ALIGN JV CHOOSES UNIQUE ONSITE PROCUREMENT SOLUTION TO SUPPORT HS2 CONSTRUCTION

Align, the joint venture between Bouygues Travaux Publics, a subsidiary of Bouygues Construction, Sir Robert McAlpine, and VolkerFitzpatrick, a subsidiary of VolkerWessels that is delivering the Central 1 portion of HS2 Phase One, has chosen a next generation procurement delivery solution which can result in up to 70% reduction in carbon emissions previously caused by daily deliveries to site, as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting sustainability and innovation in the sector.

Inspired by the Amazon Locker solution, the secure by design VJ iStore® (patent pending) is located at Align’s site in Rickmansworth and consists of a 40 ft high bespoke modular shipping container which acts as a vending machine. It will help ensure that Align’s supply chain contractors can be fed a constant supply of their most used products that can be clicked and collected in a matter of minutes directly on-site at the point of needOver 30 different Align contractors are authorised to procure and collect from the VJ iStore®, a unique solution from VJ Technology. There are almost 300 seperate items within the store ranging from bolts, washers, nails, sealants, hand tools, paints, lubricants, mechanical anchors, locks, foams and brooms.

Products are available 24/7 which in turn increases productivity significantly and are only paid for once they have been collected, positively impacting cashflow. It is replenished once every 10 to 14 days as managed by the active stock control system resulting in an up to 70% reduction in carbon emissions previously caused by daily deliveries to site.

Electra Thanopoulou, Buyer at Align, said:

“As an early adopter of this solution we were able to work closely with VJ Technology to help them refine the offering, which we believe is an exciting development which helps address a number of challenges we face.  Perhaps most importantly though the reduction in daily deliveries that reduce our impact on both the environment and the local communities we operate in.”

 

Peter Mckeown, Cross Passage Superintendent, Align said:

“We use the VJ iStore® 24/7 and so far 25% of our orders have been out of hours – before 8am or after 5pm – and 15% have been on weekends. Previously this could have resulted in project delays and or rescheduling, but this solution enables us to continue.”

 

Andrew Mobbs, CEO at VJ Technology said:

“These are challenging times for the sector and we are on a mission to de-risk the construction and infrastructure supply chain, playing our part to help projects finish on budget and on time. Everything we do revolves around how we can make things easier and better for the customer.’

The VJ iStore® is just another step in this journey and is absolutely a part of the long-term growth strategy

 

CLICK HERE FOR THE WEBSITE

 

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West Fraser provides vital support for Cowie community groups

Wood panel manufacturer, West Fraser (trading as Norbord), has donated much-needed funds to two local community groups; the Cowie Rural Action Group (CRAG) and the Cowie United Football Club’s girls’ team,

 

The donation of £2,500 was provided to CRAG, a group which runs annual community events for all residents in Cowie to enjoy.  The funds will help the group to support events such as cooking and art classes, play days for children and community bingo. The donation will also contribute to the Action team’s recent installation of a local defibrillator, a potentially life-saving piece of equipment for residents to use in case of an emergency.  With the £500 donation, Cowie United Football Club was able to support the youth team players by providing new kits.

 

Clare Stevenson, treasurer at CRAG and Cowie United Football Club said:

“We’re hugely grateful for the team at West Fraser to showcase their generosity to both CRAG and Cowie United FC.  With this kind of support, we can further help support the people of our community here in Cowie.”

 

Carol Brown, Head of HR at the West Fraser site in Cowie said:

“We are always proud to serve our local community and are glad we could begin our year by supporting these fantastic groups.”

For further information, call 01786 812 921 or visit https://uk.westfraser.com/

 

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Second Staircase Fears Halts Construction Project

Image:Havering Council/Wates

Construction work on a residential scheme in east London has been halted mid-build because of fears it won’t meet new second-staircase regulations

Flanagan Lawrence is delivering a Conran and Partners’ scheme for 380 new homes in Waterloo and Queen Street site in Romford, under a design and build contract for developer Wates Residential. Demolition work began on the site in May 2021.

But Wates Residential and Havering Council announced last week (9 May) that they had made the ‘difficult decision’ to pause construction while they wait for clarity on the government’s safety legislation.

In a joint statement, the two parties said the move was ‘due to the current uncertainty regarding future building safety standards’.

Early-stage construction work had already begun on the £450 million scheme, which involves the demolition of 270 homes to be replaced with 10 residential blocks, of varying heights between three and 16 storeys.

The scheme had originally been taken to planning by Conran and Partners, as part of a 1,380-home masterplan for Havering Council, but the practice told the Architects Journal it was no longer involved in the project.

Havering Council has earmarked £1.5 billion for its ‘12 estates’ programme, aiming to deliver 3,500 new homes in the borough.

Wates and the council insisted the studio’s design for the Waterloo and Queen Street site was ‘safe and meets current building safety laws’.

The developer blamed the government for the delay, as it ‘has yet to reach a decision on new building safety legislation regarding taller buildings’.

‘Regulations are likely to change to require two staircases in buildings over 30m, so we have taken the decision to pause the development at this early point in the construction process until we have a better understanding of what the new regulations will mean,’ their statement explained.

The developer said it ‘remained committed’ to delivering the homes, vowing to establish the ‘best way forward’.

The government is proposing to make second staircases mandatory in all residential buildings over 30m to ‘achieve an appropriate level of safety’.

In December, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) ran a 12-week consultation on the proposed rule change, in order to ‘review evidence’ and understand risks such as whether ‘provision of a second staircase could make developments unviable’.

The consultation came after the DLUHC published a document on December 23, expressing concern ‘that some tall residential buildings are being designed with a single staircase without due consideration by the designers on the level of safety provided’.

In February, London mayor Sadiq Khan followed this up by announcing that all planning applications in the capital would need City Hall sign-off for second staircases.

Flanagan Lawrence’s previous completed projects include 15-storey offices on New Fetter Lane, an award-winning music centre for the University of St Andrews, and housing in Wembley Park. In 2019, the practice won an RIBA competition to design a high-density residential development in Abbey Wood.

Source: Architects Journal

 

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Gove threatens councils’ planning powers

Housing secretary Michael Gove has written to nine councils warning them that they will be stripped of their planning approval powers if improvements are not made.

In letters to nine local authorities and the Peak District National Park Authority Mr Gove told the councils they were at risk of designation under S62A Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

This would mean that applicants could apply directly to the planning inspectorate for planning permission, bypassing the local planning authority.

The councils – Calderdale, Cotswold, Epsom and Ewell, Guildford, Hinkley and Bosworth, Pendle, Portsmouth, The Vale of White Horse, and Waverly – all fell below the expected approval threshold of 70% between October 2020 and September 2022.

Hinkley and Bosworth Borough Council was the lowest with 46.5% while Cotswold District Council was the highest with 69.6%.

The Peak District National Park Authority was 61.2%.

Source: LocalGov

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BCF – Major Launch of Online Training Offer

BCF takes the Coatings Training Institute global with major relaunch

 

The British Coatings Federation (BCF) has invested in a major relaunch of its online training offer, the Coatings Training Institute (CTI), aiming to bring its technical training to many new markets around the world.

The content of all 57 training modules across four academic levels of study is being redeveloped and updated, in a fresh new format to improve the learning experience. The addition of video content will augment the tried and tested model used today, with a combination of workbooks, online assessments and written exams, all with full tutorial support.

Tom Bowtell, Chief Executive Officer of the BCF, commented on the launch:

‘This relaunch is part of BCF’s overall strategy to be more proactive in our engagement with potential new entrants to the sector globally. Our progress to date has seen CTI training modules sold in several countries around the world, but I’m optimistic about CTI reaching many new companies and markets with its new, upgraded offer.’

 

As an additional benefit, BCF members receive an exclusive discount of over 25% on all modules. To recognise the launch, all learners will be able to claim an additional 10% off all modules purchased in May, using the discount code MAY10 at checkout.

To explore the new website, browse the modules or sign up for the new monthly e-newsletter, visit https://www.thecoatingsinstitute.com/ or contact info@thecoatingsinstitute.com for more information.

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Silica Dust Kills 500 Construction Workers a Year

Life-threatening lung disease caused by silica dust claims the lives of more than 500 construction workers each year.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is planning targeted site visits across the UK this summer, supported their HSE’s “Dust Kills” campaign, to focus on respiratory risks from exposure to dust.

Inspectors will check control measures in place to protect workers from inhaling construction dusts including silica (Respirable Crystalline Silica/RCS) and wood dust.  They will also check that asbestos-containing materials have been identified and removed or managed where necessary to prevent or reduce exposure.

Dust particles are a particularly dangerous workplace risk as the particles can be 100 times smaller than a grain of sand. It can take decades before the damage is visible, making treatment less effective.

HSE’s Chief Inspector of Construction, Michael Thomas, said:

“Every year we see construction workers die from diseases caused or made worse by their work. This is unacceptable in the 21st century, when occupational lung disease is preventable.

“We are urging employers and workers to take the necessary precautions today to protect their long-term lung health, to avoid them and their families suffering from the devastating impact that can result.

“Our inspectors will visit a range of construction sites to check businesses are taking the necessary action to ensure their workers’ long-term respiratory health is being protected. Through engaging with those on site, we can make sure they have considered the job from start to finish, have considered the risks at each stage, and are managing the risks with effective measures in line with the broad hierarchy of control options such as water suppression, extraction, and as a last resort Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE).

Source: TwinFM

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Planning application for a striking new pedestrian and cycle bridge

A planning application for a striking new pedestrian and cycle bridge at Royal Victoria Dock has been submitted, which will vastly improve public access across the docks, while also linking the new Silvertown development with Custom House Elizabeth Line station.

The plans, submitted by The Silvertown Partnership, are part of a longstanding ambition associated with the wider £5bn development of the Silvertown site, which when complete will feature around 6,500 new homes with 50 per cent affordable housing, alongside a vibrant new centre for the Royal Docks. The iconic Millennium Mills building, left derelict and largely disused for around 40 years, will be fully restored and form the centrepiece of the new community.

The anticipated growth in the local population over the next decade, in Silvertown as well as surrounding developments, means a new step free pedestrian and cyclist crossing over the dock has been deemed essential. It is one of the first major public benefits that the Silvertown regeneration will bring to the area, and will give visitors, local residents and workers the ability to freely cross the dock and put London’s West End within reach in just 20 minutes.

An existing Royal Victoria Dock Footbridge already provides a connection over the dock, however its elevated design to allow for marine traffic creates a 14m level difference between the dock side and the bridge deck, making it only accessible by several flights of stairs and lifts.

The new designs reveal an elegant, step-free bridge which skims the water in a ‘Double S-curve’ shape, with ample space for both cyclists and pedestrians. The zig-zag design creates a striking crossing experience while allowing for seating areas where people can rest and take in views across the dock. The design allows the bridge to rise at a gentle incline across the water, making it fully accessible for all, and letting small boats pass underneath. The bridge will also open at its mid-point with a double bascule mechanism, allowing full use of the dock by large vessels.

The bridge will link the ExCel centre and Custom House station on the north side of the dock with Silvertown at the foot of the newly restored Millennium Mills. Adjacent to the bridge landing, the Silvertown Jetty will be a new key destination within The Royal Docks and Silvertown. Retaining much of the existing industrial heritage of the jetty, the space will become a new gateway into Silvertown with the potential for cultural events as well as space to relax and unwind.

The bridge will be funded from a £233m loan from Homes England which has been provided to support the delivery of homes on the site. This public sector involvement has enabled The Silvertown Partnership to progress with plans on the site further than any other development consortium in the last 40 years. Infrastructure works are now well underway on site.

Situated within London’s only Enterprise Zone, the London Plan identifies the Silvertown site as one of the largest regeneration opportunities in the capital and the development is predicted to contribute between £76m-£90m per year to London’s economy, with the vast majority of this expected to be in the Newham area.

The Silvertown Partnership, which includes Lendlease, an international real estate and investment group, is working in conjunction with the Greater London Authority (GLA), Homes England and The Guinness Partnership (TGP).

Quote attributable to Ed Mayes, Project director for Silvertown, Lendlease:

“Silvertown will be a vibrant new centre for the Royal Docks, a place where people can live and work well, better connected to the water and each other. This new bridge is key to unlocking the potential of the site, transforming the connectivity across the Royal Docks and putting London’s West End in reach in just 20 minutes.

“The stunning design of the new bridge will elevate it as a gateway to Silvertown’s exciting new piece of the city, and provide car-free access for all, establishing the Royal Docks as a pleasurable place to live, work and play.”

 

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JB Kind launches innovative new PAS 24 compliant door leaf

Fully compliant door leaf is the foundation of new fire resistant PAS 24 security entrance doorsets

Derbyshire-based door distributor JB Kind is launching its new PAS 24 door leaf to doorset manufacturers, and its PAS 24 fire resistant security doorsets service to developers, architects and specifiers, after investing in an innovative new door core which has met the stringent set of standards required to be awarded the PAS 24 accreditation.

Forming the basis of the company’s new PAS 24 fire resistant, security doorsets, the new PAS 24 door leaf enables manufacturers to use it within their current offering, or for residential developers to purchase fully assembled PAS 24 compliant entrance doorsets.

New PAS 24 products offer benefits for manufacturers, developers and architects

Doorset fabricators are able to integrate JB Kind’s innovative new door leaf into their current product ranges whereas developers are able to specify PAS 24 compliant doorsets, in both standard and bespoke sizes, and in a wide range of alternative finishes. Architects and specifiers now have the option to request the new JB Kind fire resistant PAS 24 doorsets, as well as its matching internal doorset counterparts.

Stylish PAS 24 compliant entrance doorsets also incorporate acoustic and smoke standards

Suitable for apartment and flat entrances, and compatible with a range of door designs and styles, developers, architects and specifiers can choose from a selection of veneered, painted and primed finishes, available as plain flush or with a number of grooved design options, all with the knowledge that whichever they choose, the security doorsets have met the stringent PAS 24 criteria.

The four core criteria to achieve a PAS 24 accreditation

The new fire resistant security doorsets met four core standards in order to achieve PAS 24 accreditation:

  • PAS 24: 2016 Enhanced Security performance test for doorsets
  • Fire test to EN 1634 part 1
  • Acoustic test to BS EN ISO 10140
  • Smoke control test to BS EN 1634 part 3

 

Simon Johnson, JB Kind Sales Director notes:

“The new fully compliant PAS 24 door leaf we’ve created will enable door manufacturers to use it within their doorsets, developers to offer stylish flat and/or apartment building PAS 24 entrance doorsets and architects and specifiers to request our doors as part of their planning and design processes.

“All our PAS 24 fire doors are third party Certifire approved by Warringtonfire, with a fire rating of 30 minutes, EI30, and as an additional benefit, the PAS 24 doorsets have also been successfully tested for both acoustic and smoke control.

“The PAS 24 security fire doorsets are supplied fully assembled, pre-hung, complete with high quality fully-tested ironmongery, and are available in standard and bespoke sizes. We can also provide matching internal doorsets if a developer would like a specific style theme throughout their building.”

The new range of PAS 24 doorsets encompass everything a door manufacturer, developer or architect would want to see included, with the knowledge that, in line with JB Kind’s 150-year track record, its quality doorsets will be manufactured to the highest standard and will observe the most recent performance and legislative requirements – all at an exceptionally competitive price.

A JB Kind PAS 24 Security Fire Doorset offers peace of mind

√ PAS 24 Enhanced Security

√ Certifire approved EI30 fire doors

√ Acoustic rated

√ Smoke control tested

√ Fully assembled flat entrance doorsets

√ Certified ironmongery with optional extras

√ Flexible design & finish options

√ Standard and bespoke sizes

√ Matching interior doorsets

Simon concludes:

“We developed our fully compliant PAS 24 door leaf as the basis of our PAS 24 fire resistant security doorsets. Incorporating all the extra elements a security door would value, such as noise reduction and smoke control, we have created stylishly flexible options for our developer, architect and specifier partners, as well as a quality PAS 24 door leaf product for our manufacturing colleagues to use in their own doorset designs.

“Using a JB Kind PAS 24 door leaf, or choosing JB Kind security doorsets, will offer you complete assurance that all of the PAS 24 criteria have been met and that you will receive a fully compliant and certified doorset, alongside excellent service and all the expertise that you need.”

 

For more technical details about the PAS 24 security doorsets,

JB Kind has produced a factsheet,

to download please CLICK HERE

   

Alternatively, prospective or current customers can

contact the JB Kind Sales Team on

01283 554 197

   

OR CLICK HERE TO EMAIL JB KIND

 

 

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Solar Array Connects Directly to National Grid

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Image Alexander Parkyn-Smith

The first photovoltaic (PV) solar array to connect directly to the electricity transmission network in the UK was energised this week as National Grid connected Enso Energy and Cero Generation’s new 50 MW Larks Green solar farm to its Iron Acton substation near Bristol.

This follows installation of new switchgear at the site by Cero and Enso in collaboration with National Grid, and the running of a high voltage cable between the substation and solar farm, which has enabled National Grid to successfully connect the 49.9 MW Larks Green solar farm to its Iron Acton substation near Bristol.

The solar plant comprises 152 400 solar modules installed in a 200-acre plot near National Grid’s 400 kV Iron Acton substation.

It will generate over 73 000 MWh/y – enough to power the equivalent of over 17 300 homes – and will displace 20 500 tpy of carbon dioxide compared to traditional energy production. This will provide a clean, secure, and cheaper power source for consumers.

The solar farm will be co-located with a 49.5 MW/99 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS). By storing energy during peak power generation and exporting it back onto the grid when demand is high, the BESS will balance the intermittent energy production, maximise the site’s efficiency and allow a greater output of clean energy.

Until now, all of the UK’s solar farms have connected to the country’s distribution networks – the lower voltage regional grids that carry power from the high voltage transmission network to homes and businesses. Connecting solar power directly to National Grid’s transmission network marks a significant step in the renewable energy transition, allowing clean energy to be transported over greater distances and opening a gateway for larger projects to connect to the grid.

The announcement marks progress towards meeting Britain’s commitment to a fully decarbonised power system by 2035. The government’s recent Powering up Britain report re-affirmed its ambition for a five-fold increase in deployment of solar generation by 2035, with up to 70 GW installed – enough to power around 20 million homes.

The design and layout for the co-located solar farm and BESS will produce a net biodiversity gain. This will be achieved through the provision of a range of resources for local wildlife, including additional woodland planting, that will provide shelter and food for a range of protected species.

Roisin Quinn, Director of Customer Connections at National Grid, said:

“Solar power has a critical role to play in the clean energy transition, so connecting the first PV array to our high voltage transmission network represents a key step on that journey, and a great achievement by Cero, Enso and our engineering teams.

“This net zero milestone comes as we’re investing in the biggest upgrade to the grid in a generation, enabling more home-grown renewable electricity to power the country than ever before.

“We want to connect more, and faster, and are working with government, Ofgem, and industry to reform the connections process to accelerate Britain’s transition to a cleaner, more secure and affordable energy system.”

Marta Martinez Queimadelos, CEO of Cero Generation, added:

 

“We’re proud to be celebrating a major step in the UK’s renewable energy mission and in our journey into battery storage, recognising the vast benefits of co-location in moving the green transition forward and contributing to our mission of delivering a net-zero future, for this and every generation. As the country’s first solar project to connect to the transmission network, it represents true innovation that paves the way for others to follow and enable the rapid deployment of much more clean energy.

“The Larks Green project is not only a significant milestone for Cero and an opportunity to initiate our BESS pipeline, but it represents a significant contribution to the UK’s goals to reach net zero. I’m immensely proud of the dedication and collaboration of the Cero, Enso and National Grid teams in achieving this important milestone in the UK’s energy transition.”

Ian Harding, Co-Founder and Director of Enso Energy, concluded:

“The connection of this solar farm at Larks Green is the culmination of a lot of hard work by all the Enso, Cero and National Grid teams involved. Completion of this project is a major milestone for renewable energy in the UK and provides further evidence that co-located solar and battery storage projects connecting directly to the transmission network will play an important role in the delivery of the UK’s net zero plans. We are now looking forward to working with Cero and National Grid to deliver the further pipeline of renewable energy projects in the UK portfolio to help achieve this ambition.”

Source: Energy Global

 

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Construction Ouput Continues to Increase

The construction Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) picked up in April, adding to the positive signs from other indicators that the economy is turning a corner.

At 51.1 in April, the latest PMI from S&P Global / CIPS UK pointed to only modest growth in construction output from 50.7 in March. But evidence of a significant easing in supply-chain frictions, a housing market proving more resilient than expected and the prospect of the wider economy returning to meaningful growth from the summer should lift the construction sector’s performance.

Construction still faces significant challenges. Higher interest rates will weigh on residential and commercial activity, changes to planning rules risk discouraging housebuilding, and still-serious financial pressures on households may hold back spending on home improvements.

However, housing market weakness appears to have passed its most significant point. Supply chain problems facing construction businesses have eased markedly, and more signs of a revival in consumer and business confidence should bolster the construction sector, as will falling energy costs and disinflationary pressures in general.

Tim Moore, economics director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, which compiles the survey said: “The construction sector stretched out its current phase of expansion to three months in April, signalling a modest rebound from the downturn seen at the turn of the year. Commercial building work continued to outperform, helped by stabilising domestic economic conditions and a gradual rebound in business confidence. Civil engineering activity was also a driver of construction growth during April, with rising infrastructure work contributing to the best phase of expansion in this segment since the first half of 2022.

“However, the return to growth for UK construction output appears worryingly lopsided as residential work decreased for the fifth successive month. Extended delays on new housing starts were reported again in April, due to a considerable headwind from elevated mortgage rates and weak demand. While there have been some signs of a recent stabilisation in market conditions, this has yet to feed through to construction activity. In fact, the latest reduction in residential building was the fastest since May 2020.

“On a more positive note, the latest survey illustrated a further slowdown in input price inflation across the construction sector. Softer cost pressures partly reflected a sustained improvement in supply chain performance, with lead-times for deliveries of products and materials shortening to the greatest extent since September 2009.”

Dr John Glen, chief economist at the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), said:

 

“The mixed picture found in the UK construction industry in April is representative of an economy still trying to recalibrate after being buffeted by the manifold challenges of political instability, lockdowns and supply chain pressures.

“The growth in the construction of commercial properties is welcome news, with the avoidance of a recession in the last quarter leading to clients being more willing to spend. The significant easing of supply chain disruption, with delays reduced and materials more readily available, also helped to alleviate cost pressures on the sector.

“However, the sharp decline in UK house building in April will be a cause for concern, as it becomes clear that the recent interest rate rises will continue to hamper consumer demand for some time to come. With a further rate rise expected next week there will be concerns that things will get worse before they get better for UK house builders.”

Yesterday, 12% of Scottish respondents to the latest Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Construction Monitor said they believe workloads will be higher in a year’s time while, the latest State of Trade Survey from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) highlighted a rebound in repair, maintenance, and improvement (RMI) building work for the first three months of this year.

 

Source: Scottish Construction Now

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