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Call 03303 335119 or visit isuzu.co.uk #Isuzu D-Max Yukon Manual Fuel consumption in mpg (l/100km): Urban 31.7 (8.9). Extra Urban 44.1 (6.4). Combined 38.7 (7.3). CO2 emissions 192g/km. MPG figures are official EU test figures for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results.For model specific figures please contact us directly or visit www.isuzu.co.uk †Important Information. Business users only. Rental amounts shown are for an Isuzu Yukon Double cab Commercial Vehicle On The Road with manual transmission, excluding special paint finish. Contract based on 10,000 miles per annum, non-maintained. Vehicle must be returned in a good condition to avoid further charges. Subject to status. Provided by Lex Autolease Ltd trading as Isuzu Contract Hire, Heathside Park, Heathside Park Road, Stockport SK3 0RB. Available at participating dealers only. Excludes motability and fleet sales, not available in conjunction with any other offers or with BASC or NFU member discounts. Available until 31st March 2017. *3.5 tonne towing applies to all 4x4 models. **125,000 miles/5 year (whichever comes first) warranty applies to all new Isuzu D-Max models. Special paint finishes extra at £400 excluding VAT. Finance options available at participating dealers, subject to status. Terms and conditions apply. www.isuzu.co.uk

FEB 2017

HIGH SPEED NORTH National Infrastructure Commission clarifies case for HS3.

FLEET IN FOCUS Faraday Future unveils electric supercar.

SEA CHANGE Independent review in favour of tidal lagoon power.

Commercial Management in Infrastructure Conference 26 April 2017, Cavendish Conference Centre, London

This conference returns with a renewed focus on demonstrating value for money over the course of the project lifetime. Join key speakers and leading experts to explore topics including the progress of the National Infrastructure Plan; the challenge of attracting funding for the UK's programme of infrastructure renewal; and the extent to which improved collaboration models can assist with the successful delivery of your project. Highlights on the day include: • An update from Matthew Vickerstaff, Deputy Chief Executive and Head of Project Finance, Infrastructure and Projects Authority on the progress of the national infrastructure and construction pipeline, with a particular focus on investment. • Consider the potential of collaborative approaches to conﬂict avoidance and information modelling to drive project progress and and reduce costs. • Learn how best practice approaches to beneﬁts management and earned value can enhance your business case and improve measurement of progress, performance and cost.

Book your place now: rics.org/infrastructureconference

WELCOME to the latest edition of UK Construction Excellence – celebrating the very best in British building. It’s a time of political uncertainty. In a landmark ruling, Parliament is to have its say on Brexit, potentially thwarting Theresa May’s plans to trigger Article 50 before the end of the fiscal year. In Northern Ireland, Martin McGuinness has resigned as Deputy First Minister in protest of a bungled energy initiative, and triggered a snap election in the process. Across the Atlantic, Donald Trump has been

sworn in amid a sea of protesters and early controversy. And yet, the UK construction industry remains resilient in the march towards economic prosperity and future growth. Construction has a vital role to play post-Brexit, and the mood is one of optimism rather than anxiety. With HS2 on the horizon, we look into the far-flung future of HS3 – the conceptual high speed railway linking North East and West. The National Infrastructure Commission has

56 Highway to BIM Innovating England’s road infrastructure.

advised the Government to put HS3 at the heart of a ‘High Speed North’, and UK Construction Excellence finds out why. And, as the newly-released Hendry Review makes waves, we delve a little deeper into tidal lagoon power and the arguments for and against. All this and more can be found inside, along with contributions from guest commentators and breaking news from Great Britain and beyond. Robert Atherton

69 The Forth Dimension The quest to digitally map Scotland’s most iconic bridge.

82 Cash for Ash Northern Ireland in crisis over bungled heating scheme.

Publications Editor Robert Atherton

General Manager Ian Parker

Designer James Ormerod

Production Manager Gareth Trevor-Jones

Publications Officer Abigail Burr Sales Administrator Sarah Livesley

Creative Digital Seamus Norton

ISSN 1461-1279

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UK Construction Media, Stirling House, Ackhurst Business Park, Chorley, PR7 1NY 01257 231900 • admin@ukconstructionmedia.co.uk • www.ukconstructionmedia.co.uk © Copyright Pro-Mark. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced or transmitted in any form without the prior permission of Pro-Mark. Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher.

UK City of Culture 2021 competition launches THE search for the UK’s next City of Culture has officially been launched by the Minister of State for Digital and Culture, Matt Hancock. Following on from the success of Londonderry in 2013, Hull was named the UK’s City of Culture for 2017 and it is predicted that this will add £60M to the local economy across the year. It has also stimulated an estimated £1Bn investment in the City since the announcement. Hull 2017’s launch was marked with a fireworks display which was attended by over 50,000 people and a series of further events which attracted almost 350,000 people. The key driver behind the City of Culture title is to boost tourism and attract investment primarily into the arts and culture sector. Minister of State for Digital and Culture Matt Hancock said: “The UK City of Culture is not only a prestigious title, but as Hull has shown, it is a great opportunity to use culture as a catalyst for economic and social regeneration.

“It showcases the unique identity of our cities, helps boost tourism, and raises the profile of art and culture. I urge local authorities and partnerships across the whole UK to consider entering the competition and I hope to see plenty of ambitious, exciting and innovative bids for 2021.

demonstrating how UK City of Culture can transform the fortunes of a city. For Hull, bidding and hosting UK City of Culture is part of a long-term plan to harness our city’s wonderful heritage and culture to change perceptions of the city, attract investment and create much-needed jobs for local people.

“Those interested in submitting bids to be UK City of Culture 2021 are invited to register with DCMS by the end of February. Bids for the 2021 competition must be received by 28 April 2017 after which they will be assessed by an Independent Advisory Panel. A shortlist will then be announced in the summer, before the winning city is announced in Hull in December.”

“Whilst culture and the arts are just one part of the jigsaw, we are already seeing huge benefits. Confidence in the city has never been higher and more than £1Bn of investment is flowing into Hull, creating thousands of new jobs. Visitor numbers are increasing, new businesses are opening in the city centre and the volume of positive media coverage Hull is enjoying in the UK and around the world is staggering.

Phil Redmond, Chair of the Independent Advisory Panel, said: “Having been on the journey from Liverpool 2008, Derry-Londonderry 2013 and now Hull 2017, I am delighted other cities will have the opportunity to bid and build upon the award for 2021.” Councillor Daren Hale, Deputy Leader of Hull City Council, said: “Hull is already

“Winning UK City of Culture has generated an enormous sense of local pride among local people and a renewed sense of confidence and self-belief in what the city can achieve. This started during the bidding process and is why I would encourage other councils to consider bidding to be the next UK City of Culture.”

ConQuest Estimating software tried and tested by thousands of users 6

Prime Minister unveils new industrial strategy THE Prime Minister, Theresa May, has launched the Government’s proposals for a Modern Industrial Strategy in an effort to drive growth across the country. Infrastructure, broadband and energy will see huge investment to help Britain thrive in a post-Brexit world. The new strategy was unveiled at the Prime Minister’s first regional cabinet meeting and clarified the need for a “hive of new industries that will challenge the companies and industries of today”. As part of an effort to “better align central government infrastructure investment with local growth priorities”, infrastructure investment will focus on digital, energy, transport, water and flood defence. And, to boost skills across the country, the Government will invest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths), digital skills and numeracy. The Government will also build a new system of technical education aimed at those youngsters’ who don’t end up in higher education. The strategy has mapped out ten points of action: • Investing in science, research and innovation. • Developing skills. • Upgrading infrastructure. • Supporting businesses to start and grow.

• Improving procurement. • Encouraging trade and inward investment policy. • Delivering affordable energy and clean growth. • Cultivating world-leading sectors. • Driving growth across the whole country. • Creating the right institutions to bring together sectors and places. Smart energy technologies, robotics and artificial intelligence, and 5G mobile network technology are highlighted within the green paper as technologies where Britain has strengths in research and development which could benefit through the Government’s new Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund. The fund is part of £4.7Bn of additional R&D investment announced by the Prime Minister in November – the largest increase in any parliament since 1979. The Government has also announced a £556M investment for the Northern Powerhouse in effort to stimulate economic growth and create jobs with Google Intermodal Terminal linking rail, sea and road, a 21st century conference centre in Blackpool, and a new innovation fund for Manchester and Cheshire businesses amongst the projects set to benefit over the next few years. Prime Minister, Theresa May, said: “The Modern Industrial Strategy will back Britain for the long term: creating the

conditions where successful businesses can emerge and grow, and backing them to invest in the long-term future of our country. “It will be underpinned by a new approach to government, not just stepping back but stepping up to a new, active role that backs business and ensures more people in all corners of the country share in the benefits of its success.” Ann Francke, Chief Executive of the Chartered Management Institute, welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement. She said: “I welcome Theresa May’s announcement today, recognising the need to invest in the digital, management and engineering skills the UK needs to flourish as a global leader in the 4th Industrial Revolution. “This is an opportunity for the UK to take a global lead and show what responsible capitalism can deliver. This is all the more important given the recent insular, protectionist announcements from President Trump. “Alongside investing in infrastructure, it’s essential we challenge the UK to accept the value of technical, high level apprenticeships. Unless we can overcome “apprenticeship snobbery” and invest in practical routes that can lead right to the top we won’t boost productivity and create the new, dynamic industries that will set the UK apart.”

CCS course raises awareness of vulnerable road users THE Considerate Constructors Scheme has launched a new online course to increase awareness of vulnerable road users. The course – created by the Best Practice Hub, a free online platform that allows users access for sharing best practice – is designed to increase knowledge and understanding of the risks construction activity can cause vulnerable road users and provides practical solutions which can be adopted to reduce these risks. A key aspect to the course is that it provides users with an understanding of CLOCS, the national standard for Construction Logistics and Community Safety, and how it can be adapted for any type of construction

activity across the UK. Other learning areas include current road safety legislation, the Highway Code and details of other important road safety programmes including FORS – the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme. The CPD eligible course is already proving popular and has seen hundreds of individuals from scheme-registered sites, companies and suppliers completing it. As part of an effort to raise standards nationally, the Scheme has also launched a dedicated section about the CLOCS Standard on the Best Practice Hub as well as additional questions about CLOCS in the 2017 Monitors’ Checklist.

Considerate Constructors Scheme Chief Executive Edward Hardy said: “All types of construction activity can involve potential risks to vulnerable road users. It is, therefore, essential that the industry knows and understands these risks and does all it can to minimise them, both for the general public and the workforce. “The vulnerable road users e-learning course and section about the CLOCS Standard on our Best Practice Hub provides an easily accessible and practical way for everyone within the industry – including site managers, contractors, suppliers and clients – to raise safety standards for every road user and pedestrian affected by construction vehicles.”

Chelsea get go-ahead to revamp Stamford Bridge CHELSEA Football Club have received planning permission from Hammersmith and Fulham Council for the proposed rebuild of Stamford Bridge. The £500M redevelopment project, which will see stadium capacity increase to 60,000, was given unanimous backing after a hearing at Hammersmith Town Hall last month. The Blues have called Stamford Bridge home since 1905 and have explored alternative sites to satisfy the Club’s ambition, most notably Battersea Power Station. The stadium’s current capacity is 41,663 – the seventh largest in the top flight of English football. Passing this hurdle means the Premier

League leaders are one step closer to the redevelopment becoming reality. Full planning consent must yet be given and approval from Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan. Swiss architects Herzog & De Meuron are behind the design of the new stadium, having worked other iconic stadiums such as the Bird’s Nest Stadium in Beijing and Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena. The complex construction process will require Chelsea to seek a temporary home while work is carried out at the Bridge with both Wembley and Twickenham being mooted as options. The buildings known as the Chelsea

Village will need to be demolished as part of the project. Excavation will see the pitch lowered below ground level in order to maximise capacity on the 12-acre site and walkways created to negotiate he railways lines close to the stadium. In a statement, Chelsea said: “We are grateful that planning permission was granted for the redevelopment of our historic home. “The committee decision does not mean that work can begin on site. This is just the latest step, although a significant one, that we have to take before we can commence work, including obtaining various other permissions.”

Sunderland centrepiece transported to site THE centrepiece of Sunderland’s new bridge - a 100m pylon - is now at its final location, having been transported onto the construction site in the middle of the River Wear. The structure left Greenwells Quay at the Port of Sunderland, taking just two hours to be transported by barge along a three mile stretch of the River Wear. The new bridge is being constructed on a site between Pallion and Castletown in the City. The pylon travelled beneath the Wearmouth Bridge, passed the Stadium of Light – home of Sunderland AFC – before negotiating a tight corner at Deptford Bend, and finally moving under the Queen Alexandra Bridge, making her way to site. Councillor Paul Watson, Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “It’s great to see the pylon now in its final location on the River Wear. A lot of hard work and planning has gone into building the

pylon, and getting it to site, and I think we can now begin to imagine just how impressive it will look when it’s raised into position.” Stephen McCaffrey, Project Director for Farrans Victor Buyck Joint Venture (FVB), which is delivering the project on behalf of Sunderland City Council, said the transportation of the pylon to site had gone extremely well. He commented: “A lot of work has been carried out on site during the last 18 months in preparation for the arrival on site of the A-frame pylon, so it’s great to get it here and focus on the next phases of the project. “We needed to transport the pylon during a specific tidal window and unfortunately that meant taking it up the river during the early hours. However, there will be plenty of opportunities for people to see the pylon on site in the weeks and months ahead – particularly when it is raised into place in a few weeks’ time.

“Nothing of this scale has been lifted in this way in the UK since the London Eye was raised in 1999, and it will be quite something to watch, so we will definitely be telling people when that is happening.” The next steps will see the pylon rotated 90 degrees in the river and final engineering works to connect its legs to the giant concrete tusks fixed into the riverbed inside the cofferdam, which will support the A-frame in its final position. Sarens, a world leader in heavy lifting and engineered transport, are transporting and raising the pylon. The new bridge will link Castletown to the North of the River Wear with Pallion to the South, and will have dual twolane carriageways for vehicles, as well as dedicated cycle and pedestrian routes. The bridge is due to open in the spring 2018.

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Planning submission for 583-bed student accommodation in Coventry CROSSLANE Student Developments has announced the submission of its first planning application in Coventry, to deliver a 583-bed purpose-built student accommodation on Friar’s Road.

ONS: House price inflation hits highest level in over two years ACCORDING to latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), house price growth picked up 6.7% in November, adding £2,000 to the cost of property in one month. In October, the figure had fallen to 6.4%, having previously peaked at 9.3% in June. According to the ONS and Land Registry data, the average price of a UK home in November was £218,000. Monthly growth was most rapid in London, where prices rose by 1.9% The average house in London cost £482,000 in November. The ONS said the figures, which include cash sales, continued the “strong growth seen since the end of 2013”. The local authority which saw the sharpest increase was Rutland, England’s smallest county by population size, where prices rose by 20.7% over the 12 months. Aberdeen and Inverclyde, to the west of Glasgow, saw the biggest drop in prices, with a fall of 7.8% Housing market experts have said they expect house price growth to cool in 2017 amid the economic uncertainty. The average price for renting a house privately rose by 2.3% in the year to December 2016, unchanged for the fifth consecutive month. In the South of England, rental costs have been growing more rapidly, while in the North, Wales and Scotland, rental costs have risen more slowly.

According to Paul Smee, Director General of the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CMl), mortgage lending has remained resilient, despite the recent tax changes and uncertainty. Recent figures from CML show that a total of £4.7Bn was borrowed by firsttime buyers in November - a 4% rise on October and a 9% rise compared to the previous year. Home-movers borrowed £6.3Bn in November, down 5% compared with a year earlier but still a 7% increase compared with the previous month. Mr Smee said: “November lending reflected stable market conditions. Overall, 2016 did not match recent years in terms of house purchase lending growth, but lending remained resilient through regulatory and political change and aspirations for home ownership remain strong in the UK. “Our forecasts for 2017 may be less bullish than a year ago, as economic uncertainty weighs on the market, but we still predict 1.2 million transactions and a slight increase in gross lending to £248Bn.

Proposed is a new high specification 19-storey student offering, comprised of 140 studios and 443 en-suite cluster flats with dedicated communal areas. These include a common room, study room, gym, cinema and kitchendining room in addition to a private outdoor courtyard. The development is ideally placed at the junction of Friar’s Road and St Patrick’s Road, to the South of Coventry city centre and a short walk from the Coventry University campus, the City’s main shopping centre and train station. Coventry has the fastest growing university in the UK by student enrolment, and the University has committed to significant investment in its facilities and buildings over the next five years. Demand for student accommodation in the City continues to rise, leading to a significant supply-demand imbalance. Mike Moran, Development Manager, Crosslane Student Developments, said: “Crosslane is delighted to have submitted its first planning application for a student accommodation development in Coventry. The proposed scheme is right in the heart of the city centre and a short walk to Coventry University. At 583 beds, the scheme would be a significant contribution to easing the supply/ demand fundamentals which persist for purpose-built student accommodation in the city.”

“Buy-to-let lending, driven by remortgage activity, saw its strongest monthly lending level since the stamp duty changes on second properties introduced last April. Despite this, we expect buy-to-let lending levels in both 2016 and 2017 to prove lower than their 2015 recent peak as further tax changes take effect.”