Merged housing association giants plan 50,000 homes

Affinity Sutton and Circle Housing Group have merged to become Clarion Housing Group, with plans to build 50,000 new homes in the next 10 years.

Clarion will be the largest housing association in the country and one of the largest housebuilders in Britain.

It will more than double delivery of new homes that the two former organisations could build – without relying on any government subsidy.

The Group will prioritise affordable housing with around two-thirds of its programme for affordable rent and low cost home ownership.

Keith Exford, Group Chief Executive of Clarion Housing Group, said: “We have created Clarion Housing Group in response to the acute need to deliver more affordable housing.

“We are significantly increasing our capacity to deliver the homes our country so desperately needs as well as our ability to transform lives.”

from Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2016/12/01/merged-housing-association-giants-plan-50000-homes/

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Plans in for £150m Assembly Bristol scheme

Property investor AXA Investment Managers – Real Assets has submitted plans for the overall masterplan and first building at its Assembly Bristol regeneration project.

Assembly Bristol is a £150m mixed-use scheme encompassing office space, public realm, shops, restaurants and cafes on the site of the now demolished 1970s office building that was once the HQ of Clerical Medical.

The site borders Temple Quay, the Floating Harbour and Narrow Plain and was bought by AXA IM – Real Assets, on behalf of a fund it manages, in 2015.

Architect Allford Hall Monaghan Morris has drawn up plans for the site which will consist of three main blocks with expressed steelwork characterising the design.

The largest known as building A will offer 180,000 sq ft and is expected to complete by 2018. Detailed design and the planning process for the second and third buildings that make up the masterplan will be reviewed to fit emerging occupier demand.

Designs feature express painted steelwork on both the exterior and interior of the buildings

In line with AXA IM – Real Assets’ global portfolio, the development is targeted to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating, WELL certification and a Platinum Wired Score, demonstrating not only the building’s high sustainability but also the creation of a healthy, technology enabled workplace supporting the productivity and wellbeing of the occupiers.

Harry Badham, UK Head of Development at AXA IM – Real Assets,said: “This is the next stage of this exciting concept for both us, our clients, and for Bristol City Centre. We are working with a professional team to bring forward the vision for this site, which we believe has the potential to provide businesses with an environment that offers the opportunity to attract leading talent, whilst also ensuring that it fits seamlessly into Bristol’s city centre.

“Our aim is to be on site to deliver the first of the three buildings during 2017 and we look forward to sharing our plans for the rest of the scheme in due course.”

from Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2016/12/01/plans-in-for-150m-assembly-bristol-scheme/

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Green light for major London city office rebuild

London planners have given the thumbs up to redevelop a 1991-constructed city office building at 60 London Wall.

The existing office will be stripped back to its steel frame and rebuilt with an extra four floors raising the total office space to 320,000 sq ft.

Designs by architect EPR see the upper five floors of the 12-storey building stepped and set back from the front elevation lessening their impact at street level and creating outdoor space for terraces.

Down with the 25-year-old building, and up with the new enlarged commercial scheme

EPR designed building will boast five set-back upper floors with roof terraces

Enabling works will now start with structural demolition set to begin in April. Work will start on the superstructure just before the end of next year with the building ready for tenants at the end of 2019.

LaSalle bought the 260,000 sq ft building for just under £200m last summer on behalf of California State Teachers’ Retirement System.

Gary Player, Head of London Business Space, ‎LaSalle Investment Management commented: “We acquired 60 London Wall because of its prime location in an area that is becoming more accessible, with Crossrail/Elizabeth line, as well as the opportunity to create significant additional lettable area and a first-class product that we will be delivering in 2019.”

from Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2016/12/01/green-light-for-major-london-city-office-rebuild/

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Physics, photosynthesis and solar cells

Researchers have combined quantum physics and photosynthesis to make discovery that could lead to highly efficient, green solar cells, outlines a new report.

from Engineering and Construction News – ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/11/161130154310.htm

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Going against the grain: Nitrogen turns out to be hypersociable

Nitrogen is everywhere: even in the air there is four times as much of it as oxygen. However, it is reluctant to form chemical bonds. Chemists predict, however, that contrary to the rules of typical chemistry, in appropriately selected conditions there may be a nitrogen that nobody has ever seen.

from Engineering and Construction News – ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/11/161130132544.htm

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Mimicking bug eyes could brighten reflective signs, clothes

That bright, reflective coating used on road signs, bicycles and clothing are important safety measures at night. They help drivers get to their destinations while avoiding bicyclists and pedestrians in low-light conditions. Now, inspired by the structure of insect eyes, scientists have developed new materials that could improve the color and effectiveness of these safeguards.

from Engineering and Construction News – ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/11/161130104154.htm

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Throwing new light on printed organic solar cells

Scientists are able to improve the efficiency of solar cells more than threefold, outlines a new report. The solar cells are a flexible, lightweight and environmentally-friendly and have the capacity to be printed in different colours and shapes. They are a contrast to their inorganic competitors as they also convert efficiently indirect sunlight, making them ideal material to power devices on the move, such as for the Internet of Things

from Engineering and Construction News – ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/11/161130083020.htm

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3D print operational drone with embedded electronics using aerospace-grade material

The first fully functional quadcopter 3D printed in ULTEMTM 9085 aerospace-grade material with electronics embedded was created in a single production step, report researchers.

from Engineering and Construction News – ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/11/161130082814.htm

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Walking a tight line to study the properties of soft materials

Tiny “walking” proteins could be used to investigate the mechanical deformations in soft materials, according to researchers.

from Engineering and Construction News – ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/11/161130082812.htm

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In one-two punch, researchers load 'nanocarriers' to deliver cancer-fighting drugs and imaging molecules to tumors

Scientists describe a new system to encase chemotherapy drugs within tiny, synthetic “nanocarrier” packages, which could be injected into patients and disassembled at the tumor site to release their toxic cargo.

from Engineering and Construction News – ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/11/161129161516.htm

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Ready for takeoff: Blues skies thinking to improve aircraft safety

Nervous flyers and crew alike would prefer jet airliners not to vibrate so much at take off. Research points to blue skies thinking that might explain the phenomenon and find ways to reduce the safety and image problems associated with this troubling aircraft noise.

from Engineering and Construction News – ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/11/161129150622.htm

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Making flawless graphene coatings

Graphene, the ultra-thin wonder material just a single carbon atom in thickness, holds the promise of such impressive applications as wear-resistant, friction-free coatings. But first manufacturers have to be able to produce large sheets of graphene under precisely controlled conditions.

from Engineering and Construction News – ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/11/161129084343.htm

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Highways England to replace Amey in Areas 6 and 8

Highways England is planning to replace Amey on highways maintenance contracts for Areas 6 and 8 in the east of England.

The move to close the contracts 18 months early comes as Highways England is rolling out its new regime using its own in-house team to manage delivery after switching from assets support style single contracts where contractors managed their own maintenance regimes and small works.

The agency is hoping to appoint a contractor early in the New Year to take over the areas from March 2017.

Amey secured the five-year asset support contract for Area 6 in August 2013 and the Area 8 in October 2013. But the terms are now being cut-short by mutual agreement.

Highways England signalled plans to take more direct control of its highways maintenance regions over a year ago when bids for several upcoming asset support contracts came back too cheap for the work planned.

The first pilot scheme under this new client-led maintenance regime was secured by Amey in the neighboring Area 7 in the Midlands. This arrangement is unaffected by the proposed changes.

A Highways England spokesperson, said: “We are continuing to work to improve our service to customers and communities in the East of England. This change will allow us to focus on continuing to drive that improvement. We would like to thank Amey for their support in this region and their commitment to managing a smooth transition to our future arrangements.”

from Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2016/11/30/highways-england-to-replace-amey-in-areas-6-and-8/

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R G Carter wins £23m Luton science block

The University of Bedfordshire has selected regional builder R G Carter to design and build a multi-use science block at its Luton Campus.

The project is the latest in a series of builds, which have seen Kier and Willmott Dixon secure big projects, like its new library building.

R G Carter is understood to have beaten Kier and Morgan Sindall with a bid of £23m for the project.

Under present plans the project will involve demolition, refurbishment and construction works for the 60,000 sq ft block which amounts to a total investment of around £40m for the university.

The STEM building would give the university room to offer new courses in pharmacy, nutrition, physics, biochemistry, chemistry, geology and mechanical engineering.

A new substation will be located within the main car park of the University and an adjacent building re-clad in a dark grey coloured fibre cement panel as part of the project.

The four-storey stem building (far right) is planned for completion in 2018

Vice chancellor Bill Rammell said: “The new STEM building marks the culmination of a huge investment at the campus, with the aim to give our students the very best learning teaching experience possible.”

from Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2016/11/30/r-g-carter-wins-23m-luton-science-block/

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Electricians down tools on Crossrail site

A team of 65 electricians is understood to have stopped work on Crossrail today in a dispute over union recognition.

The Enquirer understands the sparks have “cabined-up” on the Tottenham Court Road site.

The electricians are working for Crown House.

Site sources at the Unite union claimed the company had failed to recognise its site representative.

It is believed the rep is also being moved to another job which sparked this morning’s action.

Crown House and Crossrail have been contacted for comment.

from Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2016/11/30/electricians-down-tools-on-crossrail-site/

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Keltbray to expand sheet piling nationwide

Keltbray is expanding its new sheet piling business just 12 months after launching the service from its headquarters in Esher, Surrey.

It has now just started operating from the Keltbray Structures offices in Bathgate, Scotland as the business moves to the next phase of its growth strategy.

The firm also plans to open an office in the north of England to take sheet piling nationwide.

Keltbray Sheet Piling is one of only six operators in the country that operates using the vibration-free WP150 Stillworker for use on contracts in inner-city areas.

Recent high profile works in central London, include works at Battersea Power Station. Keltbray Sheet Piling has just been awarded the subcontract at Crindau Pill, Newport, to install 17,000 sq m of sheet piling for Galliford Try on behalf of Natural Resources Wales.

Managing director, Andy Appleton, said offering driven steel piling services was a progressive expansion of Keltbray’s geotechnical services.

“This combination allows us to provide a unique offering through the integration with Keltbray’s own engineering design consultancy, Wentworth House Partnership, Keltbray Structures, Keltbray Piling and the other Keltbray Group services.

“Our UK-wide offering now includes all aspects of driven steel piling, including; temporary and permanent works design, supply, installation and extraction of steel sheet piles, welded steel framing, anchors and other associated works,” Andy Appleton explained.

“Our intention was always to grow this business into a nationwide venture. We have now appointed a new contract manager, Jamie Miller to grow the business in Scotland, We also have plans to open an office in the north of England, in the new year, and offer a truly nationwide service.”

from Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2016/11/30/keltbray-to-expand-sheet-piling-nationwide/

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ISG set for £60m Westminster City Hall revamp

McMullen lands facade package for Google office block

McMullen Facades has been appointed by main contractor Carillion to deliver the striking cladding package for the new S2 building in London’s King’s Cross.

The 11-storey office building is being developed by Argent for Google and designed by Mossessian Architecture.

Lakesmere Group company McMullen will carry out the design, manufacture and installation of two façade types.

One will incorporate high performance glass units with Tuff stone and the second features structurally bonded glass units with a detailed ceramic print on the external surface.

Procured in Armenia, the Tuff stone will be transported to a stone specialist local to the McMullen factory for final processing, before being factory fixed onto the bespoke carrier systems of the unitised panels.

As part of its package of works McMullen will also install the building’s inset balconies and main entrance colonnade, with work expected to start on site in early 2017.

from Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2016/11/30/mcmullen-lands-facade-package-for-google-office-block/

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Breedon expands in the north with £16m acquisition

Quarrying and ready-mixed concrete group Breedon has stepped up its nationwide expansion with the acquisition of northern materials rival Sherburn Materials Group.

Sherburn made an underlying profit of £1.8m from £16m sales this year

Breedon will pay £15.7m for the heavyside building materials business which is headquartered in County Durham and employs around 110 people. 

Sherburn operates four quarries and five ready-mixed concrete plants in County Durham, Northumberland, North Yorkshire and Cumbria. 

It also distributes cementitious products from two import terminals at Blyth near Newcastle and Dundee in eastern Scotland.

Sherburn achieved revenues of £16.1m last year and boasts more than 21m tonnes of mineral reserves and resources, together with significant cement storage capacity at its two terminals.

Paul Allison, Sherburn’s current Managing Director and a minority shareholder, will remain with the business as a consultant.

Pat Ward, Breedon’s chief executive, said: “Following our acquisition of Hope earlier this year, which significantly expanded our geographical footprint in the north of England, Sherburn is a perfect infill acquisition for us.  It gives us additional mineral reserves and access to new markets for our aggregates and concrete, as well as a first-rate workforce.

“It also complements our existing cement plant at Hope and will enable us to expand our cementitious business through the importation of cement and ground granulated blast-furnace slag through Sherburn’s two strategically located terminals in north-east England and eastern Scotland.”

In a trading statement this morning Breedon a three  three-month contribution from the former Hope Construction Materials business it acquired had seen group revenue soar by a third in the last 10 months to £361m.

Assuming that weather conditions remain favourable for the remainder of the financial year, the Group’s underlying EBIT for the full year is expected to be ahead of current market expectations.

 

from Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2016/11/30/breedon-expands-in-the-north-with-16m-acquisition/

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Bristol Uni plans £300m campus in Temple Quarter

The University of Bristol has unveiled plans for a £300m new campus project to sit at the heart of the city’s Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone.

The Temple Quarter Campus will be built near Bristol Temple Meads train station on the derelict former sorting office site.

The new campus scheme will include a Digital Innovation Hub, a ‘business school of the future’, student village and an enterprise hub known as the Engine Shed 2.

It’s hoped the campus will open in time for the start of the 2021/22 academic year.

The Temple Quarter Campus is the result of collaboration between the University, Bristol City Council, Government, industry and philanthropic investors.

Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark said: “Our forthcoming Industrial Strategy is committed to creating highly skilled and versatile workforces in all areas of the UK.

“The development of this exceptional new campus for the University of Bristol is a brilliant example of this strategy in action, with government, academia and industry collaborating to deliver future-focused training that will build on Bristol’s growing reputation as a digital and tech cluster.”

Professor Hugh Brady, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bristol, said: “This is an historic moment for the University of Bristol and for the city-region.

“This new initiative is, I believe, truly unique: a dynamic partnership between the University, industry and the city, located in an enterprise zone and major transport hub and offering the opportunity to position Bristol as a global leader in digital and educational innovation.”

Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol said: “The deal also gives us renewed hope of a solution to the eyesore of the former Sorting Office. In future, visitors will no longer be welcomed to Bristol by a derelict building, but by a flourishing and inclusive home of digital excellence, innovation, education and industry.”

from Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2016/11/30/bristol-uni-plans-300m-campus-in-temple-quarter/

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Hard Brexit will cost construction 215,000 workers

Construction sites could lose almost 215,000 workers in the event of a ‘hard’ Brexit.

A report from consultant Arcadis warns the skills gap could turn into a skills gulf as the number of EU construction workers enters the country between now and 2020.

Hard Brexit could see the points-based system currently in place for non-EU migrants extended.

That would hit construction hard due to the number of unskilled and semi-skilled migrant workers currently filling site vacancies.

Even a ‘soft’ Brexit scenario of migrant quotas would see the industry missing out on as many as 135,000 workers.

Arcadis is warning that the slowdown in migrant labour from the EUcould potentially see costs rise and the homes and infrastructure projects currently on the table delayed or even cancelled.

The consultant is urging the industry to rapidly modernise and accelerate use of technology and off-site manufacturing to plug the skills gap.

James Bryce, Arcadis Director of Workforce Planning, said: “What started as a skills gap could soon become a skills gulf.

“The British construction sector has been built on overseas labour for generations, and restrictions of any sort – be it hard or soft Brexit – will hit the industry.

“Missing out on over 200,000 people entering the workforce could mean rising costs for business, and much needed homes and transport networks being delayed.

“In recent decades, there has been a massive push towards tertiary education which has seen a big drop in the number of British people with the specific skills we need. If we cannot import the right people, we will need to quickly ramp up training and change the way we build.

“Be it hard or soft Brexit, we need to take back control of the construction industry.

“The likes of robotics and off-site manufacturing have never been taken as seriously as they should, but they could well prove the difference.

“So, too, could training. Working with schools and colleges is one way of taking control but this takes time.

“In the short term retraining and turning to the unemployed and underemployed could be a significant benefit to an industry under significant pressure.”

from Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2016/11/30/hard-brexit-will-cost-construction-215000-workers/

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Chinese firm signs £85m deal to start on Manchester site

Developer Scarborough International Properties has signed an £85m deal with Chinese company BCEG for the construction of phase 1 of its 24.5 acre Middlewood Locks development in Manchester.

The signing marks a major milestone in the development of phase 1, which will be completed in October 2018.

The first phases will comprise of 571 homes and associated commercial space, including convenience shops, restaurants, extensive new public realm including canal side footpaths and cycle ways to the City centre.

The first residents are expected to start moving in to the apartments in March 2018.

The Middlewood Locks development will deliver a new mixed-use neighbourhood which, in total, will provide 2,215 new homes and 900,000 sq ft of commercial development space including offices, hotel, shops, restaurants, a convenience store and gym.

Phase 1 has a gross development value of more than £150m and is expected to create more than 300 jobs for the local region.

Kevin McCabe, Chairman of Scarborough commented: “We are delighted to have signed BCEG for the first phase of our Middlewood Locks development. This marks the culmination of many years of hard work and collaboration between all involved, both in the UK and China.”

Mr Xing Yan, Managing Director of BCEG said: “We look forward to continuing our work with Scarborough on the development of this significant and strategic regeneration project.”

BCEG is currently recruiting for a wide variety of roles in the UK. For more details click here

from Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2016/11/29/chinese-firm-signs-85m-deal-to-start-on-manchester-site/

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Glowing crystals can detect, cleanse contaminated drinking water

Motivated by public hazards associated with contaminated sources of drinking water, a team of scientists has successfully developed and tested tiny, glowing crystals that can detect and trap heavy-metal toxins like mercury and lead.

from Engineering and Construction News – ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/11/161129124512.htm

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New technique for structural color, inspired by birds

A peacock’s bright teal and brilliant blue feathers are not the result of pigments but rather nanoscale networks that reflect specific wavelengths of light. This so-called structural coloration has long interested researchers and engineers because of its durability and potential for application in solar arrays, biomimetic tissues and adaptive camouflage. But today’s techniques to integrate structural color into materials are time-consuming and costly. 

from Engineering and Construction News – ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/11/161128121205.htm

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Metallic glass gears make for graceful robots

At NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, scientists are building a better gear. Specifically, they are developing gears made from bulk metallic glass (BMG), a specially crafted alloy with properties that make it ideal for robotics.

from Engineering and Construction News – ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/11/161129103309.htm

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Graphene technology enables fully flexible NFC antennas

Graphene is currently one of the most extensively studied materials in the world, both on a scientific and industrial level. The world’s first two-dimensional material, this single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice has a series of unique and outstanding properties. As well as being the thinnest, strongest and lightest known material, graphene is flexible, impermeable and extremely electrically and thermally conductive. All properties well suited for next generation NFC antennas.

from Engineering and Construction News – ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/11/161129084229.htm

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Storage isn't cold - waste of fruits and vegetables

Improved transportation methods and cold storage facilities are key issues that need serious consideration when handling fruits. This is because fruits are perishable and therefore need to be transported and stored in ways that maintain their freshness and nutritional value. This is particularly true for imported fruits that have to be transported over long distances.

According to food marketers, at least 40% of fruit produce destined to the market goes to waste because of poor storage, improper handling and unfriendly transportation methods. Indeed, only 25 of all the 70 warehouses in Hyderabad are properly equipped to handle fruits.

The sad fact is corroborated by Mr. Tarun Arora, a renowned food analyst who points out that the southern and western regions of India including the states of Telangana and Gujarat that experience temperatures as high as 44º C due to humid conditions brought about by tropical type of climate record more fruit wastage than other regions.

This calls for the serious need to improve cold storage facilities of which cold room suppliers can play a major role in having the right cold storage facilities for transportation, storage and preservation of fruits. This will not only help in minimizing waste but will also go along way in addressing microorganisms that also damage fruits.

The major area where cold room suppliers need to focus on is how to safely transport fruits from one location to another. According to Mr. Madhu Nair, another food analyst, this is an area that requires immediate attention because demand for fruits has increased by at least 30%, an increase that is directly linked to high transportation and preservation costs.

Available statistics indicate that India imported 3.5 lakh metric tones of fruits in 2015. These were stored in 6,300 cold storage facilities spread across the country. According to a high-ranking food inspector, the cold storage facilities are not up to the required standards, which also contribute to wastage of stored fruits.

The food inspector points out the sorry state of cold storage facilities in Hyderabad where only 25 cold storage facilities of the 70 are functional with the rest experiencing system failures on a regular basis. He emphasizes that the increased wastage of fruits can only be addressed through maintenance of low temperatures.

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London Mayor targets 90,000 lower cost homes

The Mayor of London has today set out new planning rules to speed up the building of 90,000 affordable housing, alongside record-breaking investment of £3.15bn in the capital.

The 2016-21 funding programme represents the biggest housing deal ever secured by City Hall, rising from £1.1bn previously allocated over the 2015-2018 period.

His target of 90,000 low cost homes by 2020-21 represents a 48% increase from the number of affordable homes built between 2009-10 and 2014-15.

The Mayor is also today launching new planning guidance, setting out for the first time an innovative approach both to speeding up decisions in the planning system as well as supporting build to rent schemes.

It will basically heavily scrutinise projects with less than 35% affordable housing and apply a light touch approach to schemes planning more than 35%.

Following negotiations with government, new rules mean investment in London can now be spent on a mix of homes for low-cost rent and affordable homeownership.

Most homes in the Mayor’s programme will be delivered by housing associations, with the condition that their plans must include a minimum 50% affordable housing, with some partners enabled to deliver at least 60%.

The Mayor said the Supplementary Planning Guidance was the first step to raising affordable housing levels from the low level of 13% given permission.

The guidance has been developed since the Mayor took office in May through extensive discussions with councils and the housing industry.

The SPG seeks to:

– set out a clear, consistent, and transparent approach to ‘viability’, the process through which a development’s affordable housing contribution is assessed; 

– offer developers a new quicker route through the planning process, removing the requirement for protracted viability negotiations if they meet a minimum 35% affordable housing;

– support new ‘Build to Rent’ developments, where institutions like pension funds invest in blocks of long-term private and affordable flats to rent.   

Khan, said: “I have been clear that fixing the housing crisis will be a marathon and not a sprint, but I am determined to lead from the front and get on with building genuinely affordable homes for Londoners to rent and buy.”

Ian Fletcher, Director of Policy at the British Property Federation, said: “The GLA has led the field in seeking to have a planning policy on Build-to-Rent and this latest guidance is immensely helpful to the sector and the Boroughs with which it works.

“When you are trying to do something new in housing inevitably you need to develop understanding, and the Mayor, his Deputy and team have wanted to be at the forefront, working with planners and investors to cast a sensible planning policy. 

“What you want as a developer or investor, such as a pension fund, is clarity and understanding that rental homes are different to those for-sale, which this guidance delivers.

“The sector wants to deliver tens of thousands of quality rental homes for Londoners, and those at discounted market rent, in a tenure blind manner. Recognising the sector and how it works in this guidance is a big help.”

Build to rent developer Greystar’s managing director, Mark Allnutt, said: “We welcome the news that London is receiving a £3.15bn allocation for affordable housing, and that the rules have been relaxed to allow this to be used across a wider range of housing types for rent as well as sale.

“London not only needs more rental accommodation, but more of this needs to be designed, built and managed for that purpose. Greystar rental communities offer first class apartments and amenities to suit people at different stages in their lives across a wide range of rent levels.” 

from Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2016/11/29/london-mayor-targets-90000-lower-cost-homes/

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BAM drafted in for Hub South East framework

Scottish development group Hub South East has signed up BAM Construction to strengthen its tier one contractor supply chain. 

The building firm joins existing Tier 1 contractors Morrison Construction and Graham Construction.

The move to broaden the tier 1 panel follows Hub South West, which in the summer brought on board Morgan Sindall to supplement existing preferred partners Kier, Galliford Try, Graham Construction and Ashleigh

So far Hub South East has successfully delivered 49 facilities worth £136m, with £360m projects currently under construction or in development.

Paul McGirk, Hub South East’s Chief Executive said the hub wanted to be able to meet the challenge of that increased demand.

“Hub South East now has a significant portfolio of completed schools, health facilities and other community hubs which have made a real difference to the lives of the people working in them and to those relying upon the vital services they provide.

“Having listened to the needs of our clients and recognising the potential for exciting new opportunities, we are delighted to welcome BAM Construction to join us and look forward to working with the team to deliver innovative, quality and value for money solutions, as well as real community benefits.”

Bruce Dickson, Regional Director, BAM Construction added: “BAM has a long history of working in Edinburgh and across the South East of Scotland and this appointment offers us a great opportunity to continue to support our local South East supply chain as well as delivering targeted community benefits through future project awards.

“We are looking forward to engaging with Hub South East and its partners and assisting, along with the other Tier 1 contractors, to deliver a very exciting project pipeline.” 

from Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2016/11/29/bam-drafted-in-for-hub-south-east-framework/

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Sir Robert McAlpine bags Big Ben tower revamp

Sir Robert McAlpine’s special projects division has secured the scaffolding contract and pre-construction service agreement for a three-year programme of essential works to conserve the Big Ben tower in Westminster.

Extensive repair and modernisation work on the the Elizabeth Tower, the Great Clock and the Great Bell is due to begin in early 2017.

The scaffolding job alone for the 96m tall tower is expected to take six months to complete with at least one clock face left exposed during the upgrade.

McAlpine’s scaffolding construction and the pre-construction agreement is worth £3.5m, with the full conservation of the Elizabeth Tower expected to cost £29m.

Work plan

While the tower itself is structurally sound and does not require works to improve its stability, other works are now a matter of urgency.

Cracks have developed in the masonry, the cast iron work on the roof and belfry is corroding, and leaks have caused damage internally.

Condensation problems have led to problems with damp, cracked plasterwork and rust. Corrosion to the bell frame has caused one of the feet supporting the quarter bells and Big Ben to split. Stonework damage is present at high levels and the famous Ayrton Light, which tops the Tower and shines to indicate that Parliament is sitting, needs to be fully dismantled and restored.

One of the aims of the project is to conserve significant elements of the Tower, as designed by architects Charles Barry and Augustus Welby Pugin.

The existing black and gold colouring around the clock dials was applied in the 1980s. Parliament’s team of conservation architects are currently analysing the original paint used to decorate the surrounding areas to each clock dial. Once a clear picture of the early colour schemes has been built up, the stonework will be repainted to reflect, as far as possible, Pugin’s original design.

The clock hands were last removed in 1984, and will now benefit from removal and refurbishment again. Many of the 312 pieces of pot opal glass used to make up each clock face need to be renewed as a number have cracked due to years of exposure. In addition, the cast iron frameworks which hold the glass in place have corroded and need extensive repairs.

In addition to the conservation work, work will be carried out to improve and upgrade health and safety and fire prevention for staff and visitors within the Tower, in line with Regulatory Reform Order 2005.

A lift will also be fitted into one of the existing ventilation shafts. To improve the Tower’s energy efficiency, mechanical and electrical services will be renewed and updated and the lights illuminating the clock dials and the belfry will be replaced with low energy LEDs.

from Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2016/11/29/sir-robert-mcalpine-bags-big-ben-tower-revamp/

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ECA starts hunt for industry bright sparks

The Electrical Contractors’ Association has started the hunt for the most talented youngsters in the sector.

The industry-wide Power Players initiative is aimed at those aged 39 and under who have already made a positive impact in their organisations.

To enter individuals simply need to send in a short video highlighting their achievements.

The entire process will be digital with no need to complete lengthy forms or attend interviews in person.

ECA CEO Steve Bratt said: “I am delighted to announce the arrival of Power Players 2017, which aims to showcase some of the most talented individuals from across building engineering services.

“With recognition and some great prizes on offer, we look forward to seeing already successful younger individuals participating in the initiative next year.”

Power Players will be open to entrants across the country who work for any of the following types of organisation:

·         Clients and specifiers (e.g. facilities managers, local authorities, housing associations, property developers etc.)
·         Consultants and designers
·         Engineering firms
·         Installers and contractors
·         Manufacturers and distributors.

Power Players will open to entries in spring 2017.

In the meantime anyone interested in the initiative can click here to sign up for regular update

from Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2016/11/29/eca-starts-hunt-for-industry-bright-sparks/

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Government details more of £3bn local roads package – list

Towns and cities across the country are set to benefit from £3bn worth of investment on improving roads in a boost for motorists.

Transport minister Chris Grayling has confirmed details of local pothole spending in the year ahead and plans to develop six further local schemes on top of plans identified in the Autumn spending statement.

He also released £50m to build the Lincoln Eastern Bypass allowing Carillion to start work on the £96.4m scheme in January and be completed by December 2019.

In the coming months, the government will announce more local major transport schemes that are expected to be funded from the £1.8bn Local Growth Fund allocations announced by the Chancellor in the Autumn Statement.

Six major schemes to get financial backing to advance plans

• New Tees crossing
• Dualling the A500 in Cheshire
• Coventry South Link Road
• Melton Mowbray Eastern Distributor road
• Sheffield Innovation Corridor
• Manchester Metrolink Airport link

Six local major schemes in Autumn statement

• Tees Valley east-west connections
• East Riding: Jock’s Lodge Junction (A1079/A164)
• Sheffield Supertram renewals
• Shrewsbury North West Relief Road
• Warrington Waterfront Western Link
• Suffolk Energy Gateway New Road

A further £70m from the Pothole Fund will be allocated next year, extra to previously committed spending. This will allow highway authorities to start repairs quickly.

Spending plans by region

Click here for interactive regional map.

North East funding
Upgrades to the Hexham and Corbridge junctions on the A69 as part of the £220m pinch point fund, which should be complete by 2020.

Develop plans to dual the A66 from Scotch Corner to Penrith, creating the first new all-dual-carriageway route across the Pennines since the opening of the M62 in 1971. Construction to start in next RIS.

Invest £450,000 to progress business case for New Tees Crossing and £300,000 to develop Tees Valley East West Connections between the A1 (M) and the A66 to the North West of Darlington to improve connectivity from A1 corridor across Tees Valley.

Extra £3.9m to the North East enough to fix around 74,000 potholes in 2017 to 2018.

North West funding
Further develop plans to dual the A66 from Scotch Corner to Penrith, creating the first new all-dual-carriageway route across the Pennines since the opening of the M62 in 1971. Construction should start in the next RIS.

Develop improvements identified by the Manchester M60 North-West Quadrant so construction can start as part of the next RIS.

Further analyse the case for the Trans-Pennine Tunnel Strategic Study to assess the full impact of any improvements before a firm and final conclusion can be reached.

Invest £1m to further the business case for the Warrington Waterfront Western Link – a new link road to the West of Warrington including a potential high level crossing of the Manchester Ship Canal which aims to open up land for housing and development.

Invest £2.1m to further the business case for the Manchester Metrolink Airport Extension.

Invest £2m to further the business case for Dualling the remaining single carriageway section of the A500 west of the M6.

Extra £9m to fix around 170,000 potholes in 2017 to 2018

Yorkshire and Humber funding

Invest £92,000 to progress further business case work on Jock’s Lodge Junction of the A1079 and A164 in order to ease congestion  on the A164 between the Humber Bridge and Beverley.

Invest £1.4m to progress further business case work on Sheffield Innovation Corridor which aims to maximise the potential for growth of Advanced Manufacturing District and reduce congestion around M1 junctions 33 and 34.

Investing £1.6m to progress further business case work on Sheffield Supertram Renewals.

Extra £7.3m to fix around 138,000 potholes in 2017/18.

East Midlands funding
£50m towards the Lincoln Eastern Bypass which will reduce congestion in the city centre and encourage planned housing growth. Construction to start January 2017. Completion December 2019.

Invest £2.8m to further develop the business case for the Melton Mowbray Eastern Bypass – a new road to the east of Melton Mowbray that aims to open up land for housing and commercial development.
West Midlands funding
Investing £942,000 to further develop the business case for the Shrewsbury North Western Relief Road – a link around the north west of Shrewsbury to complete a ring road of the town which aims to cut congestion and improve connectivity.

Investing £1.25 million to further develop the business case for the Coventry South Link Road – a new link road to the South of Coventry west of the A46 which aims to open up land for housing and commercial development.
Extra £8m to fix around 152,000 potholes in 2017 to 2018.

East of England funding
Further analysis to examine the case for action for the A1 East of England Strategic Study. More work is needed to assess the full impact of any improvements before a firm conclusion can be reached.

Investing £27m of capital development funding for the Oxford to Cambridge Expressway strategic study to identify and develop options in greater detail, including further analysis, stakeholder engagement, consultation and environmental analysis.

Investing £1m to further develop the business case for Suffolk Energy Gateway New Road – the realignment of a section of the A12 on the route towards the proposed Sizewell C nuclear power station to ease congestion and improve reliability by bypassing villages.

Nearly £10m to fix around 183,000 potholes in 2017 to 2018.

South East funding
Invest £27m to develop a transformational tech corridor between Oxford and Cambridge.
Over £11.6m to fix around 220,000 potholes in 2017 to 2018.

South West funding
Over £12.4m extra to fix around 235,000 potholes in 2017 to 2018.

from Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2016/11/29/government-details-3bn-local-roads-package-list/

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Countryside targets West Midlands as profits soar

Countryside Properties is expanding its partnerships business to the Midlands after delivering strong profit and review growth across the group.

The house building and partnerships homes group has opened a Wolverhampton office and will shortly start its first development of 186 homes at Rowley Regis.

Ian Sutcliffe, group chief executive, said he saw strong potential for the partnerships business as the group announced its first full-year results after returning to the Stock Market in February.

Another year of strong growth saw total completions rise 12% to 2,657 homes, with private average selling prices up 21% to £465,000.

This lifted group and joint venture revenue a quarter to £777m with operating profit up a third to £122m.

House building and partnerships trading highlights

Housebuilding highlights

•Completions: 783 homes (2015: 653) up 20%
•Adjusted operating profit: £66.8m (2015: £51.6m) up 30%
•ROCE: 17.7% (2015: 16.6%) up 110bps
•Land bank: 19,322 plots (2015: 18,410) of which 89% has been strategically sourced

Partnerships highlights

•Completions: 1,874 units (2015: 1,711) up 10%
•Adjusted operating profit: £55.6m (2015: £39.6m) up 40%
•ROCE: 70.7% (2015: 69.4%) up 130bps
•Land bank plus preferred bidder: 14,504 plots, up 35% (2015: 10,760)

Sutcliffe said: “We enter the 2017 financial year in a strong position with an industry leading land bank and record private forward order book.

“Our strategy remains to deliver growth, increasing returns and capital efficiency from our balanced business models of house building and partnerships.

“We see significant growth opportunities in partnerships with increased estate regeneration in London and our geographic expansion into the West Midlands, while our increased scale and operational efficiency in housebuilding will continue to improve returns.”

from Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2016/11/29/countryside-targets-west-midlands-as-profits-soar/

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Rental specialist Vp bullish about construction prospects

Equipment rental specialist Vp posted surging profits today and a bullish outlook for construction prospects.

Interim results for the six months to September 30 2016 showed group pre-tax profits up 9% to 18.7m on turnover up 16% at £121.7m.

Things were even better in the main UK division where operating profits were up 13% to £19.5m on turnover ahead 12% at £108.1m.

Vp boosted capital investment in its fleet during the six months to £29.9m.

Chairman Jeremy Pilkington said: “Our UK division has enjoyed a strong first half.

“Residential construction activity has proved to be robust and we see potential further upside from general construction enhanced in the medium term by the initiatives announced in last week’s Autumn Statement. 

“Infrastructure markets have delivered growth and the AMP6 water infrastructure investment programme, in particular, is now starting to show signs of increased activity. 

“The Higher Access business acquired in March 2016 has integrated well.

“We have remained alert for signs of any negative impact on our UK businesses from the Brexit decision and whilst there was some initial market volatility and a weakening of Sterling, we have not seen any adverse effect on our UK trading activities to date.

“We remain very positive about the opportunities for the Group in the second half of the year and beyond, and believe that we will be able to report results ahead of market expectations for the financial year as a whole.”

from Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2016/11/29/rental-specialist-vp-bullish-about-construction-prospects/

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Civil engineers down tools to boost safety standards

Infrastructure companies will stop work on site and in offices next April in a bid to boost health, safety and wellbeing standards.

The Stop. Make a Change. campaign will see leading contractors and clients stand down work on the morning of 18 April 2017.

The event is being organised by the Civil Engineering Contractors Association and will be the first time that a national stand-down event has taken place in the UK.

Firms taking part will use the stand down to discuss with employees and suppliers how the industry can work together to boost its performance in relation to health, safety and wellbeing.

Discussions will be built around four priority areas: Mental health, Respiratory illness, Fatigue and Plant safety.

Big names backing the campaign include BAM Nuttall, Balfour Beatty, Carillion, Costain, Crossrail, Environment Agency, Heathrow Airport, Highways England, HS2 Ltd, Lagan Construction, Morgan Sindall, Network Rail, Skanska, Tideway & VolkerWessels UK.

Companies looking to get involved can contact admin@ceca.co.uk

CECA chief executive Alasdair Reisner said: “As an industry we have made tremendous progress in recent years to improve our health, safety and wellbeing. However there remains significant scope to improve.

“We think Stop. Make a Change will provide a platform for the sector to work together, tackling some of the leading issues faced by our workforce and supply chain”

Nick Fletcher, Morgan Sindall’s managing director of infrastructure said: “We are committed to ensuring that our strategy for health, safety and wellbeing provides continuous improvements for all our employees and other stakeholders – we do this by measuring both the inputs and the outputs of our strategy.

“It is important to keep things fresh, and using inputs like Stop. Make a Change are invaluable opportunities for us to reflect on our performance and review how we can continue to develop and advance – not just at Morgan Sindall, but across the industry as a whole.”

Ruth Gallagher, safety improvement director at Heathrow Airport said: “Our vision is that everyone gets home safe and well every day, a key success factor is making health, safety and wellbeing personal for everyone so they make the right choices, openly report and make interventions to keep themselves and everyone around them safe and well.

“Taking part in the National Stop Make a Change campaign provides another opportunity for teams across Heathrow to talk about health and wellbeing in a positive and engaging way.”

Full details and regular updates on the campaign can be found at the Stop. Make a Change. website here

from Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2016/11/29/civil-engineers-down-tools-to-boost-safety-standards/

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£400m NE Procure framework winners unveiled

Around 15 housing association in the north east have selected contractors to deliver housing maintenance services over the next four years.

Eighteen national contractors have secured places on the NE Procurement framework including Mears Group, Keepmoat Regeneration, Mitie Property Services (UK) and Wates Living Space.

They are among the 46 firms to have secured places on the framework which  has been split into three categories covering investment works, repairs and maintenance and specialist services.

The specialist services panel includes specialist plumbing, electrical, scaffolding, flooring, glazing and fencing awarded across the whole region or in small areas.

Chief executive of NE Procurement, Rod Brasington, said: “We spent a lot of time working with our partners when creating the framework to ensure it created innovative procurement options, whilst still being straightforward to implement and use.

“The framework tender process was thorough and has resulted in quality contractors, who all have a track record for high-quality delivery, securing places on the framework.”

This contract marks a new approach to procurement delivery for organisation, who are setting themselves apart from other consortia by offering collaborative, strategic procurement solutions devised in partnership with landlords to maximise the effective delivery of projects through their supply chain partners.

Going forward, the organisation will use this prototype as a model for how future frameworks should be created. They will be looking to work in close partnership with supply chain partners and wider public sector organisations to create similar solutions that generate cost savings, process efficiencies and deliver social value opportunities in a simple, fair and transparent way.

Rod added: “Feedback so far has shown that there’s a real appetite for this kind of strategic procurement and I’m looking forward to working with our partners in the future to create significant efficiencies from which the communities of the North East will benefit.”

Complete service provision
Planned maintenance	Responsive repairs
0800 Repair	0800 Repair
Delta Building Solutions	Esh Construction
Esh Construction	Foster Property Maintenance
Foster Property Maintenance	H V & E Unit, Stockton-On-Tees Council
Gentoo Tolent	Hodgson Sayers
H V & E Unit, Stockton-On-Tees Council	Kier Services
Herbert T Forrest	Liberty Gas Group
Hodgson Sayers	R Bland
Keepmoat Regeneration	Total Solutions NE
Kier Services	Vision Building Services
Liberty Gas Group	Warsett
Mears Group
Sunter
Total Solutions NE
Turner Facilites Management
Wates Living Space

Full list of companies
0800 Repair	Herbert T Forrest	R C Ayres Building & Roofing Services
Anglian Building Products	Hodgson Sayers	R. Bland
Bell Group UK	HV&E Unit, Stockton-on-Tees Council	Rothwell Plumbing Services NE
Crown Flooring	HW Components T/A Mila	Salis
D.J.McGough	J. Gunn Scaffolding	Sekura Trade Frames
Deerness Fencing & Landscaping	James  Ingleford Scaffolding	Sheila Mays Carpets of Teesside
Delta Building Solutions	John Flowers	Springs Roofing
DFP Services	Keepmoat	Straightline Construction.Co
Dodd Group (Midlands)	Kier Services	Sunter
Esh Construction	Liberty Group	Total Solutions NE
Fieldway Supplies	McTear Contracts	Turner Facilities Management
Foster Property Maintenance	Mear	Vision Building Services
G V Decorators	Mitie Paintin	Warsett
Gentoo Tolent	Novus Property Solution	Wates Living Space
Hall Aspects of Roofing	OpenView Security Solution	Wensley Roofing

from Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2016/11/29/400m-ne-procure-framework-winners-unveiled/

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