrate Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee last year.

The artwork, which is the size of a doubledecker bus, has been installed on Pier

2 - one of Gatwick’s oldest piers. It is a particularly fitting place to display the piece, as it was opened by Her Majesty in 1958.

Gatwick has been enhancing the experience of arriving passengers following insights gathered through the Airport Passenger Panel last year. The panel, which was made up of experts representing different types of passengers, looked at how UK airports could be improved. A key piece of feedback was that UK airports needed more ‘heart and soul’, and to give visitors or people returning home after holidays, a real sense of arrival in Britain.

As a result, a 12-piece installation by the ‘godfather of British pop art’ Sir Peter Blake was installed across both

Gatwick terminals last year. Celebrating the city of London, the work depicts the capital through the ages and includes iconic buildings and places.

Helen Marshall, ‘The People’s Monarch’ Artist, said: “I am delighted that the final location for the artwork is at London Gatwick. Airports provide a more thrilling location than a gallery or museum and attract a new audience every single day. I think that transportation points are potentially ideal locations for public artwork, because people do not expect to experience this kind of thing when they get off a plane. It is bound to astound them as it is personal and public and this is the best way to experience contemporary art.”

Anesco on track to hit £100M revenue early Anesco, the UK’s leading energy efficiency solutions Company, is on track to hit revenue of £100M, after reporting a 400% growth in orders.

The forecast comes on the back of impressive results for the last financial year, with the Reading-based Company beating ambitious targets to achieve turnover of £55.1M and a profit of £3.4M before tax.

The previous year’s results saw the Company recognised as the 19th fastest growing private Company in the UK and as the seventh fastest growing cleantech firm in Europe and these results are expected to see the company achieve even higher rankings.

Anesco now expects to reach its target of £100M revenue and an EBIT of more than £10M months ahead of forecasts, as demand for its services continues to grow.

Commenting on the results, Anesco CEO Adrian Pike said: “To say that we are proud of what we have accomplished

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is a real understatement. In the past 12 months we have achieved outstanding growth and Anesco is now firmly established as the leading brand within a number of market sectors.

“We have pulled together a team of people, whose experience and knowledge of all renewable technologies, combined with the expertise to blend them for the greatest benefit, is unprecedented in the industry. The team’s enthusiasm and drive is exceptional and from these foundations we are building a business that continues to surpass all expectations.”

Anesco works with businesses, local authorities, housing associations and homeowners looking to reduce their carbon emissions. The Company has managed some of the UK’s largest and most complex energy efficiency projects, helping over 14,000 households facing fuel poverty and generating enough green energy to power over 10,000 homes.

Company Voluntary Arrangements – Part 2 My last article talked about the financial benefits available to construction companies that choose to enter Company Voluntary Arrangements (CVAs) as a way of rescuing a troubled construction company. But what happens if clients of that same company then seek to use the very existence of a CVA as an excuse to avoid payment?

The Courts of England & Wales have now been called upon to deal with a number of adjudication cases involving companies operating under a CVA and it is interesting to see how they have approached such situations.

In the case of Absolute Rentals v Gencor Enterprises Limited 2000, the Judge clearly, and quite properly in my view, stated that it is simply not enough for a Defendant to suggest that a successful Referring Party in an adjudication might, because of financial difficulty, be unable to repay a Decision at a later date, as a ground for resisting enforcement of an Adjudicator’s Decision. It is for the Defendant to bring evidence to the Court to show that the Claimant’s financial status is sufficient grounds for refusing to enforce a Decision or to order a stay in the execution of the judgement if the application is successful. It is for the Defendant to prove, on the balance of probabilities, that the Claimant would be unable to repay the sum decided by an Adjudicator in subsequent legal proceedings if so ordered. Even then, this may not be sufficient grounds for refusing to order enforcement of an Adjudicator’s Decision.

Even if a Party resisting enforcement of an Adjudicator’s Decision can show that there is a real risk of a Claimant being unable to repay the award at a later date, if the Claimant’s financial position has not changed from when the original contract was formed, from the position at the time of the enforcement proceedings, this fact in itself should encourage the Court to enforce the Decision.

These principles are confirmed in the case of Wimbledon Construction Co 2000 v Derek Vago (2008) when at paragraph 26 his Honour Judge Peter Coulson QC said:“a) Adjudication (whether pursuant to the 1996 Act or the consequential amendments to the standard forms of building and engineering contracts) is designed to be a quick and inexpensive method of arriving at a temporary result in a construction dispute. b) In consequence, Adjudicators’ Decisions are intended to be enforced summarily and the

Claimant (being the successful Party in the adjudication) should not generally be kept out of its money. c) In an application to stay the execution of Summary Judgment arising out of an Adjudicator’s Decision, the Court must exercise its discretion under Order 47 with considerations a) and b) firmly in mind (see AWG). d) The probable inability of the Claimant to repay the judgment sum (awarded by the Adjudicator and enforced by way of Summary Judgment) at the end of the substantive trial, or arbitration hearing, may constitute special circumstances within the meaning of Order 47 rule 1(1)(a) rendering it appropriate to grant a stay (see Herschell). e) If the Claimant is in insolvent liquidation, or there is no dispute on the evidence that the Claimant is insolvent, then a stay of execution will usually be granted (see Bouygues and Rainford House). f) Even if the evidence of the Claimant’s present financial position suggested that it is probable that it would be unable to repay the judgment sum when it fell due, that would not usually justify the grant of a stay if: (i) the Claimant’s financial position is the same or similar to its financial position at the time that the relevant contract was made (see Herschell); or (ii) The Claimant’s financial position is due, either wholly, or in significant part, to the Defendant’s failure to pay those sums which were awarded by the Adjudicator (see Absolute Rentals).”

These guiding principles were revisited in the recent case of Berry Piling Systems v Shar Projects Ltd (2012).

1. The Party’s (Berry) ability to repay a sum awarded in Summary Judgement must be considered at the time the award will have to be paid. This will be some date in the future not at the time the application is made. A Judge might have to use his or her experience to estimate when an award may be made, be that by arbitration or litigation.

2. A balancing exercise between the differing financial information relied upon by the Parties may need to be undertaken.

The Judge preferred to consider the current trading position and the future trading prospects of the Claimant rather than out of date information to a Party’s detriment.

In other words, provided a Claimant can show that it has a viable future business (supported and evidenced by the CVA) a Court should be very wary to allow a Defendant to resist payment due to a Claimant simply because of the existence of the CVA. Conclusion So in addition to the obvious financial advantages to be obtained from an approved CVA it does appear, that as a general proposition, the Courts will be supportive of a company that is in CVA and is being deprived of monies due to it under a contract simply because of the very existence of a CVA. Peter Vinden is a practising adjudicator, arbitrator, expert and mediator. He is Managing Director of The Vinden Partnership and can be contacted by email at pvinden@vinden.co.uk.

Following a successful adjudication when substantial sums were awarded in its favour, Berry applied for enforcement of the Adjudicator’s Decision. Enforcement was resisted on the basis of a breach of natural justice by the Adjudicator and secondly that reinforcement should be stayed due to Berry’s financial difficulty evidenced by the CVA it had entered into with its creditors.

Mr Justice Edwards-Stewart addressed and dismissed the Defendant’s breach of natural justice defence and, in addressing the financial difficulties of Berry, made the following observations:

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Employee Tracking timecard GPS

is a mobile tracking and time sheet solution that works from a wireless device. Data is transferred from a field worker’s handset to Econz web-based software for real-time backend management capabilities.

Construction Companies that use Econz timecard can expect to Benefit in the following ways: Increased worker productivity Decrease in Time-Theft by Employees Manage workforce more efficiently Reduced paperwork and time spent doing it Streamline Mobile Time and Attendance into preferred Accounting and Payroll Systems Increase Profits by saving on everyday costs (fuel, administration, overtime, etc.)

timecard GPS consists of:

Easy to use cell-phone software that allows your workers to be tracked through a business day. Mobile workers are able to clock-in, take a break, change tasks and clock-out; all directly on their standard cell phone, smart phone or tablet.** Employee Tracking (GPS Location, Movement, Speed and Direction, with over 12 Triggers) Over 20 Reports (Time, Attendance, Tasks, Sub Tasks, and many more) Custom and Editable Fields on Handsets (Mileage, Weather, Anyone Hurt on Job?, etc.)

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View individual worker details including The ‘Breadcrumb’ trail view shows Mutiple rules can be setup based on Smart fences can be setup around activity and current position. speed, direction, location, and status triggers such as entering or exiting any mapped location. of workers. area, speed and movement.

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UKC NEWS

DML bags itself a deal at new designer outlet Facades and shopfront specialist, DML Group, has won a £2.5M project at London Designer Outlet, currently under construction as part of the major development at Wembley, after Main Contractor John Sisk & Son shopped around for a supplier.

The 350,000sq ft must-visit outlet shopping destination, which is being developed by Quintain Estates and Developments PLC and designed by Leslie Jones Architects, is one of two large-scale retail developments – the other being Trinity

Leeds, to which DML has been appointed.

The Leeds-based firm will design, manufacture, supply, install and test common area curtain walling, shop front cladding and metal pilasters.

When it opens its doors to shoppers, London Designer Outlet will feature retailers including LK Bennett, Superdry, Guess, Nike, Gap, Clarks and Marks & Spencer, a new nine-screen Cineworld and a strong line-up of restaurants including Prezzo, Handmade Burger Co, Las Iguanas and TGI Fridays. Located adjacent to

Wembley Stadium and Arena, plus a new four star Hilton, the centre has the largest catchment of any UK shopping centre with 10.4m residents within a 60 minute radius.

Chris Murray, Sales and Marketing Director, DML Group, said: “DML has considerable experience in delivering large projects like London Designer Outlet and we are proud to be appointed to this prestigious and high profile scheme by John Sisk & Son, which will give an exciting new look to the retail landscape in the south east.”

Outstanding modern design with Marley Eternit fibre cement slate Marley Eternit, the UK’s leading provider of roofing and cladding solutions, has recently had its Rivendale fibre cement slate specified for Oakland Village, a £20M state-of-the-art care community in South Derbyshire.

Sandeep Magar, Architect Associate at Glancy Nicholls, comments: “Oakland Village was conceived to dispel the stereotypical notion of an ‘old people’s home’. It was important for this project to have a contemporary design in order to accommodate the future provision of elderly care within the county, whilst at the same time ensuring quality materials were utilised. Marley Eternit’s Rivendale fibre cement slate enabled us to achieve the desired aesthetic.

“Due to the topography of the site, the scale of the development was designed to be low profile in order to give the impression of individual houses, no more than two-storeys in height. Therefore, it was important to ensure the slates visually met these criteria, as we were looking to specify a product with a very thin leading edge. We wanted to create a

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crisp roof line where the slates could also be used on a curved plan form. Natural slate proved to be cost prohibitive, so an alternative solution was required. Rivendale fibre cement slate was specified as the ideal solution; it facilitates flexible design whilst offering strong environmental credentials – the product ticked all boxes!”

Sarah Harding, Marketing Manager at Marley Eternit, explains: “One of the reasons our Rivendale fibre cement slate was specified for this thoughtfully

designed facility was its ‘green’ credentials, which include an A+ rating in the BRE Green Guide to Specification and a ‘Very Good’ rating through BES 6001 – the Framework Standard for the Responsible Sourcing of Construction Products.

“We have thoroughly enjoyed working with everyone involved in the construction of Oakland, Swadlincote, and were delighted to see these efforts recently recognised by the House Building Design Awards through the shortlisting of this project.”

Structural Awards 2013 set to be the biggest ever The Institution of Structural Engineers thanked the industry for the flurry of submissions to its 2013 Structural Awards.

The Institution received more entries than ever before, with many international projects alongside those from the UK, and a 50% increase in submissions to the Small Projects category. Entries will now be reviewed by The Structural Awards judging panel of leading industry professionals.

The Structural Awards is the industry’s most prestigious awards ceremony, celebrating international excellence in structural engineering. Established in 1968, the event recognises and rewards the work of the world’s most talented structural designers, their indispensable contribution to the built environment, and showcases projects that lead the industry’s development.

Emeritus Professor David Nethercot, Chair of The Structural Awards Judging Panel, said: “We are delighted to have received so many excellent and wideranging submissions for the 2013 Structural Awards, and I’d like to thank all those who entered. I’m particularly pleased to note the increase in entries to the Small Projects category, a vital element of the Awards that we were keen to build on from last year.

“It will be a privilege to once again lead our panel in assessing the work of the best and brightest in our profession, and as always I look forward to the challenge of building a shortlist. Our thanks again to all who submitted – the quality of the work is a testament to the innovation and skill at the heart of the industry.”

For more information, or to buy tickets to this world class industry competition, visit http://www. istructe.org/awards/2013/home.

maber iD joins Team Woburn Forest Architectural and interior design specialist, maber iD, is again working closely with Center Parcs to design a range of leisure facilities for the new £250M forest village at Woburn Forest - the largest leisure project in the UK today.

The maber iD team, headed up by Chris Radcliffe, has worked with Center Parcs on a range of high profile projects at other holiday villages since 2008 and is immersed in the brand values and culture of the business.

Chris Radcliffe explains: “Conceptually maber iD is looking to take part in the team creating a Center Parcs for the 21st century. We have to focus on blending contemporary customer services seamlessly into the forest which is cared for by Center Parcs.

Every environment, natural and built, will have to fulfil its promise to visitors – a safe environment, a relaxing and exciting place where unforgettable family

holiday moments happen. Our ideas and designs are based heavily on an overall sensory experience. It’s a huge feeling of responsibility but also an immensely satisfying project to be involved with.” maber iD is to design six major build schemes at Woburn Forest including the communal leisure areas, guest service areas and conference facilities.

The £250M Woburn Forest village is due for completion in spring 2014 and will embrace 365 acres of woodland. Center Parcs welcomes 1.6M visitors at the four existing villages each year, whilst managing to achieve carbon reduction.

Center Parcs has said that Woburn Forest will be an “exemplary sustainable tourism destination”. It is investing in energy efficiency and renewable technologies, including a biomass powered district heating system, in order to meet its target of consuming 25% less energy than the average existing village.

ISG celebrates South East award winners Projects completed by ISG in the South East have been officially recognised with a series of prestigious awards, including four accolades for the contractor’s £25.6M New Marlowe Theatre scheme in Canterbury and a fifth for its London Gateway deep sea container port project.

Commissioned by Canterbury City Council, the New Marlowe Theatre saw ISG demolish the existing theatre building, whilst retaining the fly tower, to create a new five-storey theatre and performing arts facility with a 1,200 capacity auditorium.

The scheme also incorporates a piazza and riverside café with terraced area and includes meeting and exhibition spaces.

The multi-functionality and community based facilities it provides have helped it to win a Civic Trust Award, which recognises buildings that have made a positive cultural, social or economic contribution to the community. The project was also given a coveted RIBA Download award for the South East Region in 2012, in recognition of the way the project responded to the challenges of the brief.

These accolades add to the two ‘Culture Awards’ given to the scheme: the ‘East Kent People’s Award’ which recognises

a schemes’ engagement with the local community, popularity across the region and success in attracting new audiences and the ‘Cultural Landscape Award’, which celebrates its positive impact to the environment, architecture or public space.

Among the other ISG projects that have recently become award winners is the London Gateway scheme, which has been recognised by the ICE (Institution of Civil Engineers) with the organisation’s ‘Special Award for Contribution to London’s Economy’. ISG is responsible for delivering the project to create a new headquarters building for the development team behind the 1,000 acre, £1.5Bn London Gateway deep-sea container port, the UK’s first 21st century deep-sea container port and Europe’s largest logistics park.

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Pump Hire, Sales & Service since 2003 With years of experience in the pump hire industry, Maris Pumps offers a first-class 24-hour, seven-day service for pump hire and rental.

Because of this experience, the Company is adept at providing the best solution for any company’s pump hire application. The fleet of pump hire units consists of diesel, electric and hydraulic driven pumps, available from stock to give a fast response to all locations in the UK. The service, which is available all day, every day, all year round, is for pump rental, service or advice.

Maris Pumps has a range of products for hire, sales and service, all of which have provided client satisfaction since the Company was established in 2003.

In terms of pump hire, the Company operates open set pumps, which are three and four-inch driven pump open set pumps designed for ease of handling and ability to pump liquids containing sand, sewage and small semi-solids. This is available as road-tow and site-tow.

In addition, there are super silent pumps, hydraulic driven submersible pumps, high head pumps, and high flow pumps.

All of these are highly efficient and are used in noise restricted areas, quarries, mines, deep foundations, and for river diversions.

causes minimal disruption to the flow of traffic, while maintaining pedestrian access.

It is extremely cost efficient because it eliminates the need for customers to bury pipes in the highway, or erect costly overhead gantries. The pipe ramps are load tested to more than 70 tonnes, which allows access for any vehicle to the site.

Maris Pumps is committed to providing customers with products that help projects. Micron filter socks are an example of this – they are an easy and cost effective way of separating silts and fines from water that would normally discharge into drains and water courses.

They are an ideal form of sediment control for helping companies comply with the Pollution Prevention Guidelines PPG6, outlined by the Environment Agency.

Micron filter socks are easy to use and simply are attached to the end of a discharge line to filter the suspended silts.

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Workplace pensions law has changed, and it affects all employers. Some have already enrolled their workers into a pension. It could take you up to 18 months to prepare.

Find out what you need to do and when at tpr.gov.uk/actnow Workplace pensions. We’re all in.

UKC NEWS

Turner & Townsend chosen for Battersea Power Station development The global programme management and construction consultancy Turner & Townsend has been appointed as the Project Managers and Employers Agent for the initial phases of the Battersea Power Station redevelopment.

Battersea Power Station will become a vibrant new community, offering homes, shops, offices, space for the arts and a new six acre riverside park.

It will be served by a new underground station and river bus services, making it one of the most accessible new destinations for people to live, work, socialise and spend their leisure time.

Phase I, also known as Circus West at Battersea Power Station, is a mix of 800

one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, townhouses and penthouses as well as a blend of offices, shops, community and cultural spaces designed by Ian Simpson Architects and de Rijke Marsh Morgan (dRMM). The first residential occupancy is expected to be in 2016.

Circus West residents will also have access to a 5,000sq ft private Residents Club designed by David Linley – this club will have a bar, private dining space, library, business centre and a private cinema.

Preparatory work on Phase I, to the West of the 39 acre site, has already begun with construction expected to commence in the second half of 2013. This will coincide with the start of the renovation

of the Grade II Listed Power Station itself, the largest brick building in Europe and one of the most significant surviving examples of Art Deco architecture.

Commenting on the appointment, Turner & Townsend UK Managing Director Steve McGuckin, said: “This is a landmark project in every sense of the word, and we are delighted to have been appointed to play such an important role in its delivery.

“Turner & Townsend has extensive experience of working on high profile developer projects in the capital such as The Shard. The Battersea Power Station development will be an exemplar of project delivery.”

Castleward becomes the country’s second development project to scoop BREEAM certificate Derby’s £100M Castleward redevelopment has become only the second development project in the country to scoop accreditation from BRE for its overall sustainability.

Castleward, which is currently undergoing redevelopment by specialists Compendium Living to become a new residential neighbourhood, has achieved a ‘Good’ certification under the BRE Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) Communities following a voluntary assessment.

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The BREEAM Communities assessment measures the sustainability of new large-scale developments at the master planning stage, with certification awarded to projects where economic, social and environmental sustainability are being carefully considered.

Castleward is the redevelopment of 30 acres of brownfield land between Derby Midland Station and Westfield shopping centre, which will become a brand new community of

sustainable homes and businesses.

Dave Bullock, Managing Director at Compendium Living, comments: “This is a fantastic achievement for Castleward and we are proud to be one of the first development projects in the country to receive this accreditation, which highlights our efforts to put sustainability at the forefront of this redevelopment.

“Whilst construction of Castleward is still very much in its infancy, this recognition shows that we are leading the way in innovative neighbourhood development and demonstrates that our vision for the area will contribute positively to the long-term future of Derby city centre.”

In total, Compendium Living will create 800 new homes and 34,500sq ft of commercial space at Castleward, with the existing footpath currently linking the railway station to the city centre will become a tree-lined boulevard.

Work on phase one has been underway since November and it will include 163 residential units, approximately 16,500sq ft of commercial space, a boulevard and a new urban park over approximately five acres of land.

Customer recommendations hit 96% for Redrow Homes Just weeks after being awarded five stars for customer satisfaction, Redrow Homes is celebrating another coveted honour for the service it provides to homebuyers.

The Flintshire-based housebuilder has earned a Gold Award after an independent national survey conducted across the UK housing industry by In-house Research found 96.5% of customers nationally would recommend Redrow to others.

It follows hot on the heels of a third successive five-star rating in the Home Builders’ Federation annual customer satisfaction survey, a standard reserved again for those who achieve at least a 90% level of customer recommendation and overall satisfaction.

Kim Peters, Group Marketing Director for Redrow, said: “These awards are the benchmark against which we measure our customer service levels.

The Gold Award from In-house Research is a highly sought after accolade and we are very proud to have achieved the standard for a second year.

“However, we will not be resting on our laurels, we will continue to strive for even higher levels of recommendations year after year and we remain dedicated to ensuring the joy experienced by our home owners is second to none.”

Redrow builds around 2,500 homes every year across England and Wales, offering everything from apartments and starter homes to luxury detached villas in premium locations. Central to its product offering is the New Heritage Collection of family homes. These traditional looking, Arts & Crafts influenced homes boast bright, modern and family friendly interiors. To find out where Redrow is building visit www.redrow.co.uk.

GB Building Solutions to refurbish Tyne Tunnels GB Building Solutions has been awarded a £4.9M contract to refurbish, renovate and modernise the Tyne Pedestrian and Cyclist Tunnels under the River Tyne. The tunnels and its facilities date back to 1951 and are Grade II listed.

The contract was awarded by Tyne and Wear Integrated Transport Authority.

The 274.5m tunnels were the first purpose built tunnels in the UK to be used by both cyclists and pedestrians and run in parallel 12.2m below the river bed of the Tyne.

The programme of works will include the installation of two inclined lifts; as inclined lifts are so rare they are expected to become something of an attraction.

The tunnels are an important transport link between North and South Tyneside. The refurbishment project includes the removal of two wooden escalators, one each side of

the river which, at the time of construction, were the longest single-rise escalators in the world, with a vertical rise of 85ft (25.9m) and a length of approximately 200ft (61m).

They are believed still to be the longest wooden-step escalators in Europe, so two will be preserved for historic significance.

In addition to the installation of the two new inclined lifts, GB will fully replace the mechanical and electrical services and carry out the refurbishment and renovation of certain parts the buildings and tunnels.

Martin Smout, Chairman and Chief Executive of GB Group said: “The tunnels are a key transport link in Tyneside and of historic significance. The work that GB will do to restore and refurbish them will ensure that the tunnels remain an active part of the Tyneside transport links for many years to come.”

50 million year old London clay making contemporary art 50 million year old London clay extracted during the building of the new Crossrail rail tunnels has been used to make 21st Century art with a touch of the prehistoric.

The stunning Bird Nest, created by east London sculptor Frank Harris, is exhibiting at the Slade Shows 2013, at the University College London.

The unveiling of the unique artwork comes as Crossrail launches its Artist in Residence programme, providing artists the opportunity to use Europe’s largest construction project and its workers as their muses to inspire creative art.

Following in the footsteps of the highly successful programme for the Olympics last summer, Crossrail is calling for up and coming and established artists to submit their proposals with several Artist in Residence opportunities likely to be available.

Crossrail Chairman Terry Morgan said: “Crossrail is seeking to inspire and facilitate innovation and creativity in order to leave a lasting legacy beyond the construction of new tunnels and stations.

Our Artist in Residence programme will provide the opportunity for artists to gain unique access to a complex and dynamic construction project that will

transform how Londoners travel. Frank Harris’ Bird Nest is a stunning example of what can be achieved by bringing artists and construction workers together.”

Final year art student at UCL’s Slade School of Modern Art, Frank Harris specialises in large, functional sculptural installations that connect with their surroundings.

Recycling 1.5 tonnes of London clay from Crossrail’s western tunnels at Westbourne Park was a perfect fit for his artwork. Frank Harris mixed the clay with straw and sand to create the building material, cob. Cob has been used since prehistoric times to make shelters and is the main component in some of the oldest manmade structures on earth.

Frank Harris said: “It’s been great using Crossrail clay, seeing exactly where it’s from and thinking about its history. It’s exciting to think about what the world may have been like when this clay was formed.”

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Keeping up standards, keeping down costs Maintaining the highest standards of health and safety in the construction industry is what keeps me and my colleagues at the Association for Project Safety motivated. I am sure the same is true of our partners at the Health and Safety Executive. We agree on that, but the proposed revision of the Construction, Design and Management Regulations may find us disagreeing on how that is best achieved.

Unnecessary paperwork is a bad thing. You won’t find many in the construction industry who would disagree. It does nothing to reduce safety and health risks on building sites, but does impose extra costs on everyone, from the client to the sub-contractors. That’s the last thing the industry needs right now as it struggles to regain its feet and help the economy grow.

There is a government-wide effort to reduce bureaucracy through the BIS one-in-two-out initiative for new regulations. The proposed revision of the 2007 CDM Regulations, which are due out in draft from the HSE shortly, is likely to be portrayed by the HSE as their contribution towards this anti-bureaucracy initiative. But in practice the effect may well be the opposite.

The HSE is thought to be actively considering weakening the competency requirement for all dutyholders in the revised regulations. They might argue that this will reduce the amount of paperwork in the system, but my experience of nearly 30 years in the construction industry is that additional paperwork is actually generated in inverse proportion to the competence of the person. A competent designer, co-ordinator or contractor ensures that only necessary paperwork is generated. Less experienced practitioners tend to generate more paperwork than necessary in an attempt to cover themselves for any eventuality.

Placing the role of the design or construction phase health and safety co-ordinator with the lead designer is unlikely to reduce costs for the client or industry. Whoever undertakes this role will end up, in some way or another, charging the client for the work they do. It is likely that significant costs will be incurred by the construction industry in retraining practitioners and the

preparation of new guidance to take account of the revised regulations.

• Do they emphasise active management of design and construction risks and minimise bureaucracy?

The APS fully understands and supports the desire of government to reduce • Do they strengthen the requirement for duty bureaucracy, the costs to business that holder competence to help raise standards comes with it and the need to ensure GB and reduce bureaucracy? regulation meets with the requirement of the European Directive. We also share the • Do they have sufficient flexibility to allow desire to minimise the impact of regulation appointment of competent persons to act on on the construction industry whilst behalf of dutyholders? maximising the effectiveness of compliance with current legislation.

During the consultation period the APS will be hosting of a series of 15 open seminars With that in mind, we are concerned that, across the UK to discuss the draft unless the requirements for competent, Regulations. We hope that many across the adequately resourced duty holders are industry will join these debates so we can retained, changes to the CDM Regulations provide a fully informed and united response could lead to reduced consumer and worker to the HSE. protection on construction projects by “freeing up” clients and others to take James Ritchie advantage or cut corners. This is Head of Corporate Affairs particularly the case at the smaller end of Association for Project Safety the construction market where health and safety standards are already of great concern to the HSE and the industry.

Some of the key questions that the HSE will need to answer in regard to their proposals are:

• Do they simplify the regulations and improve their clarity so duty holders can easily identify and understand their responsibilities?

IMPROVE YOUR DESIGN RISK MANAGEMENT

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UKC COMMENT

NHBC Foundation publishes guide to 21st Century design of new homes There has always been a need for the design of new homes to adapt to and incorporate new features and new technologies, although in recent decades this has been achieved through gradual evolution.

With new homes containing more technology than ever before, the housebuilding industry in the UK is going through a period of unprecedented change. Over the next decade, ‘zero carbon’ and ‘nearly zero energy’ homes will be commonplace rather than just one-offs. But all the while, the quality, suitability, comfort and efficiency of new homes must remain paramount to designers and developers.

But this presents a number of challenges in designing new homes, and there is little doubt that a ‘business as usual’ approach with bolt-on technologies is unlikely to be the most practical or cost-effective. Add to this some concerns that new homes built today could be difficult to maintain and operate, potential problems such as overheating and poor indoor air quality, and the possibility that technology fitted may not deliver to its full potential – and it becomes clear that there is a pressing need for an integrated design solution.

Since its launch in 2006, the NHBC Foundation has undertaken research and guidance on a large number of topical subjects to support the house-building industry by reporting on key and pressing issues, helping to design and build the quality new homes of the future.

April 2013 saw the milestone of the publication of NHBC Foundation’s 50th research report, one that ties in perfectly with its aims to lead debate and thinking across the industry, titled Designing

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homes for the 21st Century – lessons for low energy design. Without proposing a specific model for what a 21st Century home might actually look like, this guide looks at how to improve processes and decisions to achieve cost-effective, robust and functional low energy design.

The aim of the new NHBC Foundation guide is to promote a better understanding of the ‘whole’ without getting drawn into the detail of specific technological solutions or regulations. It proposes a model for planning new homes that splits into four stages: evaluation, best practice, integration and optimisation.

NOTE – process diagram to appear alongside or below this paragraph The guide advocates a ‘fabric first’ approach, making sure that insulation, airtightness and ventilation are designed to give the best practical performance before low carbon technologies are applied. It shows that the passive aspects of the home (the fabric of the external walls, the insulation and immovable parts) and the active systems (the heating and ventilation) are highly dependent on each other, encouraging designers to understand that these two aspects have to be planned for concurrently.

For homes of the future, house-builders and designers need to give early thought to how low carbon technologies and services and are compatible with the fabric if they are to produce successful low and zero carbon homes. Designing homes for the 21st Century – lessons for low energy design is available to view and download at www.nhbcfoundation.org/ 21stCenturyhomes

Key points for designers to consider: ••design homes around a logical services strategy, providing efficient and accessible routes for ventilation ducts, pipework and wiring ••minimise energy use through the building fabric to save energy for the whole life of the dwelling ••make homes more adaptable to climate change, especially higher average temperatures, heavy rainfall, and the likelihood of flooding ••consider insulation, airtightness, ventilation, comfort and acoustics simultaneously as each interacts with the others ••take account of overheating (unwanted solar gains), daylighting, security and ventilation when designing and positioning windows ••design services (heating and hot water) appropriate to the predicted occupancy and fabric performance ••help occupiers to understand how their home is intended to run and get the best performance out of them – controls, switches and displays must be simple, intelligible and intuitive ••understand the relationship between passive (fabric, structure, finishes) and active (services, ventilation, heating) measures ••optimise expensive low and zero carbon technologies once the demand is reduced – safety factors and overdesign should be minimised, while retaining flexibility

COMMENT UKC

Become unstoppable with momentum

By Michelle LaBrosse, PMP®, Chief Cheetah and Founder of Cheetah Learning, and Kristen Medina, CAPM®, Co-Author Momentum is a very powerful thing. In physics, momentum = mass x velocity.

The cool thing about momentum is that the faster an object is moving, the harder it is to stop. This is also true for any project that you are working on. Accomplishing project tasks (gaining “mass”) in a quick and efficient manner (gaining “velocity”) can create momentum for your project that can bear through the toughest problems and bring your project to completion.

Consider this – just one brick can stop a train from beginning its journey down the tracks. But once a train has gained momentum, it can crash through an entire brick wall. The same is true for projects that you work on in life. Momentum is key, and here is how you can achieve it.

you give yourself, the slower your train will move. Speed things up by creating a sense of urgency for your project tasks, and practice setting fast-paced goals that keep everyone on your project team onthe-move while remaining accountable.

One way to do this is to Timebox.

Timeboxing is a practice used in Agile where you set a small chunk of time aside (one - two hours) and focus completely at the task at hand without any distractions.

While this might seem counterintuitive to the multitasking masters out there, this has been proven time and time again to be the most efficient way to work through project tasks. By utilising Timeboxing, your team can gain velocity in achieving your project’s goals.

Remove the Bricks

Stay the Course

What is stopping you from getting started on your lingering project? We’ve all heard the saying that “the hardest part is getting started, “but why is that? Fear is one of the most common “bricks” that needs to be dealt with in order to get your project in motion. This can be fear of failure, fear of incompetence, fear of the unknown, or even fear of success.

This is a tricky obstacle to remove because fear can hide in so many shapes, and we tend to make excuses for our fear. We say “I’m too busy to get started, that is why I haven’t.” Or, “I don’t have the appropriate resources to start.” To overcome this obstacle you need to stop making excuses, face your fear, and start moving.

Building Mass

Once you have removed the bricks are ready to get moving, it is now time to build the mass of your project in terms of resources and plans. In the beginning this includes a Project Charter, Project Agreement, and obtaining buy-in from the key stakeholders in your project.

When building mass, you are bringing the concept of the project to life and giving substance and direction to your project.

Gaining Velocity

Parkinson’s law states that: “Work expands to fill the time available for its completion.” This means the more time

While mass and velocity are important, if you don’t know where you are going you could be moving in the wrong direction – FAST! Throughout your project you need to stop and see – is your project headed in the direction that you anticipated? Is the momentum that you are achieving brining you closer to your goals, or further away? While trains have the luxury of running on autopilot and can stay on real tracks, you need to pull your head up out of the day-to-day project tasks to make sure that you are not veering off course.

Toot Your Horn

Trains have horns to communicate to those around them – “Danger! Stay away, we can’t stop and we are coming closer!” In your project team, make sure you toot your horn at the first sign up trouble. Instead of avoiding or hiding problems, run to them and make them known so they can be fixed fast.

You have the ability to gain momentum and create an unstoppable force with whatever projects you tackle – you just need to get started. When you are able to reach a high level of momentum quickly and consistently with your projects, you will find yourself on the gravy train to success.

About the Author: Michelle LaBrosse, PMP, is an entrepreneurial powerhouse with a penchant for making success easy, fun, and fast. She is the founder of Cheetah Learning, the author of the Cheetah Success Series, and a prolific blogger whose mission is to bring Project Management to the masses.

Cheetah Learning is a virtual company with 100 employees, contractors, and licensees worldwide. To date, more than 50,000 people have become “Cheetahs” using Cheetah Learning’s innovative Project Management and accelerated learning techniques.

Recently honored by the Project Management Institute (PMI®), Cheetah Learning was named Professional Development Provider of the Year at the 2008 PMI® Global Congress.

A dynamic keynote speaker and industry thought leader, Michelle was previously recognised by PMI as one of the 25 Most Influential Women in Project Management in the world.

Michelle’s articles have appeared in more than 100 publications and websites around the world. Her monthly column, the Know How Network, is carried by over 400 publications.

She is a graduate of the Harvard Business School’s Owner / President Management (OPM) program and holds engineering degrees from Syracuse University and the University of Dayton.

Michelle LaBrosse

Find out how you can find your momentum on any project with Cheetah’s 60 PDU Cheetah Action Project.

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The recently published survey of the top 100 airports in the world from worldairportawards.com reads like an atg airport’s customer list, demonstrating the company’s worldwide demand. atg airports customers featured in the list include Frankfurt (11th) , Sydney (31st) Barcelona (39th). The highest ranked UK airport was London

Heathrow at number 10, where atg is currently carrying out the Runways Rehabilitation Project.

Just under two hundred industry professionals including airport authorities and regulators responded to atg’s Global AGL LED Survey in early 2013, a large majority of which voted atg as their preferred supplier of choice for AGL products and installation.

Respondent’s also identified that they expect a 35.7% increase in global AGL LED projects within the next two years. atg is very excited to be launching their own high intensity AGL LED range – IRIS, within the next few weeks. This new product offering will help to further cement atg’s position as a leading global supplier of AGL LED lights. The major benefits of IRIS include: - no negative slope, less than 6mm profile above grade, and interchangeable LED arrays minimising the number of parts required across the range. atg airports can be reached by contacting Beverley Rose-Olmez please email marketing@atgairports.com

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UKC COMMENT

Thomas Eggar

Article by Laura Phoenix Court enforces Adjudicator’s Awards re multiple disputes, despite Responding Party’s late receipt of Referrals.

When hearing an application to enforce an adjudicator’s two awards, Technology and Construction Court Judge, Ramsey J, has: ••Confirmed that a party may refer several disputes to adjudication at the same time using parallel adjudications; ••Distinguished the need to refer a dispute to an adjudicator within seven days of giving notice of intention to adjudicate from the need to copy it to the Responding Party; ••Explained that an agreement to work collaboratively extended to dispute resolution.

The judgment (Willmott Dixon Housing Limited -v- Newlon Housing Trust [2013]) relates to disputes arising under a partnering contract for the construction of part of a mixed use development.

Background

The Trust employed Willmott Dixon on PPC 2000 terms. These embrace a collaborative approach to working “to achieve transparent and cooperative exchange of information in all matters relating to the project and to organise and integrate [the parties’] activities as a collaborate team.”

Disputes arose about the sums Willmott Dixon was entitled to be paid in relation to basement works and in relation to money withheld on account of liquidated and ascertained damages.

Willmott Dixon referred both disputes to adjudication simultaneously and ran the two adjudications in parallel using the same CIC-appointed Adjudicator. He decided both disputes in Willmott Dixon’s favour even though the Trust reported that it had not received a copy of either Referral document until a fortnight after the Adjudicator. The Adjudicator gave the Trust an opportunity to serve Rejoinders to answer each Referral following (late) receipt but before making his Awards.

The Trust did not pay the two sums awarded. Willmott Dixon commenced

26

enforcement proceedings in the Technology and Construction Court (‘TCC’) where the Judge granted summary judgment enforcing both Awards.

Service

A referring party is required to refer a dispute to the appointed Adjudicator within 7 days of serving their notice of adjudication, failing which the adjudicator lacks jurisdiction. Doing so satisfies the (CIC) adjudication procedure incorporated into PPC 2000 and Section 108 of the Construction Act. The Judge held that failure to copy the Referral to the responding party simultaneously (common practice until now) does not deprive the adjudicator of jurisdiction, unless the procedure then results in a breach of natural justice.

In his view, no breach of natural justice had occurred because the Trust had been able to respond to Willmott Dixon’s claims based on letters and documents received within the seven-day period and been given the opportunity to serve Rejoinders following receipt of the Referrals.

Partnering

In the Judge’s view, the express duty to work in mutual cooperation extended to problem solving and dispute resolution, and the Trust could be expected to have contacted Willmott Dixon about the missing Referral documents.

Two disputes

Section 108 grants a right to refer “a dispute” to adjudication, not multiple disputes.

Previous case law on this point arose from scenarios where a party had sought to refer more than one dispute to adjudication in a single adjudication. It concluded that where there are multiple separate and distinct disputes, only one can be referred to an adjudicator unless the parties agree otherwise.

This case concerned a different point: Willmott Dixon had simultaneously

commenced two adjudications and one dispute was referred per adjudication.

The Judge concluded that a contractor could refer multiple disputes to separate adjudications at the same time. He also questioned whether the previous case law had reached the wrong conclusion.

Ramifications

This case could encourage parallel adjudications and increase the time pressure under which responses are compiled. Now more than ever, the secret to defending adjudication is excellent record-keeping.

You are welcome to contact the author Laura Phoenix, an Associate in the construction team at Thomas Eggar LLP, for more information: Laura.phoenix@thomaseggar.com Laura Phoenix

COMMENT UKC

Good Faith and Hot Air Jonathan Marvin, Sheridan Gold LLP Good faith in the performance of contracts is an academic hot potato. Many legal systems have an overriding duty of good faith: that the parties to a contract must act fairly and openly. English law has been traditionally hostile to this concept and preferred certainty over broad overarching principles. It is of course possible to have express contractual duties of good faith and the effect of such obligations has been discussed in recent cases such as Mid Essex NHS Trust v Compass Group [2013] and TSG Building Services v South Anglian Housing [2013].

In the latter case, the Technology and Construction Court was asked to consider whether the termination of a contractor’s appointment had to be done in good faith or at least reasonably, where the contract included an express good faith-type provision. These have, of course, become increasingly common with the growth of partnering and use of NEC forms especially.

The Defendant was a Housing Association and the Claimant was a contractor providing building and maintenance services. They entered into a contract for the provision of gas servicing and associated works based on the ACA Standard Form of Contract for Term Partnering. Subclause 1.1 of the contract stated: “The Partnering Team members shall work together and individually in the spirit of trust, fairness and mutual co-operation for the benefit of the Term Programme, within the scope of their agreed roles, expertise and responsibilities as stated in the Partnering Documents, and all their respective obligations under the Partnering Contract shall be construed within the scope of such roles, expertise and responsibilities, and in all matters governed by the Partnering Contract they shall act reasonably and without delay.”

The relevant termination provisions were in sub-clause 13.1: “...the Client may terminate the appointment of all other Partnering Team members, and any other Partnering Team member stated in the Term

Partnering Agreement may terminate its own appointment, at any time during the Term or as otherwise stated by the period(s) of notice to all other Partnering Team members stated in the Term Partnering Agreement.”

The Claimant had various complaints against the Defendant during the first year and suggested the second year of Contract pricing should be on an open book basis. The Defendant replied some time later and accepted the proposal to move to open book. However, on the same day the Defendant wrote to the Claimant to give notice of its intention to terminate the appointment.

This led to adjudication proceedings that were decided in favour of the Claimant. The Claimant subsequently issued enforcement proceedings and the Defendant Part 8 proceedings. The Part 8 proceedings raised issues of the meaning of the contract and whether or not termination under sub-clause 13.3 had to effected in good faith or at least reasonably.

The judge considered whether sub-clause 1.1 constrained the apparently unfettered right to terminate under sub-clause 13.3.

The scope of sub-clause 1.1 needed to be considered. If the duty on the Defendant to act reasonably in all matters meant that it had to act reasonably in respect of all of its powers and rights, this would undermine many other sub-clauses in the contract, which the parties had agreed the Defendant could exercise conditionally or unconditionally. He came to the conclusion that sub-clause 1.1 did not require the Defendant to act reasonably in terminating under sub-clause 13.3. It would have been clear to the parties prior to the signing of the contract that each could terminate at any time. Sub-clause 1.1 was primarily concerned with their roles, expertise and responsibilities and not termination.

The Claimant had another argument, that it was an implied term of the contract that each party should act in good faith and sub-clause 13.3 was subject to this obligation. The judge disagreed. The

parties had gone as far as they wanted in respect of good faith in sub-clause 1.1.

Even if there had been an implied term of good faith, it would not restrict the agreement in sub-clause 13.3 that either party could terminate for any reason.

It seems the courts will continue to be reluctant to find implied obligations of good faith. Where contracting parties want to include an express good faith obligation, they should take care in drafting to ensure its scope and relation to other provisions are sufficiently clear.

Jonathan Marvin

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Making an Entrance For over 30 years, IG Doors has supplied the housebuilding industry with an extensive range of high performance composite external doorsets.

Today, headed by Managing Director, Mark Pulman, IG Doors is a well respected company renowned for supplying high quality doorsets from their state of the art manufacturing facility located in Cwmbran, South Wales. The factory has both the capacity and flexibility to provide a nationwide service that is regarded in the industry as being second to none. The company also has a growing reputation when it comes to providing solutions to the often complex requirements of the modern-day housebuilder. Sales and Marketing Director, Stewart Griffin, fronts-up an experienced Sales Team who are able to advise on every aspect of specification and provide site support when required.

IG Doors recognises its responsibility to all business stakeholders, whether employees, suppliers, customers, investors or members of the local community. With this in mind, the company has invested in the resources necessary to gain BS EN ISO 9001 quality management system accreditation, BS EN ISO 14001 environmental management system accreditation and also BS EN ISO 18001 health and safety accreditation.

21st century products need to combine superb thermal insulation properties and minimal maintenance characteristics, which is the driving force behind the development of the company’s extensive range of steel and GRP fibreglass doors. There are numerous door styles, frame combinations, glazing designs and ironmongery selections to suit any style of property, new or old.

The product range is continually reviewed and developed to meet the demanding specifications for enhanced security (Secured By Design PAS23/PAS24), mobility access (Part M), thermal and sound insulation (Part L and Part E), fire regulations (Part B) and criteria relating to the Code for Sustainable Homes.

An ever increasing programme of investment, innovation and product development ensures IG Doors’ continued reputation as market leader.

IG Doors Ltd, Blaenwern, Avondale Ind. Estate, Cwmbran, Torfaen NP44 1TY Tel: 01633 486860 Fax: 01633 486875

Stewart Griffin, Sales & Marketing Director, Mobile: 07966 486483

The doorset that keeps little fingers safe Huet’s award–winning Euroflam Nursery doorset Sathys Technical maintenance–free hinge Euroflam Nursery Doorset FD30 / EI30 fire rating Full range of bespoke finishes Vision panels Hardwood frames Especially developed for hotel childrens’ play areas, schools, nurseries and pediatric wards. www.huet-doors.co.uk/euroflam +44 (0)208 214 1218

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Manufacturers and suppliers of high quality, cost effective safety solutions to the construction, road building and traffic management industries.

Our wide range of products includes traffic barriers and separators, road cones, traffic safety signs, speed bumps and parking associated products.

As well as manufacturing our own range of products, Europalite have, over forty years, built up an enviable reputation offering high quality, low cost trade products.

All core items now available ex stock;

Click HERE to Visit our website www.europalite.co.uk

• • • • •

1m & 2m Universal Separators Diamond Barrier 750mm & 1m Road Cones V-Signs Self Weight Traffic Separators

Milward House, Eastfield Side, Sutton in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire NG17 4JW England Tel: +44 (0) 1623 528 760 Fax: +44 (0) 1623 510 955 Email: sales@europalite.co.uk www.europalite.co.uk

Complete Electrical Engineering & Installation Service

Including full production of design and layout drawings using CAD software such as Bentley MicroStation v8 XM and Autodesk AutoCAD LT 2008 Maynard’s specialises in the Commercial Retail Sector and have a proven track record in providing complete design and build of electrical services to a number of blue chip clientele customers who include amongst others Alliance/Boots the Chemist, H & M Fashion Retailers, Nike Sports Wear, Waterstones Bookshop, Delmany Leisure , and Hargreaves Developments Ltd. Maynard’s carry a full complement of personnel to provide valued engineering design, backed up by a dedicated CAD based drawing department, secured contract works are carried out by our engineering contract department that oversee all aspects of Electrical works including the specialist elements of Automatic Fire Protection systems, CCTV systems, Intruder Security Alarms and IT Data structured wiring installations.

Maynard’s have specialist knowledge of LEAN BUILD production methods and currently many of our contracts are undertaken based on LEAN BUILD procedure, this is mainly the route that our clients now prefer to adopt due to the shortened building times as compared to that of traditional building programs.

Maynards Building Services Ltd T/A Maynards, Maynard House, Quayside Road, Bitterne Manor, Southampton SO18 1DP Tel: 0844 248 7930 Fax: 0844 248 7931 E-mail: john.maynards@jamaynards.com

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UKC COMMENT

Could 2013 be the year of growth for the UK’s construction firms?

By Graham Plater, Construction Finance Sales Director at Bibby Financial Services According to recent construction statistics, the boost in confidence so many construction firms were expecting to see may have arrived, due in part to the Help to Buy scheme.

Three months on from the Budget, when the scheme was announced, it appears that Britain’s house building recovery is raising hopes that the sector’s slump may be easing. The closely-monitored Markit/ CIPS construction Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) has seen the first rise in construction output for seven months.

Underlining this optimism, at Bibby Financial Services we have seen SMEs in the industry - many suppliers to major house builders and developers - experiencing their highest performing first quarter since 2008.

Our quarterly market report, the Business Factors Index (BFI) measures the performance of our 4,000 clients across five industry sectors and the latest results for 2013 provide much confidence for firms in the construction sector.

Furthermore, our specialist construction finance team is hearing positive news from businesses that have weathered the economic storm of the past five years and are now looking to invest for the future by using alternative funding solutions.

The majority of our clients are established sub-contractors working in the finishing trades, such as V&C (SW) Limited, which provides painting, dry lining and plastering services to major housing developers.

In 2007 the business found it difficult to secure funding from the banks which is

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why owner, Vince McCormick, decided to look at an alternative finance solution to fund his new business, opting for a specialist construction finance facility.

With the backing of a £250,000 funding facility, the company has grown from its Swansea base to become an employer of six staff with a team of around 40 self-employed tradesmen.

The Company has achieved significant growth in the last year reaching a turnover of £2.2M, which has enabled it to invest further and expand its operations. The construction finance facility taken on

by V&C provided the solution for the business’s challenge by advancing finance against customer billing as soon as invoices are raised, including funding uncertified applications for payment.

We’ve seen an increase in enquires from start-up construction firms, as well as businesses wanting to take advantage of the Green Deal, a government scheme designed to help homeowners and businesses make use of green technology.

It’s perhaps too soon to see the true impact of schemes like Help to Buy as it will take time for work to find its way to sub-contractors from large house builders.

However, from the evidence of our latest BFI and the Markit/CIPS results, it would appear that construction businesses are beginning to prepare for a period of growth.

We know our clients value Bibby Financial Services’ level of expertise in the construction sector, and by taking on a specialist funding solution to provide growth through investment;

these businesses are helping to restore confidence in a once damaged sector.

The construction sector, however, is not out of the woods just yet. With bank net lending continuing to contract and spending in commercial building and civil engineering also falling, construction firms need further support if wider growth expectations are to be achieved.

Graham Plater

We deal with everything related to:

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Widespread workforce giving excellent geographical coverage.

ABOUT US J.K Ashbrook Ltd is a family run business with over 25 years of experience and together are one of the leading Plant Hire and Groundworks contractors in the area.

Road Sweeper hire also available for Swindon and local areas.

J.K Ashbrook Ltd operates a 24 hours a day , 7 days a week policy, and have our own fitters and workshops to help your every need.

Gibbs Surfacing Limited 21 Turnpike Road, Blunsdon, Swindon, Wiltshire SN26 7EA

If you have any questions please get in touch.

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Garry Young Design All Aspects of Joinery Works, Furniture Design and Manufacture.

Contract Beds for the Hospitality Industry, MOD and Student Accommodation.

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We offer a full range of furniture suitable for dining, living and bedroom areas.

Standard items are available from stock with the option to design & develop in-house.

A full bespoke service is available which includes a site survey and full working drawings.

Tel: 0044 (0) 7961 734290 Email: garryyoungdesigns@btinternet.com Please contact Garry Young for further details.

31

UKC CASE STUDY

Every detail matters

Architecture and Interior Photography We all know that our corporate image is important and that a website that displays case studies of our work will improve our chances of winning future projects.

In the building industry, companies that are at the top of their game, who use the most skilled workforce and the best quality materials all too often overlook the importance of photography and settle for photographs from someone on site that happened to take a few pictures along the way.

If a company goes to the effort of including a photograph of its work on the company website, it should also show the finish of the work to win the next job.

Hiring an interior photographer will

32

help a company to show the quality of materials and the skill of its crafts people and really do the work justice.

This is where the expertise and passion of Photobanks Ltd is invaluable. The Company has 20 years of experience in supplying photography that always captures the imagination.

During this time, the founder of the Company, the award-winning Jonathan Banks, has worked with architects, fit-out firms, interior designers and subcontractors all over the world.

In the building industry, companies all too often overlook the importance of photography on their websites.

Photobanks aims to change this trend

within the construction industry.

Jonathan Banks said: “My mission is to deliver a visual representation of your passion to deliver exceptional design solutions for the project in hand. I strive to show the ideas that have transposed into the space and the quality of the complete project at all levels and in all places.�

In previous years, companies within the construction industry have been happy to highlight work by having a company employee take photos on site throughout the construction process.

Photobanks is committed to changing this trend by highlighting the benefits of having an interior photographer.

The Company has worked with global architecture and design practice RTKL to produce some stunning pictures of the new office.

After 22 years in London, RTKL moved to a new office in December 2012, providing the opportunity to improve the work

environment and the design process in line with the company’s larger cultural goals.

The new office puts staff on a single floor and weaves the meeting, teaming and office spaces among the work stations, maximising light and creating greater opportunities for impromptu get-togethers and chance interactions.

The pictures for RTKL’s website suitably shows the dynamic nature of the office at Nexus Place in London thanks to the wonderful imagery of Photobanks.

Thom McKay, Director of Communications at RTKL, spoke in glowing terms of the importance of photography and the impact from the Photobanks images.

He said: “From our perspective, quality photography is absolutely essential to our brand. It’s how we tell the story of who we are, what we do and the impact we have on the world.

“And that means working with a photographer who makes an effort

to understand what we are trying to achieve with our work.”

Photobanks has also provided the images for the project at John Aird Court for the redevelopment of the redundant boiler house that has been transformed into a high quality, residential scheme that has created affordable housing.

The development of nine new residential units comprised of seven affordable units and two for private sale, the proceeds of which have contributed to the costs of building the affordable homes.

Once again, the high quality of photography has displayed the brilliance of this development, and that is down to the work of Photobanks.

The Architect for this project was Child Graddon Lewis (CGL) – a Practice that values the use of interior photography on its website and recognises how it will impact on future growth.

Samantha Skinner of CGL said: “At CGL

we use photography to tell our story. As a marketing tool it’s imperative that we can show the customer the end product and give our clients piece of mind.

“From tenders and design competitions to pure advertising purposes, we work with photographers that try to capture the essence of our work and reflect our company values in terms of design.”

The work of Photobanks has been recognised previously. In February 2012, Jonathan Bank was a finalist in the Artists Exposure Awards for his portfolio of work. A month earlier, he won the spontaneous category in the PDN ‘World in Focus’ awards and is currently featured in the PDN Magazine.

Photobanks Ltd. 13 Southfield Road, Tunbridge Wells Kent, TN49UH Tel: +44 (0)7787 514185 www.photo-banks.com

33

UKC COMMENT

The West Midlands Contractor Framework (WMCF) The West Midlands Contractor Framework (WMCF) is three years old this September – at which point it’ll enter the final year of operation. Having written for UK Construction in summer 2011, when the framework was barely nine months old, Andrew Peasgood, Framework Manager for the WMCF at Worcestershire County Council returns to these pages to let us know how the framework is getting on...

In 2010, a group of public sector bodies – Worcestershire County Council, Herefordshire Council, Hereford and Worcester Fire & Rescue Service, and West Mercia Police - formed the West Midlands Contractors Framework (WMCF) in order to streamline construction procurement across the region. Rather than viewing construction as a piecemeal process that a public sector body dealt with when the need arose, the framework was designed to provide a simplified procurement process that a range of bodies could access and make use of.

It was also designed to help each body reduce construction costs. As one of the most expensive processes a public sector body can undertake, we – the framework partners – saw the framework as an opportunity to remove the costs associated with tendering and reduce risk. Given the scrutiny much of the sector is under in the face of Government spending targets, we felt the framework would enable us to reduce spend while ensuring local people could still access and benefit from key services in their areas.

But there were a number of other targets we wanted to achieve: ••To improve project management; ••To improve project delivery; ••To improve project value; ••To secure community benefits; and ••To raise levels of customer service.

While cost efficiency and streamlining are important benefits – and the bottom line matters – we believed that a framework was about more than saving money, it could also create better value for local communities across the region and still deliver projects on time, on budget and to an extremely high level of quality. Following an OJEU tendering process carried out in early 2010, the framework launched in September 2010 with appointed contractors Kier Construction Central, Thomas Vale Construction and Speller Metcalfe.

Two-and-a-half years into the framework, the WMCF has allocated £118M of work to the three contractors across a range of projects, from new school builds to police stations, and from leisure facilities to a

34

significant refurbishment of a medieval building in Ledbury. Rather than awarding these contracts individually via ‘minitenders’ as is sometimes the case, each project is allocated to the contractors on a rotational basis subject to their ongoing performance which is measured against a simple set of KPIs. We believe this is essential because it allows for a more open and honest approach to workload allocation, favouring continued performance measurement rather than competitive tendering. And while competitive tendering has its place, because we’ve already asked the contractors to compete to gain a place on the framework, it would be counterproductive to ask them to do the same thing for each new project.

This approach also allows the framework to favour collaboration and group knowledge sharing over competition. Because each client can be open and honest about how work is awarded and judged, we can encourage the contractors to share their own best practice and mistakes rather than keep this knowledge for personal advantage. This means we can seek continual improvement including finding common solutions and refined procedures as a group rather than on a project-byproject basis. For example, we’re now using BIM (Building Information Modelling) at a major school project in Kidderminster and two WMCF partners – West Mercia Police and Hereford and Worcester Fire & Rescue Service – have used the framework to procure a joint emergency services hub in Bromsgrove, which is a UK first.

Another critical target has been to improve relationships with local communities and building users across all our projects – which can often be a perceived issue within the construction industry. Through engagement with communities at site

level and encouraging integration (such as site visits and open days) on as many projects as possible, our Consideration Constructors Scheme (CCS) scores are consistently excellent – around ten per cent above national averages.

We’re extremely proud of these scores, and they demonstrate our commitment to community interaction, but we’re also ensuring we engage with the local business community to generate investment across the region. For example, our commitment to encouraging community investment and engagement with the supply chain means that more than 80% of the £30M of sub-contractor orders have been placed within 30 miles of each site. If the UK Contractors Group multiplier of £2.84 per £1 spent is applied, over £75M of value has been generated in the region, boosting the local economy and bringing job opportunities with it.

However, cost remains our defining factor and the future of frameworks depends on the savings they generate, especially given the Government’s commitment to capital spending reductions. During the first two years of operation we’ve been able to demonstrate cost savings of around £6M through reduced procurement costs, reduced project overruns and greater capital cost certainty. That’s a significant figure and one we’re delighted with, but as we approach the end of year three, we’re keen to see these savings increase in the light of ongoing project improvements and embracing technologies such as BIM. And with a little over 15 months to go, we think we can still achieve greater things.

For more information on the West Midlands Contractor Framework, please visit our website at www.worcestershire.gov.uk/wmcf

PROFILE UKC

Canal & River Trust

Keeping people, nature and history connected Created in July 2012 as the successor to British Waterways, the Canal & River Trust is one of the UK’s newest charities.

On a practical level, the Trust is responsible for canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs, as well as historic buildings, archives and three waterways museums, including the National Waterways Museum.

As one of the largest charities in the UK, the Trust is the guardian of 2,000 miles

of historic inland waterways in England and Wales. The Canal & River Trust also look after the third largest collection of listed buildings and structures along with 65 Sites of Special Scientific Interest, over a thousand wildlife conservation sites and a floating community of approximately 35,000 boats.

Income comes from a wide range of sources, ranging from individual

donors and boat licence sales through to corporate sponsors and tenants of the Trust’s properties to significant business partnerships and the vital contract with the government.

Research shows that waterways provide more than £500M of public benefit every year by making them available for recreation and leisure, managing them continued page 38 >

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info@cpccivils.net

www.cpccivils.net

Aquatic Control Engineering Ltd

for innovation and versatility...

The newly formed Canal and Rivers Trust is entrusted with the care of over 2,000 miles of waterway provides abundant habitat and recreational facilities in the UK. Aquatic Control Engineering is proud to have worked with the previous British Waterways and a number of similar public bodies such as the Environment Agency and Drainage authorities to provide expertise and equipment for landmark water level management schemes. As the Canal and Rivers Trust push forward as a newly formed charity, we pause to take a look back at the great schemes we have been involved in so far…

valves of this size, Aquatic Control has unparalleled expertise and resources to deliver. Other projects include a vast number of tilting weirs, such as Purton Weir, Shefford Mill and Whitminster.

WATERWAY MAINTENANCE Aquatic plant and weed growth is a naturally occurring process in many rivers and channels which can adjust river flows and increase water quality and habitat for fish and other aquatic species. Whilst this is a very positive thing, excessive weed growth can interfere with a number of recreational activities such as fishing and boating, slow down drainage in important level management regions as well as unbalance this delicate ecosystem.

Excessive weed growth is often attributed to water quality fluctuations which cause weed growth to spread rapidly. Whilst chemical applications were popular in the reduction and treatment of excessive weed growth, almost all have been banned in a bid to preserve natural habitats and other plant species. Instead mechanical cutting leads the way in waterway maintenance and ditch management, in the shape of land based machinery and aquatic boat cutters.

The Canal and Rivers Trust have procured a number of weed cutting boats and

Sheffield Mill Tilting Weirs in Reading (above) Aquatic Control Engineering has been in operation for over 15 years providing products and expertise in three main areas, water level management, waterway maintenance and fish and eel migration. Throughout all of our business sectors, ACE and the Canal and Rivers Trust have been in partnership.

WATER LEVEL MANAGEMENT In conjunction with VolkerStevin for the Canal and River’s Trust, Aquatic Control Engineering supplied six large bespoke flap valves and three bespoke penstocks for the Prescott Sluice project on the River Lee. Each flap valve was over three meters wide and two meters deep, engineered to operate at a specific opening head as per the requirements of the project. For larger, bespoke made

Prescott Sluices Flap Valves River Lee (above)

Berkenheger weed harvester and weed boat launched in London canals 2012 (above) harvesters from ACE including, recently, two machines to aid in the maintenance and cleaning of the Olympic park waterways. The harvester model is popular with the Canal and Rivers Trust as it boasts high productivity. Made from a durable plastic compound, the robust conveyor belt is able to collect, store and deposit weed into ditches, rubbish barges and much more without the need for manual handling. Thus, as well as increased productivity, the harvester design has also increased the health and safety implications and risks involved with weed extraction by minimising manual handling. The Canal and Rivers Trust Fleet in London also includes Taranchewer and the Lee Mean Cleaning Machine, both harvesters and keeping London canals in top shape!

FISH AND EEL MIGRATION This business sector may seem a little out of place but the evolution of river and waterway management due to the Water Framework Directive has meant fish and eel feature in many aquatic projects. Providing solutions to flood defence without compromising fish migration, and visa versa, has been a major contributor of Aquatic Control’s market success in the environmental sector.

Recenty Aquatic Control Engineering has been working with The Canal & River Trust, Thames River Trust and The Environment Agency to secure the future of the European eel by installing elver passes along the Grand Union Canal.

Sandwich type elver Pass (above)- Boston Manor Project European eels have a fascinating life cycle, spawned as larvae in the Sargasso Sea near Bermuda before travelling with the Gulf Stream to Europe, developing into glass eels.

Upon reaching coastal areas they migrate up rivers and streams, such as the River Brent, which forms a large section of the Grand Union Canal, turning into elver (baby eels) as they hit freshwater. However, their migration into the upstream waters and ponds where they mature has many obstacles. Weirs, which help to prevent flooding, make it difficult for the elvers to complete their journey.

The first of four elver passes is at Boston Manor on the Grand Union Canal. This sandwich pass has long bristles and a very gentle water flow, which allows the elver to crawl along the walls of the weir and into the next stretch of river.

The elvers mimic wet grass being pressed against the wall, stopping hungry herons snatching them from the water.

Monitoring of the success of these passes will allow Aquatic Control Engineering to update the design of future elver passes.

Leela O’Dea, environment manager at the Canal & River Trust says: "I am really excited to be involved in the design and installation of elver passes, these are amazing animals with an unequalled journey, it is a testament to the natural environment and those working in it that such strong partnerships can be developed to bring about important changes within the river systems."

Hall Farm, Main Street,Rampton, Retford, Nottinghamshire, DN22 0HR

Tel: 01777 249080 www.aquaticcontrol.co.uk

as an important drainage and flood control system, improving the waterside through regeneration, and much more.

To ensure all canals and rivers are open and accessible to everyone, the Trust keeps them safe thanks to a rigorous regime of inspection, maintenance and repair using specialist staff and contractors.

The Trust’s specialist waterway teams carry out numerous lock gate replacements, bridge works and a whole variety of day-to-day maintenance.

The Canal & River Trust began a major overhaul of its waterways during November 2012 as part of a five-month, ÂŁ50M restoration programme of canals and rivers across the country. It is an annual work programme that is undertaken each winter between November and March.

The programme of essential maintenance included the replacement of wornout gates, brick work repairs, relining of channels and repair of aqueducts, reservoirs and other important structures.

Keeping them open and safe requires a huge amount of planning, investment and craftsmanship and involves a wide range of experts, from civil engineers and hydrologists to heritage experts and ecologists.

As part of its Winter Stoppage Programme, the Trust worked on approximately 100 locks across the country, replacing 174 lock gates. The new lock gates

38

were made in the Trust’s specialist workshops at Bradley in the west Midlands and Stanley Ferry in Yorkshire.

Each lock gate is hand crafted by a skilled team of carpenters and made from sustainably sourced British oak. A single lock gate weighs, on average, more than three tonnes and can take up to 20 days to make, and has a working life of 25-30 years.

When the Trust was launched last year, four of the replacement lock gates featured lines of poetry carved into them by artist Peter Coates. The initiative, which is supported by the Arts Council England, was part of a programme to encourage people to take a fresh look at their local canal or river.

Lock gate making and fitting is an extremely skilled and traditional trade and one that remains essential to the waterways. Lock gates are constructed with tremendous strength as they have to control huge water pressures, take the hard usage they get from the thousands of boats that use them each year, and survive for a long time underwater and at the mercy of the elements.

In order to be waterproof, they also need to be built very precisely, fitting tightly to the masonry of the lock walls and to each other.

The Trust finished work at the end of May at Trent & Mersey Canal at Preston Brook.

Work was necessary because the

materials comprising the valley slope below the Trent & Mersey canal at Dutton Hollow had become completely saturated with groundwater following a three-day period of heavy rain in the local area at the end of September 2012.

The inherent strength of the slope was lost and it began to fail, while the glacial sand within the slope liquefied and started to slip. The failure migrated up the valley slope toward the canal, and the ground below, and surrounding the canal including the towpath then failed and consequently, the canal breached.

Following this breach, a large hole was left in the canal whereby the canal bed had been scoured away to a depth of five metres in the worst location. The effects of water scour eroded lengths of canal back from the breach over distances of 55m to the north and 35m to the south.

It was estimated at the time that approximately 4,000cu m of material were lost from the canal, embankment and valley slope. Effectively, a 100m length of canal had been removed.

The design of the canal reinstatement was undertaken in-house by the Technical Solutions team of the Canal & River Trust.

Work to reinstate the valley side and canal was designed to control groundwater and reduce its levels in the soils around and below the canal in order to increase continued page 40 >

Pontrilas Timber & Builders Merchants Ltd.

Pontrilas, Nr Hereford Herefordshire HR2 0BE Tel: 01981 240 444 Fax: 01981 240 170 sales@pontrilastimber.co.uk Web: www.pontrilastimber.co.uk

Pontrilas Timber has a wealth of experience in manufacturing and the Timber trade.

Services Include: Softwood, Hardwood, Fencing, Harvesting

the factor of safety of the valley slope.

This was achieved by collecting issues of natural groundwater from the surrounding soils into an extensive drainage medium over the base of the area affected by the breach.

Groundwater was fed into a sub drainage layer that runs down the side of the valley from under the canal to the base of the slope, and from the sub drainage layer, the groundwater was fed into a toe drain running along the base of the valley slope.

The groundwater was then passed into the existing drainage systems in the fields at the bottom of the valley and down into the River Weaver, and the Trust reconstructed the valley side with free draining granular material.

Finally, fin drains were installed up the valley slope to pick up major issues of groundwater and to feed this into the toe drain.

The sub drainage layer was split into two parts; the first is one metre, comprising large diameter, angular, well graded stone that is 100mm to 250mm in diameter, while the second part comprises of well graded, angular stone that is between ten to 100mm in diameter, acting as drainage and bulk fill to reinstate levels

40

to the valley side and the canal.

Each drainage layer is wrapped in a filter geotextile to prevent loss of materials from the surrounding soils.

The canal channel is designed as water retaining with a vertical towpath wall and sloping offside bank.

The system chosen for the canal relining is based on a bentonitegeomembrane. This is a standard technique that has been used successfully over many years on the canal system and in civil engineering generally.

The geomembrane consists of prehydrated sodium bentonite contained between two layers of geotextile.

The towpath wall of the canal comprises a mass gravity, water retaining, concrete wall, which is designed with watertight joints. The bentonite lining is sealed and fixed to the base of the wall, and the offside of the canal was formed into a slope with the bentonite lining keyed into a trench above the canal level, which renders the new channel completely watertight.

The bed and slopes of the canal are covered in a protective stone rip rap layer.

Vertical cut-offs at each end of the relined section are formed from trenches filled with puddle clay with the bentonite lining keyed down into the clay. This prevents

water percolating under the new lining.

Where necessary, the disturbed slope above the offside edge of the relined canal channel has been reinstated to a stable profile using graded stone bulk fill covered in geotextile and topsoil with erosion matting as a cover layer.

After the failure of the canal, investigations and assessments commenced immediately. Site work started in November 2012, with slope reconstruction starting a month later, and canal reconstruction, which commenced in January. The canal was reopened in May 2013, and the project cost ÂŁ1.5M. One of the companies affiliated with the Trust is Land and Water Services Ltd (LAWS), which was formed in 1994 as an amalgamation of MHJ Ltd and Inland Dredging Ltd. In 2001, MHJ Ltd became the holding company of the Land and Water Group, and LAWS is one of five wholly owned subsidiaries of the MHJ Group.

MHJ remains a privately owned business with the two principal shareholders James Maclean and Richard Melhuish actively involved in the retaining businesses. The Board of Directors of LAWS consists continued page 42 >

Wood, Hall & Heward Ltd

specialists in water transport SERVICE YOUR SITE BY BARGE

UK NATIONAL COVERAGE Wood, Hall & Heward Ltd are specialists in barge transport on the UK’s inland waterways.

We supply a range of barges, workboats and pontoons, operated by competent personnel, for: • Canal & river maintenance projects, bridge works etc • The removal of excavated and demolition material from construction sites • The delivery of construction materials such as steel beams, cladding panels, glazing units etc to sites • Removal of construction waste from sites

Other services we provide include safety boats, survey craft, crane barges, welfare boats, tree and vegetation clearance, de-watering and pumping.

We operate on the canals, rivers, lakes and marinas in the UK.

Our customers include: Canal & Rivers Trust | May Gurney AMCO | BAM Nuttall | Colas Costain | Skanska

Tel: 01895 820203 Email: info@whhbarges.co.uk

www.whhbarges.co.uk

of the two MHJ Ltd shareholders and two further construction industry professionals, Adrian Gascoyne is the Group’s Commercial Director and Bill Gush is the Regional Director.

Having held framework contracts for some years with the Environment Agency, Severn Trent Water and the Canal & River Trust, LAWS’ strength is in ‘thinking outside of the box’ and positively encouraging a ‘can do’ culture to provide the best possible service to clients, while maintaining the highest standards of health, safety, welfare and environmental awareness.

The Trust is LAWS’ main client, holding its National Dredging Contract, carrying out all the dredging and waste disposal and recycling for the trust, recycling more than 100,000tonnes of dredging per year for agricultural improvement.

This contract has been held since 2003, and the relationship has developed over the years to the extent that LAWS was awarded the renewed 2011-2015 contract as single source contractor, with the scope being increased to include X19 or minor civil engineering works.

Contracts with the Environment Agency and utility companies are confirmation of the attention and sensitivity to the

42

environment and waterways that is always displayed by LAWS. LAWS also undertakes specialist sub-contract works for larger tier one contractors. An example of this is the creation of wetlands on the Olympic site in London for Bam Nuttall along with many other projects on the park for Bam Nuttall and the Canal & River Trust.

LAWS has also recently provided support to the Trust by way of producing supplies for a project on the Ashby Canal in the Midlands and installation of floating reedbeds to improve water quality on the River Lea in London.

Earlier this year, the Trust completed a four-month project to carry out essential maintenance within the historic Netherton Tunnel.

It is an important link between the Birmingham Canal Navigation and the southern canal network providing an important route from the Main Line Canal in the north to the Dudley Canals in the south through the heart of the west Midlands.

Netherton Tunnel was constructed between 1856 and 1858 and has a total length of 2,776m. The tunnel was constructed using 17 construction shafts, seven of which

were retained for ventilation.

Although the tunnel was generally in good condition, intermittent problems have occurred, with invert distortion present throughout its history.

The tunnel was in the early stages of failure at ch 1,474 – 1,500m, which is located in the centre of the tunnel between shafts seven and eight.

The failure was located within the Etruria Marl and had many similarities to the 1895 failure that was located in the next section of the tunnel, approximately 150m to the north.

Some invert heave around ch 1,500m was known since 1998. In November 2005, systematic probing identified uplift of up to 900mm at ch 1,474 – 1,500m. The towpaths had also risen and had longitudinal cracks behind their copings. The movement was greater on the west side of the tunnel than on the east. As a precaution, the towpath on the west side was shut.

Built wide enough to allow boats to pass in both directions, the tunnel was the last to be built in Britain during the canal age. Its construction relieved the bottleneck of the adjacent Dudley tunnel, continued page 44 >

enquiries@land-water.co.uk

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which had waiting times of eight hours and was completed in early March. neighbours and business partners. or more, and sometimes several days.

During the works, the tunnel and towpath By harnessing their goodwill, energy Due to the nature of the design, and were closed to members of the public and expertise, enjoyment of the in part because of the local ground but they’ve now been reopened. waterways can be widened, while also conditions, cracks started to appear Almost 50% of the country’s protecting them for future generations. in the Victorian brickwork with many population lives within five miles of ‘bunching up’ and breaking off. This the Trust’s extraordinary network The Canal & River Trust, Head Office, caused serious concerns for the Trust’s of canals, rivers and towpaths.

First Floor North, Station House, 500 engineers, so work was undertaken.

The Canal & River Trust believe that the Elder Gate, Milton Keynes, MK9 1BB Costing £1.5M, the project involved true potential of its canals and rivers and www.canalrivertrust.org.uk carrying out repairs to a 50-metre centre their long-term survival will only be secured section of tunnel – almost a mile into the if the Trust fully engages with visitors, tunnel. Engineers drilled holes within the tunnel wall and filled them with steel tubes that were then filled with concrete. Once set, this section of the tunnel was reinforced with a new arch to EXPERIENCED, create a stable centre section.

Just after work commenced, RELIABLE, George Ballinger, Head of FULLY INSURED Engineering at the Trust, said: AND QUALIFIED “We have been keeping a close eye on Netherton Tunnel for ALL ASPECTS some time and have carried out various repairs over the years, the OF TREEWORK last being in the early 1980s.

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UKC RETAIL

Tesco

Helping to regenerate the UK’s towns and cities An example of a Tesco Development

Tesco’s growing business is blossoming in many areas, none more so than the UK, where there are more than 300,000 employees and over 3,000 stores.

More than 60% of group sales and profits come from the UK business.

The vision is for Tesco to be most highly valued by the customers it serves, the communities in which it operates, and the loyal and committed staff.

In May 2011, Tesco launched a fourpart vision for the future of the business, which targeted making sure the Company is seen as the most highly valued business in the world.

Tesco is, and remains a growth company that continues to pursue growth in all parts of the business – in the UK, internationally, in services and across general merchandise, clothing and electricals. It will be a modern and innovative company – staying ahead of the curve, anticipating changes and adapting for the sake of customers and staff.

Tesco aim to win locally by applying skills globally. The keyword is ‘locally’ – all retailing is local. But increasingly, Tesco is utilising the skill and scale of the Group to benefit the performance and competitiveness of each of its businesses around the world.

April saw the first bricks laid at the new £50M development in Stourbridge. Work

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on the scheme, which also includes a new shopping centre, has been gathering pace since the foundations were completed towards the end of last year.

The store is being built on the site of the old Crown Centre and Bell Street multi-storey car park. It was demolished in March 2012 and 9,000 tonnes of rubble were removed, some of which is being re-used in the building.

The new supermarket will create 320 jobs and the development will also include a new shopping centre and a town square. Lights will be installed on the Stourbridge town hall as part of work to revamp the square to make it more attractive to shoppers.

Tesco submitted an application for listed building consent to install feature lighting on the town hall, which was approved by the Council.

In addition, plans for a new Tesco in Rotherham town centre moved a step closer in March 2013 with the £7.3M sale of former council buildings.

Rotherham Borough Council has agreed the deal for several premises on its former civic site in Nottingham Street, including Norfolk House and the Central Library and Arts Centre, with TCN UK. TCN UK already has planning permission for a 11,000sq ft store Tesco Extra on the site, including more than 500

parking spaces and a filling station.

Work will include the removal of the Centenary Way flyover, upgrading pedestrian crossings and improving access to the neighbouring Rotherham Transport Exchange.

Councillor Gerald Smith, Rotherham Council’s Cabinet member for Environment and Development Services, said the sale was a ‘massive step forward’ in the redevelopment of Rotherham Town Centre.

He said: “We are obviously delighted to see such a major player re-investing in our town. Tesco have been in Rotherham for many years but the new store will give the residents of Rotherham a much wider town centre shopping offer and experience as well as having a positive impact on the town centre in its own right.

“We also want this development to be a catalyst for further investment and improvement. Our commitment to helping everyone from major retailers to independent shopkeepers to thrive in Rotherham continues and the council, along with other organisations, has been working hard to do that.”

This new £40M development is scheduled to open in March 2014, and the current Tesco, located on Forge Island, will close on completion of the new Tesco Extra.

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UKC LEISURE

Lee Valley White Water Centre

Enduring legacy of the London 2012 Olympics A £6.3M development project at Lee Valley White Water Centre is underway, and will build on the success that the London 2012 Olympic venue has enjoyed since opening to the public.

The arena where team GB won gold and silver medals in the canoe slalom event will remain open for canoeing, kayaking and rafting throughout the duration of the development.

Amenities will be improved and expanded to cater for more participants and spectators, and world-class athlete facilities installed – providing a permanent base for the British Canoe Union and the medal winning Canoe Slalom team.

The development project will see the development of first-class facilities for athletes with a state-of-the-art gym and physiotherapy suite housed in an extension to the existing centre.

This extension will also include meeting rooms and offices for the British Canoe Union (BCU), the sport’s national governing body.

A new outdoor classroom will be incorporated, along with more catering provision and extra space to find shade, shelter and seating in a stylish new pavilion overlooking the Olympic Standard Competition Course.

More changing rooms will increase the capacity for rafting and paddling at peak

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times and additional car parking and toilets will help to accommodate a very busy and popular sports venue/visitor attraction.

The existing main building is a two-storey concrete frame structure built on a piled foundation. Cladding to the ground floors is mainly facing brickwork with some glazed curtain walling to the main entrance area.

The first floor areas have cedar cladding and glazed curtain walling, while the building extensions to the north side and courtyard area are being constructed to replicate the existing details.

The new pavilion located at the southern end of the Olympic course is a single-storey steel framed structure built on a piled foundation with a single ply membrane flat roof.

Hard and soft landscaping works include the formation of viewing moulds located to the west side of the Olympic course and additional car parking areas to the west and south east boundaries of the site.

Shaun Dawson, Lee Valley Regional Park Authority Chief Executive, said: “Lee Valley White Water Centre has already proved hugely popular; it was the only brand new venue to be opened to the public before the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the first to reopen afterwards.

“We have listened to feedback from customers and the improvement work will enhance the experience for

visitors to this world class venue.

“Many people have been inspired by Team GB’s success at Lee Valley White Water Centre to get involved in paddle sports and this development work will give even more people the chance to participate, cementing the Olympic legacy of this venue.

“The expansion of facilities and the addition of an outdoor classroom will increase the accessibility of the venue for local communities, participants and sports clubs and provide even more opportunities for the next generation of athletes.”

Funding for the development work is coming from a variety of organisations including Lee Valley Regional Park Authority and BCU. Andy Maddock, Canoe Slalom Programme Manager at GB Canoeing, said: “This development starting is the final stage of a long held ambition for a white water centre in the south east. This will allow the legacy of the Games to have a long-term impact and inspire the next generation of athletes.”

Water sports enthusiasts still have the opportunity to use the facilities because the centre reopened to the public in March.

The Architect is B3 Architects and the Main Contractor is SDC. Work on the improvements is scheduled to complete early next year.

UKC PROFILE

North Yorkshire County Council Civil Engineering Framework Following the expiration of North Yorkshire County Council’s (NYCC) former Engineering Select List, a new procurement option was initiated to deliver those future civil engineering projects/ schemes not automatically awarded to NYCC’s Term Maintenance Contractor.

The Civil Engineering Contractor’s Framework (CECF), which has been procured by NYCC, went live in the summer of 2012.

The areas of activity covered

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by the CECF include: ••infrastructure such as local safety schemes, highway maintenance and improvement, ••passenger transport works, ••household waste recycling centres, ••public rights of way ••and the Framework will also cover footbridges, bridges, masonry and painting steelwork.

The CECF is divided into 22 lots (with a maximum of eight providers per

lot), covering two geographical areas (North & South) of the county, for a variety of civil engineering activities split into different value ranges.

A total of 19 contractors have a place on the CECF, of which 60% have an operating base in North Yorkshire or the City of York.

The first scheme, Whitby Swing Bridge, commenced on site in autumn 2012 and provided fender replacement and repainting works. continued page 52 >

Delivering sustainable infrastructure solutions across the UK. • Highway maintenance • Highway construction • Drainage solutions • Hard landscaping Aggregate Industries, Bardon Hill Leicester LE67 1TL Tel: 01530 510066 Email: contracting@aggregate.com www.aggregate.com

• Civil engineering • Public realm • Airports and rail • Energy and water

By April 2013, six procurements had been awarded with a total estimated value of £2.5M. These include masonry repair works at Gunnerside Bridge, 12/13 Boroughbridge Area carriageway refurbishing, A169 Malton Road carriageway refurbishing, a footbridge replacement at Potto Slack, and the A19/A63 Barlby Roundabout scheme.

Work is nearing completion on the £1.8M roundabout at Barlby, which will improve safety at the A19/A63 junction near Selby.

The A19 carries more than 33,000 vehicles along this stretch in a day and a roundabout at this junction is designed to improve safety for those turning right,

while also decreasing speeds on the A19 to aid motorists coming from the A63 in Osgodby and Highfield View in Barlby.

Construction was expected to last 22 weeks, but rapid progress has been made on site and the scheme is expected to finish approximately 11 weeks ahead of schedule. A signed diversion was in place and new bus routes and timetables were in place in time for the start of road closures in March.

Phase I comprised site clearance works, while Phase II encompassed full closure of the junction, and Phase III was undertaken with traffic management in place.

Based on NYCC’s Forward Procurement

Plan, future projects will include 11 schemes such as Scorton Bridge reconstruction, Mowthorpe Bridge maintenance and Harrogate junction improvements. The estimated value of these schemes is circa £5M

Building and Refurbishment We are one of only two Chartered Building Companies in the Hull area. PBS Construction (N.E) Ltd has undertaken a variety of Commercial and Industrial projects including warehouses, shops and refurbishment.

Bridges PBS Construction (N.E) Ltd have completed 114 contracts since 1990 involving bridge construction and refurbishment, ranging from the reconstruction of Serpentine Bridge at Hardwick Hall Country park near Sedgefield, completely rebuilding a single span elliptical masonry bridge on an ornamental lake, a bridge which was originally built in 1754 designed by James Paine.

Many civil engineering contracts in the Yorkshire and North East are evidence of PBS Construction (N.E) Ltd's professional quality and expertise since its formation in 1988.

Stadium View, 361 Anlaby Road, Hull, HU3 6AB

Tel: (01482) 211132 Fax: (01482) 211133 E-mail: info@pbsconstruction.co.uk

Civil Engineering PBS Construction (N.E) Ltd are recognised for their Civil Engineering work as many roads, bridges and other contracts, particularly in Humberside, Yorkshire and the North East, will testify.

We have recently completed a four year Term Contract for Highway Maintenance and Improvement Schemes for Hull City Council on which we carried out 110 schemes with an approximate contract value of £10 million.

Concrete Repair & Specialist Services We have a thorough and professional knowledge of a wide range of specialist materials and systems. We are therefore in a unique position to provide specifically engineered remedies tailored to meet the needs of a wide range of concrete repair projects.

By employing a professional team, we are able to provide the simplest and most cost effective solutions to damaged or woe concrete structures.

Paving PBS Construction (N.E) Ltd have a vast amount of experience from the construction of small paths and drives to public realm sites using the following paving materials:- Pre-cast concrete pavings and blocks, In-situ concrete, imprinted concrete and exposed aggregate, Clay block paving, Yorkstone paving and setts, Granite paving and setts.

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HOUSING UKC

Victory Pier

Marina Heights is part of this new waterside community The Boathouse, the first phase of Victory Pier

Much more than just superb high specification riverside apartments, Marina Heights is the latest phase at the award-winning new waterside community at Victory Pier.

This setting offers superb, elevated views over the bustling marina and the river beyond, as well as carefully considered landscaped gardens in which to relax.

With free-flowing, beautifully balanced living spaces, all of the suites and one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments offer contemporary, clean lines and luxurious interiors that merge seamlessly with the outside via generous balconies or, for all the ground floor apartments, terraced gardens. The properties provide all the comfort and convenience of modern living.

Living at Marina Heights means being perfectly placed for all the best of Kent.

The local area has lots to offer with all the right connections for London – St Pancras is a speedy 40 minutes away from London Victoria and Canon Street just 52 minutes by train.

Nearby Rochester offers Dickensian charm and a 12th century castle alongside chic cafes and quirky boutiques, while centuries of nautical history unfold at the Historic Dockyard Chatham. The Cathedral city of Canterbury is only a 38-minute train ride away and with Ebbsfleet international just 21 minutes away by train, the centre of Paris is only a two hour journey away.

Although Marina Heights is next to the waterside, it also benefits from carefully considered and creative landscaping.

The apartments are located between the Promenade Park, a green open space to the west, and a tranquil seating area to the east that overlooks the Medway and connects to the Waterside Promenade.

The Park is enclosed by trees and features fingers of hedges to create a sense of enclosure, yet still enjoys sizeable grass areas. Heading west across the park is the Pier and Boathouse, which was

Phase I of the project, with its terrace and facilities overlooking the water.

Each apartment at Marina Heights has been designed to maximise space. Light and airy living areas open on to decked balconies or terraces, offering beautiful views.

Intelligent planning is key to creating and crafting contemporary homes designed to suit modern 21st century lifestyles. In this way, each apartment includes a contemporary designed fitted kitchen and energy efficient integrated appliances, sleek bathrooms with generous tiling and high quality flooring throughout. Every fitting and Plastering finish has been carefully considered to Dry Lining Rainscreen Cladding create the best in statement living.

Glazing Fitted wardrobes are included for all External Framing master bedrooms, and all bedrooms have fully fitted wool mix carpet, and kitchens are contemporary, with fitted Plastering Contractors Stanmore Ltd wall and base units, a single sink with Stanmore House chrome mixer tap, and an integrated Gyproc Park, Church Manorway, electric oven, hob and extractor.

Erith, Kent DA8 1DE Living areas have carpet or timber effect Telephone: 01322 446 446 Facsimilie: 01322 448 448 flooring, ceiling lighting pendants, and Email: mail@stanmoreltd.co.uk a media plate providing TV/FM aerial, Web: www.stanmoreltd.co.uk telecom, satellite and power points.

This new waterside community provides residents with a range of eateries and coffee bars, a Tesco Express and other convenience stores, an art gallery, feature bars and restaurants, and a residents’ gym.

The Main O’HALLORAN AND O’BRIEN LTD, O’BRIEN HOUSE, 197-199 GARTH ROAD, MORDEN, SURREY, SM4 4NE Contractor is Berkeley First T 020 8337 5527 F 020 8330 7729 Ltd, and the W: www.ohob.co.uk development is designed by PCKO Architects.

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UKC CIVIL

London Underground

Celebrating 150 years

On 9th January 1863, the world’s first underground train pulled out of Paddington station to make its 3.5 mile maiden journey to Farringdon.

This previous January marked the 150th anniversary since that first Tube journey took place, and a huge range of activities will be held this year to explore London Underground’s fascinating history and the vital role it continues to play – both in the lives of Londoners and to the economic life of London and the UK. The Tube has always played an important role in the success of London – from growth of the early network, which led to the expansion of the suburbs in

54

the last century, to the development of Canary Wharf’s financial powerhouse in the 1980s, and on to today’s system that successfully moved record numbers of people during the Queen’s Jubilee and London 2012 Games.

Over the next 20 years, London’s population is expected to grow by well over a million people, underlining the crucial importance of continuing to improve and upgrade the Tube network.

A massive Tube upgrade programme, one of the largest and most complex engineering projects in the world, is now delivering huge tangible benefits for passengers. Journeys on the Jubilee

and Victoria lines have been improved through massively boosted capacity and faster journeys.

Stations like King’s Cross, Green park and Blackfriars have been rebuilt. A fleet of new air-conditioned trains has been introduced on the Metropolitan line, and over the next few years will be introduced to some two fifths of the Tube network.

Reliability on the Tube is now 40% improved on 2007/08 levels and this is the best in the network’s history.

Further improvements to come this year include higher frequency services on the Victoria and Central lines. continued page 56 >

LONDON UNDERGROUND 150TH ANNIVERSARY

The team at ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY LTD wish to congratulate London Underground, on reaching the 150 th Anniversary of its foundation, and are proud of the contribution that our company has made to the architecture and services on the network, having designed, manufactured, and installed Entech products on many LUL Stations and Lines including Bermondsey, Bond Street, Canary Wharf Elephant & Castle, Farringdon, Green Park, Kings Cross, Knightsbridge, London Bridge, Lancaster Gate, Maida Vale, Oxford Circus, Piccadilly, Queensway Shepherds Bush, Southwark, Stratford, Turnpike Lane, Victoria, Warren Street Waterloo, and Westminster – Jubilee, Northern, Piccadilly, Central and Bakerloo HIGH PERFORMANCE ACOUSTIC CLADDING + ALUMINIUM CLADDING LIGHTING & SERVICES BOOMS + CEILINGS + MODULAR SEATING STAINLESS STEEL CLADDING & COMPONENTS + TICKET BOOTHS

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By the end of next year, the Northern line will be completed, with higher frequency services and shortly afterwards key stations in central London such as Victoria and Tottenham Court Road will have been rebuilt.

The number of step-free stations is being expanded, alongside the use of ramps, platform humps and other accessibility improvements, an extension to the Northern line to Battersea is being planned, and Crossrail will be delivered – transforming travel across London.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “The arrival of the Tube was truly revolutionary and today it is still admired around the world. It annihilates distance, liquidates traffic and is the throbbing cardiovascular system of the greatest city on earth.

“Our massive upgrade programme builds on the engineering ingenuity of our Victorian forefathers and through new signalling, trains and track, millions of Londoners and visitors will continue to benefit from what is arguably the best and most iconic, underground transport system in the world.”

Mike Brown, Managing Director of London Underground, said: “As we mark the 150th anniversary of the world’s first underground railway we are also building for the future – transforming stations and replacing trains, signals and track.

56

“Our passengers are already seeing the benefits, with more frequent and reliable services on the Jubilee and Victoria lines among many other improvements.

“This year will see even more – with a greater frequency of services on the Central and Victoria lines and more of the new air-conditioned trains, which will soon serve 40% of the Tube network.

“It is this sustained investment that will enable us to create a network able to support London’s growing population and maintain our city’s vital role in the UK economy for the next 150 years.”

As part of the events to mark the enduring role of London Underground, the first Tube passenger journey was recreated on Sunday 13th January, with a series of specially restored trains including the Metropolitan Steam Locomotive No 1 and the Metropolitan Railway Jubilee Carriage No 353 – the oldest operational underground carriage in existence, which was restored with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

A series of additional heritage rail trips, including use of steam trains will be available, which will enable many members of the public to experience the Tube’s rich heritage, and a comprehensive new history of the Tube underground, How the Tube shaped London, co-authored

by Sam Mullins, Director of the London Transport System, has been published.

There will be new two pound coins issued by the Royal Mint that will go into circulation this year to celebrate the anniversary, and from February, Poster Art 150: London’s greatest designs, will be unveiled at London Transport Museum.

This exhibition will focus on the iconic poster art that has been a feature of London Underground for much of its history.

One of Britain’s great transport stories is the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), which carries more than 80 million passengers a year with consistently high levels of reliability and passenger satisfaction.

Since opening in 1987, it has extended to Bank, Beckton, Lewisham, London City Airport, Woolwich Arsenal, and Stratford International.

DLR Ltd owns the railway’s assets apart from the Lewisham extension.

Part of Transport for London, its role is to oversee the operation of the railway and plan development that meets the needs of east and south east London.

DLR Ltd works with franchise operator Serco Docklands, a concessionaire responsible for building and maintaining the Lewisham extension and contractors for maintaining the Woolwich Arsenal, London City Airport and Stratford International network. Their aim is to deliver a safe, reliable and cost effective continued page 58 >

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Through engaging with clients and understanding their needs, DMC Contracts has grown its business by having satisfied customers who choose to work with us again and again. By achieving ISO9001, 14001 and 18001 accreditation, we have created a structure that allows us to pro actively manage our contracts resulting in repeated successful business performances, attracting many blue chip companies to the sub contracting services of DMC Contracts.

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service for east and south east London residents, commuters and visitors.

During the Olympic Games, the DLR carried over seven million passengers – an increase of over 100% compared to the same period last year – and ran services with an average of 99% of trains running on time.

This was only possible after a programme of investment since 2007 ranging from new line extensions and additional rail cars to crucial projects including lift upgrades and improvements to real-time passenger information.

The DLR’s £850M project – ‘INVESTING IN…a better railway’ – has been the biggest package of work and is now complete. It is thanks to this and other behind the scenes work that the railway now has 45 stations, 40km of track and 149 rail cars and expects to carry an estimated 100M passengers by 2015.

The long-term benefits of investment in the DLR for 2012 will be felt for years to come.

These improvements include 55 new rail cars providing increased capacity, which also provided more comfort during and after the Games, three car trains, extended platforms and upgraded stations that allowed the DLR to handle more passengers than previously, the new station at Woolwich Arsenal that provided access to the Royal Artillery Barracks for London 2012, which created a new river crossing and interchange with the national rail network.

Additional new stations like Langdon Park and Smith Quay help more passengers make the most of the improved DLR, and a new staircase and improved platform and concourse at Shadwell has increased comfort for passengers.

There is also an additional entrance at Bank, speeding up connections and improving platform crowding, two new escalators for Custom House for ExCeL that delivers a better, faster experience and more frequent services, a second entrance at Royal Victoria reduces passenger congestion and shortens the walk from the new Emirates

58

Airline, and increased platform space at Canning Town helped to reduce overcrowding during the Olympics.

New stations and extensions, station enhancements, additional trains and

Cooling the Tube with TfL Bill Martin, Managing Director of Firstco discusses their recent success in Cooling the Tube…

In our capacity as control systems’ experts, we have worked in close collaboration with Transport for London as part of the Cooling the Tube Programme (CTP) with the aim of transforming commuter rail services throughout the capital.

Firstco was recently awarded subcontracts for the design and delivery of the control systems at Green Park and Oxford Circus. These are the first stations on the London Underground to use bespoke Platform Air Handling Units. Working within highly accelerated and demanding timeframes, station cooling was successfully delivered at both locations in time for the London 2012 Games.

The teamwork and dedication displayed by Firstco’s engineers during this process are testament to the level of excellence to which Firstco is committed.

Joining forces with the contractors, M&E designers and the client London Underground, the whole team was able to deliver a remarkable project in the most challenging of environments.

improved passenger information have left a lasting legacy for everyone to enjoy now and into the future.

With Firstco’s expertise and experience of the CTP project spanning three years, we are proud to have been engaged in several phases of its delivery to date. Keeping the Tube’s customers cool involves developing new technologies, as well as making the best use of more traditional approaches. We are also continually providing a variety of solutions such as mid-tunnel ventilation and cooling, as well as station cooling. Our involvement has included a successful partnership between London Underground and Firstco for an early stage of the CTP programme. During this time, Firstco delivered one centralised SCADA network, providing control and monitoring to 13 mid-tunnel ventilation shafts along the Victoria Line. The SCADA network has since been expanded to manage fan cooling systems at selected locations on both the Northern and Central Lines.

Firstco Ltd is a leading independent controls & communications systems specialist, providing control and monitoring solutions particularly within the rail and airport sectors. For enquiries please visit: www.firstco.uk.com or contact us on: +44 207 034 0833

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PROFILE UKC

Melhuish & Saunders Ltd Serving the South West for 90 years Melhuish & Saunders Ltd is a Somersetbased Building Contractor which has built up a reputation for quality buildings and a good work ethic over its 90 years in the business.

Since its establishment in 1923 the Company has carried out a wide range of contracts across the south west, working within a 60 mile radius of its Glastonbury office. Work has been completed across Somerset, Devon, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Dorset, and the Company has been known to go further afield to meet Client requirements.

With a professional team of around 20, the Company offers a close-knit personal experience, headed by Managing Director John Mitchard, Contracts and Health and Safety Director Darryl Mitchard, and Company Secretary and Surveying Director Clive Pell. The Company has the ability and resources to undertake all types of construction work, from complex refurbishments to extensive new builds, extensions for schools and other occupied buildings to commercial and industrial buildings. Work has been carried out for a range of Clients including local government and health authorities, and Melhuish & Saunders Ltd is proud of a number of Clients returning with repeat business having been pleased with earlier results.

Melhuish & Saunders Ltd has had a number of awards presented to the Company over the years including the recent William Stansell Somerset Preservation Trust Building Awards in 2012 for its part in the repair and restoration of a Grade II Listed medieval farmhouse in West Pennard. In 2011, the Company was the proud recipient of the Chairman’s Award at the LABC Building Excellence

Awards (South West), for recognition of high standards of design, construction and workmanship during construction of the Somerset Earth Science Centre at Moon’s Quarry near Stoke St Michael.

Work has recently begun on a £3.6M accommodation block at St Mary’s School in Calne. The block has been designed by NVB Architects and will provide 69 bedrooms for lower sixth form girls at the school.

Another project completed by the Company was the Coniston Road Community Centre, which was extended horizontally and vertically to provide additional activity and office space. The extension was constructed between May 2010 and March 2011 at a total of £814,500. The original building was around 15 years old and with the need for more space on a site where space was limited the decision came to build a three-storey extension to the existing building (from ground level) and construction of a steel frame, single-storey extension on top of the existing two-storey building. For the single-storey extension, concrete pad stones were set into the roof space of the existing building to carry the steel frame. The walls were constructed using concrete blocks, which were rendered externally and comprised dry lined plasterboard internally. Some aspects of curtain walling were implemented and a single plywood membrane was fitted to the roof. Under floor heating and aluminium double glazed windows and doors were installed. The project had a number of constraints including the close proximity of the adjacent building, an adjacent public footpath and a live environment below and adjacent to the construction site. Melhuish & Saunders worked closely with the Client

to ensure that the project was delivered safely, on time and within budget.

In 2012 a new build project saw the completion of a new Autism Centre and Library for Heathfield Community School in Monkton Heathfield. The centre was constructed on a previously used sports ground and comprises a two-storey steel frame structure, with block and beam flooring and a mix of curtain walling, rendered block work and cladding to the external facade. The building has double glazed aluminium windows and doors and the roof was constructed using IG joists and insulated using a Sarnfil covering.

Internally the building includes a large open plan library on the ground floor, with WC facilities, store and IT Suite. A staircase and platform lift was installed to access the first floor which features three classrooms, an office, calm room, kitchen and social area. There is also a first floor external terrace. Designed by Architect Kensington Taylor Ltd the building was completed to a value of £541,681 and was operational in July 2012.

With an in-house joinery department and its involvement in staff development through qualifications the services on offer from Melhuish & Saunders Ltd continue to expand. After a successful 90 years, with some highs and lows, the Company’s Directors and personnel are confident that they can continue their growth and improve their services to meet the demand of their Clients.

For more information on Melhuish & Saunders Ltd please call 01458 831349 or visit www.melhuishandsaundersltd.com

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UKC PROFILE

Persimmon Homes

Complementing each area perfectly At Persimmon, quality properties are built in superb locations, and the portfolio of homes on the south coast has continued to expand.

One of these is the Archers Gate development in Wiltshire, which is a mixture of two-, three-, and four-bedroom properties, as well as some affordable housing.

Archers Gate was born from the need for new homes in the vicinity created by the development of Solstice Park, a superb mixed-use business park located in Amesbury. Facilities at Archers Gate include a convenience store, pub, Archers primary school, an elegant community centre and a cricket pitch with pavilion.

Salisbury District Council has designated Amesbury at its centre for employment growth with Solstice Park at the commercial heart of South Wiltshire. A host of varied employment opportunities and business programmes will make this commercial hub a vital component for the community.

Amesbury is encased by some of Wiltshire’s finest countryside, much of which is a designated area of outstanding natural beauty. The River Avon meanders through the town and adds to the location’s peaceful atmosphere.

For those who enjoy countryside pursuits such as walking, cycling and horse riding, the vicinity has a network of bridle ways and footpaths that link unspoilt villages, sweeping chalk downloads and tranquil river valleys.

• • • • •

Site Clearance Roads and Sewers Substructures External Works Specialist in housing development

Tel: 01202 813186 • Fax: 01202 821380 1 Thorne Way, Woolsbridge Ind Park, Three Legged Cross, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 6 FB

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Numerous places of interest are close Cinema, Alton Library and the Allen buy, including Stonehenge, which attracts Gallery, housing one of the South’s thousands of visitors every year. This finest ceramic collections. prehistoric monument, a designated World For keeping fit, Alton Sports Centre Heritage Site, offers visitors stunning offers great facilities for swimming, vistas especially at sunrise and sunset. gym and many other sports.

Archers Gate is a defining example of how As with many Persimmon homes, a sensitive approach to house building Barley Fields is built with Space4 timber within a beautiful, sensitive and historic frame technology, which improves setting can provide elegant, modern homes insulation and air-tightness. This results that enhance the residential landscape. in a reduction of 50% in heating costs Less than a mile from Alton town than the average home in the UK and centre, Barley Fields is another it’s a cosier, more comfortable home.

Persimmon development, comprising With other housing developments a fine selection of one- and twoin the south such as Avon Fields, bedroom apartments and two-, three-, The Maltings, Picket Twenty and four- and five-bedroom houses.

Willows Edge, Persimmon’s portfolio Situated in the picturesque north east has never been stronger.

Hampshire, yet within commuting distance of central London, Alton is a small market town, rich in history dating back to Neolithic times.

Alton provides We are pleased to be associated with Persimmon Homes many opportunities for leisure, which and wish them continued success for the future includes the splendid Curtis Museum for Alton’s history, the 120 Albert Street, Slough, Berkshire SL1 2AU Victorian Assembly Rooms for arts Telephone: 01753 527808 Fax: 01753 554396 and entertainment, the Palace

Wishing continued success to Persimmon Homes 117 Nevill Avenue, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 7NE

TEL/FAX 01273 881528 John Thorpe Mob – 07768 904936 Joe Peake Mob – 07774 238963

LEISURE UKC

National Railway Museum Explore sights and sounds from the past at Station Hall The redisplay of Station Hall at the National Railway Museum was completed in three separate phases.

The first of these improved physical access around the hall, created a new line up of vehicles and improved power and data provision across the hall. Phase II opened up a new entrance to the hall, installed a baffle wall to improve environmental conditions in the hall, and also improved the flooring in the space used for events and programming.

The final phase used innovative techniques to create a deeply engaging experience, entirely about the human experience of railways. This phase included the design and installation of a new lighting scheme that aims to capture and enhance some of the atmosphere of the building.

Energy efficient lighting combines with steam effects to pick out details of the building and displays. The baffle wall has been designed with futureproofing in mind, and is fully demountable, should

the museum wish to maintain rail vehicle movements in and out of the space.

Station Hall is one of the two main exhibition halls and houses collection items ranging from Queen Victoria’s saloon to platform ticket machines. Over the course of the last two years, Station Hall has been transformed to create an immersive and nostalgic space in which visitors explore 24 hours in the life of a station and discover the lives of its workers and passengers. The hall also houses a restaurant and is used as a venue for corporate events, such as large dinners.

One of the main partners of the National Railway Museum is Saville Audio Visual – the UK’s favourite AV supplier.

At the forefront of the UK industry for more than 40 years, the Company specialises in the sales, hire and installation of AV equipment and integrated systems, including LCD projectors, plasma & LCD screens, videoconferencing and digital signage networks.

Throughout the development at Station Hall, work was always challenging because of its nature. The ultimate aim was to protect the collection and maintain a safe and pleasant environment for visitors.

Because of the listed status of the museum, it meant that when plans were developed to include removing some of the original platforms from the space, the museum had to work in close collaboration with the conservation office from York City Council.

Designed by Atkins, the Main Contractor for Phase I was Patton Heritage and for Phase II, it was Wood Mitchell.

Work on Phase I started in June 2011 and was completed a month later.

Phase II also took one month, starting in September 2012 and finishing in October, and the Phase III got underway in September 2012 with final completion achieved in February 2013.

SETTING THE STANDARD FOR AV PROUD TO BE WORKING WITH THE NATIONAL RAILWAY MSUEUM With a unique nationwide network of regional centres and 40 years experience, Saville is one of the UK’s most experienced and innovative providers of AV products, integrated AV/IT systems and Conference and Live event solutions.

• AV/IT Systems • Projection and Screens • Video Conferencing • Digital Signage • Custom Furniture Manufacture • Conference & Live Events Services • Equipment Hire • Voting Systems • Digital Event Technologies • Webcasting

Tel: 0870 606 1100 Saville Audio Visual Millfield Lane, York YO26 6PQ head.office@saville-av.com

www.saville-av.com 61

UKC PROFILE

Association of Drainage Authorities

Water level management The Association of Drainage Authorities (ADA) is the membership organisation for water level management authorities in the United Kingdom.

Members include: 121 IDBs, the Environment Agency, 13 Regional Flood & Coastal Committees (RFCCs), the Northern Ireland Rivers Agency, local authorities and suppliers, contractors and consultancies of the water level management industry.

ADA is recognised as the national representative of Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs) in England and Wales.

Each Internal Drainage Board is a local public authority established in areas of special drainage need in England and Wales. They have permissive powers to manage water levels within their respective drainage districts. IDBs undertake works to reduce flood risk to people and property and manage water levels to meet local needs.

Today, there are 121 IDBs in Great Britain, 120 in England and three in Wales (2 IDBs cross the border). IDBs cover 1.2M hectares of England (9.7% of the total land area of the country). They play a key role in reducing flood risk to over 600,000 residents and nearly 900,000 properties (commercial and residential). They operate and maintain over 500 pumping stations, 22,000km of watercourse,

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175 automatic weed screen cleaners and numerous sluices and weirs.

Established in 1937, ADA was created to watch over and support the interests of drainage authorities at a national and parliamentary level, providing a forum for the exchange of ideas and discussions, and to disseminate information of common interest.

Today, ADA is recognised as the authoritative voice of the water level and flood risk management industry, providing definitive technical information, plus news and guidance from across the sector.

From its office in Surbiton, Surrey, ADA is run by a diverse team of highly educated and qualified professionals, working closely with ten branches across England and Wales and involving many key experts of water level and flood risk management.

With such a high level of responsibility for its members and the industry as a whole, ADA provides the following services: ••Response to government legislation and consultations – for example, responding to the consultation on and the implementation of the Flood and Water Management Act. ••Gathering and presenting industry reports – for example, on how to form a new IDB, risk management plans, and the importance of water level management

to UK communities, infrastructure, farming and other businesses.

••Providing technical support – for example, giving specific guidance as to how members should carry out certain tasks.

••Organising conferences, workshops and demonstrations – ADA holds an annual conference, local authority seminar and a working demonstration for water level management equipment and plant hire, and many other workshops, such as for climate change risk adaptation, and the eel regulations workshop.

••Links with European water level managers. ADA is a founding member of the European Union of Water Management Associations (EUWMA), established in 1996. At present, organisations from Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom are members of the EUWMA. Each year, EUWMA members meet to discuss European legislation, regional and local water management issues within the member states.

For more information, please visit www.ada.org.uk or contact ADA on 020 8399 7350.

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Chillers: We have a large fleet of chillers and portable air conditioning units either for hire or sale available for all types of environment and industry sectors.

We have a wide selection of energy efficient Carrier chillers with the latest technologies that are used in different applications and environments from air conditioning to process cooling. Our chillers range from 10kW to 1200kW.

Heating: We have a large fleet of portable heaters either for hire or sale available for all types of environment and industry sectors. Our heaters are selected to provide high efficiency with low running costs and are built to withstand the needs of all commercial and industrial uses. They range from 1kW to 500kW and can be coupled together to increase capacity.

Pumps & Power Pumps:

SLD Pumps & Power are the UK’s leading pump and generator company. Our highly invested fleet of equipment ranges from submersible, hydraulic submersible, air pumps and standard versatile diesel pumps, to extreme specialist high head diesel pumps. Pumps available in Atex Rated and DNV frames.

development has gone into the assembly of SLD’s diverse fleet of equipment for hire in the UK. The sheer size of the fleet and knowledge from over 60 years of experience is your guarantee that you will always get the correct solution for any of your applications.

Power: SLD Pumps & Power we don’t just hire out generators. Many years of research and

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63

UKC PROFILE

Highways Agency

Dedicated to providing safe roads Created in 1994, the Highways Agency is an executive agency of the Department of Transport (DfT).

The role is to support the sustainability of the UK’s economy by operating, maintaining and improving the strategic road network in England on behalf of the Secretary of State for Transport.

The strategic road network in England is approximately 4,300 miles long and is made up of motorways and trunk roads, which carry a third of all traffic by mileage.

Significantly, two thirds of all heavy goods vehicle mileage in England is undertaken on the strategic road network, making it the economic backbone of the country.

Work undertaken by the Highways Agency includes improvements at Area 1, which consists of the A30 and the A38 trunk roads to the west of junction 31 of the M5 near Exeter, incorporating 110 miles and 70 miles respectively.

In managing this part of the trunk road network, the Highways Agency is supported by its Managing Agent Contractor (MAC), EnterpriseMouchel.

The A38 travels through south Devon via Plymouth and across the Tamar to south east Cornwall to link with the A30 at Bodmin. The A30 crosses mid Devon to skirt Dartmoor, accessing Cornwall at Launceston before crossing Bodmin Moor and on down to Penzance.

The A30 from the M5 junction 29 to the eastern end of the Honiton bypass and the A35 Honiton to Bere Regis is operated and maintained by Connect A30/A35 Ltd. The project began in October 1996 as part of the government’s Private Finance Initiative (PFI). The road is run as a private venture and the contract runs until 2026.

The A30 and A38 all-purpose trunk roads

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in Devon and Cornwall have a unique to be constructed. Advanced earthworks topography, including certain historic start in the summer, and the main junctions that do not meet current construction will get underway in autumn. standards. There are also numerous The A5092 currently forms a T-junction changes between dual and single onto the A590 with drivers having to carriageway sections in Cornwall. pull into a gap in the central reservation The two routes serve both regional to turn right to join the westbound and local transport functions, A590 towards Ulverston. The gap with a wide variety of users. also provides a right turn from the The Agency also controls Area 13, which westbound carriageway onto the A5092. comprises the motorways and trunk Replacing the layout with a roundabout roads in Cumbria and north Lancashire. will improve safety at the junction.

Since July 2010, the Highways Agency Temporary traffic lights will be used to has employed EnterpriseMouchel to ensure work is carried out smoothly maintain and carry out minor improvements and there will be some lane closures to the road network in Area 13. on the A590, as well as some This area also covers part of the weekend closures of the A5092. privately financed A69 trunk road The Highways Agency has set itself the from Carlisle to Newcastle, which is challenging goal of becoming the world’s managed separately by Road Link Ltd. leading road operator by 2015, and with One of the projects planned within this area this level of commitment to improving will commence in summer. It will see the its roads, that is an achievable target. construction of a roundabout to replace an existing T-junction at A590/A5092.

These works are part of the national Pinch Point Programme, which forms part of the government’s growth initiative, KJ Thulborn Ltd is a family company, established 1983. Supporting the Highways Agency and their Managing Contractors in Areas 1, 2 and 3 across South and SW. outlined during National Highway Sector Scheme 12AB, 12C, 12D and 18 ISO 9001 and 14001 the Chancellor’s accreditation and ISO11000 Business Collaboration Partner to Enterprisemouchel in Autumn Statement Area 1. in November 2011.

KJ Thulborn Ltd provide a range of maintenance services including highway cyclic Work on the rock maintenance, winter maintenance, grass cutting, traffic management, arboriculture face adjacent to works, landscaping. BALI CSCS ROLO Health and Safety Training Provider. the junction has commenced in Lantra Traffic Management Training Centre.

Contact: info@ktjhulborn.co.uk Tel: 01803 762 147 order to enable the roundabout

KJ Thulborn Ltd

MicroNet THE S-PARAMICS EXPERTS.

Our consulting firm specialises in the use of MicroSimulation Highway Modelling software to assess and enhance the performance of highway improvement and development schemes.

We can also offer training and support on a one-to-one basis that is tailored to your business, your challenges, your people.

Our goal is to get you implementing, not just planning. Our work is grounded in real experience of highway issues to produce tangible, bottom line outcomes.

Here are just some of the companies and pubilc sector organisations that we have worked with recently.

The Highways Agency • Mouchel Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) Curtins Consulting • Capita • Crowd Dynamics Ltd URS-Scott Wilson • Rochdale County Council Stockport County Council • Newcastle City Council Liverpool City Council

Need free advice? Ask the experts!

For FREE modelling advice, send your questions, comments or ideas to gerardjennings@micronetconsultants.co.uk MICRONET CONSULTANTS LTD gerardjennings@micronetconsultants.co.uk www.micronetconsultants.co.uk

Latest Highways Agency project The Fleetwood Peninsula/ A585 S-PARAMICS model was built on behalf of the Highways Agency (Area 13) in order to investigate the impact of potential developments and highway improvement schemes on the performance of the A585 and local trunk roads.

It covers an area of over 50 km^2 and includes all roads, traffic signals, pedestrian crossings, trams and other public transport.

When we were asked to expand the existing model to include the full length of the A585; we suggested to the client that we should model the entire peninsula. This simplified the prior matrix build and also included alternative routes to the A585.

The result was a robust validated model which has been used to apply for DfT 'pinch point' funding for a number of schemes. It has also been used as a design tool to develop proposed highway improvements so that the final designs are as efficient as possible.

UKC EDUCATION

University of Essex

New multi-million pound car park The University of Essex is benefitting from a new three-storey car park that offers students and staff an additional 357 parking spaces.

The new multi-decked car park, on the south side of the Colchester campus, is now open for use by staff and visitors, while two parking bays along Valley Road have been reserved for student parking only.

Since its foundation in 1964, the University has established a worldwide reputation for to quality teaching and research. Over the past five decades, it has grown to more than 11,000 students, including over 3,000 postgraduates, who have come from all over the world to study at one of the three campuses in Colchester, Loughton and Southend.

Of the many strengths the University can boast is that it was ranked ninth in the UK for the quality of its research and top for social sciences in the latest Research Assessment Exercise in December 2008, and is also in the top 20 for mainstream English universities for overall satisfaction according to the 2011 National Student Survey.

The Southend campus is in the heart of Southend-on-Sea and is just a short walk from the beach, providing outstanding modern facilities for students and business.

Loughton is home to the world-famous East 15 Acting School with fast links to central London, and the Colchester campus is set in beautiful parkland with an incredibly diverse community of students from more than 150 countries.

The £3.5M scheme was constructed by leading specialist, Bourne Parking. The multi-deck car park is clad on all facades by 6.5km of feature cedar vertical fins, with integrated measures reducing the scheme’s environmental impact; including ‘green walls’, electric vehicle charging points, energy efficient LED lighting and photovoltaic cells on the roof.

Handover of Phase I, which comprised

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of 157 grade-level parking spaces, was completed in November 2012, allowing students and University staff to benefit from increased parking ahead of the official opening. The final phase was completed on schedule, with the car park handed over to the Client in February 2013.

The total number of spaces on campus now exceeds 1,800, improving parking provision for the 6,000 students who live off campus and more than 2,250 staff and visitors using campus facilities.

AD Architects was commissioned by the University to provide architectural services in connection with the development.

The site was particularly planningsensitive and required extensive consultation with Colchester Borough Council’s planning and urban design officers to achieve an appearance that reflected the University’s modernist architecture and the parkland setting.

The design is based upon a Bourne Parking system, with an external envelope that includes exposed aggregate

concrete panels at low level, and stainless steel straining wires at high level to encourage the growth of climbing plants.

This increased capacity will also ensure that the University continues to attract the highest quality students and teaching staff.

The University has ambitious plans as it approaches its 50th anniversary, and will continue to value the highest academic and professional standards, environmental sustainability, diversity, equality of opportunity, integrity and leadership.

www.intumescentseals.co.uk

HOUSING UKC

Abbeycliffe Residential Care Home A Home from home

The newly refurbished, purpose-built care home in Radcliffe was opened in April by the Mayor of Bury, Joan Grimshaw.

Abbeycliffe is set in half an acre of land in tranquil gardens and is only a three-minute walk away from the town of Radcliffe.

In 2012, work started on the building on behalf of Abbeywood Care Home family to redevelop the former Southern Cross Care Home in Radcliffe, providing 40 ensuite single bedrooms, as well as creating 30 new jobs for the local economy.

The rooms are luxurious and Abbeycliffe has communal areas including an elegantly furnished lounge, a bright and airy conservatory overlooking beautiful gardens, and there is also a large, spacious dining room.

Abbeycliffe lies between Bolton and Bury, and is easily accessible through several transport links.

The key considerations when developing the care home were to optimise the quality of life of residents, with freedom of choice, as well as flexibility to enhance their latter years.

Stephen and Moira Durkin have worked in the care home industry for 25 years. They opened their first care home in 1988, the second in 1998 and now also have Abbeycliffe.

There are plans to continue this excellent care and attention to detail, which includes organising trips out and entertainment in the home, ensuring everyone feels part of the community.

Stephen said: “Ultimately we enable our residents to receive long-term care, affording them an independent and satisfying lifestyle within the home. Our approach to care is based on respect as an individual and their care to be acknowledged as such.

“Our residents are encouraged to sustain their independence and to prolong their vitality, personal

interest, dignity and self esteem.”

Relatives will feel comfort in choosing Abbeycliffe is run by Stephen and Moira’s Abbeycliffe as the home of their loved daughter, Fiona Jackson, who has one, safe in the knowledge that the caring previously been promoted to Sister at and trusted team are always on hand Hope Hospital but instead wanted to work to provide the elderly with the care and with the family in caring for the elderly. attention desired by all, while ensuring She brings with her many years of that their individual needs are met and experience in working with elderly people they constantly feel happy and content. as well as a nursing background that she shares with Moira.

Stephen explains: “She has been working in our care homes since she was a young girl and has always enjoyed working with the elderly.”

Abbeycliffe is a great addition to the group, providing high quality facilities while at the same time ensuring that the values and ethos on which the Abbeywood Care Home family’s reputation has been built on are retained.

Stephen, son Matthew Durkin and son-in-law Matthew Jackson, who all work in the building trade, have worked tirelessly to create a very attractive building that 36 Ladymeadow Close, is purpose built and with all mod cons.

Bolton, Lancashire BL1 8UW All walls are decorated and feature iconic images from info@megelecltd.co.uk the turn of the 20th century and has a real home-fromhome feel about it.

Electrical contractors working to a very high standard in all Domestic, Commercial, & Industrial environments.

Tel: 07584 639 167

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UKC EDUCATION

Forest Fields Primary School

Giving Nottingham’s historic Berridge Centre a new lease of life Nottingham City Council’s project to expand Forest Fields Primary School from 420 to 630 places got underway at the beginning of February.

The works were officially begun on 8th February by the Lord Mayor, Councillor Leon Unczur, and the City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, Councillor David Mellen.

Works include the refurbishment of the Grade II listed Berridge Centre, which is currently adjacent to the school’s site and which will be integrated into the school campus. Improvements to the Berridge Centre will involve installing a new roof, upgrading mechanical and electrical systems and refurbishing existing windows. The improvements will also provide a new hall, allowing the whole school to meet for assemblies.

There will also be minor refurbishment of the existing primary school. This

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will include creating a new ICT area, refurbishing existing classrooms and toilets and redecorating the existing dining room. A new platform lift will be installed to ensure the entire school is accessible to pupils and staff with disabilities.

Externally, minor demolition on site will increase the playground area. A multi use games area will be installed which will be available for community use outside hours.

The works to Forest Fields Primary Schools are part of Nottingham City Council’s transformation of the city’s schools through a £15M expansion programme.

The three year investment programme will create over 1,000 new primary school places to meet the increasing demand from local parents for Nottingham schools.

The programme ensures that every child and young person has access to the very best facilities in order to help them to succeed and reach their full potential.

Councillor Mellen said: “This is an exciting major investment in the Forest Fields area of the city, not just for the school, but for the whole community.

“Refurbishing the Victorian Grade II listed Berridge Centre, along with the existing school buildings, will significantly enhance the whole community, from the improvements to the ‘street scene’ and landscaping, as well as allowing more places for pupils to access this very popular school.”

Sue Hoyland, Head Teacher of Forest Fields Primary and Nursery School, said: “We are delighted with the plans for our popular and expanding school.

The fact that we will be incorporating the iconic building, presently known as the Berridge Centre, into our school is very exciting as it was purposely built for the forward thinking High Pavement continued page 70 >

VENTROLLA MIDLANDS ARE TOP OF THE CLASS Ventrolla Midlands are putting their expertise into practise and scoring top marks at Forest Fields Primary School, Nottingham.

The renovation project worth £5.2m will see extensive refurbishment of The Berridge Centre building on Stanley Road, Nottingham. Built in 1895 the Victorian former grammar school, which is Grade II Listed was in a significant state of disrepair.

Forest Fields Primary School in desperate need of renovation.

New tinted and toughened windows being crafted by Ventrolla Midlands

Working closely with Nottingham-based Wates Construction, Colin Porter of Ventrolla Midlands was invited to put his teams’ experience to the test. With over 20 years service with Ventrolla, the timber window renovation specialists set to work on the project in February 2013.

Colin said “To replace the existing glass with new tinted and toughened glass on over 1700 panes has been an exciting challenge, and due to the large number of timber windows in need of repair we have worked on the frames on site and the sashes at our workshop to make the work as efficient as possible.”

He added; “We are delighted to be involved in such an important project, helping to inject new life into this beautiful historic building. The benefits will be felt by the community and the school for many years to come.”

With over 30 years experience, Ventrolla offers a bespoke renovation service for sliding sash and casement windows, and timber doors, with its Head Office in Harrogate, and offices located throughout the UK and Ireland. For a FREE no-obligation survey and quotation call Freephone 0800 0277 454 or click www.ventrolla.co.uk.

Colin Porter (Left) receiving plaque from David Greaves, Managing Director of Ventrolla

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Crafted in Great Britain

School at the end of the 19th century.

“It will now be refurbished to continue to provide education for this community in the 21st century.”

Forest Fields Infant School was established in 1910 in the two buildings situated between Bradgate Road and Stanley Road. Stanley Road Junior School was built on a nearby site in 1895, and this is now the community centre.

The Berridge Centre was built in 1895 for the Nottingham School Board. It was known as High Pavement Grade School and became a boys Grammar School after the 1944 Education Act. This closed in 1985 and the building was then occupied

by Clarendon College. This became New College Nottingham, who ceased using the building in July 2010, since which time, it has remained empty.

At approximately 2,300sq m, the Berridge Centre is constructed with Nottingham red brick on a stone plinth with large wooden windows, and a rosemary tiled roof with lead details. Considering its age, the Centre is in very good condition, with tiling to the main hall and cupola on the roof of the four-storey building.

The designs for the works have been done by Nottingham-based CPMG Architects. Nick Gregory, Director at CPMG, said: “This is one of a number of educational projects we’re working on nationally with Wates, but it’s particularly exciting being in our home city.

“We have worked on several historic premises in Nottingham and are delighted to help inject new life into this lovely old building – it will benefit the community as a whole and provide a wonderful environment for the local children for many years to come.”

Wates is the Main Contractor for the

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project. Andy Hand, Business Manager for Wates Construction Midlands, commented: “The Berridge Centre is a structure of local importance and we are delighted to be applying our 40 years of heritage expertise to create an exceptional educational facility.

“As population rises it is necessary to commission the expansion of school buildings and Forest Fields is a great example of how this can be done by incorporating an existing building, particularly one which has a rich history in education.”

The project was procured via the East Midlands Property Alliance (empa) framework, managed by Scape.

Scape is the local authority controlled company set up to help public sector clients save time and money in delivering their construction projects.

Alan Coole, Scape’s Development Director, said: “The empa framework not only allows for the quick and efficient procurement of public building works, but does so whilst bringing with it a host of significant local benefits – such as generating local employment and skills development opportunities.

“We are delighted to see work commence on this flagship building and seeing the positive impact it will make to the young people of Nottingham.”

Integrating the site to form a unified whole is a challenge to all involved, as is respecting the heritage of the Berridge Centre while also providing a stimulating environment in which to educate young people.

Costing approximately £6.7M, work is scheduled to complete in December 2013.

PACE CONSULT ENSURES SOUND EDUCATION ENVIRONMENT Pace Consult has undertaken acoustic consultancy service on the Forest Fields School which incorporates amendment/extension to the existing school and remodelling of the former Berridge Centre with its retained structure and historically important features.

Pace Consult has been retained to take the development through the detailed design process, navigating the challenges of the remodelling of the Berridge Centre while working within the retained and fixed structural limitations to improve the acoustic performance towards BB93 compliance.

Martin Jones, managing director, comments: “Creating an acoustically well controlled learning environment goes beyond the typical consultant contractor relationship. We consider it is part of a duty of care that is incumbent upon us to the future occupants of the development.” info@paceconsult.co.uk www.paceconsult.co.uk

For further information visit: www.paceconsult.co.uk.

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Down To Earth (DTE) Demolition Ltd From your first enquiry, through to completion of the project, Down to Earth (DTE) Demolition has a highly trained and dedicated workforce and utilises specialised machinery (also available for plant hire) to provide a first class service.

to advertise in this magazine please call

0 1 2 57 231900 www.pro-mark.org.uk

As a family run business with over 30 years combined experience, we have earned a reputation for delivering high quality demolition services to our clients. As a father and son partnership, we retain the dedicated ethos of a small business, whilst utilising the professional skills and machinery available to a larger one. Based in Nottingham and working throughout the Midlands, Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire, we provide a comprehensive, high quality demolition service.

Unit 1, Moorbridge Works, Bestwood Road, Bulwell, Nottingham NG6 8SS Tel: 0800 0484 309 Email: info@dtedemolition.co.uk www.dtedemolition.co.uk

Amici Building Contractors Ltd are specialists in bricklaying and contract brickwork.

Centrally based in Grantham, we are ideally located to serve both industrial and commercial customers throughout Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, Lincoln and the surrounding areas.

Specialist Masonry Contractors Amici Building Contractors Limited Northbank House, Back Lane, Colsterworth, Grantham, Lincs, NG33 5HU

TEL/Fax: 01476 860250, Mobile: 07775 726477 e-mail: andy@amicibrickwork.com www.amicibrickwork.com

With a wealth of knowledge and trade experience in the brickwork and building sector, all projects undertaken are completed on time, on schedule, to the strictest of standards. Our highly experienced, time served team of bricklayers are incredibly efficient, enabling us to integrate seamlessly on any project.

At Amici Building Contractors Ltd, we carry out brick and block work contracts on a “supply and fix” or “labour only” basis. We can also supply scaffolding systems in conjunction with development projects if and when required.

Established in 2004, we have carried out a comprehensive range of contract brickwork throughout the East Midlands and the surrounding areas for a comprehensive range of clients including Mansell, Multibuild, Simons, Kier, Henry Boot, Wates Construction and many more.

The UK's leading installers of platform lifts for domestic and commercial use At Platform Lift Solutions, we are focussed on providing our customers and end-users with sound advice, the right product and an unrivalled service; based on over ten years experience in the disabled access sector.

Unit 2 and 3 Enterprise House, Thomlinson Road, Longhill Industrial Estate, Hartlepool TS25 1NS

Tel: 0800 085 0269 / 01429 426222 Email: info@platformlifts.co.uk www.platformlifts.co.uk

Our range of products ensure that a solution is available for any access problem, from the simplest of applications to bespoke design, using only tried and tested technology. Our catalogue includes products such as Vertical Platform Lifts, Inclined Platform Lifts, Step Lifts, Scissor Lifts, Service Lifts (Dumb Waiters) and Goods Lifts; Platform Lift Solutions also specialises in Passenger Lifts.

71

UKC COMMUNITY

County Hall

Office development in Truro Work is in the final phase to provide a multi-million pound project to refurbish County Hall in Truro. This project is part if the overall Cornwall Council rationalisation programme to reduce office space and property cost.

This listed building will see an increase in its capacity and become the new headquarters for Cornwall Council.

Work has been undertaken to enable relocation of staff to County Hall, therefore reducing the running costs of numerous buildings at the Council’s disposal. The refurbishment will increase the capacity from 650 to 1,000 by providing a ‘Hot Desk’ working solution.

The alterations to levels two, three and four of the south/west wing, as well as levels three and four on the north wing, and zero and one at the east wing are all part of the £8M refurbishment plan.

County Hall was opened in 1966 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and set in landscaped grounds it contains many of its original features and furnishings as well as some exceptional pieces of work by world renowned artists with links to Cornwall.

Because it is over 40 years old, most of the mechanical and electrical installation require replacing, and the building is also not very efficient because of its age.

Therefore, work is necessary, with the development including taking down the walls and individual offices and making it more open plan.

Other changes will include upgrading of the lighting to make it more efficient than it was previously, and the new biomass boiler will also help this.

Windows are being refurbished, as is the central heating pipework and the radiators. Many of the fixtures are being checked and replaced if it is necessary.

Before this work, there was a development

72

that provided a new entrance and cafeteria moving out of the office and then back at County Hall, which finished 18 months into it, which has also provided a huge ago, so this project is adding to that challenge to all involved in the contract. project to provide a high class facility.

The result is the Council have fewer Because of its listed nature, the buildings to maintain, reducing all development at County Hall has ongoing revenue costs. In the long provided challenges. Throughout the term, this will save the Council a building, there is an existing partition considerable amount of money. called Unilock and this has had to be The Architect is Poynton Bradbury incorporated back into the design as Wynter Cole, one of the south west’s much as possible from the original build. largest practices. Founded in 1973, There was an underpass where cars used the firm is now 14-strong and has to park at one area of the building. This has gained a reputation for innovative and now been changed to meeting rooms. sustainable solutions to challenging Externally, the concrete structure is being projects across a wide range of sectors. repaired where necessary. The structure The Main Contractor is Kier Western, is surveyed when the scaffolding is up who offers a comprehensive construction and repaired as the different phases service to public and private sector of refurbishment are undertaken. clients throughout the south west One of the main challenges has been of England and south Wales from its developing in a building that is occupied, regional offices in Bristol, Plymouth, and working around the workforce that is Exeter, Newport and Truro. there. With the age of the building, each Work at County Hall started in September phase involved the strip-out of asbestos 2011 and will be complete in October 2013. so all this has to be carried out as well.

The removal of asbestos isn’t an easy process, so separate communications were set up specifically for the project. All members of staff were made aware of the programme and which areas of furnishing for interiors the buildings and Suppliers of quality furniture, carpets, curtains & upholstery stairwells were shut off, and when.

Tregonings are proud to be chosen for the supply and installation of the This development is floor finishes at New County Hall Rationalisation Project part of a complete 68 Fore Street, Redruth TR15 2AF rationalisation of Cornwall Council’s offices Email: enquiries@tregonings.co.uk www.tregonings.co.uk so there are people

Tregonings 01209 214839

COMMUNITY UKC

Village Hall New community building for Oving Village Next year will see a new village hall completed in the village of Oving near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.

The main hall will comprise seven metres by 11m, and , in addition, will include a kitchen, toilets and a store.

The land on which the hall is being built is part of a large recreation ground. The hall will be placed between the tennis courts and playground , with a good view of the football pitch - making it an ideal location.

There will be windows on three sides of the main hall – the main side looks at the football pitch and the other two sides look at the tennis courts on one side and the playground on the other. This will enable parents and grandparents to attend events in the hall but be able to supervise children using the playground and other facilities.

The single-storey development will have an extensive loft area above the kitchen, store and toilet area, that can be used for storage, while the main hall will have a vaulted ceiling. Many sustainable features are incorporated including photo-voltaic panels, a ground source heat pump, rain water harvesting and a very high standard of insulation.

Commissioned by Oving Parish Council, the hall will comprise an oak frame with insulated panels, horizontal timber boarding on the outside and a steeply pitched plain tile roof.

Designed by Border Oak Design & Construction Ltd, it is in a designated Area of Attractive Landscape and near a Conservation Area so a high standard of design and a traditional appearance was necessary to ensure the building would fit well into its surroundings.

Costing £240,000, work started on the scheme in April 2013 and will be fully complete in March 2014.

We are pleased to be associated with Oving Parish Council The project and wish them continued success for the future could not have been attempted without vigorous Collevista, Marston Hill, Oving, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP22 4HB fund raising by T: 01296 641 358 Mobile: 07831 704018 Oving Villagers and generous Email: f.bennet@virgin.net grant donations.

F Bennet Builders

CIVIL UKC

Port of Southampton Berths Giving ability to handle large number of vessels Work is underway in Southampton to deepen berths 201 and 202 in the Western Docks to enable the Port to accommodate the current generation of labour container vessels at their loaded draught.

The berths were the UK’s first container berths but in recent years have been too shallow to accommodate modern ships. The increase in the length of container ships has meant that the current deep-sea berths at the container terminal can no longer accommodate four large vessels simultaneously.

By combining berths 201 and 202 to provide approximately 500m of quay with 16m of water depth alongside, the effective capacity of Southampton’s container terminal will be restored to accommodate four large vessels.

Work will see the construction of the quay wall between three and five metres seaward of the existing alignment to enable the berth pocket to be dredged, the deepening of the dredged pockets of berths 201 and 202, and the disposal of the dredge risings at the Nab Tower Disposal Ground, unless a beneficial use can be found. These are estimated

to be approximately 185,000cu m. tonnes of material will be dredged along Associated British Ports (ABP) has the route, which will improve safety of appointed VolkerStevin to undertake the navigation, ability of vessels to pass works. The percussive piling of the 37m each other, and increase the marine long, 1.8m diameter piles that form the tidal access window for large vessels. basis of the new quay wall are in place.

The new and improved berths will Further piling works to insert the sheet be operational by spring 2014. piles between the tubular piles was required and following discussions with both Southampton City and New Forest District Councils, this commenced in May and was completed within a month.

ABP received consent from Diamond and Tungsten Drilling - Core Drilling - Wall & Floor Sawing the Marine Expansion Jointing - Hydraulic Bursting - Reinforced Concrete Management Installers of Chemical Anchors & Fixings Organisation in February to Cavity Wall Tie Systems - Concrete Repairs improve the marine Heritage, Ampfield Hill, Ampfield, Romsey, Hants. SO51 9BD access to the Port with an extensive t: 01794 367017 f: 01794 367017 m: 07860 576467 E-mail: office@prodrill.fsbusiness.co.uk programme of Website: www.prodrill.fsbusiness.co.uk dredging.

More than 23

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UKC PROFILE

Lincolnshire Energy from Waste Project

Treating 150,000 tonnes of waste each year Following detailed research and an extensive public consultation, Energy from Waste (EfW) technology emerged as the solution to Lincolnshire’s waste problem. It will provide a sustainable, safe and affordable waste treatment solution and allows energy to be recovered from waste that isn’t recycled or composted in the form of electricity.

The contract between Lincolnshire County Council and Waste Recycling Group, now FCC, was signed in March 2011 after being appointed by the Executive Committee to design, build and operate a new EfW facility at the end of 2010.

Construction started in April 2011 at the site just off Whisby Road in North Hykeham, and it was officially marked by a special tree planting ceremony led by the Chairman at the time, Councillor Peter Bedford.

Work will develop facilities to treat, recycle and dispose of waste materials arising from the EfW facility.

The facility forms part of Lincolnshire County Council’s solution to meet environmental targets set by the Landfill Directive, which aims to recover 67% of waste by 2015.

As a key member of WRG’s bid team for the project, CNIM Clugston Lincolnshire Ltd was selected to design and construct the facility.

Working in joint venture with process

74

partner CNIM, Clugston is working to provide the £40M civil engineering works package incorporating structural work, associated offices, control rooms and a visitor centre to cater for the 150,000 tonnes per annum plant.

The EfW project will be fed from a series of new waste transfer stations strategically situated throughout the region. Household waste will be collected, sorted and then sent to the EfW facility for processing.

Waste transported to the facility is to be stored within a large underground bunker before being used as fuel to power a hot water boiler. This in turn drives an 11-megawatt turbine.

Electricity, which is generated, is then exported to the National Grid thus reducing the need to burn fossil fuels to create electricity.

As a by-product of the process IBA or Incinerator Bottom Ash is produced.

This material is then used in different applications including as an aggregate replacement in road construction.

This complex project involves heavy civil engineering works, undertaken in testing conditions. The waste storage bunker was constructed using secant piles in order to obviate ground water ingress into the underground structure. Found seven metres below ground level in an old gravel extraction quarry, the bunker made for an interesting start to the project.

Heavily reinforced concrete walls surround the bunker and continue from the underground structure to terminate at a height of 20 metres above ground level. These were formed on site using a proprietary metal framework system, lifted and positioned using the site’s tower crane.

The structure’s huge primary steelwork frame measures 190 metres long, 30 metres wide and, at its peak, reaches 45 metres high. Supported by piled foundations, the steelwork has provided phasing challenges to meet the delivery dates.

Phasing the different facets of the construction is key in order to hand over different areas to allow the installation of the process equipment. Managing these key interfaces has been challenging, but has been managed by the site team to the commendation of the client.

The facility will include a visitor centre, operate 24 hours a day, create approximately 33 jobs and will generate enough electricity to power 15,000 homes.

In addition, opportunities are being explored to make use of the heat produced by the facility in local homes and businesses in the future. Not only will this facility reduce the nation’s overall carbon footprint, but it will dramatically reduce the need for landfill.

The site will be up and running in autumn 2013.

TMS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED KEEPERS GATE, WEST CARR ROAD, RETFORD DN22 7NN, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE · · · · · · · · · ·

Health and Safety Consultancy & Training Health and Safety Systems, On-Site H& S Personnel, Policies and Procedures, Audits.

Manual Handling Training Confined Space Awareness- BA and Escape Sets Working at Heights / Safety Harness / Lanyard IOSH Managing & Working Accredited Courses Safety Passport (CCNSG) PASMA Scaffold and many more

· 180 Excavator 360 Tracked Excavator – including Quick Hitch · Mobile Elevated Working Platforms · Dumpers (Front Tipping over 3tonne) · Rough Terrain Telescopic Plant Training Courses Available: · B1-B2-B3 Forklifts (up to 5/10/15 ton) · VNA Reach Truck · Tracked Crawler Cranes · Forklifts · Mobile Cranes (Wheeled) · 360 Mini Diggers · Abrasive Wheels / Petrol Cut Off Saws · Tower Scaffold & Ladder Training (PASMA) · Hand Held Portable Power Tools Instructor · Slinging & Banksman Instructor · Wheeled Loading Shovel · Wheeled Skid Steer Loader · Harness & Lanyard Training · Rough Terrain Forklifts · Appointed Persons BS 7121 (Cranes) and many more-if not listed-ASK!

It is a legal requirement under the Health and Safety at Work legislation that Employers ensure all persons are suitably trained and given information, instruction, training and supervision.

PUWER Regulations 1998, Regulation 9 stipulates that “Employers must ensure no person operates or uses work equipment unless they have been suitably and adequately trained by an accredited instructor to an accredited standard”.

Contact: Steve Hemmings

Mobile: 07572-875762 Tel: 01777 703195 Email: steve-tms@btconnect.com www.tms-int.co.uk Affiliated Awarding Bodies

UKC PROFILE

ACIFC

Constantly expanding membership The Association of Concrete Industrial Flooring Contractors (ACIFC) is the representative organisation for specialist contractors involved in the construction of concrete industrial floors.

Bringing together contractors, material suppliers and service providers, ACIFC’s objective is to raise standards in floor technology. ACIFC members, which pour over seven million square metres of concrete every year and provide 70% of all UK-built concrete industrial floors, have a proven track record and meet minimum technical, health and safety, and training standards.

There are three categories of membership. This includes: ••Contractor: Specialist contractors engaged in the construction of internal concrete industrial floors.

••Associate: Suppliers of specialist industry products.

••Specialist Associate: Academic, consulting engineering and other specialist service providers (corporate or individual) In April, the Association increased

its representation of the concrete industrial flooring industry by welcoming Technic Concrete Floors Ltd into Contractor Membership.

Technic Concrete Floors Ltd has more than 40 years of experience in the design and construction of concrete floors and offers the full range of services from the design of ground bearing and suspended ground floor slabs to laying and finishing.

Combining experience in laser screed with traditional reinforcement and fibre technology, ACIFC’s newest member operates on a nationwide basis with offices in Lancashire and Scotland and typical projects include factories, offices, schools and supermarkets.

ACIFC brings together the leading contractors, material suppliers and service providers within the industry and is unrivalled when it comes to providing concrete flooring experience.

High performance concrete industrial floors are a crucial element in the construction of modern industrial and commercial buildings where they need to withstand the wear and tear of industrial traffic.

Clients such as Airbus, DHL, Ikea, Tesco and Volvo can be confident that by specifying an ACIFC member they will be working with a competent and qualified specialist contractor who has the support of an established trade association.

In the last 12 months, ACIFC has increased its membership by nearly 25% and is currently offering a 25% discount on the first year’s subscription for new members to enable more businesses in the sector to raise their profile as well as receive a wide range of benefits and services provided by ACIFC. Kevin Dare, Chairman of ACIFC, highlighted the value of its membership. He said: “Membership of ACIFC helps businesses in our industry to stand out from the crowd and with the discount for new members there has never been a better time to join.

“Times are tough but the benefits and services available from ACIFC mean members get excellent value for money from their membership and they can focus on delivering high quality projects for their clients.”

The master for large surfaces.

Just one click to the no. 1 choice: www.wackerneuson.com uk.orders@wackerneuson.com

The Wacker Neuson Group is a leading manufacturer of light and compact equipment with over 40 affiliates and more than 140 sales and service stations across the globe. With over 300 product categories and a global spare parts service, Wacker Neuson is the partner of choice among professional users in a wide range of industries including commercial and industrial concrete floor contractors. Wacker Neuson offer a comprehensive range of concrete floor finishing products, from a CT24 edging trowel through to a massive CRT60 hydraulic ride on trowel ensuring the right machine for the every application is always available

76

HOUSING UKC

Newton Abbot Hospital Site New neighbourhood on the former site

Stover Court

A former hospital site in East Street Newton Abbot is being regenerated to transform the area into a modern new neighbourhood.

Following the opening of a new hospital at Jetty Marsh, the buildings on the East Street site became vacant while awaiting a suitable scheme for their redevelopment to be agreed.

Located in Devon, the £30M project will, when fully completed, see the development of a new medical centre, Sainsbury’s local store, 56 dwellings, 47 apartments for McCarthy & Stone, an extra care home, as well as offices and other retail units.

Work is progressing on site within the Grade II listed buildings, as well as other curtilage buildings.

Some of the work is already completed.

This includes the Sainsbury’s store, which opened a new GP surgery in January 2012.

Buckland Surgery is located in a fully equipped consultation room and offers patients the opportunity to visit the doctor in an easy to access, convenient location.

David Gilder, Sainsbury’s Professional Services Manager, said: “We are delighted that we have been able to partner with the Buckland Surgery and we are sure that this facility will be very popular with patients.”

Dr Jill Millar, Buckland Surgery, said: “We hope it (the surgery) will increase ease of access to our services as Sainsbury’s is convenient to get to, with good transport links.

“We hope that our patients will find it easy Lounge, Guest Suite and laundry room. to be able to do their shopping after they In addition, Stover Court has been have attended an appointment with us.” traditionally designed using a range McCarthy & Stone’s development of of natural high quality materials and one- and two-bedroom privately owned locally sourced reclaimed stone. The Later Living apartments exclusively properties are currently on sale. for the over 60s, known as Stover Designed by Narracotts Architects and built Court, will be completed in August.

by Stacey Construction, work on the whole The Later Living developments offer development will complete next year. the independence of retaining home ownership while living in an apartment specifically designed for later life.

Facilities include a shared lounge, guest suite, laundry room and a lift. A dedicated house manager ensures the smooth running of the development and a security entrance system plus 24-hour emergency call points provide peace of mind for both residents and their families. All properties are low maintenance and energy efficient.

The design incorporates the preservation of We manufacture standard and bespoke doors and three of the original windows, conservatories, staircase, purpose built buildings including the former hospital kitchens and worktops, bars and counters, one off lift shaft. Two have pieces of furniture and flooring all in a range of been restored and converted into hardwoods and treated softwoods to suit your needs. the Homeowners’

We also offer comprehensive and flexible glazing service, fully labeled for onsite fitting and delivered to site with your joinery.

Unit 6, Riverside 2, Quay Road, Brunel Industrial Estate, Newton Abbot, Devon TQ12 4DZ Diamond Drilling - Floor Sawing - Wire Sawing Chasing - Floor Preparation - Demolition

Tel: 01626 337113 Fax 05602 049536

4 Cannon Road, Heathfield Industrial Estate, Devon TQ12 6SG

www.williamsjoinery.co.uk

Tel: 01626 201220 www.bbccs.co.uk

Email: info@williamsjoinery.co.uk

77

UKC PROFILE

Linden Homes

National strength, locally delivered Linden Homes has strengthened its western profile by continuing to expand on its Kingston Mills development.

The Island is the culmination of this award-winning development, a successful and popular mix of new homes, commercial opportunities and community facilities and amenities.

The new homes of The Island, at a secluded end of the development, are a short, riverside stroll from the shops and cafes around Lamb Yard and links to the town.

Kingston Mills is designed to seamlessly blend with the historic town centre of Bradford-on-Avon.

Within a short stroll there’s a selection of specialist shops, open-air cafes, public open space and restaurants.

Bradford-on-Avon train station is within walking distance, offering mainline trains to Bath, Bristol and beyond, with London just a two-hour train journey away.

The development is a mixture of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes, including two types each of the three- and four-bedroom homes.

The Isle is a collection of four-bedroom homes over four-storeys. The ground floor has a spacious garage, hall, and utility room, leading to the first floor that has an open plan dining area, living area and kitchen, and opens out to a balcony that offers great views.

The second floor has two ensuite bedrooms, with the first having its own wardrobe room, and the final floor has two further bedrooms and a shared bathroom.

New Mill is a two-storey, three-bedroom collection of properties. The ground floor is home to a spacious living room, combined dining area alongside a combined kitchen and dining area.

Upstairs there is the master bedroom with ensuite facilities and a separate dressing area, while on the top floor, there are two further bedrooms, and shared bathroom.

At the heart of each home, a superbly fitted kitchen features the best of Linden Homes’ quality, style and taste. All aspects have been carefully considered and, in addition to standard specification,

78

include granite worktops and upstands, plinth lighting, under mounted sink with chrome mixer tap, as well as AEG and Zanussi integrated appliances.

Bathrooms and ensuites are havens of tranquillity, with sparkling white Alto sanitaryware and special features including rectangular bath with pop-up waste and Ceraplan bath filler, and a Roman Collage range of shower enclosures with clear glass and bright silver surrounds.

Throughout these homes, the emphasis is on understated elegance. There are light oak veneered effect flush doors with chrome furniture, saloni range ceramic wall tiling – with a mix of full and half height tiling to bathroom and ensuites, smooth white woodwork and ceilings, with restful Gardenia walls with two feature walls in contrasting colours in apartments.

As demanded by today’s connected lifestyle, the homes at The Island are fully equipped for the digital world. Sky TV + HD is provided to each house and apartment independently from a communal dish.

TV points are provided in the kitchen, lounge and each bedroom. There are telephone points to the living room, bedroom and one adjacent to all TV points.

Other electrical features include electrically operated garage doors, full security alarm system installed, switched spur for the feature fireplace for the houses, and video entry system for the apartments.

Outside, the emphasis is on contemporary design, unobtrusive security and classic elegance. Rear gardens are turfed and fenced with an outside tap, and the front door has a welcoming light, doorbell and multi-point locking system.

This is another feather in the cap for Linden Homes – an industry expert in regenerating brownfield land, delivering distinctive and diverse homes in prime locations throughout the UK. The Company strives to create sustainable new developments that inspire modern living and set new benchmarks in design.

MA COOK CLEANING 24 years experience of builders cleaning We are pleased to be associated with Linden Homes Western and wish them continued success for the future 36 Magdalen Road,Tetbury, Gloucestershire GL8 8LG

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PROFILE UKC

Fort Vale R&D facility

Fort Vale Engineering Limited is a world leader in the precision manufacture of the valves and fittings for transportation in the road tanker and tank container industries.

In order to maintain this position, Fort Vale is proud to announce the completion of a new £1.2M Research and Development Facility at its Headquarters based at the Calder Vale Business Park near Burnley, East Lancashire.

Construction was undertaken by Dale Contractors Limited to designs by Manchester based Architect, FletcherRae. The 14,639sq ft facility houses an apprentice training centre and tool room as well as office and amenity space, doubling the amount of training space available previously on site.

The building itself comprises a large open plan workshop space with a mezzanine level to the West elevation to accommodate an office, meeting room and viewing gallery, with a singlestorey amenity block to the South.

The design principles reflect the functional nature of the operations contained within the building with clean lines and simple forms. At ground level there is a masonry plinth of smooth red brickwork to the entire perimeter of the building with full height

dark grey powder coated aluminium curtain at Architect Fletcher-Rae, said: “This latest walling to the staff entrance on the north phase of development marks another elevation, main entrance on the north and significant milestone in our long standing west elevations and to the Break out Area relationship with Fort Vale. Over the last and Workshop Offices on south elevation. six or seven years, we have been involved The upper half of the building is finished in in Fort Vale’s Head Office development. In light grey metal composite cladding. There addition, we have assisted in developing is a large glazed slot to the north and west a long-term strategic masterplan that’s elevations framed by a projecting dark designed to facilitate this internationallygrey metal flashing. The dark grey powder acclaimed company’s growth, as well as coated aluminium walling provides natural future expansion, with the next stage.” daylight to the first floor mezzanine and allows occupants Fusion offers a one-stop shop to clients.

Our broad ranging skills enable us to to benefit from manage entire or part projects, appoint and elevated views of coordinate consultants and develop the surrounding procurement strategies for new build, countryside. refurbishment or business relocation from The new building conception to completion; on time, on forms part of the budget and exceeding client’s expectations. building larger Fort Vale site consultancy and sits adjacent to the main production facility, Griffin House, 18-19 Ludgate Hill, Birmingham B3 1DW allowing excellent connectivity Tel: 0121 236 3515 Fax: 0121 236 3671 between the Email: info@fusionbc.co.uk two buildings.

Andrew Rae, Joint www.fusionbc.co.uk Managing Director

79

UKC PROFILE

Mansell

Dedicated to nurturing long-term relationships Mansell creates places where people live, are cared for, work, learn, meet, travel, and have fun.

Set up by Robert Mansell in 1908, the Company’s head office in Croydon stands on the site of his original builder’s yard.

In 1997, through the acquisition of Hall & Tawse, Mansell was able to expand nationally, further developing the strong reputation and trading identity which it retained following its sale to Balfour Beatty in 2003.

Mansell subsequently incorporated parts of Birse, Dean & Dyball, Strata and Rok, therefore enhancing geographic coverage and depth of expertise.

As part of Balfour Beatty Construction Services UK, Mansell delivers projects through a network of regional offices, ensuring strong links with local communities are maintained.

Versatility is one of Mansell’s greatest assets. From constructing multi-million pound developments to restoring fragile listed buildings, the breadth of expertise, experience and knowledge is evident in every project Mansell delivers.

There is a keen focus on developing long-term sustainable relationships in core market sectors and the Company’s teams make sure it keeps abreast of innovations in the construction industry.

Many of the projects are delivered as part of framework agreements, but Mansell also has a wealth of experience in unique and complex projects that demand sensitivity and an understanding of a structure’s historical significance.

The diversity of business extends from local communities to commercial construction, from public to private sectors, and includes Private Finance Initiative (PFI) and Public Private Partnership (PPP) work.

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One of Mansell’s projects that will be completed next month is the design and build project to create a new residential wing at Ash Court, on the main Girton College site at Huntingdon Road.

The building will contain 50 ensuite rooms with splendid views over the duck pond, together with a new gym, ergo room, changing rooms, fully refurbished swimming pool and squash courts.

The whole development is a model of best practice in sustainable building design and operation, incorporating a large photovoltaic array, ground source heat pumps and heat recovery on the ventilation.

Intended to achieve a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, the building will play a major part in the college’s plan to reduce its carbon footprint.

Last month saw the announcement that Mansell has been awarded interior refurbishment contracts worth almost £4M. The projects, in Wednesbury, Bedworth and Chippenham, will involve three retail units, an academy and a primary school.

Mansell is working on a contract on behalf of Legal and General Assurance to refit a former Focus store on the Brookside Retail Park in Chippenham, Wiltshire. The £2.2M project in Bath Road includes converting the store into three separate retail units and building an extension to one side. The project is due for completion in the summer.

A £733,000 refurbishment at Wood Green Academy in Wood Green Road, Wednesbury is also underway. The work involves replacing windows, curtain walling and external doors as well as the refurbishment of the toilet block.

In Bedworth, Mansell is carrying out work valued at £703,000 at Newdigate Primary School in Anderton Road. The project, due to complete in August, involves an extension, complete internal refurbishment and work to the façade.

The project is being carried out on behalf of Warwickshire County Council and is being delivered through the East Midland Property Alliance (EMPA)

minor works framework, of which the County Council is a member.

Western Region Director of Operations, Stuart Rogers, said: “These contracts further reinforce Mansell’s presence in the education and commercial sectors in the West Midlands.

“We have developed a strong track record of expertise in delivering complex interior work projects, working closely with building occupiers and neighbours to achieve great results.”

May also saw Mansell commence work on an £8.8M fast track fit out of two halls of residence for Loughborough University.

Phase I involves the refurbishment and upgrade of the Eggington halls of residence, while Phase II will see improvement works at the nearby Falkner site.

The existing halls of residence, which were originally constructed in 1974, are made up of 73 two- and three-storey accommodation blocks. One bedroom from each of the three-storey blocks will be removed to provide enhanced communal living and kitchen space.

A full refurbishment of the halls, sub-warden flats, reception and games room will be completed.

This will include asbestos removal, mechanical and electrical upgrades together with the fitting of new floors, ceilings, kitchens and bathrooms.

In addition, furniture, fixtures and

fittings will be replaced and the blocks help customers and local communities redecorated. A new social hub will benefit from the legislative changes include a launderette, together with contained in the Localism Act of 2011, bicycle and bin storage facilities. which gives them greater powers over This recent appointment increases what happens in their own area.

Mansell’s portfolio at Loughborough Through using local teams and supply University with work underway to chain partners, everyone working on a deliver a new state-of-the-art Health project makes sure that, whatever is built, Exercise and Bioscience building which Mansell remains sensitive and considerate will serve as a new National Centre to local needs and concerns, as well as for Sport and Exercise Medicine. contributing directly to the local economy.

The new accommodation will be ready

by September 2013 with Phase II due to complete by December 2013. This will be followed in the New Year by work to replace exterior doors and windows, Eyre Building Services Group re-roofing and is one of the Eastern Region’s landscaping.

Mansell undertakes leading Mechanical and all work with the Electrical contractors knowledge that it is important to • Mechanical • Electrical listen to what local • Air Conditioning people say – and • Heating and Ventilation many projects are • Plumbing locally conceived 27 Yarmouth Road, Norwich, Norfolk NR7 0EE • Security and Fire Alarms T: 01603 700565 - F: 01603 700495 • Renewables e-mail: mail@eyre-norwich.co.uk and controlled. www.eyre-ellectrical-mechanical.co.uk • Network Structured Cabling Systems As a national contractor with a locally based delivery model, Mansell is well positioned to

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UKC PROFILE

CONSTRUCT

For the benefit of all its members Registered as a company in 1994, CONSTRUCT is a trade association for subcontractors working in the concrete frame industry.

It consists of 27 contractors and about 50 supplier members. Those supplier members are drawn from the concrete industry, the formwork industry, the material supply industry and the fixing industry.

Operating from one office in Camberley, the four main areas that the Association focuses its strategic business on are to help members develop and advance by looking at health, safety and environmental performance, by looking at training and the provision of competent training, by looking at the promotion and further use of concrete and concrete processes, and by looking at fair trading conditions.

As one of the four strategic areas, training provision and setting out of best practice is extremely important.

As the central hub of knowledge for the whole concrete structures industry, CONSTRUCT is committed to leading the way in the provision of world-class training in construction.

This commitment continually expands, with new courses being added to transfer the knowledge that is critical to the ongoing development of the industry and the individuals operating within it.

With more than 12,000 employees, the Association’s members represent a significant percentage of the workforce – an obligation taken seriously by CONSTRUCT. The priorities are to discuss and pursue good practice, identify shortfalls in training and the provision of training, understand and communicate the availability of grants and funding, and promote apprenticeships and qualifications.

As a members’ organisation, CONSTRUCT represents all the voices in this specialist sector, with a membership made up of specialist concrete frame contractors as well as their clients, suppliers, consultants and other industry bodies.

CONSTRUCT exists for the benefit of its members. As an organisation, it is positioned to directly and specifically improve the concrete frames and structures industry, to constantly evaluate and respond to industry needs, and to influence developments in speed and economy.

A Council of elected members meets quarterly. Strategy meetings plan ahead and

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set out targets and objectives, while subcommittees work tirelessly in members’ interests to make that vision into a reality.

Since its formation, CONSTRUCT has been acknowledged across the construction industry as a professional and proactive organisation that acts as an interface between member contractors, clients and suppliers, and between other elements of the construction industry with all its shareholders. As such, membership is open to all those who have an interest in promoting excellence in concrete.

CONSTRUCT acts as a forum for members, encouraging discussion and collaboration, inviting participation in focused groups, such as the Formwork Group and Training Committee to address opportunities or issues that members face.

Wherever appropriate, CONSTRUCT acts as the face of its membership, positively representing the industry with a united voice to the benefit of all.

CONSTRUCT’S members make up the vast majority of players of all sizes in the UK’s concrete structures industry, with 93% of total spend in the sector completed by members. The membership itself is truly national with members operating in all corners of the kingdom.

Any membership organisation thrives or dies on the credibility of its members so the Association is particularly proud to represent more than 80 market leading organisations and as such is undoubtedly the central authority within this specialist sector.

Companies applying for membership are required to provide a completed application form and all other supporting documents and information requested by the Membership Committee, according to the membership category being applied for.

Specialist concrete frame contractors have to be active in concrete frame construction, be able to demonstrate that concrete frame construction is a core activity, demonstrate that industry performance standards can be achieved, and contractors also have to prove they are financially stable.

All prospective contractors must have a health and safety policy, conform with acceptable industry employment practices, provide relevant references relating to concrete frame construction, and be capable of providing labour, materials and plant as a minimum.

For many years, the membership did not

extend to suppliers or other stakeholders, but to be a true and representative voice to the industry, CONSTRUCT recognised that all players needed to collaborate.

As a respected and recognised voice in the industry that is represented on the board of the National Specialist Contractors Council (NSCC), the Association lobbies both clients and government.

CONSTRUCT is fundamentally a group of working parties set up as committees, which invites inclusion of all stakeholders. It is keen to collaborate with designers, architects and other consultants who have an interest in the specialist field of concrete structures.

By getting involved with CONSTRUCT and its committees, consultants get direct access to all leading contractors, suppliers and problem solvers.

Developing close relationships with contractors can only help to ensure building issues are resolved as early as possible and the expectations of clients are realised as painlessly as possible.

Supplier members represent every part of the concrete frame supply chain, and in the spirit of collaboration, they are invited onto the CONSTRUCT council and into every committee.

With a very significant percentage of all concrete frame contractors working among its members, inclusion means opportunities not just to network with, but to work closely with those contractors who are clients.

Sitting alongside those contractor clients means all suppliers are at the front line when it comes to understanding the problems and opportunities that exist for product and material development in line with changing regulations.

The Association is active and respected within the construction industry as a whole. This includes working with all the main players in concrete including The Concrete Society and The Concrete Centre, as well as a number of research and academic institutions such as British Research Establishment (BRE) and the Construction Skills National College.

CONSTRUCT liaises directly with industry to understand the needs of individual members and the membership as a whole, whose interests are then communicated to influence research.

Within the Association’s office, is a secretary, training manager, a personal

assistant, and various committees employed by member companies. These members employ somewhere around 7,000 workers with a turnover of £1Bn, and this doesn’t include material suppliers.

Many of the commitments undertaken

by CONSTRUCT encompass a number of training schemes that are provided.

This includes an apprenticeship scheme for formwork carpenters.

Formwork carpenters make up the teams that make and fix the forms that will hold the concrete in place when it is first poured.

All programmes start with a significant period of time spent at the National Construction College, which gives a grounding in any one chosen occupation so that apprentices can contribute safely and productive when they first go onto a construction site.

The programme will include taking a health and safety test, gaining a trainee CSCS card and, where necessary, improving literacy, numeracy and IT skills.

The remainder of the apprenticeship will be a mixture of on site experience and a number of block release sessions, which will be two or three weeks in duration and will assist in leading to the appropriate National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) and an Apprenticeship Diploma.

In total over the two-year period, apprentices will spend at least 13 weeks at the National Construction College, and all periods will be residential, though with the option to travel home at weekends.

Every year there is an awards ceremony attended by senior officials, employers,

apprentices, parents and families.

As part of the CONSTRUCT Apprenticeship Agreement, everybody will be expected to work for a minimum of a year for their sponsoring company following the completion of the apprenticeship.

CONSTRUCT organise training schemes covering everything from NVQs to the latest UKCG requirements such as Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS), through to course for senior management.

CONSTRUCT is able to promise greater value and efficiency to its members.

A dedicated full-time Training Manager joined in 2012 to ensure that members have access to all the training they need.

This has led to focus on a number of key areas, including: ••Provision of short-term training and support at all levels.

••Overcoming and rebalancing the obstacle of funding for training, to increase the benefit members receive from the CITB ••in 2012, as much as £150,000 of grant income that was issued to CONSTRUCT to fund specific projects and training provision, which will directly benefit members.

••Improving and increasing the recruitment of suitable apprentices, including working with technical colleges and ex-offenders.

••Increasing grant claims and income for short-term training courses. Members have been supported with the production of training plans and for some, these plans will see grant income increase by a factor of five under a pilot scheme being

undertaken with NSCC and CSkills.

••Ensure that training and apprenticeships meet the needs of CONSTRUCT members and actively change the content and curriculum where necessary by liaising directly with the CITB. ••Consultation with and representation on bodies such as CITB, CSCS, and NSCS. CONSTRUCT’S training committee draws on the knowledge and skills of members plus external expertise to guarantee that the development in the area is second to none.

The health and wellbeing of the workforce is the Association’s number one priority.

The vision is one of workplaces that are incident and injury-free, where everyone returns home safely. CONSTRUCT works with designers, clients and other stakeholders to achieve that.

CONSTRUCT’S health and safety committee meets monthly to share best practice, to learn from incidents and to work together across the industry to produce publications and policies that are better for all.

CONSTRUCT, Riverside House, 4 Meadows Business Park, Station Approach, Blackwater, Camberley, Surrey, GU17 9AB Tel: 01276 38444

UKC EDUCATION

Flakefleet County Primary School

Inspiring interior and exterior areas for children Scheduled to be ready in time for the new school year in September, Flakefleet County Primary School is undergoing an extension that will provide a coherent contrast in tone and style to the 20th century brick school buildings and will include more contemporary materials.

Based in Fleetwood, the existing building that was built in the 1950s will be complemented by a new building to increase the capacity of the existing school.

The school will continue to operate as a two-form entry primary school with nursery as it does at the moment, and there is to be no increase in the number of pupils or staff attending the site.

The focus of the scheme is the reorganisation of spaces so that the buildings provide the best possible learning environment for a 21st century primary school.

When completed, the new arrangement will provide a clear progression of pupils through the year groups, with pairs of classes within any year being arranged clockwise around the accommodation.

A new sports hall will be created in the south wing and the administrative and public entrance areas redesigned.

The most significant characteristics of the building will be: a new strong entrance welcoming the public, distinctive pods added to the envelope to allow access to and from classrooms, the transformation of the landscape, the bold contemporary courtyard spaces,

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distinctive timber cladding and glazing to new courtyard elevations giving a more welcoming character to the space, the improved circulation and break out areas, and access to a new community library directly off the main road.

The environmental strategy has been developed as a core component of the overall site.

New building elements are to be constructed to the highest energy efficiency standards, which will have a large impact on the overall sustainability of the school.

Options for heating have been carefully considered, and the existing system is being replaced by an efficient installation, incorporating low temperature radiators.

Low energy light fittings will be used throughout and local switching with timers where appropriate.

Waste will be collected and segregated as part of the school’s current arrangements.

Designed by Lancashire County Council, the internal layout of the building will feature dry lining to walls, a suspended ceiling, and carpet or vinyl on the floors of the single-storey structure.

The development will also have a teacher wall in the classrooms.

Inside the school will include four new classrooms, a library, dance and drama studios, and a media suite.

The extension comprises of timber frame and is larch timber clad. All windows will be double glazing, while the

development will have a single-ply, flat roof and rooflights will also be included.

Both hard and soft landscaping will be included in the project. This strategy has been developed to maximise the potential for play and learning environments within existing site constraints.

The main philosophy has been to introduce variety and maximise opportunities to extend the teaching space into the external environment to encourage active learning.

Woodland planting will be native to the surrounding area and salt tolerant to withstand the local environment. A mix of standard and feature tree planting will be used to provide a balance between initial impact and likelihood of establishment.

Ornamental planting is chosen to provide all year round colour and interest. Low maintenance species are being used, consisting mainly of groundcover and lowgrowing plants with some structural feature plants as focal points. This will enable good visibility through the playground areas.

Taller plants and climbers are being used to the boundaries to introduce some privacy while still retaining light and not overshadowing surrounding properties.

Additional car parking is being added to the Northfleet Avenue elevation, and the new development is fully DDA compliant.

The Main Contractor is Keepmoat, and work will be completed on the ÂŁ3.75M development in August 2013.

!

Latham Jenkins has been successfully serving the education sector for over 20 years. We design, build and install both loose and fixed made-to-measure furniture that optimises space, dealing directly with schools, contractors, architects and local authorities.

From design to after sales care, our experienced customer service team will be with you every step of the way. We have vast experience in designing, delivering and installing everything from classroom and cloakroom furniture to Staff Rooms, I T Suites, Libraries, Reception Areas and Counters, Kitchen Areas, Maintenance Areas, Teaching Walls and Bespoke In-built Storage.

To discuss your design needs in greater detail contact our Sales Team on 01942 821 414 or email sales@lathamjenkins.co.uk To download a copy of our latest brochure please visit our website at www.lathamjenkins.co.uk

UKC PROFILE

Secured by Design

Creating minimum security standards Owned by the Association of Chief Police Officers, Secured by Design (SBD) blends criminology, design against crime and security technology into a police standard that has been proven to reduce burglary by more than 75% and car crime and criminal damage by more than 25%.

With independent research constantly reviewing the scheme, SBD keeps up to date with trends in crime and burglary.

SBD was started in 1989 against a backdrop of a rising tide of burglary and a lack of consistency in crime prevention advice.

According to the British Crime Survey, burglary peaked in the UK in 1995 at 1,770,000 with people living in rented accommodation two times more likely to become a victim.

The initiative was originally formed by Police forces in the south east before its adoption by all the UK Police services by 1992. At the same time, SBD started working with the glass, glazing and hardware industries on product standards that reflected current crime trends.

By combining minimum-security standards, building design and layout crime, burglary has been reduced to current numbers of 633,000 (ONS 2012).

ACPO SBD creates national minimum standards for security products and urban design. Those recommendations seek to be reasonable, realistic and risk commensurate. With independent research constantly reviewing the scheme, SBD keeps up-to-date with

trends in crime and burgarly.

The local Crime Prevention Design Advisor or Architectural Liaison Officer works with the developer and architect from the planning stages to interpret the minimum standards to the development in question.

Not all sites need the same level of security so it is not a one size fits all approach.

The correct windows, doors and locks can make a difference between someone gaining access to a property. With 30% of all burglaries still being through the front door, it is evident that there is need to specify products that are Police Preferred Specification and are more resilient.

The principles of SBD have been proven by university research over many years that it will reduce crime by 75%, by combing minimum standards of physical security and well-tested principles of natural surveillance and defensible space.

With approximately 450 member companies, they all benefit from the SBD logo, which is trademarked and shows that products have reached a high level of security that meet Police Preferred Specification.

The logo shows that products have been tested and certified to a higher standard and will reduce the opportunity for crime.

SBD controls the use of its logo so that only members and those reselling their SBD products can use the logo.

Standards are often complex and for some unique products where standards do not exist, evaluation processes have been developed. The SBD accreditation

enables specifiers and the public to have confidence in the effectiveness of the product without having to understand the technical standards.

Due to the success of events such as the London 2012 Olympics, where SBD provided the benchmark for developing the security principles for buildings, the Company is aware that there is a demand for people outside of the UK Police Service to offer all, or part of, SBD. It is important that all individuals delivering these principles and guidance are registered, experienced and skilled consultants.

As a result, a licensed consultants scheme has been introduced to create a legitimate community of security consultants throughout the UK and centralise a secure way for those in the construction and design industries to search and ensure they only employ the skills of a true SBD licensed consultant.

SBD was a requirement for all legacy buildings for the Olympics and as a result, the principles of addressing security and testing products and designs prior to the build stage were adopted. It now forms part of the government drive to export excellence in security overseas.

SBD was also incorporated in the Cardiff City Stadium in 2009, as well as Westfield City Stratford Shopping Centre last year, and has now been adopted in many other countries.

Redrow, Davenport

86

AlluGuard

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Doors are supplied with two transmitters as standard, with the option to purchase more if needed.

Our new remote handsets are available in a choice of colours, allowing it to suit the installation.

With its smart rolling code technology, our new range enables the user to operate our garage door without worrying about compromising security.

Safety Edge Solutions Wide Range of Colours Low maintenance powdercoat finishes for the Alluguard77 garage doors are available in a wide range of colours, including these wood effect finishes:

All AlluGuard garage doors offer advanced obstacle detection through our Electrical (ESE) or Optical (OSE) approved Safety Edge solution.

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UKC EDUCATION

Ellis Guilford School

Part of the Building Schools for the Future programme The development at Ellis Guilford School has helped to create a transformational teaching environment, gathering buildings together in a considered way through the connection of existing and new external spaces.

These, in turn, provide exciting places for learning both internally and externally.

Key priorities included the removal of temporary buildings, the enhancement of external spaces for recreation and enjoyment, providing new dining and social spaces, rationalising departmental adjacencies, and providing opportunities for diverse learning styles.

The £12M refurbishment was funded through the former government’s Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme.

The outdoor space has been remodelled to create a ‘town square’ which provides a central social hub and focal point.

The state-of-the-art school, which caters for 1,350 pupils aged 11-16, now includes a new maths, English and humanities building featuring 30 new classrooms across two storeys as well as a music and performing arts suite with its own entrance area, two large music rooms, a large dance room and a large drama classroom.

Classrooms are now clustered around multiple ‘heart spaces’ which feature small group and independent learning areas, as well as provide areas for social gathering and informal dining.

The school now boasts a dedicated dining hall and new build kitchen with modern facilities along with a south facing dining terrace that offers a more private outdoor dining experience.

The existing retained block has new electrical services and data cabling to ensure that the pupils have access to the new IT system that has been installed across the whole school site.

Work has been wrapped around two courtyards to create meaningful external spaces of different character;

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the urban town square and the quiet landscaped courtyard.

The town square is visible from the main site entrance on Bar Lane. A gate restricts access to the town centre from the main entrance area in order to delineate between public and private space.

This also restricts vehicle movement into the heart of t he school. New routes and clarity in external circulation assist in connecting existing and new external spaces.

First floor accommodation bridges over gateways into the new courtyards, and all main building entrances are from either the quiet courtyard or the town square.

Work has also been undertaken to demolish the older parts of the school while also completing the external sports areas.

The design approach on the landscape was based on the express intention that the building and external landscapes work together to create the educational environment, so that the building sits carefully and operate sensitively in it setting.

The new build

is located on the existing hard play area. This facility has been relocated to the east of the site following the demolition of the Guilford building.

The Architect for the project was Capita Symonds and the Main Contractor was Carillion Plc. Worked started in April 2011 and was completed in May 2013.

EDUCATION UKC

Victoria Education Centre

New hydrotherapy pool to enhance the disabled facilities The Victoria Education Centre and Sports College is a residential and day school in Poole, Dorset, which provides high quality learning, care and therapy for young disabled people.

It is run by national disability charity, Livability. The charity’s aim is to give disabled and disadvantaged people in the UK real choice about how they live their lives.

The school provides high quality education, care and therapy to meet the unique individual needs of each of their students, many of whom are wheelchair users.

Hydrotherapy is a very important provision for people with disabilities, a new hydrotherapy pool was desperately needed to replace the aging pool before it completely failed. The old pool had a polycarbonate roof, but facing south, the temperature within the pool environment could reach temperatures in excess of 100°F.

The hoisting needs of students and personal changing space required has increased, the storage of therapy equipment being an important requirement.

The pool is essential to the students’ wellbeing. Swimming offers them the opportunity to improve their mobility and coordination and also to have a relaxing and fun time with their friends.

The new pool will have a number of concealed water jets within the walls to provide additional sensory experiences.

Interactive multi sensory lighting sound and vision will be installed to provide a stimulating multi sensory experience in the water for the students.

Phase I of the project involves the provision of the hydrotherapy pool and associated changing rooms, while Phase II will provide a new welcoming entrance to the school and two spacious floors fulfilling the need for specialist therapy rooms.

Fundraising for Phase II is ongoing.

GRAHAM GARNER AND PARTNERS LTD Consulting Civil, Structural and Geotechnical Engineers

We are pleased to have provided structural engineering services on various projects for The Victoria Education Centre including the new Hydrotherapy Pool and future Therapy Centre.

We wish the centre every success with their new facilities Established in 1971 the Practice has earned a reputation for high quality engineering consultancy services.

• Site investigations and contaminated land assessment • Roads, drainage and water projects • Retail, office and industrial developments • Institutional and educational buildings • Housing and residential developments • Repair and refurbishment of structures • Foundations, retaining walls and slope stability For a cost effective quality assured service contact: 10 Station Approach, Broadstone, Dorset, BH18 8AX Tel: 01202 697341 Fax: 01202 601852 E-mail: enquiries@ggpl.co.uk Web: www.ggpl.co.uk

A small amount of demolition work has been required as part of the enabling works, while the removal of trees was a major planning issue because all trees on site are protected.

The new pool is being built within a previously underused courtyard, and has been carefully designed to maximise use of this tight area. The existing pool will be demolished when the new one is complete.

This project has been financed entirely from voluntary funds raised by Livability including donations from the local community and corporates and leading philanthropic organisations such as the Talbot Village Trust, the Hobson Charity Ltd, the Wolfson Foundation, the Bernard Sunley Foundation, the Henry Smith Charity and the Beatrice Laing Trust.

Designed by Western Design Architects and built by Morgan Sindall, work commenced in November 2012 and will be complete for the beginning of September 2013.

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UKC LEISURE

IWM London

Getting ready to commemorate First World War Centenary A significant project at the IWM London, part of IWM (Imperial War Museums) will see a transformation that will be completed in time to commemorate the Centenary of the outbreak of First World War in 2014.

Work will see the creation of new larger First World War Galleries allowing IWM to display much more from its exceptional First World War collections.

Split into four key chapters, the Galleries will draw upon the latest historical analysis of the causes, course and consequences of this landmark conflict which claimed the lives of more than 16 million people across the globe and affected the lives of millions more.

There will be a reconfigured atrium at the heart of the museum where visitors will encounter iconic planes hanging down from above, and striking objects and exhibits reaching out from rising terraced galleries.

Exhibits include many that have not been on public display before, such as an Argentinean operating table from Falklands, a Harrier GR9 that was used in Afghanistan and a snatch Landover used in Iraq.

Grouped into thematic clusters, visitors will be able to discover extraordinary stories of the objects themselves and the history of key events spanning 65 years from the Second World War through to Afghanistan.

The collections will be reinterpreted in a more dynamic, engaging and imaginative way. Drawing on the depth and breadth of IWM’s extensive collections, to strengthen each story larger exhibits will also be displayed directly alongside film, photos and even artworks.

Harnessing modern media, the collections will also be underpinned by digital interpretation from multi-media guides through to apps and social interaction.

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Additional gallery space at the top of the museum for exhibitions relating to contemporary conflicts will be added, while there will be a new museum café opening onto the Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park and a new shop.

Of the £35M that the development will cost, Prime Minister David Cameron announced £5M of this in October 2012, in a speech outlining national plans to commemorate the War Centenary.

He said: “The transformation of IWM London will see the museum reopened as a centrepiece of our commemorations for the Centenary of the First World War and with it, new generations inspired by the incredible stories of courage, toil and sacrifice that have brought so many of us here over the past century.

“I have brought my children here several times and really believe in the importance of what this museum does. So I am delighted that the government will provide a further £5M towards the transformation project.

“This project will be a vital component of Centenary commemorations and will ensure that many more parents and children come to this very special place to learn about a defining part of our history and to remember the sacrifice of all those who have given their lives

for us in conflicts over the last century.”

In addition, the project is benefiting from a £4.5M grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

Diane Lees, Director-General of IWM said: “We’re delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has given us this support. The First World War Centenary is a landmark anniversary for Britain and the world.

“Through our new galleries at IWM London and wider Centenary programme, IWM will reconnect people with the First World War and keep the history and personal recollections of the War alive for future generations.”

In order to progress with the redevelopment plans, IWM London was closed in January 2013 but will partially reopen on 29th July.

Designed by Foster + Partners, work will be complete in summer 2014.

Creating outstanding destinations; transforming the Imperial War Museum As one of the world’s leading project management and construction companies, we are known for our ability to deliver high-quality projects on time and budget. We have a strong commitment to health and safety and we operate incident & injury free wherever we have a presence.

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Our innovative and industry leading offering includes project and programme management, design and construction, construction management and consulting. Our in-house design teams combine traditional design skills with specialist technical capabilities in areas ranging from architectural and urban design to strategic procurement. Our focus on sustainable design has also won green rating certification for many of our buildings globally.

Lend Lease is proud to support the Imperial War Museum Transformation Project

Josh Randall - Business Development 20 Triton St, Regent's Place, London, NW1 3BF T: 0203 430 9000 www.lendlease.com

COMMERCIAL UKC

Blake Envelopes Additional space at Clarence House Successful Yeovil-based Blake Envelopes is increasing its presence at the Lynx West Trading Estate by turning an existing industrial building into additional office and storage space.

The building is being upgraded to include a glazed frontage to a product display area. The landscape design reflects the building improvements with a new pedestrian, informal sitting space to the frontage and a welcoming visitor area.

There is an enhanced staff parking area to the side of the building, and carefully positioned new trees will form a setting for the building and create a simple but effective focus at the building entrance.

Blake Envelopes is an envelope wholesaler, specialising in the importation, storage and distribution of high quality envelopes to the trade and has the largest stock holding of plain envelopes in Europe.

Since its conception in 2000, the Company has grown every year and even in the very tough economic climate, has continued to grow with the assurance and support of a sound and strong foundation.

Blake Envelopes staff levels continue

to grow year on year in line with the the growth of the Company. growth of the Company, almost all of With innovative design, modern fixtures these staff live in Yeovil and the close and contemporary features, it will be the surrounding district so they have become ideal environment for Blake Envelopes to an important employment provider. showcase its exciting product range.

This project will enable Blake Envelopes to Designed by Paul Day Architectural increase its office space and enhance the Designs Ltd, and built by Morgan Sindall, welfare, safety and working environment work will be complete in October 2013. of the office staff, while also greatly improving the storage and distribution facility at the Company’s other site in Watercombe Park.

The work will also enable Blake STRUCTURAL STEEL FABRICATORS Envelopes to continue to be AND ERECTORS an important employment provider to the TELEPHONE 01935 824450 local area and EMAIL: info@steelfabsmartock.com UNIT 50, MARTOCK BUSINESS PARK, allow for further MARTOCK, SOMERSET, TA12 6HB increases in staff levels in line with

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UKC HOUSING

Hollyview

New affordable shared ownership in Wythenshawe A show home for the Hollyview development that will provide affordable homes in Wythenshawe, was officially launched by local MP Paul Goggins in March 2013.

Located on Hollyhedge Road and Rotherby Road, the project includes 15 two-bedroom houses for shared ownership. The homes are being developed by Willow Park Housing Trust, with financial support from the Homes and Communities Agency.

Paul Goggins said: “Hollyview provides much needed new homes for local people. In Wythenshawe we simply do not have enough houses to rent and it has become virtually impossible for first time buyers to get a mortgage.

“This imaginative development will provide young families in particular with an important and affordable new option.”

Close to Hollyhedge Park, Hollyview has excellent transport links with Wythenshawe Hospital and Manchester Airport, and it is ideally located for hospital and airport workers, as well as anyone who wants to get onto the property ladder.

Hollyview will create more opportunities for local people to live in high quality, sustainable and affordable housing, which is a priority for Willow Park Housing Trust.

The £2.14M scheme will feature beautifully designed kitchens, bathrooms and many eco-friendly features. It will also boast Secured by Design accreditation, which is a Police initiative supporting the principles of ‘designing out crime’ for new developments.

As an added bonus, Willow Park

worked with The Manchester College to provide real work experience for local students. Maggie Karwat, Head of the Wythenshawe Campus, said: “The Manchester College is delighted to be working with Willow Park Housing Trust to build the Hollyview complex.

“The students involved have gained valuable work experience, which will serve them well in their future careers in construction. We look forward to establishing a strong partnership and extending the range of projects that we can work together on.”

Built to a high standard, each property will include an excellent choice of design features. Each kitchen will have an integrated oven, hob and extractor, high quality vinyl flooring, dishwasher or dryer space, under pelmet lighting and up-stands to workshops.

There are white bathroom suites with over bath shower, a glass shower screen, contemporary wall tiling and like the kitchens, vinyl flooring.

All homes boast gas central heating with high efficiency Worcester combination boilers, and have French doors accessing the rear garden patio from the kitchen/dining room.

There are hard wired smoke alarms throughout the properties, double glazing with multipoint locking systems, ground floor toilets, fitted carpets to lounges, halls, stairs and bedrooms.

Each home will has an individual secure driveway providing private off road car parking, there is fencing to rear gardens,

turfed fronts and the rear gardens benefits from paved areas as well as a shed.

Designed by Pozzoni Design Group, the homes boast masonry walls and metal ratings, and all are designed to Lifetime Homes standards to provide accessible, adaptable and sustainable homes.

The Main Contractor for the project is Wiggett Construction, who has worked on a variety of previous schemes for Willow Park Housing.

Work was completed in spring.

With a workforce of approximately 30 people, including office staff and production workers we manufacture windows, doors and conservatories, supplying the trade, commercial and domestic market throughout the north of England. A new range of bi-folding and composite doors are also available.

Unit K1 Westwood Industrial Estate, Arkwright Street, Chadderton, Oldham OL9 9LZ Telephone: 0161 626 6366 Fax: 0161 627 3604 www.geminiupvc.co.uk Members of Network Veka and Fensa registered

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HOUSING UKC

Roose House Care Home Selby home taking shape Building work is progressing well in Selby to provide a new care home in Union Lane.

The foundations of the building have already been laid and the drainage was also completed in early January, allowing the main structure and steelwork to begin. This is now underway.

Work began on the 74-bed care home towards the end of last year, and builders returned to the site at the beginning of this year to ensure the project remained on target for an October completion date.

Proposals for the care home, which will create 12 to 15 new permanent jobs and 40 part-time vacancies, were put before Selby District Council’s planning committee in 2010, but a decision on the plans was deferred after a number of concerns were raised about on site parking and access.

Brims Construction is the Main Contractor – a considerate Company that is well aware of its responsibilities while work is ongoing.

Care home development, like any other building operation, has the potential to cause short-term noise and disturbance to adjoining occupiers, especially as the initial site preparations are made prior to commencement of building.

Professional builders such as Brims Construction are often proactive at communicating with these occupiers, and taking steps to keep potential disturbance to a minimum. This approach can often build up a good rapport with neighbours and minimise complaints.

With that in mind, Brims Construction sent a letter to local residents in Union lane over the Christmas period apologising for traffic congestion and inconvenience in the early stages of the care home development, but said the resurfacing of the site and new parking facility for workers would alleviate this problem.

Aaron Clements, Site Manager with Brims Construction, said the work was progressing well following the Christmas and New Year break.

He said: “We came back early after Since then, the Practice has built up New Year to tarmac and provide a reputation for integrity and insight car parking facilities on site that we which, combined with more than didn’t have in October. It’s going fine, 30 years’ experience, encourages and we’re on the ground, so local clients to return time and again. residents will see brickwork and the The project at Roose House will footprint of the building going up.” be complete in October 2013.

Brims is a privately owned and managed construction company with expertise in delivering projects for clients in housing, civic buildings, amenities, commercial L.A. HALL (HULL) LTD property, education, 19-27 LIME STREET healthcare and transport.

HULL HU8 7AB The Company’s T 01482 320367 focus is on meeting F 01482 226950 customer needs E info@lahallroofing.co.uk and the aim is ROOFING CONTRACTORS always to deliver & MERCHANTS W lahallroofing.co.uk projects on time and within budget, RESIDENTIAL - COMMERCIAL - HERITAGE providing the Founded in 1948, the name of L A Hall Limited is synonymous with high standards, efficient highest quality service and customer satisfaction through the residential, commercial and public sectors. solution to the project in hand.

Combining a tradition of impeccable customer service with a constant desire to raise Over the years, standards, we take great pride in the diversity of projects we have undertaken with both Brims has reclaimed and new roofing products. developed longterm relationships In recent years, the company has grown dramatically providing a valued service to a with many clients.

It is the Company’s diverse clientele. We believe this continued growth has been based on our desire to view that by being surpass the expectations of involved at the each and every customer very beginning we serve. of any project can make a real That’s why, whatever you need, difference and that whoever you deal with, you’ll Brims’ perspective find a team that’s courteous, adds value. attentive and helpful at all times.

The Architect for the project is Alston Murphy Associates, which was founded in 1992

by Iain Murphy.

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UKC LEISURE

Brimstone

Luxurious extension at Langdale Hotel This month sees the completion of a landmark extension of the Langdale Hotel in The Lake District.

Providing 16 rooms, this standalone block, known as Brimstone, will provide five-star plus accommodation, purpose built 100m from the main hotel.

There are two main floors and an undercroft with dedicated parking for guests. This means that the first level of building is significantly raised up almost a storey in height above the surrounding area to provide stunning views.

All rooms have covered balconies and bi-fold windows that are the full width of the room that can be pulled back so that the balcony and the bedroom area can be connected together.

The concept behind the hotel bedrooms is about exciting bathing opportunities.

Most rooms have a freestanding feature bath within the bedroom area. In the bathrooms there are separate walk-in shower, basin and toilet, providing all 16 rooms with outstanding layouts.

Of the 16 rooms, there are a variety of types, including spa suites, which have a large bathroom with a freestanding spa bath in the middle. There are also four duplex suites with sleeping galleries overlooking the main living area.

Designed by Unwin Jones Partnership and Greyline Design, the brief was to create the best hotel bedrooms in the Lake District.

The bedroom block will have a dedicated concierge service and has its own lounge and small kitchen so that room service can be produced within the hotel block itself.

Work was split into two contracts because of the complexity of the first part of the project. Being built on what was previously a rock outcrop, approximately 1,000 tonnes of rock had to be excavated to create the space for parking.

Externally, the use of local slate on the development is stunning. It has been built by local masons and the stone comes from the nearby Elterwater quarry. The stonework is a natural stone that is not mortar-free, but has no visible signs of mortar, producing a beautiful finish.

At approximately 1,250sq m, the twostorey hotel comprises of load-bearing masonry construction and all supporting walls are blockwork. Floors are precast concrete planks and the building has a traditional timber/slate roof.

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Balconies have benefited from composite decking rather than timber, which gives a fantastic appearance and is also very durable.

The Main Contractor for the building works is Thomas Armstrong Construction and Esh Construction carried out the enabling works.

Having commenced in February 2012, the project completed in May 2013. The results will be in a five-star plus hotel where even the smallest bedrooms are the same size as the largest at most five star hotels.

For more information, please visit: www.brimstonehotel.co.uk.

L

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UKC PROFILE

Bowmer & Kirkland

Celebrating 90 years of experience in the construction industry Since its establishment in 1962, the Bowmer & Kirkland Group has grown to be one of the largest and most successful, privately owned construction, development and communications groups in the UK. There are 29 companies in the Bowmer & Kirkland Group offering a diverse range of complementary services and skills, employing over 1,700 people and giving clients the opportunity to entrust their project to any one of the specialist companies or in partnership with a number of them.

With such a rich supply of expertise on offer, many high profile clients choose to put their faith in the Bowmer & Kirkland.

Services range from main contracting on a traditional, design and build or partnering basis, to specialist subcontracting covering most construction related disciplines.

The Group is dedicated to its customers and continually strives for maximum client satisfaction in every aspect of service.

Bowmer & Kirkland is working on the new leisure buildings and facilities at the new Center Parks at Woburn Forest – the leading family short break provider’s fifth UK village.

The £93M contract includes construction of the buildings for the Subtropical Swimming Paradise, restaurants, spa, 75-bedroom hotel, sports hall, conference spaces, supermarket and other associated buildings.

The build will provide employment for 1,200 construction workers in

the run up to opening, after which an The Company gained Investors in People additional 1,500 jobs will be created. accreditation in 2001, and this was This project builds on an existing re-accredited in 2004, 2007, and 2011, relationship between Center Parcs demonstrating the commitment to staff and Bowmer & Kirkland, which has and the clients for whom they work. completed a number of refurbishments Recent years have seen the Company at Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire. establish Soncell Middle East in Dubai Bowmer & Kirkland Construction to service existing and future clients in Director, Paul Lomas, said: “This latest that region, and B&K Structures Ltd was award by Center Parcs for a fifth UK established to develop composite timber village is fantastic news for us. We are and steel structural frame solutions. This proud to be associated with Center was enthusiastically received by retail Parcs and this will enhance our already clients, and the Company won the Business impressive record in the leisure sector.”

Innovation of the Year Award in 2009.

Center Parcs’ Woburn Construction This constant growth means Bowmer Director, Don Camilleri, said: “Center Parcs & Kirkland is well prepared to enjoy Woburn Forest will feature a number of another successful 90 years. important firsts for us. We hope these firsts will enhance the guest experience and make sure that we are continuing to have a positive impact on the local environment.

“We’re delighted Beaver International Ltd., specialists in all aspects of swimming to have Bowmer & pool design, installation and maintenance. With over 45 years of Kirkland on board experience, we offer a comprehensive range of services to and look forward to commercial and residential customers across the UK and abroad, working with them installing both indoor and outdoor swimming pools of exceptional to get Woburn standards.

Forest built in time for opening Our Swimming Pool Services Include: in spring 2014.”

Commercial & Residential Swimming Pools Swimming Pool Maintenance Contracts ● Indoor & Outdoor Swimming Pools ● Spas, Saunas & Steam Rooms ● Auto CAD Design Services Available ● Custom Designs & Installation ● Swimming Pool Covers ● Hydrotherapy Pools ● Underwater Surveys & Repairs By A Qualified Diving Team ● ●

INSTALLATION OF MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL, AIR CONDITIONING, VENTILATION, PLUMBING AND SIPHONIC RAINWATER SYSTEMS. We are pleased to be associated with Bowmer and Kirkland and wish them continued success for the future 31-32 Craftsman’s Way, East Goscote, Leics. LE7 3SL

Telephone: contact Dave Armstrong on 0116 260 7766 Fax: 0116 264 0376 Email: davea@egpltd.co.uk Web: www.egpltd.co.uk

96

Station Road, Plumtree, Nottingham NG12 5NA

Tel: 0115 937 5900 Fax: 0115 937 4074 Email: admin@beaverinternational.com

www.beaverinternational.com

EDUCATION UKC

Petroc Improved teaching spaces Work is now underway at Petroc to improve and develop the provision of teaching and learning at its Barnstaple Campus for students, staff and the wider community.

Part of Petroc’s ten-year strategy, work on site began at the end of last year thanks to funding from the Government’s Enhanced Renewal Grant (ERG). The £3M programme will provide essential improvements to buildings at the Sticklepath Hill site.

In total, just over 5,000sq m of classrooms and internal space will be remodelled and re-equipped with new IT and teaching equipment.

Work is taking place on the college’s iconic C Block, which is visible from Barnstaple town centre. It will save energy through updated windows and adding an additional insulating layer to the building using modern methods of construction.

Designed by WS Atkins Consultancy, the first part of the project comprised of installing a state-of-the-art spa and sports therapies suite in the centre of the campus, generating a spacious room to accommodate up to nine clients for a variety of treatments and create a practical learning environment for students.

The classrooms are also going to be updated into state-of-the-art flexible learning facilities designed to increase number of projects we have scheduled utilisation and improve the learning to improve the provision of teaching environment for students and staff. and learning space at the college and From an aesthetical point of view, the give our students the best possible building is set to look quite different, experience while they are with us.” transforming the view of the college The Main Contractor is Pearce from Barnstaple town centre.

Construction, and work will be completed Petroc is also working with the Education

by September 2013, in time for the Funding Agency (EFA) to build a specialist start of the new academic year. facility at the Sticklepath Hill site for supported learning students, which will teach them vital life and employability skills in bespoke, advanced learning spaces.

Neil Hookway, Director for Resources at Compass House, Yelverton Business Park Petroc, said: “2013 Yelverton, Devon, PL20 7PE promises to be an Tel: 01822 853985 Fax: 01822 854344 exciting year for us.

Email: enquiries@solkomfortinteriors.co.uk “This is just www.solkomfortinteriors.co.uk one of a

Conniburrow Sports Pavilion

LEISURE UKC

Sporting hub for the community After a period of redevelopment, the Conniburrow Community Centre sports pavilion is now open.

This is a great addition for the community and was necessary after the old pavilion was destroyed by fire in July 2010.

The new pavilion provides excellent facilities for the local community.

Managed by Conniburrow Community Association, the pavilion includes a hall, meeting room and changing facilities to support the outdoor sports pitches.

The sports pitches had a history of being unplayable due to water logging, but new drainage will help to provide high quality pitches for years to come – one adult and four junior – as well as a new high specification baseball diamond.

Standing at approximately 336sq m, the pavilion secured funding last year from Sport England’s Inspired Facilities Fund.

This fund was part of the £135M Places People Play legacy programme that is bringing the magic of a home Olympic and Paralympic Games into communities across the country.

Every sports facility that as received funding carries the London 2012 inspire

mark – celebrating the link to the Games.

John Gove, Sport England, hands over a The pavilion, which is a sporting hub for cheque to Conniburrow Community Association the community, gained £50,000 of this Olympic legacy funding, and focuses Baseball and softball has commenced on softball, baseball and football. at the centre now, while football Built by City Renovations, the construction and other events will follow next was a traditional steel frame, cavity year when the playing field grass is brickwork to all perimeter walls with established. The result is a facility profiled speed deck roofing system. that Conniburrow can be proud of.

Jumbo stud partitioning was carried out internally, along with a full mechanical and electrical fit out.

Groundwork on the baseball and Commerical & Domestic Decoratorating, Refurbishments & Alterations football pitches Armstrong Interiors is a company providing commercial & domestic decorating solutions was completed last across the Buckinghamshire area at a realistic cost to you, no matter how big the job. We offer year. The Scheme a reliable, friendly, professional service covering many aspects of commercial & domestic Designer was property development.

Acanthus Clews Architects, and 11 Sweetlands, Kent Hill, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire MK7 6DR the pavilion was office: 01908 690 860 mobile: 07594 666 221 completed in April 2013, delivered on www.armstrong-interiors.co.uk time and to budget.

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UKC CIVIL

Home Farm, Kettering Work began recently on the development of an anaerobic digestion plant on Home Farm in Kettering for Cranford Management Ltd. The farm produces all combinable crops, principally winter wheat and oilseed rape, from around 1,200 acres of arable land.

The farm is located in a rural stetting, with cultivated land to the north and the north-west, and a small piece of woodland to the immediate east.

The construction site is located to the north east of the farm site and whilst it is in a conservation area, the application was approved as the land is not visible from any surrounding highways.

The development of the anaerobic digestion plant will involve the construction of a number of smaller elements, including the digester tank, digestate storage tank, silage clamps, gas holder, process building and equipment building. Access onto the site, a driveway and landscaping will also be developed as part of the overall project.

The plant will be used as a plan to produce renewable energy and biofertiliser from the crops, in order to make the farm more eco friendly and self sufficient.

The digester plant will comprise a partially buried concrete tank, 31.5m long and 6.3m wide, which will be fitted with a series of twelve fibreglass domes that collect the biogas. It will have an internal heat exchanger fixed to the wall and the recirculation of biogas into the base of the digester will provide the power to mix the digester.

The double membrane gas holder will have a volume of 100cu m and will have pipes which will take the biogas to a combined heat and power unit and a standby biogas boiler which will be housed in the process building.

Construction of the plant is underway

by Evergreen Gas and is expected to

98

complete in late 2013. Evergreen Gas was advise fellow farmers in tenant-right and established as a response to Government valuation matters. Since then the Company policy and to market demand which has grown and developed. The planning increased the need for smaller scale department offer a whole range of services anaerobic digestion plants. The Company from initial site assessment to obtaining develops a variety of standard anaerobic planning and building regulation consents. digestion plants with a range of electricity outputs from 25kw to 250kw. Michael Chesshire and Will Llewellyn founded the Company in built on a solid foundation of experience 2011 following precast concrete structures lengthy careers in part of the Longley Concrete Group the industry. Michael Chesshire was the founder of a number of digester plant companies which have gone on to be successful and is a director of the Renewable Energy Association and a visiting professor at the University of Southampton.

The Architect and Planner for the development was Berrys, a partnership comprising of chartered surveyors and valuers, property and business consultants and If you’re looking for storage of liquids or bulk materials, chartered town Whites Concrete has a wide range of fast and planners. The Group economical solutions to meet all your requirements. was established For more information over 100 years ago by two farmers, Tel:01924 464 283 the Berry brothers, email: whites@longley.uk.com web: www.whitesconcrete.co.uk who set up a firm to

PROFILE UKC

4 Crosses Construction Ltd Building and civil engineering

From its base on Anglesey, 4 Crosses Construction Ltd undertake general building and civil engineering projects throughout the region.

With over 15 years of industry experience, the Company is headed by Mr DL Titchiner and employs a workforce of 20, ensuring that it is well prepared to undertake a broad range of contracts.

4 Crosses Construction has an impressive client list, having developed close working relationships with a number of local authorities and the Ministry of Defence, for whom they have carried out specialist works.

This has seen the Company expand at a sustainable rate while retaining such rigorously high standards.

Working flexibly in North Wales and West England, the Company is capable of taking contracts worth up to £2M, with all schemes comparatively priced.

With registration as members of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and Constructionline, the Company guarantee the highest standards of work.

Services offered by 4 Crosses include work on new steel framed industrial building, group repair schemes for local councils, new speculative dwellings, refurbishment and renovation works,

educational buildings, and civil help to prevent heat loss and roof lights engineering and groundworks. maximise the natural light available.

Free estimates are offered, as is quality Security was also a key consideration at workmanship, competitive prices, the design stage, so high security locking and the Company has an excellent systems are in place on all of the doors reputation with current customers. and windows, and provision was made for Previous projects include work at CCTV and anti-intruder external lighting.

Nant-Y-Mynydd, where a luxury When work was completed, the property detached development was was extensively landscaped, with constructed three years ago. block paving featuring the entrance Designed by AP Thomas Partnership, and four vehicle parking areas. the structure boasts impressive green credentials, incorporating the latest fuel-efficient air-to-water heating systems, complimented by underfloor h eating, and thermally efficient blockwork with selfcoloured render.

Double Winners at the NFRC Roofing Awards 2010 NFRC Slate Roof of the year 2011 The site has SPECIALISTS IN : SLATING : LEADWORK : ROOF RESTORATION excellent views over Design & Conservation Winner at Cheshire Civic Awards 2010 NFRC Gold Safety Award 2011 the Menai Straits, so large amounts RHIANFA, CAERGEILIOG, ANGLESEY, LL65 3YD of glazing feature to tel: 01407 741100 fax: 01407 742385 the front elevation. www.greenoughroofing.co.uk enquiries@greenoughroofing.co.uk Specially designed large pane windows

D HUGHES

WELDING AND FABRICATION We have a diverse range of clients both locally and internationally, from ship repairs, chemical plants and nuclear power stations we provide specialised fabrication and welding services to companies which require a professional standard of workmanship.

D. JONES PLANT HIRE AND SALES LTD JCB’S, DUMPERS, TRACTORS, MACHINERY MINI’S, COMPRESSORS, FORK LIFTS, 360º AND THERE’S MORE!!

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Unit 5 COLOMENDY IND. EST. DENBIGH, DENBIGHSHIRE LL16 5TA

TEL: 01745 815554 FAX: 01745 815979 email: sales@djonesplant.co.uk Website: www.djonesplant.co.uk

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UKC RETAIL

Fulham Wharf

Whole new community

Work is well underway for the £100M Fulham Wharf development, which will transform a derelict area into a neighbourhood of restaurants, shops and tower blocks of flats up to 17-storeys high.

The site, purchased by Sainsbury’s in 2009, currently houses a Sainsbury’s store and car park and a large, derelict wharf building.

Barratt London, in partnership with L&Q, will deliver a new Sainsbury’s store on the site, along with 463 residential units, as well as a number of retail units and a renovation of the currently unused jetty, which will become an ecological area for wildlife.

The 50/50 joint venture has previously delivered the Ashburton regeneration project, next to Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium in north London, as well as the Alfie Street project in the east.

The regeneration programme aims to turn the warehouse into space for new shops and homes, with restaurants and cafes boasting extensive landscaping and outdoor seating.

Planning permission for the project was granted by the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham in 2012, and the supermarket giant has since been in discussions with development partners to renovate the area.

Demolition work was undertaken with the fact it is a busy residential and commercial area in mind.

Local residents were consulted to minimise the impact of demolition, and this approach is also being taken to minimise the impact of construction where possible.

Sainsbury’s property director Neil Sachdev said he was ‘thrilled’ to be teaming up with Barratt London on the project.

He said: “We always aim to play an important role in the local community and are looking forward to opening up this part of the Thames for the benefit of our customers and neighbours.

“This will provide a new shopping and living experience unique to this part of London.”

The companies say they will also open up the riverside by creating a public path on a stretch that has been inaccessible for years.

They also hope to attract wildlife to the site with a dedicated Ecology Centre created on a large disused jetty. This is due to be completed by the end of the summer.

Built in two phases, the first will see the construction of the 100,000sq ft supermarket and just over half of the flats.

Demolition of the existing store and construction of the remainder of the flats will be Phase II of the redevelopment.

Phase I will wrap around and rise above the new supermarket in blocks that range from two- to 17-storeys.

There will be 52 of the first batch of new

100

homes will be shared ownership while 14 of the Phase II homes will be for social rent.

The demolitions, piling work and bulk excavations to the basement are now complete and the reinforced concrete works are well underway, along with the installation of steel frames for support.

The new Sainsbury’s ground floor car park is set to be completed by November 2013, with the brand new store on course to be completed by autumn 2014.

The Main Contractor for the project is Barratt London Ltd, who has registered the site with the Considerate Constructors Scheme and will comply

with strict regulations and supervision of demolition and construction activity.

All of the construction team are in constant contact with the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham to ensure that the development is undertaken within the agreed working hours.

Barratt London is closely monitoring all construction works, ensuring noise and dust are kept to a minimum, and also undertaking regular consultations, while engaging with local schools and community groups.

Work is on target to complete in 2017.

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UKC PROFILE

Carvers

Rising from the ashes with a brand new warehouse facility Based in Wolverhampton, Carvers was established in 1896 in Willenhall by Harry Carver.

Trading a successful builders’ merchant, Carvers operate from two ten-acre sites.

The one on Littles Lane has the Company’s full stock range and is conveniently situated next to Wolverhampton’s ring road, while the Neachells Lane site is a specialist timber production unit and not open to the public.

It is the Littles Lane site that is undergoing work because the original building was the victim of a fire, which destroyed the whole structure of what was a very high specification development.

Following the fire, Henry Carver, who is the fifth generation of the Carver family to run the Company, vowed to ‘regroup and rebuild’ the family business, and worked around the clock along with his executives around the clock

to help the Company recover from the devastating fire in February 2012.

The fire resulted in 90% of stock being destroyed and 80% of trade lost, and it took approximately 90 firefighters to extinguish the inferno. Immediately afterwards, Henry transferred operations to the timber engineering premises in Neachells Lane.

Two months after the fire, a temporary trade counter opened at the site and continued page 104 >

Images courtesy of PJ Barnett Associates

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Anderton Fencing & Building Products.

Quality from the ground up.

Fencing Products

Anderton Concrete specialises in providing precast concrete fencing and building solutions for all applications and our extensive product range is able to satisfy all builders merchants and contractors needs.

Contact us for further information and industry leading levels of service.

W: E:

www.andertonconcrete.co.uk sales@andertonconcrete.co.uk

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Anderton Concrete Products Ltd is one of the UK’s leading companies in the manufacture and supply of pre-cast concrete products. With over 50 years’ experience and an unrivalled reputation for providing quality products, excellent customer service and deliverability we are highly respected in the construction industry.

a litecast slotted fencing system that is designed to offer all the characteristics and durability of traditional concrete but has the additional benefit of being significantly lighter and easier to handle.

Anderton Concrete specialises in providing long lasting, cost effective solutions for all fencing and building projects: Whether fencing is required for property boundaries, as a decorative feature or for high-level security. The range includes smooth wetcast and high strength semi-dry slotted posts plus

Anderton also offers a variety of gravel board styles including plain, recessed and rockface, along with pre-stressed lintels, padstones, copings, edgings, domestic inspection chambers and our new fast-set post-mix, making Anderton an attractive one stop solution for the fencing and building market.

Concrete “Anderton specialises in providing

long lasting, cost effective solutions for all fencing and building projects

ANDERTON CONCRETE LTD. - Proud to be working with Carvers Building Supplies for over Ten Years

”

Images courtesy of PJ Barnett Associates

other temporary buildings were put in place to replace the warehouse, offices and shop lost in the blaze and 85% of sales were recovered.

Plans for the new 6,000sq m warehouses were unveiled in January. The Company wants to create a builders’ village following the devastating fire.

Henry Carver said the majority of the expense of rebuilding the Head Quarters would be covered by insurers, though he also put in more of the Company’s money to improve Carvers’ offering to customers.

He said: “Our overall budget is in the region of £4M. When the fire happened it provided an opportunity, desperate as it was, to think about how we could do things differently. Our new building will have different franchises on offer.

“We certainly hope however that having to rebuild after something like that is a once in a lifetime experience.”

Carvers is bouncing back in fine style with a new drive-through warehouse for all products that builders go to the likes of Wickes and B&Q for.

When in those places, people have to use trolleys and push them around in a self-

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selection. These are awkward and the not all large products can be kept easily inside, such as plain timbers, mouldings, the MDF boards, sheet materials, ply woods, chipboards, hardboards, all the plasterboard range, all the bagged plasters, all cements and the insulation slabs.

The drive-through warehouse means that the customers can drive right up to what they need, put them in their vehicle and drive off. It will speed up the efficiency of collection for the builder, which will in turn save them money, and result in the creation of an efficient level that wasn’t evident before and with most other merchants in the country.

The previous building was very well built but such a disaster has allowed Carvers to look at ways to change. With that in mind, the Company has looked at the logistics and efficiency of the whole operation, which has resulted in the new development having a different shape to the old, and less steel, as the previous building had four times the amount of any modern building.

A huge amount of demolition was required before the new building could be constructed. It comprises a steel frame

structure with steel sheets on the side and wooden slats on the wooden side, and its location has been moved slightly in relation to the original structure.

The single-storey structure will be eight metres high with all the racks designed so that pallets can be placed up to seven metres high. The new building isn’t joined in the middle because it makes work considerably cheaper while also meaning air extraction is not required.

The Main Contractor is Niken Construction Ltd – a well-established Walsall-based contractor carrying out all aspects of construction work. The Company is run by the shareholding Directors, ensuring a hands-on professional service to all its Clients.

Niken Construction has an extensive range of clients ranging from private developers, individual clients requiring a one-off bespoke building, local authorities, county councils, industrial and commercial clients and housing associations.

The Company produces award-winning quality buildings using traditional and design and build routes. Such a high continued page 106 >

For more information on any blocks in our range contact us at:

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quality of work is assured with the Company being a registered member of the National House Building Council, Constructionline and also the Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme.

With experience in sectors such as health, education, social and private housing developments, refurbishment, maintenance, design and build, as well as industrial, Carvers can be sure of the highest specification of warehouse.

PJ Barnett Associates is the Architect for the project, and the Practice has a great deal of experience having celebrated 40 years in business just last year.

The construction industry has changed a great deal since the Company was established by Peter Barnett in 1972 and it has had to adapt with the industry as technology evolved from the use of drawing boards, slide rules and ink pens to computer-aided design.

PJ Barnett Associates work from award-winning freehold offices in Wolverhampton, undertaking roles including all consulting aspects of civil and structural engineering, CDM co-ordinator, project management, party wall surveying, building surveying, and expert witness.

The Client list includes public and private companies, insurance companies, local

authorities, public utilities, housing associations, schools, private individuals, development companies and contractors.

Because of the circumstances behind the need for the new warehouse for Carvers, it was always going to be a challenge. Putting together everybody’s ideas and coming up with a practical solution is an example of this.

Care has had to be taken to work out the distances that cars and forklifts need, the length of this for the products that will be stocked, and the height of it. This is a very practical logistical process.

In the end, for every single product, Carvers will put in a specifically worked out area down to the pack to give space for as big an amount of stock possible. It has to be this specific because otherwise it would cause major logistical problems in the future so Carvers has planned for every rack and every product on every rack.

Carvers has worked with many different companies, including Greenhous, who is a DAF truck main dealer for the west Midlands and Shropshire. The Company supplies new and used trucks and has a 24-hour service and parts departments to provide back up for the truck sales in the area. It also operates an MOT line four days a week. This offers MOT

tests to truck operators in the area.

The Company has a long-standing relationship with Carvers, who use the parts department a lot because of Carvers running its own workshop to look after trucks. Greenhous supplies Carvers with parts as well as selling trucks to them, and undertaking MOTs, so there is a lasting relationship between the two companies.

Robert Binnion, Retail Sales Manager of Greenhous, spoke in glowing terms about Carvers and the work being undertaken.

He said: “It’s great that they (Carvers) took the option to restart again and rebuild. It’s obviously good for the local economy and obviously good for the local businesses that deal with them as well. It’s fantastic news that they chose to do that.”

The contract was placed for January 2013 but began a month after. It is scheduled to complete this summer, at a cost of £1.5M. It will be finished right on time.

This will ensure the Company continues to be successful, since it has been from 1896 when Harry Carver set up the firm, with the help of his brother Horace, and the backing from their father, John, and they rented premises from the railway at the Dale in Willenhall, which is now known as Bilston Street. continued page 108 >

Images courtesy of PJ Barnett Associates

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Formed in 2002, Engineered Timber Solutions (ETS) is the leading supplier of roofing and flooring solutions, specialising in the design and manufacture of roof trusses, floor joists and auxiliary products.

Midlands-based ETS is fully equipped to cater for projects of all sizes, from smaller extension requirements, through to the complete supply for entire housing/commercial developments. We are also specialists in the design of ‘Room in the Roof’ attic roofs, for both new-build projects and re-roofing of existing buildings.

Call: 01952 771170 Email: sales@etstrusses.co.uk www.etstrusses.co.uk

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Images courtesy of PJ Barnett Associates

Originally they set up a partnership, but in 1900 Horace left the Company and the business continued to prosper with Harry and the reins, and he soon bought the land he occupied, as well as some additional land.

In 1914 the business opened a branch in Queens Street Good Station in Wolverhampton and four years later, Harry’s son, Roland, joined the Company.

Six years later, Carvers became a limited company, continuing its steady progression.

The Wolverhampton branch flourished and new premises were erected in Horseley Fields in place of the original depot, and a slate and tile roofing department was then set up.

In the 1920s a further branch of Carvers was opened in Heath Town in Wolverhampton. Here, Carvers not only sold building materials but also manufactured breezeblocks. Prior to World War Two, the Company moved to 11-16 Stafford Street in Wolverhampton, which is now occupied

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by Wolverhampton University.

During the Second World War, new building stopped completely and the branch in Heath Town was closed. During these years, the Company’s founder, Harry, died and his son Geoffrey, who had joined the Company just before the War, was tragically killed in active service.

This left Roland to run Carvers with both staff and materials in short supply.

In 1947 John Carver, Roland’s elder son, joined the Company after completing his military service and Carvers expanded once more, taking advantage of the requirement for new housing in the post-war years. In 1953, the Company’s turnover was £127,000 and Carvers moved to 54-60 Stafford Street, leaving Wolverhampton Technical College, which is now Wolverhampton University, to acquire the previous premises.

By 1964 the turnover had reached £500,000 per annum and John and Roy Carver started Oils Ltd, which specialised in the distribution of oil to

domestic and commercial customers.

Originally Carvers Oils was based at the Stafford Street premises but in the late 1960s, new premises were acquired on a trading estate in Willenhall and the Company was relocated to the Long Acres Estate.

In the early 1970s, Carvers was requested to move once more for the expansion of the Wolverhampton Polytechnic, which is now Wolverhampton University, and new premises were acquired at Littles Lane in Wolverhampton.

Initially, five acres were bought and over the years Carvers has bought further land as it has become available.

Growth continued in the 1970s with the creation of Carvers Gases and in the 1980s, more personal changes took place with Roy’s son Henry and John’s son David both joining the Company. The turnover in 1985 was approaching £2.2M. In 1983, Roy Carver was approached by the Man Power Services Commission continued page 110 >

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Keeping Carvers fleet on the road 109

with a view to setting up an employee based Youth Training Scheme. This soon established itself as a very successful scheme, training staff not only for Carvers but also for some 450 local companies, which has supplied 60 trainees each year.

Three years later, Carvers entered the timber business by acquiring the stock, staff and machinery of the Maiden Timber Branch in Featherstone and moving them onto the Littles Lane site.

The success of this venture meant that not long after entering the timber market that investment in a tanalising plant and vac-vac timber treatment plant was required for the preservation of timber. In 1992 Hickson Plc approached Carvers to enter a joint venture to operate the timber treatment plants.

Despite the harsh economy of the time, Carvers had grown to £7.6M turnover – boosted by setting up the CashBuild Sales department specialising in serving jobbing builders. The timber division

has continued to grow and accounts for almost 40% of the Company’s turnover, of particular importance to its growth has been the establishment of its importing facilities with a dedicated dock at Keadby, near Scunthorpe and a dedicated dock in Riga in Latvia.

In 1993 the Company successfully achieved BS5750 quality management and is currently certified to ISO9001-2008 – its successor. It was a busy year for Carvers, which saw the acquisition of S Jackson & Company Ltd, who specialised in the sale of timber to major house builders.

The same year also saw Bryan Purslow join Carvers as Operations Manager. Over the years, his responsibilities have increased to managing all self-service and warehouse staff, the transport operation, health and safety, hire centre and cooker centre. His hard work was rewarded in 2000 when he was promoted to Operations Director.

In 1998 Carvers established a hire centre

facility for customers at Littles Lane and this together with associated power tools sales has been another successful diversification within the building industry. The board at Carvers was also strengthened in 1996 with the recruitment of Neil Kendrick as Finance Director.

Six years later, the Company established Engineered Timber Solutions Ltd with Phil Sankey as a 50/50 joint venture to design, manufacture and sell timber roof trusses.

Based in Roddington, the business has developed steadily and is well respected for its technical ability and short lead times.

Much of the business now comes from customers placing repeat orders.

This is the ultimate accolade for a company specialising in technical design and production one-offs.

In 2008, with sales up to £34M and more than 220 sales staff, Ivan Savage retired as Sales Director and Andrell Dinham was appointed Construction Images courtesy of PJ Barnett Associates

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Images courtesy of PJ Barnett Associates

Materials Director, Steve Moore Timber Operations and Sales Director, and Richard Boult appointed Purchasing Manager.

Steve Moore and Richard Boult had both started their working careers with Carvers in the early 1980s on the Youth Training Scheme and Andrell Dinham had also started in the 1980s with Carvers as a trainee, which shows the care and attention the Company pays to trainees.

Today, Carvers in common with most builders merchants, have to deal with the severe recession that has affected the building industry.

However, the Company’s strong financial position enables them to continue to invest in business. In late 2008, Timber Kit Solutions was established – a specialist timber frame manufacturing business in which Carvers has a 50% share with three other shareholders who all have extensive technical knowledge of timber frame construction.

Despite the difficult trading circumstances, Carvers continues to look for opportunities to develop in the wider building supplies industry.

As when dealing with the recession

and the changes that had to be made to stay competitive, Carvers and its staff also took the same tenacious approach when the Littles Lane warehouse burnt

down, and this will result in a state-ofthe-art facility and continued success for all associated with Carvers.Â

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UKC CIVIL

Ferrybridge Multifuel Facility SSE Plc and Wheelabrator Technologies Inc have entered into a 50:50 joint venture to build a new £300M multi-fuel generation facility at SSE’s Ferrybridge power station.

The joint venture – Multifuel Energy Ltd (MFE) – commenced construction last year on the 68MW multifuel facility, which will create hundreds of jobs during its three year construction period and more than 50 new full-time jobs, which will be required once the plant is operational.

Consent to develop the facility, which will use a range of waste-derived fuels to generate electricity and heat, was reached from the Department of Energy and Climate Change in October 2011.

When operational, the electricity generated by the plant will be sold to SSE. A multifuel combined heat and power (CHP) facility is a power station designed to generate heat and electricity from a range of unorthodox fuels.

It works in a similar manner to the existing power station, where fuel is burned under controlled conditions to raise high temperature steam that is then used to generate electricity. Some of the steam will be used for heating purposes within the Ferrybridge ‘C’ power station itself.

MFE has entered into a long-term fuel procurement contract with 3SE, which is SSE’s joint venture with Shanks Plc. This will provide processed waste-derived fuels using waste taken from nearby Barnsley, Rotherham and Doncaster councils.

To support this contract, 3SE intends to develop a new Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT) and Anaerobic Digestion (AD) facility at Bolton Road, Manvers.

Subject to planning permission, this is expected to be operational by 2015.

The multifuel plant at Ferrybridge is not intended to replace the existing 1,000MW of coal capacity, which is closing in 2015 due to the European Large Combustion plant Directive (LCPD).

There will be two phases of construction.

Phase I comprised of the enabling works that saw the site cleared of all infrastructure, and the relocation of part of the kit to other sections of the Ferrybridge ‘C’ site. A new internal site access road was constructed from the Kirkhaw Lane Gatehouse, and a brand new cricket pitch and pavilion was built for the use of Ferrybridge Power Station Cricket Club (FPSCC) and the local community.

Phase II, which is the main stage of work,

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will see the construction of the power station by Hitachi Zosen Inova (HZI).

SSE’s Managing Director of Generation Paul Smith, said: “Multifuel technology is a tried and tested way of generating clean, base-load power.

“This new multifuel plant will provide additional diversity to SSE’s generation portfolio and make a useful contribution to ensuring we have reliable energy supplies for the future.

“The transactions that make up this project represent a strong partnership between four major players in the multifuel sector, who are committed to making a serious level of investment in this technology.

“Between them, the companies involved have extensive experience in sourcing and processing waste, constructing and commissioning multifuel technologies and operating generation plant. This partnership creates a great platform to develop multi-fuel technology in the future.”

Fuel transported to the site will be in sealed containers, which will be opened in the indoor fuel reception area. All fuel handling will be undercover.

The fuel store is an integral part of the main boiler structure, and air is drawn from the fuel reception building into the boilers, which will avoid the possibility of smell and dust escaping from the fuel area.

There will be additional lorry movements at Ferrybridge Power Station during construction and, now operational, taking fuel onto the site.

On average, there are about 50 additional lorry deliveries per day delivering fuel.

Historically, Ferrybridge has taken up to 200 daily lorry deliveries, and previously, the site ran on average, approximately 100 daily lorry deliveries.

The project team has worked hard with the

local authorities to come up with a plan to minimise disruption to the neighbours.

There was a historical plan to put traffic signals at the junction of the A162 to allow southbound traffic to join from the Old Great North Road. This was rejected on safety grounds as there is the crown of the Aire Bridge that restricts visibility of the junction.

Instead of this, a roundabout has been built at Dish Hill to allow lorries to head north from the Old Great North Road, and turn around the roundabout towards junction 33 on the M62.

Additionally, a substantial amount of money is being invested to provide facilities to receive fuel by rail. One train can carry the equivalent of 50 HGVs, which reduces the amount of road movements substantially.

Managing Director of Wheelabrator Technologies in the UK, Gary Aguinaga, said: “Wheelabrator is delighted to reach contractual close with SSE to design, build and operate a modern multifuel facility at the Ferrybridge site in West Yorkshire.

“We are committed to forming strong partnerships as we continue to expand our operations across the UK and Europe. Through the Multifuel Energy joint venture, we are combining our expertise and experience to deliver a state-of-the-art facility that will provide significant amounts of clean energy.”

The Architect is Race Cottam Associates, and the Main Contractor is HZI. An important part of the construction team is John Sisk & Son, who is the Civil Engineering Subcontractor Supplier on the project – responsible for employing subcontractors for the scheme on behalf of the Main Contractor.

This facility will be fully operational by summer 2015.

HOUSING UKC

Route de la Nouvelle Route de la Nouvelle is a social housing scheme for Guernsey Housing Association which will see 60 new houses and 20 new apartments constructed. This is the second phase of the redevelopment of Le Grand Bouet, and provides a community orientated residential area.

The design, provided by Lovell Ozanne, draws on the organic scale and massing of typical Guernsey streets, embracing the ‘home zone’ principle of neighbourhood design and focussing on a domestic scale of architecture. The site layout provides spaces for activity and play throughout the public areas of the development whilst maintaining privacy and security for back gardens and parking courts.

Each home is to be highly insulated with the latest energy saving heating equipment, including solar panels, to reduce the fuel consumption and heating bills of the new tenants.

P3 Projection Coatings (Guernsey) Limited, a Guernsey based company specialising in insulated render and spray plaster, has been working for at the Guernsey Housing States site at La Route de La Nouvelle since October 2012.

P3 Projection Coatings (GSY) Limited’s involvement has been threefold: • External Render – the Company has carried out external boarding work to

SIPs panel using the alsecco (UK) Limited Flexewall Lite impact render system.

P3 is the exclusive agents for alsecco (UK) in the Channel Islands. This is an anti-crack system which is applied using a basecoat with a reinforcing mesh followed by a top cat primer (Silitect T1.5) with through colour. Brick slips and quoins have also been fitted externally to provide detailed side and corned finishes to the properties.

• Internal Spray Plaster – P3 has provided a spray plaster finish to substrate prepared by others you a two coat system with a mist coat to prepare the surfaces for final decoration.

• Decoration – P3 has decorated walls, ceilings, joinery (constructed by others) using a two coat silicone based emulsion system.

Glen Cawdron, a Director of P3 Protection Coatings (GSY) Limited has

commented: “We have worked closely with Rihoy & Son on the project at La Route De La Nouvelle to provide an efficient and cost effective service. Using our spray render and plaster technique, we are able to offer a time saving method of application which provides a high quality finish.”

PROFILE UKC

Pitch perfect New artificial sports pitch for Blackburn Rovers Rovers officials hope to have opened the doors to an influx of future first team talent after unveiling a new state-of-the-art facility at the club’s Senior Training Centre.

The all-weather artificial pitch, which is located at the entrance to Brockhall Village, has been officially opened and is set to play a major role in the development of Rovers’ rising stars.

Installed by Bernhard’s Sports Surfaces, the R.E.D Series 8 synthetic surface from Technical Serfaces, which comes complete with a ball-stop fence, spectator area and floodlights, will be a great asset to the Academy, as it will create extra contact time with the club’s young players.

It will also help in Rovers’ quest to secure Category 1 status, as this is one of the mandatory requirements in the new Elite Player Performance Plan that has been put in place by the Premier League.

Rovers’ Academy Manager Phil Cannon said: “When I first came to the club I asked what the biggest need was and I was told an artificial pitch, so I said let’s work towards that and I was told that we wouldn’t get it. But fair play to the owners, they have invested heavily in the Academy, for the future of the club, so let’s hope that it bears fruit

with more players coming through. as everybody knows, but it has been “The aim is for us to use it 24-7. achieved and full credit to the lads involved.

With the new categorisation of the “It is the latest technology, it is the nearest Academies, they are asking us to get you can get to turf, we can use it all the kids out of school from the age of nine time and hopefully we’ll be producing right through, so without this facility, one or two lads that will help pay for it. especially if we have poor weather, they It is a massive step forward for us.” wouldn’t have anything to do all day.

Rovers’ Managing Director Derek Shaw “The more minutes you get with the boys, added: “All credit must go to the owners the better the players will be. You aren’t for funding this project. Without their going to get a bad bounce on this surface, investment we wouldn’t have this.” it is going to be consistent and that will give the boys confidence at an early age on their technique. Being able to play football on a surface like this will allow us to produce technically better players.”

Rovers’ Head Groundsman suppliers of maintenance Steve Patrick said: machinery & equipment “I’m very proud. for onsite grounds teams There’s a lot of training & demonstrations R.E.D Range DemonstraƟon on 3G Desso Pitch hard work gone Clayton Wood Training Ground, Stoke City F.C available! into it, in inclement 08702 400 700 info@technicalsurfaces.co.uk www.technicalsurfaces.co.uk weather conditions

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UKC RETAIL

Victoria Retail Park

New units to diversify the retail and leisure offering The Crown Estate has added further options at Victoria Retail Park in Nottingham, where leading leisure brands Costa Coffee and Frankie and Benny’s will be located, and an existing McDonald’s is being relocated.

Frankie and Benny’s has agreed to take a new restaurant pod that will span 4,000sq ft. The popular brand has signed a 25-year lease at a rent of £114,000 per annum and will sit alongside existing anchor brands such as Tesco Homeplus and Next.

The Crown Estate has also signed Costa Coffee for the park. The deal comes as the coffee operator continues ambitious expansion plans that will see Costa take 1,500sq ft at a rent of £30 per sq ft on a ten-year lease.

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

Victoria Retail Park is top choice for those who want to enjoy a great shopping experience but avoid the busy city centre.

The park is a short distance from Nottingham city centre and offers something for everyone. DIY and homeware lovers are well catered for with B&Q, Tesco Homeplus and Argos.

Parking is also made easy at Victoria Retail Park, as shoppers can choose from almost 700 spaces, providing easy access to the shops.

Located north east of Nottingham city centre in Gedling Borough, the park is adjacent to the A612 Colwick Loop Road and comprises more than 20,000sq m of retail space.

The Crown Estate is governed by an Act of Parliament and the properties managed are owned by the Crown, but are not private property of HM the Queen.

The property portfolio covers urban and rural areas, around half of the foreshore and almost all of the seabed around the UK. The Crown Estate’s vision is to be the UK’s most respected property business because of the way in which it manages this portfolio of assets on behalf of the nation. The business is conducted in line with The Crown Estate’s core values of commercialism, integrity and stewardship.

The Crown Estate manages a diverse property business valued at more than £8Bn with all profits returned to the Treasury for the benefit of the nation.

In 2011/12, this amounted to £240M. In recent years, The Crown Estate has invested in prime retail parks and shopping centres across the country, together with the significant central London properties, which include all of Regent Street and around half of St James’s. The portfolio also includes housing, farmland, forestry and minerals, and parkland.

Victoria Retail Park was purchased by

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The Crown Estate in 2010 from HSBC Special Investments for approximately £57M. At the same time, Aintree Retail Park in Liverpool was purchased from London and Stamford for £100M. The purchase of these two retail parks brought the total major retail schemes within the diversification portfolio to 12, comprising nine retail parks and three shopping centres with a total value of £870M. Since then, investment has continued, and the portfolio includes 14 shopping parks, two shopping centres and a regionally dominant leisure scheme. The Crown Estate has invested over £530M in its regional retail portfolio in the last two years.

By value, retail properties represent over two thirds of the portfolio. The Crown Estate’s 14 retail parks are in prime regional locations including Leeds, Slough, Portsmouth and Harlow.

Shopping centres are also a key part of the portfolio and include two 50:50 joint venture partnerships with Land Securities at the Westgate Shopping Centre in Oxford and the Princesshay Shopping Centre in Exeter.

In summer 2012, The Crown Estate gained planning permission to build the three new units at Victoria Retail Park that make better use of undeveloped land at the park. The new leisure providers that will benefit from these will also increase the amount of time visitors spend at the park.

Hannah Milne, Head of Retail Asset Management for The Crown Estate, said: “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 a testament to our long-term strategy for the park.

“Restaurant brands and coffee operators are recognised footfall drivers and we are confident these will provide a stronger, more rounded tenant mix.”

Oak Furniture Land also opened its doors at Victoria Retail Park

in Nottingham last month.

One of the UK’s largest retailers of solid hardwood furniture, Oak Furniture Land has signed a deal for a 7,500sq ft unit at the park.

Hannah Milne was pleased to announce the opening of Oak Furniture Land at the park. She said: “The addition of Oak Furniture will add to the diversity of the park’s retail mix, offering customers something new and making a positive contribution to the local economy.”

The Architect for the three leisure units is Mountford Piggott, and the Main Contractor is Longcross – a trusted, dynamic and innovative contractor that delivers excellence and expertise across a wide range of sectors.

Longcross is a specialist in design and build, offering a depth of experience and commitment to innovation that gives the Client the confidence to let the Company deliver the vision.

The Company believes in building and maintaining strong relationships with all clients. With every successful building project, Longcross’ focus is on partnership and collaboration.

Longcross was formed as a response to the construction industry’s move towards collaborative working in the mid-1990s. The three founding Directors recognised that, by working in close partnership with Clients and suppliers, a new type of company could better harness complementary design, cost and contracting expertise to deliver what the industry needs.

The range of services that Longcross provides includes management contracting, construction management, traditional construction, roll out projects, multisite developments, flexible working and live environment working.

Work on the Costa Coffee, Frankie and Benny’s and McDonald’s units are ongoing and will further diversify the retail and leisure options at Victoria Retail Park.

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UKC PROFILE

Bryland Fire Protection Ltd Bryland Fire Protection Ltd is an independent national fire protection specialist with more than 40 years of experience in the supply, design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire suppression systems.

It was established in 1966 as a partnership between Rowland Turner and Brian Seeley, with the name derived from a joining of the forenames of both founders.

Although primarily based in the West Midlands, Bryland Fire has a satellite office in Aldershot, and its 35-strong workforce is headed up by the Managing Director, Graham Turner, and boasts a range of designers, project and installation engineers.

All are fully trained and certified in accordance with FIA requirements and all other latest industry standards.

They are fully conversant with all products and building regulations to fire suppression systems.

The fire suppression systems range from HFC-227ea, FK5—12 and IG-55 for gaseous total flooding, CO2 for total flooding and local application and wet chemical for commercial kitchen fire protection.

In particular, the Company is focusing on the installation of fire suppression systems in data centres, which is one of the areas within the UK construction industry that is buoyant. On average, it is growing three per cent each year, so there is a market for Bryland Fire to install its products at these data centres.

The main focus has now shifted towards

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Novec, which is a 3M product, and has proven extremely popular in data centres due to its green credentials and user friendly features. Bryland Fire is the largest independent installer of Novec fire suppression systems in the UK. Novec 3M 1230 fire protection fluid is an advanced ‘next generation’ clean agent halon replacement designed to balance industry concerns for performance, human safety and the environment, which makes Novec 1230 fluid the first option to nonsustainable technologies suitable for use in a wide range of offshore and land-based operations/applications to protect occupied spaces, critical equipment, and people.

This product has an ozone depletion of zero, which means it has no effect on stratospheric ozone and is a viable, long-term sustainable technology for special hazards fire protection.

One of the Novec fire suppression systems has recently been installed at a major co-location data centre in London. Comprising Phase VIII of the project, the data centre comprises of 36 networked control panels and more than 30 suppression protected spaces.

Other projects to benefit from the Novec fire suppression system include a Toyota car manufacturing plant in Burnaston, Derbyshire, which will protect a new computer room facility, and also within a new communications room for a major pharmaceutical company in Brentford.

The Company has also recently installed FM200 fire suppression systems

in two new major data centres in Buckinghamshire and Manchester, which is for a leading UK media company.

All types of fire extinguishers are supplied and fitted, and regular maintenance and refilling is offered. All who benefit from an installation also get fire safety training in the form of on site training, on line training, and e-learning, while Bryland’s services also stretch to emergency lighting maintenance, fire alarm and detection systems design, installation, commission and maintenance.

Training packages are offered for hotels, nursing homes, residential care homes, industrial, commercial and retail premises.

This training incorporates giving all staff members a greater awareness to the dangers of fire, how to react if a fire occurs, awareness of fire fighting equipment and escape routes, and help reduce the risk of fire on premises.

By carrying out fire safety training for staff, it helps to ensure no loss of business, jobs, customers, and no loss of life, and this training is a very important strand of Bryland Fire’s services.

The Company will continue to expand its operations through providing excellent quality products and services to its broad range of clients, all of whom are left very happy indeed with the high levels of service.

Bryland Fire Protection Ltd, Unit 3, Pear Tree Lane, Dudley, West Midlands, DY2 0QY. Tel: 01384 573350.

Kidde 3M™ Novec™ 1230 Fire Suppression System

❚ By far the largest safety margin for total flooding in occupied spaces of any clean agent currently available ❚ Zero Ozone Depletion Potential ❚ Zero Global Warming Potential ❚ Atmospheric Lifetime of only five days ❚ Colourless, electrically non-conductive and non-corrosive ❚ Fast fire fighting by reaching extinguishing concentrations in less than ten seconds

Working with Bryland Fire Protection Limited since 2003

UKC PROFILE

Brecknell Willis

World leaders in electrified rail transport systems Since 1854, Brecknell Willis has been involved in transportation engineering and has specialised in the field of electrification/traction for all types of transportation systems including tramways, metros and railways.

The Company’s capability covers the design, manufacture, supply, testing, installation and maintenance of conductor rail systems and ancillary products, light rail overhead systems, industrial current collection and cabling handling systems, automatic gas tensioning equipment for overhead systems, and pantographs and third rail current collectors for all types of applications.

Henry Brecknell and Sons began trading in 1854, and some 40 years later, the Company moved into the electrification business. One year later came the milestone of the first major contract, for the initial stage of the Bristol Tramway. This was the first contract to include every aspect of providing electric ‘power on the move’.

New growth came in the 1970s with the advent of mainline electrification and the introduction of the new single arm pantograph. In the 1980s, the Company’s activities spread even wider with the introduction of the new metro systems.

Within the 220-strong workforce, Brecknell Willis has a strong engineering team to support its worldwide innovation activities in railway electrification The team is able to take projects from the initial outline design stage through prototyping, testing and trials on the client’s railway.

In addition, a proportion of the activities are long-term research and development projects.

The Company has been operating from Chard, Somerset, since 1938, which has been developed over the decades to incorporate the most advanced manufacturing facilities required for this specialist industry.

Brecknell Willis is part of the Fandstan Electric Group, a privately owned operation including German, Australian and American sister companies. The Company has offices in Taiwan and a subsidiary manufacturing company in China. It is also a member of the British Standards Institute and certified to ISO 9000-2008, IRIS and ISO 14001-2004.

One of the major parts of the Company portfolio is the conductor rail system that is based on aluminium/steel composite rail sections. Many large international projects have been completed, resulting in a wide range of conductor rail systems that are suited to most railways worldwide.

The expertise allows Brecknell Willis to design the entire system, as well as the manufacture, supply, installation and commissioning of all components, as well as the system as a ‘stand alone sub system’ ready for handover.

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The layout of the conductor rail system is an important part of the project and involves interface with the track work designers, power suppliers and train builders to ensure correct arrangement of conductor rails with regard to operational safety and continuity of the supply to the train. This is important in areas of intricate point work such as depot throats.

Complex studies of the dynamics between current collector and conductor rail are being carried out by the Brecknell Willis engineering team.

The conductor rail may be arranged for the current collector (shoegear) to pick up current as a top-running, underrunning or side running system, while aluminium conductor rails are available in a wide range of different sections to suit the application and special sections are produced regularly for new projects.

Rail sizes are classified according to a number system: number four rails have a resistance of 15 milliohms per kilometre, up to a number seven, which has a resistance of four milliohms per kilometre. There are many different sizes available depending on the application or specification requirements.

All the rails feature the hard-wearing stainless steel cap, which is attached to the highly conductive aluminium by a patented welding process. The result is an excellent electrical cohesion between the two metals and a firm mechanical attachment that eliminates all chance of separation of the capping.

The aluminium is protected from any arc damage in the vicinity of the shoes by a wrap-around portion of the cap.

Steel conductor rails can be supplied to a cross-section of 150lb/yd (74kg/m), along with all the ramps, joints, and cable terminals to suit, and conductor rail is produced at Chard, Tianjin in China and Greenville in the USA. With these three plants, a full manufacturing capability is ensured.

Brecknell Willis designs and supplies all the parts needed for a complete conductor rail system including ramps, expansion joints, insulator supports, cable connections, flexible traction cables, and off-load switchgear. The extensive experience gained also includes the design and installation of return bonding for turnouts and plain line along both mainline and light railway. Including this in the conductor rail system has the advantage of encompassing all aspects of track power under one design experience.

Based on complete systems knowledge, Brecknell Willis also provides solutions for low level current collectors (shoegear). This also incorporates design, manufacture, supply and installation.

Boasting reduced maintenance and high traction power efficiency, selection of the right collector/rail combination plays an

important part in the achievement of good current collection and Brecknell Willis is the only company that specialises in supply and design of these interface products.

In general, minimum dynamic mass, minimum friction and frangible construction are used as parameters to ensure optimum performance in all applications.

The Company has worked successfully for a number of years with the London Underground. Since 1986, Brecknell Willis has provided shoegear supply to the London Underground for the central line amongst others, and since 1990, has provided low resistance aluminium/ stainless steel conductor rail systems for various track infrastructure projects such as the Jubilee and Victoria Lines.

The infrastructure contract has seen 350km of aluminium conductor rail supplied, with a value of approximately £50M, and in terms of shoegear, the contract has seen 7,500 units supplied, which has cost approximately £18M. This has included recent work on Phase III of the Metropolitan line upgrade, which was 66km of rail, and it was the Company’s largest rail section – the 7U section.

Work on this particular section was required because the 7U section, which is very large, is needed in order to get the linear electrical resistance of the conductor rail down to a level that will enable the new vehicles to operate efficiently and properly.

The reduction of that resistance is one of the main generic drivers, which also reduces life cycle costs and enhances and increases the ability for regenerative breaking for the new trains. The aluminium rail also reduces installation and maintenance costs.

Less plant is required for installing aluminium rail and from a maintenance perspective, it’s quicker and cheaper to go out and change rails when it is necessary to do so.

Working on projects such as these present the Company with many challenges, which it has always been able to successfully deal with. Making sure all processes can cater for delivery schedules of shoegear and conductor rail in large quantities is of particular importance.

In terms of conductor rail, the London Underground was the first time Brecknell Willis undertook projects that were different from the usual portfolio of work. in that it meant that delivery deadlines were critical as the rail would be installed in limited and programmed Engineering Hour shifts. Because of this, the Company had to change its business strategy so it focused very much on controlled ‘on-time’ deliveries, and this was important because continued page 120 >

MERRIOTT PLASTICS LTD

ICM Plastic Moulding Ltd Proud Suppliers to Brecknell Willis

The Merriott Plastics Group has a great track record of leading the field in the production of technical injection & compression moulded components. Call us to find out why.

Eden Works, Blacknell Lane, Crewkerne, Somerset, TA18 7HE.

Tel: 01460 72457

Enterprise Close, Medway City Estate, Rochester, Kent, ME2 4LY.

Tel: 01634 298500

email: sales@merriott.com

web: www.merriott.com

of the severe penalties for any delays.

Providing new tracks and infrastructure was a new way of thinking and a significant move away from old established infrastructure, to installing rail on a piecemeal basis, night-by-night, during engineering hours.

The supply of conductor rail systems and the shoegear that accompanies this work has always been a specialist skill of the Company, but the advent of the London Underground business was a new element. It involved renewals of an old asset with many different interfaces to deal with instead of one simple, clean interface that would be experienced on a brand new railway. But this new concept is something that Brecknell Willis has learned quickly and successfully.

Brecknell Willis has supplied to railway operators/companies worldwide including Alstrom, Amtrak, Ansaldo, Balfour Beatty, Berlin S-Bahn, Bombardier, Eurotunnel, Rotem, Railpart, Metronet, Network Rail and LUL Ltd, Siemens, SNCB, SNCF, SNC Lavalin and DB Netx AG. Conductor rail systems and extensions have also been supplied for Oslo Metro, Dubai Metro, Beijing Metro, Prague Metro, Brescia Metro, Kuala Lumpur Monorail, Vancouver Skytrain, Jubilee Line extension project and Northern Line upgrade, Copenhagen Metro, Taipei Metro, Singapore MRT, British Rail, Docklands Light Rail, Izmir Metro and Ankara Metro.

The Company has supplied Eurostar and Channel Tunnel Shuttle trainborne current collectors as well as the

standard high-speed pantographs for As in the early days, Brecknell the UK 25kV electrified operation.

Willis is committed to long-term Other prestigious projects include research and development projects, the design of the pantograph for the and such desire to work means it tilting West Coast Mainline train, the will continue to be successful. pantograph for KCRC West Rail and Lantau Airport in Hong Kong.

Brecknell Willis, East Street, Light rail pantographs were supplied for Chard, Somerset, TA20 2DE. the Strasbourg, Manchester, Birmingham, Sheffield and Tyne and Wear trams.

Third rail shoegear has been supplied for Glasgow and Copenhagen, all new UK EMU’s, Welcome to Röchling Engineering Plastics (UK) Amsterdam and Röchling Engineering Plastics, with their world-wide subsidiaries, is an international leader in manufacturing and machining of engineering plastics.

Taipei Metros.

Light rail overhead We offer semi-finished products and machined finished parts according to projects include customers’ requirements made of thermoplastics and fibre reinforced plastics as the Midland well as laminated densified wood.

(Birmingham) and Manchester Röchling Engineering Plastics (UK) Ltd. Metro systems, the Waterwells Business Park, Waterwells Drive, Gloucester GL2 2AA refurbishment of Tel. +44 (0) 1452 727900 Fax +44 (0) 1452 728056 Email: sales@roechling-plastics.co.uk Blackpool Tramway www.roechling-plastics.co.uk and the Dublin LUAS Tramway.

Progress Rail Services UK Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc. and is the UK’s largest manufacturer of permanent way infrastructure. Specialising in the design and manufacture of permanent way trackwork and materials for mainline, freight, industrial and light rail customers in the UK and globally Supplying infrastructure owners, tier-one principal contractors and maintenance organisations. Working from our five manufacturing sites in the UK, including our world-class manganese foundry in South Queensferry, Scotland, we are ideally located to deliver just-in-time by road or rail

Our product lines include; Rail Products -

Turnouts, crossovers, switches, crossings, forged transition rails and insulated joints

Cast Manganese Products -

Explosively depth hardened cast manganese crossings, embedded manganese bodies and tongues, manganese security bollards and hardened manganese mining equipment track shoes

Track Materials -

Fixed and sliding friction buffer stops, overhead line electrification structures, cable sleepers and general track materials

Design Services -

Consultancy services including bespoke design, FEA, FMEA and switch performance studies

Inspection & Information Systems - Hot Axle Box Detectors (HABD) FUES systems, high and wide gauge indicators, dragging equipment detectors

For further information contact David Evans, Head of Sales, on devans@progressrail.com or +44 (0) 7527 388803 Head Office : Osmaston Street, Sandiacre, Nottingham NG10 5AN. UK | T: 0115 9218 218 | F: 0115 9218 219 Offices in South Queensferry, Darlington, Sheffield and Beeston Visit us at www.progressrail.com/united-kingdom.asp 120

PROFILE UKC

Northumbrian Water Northumbrian Water provides water and sewerage services to 2.7M people with an operating area of 9,422sq km through 16,965km of mains and 29,724km of sewers.

AMP5 investment programme Northumbrian Water is currently investing in its water and wastewater facilities through an Asset Management Programme (AMP5) running from 2010 to 2015. The developments are required to ensure compliance with relevant EU water, wastewater and environmental directives and enhancing the efficiency and resilience of the Promoter’s waste and wastewater network assets.

The objectives for AMP5 in this plan are an important step towards Northumbrian Water’s long term objective in the Strategic Direction Statement. The drinking water and environmental quality enhancements included in the plan are those required to comply with drinking water standards and fulfill the National Environmental Programme (NEP).

In AMP5 Northumbrian Water has committed to undertaking a multitrack approach to meet the new standard for lead in drinking water, including targeted lead communication pipe replacement, to achieve further reductions to discoloured water complaints as part of the long term plan to address this problem and to deal proactively with taste and odour problems and produce a long term reduction plan.

Towards protecting the environment, AMP5 will see schemes undertaken at Sittal, Newbridge and Blyth to improve bathing water quality and ten schemes to improve river water quality under WFD and Flow compliance drives while also undertaking a number of investigations to establish if investment is required in the future to protect the environment. Further necessary investment will cover protecting assets from rising sea levels and river flooding.

Projects: Sunderland Tap Water November 2012 saw Northumbrian Water begin a 20 month investment programme of £2M to replace 22.5km of iron water pipes in Ryhope with non metallic water mains.

Work was carried out in two areas of Ryhope before the end of 2012, with work planned in 2013 around Leechmore Way, Ryhope Street South and Burdon Lane.

Brain Hardy, Project Manager for the scheme said: “This essential work

will ensure that the water supply in this area will be more robust, the likelihood of leakage will be reduced and excellent water quality will be maintained for future generations.”

Wherever possible, ‘trenchless’ technology will be used to install sections of new pope, avoiding the need to dig up streets in the village. Most of the new pipework will be installed using this new method, where old iron pipe is broken up underground and the new pipe is pulled along inside it.

Pipe Cleaning Starting in January this year, Northumbrian Water is investing £66M to clean 400km of trunk water mains, trialling the use of ice to clean the inside of the pipes.

Graham Neave, Northumbrian Water’s Operations Director, explains: “The fact that we are currently trialling the use of ice to clean trunk water mains is testament to our commitment to the use of innovative technology and to providing our customers with an excellent quality product. This is the most comprehensive trial of the ice pigging technique that has been carried out in the UK.” The first phase of mains cleaning work began in 2007 and the inside of 171km of pipe was cleaned in South East Northumberland, North Tyneside and the north of Newcastle.

The second phase, branded as ‘The Main Event’, which is underway and due to be complete early 2015, will involve cleaning 218km of water main in parts of the lower Tyne Valley, Newcastle, North Tyneside and Gateshead. The water company has 2,000km of trunk water mains.

Bathing water, Saltburn A £6M scheme to help the bathing water at Saltburn pass tighter new European quality standards was announced in March by Northumbrian Water.

It is planned to be completed by September 2015 and ready for when the new bathing water season starts on 15 May, 2016.

Graham Neave, Northumbrian

Water’s Operations Director, said: “We are committed to playing our part to help the bathing water at Saltburn meet the new standards for visitors to enjoy.

“We have carried out an extensive three year investigative study throughout the whole catchment of Skelton, Brotton, Boosbeck, Lingdale and Guisborough at a cost of £370,000 which has identified work we can do to help improve the bathing water quality.

“Detailed designing of the scheme will now begin as we work with planners and local residents to finalise the plans,” said Mr Neave.

Northumbrian Water is confident that the planned work will make significant improvement to bathing water quality though its assets are not the only sources which can impact on water quality in the area.”

Eaglescliffe sewer maintenance Northumbrian Water is to replace a 170m pipeline in fields south of Aislaby Road, that transfers wastewater to Aislaby Road pumping station.

The £250,000 scheme started on Monday April 22nd 2013 and will take two months to complete.

Project manager for the scheme, Peter Trees, said: “This work is part of our multi-million pound commitment every year to upgrade the sewerage network and improve the environment.

“It is essential that we replace the existing pipeline as it is not as reliable as it used to be. Customers should be assured that we are doing everything we can to reduce disruption and complete the job as quickly as possible.”

Specialists in building, construction, refurbishment and bespoke joinery items We are proud to be working with Northumbrian Water.

16 Harvey Close, Crowther Ind Estate, District 3, Washington NE38 0AB Tel: 0191 417 7346 Fax: 0191 417 4216 Mobile: 07774 212526 / 07721 350100 email: admin@gowlandanddawson.co.uk

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UKC PROFILE

Alex Coleman Associates

Developing reputations

Lind Road, Sutton New build residential development on the site of a former print works, comprising five flats.

Established in 2000, Alex Coleman Associates undertake all aspects of architectural design, space planning and feasibility studies, project management, surveys and visualisation artwork for commercial companies, charitable organisations and private clients.

With offices in London’s West End

Mercure Dolphin Hotel, High Street, Southampton Work has involved the conversion of three unoccupied lodges within the grounds of the Grade II Listed hotel building for use as additional hotel accommodation. The interior has been finished to a high standard and room layouts arranged to facilitate circulation.

Completed May 2013.

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and Epsom in Surrey, Alex Coleman Associates work closely with their clients from the outset to determine their exact needs and help them to understand the important factors involved in all stages of a project from conception through to completion on site. The Practice’s portfolio includes a wide range of built

and unbuilt projects ranging from minor works to private residences such as loft conversions and extensions through to listed building and conservation work, office and retail fit-outs and residential and commercial new builds to £10M. Alex Coleman Associates’ core philosophy is to provide clients with the

Park Avenue, Mitcham Occupying a corner plot in a residential road in Mitcham, South London, 111 Park Avenue comprises two three-bedroom flats and two two-bedroom flats. The Main Contractor was Onsite Developments Design & Construction Ltd while the timber frame was manufactured by Hawthorne Timber Fabrications Ltd at its factory in Ireland before being shipped to site and erected in five days. The exterior is finished in Weber monocouche render on blockwork. Completed March 2012.

best professional service including the interpretation of local authority housing strategies, sympathetic aesthetics and advising on innovative ways of using modern materials and technologies whilst addressing the latest concerns over sustainable development and energy efficient building design.

Through a difficult economic climate, Alex Coleman Associates have remained optimistic and suceeded in maintaining a steadily increasing workload with much

of their work coming through repeat commissions. The Practice’s current projects include a new affordable housing scheme comprising six units on a one acre greenfield site on the outskirts of Epsom, as well as a traditional Thai therapies salon in Richmond and the conversion of a former dental surgery in a Grade II Listed building in Wandsworth back into a private residence.

Alex Coleman Associates 40 Copse Edge Ave, Epsom, Surrey KT17 4HS 53 Davies St, London W1K 5JH T: 01372 742535 E: office@alexcoleman.com

ONSITE DEVELOPMENTS DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION LIMITED is a company that understands and appreciates the importance of completing projects on time and on budget. In everything we do, we try to ensure maximum quality and customer satisfaction.

We provide a wide range of services which include: Construction Work New Builds Refurbishments Design Services Building Alterations Wildlife hide, RHS Garden Wisley, Woking Timber frame and clad in Western red cedar, the new wildlife hide on the Wey Embankment at the Royal Horticultural Society’s garden at Wisley was funded through a private donation.

Completed November 2010.

Suite 120, Connect House, 21 Willow Lane, Mitcham, Surrey CR4 4NA Tel/Fax: 020 8640 2242 Tel: 056 0113 8165 Freephone: 0800 678 3440 Email: onsdevelopments@btconnect.com www.onsitedevelopments.com

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UKC HOUSING

Taylor Wimpey Introducing Pipers Green Taylor Wimpey has added to its portfolio with the substantial housing site at Durkar Lane in Wakefield.

The development at Crigglestone boasts 252 dwellings in a range of two-bedroom homes and apartments, three-, four- and five-bedroom homes.

It is the latest development for Taylor Wimpey, who has grown into one of the largest homebuilders in the UK, and continues to have an important role not only in creating homes and communities but also regenerating urban areas.

There are many different house types at Pipers Green, all of which provide luxurious living. This includes the Gosford, a three-bedroom development.

A large kitchen/dining room opens through French doors to the private rear garden, making it perfect for entertaining and al fresco dining. A good-sized lounge, a guest cloakroom and a store cupboard complete the ground floor layout.

The first floor comprises the ensuite master bedroom, a main bathroom, a further double bedroom and a bedroom that could also provide a dedicated workspace or play room.

The Downham is a four-bedroom house with an integral garage, offering

plenty of space for growing families. the private rear garden and a useful A light and spacious kitchen/family/dining utility room, guest cloakroom and double room with French doors to the garden forms garage complete the ground floor. the heart of the home for day-to-day living.

Upstairs, a master bedroom with ensuite Double doors lead from the kitchen to a shower room can be found, and the living room with a bay window, providing a floor also features a second ensuite peaceful retreat for relaxing and entertaining. bedroom, plus three further double Upstairs, the landing leads to the ensuite bedrooms and a family bathroom. master bedroom, two further double With such a wide range of dwellings, bedrooms and a well-proportioned Pipers Green is an ideal place for fourth room, plus a storage cupboard. a range of different buyers.

The five-bedroom collection includes the Lavenham - a detached house with two floors of generous living space including an integrated double garage.

The entrance hallway of this home leads SAP Assessments, Code for Sustainable Homes, through to the lounge, Air Testing, Sound Testing, Thermal Modelling, a spacious kitchen/ Energy Strategy Statements breakfast room, and a separate dining room.

8 Princes Square, Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG1 1LX Both lounge and Tel: 01423 506070 / Mob: 07779 224 474 kitchen offer Email: info@awardenergy.co.uk access through www.awardenergy.co.uk French doors to

UKC EDUCATION

MidKent College Refurbishment of the Maidstone campus Work is progressing on the £13M project to refurbish five college buildings as part of the £25M redevelopment of MidKent College’s Maidstone Campus at Oakwood Park.

Refurbishment will see one single-storey building, three two-storey buildings and a seven-storey building brought up to the standard of the college’s Medway campus, which opened in 2009.

Two of these buildings were constructed in the 1960s with a reinforced concrete frame and floor slabs with brick infill, two others were built in the 1990s with steel frames – one of which is an external mast and cable structure, and the final building was built in 2004 and a steel frame with composite first floor slab.

The refurbishment will enhance the educational accommodation. It will provide a new entrance reception, new refectory and café, new retail salon, hair and beauty salons, new and refurbished construction

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and engineering workshops, new and refurbished public services and business suites, and new general teaching spaces.

All five buildings will benefit from new overcladding and composite metal panel cladding, as well as new windows and curtain walling.

The centrally located entrance reception provides linked internal access to all five buildings and along with this, the refectory, café and retail salons will be enhanced with feature ceiling rafts and specialist floor finishes.

Existing vertical circulation will be enhanced with new balustrading and floor finishes, as well as new enhanced services that will be incorporated.

An existing ten-storey flue with a new lightbox will receive translucent cladding and be fitted with LED colour change feature lighting to promote the college, while the entrance canopy soffit is being washed with LED feature colour lighting to

compliment the flue lighting. College logo colours are being used to highlight feature walls, doors and windows, and external and internal seating across the campus.

Landscaping is a major feature on the project. A new ‘welcome mat’ hard landscape space with directional signage and feature seating at the site entrance is being incorporated.

Other landscaping features on this site that will achieve a ‘Very Good’ BREEAM rating include a new enhanced forecourt with feature finishes and curved group seating and lighting to new cherry trees, and there will be an enhanced courtyard at the heart of the campus with amphitheatre seating and a central square for various college events, a sensory garden for SEN students and an external dining terrace.

Designed by CC Studio Architects, the Main Contractor is Denne. Work started in May 2012 and will be complete in autumn 2013.

EDUCATION UKC

Milton Hall Primary School More space for increasing pupil numbers A project that has seen the erection of two new buildings to create the extension at Milton Hall Primary School will see final completion before the end of summer.

Work on the school was required because of the need to expand due to the increased intake of pupils. The school’s size is being increased to provide a three form entry throughoput the school.

Located on Salisbury Avenue at Westcliff on Sea, Essex, the extension comprises eight new classrooms, a new nursery, an IT suite and a special educational needs room.

The project also involves some refurbishment of the existing school.

There will be an enlargement to the hall and the staff room. This will be undertaken in the summer.

Demolition was required to remove some prefabricated temporary classroom blocks and the existing nursery so that the 978sq m could be constructed in this space.

One of the buildings is two-storey and the other is single-storey. The latter is a lightweight steel frame system with an insulated render cladding, while the two-storey building is a steel frame with lightweight infill and

also insulated render cladding.

Both buildings will benefit from a flat single ply membrane roof, and windows that are a composite system, which are a timber window with aluminium facing exterior that are triple glazed.

There are some rooflights in places like corridors where there are no windows, and sustainable features come in the form of highly insulated, air tight photovoltaic panels on the roof to provide ten per cent of the energy requirement.

Standard facilities for the disabled will include level access, a lift for the twostorey building, toilets and stairs designed to disabled standards. A standard fire protection system will be incorporated, which includes fire protected boarding on the steel frame and the fire paint.

Landscaping will be undertaken, but on a small scale with hard landscaping and softpore play areas outside of the new build. There is an extension to the car park because some of the existing parking space has had to be used during development.

This new car park is created on an open land site that has an avenue of existing large plane trees, so there has been

an unusual construction method used to provide low impact car parking.

There is an engineering plastic gird construction that sits at the top of the grass area and earth is filled in between the grids so its permeable and the tree roots below it are kept safe and the trees are not damaged, as it will have a grass top.

The Architect for the project is Letts Wheeler Architecture & Design, and the Main Contractor is AW Hardys.

Planning took place in summer 2011 and construction started on site in July 2012.

Work has been carried out in phases, the first of which saw the creation of one building. This allowed the school to move pupils to the new building who were using the temporary classrooms, which were then demolished to provide room for the second building.

The first building was completed in February and the second is due to complete in August this year. Once this is complete, the temporary nursery can be taken away to make way for the new car park. This will be completed by the end of September.

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UKC EDUCATION

Djanogly Northgate Academy

21st century teaching accommodation A new chapter will begin in autumn for Djanogly Northgate Academy when all pupils move into the brand new building.

Most of the work is now complete, and the youngest children moved into their brand new classrooms in early May. Nursery, Palm and Pearson have moved into the fabulous new foundation unit that stretches across two thirds of the downstairs.

Suez and Eland also moved into their individual brand new classrooms.

All the children from other classes had the opportunity to go inside and have a look at the new building.

Children in years two, three and four will move to the new upstairs classrooms towards the end of the summer term and year five and six children will move back to the original classrooms on the main site.

The school forms part of the Djanogly Learning Trust, which is a multi-academy sponsor responsible for the Djanogly Northgate Academy and Djanogly City Academy. Both academies are within walking distance of each other and provide free education to children and young people in the city of Nottingham.

Together, Djanogly Northgate Academy and Djanogly City Academy share an ethos that puts children and young people at the heart of everything they do. They have both worked successfully as part of the local community to support learning for all and believe that more ‘joinedup working’ will prove even stronger in providing a smooth transition from nursery right through to sixth form.

Northgate started educating children in New Basford well over 100 years ago in the brick Victorian building on the corner of Egypt and Radford Roads. It then moved in to the current building more than 1968, and will expand into the modern new building this year.

Djanogly Northgate Academy joined the Djanogly Learning Trust family of schools in August 2011 to become the first Nottingham primary school to convert to academy status.

Together, Djanogly Northgate and Djanogly City Academy offer all-through learning for children and young people aged 3-19 years.

Djanogly Northgate Academy is a very popular city school and demand for places has increased significantly over the past few years as a result of their successes, which includes increased participation and engagement with parents, carers and the wider community; significantly raising standards of attainment from 62% attaining Level 4 in English and maths in 2008 to 87% in 2012, as well as a successful Ofsted inspection.

The development will provide eight new classrooms and the purpose built foundation unit. This will allow the academy to meet the growing

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demand for places with the number of school places increasing from 210 to 420, plus an extra 26 nursery places within the new foundation unit.

The building project has been funded by Nottingham City Council with Djanogly Learning Trust funding the provision of ICT equipment and internal furniture.

As well as the new classrooms and foundation unit, a new external play space is being created. A new outdoor play area that has been designed to maximise the outdoor space and minimise any loss of the playing field will replace the existing nursery. The

design also retains the wooded area which provides a valuable oasis for the children in the middle of the city.

Councillor David Mellen, Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, welcomed the development and said: “The City Council remains committed to investing in primary provision; increasing the size of schools and making places available in areas with the greatest demand will help meet the needs of families in the local community both new and in the future.”

Designed by CPMG Architects and built by Wates Construction, the new building will be ready in autumn.

Djanogly Northgate Academy Excellence Delivered.

Anderson Green are Building Services Consultants Delivering a Range of Forward Thinking Solutions.

Established in 2001 we have built a key client base that provides repeat business from all sectors of the construction industry.

Delivering building services, design, planning and consultancy with renewable energy and sustainability excellence. Enabled by our use of market leading 3D software and BIM techniques.

Anderson Green building services consultants

To read more about Djanogly Northgate Academy and our other Education Projects visit: andersongreen.co.uk/education Visit: AndersonGreen.co.uk

Nottingham: 0115 975 4141

Sheffield: 0114 243 5913

MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

ISO 9001:2008 / ISO 14001:2004

ISO 90

UKC EDUCATION

Cleethorpes Academy

State-of-the-art facilities Students of Cleethorpes Academy are now enjoying learning in some of the new teaching blocks while the last remaining refurbishment is undertaken in time for total completion in autumn.

Located off Grainsby Avenue in Cleethorpes, the building is currently a mix of single-, two- and three-storey CLASP buildings dating back to the 1960s.

This system uses prefabricated light gauge steel frames finished with prefabricated panelling, predominantly concrete or windows. The windows to the blocks being refurbished have already been replaced with ‘A’ rated frames and glazing.

Formerly Lindsey School, the building became Cleethorpes Academy in September 2010 under the management of Tollbar Academy in New Waltham. When Lindsey School closed, it was in special measures and run by an interim Head.

Since it has been run as Cleethorpes Academy, the results have improved at a dramatic rate with Ofsted giving an excellent report, and grades surpassing the national GCSE average.

The refurbishment now includes fire protection to the whole structure, which has required a full strip back to the main structural core. The refurbishment includes a small element of remodelling to key areas, and a new toilet block has been constructed at ground floor level in an existing covered area.

Work has been undertaken to modernise existing classrooms, IT suites, laboratories, access corridors and stairs. It will also provide disabled access to all three floors

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in Block 2 and both floors to Block 4.

Block 2 consists of classrooms and ICT rooms, and Block 4 houses seven laboratories, ICT rooms and a few standard classrooms. This building also houses the new toilet block and was the first to be completed and handed back to the academy, with the works undertaken during the summer break of 2012.

External changes to the buildings are limited to the new insulated roof covering.

But all new key access paths have been replaced, and a new secured covered bike rack is being provided as well as a new car parking area to segregate the students from all vehicles other than controlled delivery and school vehicles.

As well as the refurbishment, Cleethorpes Academy will also benefit from two new buildings – a teaching block and a sports block.

The opportunity has been taken to create the new teaching block within the main school student area. To achieve this it was necessary to fell some existing trees and build over an existing substation, toilet complex and boiler house to incorporate them in the new block. There are twice as many trees planted elsewhere on the site.

The old technology block is being demolished to make way for the car park close to the entrance gate, which will eliminate private vehicles from the student area. The sports block is partially constructed over the existing sports block footprint but will now be closer to the main teaching complex.

Demolition of the previous sports block

was undertaken in two phases. One hall was demolished to allow the new two-hall building to be constructed and now that is in place, the remainder has been torn down to make way for outdoor netball courts.

The new teaching block is two-storeys and the sports block is one-storey, plus a mezzanine over the changing and storage areas to provide a fitness suite, plant room and office.

Internally the teaching block has three technology workshops, an IT suite, preparatory room, three textile classrooms and an office at each end of the central corridor on the ground floor.

At first floor level, there are nine maths classrooms, three art rooms, a citizenship classroom a head of department office and a lift and cleaner’s cupboard.

In the sports hall, the main hall is a four-court sports hall suitable for a variety of games. The activity hall is the same size as the previous one, and between the two halls there are changing, showering and toilet facilities for both sexes for students and separate facilities for children, and the disabled.

The central area also provides open staircase access to the central mezzanine, which accommodates the fitness suite. To the rear there is the plant room with boilers and air handling unit and an office for PE instructors. Both halls can be used for school exams.

Designed by CR Parrott Consultants Ltd, and built by Clugston Construction, work will be completed on the whole site in autumn.

“Embracing innovation, ensuring best practice�

Tricon Services Ltd and its chosen supply chain partners have been privileged to undertake Consultants, to deliver the joint disciplines of a New Build teaching space and Sports Hall

local community in the future out of the new facility.

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UKC HOUSING

Quasar Building Available to let in the vibrant heart of the city of Bath, the Quasar Building is an exciting development of brand new, contemporary, furnished student accommodation.

This state-of-the-art 47-bed development looks to capitalise on Bath’s booming student market by providing a canny alternative to campus living.

Despite a rich and storied heritage dating back to the 1930s, the Quasar Building has remained unoccupied for much of the last decade.

Though dilapidated and in urgent need of renovation, the imposing five-storey structure proved ideal for redevelopment due to the building’s considerable size and opportune location.

The initial plans, which came courtesy of the Bristol-based planning consultancy Aspect360, included an additional sixth storey. However, due to concerns over city-centre expansion the idea was scrapped in favour of a slightly more sensitive design approach tailored to fit the surrounding context.

While the external makeup of the building has remained largely unchanged, the

existing windows have been replaced and the window height adjusted to fit the newly reconfigured internal layout.

The external stonework has also been comprehensively repaired to ensure a striking and structurally sound building.

Internally, the 47 bedrooms are distributed between ten self contained fully furnished apartments, each of which includes a communal living space and a fully fitted kitchen. Each bedroom also includes an ensuite bathroom to maximise convenience. This forms part of the fundamental design process undertaken

by Arturus Architects, in which the needs of the tenant are prioritised.

The works, overseen by Main Contractor Ikon Construction, have been delivered to a similar high specification.

The newly transformed Quasar Building demonstrates how our once redundant infrastructure can be repurposed and given a new lease of life. This intervention has ensured that the building remains relevant to contemporary Bath and provides first class student accommodation for years to come.

South West Regional Projects Ltd www.southwestregionalprojects.co.uk

Project Management

Building

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Whatever your domestic or commercial needs you can contact us today for a free no obligation quotation.

Call us today on 01275 331 031 or alternatively email us at mark@swrpltd.com South West Regional Projects Ltd. Poole Farm, Top Sutton, Bishop Sutton. Bristol. BS39 5UW

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CIVIL UKC

London Luton Airport New executive jet facility in London A groundbreaking ceremony at London Luton Airport was held to announce the commencement of construction on a new, state-of-the-art fixed base operation (FBO) to replace its existing facility.

London Luton Airport is the main gateway for business and general aviation travel into London and is the busiest B&GA airport in the UK and the third in Europe, handling approximately 12,000 flights annually.

The new facilities at Signature Luton will comprise of a 1,572sq m passenger and FBO facility and 4,500sq m of hangar space capable of housing two Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) or Airbus Corporate Jet (ACJ) sized aircraft.

A dedicated ground service equipment garage will also be built. The new development will be built to LEED certification standards as set by the US Green Building Council.

It will boast the latest in technologies for entertainment, communications, passenger and crew amenities and onward travel solutions. A covered car park and arrival area will protect passengers from inclement weather. With private conference, waiting and catering facilities, passengers will be able to work or relax at the new facility with an expansive view of the airport ramp.

Access to the ramp for VIP passengers via a dedicated and secured gate for customer vehicles has been incorporated into the design plan. Security systems and screening areas will represent the latest technology and customer services to minimise the impact on customers’ schedules. The overall design of the facility minimises transit time in all areas of the FBO for the convenience of passengers and crew.

The hangar is being built on the existing site of the cargo handling compound and once the new cargo handling compound is built, the existing will be demolished to make way for the hangar.

The hangar is single-storey, with a height of 20m and a length of 100m, which can house Boeing 737s.

There will be the open plan hangar with lights and hangars, while the welfare block will have two workshops, toilet facilities and office facilities.

Maria Sastre, President and Chief Operating Officer of Signature Luton, who is the client for the development, said: “Signature Luton is a keystone location in our global network drawing visitors from all over the globe.

“This new, contemporary facility is designed to accommodate the needs of our discerning customers, both passengers and crew. Signature is keenly focused on providing a world-class travel experience both in terms of people and in our facilities.

“We are committed to investing to ensure that Signature continues to be an industry leader now and long into the future. I would like to extend Signature’s gratitude to the Town of Luton and the Luton Borough Council for their support of this project which will bring significant benefits to the local business community and to those travelling through.”

Signature Flight Support Corporation, a BBA Aviation plc company, is the world’s largest FBO and distribution network for business aviation services that include fuelling, hangar and office rentals, ground handling, maintenance and a wide range of crew and passenger amenities at strategic domestic and international locations.

Head Quartered in Orlando, Florida, Signature Flight Support currently operates at more than 100 locations in the United States, Europe, South America, Africa and Asia.

Signature has been at Luton for more than 12 years following its purchase of McAlpine Aviation. The FBO was opened in 1947 at the airfield.

The new Signature Luton FBO will create jobs and contribute significantly to the local economy while becoming a key asset to the redevelopment of the airport and community.

The town of Luton and the Borough Council played an integral role in the approval process for the new construction.

Councillor Sian Timoney, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, said: “As an active member of the Love Luton campaign and a supporter of local charities, Signature has become firmly embedded within the Luton community and now I am delighted that it is investing to create jobs in the borough.

This clearly demonstrates Signature’s commitment to the town for the future.”

Built by John Sisk & Son Ltd, the structure will comprise of steel with external cladding, a corrugated tin roof, and some personnel doors in the welfare block.

There is one side missing for the doors, so there will be a steel truss across the front of the building that is 100m long.

As with every live site, there are always challenges during construction. All permits had to be obtained. Some were big permits, while others were smaller.

One example is a meeting was recently needed to discuss the extension of cargo stand 31, which is part of the new cargo

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handling facilities and many of people have to agree to it. The crane and the piling rig were issues as they show up on air traffic control so there is a lot of airport liaison.

This whole project is part of the considerate constructors scheme, even though it is quite far away from any neighbours, but because it is on the approach to the long-term car park, the project is part of that. A considerate constructors presentation was done at Wigmore Primary School in London.

The Architect for the project is 3DReid, who has added this prestigious project

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to its ever-growing property portfolio.

Peter Farmer, Project Director and Head of Airports at 3DReid, said: “This was a fantastic opportunity to build upon our growing reputation for designing these specialist facilities.

“They are unique in the airport environment and demand a very different design approach. Drawing upon our experience on similar projects at Farnborough, Sao Paulo and Moscow, we have been able to create a new design standard for Signature that sets a benchmark for future facilities.

“Signature are a great client and we

spent some time to ensure that we fully understood their business model which is critical in ensuring that we help them provide world class customer service.

“Service providers have their own individual ways of providing customer service and it is important that the facility provides for this wherever it is located in the world.”

Work commenced in January and will be complete at the end of the year.

The next phase is a mini passenger terminal and what Signature is hoping to build is a five star passenger terminal. This is currently in tender.

buiLding futures With quaLity and expertise Ryebridge is a solution focused contractor, perfect for challenging construction projects. e operate across the UK and have built an outstanding portfolio of major projects for both national and international clients. Airport projects are an area of specialism with numerous major works, including an on-going agreement with a major UK airport.

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We are an ISO 9001, 14001 and 18001 registered organisation. In 2011 we were awarded Achilles UVDB accreditation and in 2013, in association with Luton Airport, we were awarded the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) gold award.

We actively support a number of local community projects

What does this mean?

We are proud of our experience, certifications and accreditations; these show external recognition of our relentless drive for excellence.

Just as satisfying, the majority of our work is secured from existing clients, reputation and referrals.

Feel free to contact us to discuss your project.

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01582 451525 ryebridgeconstruction.com

UKC COMMUNITY

New health centre on the horizon for Herstmonceux Work is currently underway with JH Builders on a brand new medical centre to serve the people of Herstmonceux, Hailsham.

The new state-of-the-art building has been designed to play a large part in the shaping of the village, providing supportive and uplifting surroundings to the residents visiting the surgery and the individuals working there.

Once complete the building, designed by Dil Green Architects, will be sustainable, with a predicted energy use significantly better than required by current building regulations and taking heat from a biomass heating system. The light and thermal mass design has been implemented to take into account the future predicted temperature rises and reduce the likelihood of incorporating user-requested cooling in years to come.

The health centre is being constructed on a sloping site below the level of the main approach road; to take this into account the building has two-storeys, a lower ground floor and an upper ground floor, while an external staircase and sloped path will be constructed for access to the building. Topping the building will be a flat green roof, designed in order to create the appearance of a meadow from the main road, with the teardrop area above the waiting room finished in a lime render which is in-fitting with the local chalk and limestone subsoil.

The structural composition of the building consists of masonry cross walls, ground bearing concrete slabs and timber suspended upper floors.

Externally, faรงade is predominantly finished with earth derived materials to help the building blend into its surroundings, with

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the exception of the southern elevation spaces, two of these will be for disabled which has some areas of timber and users and will be located immediately aluminium cladding. The windows adjacent to the health centre entrance. throughout the building are large to allow for natural lighting within and are finished with a high build stain, and the construction consultants entrance door is cdm co-ordinators are finished wood party wall surveyors within oak frames. structural & civil engineers Internally all public 01424 213311 t health centre rooms 01424 212129 f will be located on www.jmla.co.uk consultants@jmla.co.uk the upper ground floor which will feature a large waiting area with reception and administration area, two GP consulting rooms, a nurse consulting room, a nurse treatment room, store room, minor surgery room, sluice room, and toilet facilities.

The lower ground floor will house a library/meeting room, staff rest facilities including toilets and shower, a medical record store room and plant facilities.

Externally as much of the existing turf will be kept, with a small amount of 3 hazel house 78 london road tarmac providing bexhill-on-sea east sussex tn39 3le 15 car parking

J M Loades & Associates are

very proud to be the engineers responsible for the structurally challenging design of this cuttingedge, eco-friendly building for

Herstmonceux Health Centre

and wish Dr Simmons and his team all the best for the future in their new home

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COMMERCIAL UKC

Queens Road A mixed-use scheme in Sheffield The project to construct three units on Queens Road in Highfield will see new retail units available and a veterinary surgery.

A vacant sales yard was on part of the site previously, as was some unused residential space. Donald Cooke Ltd purchased the site after a two-year search to meet their requirements of location, size of plot, road frontage and the fact it is on a main arterial route.

Following discussions with planners, it was confirmed the site would not be used for residential purposes.

The two retail units will be used by Donald Cooke Ltd, who will then lease the additional unit to a veterinary practice so both businesses can benefit mutually.

Designed by GL Hearn Planning and MHD UK, the buildings will be two-storeys in height to be in proportion with the pub next to the site and Halfords opposite.

The development has been designed to maximise the frontage on Queens Road and to strengthen the building line. The two-storey height and length of the buildings will create a strong vertical and horizontal emphasis.

Entrance to the buildings will be off the car park, as customers will

be leaving with heavy goods and use of trolleys in the car park.

Landscaping will be at a minimum because of the tight constraints. There is limited soft landscaping space on the site, which will see six low level trees planted so that the area stays in keeping with the surroundings of the nearby park.

Built by Manor House Developments, the units will comprise of glazing so customers realise there are retail units on the site, while the front of the buildings will be constructed using brick, in keeping with the neighbouring pub. built on our strengths There will be car parking space for all, including parent and child spaces and disabled bays, while cycle hoops will also give the option of sustainable travel.

The project is set to complete in October.

www.ashleighsigns.co.uk We have twenty five years signage experience with a team of 130 plus people making us one of the largest signage companies in the UK. We specialise in the manufacturing and installation of creative signage and lighting for our clients, whether a million pound rollout or a small direct office or shop.

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UKC COMMERCIAL

Bridgehead Business Park

Large-scale project estimated to create over 3,000 jobs A revolutionary new business park at Hessle, close to the Humber Bridge, is now underway.

This next generation business park will set new standards for commercial space, and is situated at the very heart of the Humber region, with fast, easy access to the country’s motorway network.

Occupying 50 acres on the western edge of Kingston upon Hull, Bridgehead has the capacity for 612,000sq ft of high quality business space for use as offices, research and development facilities, as well as high tech manufacturing.

Because it will be one of the UK’s greenest business parks, it will enable businesses to exist side-by-side with the natural environment. The preference for a low-density development has meant that more than 40% of the site benefits from landscaping, ensuring a pleasant, healthier environment for employees and visitors alike. The business park will also feature a biomass boiler, solar panels and electric car charging points.

It is the latest large-scale project to be undertaken by the Wykeland Group.

Wykeland’s Development Director, Stephen Hudson, said the scheme was ‘the most significant development of its kind in the region for more than a decade’.

He said: “Bridgehead represents the next generation of green business parks, with low density development and careful attention to the local environment.

“More than 40% of the space will be given over to landscaping, which will include pathways through the site’s woodland areas, and will incorporate a detailed biodiversity strategy prepared and delivered in conjunction with the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.”

Phase I of the scheme will see the construction of a speculative Grade A office building, with a gross internal area of 15,745sq ft.

Hessle-based PDR Construction is the

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Main Contractor for the construction could eventually generate more of the offices, while CR Reynolds of than 3,000 permanent jobs with Melton, will be responsible for the road another 150 or more being created and drainage infrastructure, and the during the construction phase. project is designed by Aedas Architects.

Work on the site started in spring The development is being undertaken by 2012, with the first occupiers already Bridgeland Ltd, a Wykeland company, in at the site. Final completion will partnership with The Humber Bridge Board be achieved in spring 2014. and Hessle Golf Course Company Ltd. Mr Hudson continued: “Bridgehead will play a lead role in the region’s economy and could well be a key support location to the burgeoning renewables sector, providing high quality office space to enable Knowing that that you operate within the construction industry businesses to sector, we understand that you require a service of high expand and at standards and we aim to match your requirements, your the same time expectations and where possible excel. attract major new investment from out of town.

All our employees are trained to various levels with a variety of The Bridgehead experience in different systems, creating a well balanced team project is part which I hope can deliver exactly what you require. financed by the Priority 2 Our staff are engaging in our own training programme in European Regional conjunction with the likes of Utilities Training Northern and Development Fund CITB, registering qualifications to meet our very own objective (ERDF) Programme of continuous improvement to keep GCS Scaffolding Limited at 2007 to 2013, the forefront. which is one of the funds established by the European 87 -89 Gillett Street, Hull, East Yorkshire, HU3 4JF Commission to help local areas stimulate economic Hull: 01482 227632 development by Brighouse: 01484 290081 investing in projects Mobile: 07525 070513 that will support local businesses Email: gary@gcsscaffolding.com and create jobs. www.gcsscaffolding.com Mr Hudson said Bridgehead

GCS SCAFFOLDING

PROFILE UKC

The Camping & Caravanning Club

Large-scale project estimated to create over 3,000 jobs The Camping and Caravanning Club continues to provide the perfect alternative to holidaying abroad.

Every year millions of people pitch a tent, hitch up a caravan or fuel up their motorhome and head for the open road, at any time of year.

With 109 award-winning Club Sites, 19 Camping in the Forest Sites, more than 1,500 secluded Certified Sites and 1,100 Listed Sites to choose from, it’s the best way to explore the beautiful British countryside.

The camping trend does not seem to be slowing, as only last year the Club logged 4,395 arrivals on one specific day over the Jubilee Central Weekend – the fourth highest number of arrivals ever recorded on its UK Club Sites.

The Club is currently investing £29M on the redevelopment of its sites across the UK. Recent work includes the amenity block refurbishment at Canterbury.

Work was undertaken on the two existing amenity blocks.

Within Block 1, work saw refurbishment of both male and female amenities. This included showers, toilets, private washing and vanity units with new sanitaryware, partitioning and slip resistant vinyl flooring, suspended ceilings, new lighting, heating and extract system, while aluminium doors and windows have been fitted throughout. The disabled toilet and shower were relocated and refurbished, and the old internal dishwashing area has been reformed into a new family room.

A new heating and hot water system has been installed with booster

pumps fitted to increase the pressure recently undertaken, camping pods are serving the taps and showers. becoming more and more popular, offering The Club continues to invest in improving a way to camp without bringing your own its Site network and a range of other work unit. The Club has recently added pods to has been taking place in recent months.

Hayfield Club Site in the Peak District.

Electrical upgrades have been carried The Club offers exclusive lodges and out at Kelvedon Hatch, Keswick, caravan holiday homes at a variety of Sandringham and Tregurrian Club Sites. locations across the UK. A number of Roads have been resurfaced at Lodge Sites have been developed over Blackmore, Walton and Hertford, recent years, including developments on and new hardstandings have been Club Sites at Winchcombe, Theobalds installed at Bakewell, and various Sites Park and Rhandirmwyn, works from Sennen Cove on the Land’s End undertaken on these sites includes the peninsula in Cornwall to Inverewe installation of the lodge bases and all in the Highlands of Scotland. the infrastructure and essential services In addition, the Club is due to open its new to complete these developments.

Loch Ness Shores Club Site in the summer. With so many projects being undertaken It is quite unique for a business to use such to improve Club Sites further, it will a diverse variety of specialist trades and guarantee great enjoyment for all campers. contractors, and it is not always realised the amount of infrastructure and technology required to build, maintain and operate a campsite. From electrical testing and installation of full sewage treatment plants to electric barriers and new build Sandells Maintenance Ltd is based in Ashford, Kent. Building on the amenity blocks.

To further best qualities already established and adding their own expertise and demonstrate the values, they are a thriving business carrying out works for a wide variety diversity of the of organisations including housing associations, retail outlets, Camping and educational and business premises.

Caravanning Club and the works

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UKC COMMENT

Defibrillators needed - DOC UK Only seven per cent of construction companies equipped with lifesaving defibrillators – and even less know how to use them ••UK lags behind countries such as Switzerland when it comes to life-saving equipment ••“Defibrillators are essential pieces of kit” – construction firm boss Less than one in ten construction firms use life-saving defibrillators, and many that are installed are effectively useless as staff would be unwilling to use them in an emergency, according to a new survey by DOC UK. The research concluded that, of respondents who worked in construction firms equipped with defibrillators, two fifths (39%) said they did not know how to use the equipment and overall a tenth (9%) reported that they did not even know what a defibrillator was.

Vincent Mathieu, Managing Director of DOC UK, is calling for more education around the use of defibrillators and heart health in the industry. He said: “There are 124,000 heart attacks annually in the UK, but construction, with its large workforces and physical labour, has a heightened risk of heart attacks on sites. In countries such as Switzerland it’s common to see defibrillators on construction sites. In the UK, however, very few construction

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firms have this life saving equipment.”

“Recent high-profile scares such as footballer Fabrice Muamba and rugby player Lee Mears unfortunately highlight the need for defibrillators. It’s also about more than just buying the equipment – unless you make your staff aware of what the machine is and why they should use it, it’s little better than a strange-looking wall ornament.”

The responses indicated that many people’s hesitations towards using emergency equipment are based on risks which do not exist. For instance, 58% of respondents in the construction industry said they would be worried about accidentally electrocuting someone who was in fact well, or being held liable if something went wrong. This is alarming as defibrillators will only work on someone who is having a cardiac arrest, and there have been no recorded cases of people being sued for using a defibrillator.

30%of respondents said they would not use a defibrillator under any circumstances.

When asked how they would respond if a colleague appeared to be having a heart attack, only 14% said that they would use the defibrillator first. The most common response (64%) was that they would call an ambulance, other responses included attempting to find the company’s firstaider, asking a colleague to take over, or asking others what to do, all before

eventually using the equipment.

Dean Floyd, Managing Director for Chigwell Construction, a firm regularly uses portable defibrillators, said: “Defibrillators are essential pieces of kit for a construction firm. Partly because of the physical work involved and partly because you can be working with dangerous materials, electricity and heights, construction has a high risk of accidents and health and safety incidents compared to other professions. There is a higher than average risk of heart attacks, which is why we feel that defibrillators are necessary.”

DOC UK manufactures a defibrillator which is constantly monitored and which connects a user to a call centre so an expert can guide the user through the defibrillation process.

Dr Sarah Brewer said: “The ideal scenario is for defibrillation to be carried out by a trained paramedic; however, time is of the essence. The convention is for people to be referred to as ‘brain-dead’ just four minutes after a cardiac arrest, and yet the target response time for an ambulance is eight minutes. This is why defibrillators at workplaces are essential.

It’s also essential that people know how to use them and aren’t too scared to use them – otherwise they are no more than a high-tech wall decoration.”

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