Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
UK Construction News Archive for September 2010
30/09/2010
Plans outlining how Birmingham City Centre will be developed over the next 20 years, creating 50,000 jobs in the process, have been revealed by Birmingham City Council Leader Mike Whitby. The Big City Plan is the most ambitious, far-reaching development project in the UK, and seeks to define how mo
30/09/2010
A Cheshire East-backed green-energy group has won a £250,000 grant to build a hydro-electric scheme in Congleton. The project aims to use the River Dane to produce 'greener' electricity and help reduce the town's carbon footprint. Dane Valley Renewable Energy Projects (DVREP) – a part of the Chesh
30/09/2010
Energy suppliers will have to give consumers 30 calendar days warning before putting up energy prices under proposals by energy regulator Ofgem. The proposals are part of a raft of reforms Ofgem has introduced, following its energy probe, to ensure that the market works in consumers' interests.
30/09/2010
Basepoint Developments and the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) hosted a ceremony for The Base, a 30,000 sq ft landmark office building located on the site of the former Unwins depot in Victoria Road, Dartford. The project, led by SEEDA and funded by the Homes and Communities Agency (H
30/09/2010
The 15th century Tudor House Museum is undergoing extensive refurbishment to turn it into a magnificent attraction for locals and tourist alike. The ongoing work includes repairs and improvements, as well as a new café and venues for special events. HI-FOG has been selected to provide modern fire
30/09/2010
A Co Antrim based fit-out firm has scooped two coveted UK industry awards. McCue Interior Fit-Out Solutions, Carrickfergus, won both the Retail Week 'Store Fit-Out Company of the Year' Award for its overall performance and the individual 'Shopfitting Excellence' Award, for its work with client Urba
30/09/2010
A delegation led by the President of the China Property Management Institute spent a morning at the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) in Coventry to learn more about the state of housing in the UK. Ms Xie jiajin and five other senior figures from housing and property management in Beijing and Ti
30/09/2010
Before a disused and dilapidated farm building in Wellington, Somerset, could be converted into a modern private residence some serious structural faults needed to be rectified. These were overcome using a combination of concealed stainless steel remedial systems from structural repair specialist, H
30/09/2010
Trade Counter Direct are proud to announce the launch of their new website, with the site launch they are also launching a brand new Access Panel called the ReversiDoor Access Panel. This is a plastic hinged & reversible Access Panel that can be fitted flush or surface with a hinged door. They also
29/09/2010
Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council has been fined after sending an employee to deal with a water leak in a housing complex without warning him asbestos was present. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted the council after it failed to warn the trained plumber that asbestos was present
29/09/2010
Costain has been awarded by Magnox South a framework contract for the delivery of Fuel Element Debris (FED) Dissolution at Bradwell nuclear power station. The framework is part of the station's accelerated decommissioning programme, with similar programmes at other Magnox Sites namely, Hinkley Poin
29/09/2010
Delegates at Labour Party conference have overwhelmingly backed a motion moved by construction union UCATT which slammed the Government's cuts which have damaged the construction industry. The motion described the ConDem Government's decision to axe the Building Schools for the Future project and t
29/09/2010
David Higgins is quitting the Olympic Delivery Authority to become Chief Executive of Network Rail. He is to step down in February 2011 and Denis Hone will take over as the new Chief Executive. John Armitt, Chairman of the ODA, said: "David has done an inspirational job at the ODA over the last fi
29/09/2010
Just a fortnight after the company acquired an interest in the majority of Connaught Partnerships' contracts and related assets, agreements in principle have been secured with 42 local authority and housing association clients for the transfer of contracts to Lovell. More are expected to follow th
29/09/2010
Kier Longley has been announced as the chosen contractor for the new £16 million Hastings Academy in East Sussex. The new building will replace Hillcrest School in east Hastings with a state-of-the-art academy that will provide an innovative educational environment through a broad range of teaching
29/09/2010
Willmott Dixon and VELUX marked the start of construction on its ModelHome 2020 project with a ceremony on the site where it will build two zero carbon homes in Rothwell, Kettering. The ceremony was attended by Lord Best, President of the Local Government Association and Chair of the Hanover Housin
29/09/2010
The latest line in our range of Art Deco Door Furniture is a Centre door pull. This is a single knob which fixes with a bolt from the rear. It would normally be located in the middle of the centre style of the door. It is a superb item which would make a real talking point on any Art Deco Door. A
28/09/2010
The scrapping of Wave 6 of Liverpool's Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme will cost the city 350 apprenticeships within the construction industry. A report submitted to the city council's employment and skills select committee reveals that the decision to abandon the £350 million schoo
28/09/2010
Outline plans for Firepool, the first major phase in the regeneration of central Taunton, have gained the green light from the Borough Council's planning committee marking an important milestone in the town's history. Regeneration specialist, St. Modwen, the development partner of Taunton Deane Bor
28/09/2010
Centrica, the parent company of British Gas, has announced that its British Gas Business division has acquired the assets of the gas and electricity services businesses of Connaught Compliance, the trading division of Connaught Group, for £11.2 million, which will be settled in cash on completion.
28/09/2010
Hull City Council has announced plans to develop another new primary school for the city on Kingswood Parks in Hull which will cater for 280 pupils and will have a 26 place nursery. A consultation event is being held on Monday 19 October at Kingswood College of Arts. Local residents are being invit
28/09/2010
The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) has today appointed a preferred development partner for the first HCA-owned site to be procured through its Delivery Partner Panel. Wates Living Space has been appointed to develop the former Guest Hospital in Dudley, which includes retaining the historic bu
28/09/2010
Galliford Try, the housebuilding and construction Group, has announced that its renewables business has been awarded an ESCo (Energy Service Company) contract to operate, manage and maintain the energy centre and district heating scheme at the first major net zero carbon housing development in the U
28/09/2010
Doorstuff Ltd, a premier door hardware company in the South West, have announced the location of its new facility in Newton Abbot. The locally owned company established in 2006 has moved into a 130 sq.m. building at 7 Venture Court, Bradley Lane, doubling its warehouse size to accommodate increas
28/09/2010
Suffolk One will be a landmark development providing modern and flexible teaching when it opens in September 2010. The 20,200 m2 building – funded by the Learning and Skills Council – will accommodate 2,200 students from Ipswich and South Suffolk. EcoCooling, itself a Suffolk based company were del
27/09/2010
A Preston engineering firm has been fined after a worker was killed when he became entangled in machinery. A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation detailed how Michael Lohaza was found dead after becoming trapped in a lathe at Autoy Ltd's site on Castleton Road in Preston on 10 January 20
27/09/2010
Under the latest round of The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grants, York Minster is to receive £9.7 million in funding, to conserve stonework in the cathedral's east end and restore the 15th century glass in the section of the Great East Window which depicts the apocalypse. One of the UK's most famou
27/09/2010
Two of Luton's secondary schools are about to undergo major transformations benefitting over two thousand local children. Wates Construction is starting work at both Lealands and Ashcroft schools carrying out refurbishment works totaling £34 million, which are due to be completed in early 2013. As
27/09/2010
Crossrail has outlined the progress being made to ensure the scheme is delivered in the most cost effective way and offers the best possible value for money. The Mayor and the coalition Government have consistently stated that Crossrail will go ahead but must deliver value for money and be afforda
27/09/2010
Willmott Dixon has signed a contract on the first of its three new academy schools in Oldham where it has been preferred bidder since March. The company has agreed a £25.5 million contract with Oldham Council to deliver the new Oasis Academy Oldham. The iconic new building – which will be visible f
27/09/2010
Construction union UCATT have warned that the potential privatisation of ConstructionSkills would be a disaster for apprenticeship training. The news that the ConDem Government is intending to privatise ConstructionSkills was contained in a leaked list of quangos, which is set to be abolished, merg
27/09/2010
Galliford Try, the housebuilding and construction group, has reached financial close on a £26.2 million project to redevelop Finchley Memorial Hospital in north London as a LIFT framework partner of Elevate Partnerships. The project will be carried out in two phases and under the first phase Gallif
27/09/2010
The University of Glamorgan has been awarded a first for its environmental policies in the 'Green League' of universities. It is the first UK University to be awarded the ISO 14001 accreditation. Reflecting their strong environmental policy the University sought the lowest carbon and environmental
24/09/2010
A major construction firm has been fined £160,000 after a labourer fell to his death while building Premier League side Everton FC's new training academy. Karl Davis, who was married and lived in Wallasey, was working on the first floor of a building on the Finch Lane site in Halewood when a guardr
24/09/2010
The University of Sussex has appointed Morgan Sindall to design and build a new £17.8 million academic building which will house the School of Law, Politics and Sociology, the School of Business, Management at Economics. It will be the biggest lecture theatre on the University's campus, at Falmer
24/09/2010
Local taxpayers have been reassured that there will be no unexpected wave of council tax revaluation hikes in the next five years. Communities and Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles and Treasury Minister David Gauke have confirmed that the Government will not carry out a council tax revaluatio
24/09/2010
Willmott Dixon's local construction office in Hitchin is investing in the future by taking on another five young trainees from the local area on its management trainee programme. The five are gaining a mix of hands-on site experience alongside studying construction-related degrees which will equip
24/09/2010
Even tougher restrictions on mortgage credit would be a disaster for the housing market which is already suffering its worst slump in decades, warns the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Responding to the suggestion from the Financial Services Authority Chairman, Lord Turner, for tougher restr
24/09/2010
In line with the requirement for sustainability, EcoCooling were asked to design a low energy, low carbon cooling system for the new NHS call centre at Bow – which is to become the HQ for the 2012 Olympics. Three EcoCooling CRECS (Computer Room Evaporative coolers) have been installed to provide ov
24/09/2010
A rail-safety firm has announced news that it has re-branded under the new name Infrasafe. In addition to our full range of rail safety services, we will be expanding our presence in the road, infrastructure, construction and public sectors. Infrasafe can deliver the full range of environmental and
24/09/2010
The Asylum building is one of several large projects manufactured by Intension this year and demonstrates the wide variety of work that we can undertake, using as it does high frequency welded PVDF coated PVC on the central section and more traditionally sewn acrylic fabric on the outer dome section
23/09/2010
The world's largest offshore wind farm in Thanet, Kent, has been officially opened today. Swedish energy firm Vattenfall, who built the wind farm, launched a new 100 turbine 300 MW offshore wind farm off the south east coast of England which produces enough energy to power more than 200,000 homes.
23/09/2010
Construction union UCATT have welcomed the decision by Sefton housing association One Vision to take their repairs and maintenance service in house. One Vision's decision to opt for an in-house option follows the collapse of social housing contractor Connaught, which previously provided these servi
23/09/2010
Hundreds of visitors tried their hand at traditional rural skills during the launch of the new £1.4 million Derbyshire Eco Centre. Derbyshire County Council has built its new centre on Porter Lane, Middleton-by-Wirksworth, to help maintain the area's rural heritage and support people to live sustai
23/09/2010
Olympic swimmer and former world champion and world record holder Mark Foster laid the first tiles in the London 2012 Aquatics Centre pool. More than 180,000 white tiles, with blue tiles marking the lanes, will line the 50m competition and training pools and the dive pool, which have already been t
23/09/2010
A splashing time is on the way for all at Levenshulme Pools as the work currently underway to improve the centre nears completion. The work is being carried out by Manchester City Council and Manchester Sport and Leisure Trust and will make a significant improvement to the facilities there. The re
23/09/2010
Housing Minister Grant Shapps has announced that local rural housing projects that secure the support of 75 per cent of voters will get the go-ahead without the need for a specific application for planning permission. This is the next step in bringing forward a Community Right to Build, which will
23/09/2010
High Care Air (HCA) have successfully designed and secured the order for the Main Library at Queen Mary University London. Working with the project consultant, HCA originally designed the tempered fresh air & cooling system with a view to a finalised detail design being achievable once the restruct
23/09/2010
Capgemni is one of the world's largest IT services, management consulting, outsourcing and professional services companies with a staff of over 95,000 operating in 36 countries. It is headquartered in Paris. To help them with their carbon commitment, EcoCooling were called in to advise on a scheme
23/09/2010
Prospect Materials Ltd are enjoying their 10th year as a supplier of crushed concrete and muck away services to the construction industry. They pride themselves on their wealth of experience and knowledge in these and associated areas. Their team have all been involved in the supply of
22/09/2010
At its annual board meeting in Scotland, energy regulator Ofgem announced a comprehensive and open review of the charging regime and associated connection arrangements for using Britain's high voltage electricity network and high pressure gas grid. The electricity and gas grid charging regimes have
22/09/2010
Balfour Beatty, the international infrastructure group, announces that Balfour Beatty Construction US has been selected, in joint venture with McCarthy Building Companies, to provide design build services for the £325 million Fort Hood Replacement Hospital project at Fort Hood, Texas. The 944,000 s
22/09/2010
Construction work at the new £35 million theatre in Aylesbury is now complete and audiences are set to enjoy some of the best acts in the UK performing at the 1,800-capacity venue. Willmott Dixon completed the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre for Aylesbury Vale District Council. The venue takes its name
22/09/2010
Nearly 1,000 families, currently in rented and particularly overcrowded accommodation, will be able to take their first step towards owning their own home in London under plans unveiled today by the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, and the London Homes and Communities Agency (HCA). The First Steps
22/09/2010
Network Rail's award winning advanced apprenticeship scheme has taken on 201 apprentices across Britain this month after receiving a staggering 4150 applications. The trainees have begun a three-year programme to become skilled maintenance engineering technicians. The apprentices will spend a ye
22/09/2010
Responding to the speech by Secretary of State for Climate Change, Chris Huhne, the UK Green Building Council (UK-GBC) has highlighted a local example of housing refurbishment in Liverpool that points the way forward for the Coalition Government's Green Deal. UK Green Building Council member Keepmo
22/09/2010
Work has begun on the retrofit of a 1960s social housing development in West London, with 24 tonnes of Rockwool EnergySaver granulate insulation being pumped into the Cavities of the 24 storey high towers at the Edward Woods Estate. The practice of filling cavities with granulate stone wool insulat
22/09/2010
I C Rumbold has announced the launch of its new website. Take a few moments to look and see how the prestigious firm has evolved over 30 years in the plumbing, heating and electrical installation business, moving with the times and providing a first class service for all. In 2004 I C Rumbold w
21/09/2010
British Gas, the UK's largest supplier of low carbon, energy efficient products and services and Mears, a leading provider of repairs and maintenance services to the social housing sector, have announced a strategic partnership to bid on repair and maintenance contracts in the social housing sector.
21/09/2010
Thousands of new jobs and new homes are expected to accompany a new £600 million town centre for Canning Town in the Thames Gateway, announced Minister for Thames Gateway Bob Neill. Mr Neill's first visit to the Thames Gateway as a Minister coincided with the announcement that Morrisons would be th
21/09/2010
Delegates at TUC Congress have unanimously voted to support the Connaught workers, who are facing redundancy and an uncertain future following the collapse of their company last week. An emergency motion moved by construction union UCATT, instructed the TUC General Council to provide support for th
21/09/2010
Government public spending cuts, abolition of regional housing targets and the continual difficulties for first time buyers to secure a mortgage are risking the future of the building industry. This was the stark warning given by Richard Diment, Director General of the Federation of Master Builder
21/09/2010
The majority of local authorities in England with 'system build' schools have procedures and precautions in place to manage asbestos safely, according to a survey and follow-up inspection programme. Of the 152 councils in England that have responsibility for providing education, 110 satisfied the H
21/09/2010
Tesco is now stocking GreenSteps Natural Eco-Paint, the UK's only verified 'clean air' paint. Certified under the prestigious 'Natureplus' scheme, the paint has been independently laboratory tested for its impact on the indoor ‘room climate’ and has passed with flying colours. This means it emits no
21/09/2010
Parking Facilities Limited is proud to present the PF9000 Sliding Gate. Unique to the Parking Facilities brand, the PF9000 is a pioneering concept, using a simple yet reliable design, and introducing an external friction drive mechanism, to produce durable and efficient results. DESIGN FEATURES Ou
21/09/2010
The area of planning and noise is awash with often contradictory guidance, standards, codes of practice, and it is unusual that any one of these documents precisely covers all aspects of a case. Very often there are strong conflicts of opinion between interested parties. We at Premier Measurements
21/09/2010
A new name has been revealed for a cutting-edge student accommodation development on the University of Bradford campus. The sustainable student village aims to be the first BREEAM 'Outstanding' student accommodation in the UK, and will be called 'The Green'. The name has been chosen because the st
20/09/2010
An Atherton roofer has appeared in court after being spotted working on roofs with no safety equipment to prevent him and his staff falling off. Mark McKernan, from Hesketh Street, was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after he and three employees were seen working on two resident
20/09/2010
Willmott Dixon has been appointed by South Gloucestershire Council as preferred bidder to build the new £16m Yate International Academy after the project was given the green light following a review of academy schemes by Education Secretary Michael Gove. The new facility in Sundridge Park, Yate, wi
20/09/2010
In light of the recent significant fires involving large timber framed buildings under construction including Peckham, Camberwell and Basingstoke which all resulted in fire damage to adjacent buildings, the Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA) is now calling for an urgent review of the Building Re
20/09/2010
VINCI Construction UK has been awarded a contract to refurbish Heathrow's Terminal 3 baggage and immigration hall. The complex £8.3 million project, which will be phased over several months and involve extensive passenger and third party interfaces, follows on from VINCI Construction UK’s recent su
20/09/2010
Construction work at Southampton University's Life Sciences building, recently handed over by contractor BAM to the University, has smashed the company's carbon emissions target by around a third, and recycled or re-used nearly 95% of its waste, placing it at the forefront of construction industry e
20/09/2010
Transport for London (TfL) and Network Rail (NR) have announced the final phases of re-signalling work on the London Overground network. The work is part of a multi-million pound upgrade project to increase capacity on London Overground services due to be delivered by May 2011. The upgrade work in
20/09/2010
Housing leaders are gearing up for a double hit from the planned housing benefit reform. The proposed changes threaten hardship for individuals and could have a knock-on effect on new housing supply, according to members of the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH). Following the proposed reforms to
20/09/2010
Manchester based specialist fit-out company, Clarke Gough, has won a top award at the Cheshire Local Authority Built in Quality Awards. The prestigious awards recognise those who have achieved excellent standards of workmanship, delivering outstanding build quality to clients. At the awards ceremony
17/09/2010
Construction company Kier has announced pre-tax profits up 10.6% to £58.4 million for the year until the end of June. The strong results showed a full year dividend up 5% and record net cash at £175.2 million compared to 92.5 million in 2009. Commenting on the results, Paul Sheffield, Chief Execut
17/09/2010
Work has begun on a new £1.5 million short-break facility for disabled children and young people in Derbyshire. The single storey complex, at Lea Green, will have six twin bedrooms with en-suite, a lounge, kitchen, dining room, sensory quiet room and access to a computer suite. Families, and organ
17/09/2010
Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith will make a major speech on welfare reform at the National Housing Federation's annual conference in Birmingham next week, it was confirmed today. Mr Duncan Smith, who has proposed radical changes to the housing benefit system, will address hundreds of
17/09/2010
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has signed a memorandum of understanding with three other construction organisations to co-ordinate their work on the Strategic Forum for Construction. The Construction Alliance consists of the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA), the National F
17/09/2010
Construction workers across the Borders are being urged to pick up lifesaving advice at a forthcoming event on Wednesday 29 September. The free event which takes place at Borders Union Showground aims to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities that occur in Scotland each year in the constructi
17/09/2010
Covair Structures have designed a translucent inflatable building with roll-up doors and windows that can be erected on any surface in around 30 minutes making it ideal for short term use in different locations. The perfect solution for schools or colleges with a shortage of covered space. Include
17/09/2010
Linde Material Handling Ltd has taken delivery of five new tri-axle step frame beavertail trailers from bespoke manufacturer Andover Trailers – just over ten years after it first became an Andover customer. The trailers will be used to deliver an array of Linde materials handling equipment, includi
16/09/2010
Hickton has provided Clerk of Works Services on the new £25m state of the art Harlow Leisurezone. The development gives the town its first ever combined wet and dry sporting facility on one site. It is expected to receive around 700,000 visitors a year. The building is 14,000m² and built over th
16/09/2010
Pupils at Victoria Park Primary School in Smethwick have received a lesson in health and safety from Lovell. The company, which is building a major new council housing development in Smethwick for Sandwell Council, visited the school in Ballot Street to help raise pupils’ awareness of why they shou
16/09/2010
The area of planning and noise is awash with often contradictory guidance, standards, codes of practice, and it is unusual that any one of these documents precisely covers all aspects of a case. Very often there are strong conflicts of opinion between interested parties. We at Premier Measurements
16/09/2010
Work on a £1.5 million development that will help regenerate a neighbourhood in Widnes is due to start next month. Halton Housing Trust, and development partner Plus Dane Group, have been given the go ahead to develop the site at Halton View after half the funding was secured from Mid Mersey Grove
16/09/2010
Plans to tackle the shortage of new and affordable homes in Kent and Medway have received a boost, thanks to a landmark investment agreement which will bring forward new homes at two Berkeley Group developments. The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) has confirmed that it is to invest more than £15
16/09/2010
A project that will create an eco-friendly all-year all-weather, sport, leisure and tourist attraction in the wider Peak District has been shortlisted for two awards. The £10 million Central Area Leisure Centre scheme, which is being built by Morgan Sindall, has been recognised under the best conce
15/09/2010
Officials from construction union UCATT are stepping up pressure on local authorities and housing associations to re-employ workers who have been made redundant following the collapse of social housing contractor Connaught. It is understood that 1,400 Connaught workers have been made redundant by a
15/09/2010
A North Yorkshire company making innovative machinery fitted with the latest safety devices failed to protect its own workers from the risk of injury as they manufactured them, magistrates were told. Lambert Engineering Ltd of Station Estate in Tadcaster pleaded guilty at Selby Magistrates court to
15/09/2010
EDF Energy has held its second national supply chain event for UK contractors bidding for billions of pounds worth of work on its nuclear new build programme. The 'New Nuclear Opportunities' forum highlighted the role that British businesses will have in delivering the company's plans to invest i
15/09/2010
Work is getting under way on the £20m Edge Lane West Highways scheme in Liverpool. The final phase of the Edge Lane corridor highway improvements scheme involves the widening of the carriageway, between Botanic Place and Hall Lane, which will complete the link between the city centre and the M62 at
15/09/2010
A new £6.5 million research centre will bring together world-class experts in energy research at The University of Nottingham. The Energy Technologies Building (ETB) highlights the strength of the University's links with industry, and its commitment to further regeneration of the former Raleigh sit
15/09/2010
The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) has confirmed that its plans to invest millions of pounds in much needed new and affordable housing in Radstock are still going ahead, following the withdrawal of its preferred partner Bellway. The national housing and regeneration agency has confirmed it is t
15/09/2010
Premier Storage and Office Solutions provides a wide range of new and
14/09/2010
The benefits of the brand new Newport station will be far-reaching and lasting, says local government and transport leaders as the new gateway of Wales opened to passengers. The transformed Newport station, the largest station revamp in Wales, marks a step forward in achieving the vision of regener
14/09/2010
Colchester Borough Council has awarded leading repairs and maintenance provider Morrison a new multi million pound gas servicing contract. The four year contract, which will commence in October 2010, is worth £2.4million over its term and has a possible two year extension worth £1.2 million. Morris
14/09/2010
UNITE has awarded Mansell a £22.3 million project to construct seven multi-storey student accommodation blocks at Mansfield Hall in Reading. The development will comprise part traditional and part modular build of 604 bedrooms, 132 kitchens and 36 stair modules. A central reception and common room
14/09/2010
Lovell has been chosen to build ten new energy-efficient homes at Penicuik in Midlothian for Melville Housing Association. The £772,000 development at Cuiken Terrace will create eight two-bedroom flats and two one-bedroom flats, built in two blocks, which will all be for rent through the housing as
14/09/2010
Thames Water launched a 14-week public consultation on plans for the proposed Thames Tunnel, which will significantly reduce sewage discharges into the River Thames. The tunnel will run up to 20 miles from its starting point in west London, and will broadly follow the route of the river at a depth
14/09/2010
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has welcomed Derek Bostock as its new National President. Derek was elected as National President at the FMB’s National Conference at the Royal York Hotel in York. Derek takes over from Ron Storer, who served as National President for the last two years. Der
14/09/2010
Before the launch of the new and much heralded breakfast TV show ‘Daybreak’, Good Directions Ltd was approached to manufacture 4ft clocks to feature in the brand new studios in London. Based on an old style train station clock the simple dial was designed to be clear and easy to read with an antique
14/09/2010
Established for over 40 years, Bristol Storage Equipment Ltd trading as Dexion South West is a leading supplier of high quality storage products to suit all budgets. As approved Dexion agents, they combine the personal service of a local company with the product reliability of a trusted brand – DEXI
13/09/2010
A plan that will shape the development of Leicester city over the next 15 years has been endorsed by the government. The Leicester Core Strategy will guide decisions on planning applications, and allocate land for uses such as homes, offices, green spaces and shopping. The Government has rated the
13/09/2010
A joint planning application by Peak Valley Housing Association and Rowlinson Construction for new shops and apartments on Honiton Road, Hattersley, has just been approved by Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council. The £4.7 million project has been supported by £2.5 million funding from the Homes &
13/09/2010
Some £2m is to be spent on hospice care for more than 500 patients with life-threatening conditions in one of Wales' most deprived areas. The Hospice of the Valleys will be built on the former steelworks site in Ebbw Vale to provide palliative care for patients across Blaenau Gwent. At present, th
13/09/2010
Sheffield-based composite panel manufacturer Panel Systems has supplied Styroglaze insulated panels for a major social housing refurbishment in the North East. The panels were specified by The Gateshead Housing Company and as part of a complete façade solution on two high rise apartment blocks, kno
13/09/2010
Growth in private sector construction is failing to keep pace with cuts in Government funded projects according to the latest Glenigan Index. In the three months to August 2010, the Glenigan Index recorded a six per cent year on year fall. Allan Wilen, Economics Director of Glenigan said: "A much
13/09/2010
A construction student has been helping make sure Kier Western's new £6 million Energy Skills Centre project at Bridgwater College is going to plan. Elly Slotboom needed to carry out ten days' work experience as part of a diploma in construction and the built environment. She commented: "This is n
10/09/2010
The National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) has been given Government go head to implement and run a Competent Person Scheme for roofing work. It is expected to contribute substantially to even greater roofing industry efficiency and performance while cutting down on statutory inspection
10/09/2010
A multi million pound investment to complete the second phase of a major transport route in Neath Port Talbot has been given the green light, creating hundreds of employment opportunities, Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones has announced. The approval of £107 million of Welsh Assembly Government
10/09/2010
New research from a group of 21 housing associations shows how buying a home is affordable for people earning £20,000-25,000 a year, even though homes still cost on average ten times incomes in the East of England and 11.2 times incomes in the South East. Nearly half (44%) of all buyers of shared o
10/09/2010
A redeveloped office in central Birmingham was officially opened this week completed 20 weeks ahead of schedule, saving £340,000. The £23 million refurbishment of 1 Lancaster Circus by Wates Construction was completed in 72 weeks and saw the council building increase employee occupancy from 800 to
10/09/2010
Civic dignitaries and transport officials from Denbighshire County Council have officially announced the opening of the new bus station at Rhyl. The completed £3.7 million project was constructed by Welsh building & civil engineering contractor Dawnus Construction Limited. The contract consisted
10/09/2010
SE Controls has been contracted to provide the installation and commissioning of the adaptive natural ventilation system for the Berrill Building Open University in Milton Keynes. The system will regulate temperature and air quality with minimal expenditure of energy. The Berrill building redevel
09/09/2010
A £1.4 million centre to help maintain Derbyshire's rural heritage and promote sustainable living is set to open. Derbyshire County Council has built its Eco Centre on Porter Lane, Middleton-by-Wirksworth. It will expand the number of courses the council offers to help maintain the area’s rural he
09/09/2010
Affordable housing specialist Lovell is working on a £3.8 million affordable homes scheme in partnership with Home Group, Sheffield City Council and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA). The development, at Wickfield Drive on the Scowerdons estate, South East Sheffield, will create 38 new homes f
09/09/2010
The First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones has officially opened the £90 million Church Village Bypass in Wales. Mr Jones was joined on site by members of the lead authority, Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, as well as the contractor Costain who have co-operated in a close and highly effect
09/09/2010
Shelter has released shocking new research which shows evidence of widespread abuse by a minority of landlords in the private rented sector and is calling on the Government to work with councils to develop a tough programme of action. The survey of 184 environmental health officers (EHOs) found tha
09/09/2010
A subsidiary of one of the world's largest support service and construction companies potentially exposed Ministry of Defence (MOD) workers to deadly asbestos fibres. Interserve (Defence) Ltd, of Waterloo Road, London, appeared at Oxford Crown Court today (8 September 2010) following an investigati
09/09/2010
Business Secretary Vince Cable has announced the 149 colleges across England that will benefit from funding of £50 million in Government funding to invest in new buildings and renovate existing ones. The chosen colleges will each receive a Renewal Grant of up to £225,000, with some successful bidde
09/09/2010
The first five housing employees in the country to receive a licence to assess tenants on a national qualification have been presented with their certificates at Wakefield District Housing (WDH). The five individuals are recognisers for the Active Learning for Residents qualification, and have all
09/09/2010
Morgan Sindall has appointed Martin Worthington as its national safety, health, environmental and quality (SHEQ) director. Martin will head up the company's safety, health, environmental and quality programmes in the UK. He will also be responsible for providing strategic support to Morgan Sindall'
08/09/2010
Thousands of jobs are at risk as social housing firm Connaught prepares to enter into administration. Connaught called in administrators KPMG last night after lenders refused to help the struggling firm. The company, which employs 10,000 staff, has been in financial difficulty since June with debt
08/09/2010
The Government's proposed cuts to housing benefits will hinder the UK's economic recovery, the British Property Federation (BPF) has warned. The BPF said the cuts could provide a "recipe for destitution" for up to 800,000 claimants of Local Housing Allowance (LHA), who may be forced to move away fr
08/09/2010
Consumers are being warned about a doorstep scam promising cheap electricity which actually ends up costing them twice as much for their energy. According to energy companies and government consumer body Consumer Focus, an estimated 85,000 households have been hit by the illegal sale of electricity
08/09/2010
Unite, Britain's biggest union, has called on Network Rail's Chairman, Rick Haythornthwaite to claw back part of the bonuses paid to directors following claims that the company has been under-reporting accidents amongst workers for at least two years. Seven directors earned £2.36 million in bonuses
08/09/2010
The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) has confirmed that well over half the 165 uncommitted Kickstart and Local Authority New Build (LANB) schemes under review have now secured funding, following further evaluation in the wake of reductions to the HCA's budget announced in July. This equates to 44
08/09/2010
New rules could cut as many as 8,500 applications from the planning system, freeing councils to focus on local priorities rather than micro managing rented housing. New regulations laid by Housing Minister Grant Shapps means landlords will no longer have to submit a planning application to their co
08/09/2010
Two transformers have been delivered to a new underground substation that will double the power capacity for customers in Peterborough city centre. The 1,000 amp transformers, which step down the voltage from the high voltage electricity network so that it can be delivered to homes and businesses,
08/09/2010
The A.Proctor Group of Blairgowrie Scotland have become involved in several Retrofit for the Future projects, one of which was 31 Byron Square in Cambridge. Retrofit for the Future is a £17 million programme, facilitated by the Technology Strategy Board (TSB). Its aim was to encourage research, dev
07/09/2010
The UK construction industry is heading for a double dip recession, according to the latest Construction Products Association’s industry forecasts. They predict that construction will be the first major industry sector to fall back into recession following a temporary recovery in the first six mon
07/09/2010
Construction union UCATT are calling for an urgent rethink of how council services are delivered following reports that Connaught, one of the leading local government outsourcing companies, are on the point of administration. Connaught which employs 10,000 workers has been experiencing financial pr
07/09/2010
Manchester City Council is inviting North Manchester residents to share their views about plans to build two new academies. These will be on land including the Blackley site of the current Creative and Media Academy, formerly North Manchester High School for Boys. Manchester Creative and Media Aca
07/09/2010
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has launched a market study into the UK aggregates sector. The aggregates sector is substantial, with a turnover in 2008 of £4.8bn. The majority of aggregates are used in the construction of homes and roads, much of it for making products such as ready-mixed concret
07/09/2010
Work is set to start on new eco-friendly homes in Hartlepool's Belle Vue area, following confirmation of £3 million in funding from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA). The £9.25 million scheme, led by Housing Hartlepool, will transform an area which forms a key gateway into the town, replacing
07/09/2010
A multi million pound investment to complete the second phase of a major transport route in Neath Port Talbot, Wales, has been given the green light, creating hundreds of employment opportunities, Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones has announced. The approval of £107 million of Welsh Assembly Go
07/09/2010
An estate in West Ealing, London, is to be transformed with high-quality new homes and community facilities after Ealing Council gave the green light to a massive £136m regeneration project. The Green Man Lane estate regeneration team, which includes local housing provider A2Dominion, developer Ryd
07/09/2010
Kier London has begun demolishing Frances Combe Academy, Watford, the first of the 50-year-old school structures, to make way for a major improvement and modernisation programme that will see a new academy rising from the footprint of the old campus. The demolition programme was officially launched
06/09/2010
Construction union UCATT have reacted with extreme dismay to news that the ConDem housing polices have already led to the scrapping of 100,000 proposed new homes. The axing of the homes is a direct result of a decision by Conservative Communities Secretary Eric Pickles to scrap regional housing str
06/09/2010
Urban regeneration company, New East Manchester has announced that work will start today, Monday 6 September, on site preparation of a 17 acre plot (6.88 hectares) at Eastlands next to the City of Manchester stadium. The £8 million project is being undertaken by remediation specialists Buckingham G
06/09/2010
In today's economic climate, it may be difficult to get the credit you need to upgrade to more energy efficient equipment. Carbon Trust loans could be the solution. They not only offer interest free credit to help you make your business more efficient, they also help you lower your energy bills and
06/09/2010
Szerelmey, the stonework and restoration specialist, is currently carrying out a flooring and restoration of associated features contract worth £1,400,000 at the new One New Change building, St Pauls, London. Szerelmey is installing Yorkstone floor finishes both internally and externally. It is als
06/09/2010
Gifford has been appointed Project Manager and Designer to the Ministry of Defence to re-engineer the power station and boiler house at Mount Pleasant Airfield on the Falkland Islands. Design engineers, surveyors and project management staff from Gifford have previously undertaken a number of infra
06/09/2010
Construction, the cornerstone of the economy, is in a downward spiral as public spending cuts translate into lower demand and lending conditions remain tough, said the National Federation of Builders (NFB). Figures released from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) show that the total volume of
06/09/2010
A Shropshire boarding school has today been fined £25,000 after a worker was killed while demolishing a building on the site. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted Moor Park Charitable Trust Ltd which runs Moor Park School, after it arranged for a team of inexperienced building workers t
06/09/2010
A new, purpose-built community library in Beswick, east Manchester opens its doors on Monday 13 September. Located just inside the glass-fronted building on Grey Mare Lane, which also houses the £31.5million East Manchester Academy, this brand new public library will be open seven days a week and i
03/09/2010
Northamptonshire plant and construction firm Weldon Plant has gone into administration. The firm, which employs 113 people whose jobs are now at risk, blamed the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) who decided to cut its overdraft from £3.15 million to £2.2 million. Peter Webb, Chairman of Weldon, said:
03/09/2010
School children will learn how they can become more energy efficient after an innovative Lambeth Council project created the first solar powered schools in the borough. Telferscot, Vauxhall, and Streatham Wells Primary Schools have all been fitted with solar panelled roofs which will make them appr
03/09/2010
A landmark housing development is set to provide 46 much-needed affordable new homes in the heart of Ashford. The development has transformed an important area of the town and features a striking circular turret and a distinctive selection of external materials designed to relate to the nearby Coun
03/09/2010
Harland and Wolff has been awarded a multi-million contract to build two offshore substations for Siemens. The contract was awarded by the electronics and electrical engineering firm for the Gwynt y Mor offshore wind farm off the coast of North Wales. The substations are due to be completed by Jun
03/09/2010
Kier Western has started work on a new school for youngsters with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties (BESD) in South Gloucestershire. The school, on Mulberry Drive, Kingswood, will offer a safe, nurturing and non-institutional environment for 35 secondary pupils aged 11 to 16. Due to op
03/09/2010
A Liverpool-based community farm, soon to be powered by wind energy, is being given the chance to showcase its successes to HRH Prince of Wales at a civic dinner on September 8. A team of four from Randle's Bridge Farm at Croxteth will be talking to the Prince about their forthcoming plans to insta
03/09/2010
The National Federation of Builders (NFB) has joined forces with research outfit Glenigan to help its members win more business. Glenigan combines comprehensive data gathering and exhaustive research with detailed statistical modelling and expert analysis, to deliver a trusted insight into UK con
03/09/2010
Callsafe Services Limited has recently been accredited to deliver the Association for Project Safety (APS) Designer Risk Management Course. Our experience in practical construction health and safety and CDM co-ordination in building (including demolition and refurbishment), process plant installati
02/09/2010
Ofgem has launched investigations into four energy suppliers to determine if they are mis-selling and complying with new obligations. Scottish Power, npower, Scottish and Southern Energy and EDF Energy will face an inquiry about the sales approach any suppliers have taken when selling energy contra
02/09/2010
A building company and its director have been fined a total of £30,000 after a worker fell nearly thirty feet from scaffolding at a building site in Llanfairfechan, sustaining severe injuries. JBB Homes Ltd of St. Petersgate, Stockport in Cheshire - which has subsequently gone into liquidation - pl
02/09/2010
Crossrail has announced the shortlist for the refurbishment of the Connaught Tunnel, a major part of the Abbey Wood branch, and the Pudding Mill Lane Tunnel Portal. For Contract 315 - Connaught Tunnel the following have been shortlisted: Vinci Construction UK Ltd; Hochtief Murphy Joint Venture; BA
02/09/2010
Wates Construction has announced it is expanding its North West operations to Liverpool. The contactor has opened an office on Mount Pleasant in the heart of the city’s knowledge quarter. Wates has worked on a number of high profile projects in the city including Liverpool John Moores University's
02/09/2010
Knightstone Housing Association, Arc Homes, Abbey Manor Limited and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) have 'broken new ground', to mark the start of work on a multi million-pound housing development at Firepool Lock in Taunton. The partners held a ground-breaking ceremony to officially start t
02/09/2010
Kier Marriott has completed the external structure of The Exchange, Bedfordshire's new enterprise hub at Colworth Science Park, which is being developed by Unilever and leading research and business space provider Goodman. To celebrate reaching this stage in the construction programme, a topping ou
02/09/2010
An extensive green roof system from specialists Blackdown Horticultural Consultants of Somerset, has been installed at the new Centre for Disability Studies in Essex, helping the pioneering eco-building to become England’s first ever construction to achieve both Passivhaus and BREEAM 'Excellent' rat
02/09/2010
An experienced and well equipped leak detection and repair and damp specialist, Water Network Solutions provides services to clients throughout the UK, Ireland and France. The director and engineers all have a minimum of 15 years experience in the water industry pinpointing and repairing water l
01/09/2010
Plymouth Community Homes has announced that they have selected Barratt Developments as their chosen developer for the first phase of the regeneration of North Prospect. At a meeting of the Plymouth Community Homes Board, it was confirmed that Barratt had won the competitive tender, having presented
01/09/2010
Students in Leeds will soon be enjoying the comforts of living in brand new halls of residence after Morgan Sindall handed over the keys to a modern 198-bed complex. The firm is celebrating completing the £6 million project to build student accommodation at Leeds Trinity University College in Horsf
01/09/2010
Network Rail has confirmed it has delivered another important piece of work on the Crossrail project, the key date 1 submission, ahead of schedule. It contains the detailed costs and plans for designing, developing and delivering the above ground parts of the Crossrail project. Extensive modeling
01/09/2010
Lovell national people development manager Bruce Boughton has won an Education and Business Partnership award for the company's work supporting school students studying for the Construction and Built Environment Diploma in Staffordshire. The work-related learning programme for Diploma students whi
01/09/2010
Minor amendments have been made to a planning application for the former Warren Court Hotel and the adjacent land in Dalby Square, Thanet. The application is for 12 three-bed houses and 8 two-bed flats, including the retention of the façades of 21-23 Arthur Road. The original application was submit
01/09/2010
An affordable housing scheme that will provide future lessons for eco-development has started on site in Mansfield. Three special eco-friendly houses are being built within an existing site at Blake Street. Owned by Nottingham Community Housing Association (NCHA), one of the houses will eventually
01/09/2010
Roofing Professionals and Specialists, RMS have launched Solar Panels PV (Photovoltaic) service to their portfolio and their work with existing customers is showing extraordinary results. Utility Bills are continuing to rise and show no sign of slowing, suddenly "looking green" and "being environme
