Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
UK Construction News Archive for September 2013
30/09/2013
Birmingham City Council officials joined residents to celebrate the official opening of Barrow House, a nine-storey block of flats located in Edgbaston. The block has had a £1.8m refurbishment, including external wall insulation, an insulated roof system, new PVCu windows and doors and the complete
30/09/2013
Keller Group, the international ground engineering specialist, has announced that it has been awarded a contract worth approximately £33m to construct foundations and related works for the new Sengkang hospital project in Singapore. Keller's contract is for the construction of a diaphragm wall and
30/09/2013
The entire daytime electricity needs of the refurbished British Gas-owned Smart Home development in Watford are expected to be met thanks to an innovative transparent solar PV glass atrium, according to the Cambridge-based company Polysolar. Located in the Building Research Establishment (BRE) Inno
30/09/2013
More than two hundred people took the opportunity to visit one of five Skanska construction sites as part of this year's Open Doors Weekend. Members of the public, including university students and school leavers wanting to pursue a career in the industry, as well as those just curious to find out
30/09/2013
A scheme to help thousands of people buy their own home will be launched next week - three months earlier than planned. The scheme was due to start in January 2014 but the government has announced that people will be able to start applying for the new mortgage guarantee from next week. Several hig
30/09/2013
The Green Deal will fail unless the Government takes swift and decisive action to incentivise consumer demand for energy efficiency, warns the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). According to a recent survey of all FMB members in Great Britain, more than 70% think a reduced rate of VAT would be a
30/09/2013
Partners have welcomed progress being made on work to build new homes in Devon, by local property developer, Devonshire Homes. The developer welcomed representatives from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) on site at the residential development at Sector Lane, Axminister, where work is now well
30/09/2013
Cumbrian Homes have opened a new showhome at their Howgill Skies development at Sedbergh in South Cumbria. Overlooking the town, the development will contain 12 new homes built in local stone in a variety of two, three and four bedroom designs, some of which will incorporate first floor living areas
30/09/2013
The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has released its latest assessment of climate science. Today, the IPCC published the first of three volumes of the Fifth Assessment Report. In agreement with Secretary of State Edward Davey, Foreign Secretary William Hague also co
30/09/2013
Prestige Work Surfaces Ltd have over 18 years of experience within the Solid Surface industry, and we do not sub-contract any of our projects to other fabricators. We also offer a 10 year manufacturer’s warranty on all of our products and are a member of the LG Hi-Macs ‘Quality Club’ which enables
27/09/2013
ISG has secured a £32m fit out project with Arcadia at the fashion retailer's UK headquarters in the heart of the West End. The scheme at Colegrave House, which sits above The Plaza shopping mall, will see the contractor substantially reconfigure and fit-out four storeys of existing accommodation
27/09/2013
A ceremony to mark the start of the first phase of a £250m 1,500 housing development has taken place. The ceremony, which included representatives from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), Doncaster Borough Council, housing and regeneration specialists Keepmoat Homes, Strata and The Guinness Par
27/09/2013
An action plan to keep Surrey moving in severe winter weather has been approved. More than £2.5m is being spent on a programme that includes using more than 40 specialist vehicles, hi-tech monitoring equipment, weather stations and 16,000 tonnes of grit to prepare for the winter ahead. At a meet
27/09/2013
A new housing finance scheme has been launched by the Welsh Government. The package includes around £120m of Welsh Government funding over the next 30 years and will contribute directly to the building of over 1,000 new affordable homes across in Wales. Twenty Housing Associations are taking part
27/09/2013
A development of four affordable 'straw bale' Hastoe homes in High Ongar, Essex, has been officially opened by Eric Pickles MP. This is the first development of straw bale housing built in Britain by a housing association. Two two-bedroom and two three-bedroom houses have been developed by Hastoe
27/09/2013
Balfour Beatty has announced the beginning of a voluntary finance scheme for its UK supply chain, which could enable them to receive payment weeks faster than before. Initially utilised by Balfour Beatty's UK construction business, the scheme, which will be rolled out on a phased basis across the U
27/09/2013
Three construction trainees from colleges across London have won a place at the finals of the UK's largest multi-trade competition, SkillBuild 2013. The three trainees have already triumphed at the London regional heat of SkillBuild and will compete against the other regional winners at the Skills
27/09/2013
Development Securities, in joint venture with Beyond Green Developments, has announced that it has secured Resolution to Grant outline planning consent for a major sustainable urban extension on a 207-acre site at North Sprowston and Old Catton, Norwich. The scheme will deliver a comprehensive new
26/09/2013
Balfour Beatty has announced it has been awarded an £87 million St James's Market contract which forms part of the overall commercial redevelopment, for The Crown Estate and Oxford Properties. The scheme will provide 260,000 sq. ft. of new commercial and retail space across two eight-storey blocks
26/09/2013
A new project run by Hillingdon Council is providing homes with external wall insulation that helps residents to keep warm and cut their energy bills. Hillingdon is the first local authority in London to embark on such a project, which is part of its Warm and Cozy scheme, created with Dyson Energy
26/09/2013
A ceremony will be held today, Thursday 26 September, to mark the start of construction of the University Technical College Cambridge – a specialist science college for 14 to 19 year olds. The £10m College, sponsored by Cambridge Regional College and Cambridge University Health Partners, will open
26/09/2013
Willmott Dixon is simplifying how its supply chain bids for work by introducing an online system to improve efficiency, reduce administration and speed up the bid process. The company's Capital Works division, which delivers construction, housing and fit-out work, is adopting the online pre-qualifi
26/09/2013
A building product supplier has been fined after an employee severed three fingers in an inadequately guarded dust extraction machine. Derby Crown Court today heard that the Tarmac Building Products Ltd employee was emptying waste dust from the machine's hopper into a bag at their plant on the Swai
26/09/2013
Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson has expressed his frustration that there is to be a public inquiry into the Welsh Streets regeneration scheme, according to the Liverpool Express. The City Council's planning committee on 23rd July had approved plans for a £15m regeneration scheme which would have se
26/09/2013
Recon Electrical Ltd has been selected as a finalist in the Wholesaler of The Year Award (Individual Branch) of The Electrical Industry Awards. After a lengthy qualification process up against the best electrical wholesalers in the UK, Recon have been selected as one of four finalists for this pre
26/09/2013
Elston Trailers are proud to have launched the new Elston Ground Loader, which features ground lowering, height adjustable air suspension offering a range of access, safety and security benefits. The new Elston Ground Loader has taken the Elston Air Suspension, widely used within the welfare unit i
25/09/2013
Workspace Group has announced that it has secured planning for the redevelopment of its Poplar Business Park, Canary Wharf. Poplar Business Park is located in Docklands, 800m away from Canary Wharf and close to the new Crossrail station. Workspace has received planning permission for 392 apartments
25/09/2013
A special ceremony to mark the official start of the first phase of a £250 million 1,500 home development took place last week. The ceremony, which was held at Carr Lodge in Doncaster on Friday, included representatives from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), Doncaster Borough Council, housing
25/09/2013
Steve Murphy General Secretary of construction union UCATT, has strongly welcomed Labour's commitment to be building 200,000 homes a year by 2020. Mr Murphy, said: "Our current housing crisis is a result of a failure to build a sufficient number of homes especially council housing for decades. This
25/09/2013
Skanska took part in an event in London which focused on the green issues that affect commercial property developers, investors and occupiers. The 40 percent symposium event took place at Haberdasher's Hall in the City of London on 19 September. Martin Neeson, Managing Director for SRW, Skanska's
25/09/2013
Recently Kabco Products attended the first meeting of the Manufacturers Alliance, which was held at C&C Baseline in Standish. The Manufacturers Alliance, chaired by Gary Sheader, has been established to bring together a selection of decision makers from the manufacturing community to help each oth
25/09/2013
BAM Facilities Management has secured a dozen new contracts valued collectively at around £3m pounds. The contracts span the private and public sectors, and across the education, property, commercial accommodation markets. All the contracts are for between one and three years. It signals the insta
25/09/2013
The principal contractor for a major project to renovate the public areas of Leicester Square has been fined for safety failings after a worker was caught in an explosion after striking a concealed live electricity cable. Trevor Maloney, 32, from Tottenham, suffered burns to both hands and his face
25/09/2013
British businesses in the construction sector were given a boost when Business Secretary Vince Cable confirmed the signing of two new contracts in Sweden with an order value of nearly £30m. UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) helped the two British companies, Astins and Measom, to win contracts for the Ne
24/09/2013
Skanska UK has been awarded the groundworks contract to deliver UK Power Networks (UKPN) projects in London. The framework is valued at £9 million a year, £45 million in total. The contract is due to start on 28 October 2013 and will last for three years with an option for two further years. It wil
24/09/2013
Balfour Beatty has started work on a project to protect nearly 2km of the Humber Estuary against flooding for the Environment Agency. The £2.7m contract is the first phase of a wider scheme to protect thousands of homes and businesses in Grimsby. It includes the creation of a 1,300 metre pre-cast c
24/09/2013
A galvanizing company is celebrating success with its ongoing involvement in a major project that will generate enough energy to power almost 200,000 homes. Humber Galvanizing, part of Wedge Group Galvanizing, was called upon by fellow Hull-based engineering firm ESL (GB) to provide its specialist
24/09/2013
The Welsh Government has launched a consultation on a draft Plan to improve the M4 Corridor around Newport. The draft Plan, if implemented, will include a new motorway being built to the south of Newport. Minister for Economy, Science and Transport, Edwina Hart said: "Traffic congestion and unre
24/09/2013
Miller Construction has secured two further Ministry of Justice contracts under the Ministry of Justice Strategic Alliance Agreement Framework for the North. Miller Construction has now been awarded contracts valued at over £17m since the inception of the Northern Framework last year. HMP Leeds a
24/09/2013
A new campaign designed to help residents reduce, reuse and recycle more of their waste is being launched in North Somerset during September. The Don't Waste It! campaign highlights the financial costs of throwing away waste and urges all residents to do their bit and keep recycling as much as poss
24/09/2013
OfficeSTOR have launched the responsible spill solution SpillPack. Dave Cartwright said: "This product is beneficial to the construction and building industry as well as industrial businesses as using the SpillPack means that your oil spill solution is better for the environment, instantly absorbs
24/09/2013
Speaking at a joint NFB and FMB fringe event at the Labour Party conference, Shadow Housing Minister Jack Dromey MP said a Labour government would build houses "on a grand scale" and get more SMEs involved in tackling the housing crisis. Dromey also promised that Labour would "cut through the crap
23/09/2013
Willmott Dixon has opened the doors to Prime Place, offering 181 homes in a superb location within the residential quarter of a major regeneration scheme in Greenwich Village. Prime Place is Willmott Dixon's latest flagship London scheme and comprises a collection of contemporary one, two and three
23/09/2013
Property owners will be offered free advice to make their empty properties generate income during this week's Greater Manchester Empty Homes Week. Greater Manchester Empty to Plenty (Monday 23 September – Friday 27 September) is an AGMA-wide campaign aimed at raising awareness of efforts being made
23/09/2013
Wales Office Minister, Stephen Crabb MP is calling on Local Authorities in Wales to take full advantage of a new £6m grant funding programme to develop plans for new heating and cooling networks. Launched by Energy and Climate Change Minister, Greg Barker, local authorities in England and Wales are
23/09/2013
More than half of small building firms back a requirement by government on homeowners to make energy-efficiency improvements when they extend their home. This would result in more work for their business, as long as any regulation was introduced alongside financial incentives to help pay for the w
23/09/2013
Kier Partnership Homes has started work on a scheme intended to breathe new life into a previously run-down area in Solihull. The development of 24 affordable homes is the biggest ever new housing project for client Solihull Community Housing (SCH), which manages council housing across the borough
23/09/2013
Figures released today in the Home Builders Federation's (HBF) latest Housing Pipeline report reveal a 49% year-on-year increase in the number of planning approvals for new homes in England in the second quarter of 2013. Whilst a fall on Q1, the figure still means there were 77,686 permissions gra
23/09/2013
Balfour Beatty joined a UK-wide industry effort in the North East to boost recognition of the role the construction industry plays in stimulating the economy. The event, held at Newcastle's Assembly Rooms, is part of a national effort by the UK Contractors Group (UKCG) to make the case for investin
23/09/2013
Minister for Housing, Mark Prisk MP, will unveil a plaque at The Maltings, a Grade ll listed building which has been transformed into 35 beautiful new homes for Havebury Housing Partnership tenants. The Maltings, in Mildenhall Road, had been empty for more than 15 years before being given a new lea
20/09/2013
Balfour Beatty has joined MP for Leigh, Andy Burnham and other dignitaries to mark the start of works on a £27 million project to deliver Manchester’s first ever guided busway this week. The scheme, being carried out for Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), will link Leigh in Greater Manchester
20/09/2013
London City Airport (LCY) has submitted a planning application for permission to expand its current infrastructure to accommodate up to 120,000 flight movements (take offs and landings) per year, a level already permitted under an application granted in 2009. The proposals will also allow the airp
20/09/2013
A new multi-million pound housing development will deliver much-needed affordable homes for local people on Windermere Road, near Kendal. Two Castles Housing Association, working alongside Esh Property Services as part of the Hadrian Development Solutions Partnership, has started work to build 27 n
20/09/2013
After more than 20 years of generating electricity, Wales' oldest wind farm, Rhyd-y-Groes on Anglesey, may be repowered. Since it became operational in 1992, wind technology has come a long way and it's now possible to generate more energy from fewer turbines. Owned by TGP Wind Limited, a joint v
20/09/2013
The owner of a Leeds building firm has appeared in court after two workers were injured, one seriously, when they fell from a mezzanine floor they were dismantling. One worker, then 61 and from Seacroft, broke two vertebrae and was in hospital for five days following the incident on 15 July 2012. H
20/09/2013
Construction union UCATT has welcomed Labour's announcement that the next Labour Government will crackdown on false self-employment in the construction industry. Rachel Reeves, Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, has announced that the next Labour Government will act on the issue. Labour will t
20/09/2013
PRE-FIX Fixings & Fasteners Ltd has introduced 2 new product lines - Plumbing and electrical supplies. Plumbing products from the following high quality supplier/manufacturers are available: Conex, JG Speedfit, Yorkshire and Flowplast. First and second fix electrical brands supplied include G.E.T,
20/09/2013
Bespoke Glazing Solutions have been awarded the distribution rights for the Supply & Installation of Urban Front Contemporary Hardwood Doors, for the South East & South West of England. Bespoke Glazing Solution's Contemporary Hardwood Front Doors are manufactured by Urban Front Ltd at their Chesham
19/09/2013
Up to 50,000 households in the North East will benefit from warmer homes and lower bills thanks to the UK's largest energy efficiency project. The £200m scheme, launched today by British Gas and nine North East local authorities will create 75 direct job opportunities regionally, as well as creatin
19/09/2013
GMB Union welcomed the decision of the Labour Party NEC to exclude Carillion from the exhibition space at the Labour Party Conference in Brighton next week as a major boost the GMB's campaign to blacklist the blacklisters from public contracts till they own up, clean up and pay up. GMB has now got
19/09/2013
The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) has set out the timetable for implementing the Affordable Homes Programme from April 2015 onwards, to ensure delivery starts on day one of the new spending period. In June, Ministers announced a new multi-billion pound investment package to build thousands of
19/09/2013
National Grid's London Power Tunnels project team has excelled in the latest assessment by the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) by achieving a score of 42 out of a possible 50. The project scored eight and nine out of 10 in the five areas measured which included; enhancing the appearance, res
19/09/2013
Peterborough City Council has signed a 10-year contract with Skanska for the provision of highway maintenance services. This includes design services, street lighting and drainage cleansing. The contract is known as Peterborough Highway Services. It replaces four existing contracts, providing loca
19/09/2013
A Walsall maintenance firm has been fined after an employee was seriously injured when he fell 11 feet through a fragile roof during poorly-managed roof work in Nottingham. Stephen Bassford, 58, from Nottingham, fractured his pelvis, wrenched his shoulder and sustained severe gashes to his face and
19/09/2013
The world's biggest JCB dealer depot has officially opened its doors for business after a £6m investment designed to accelerate growth in one of the company's most important markets. Stroykomplekt (SKL) is the JCB dealer in Ekaterinburg, Russia's fourth largest city and home to 1.3 million people.
19/09/2013
Construction union UCATT have renewed their call for greater funding of construction inspections after the Health and Safety Executive revealed that nearly half of the sites they have recently visited had serious safety defects. Between the 2nd and 27th September, the HSE are undertaking a major in
18/09/2013
Planning permission has been granted for the new Royal Hospital – a decision which has been warmly welcomed, according to the Liverpool Express. Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, said: "It is now all systems go for the new hospital, which is fantastic news for the city. This world class facility wi
18/09/2013
Vita Student, is launching a new project in Exeter city centre to cater for the rising student population in the region. The £17 million project is the company’s sixth new development in less than two years and brings the total number of Vita Student apartments in the UK up to 929, following previo
18/09/2013
Carillion Canada has been selected by the Ministry of Transportation Ontario as the preferred bidder for the Area Maintenance Contract (AMC) Peel/Halton in Ontario that is expected to be worth over £100 million over 12 years. Under the contract, Carillion Canada will provide routine inspection and
18/09/2013
The completion of a new pedestrian crossing in Pool, Cornwall, marks the start of major regeneration plans, which will unlock new homes and jobs for the area. The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) has been working with Pool Academy and Carn Brea Parish Council to create a safe pedestrian crossing
18/09/2013
Scrap metal dealers and motor salvage operators in Plymouth are being warned they need to apply for a new licence next month as part of a national crackdown on metal theft. The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 comes into effect on 1 October and makes it an offence for any scrap metal dealer, including
18/09/2013
Hull City Council, in partnership with Kingstown Works Limited (KWL), has pledged its support for Gas Safety Week, 16-22 September, and will be spreading the message across the city to raise awareness of gas safety issues. This third annual Gas Safety Week will see the whole industry coming togethe
18/09/2013
After more than ten years in the planning, the doors to Furness Academy's new school buildings has opened, marking the first time all students and staff have been based on one site. Built by Kier, the new three-storey academy building, will accommodate up to 1,200 pupils and boasts 3D learning, a r
18/09/2013
A landmark programme to tackle fuel poverty in Peterborough is being launched at the Town Hall today, Wednesday 18th September. The strategic partnership, between British Gas and Peterborough City Council, is expected to help around 2,300 households access free energy efficiency improvements, in it
18/09/2013
With just over a week to go before Open Doors Weekend 2013, now is the time to sign-up to take a tour at any of the five participating Skanska sites. St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, the Royal London Hospital, Crossrail Paddington Station, M25 junctions 5–7 managed motorway and the Thurrock campus of So
18/09/2013
Dairy Crest Limited and a Manchester welding company have been fined for exposing employees to potentially fatal asbestos containing material at an industrial site in Devon. Asbestos dust and fibres were released on 25 May 2010 during work to remove industrial boilers, associated fixed pipework and
17/09/2013
The University of Cambridge has awarded Skanska a £1.5 million contract, to undertake enabling works for its development at North West Cambridge. The contract involves earthworks, drainage, building roads and a temporary junction and installing a 4.5km security fence. Covering 150 hectares, the £1
17/09/2013
Gloucestershire College has unveiled the latest designs for its proposed new campus in Cinderford's Northern Quarter in the Forest of Dean. Although the project is still in its early stages, the designs for a new £14m Campus have been released to give local people an idea of what the future of furt
17/09/2013
A topping out event for a £5.9m mixed tenure housing development on the Heston Farm Estate in Hounslow, west London, marked the reaching of a key milestone in the construction programme. Representatives from Hounslow Homes, the London Borough of Hounslow and Lovell helped celebrate the structure re
17/09/2013
The latest research shows that Green Deal assessments are continuing to help people across England and Wales make their homes more energy efficient. Research published today found that from a sample of households that had a Green Deal assessment, 81% of households have already, are in the process o
17/09/2013
National construction company Seddon is calling for radical changes to the way that new construction apprentices are trained. The company believes that while the industry bemoans the skills shortage, thousands of youngsters are currently 'stagnating' on further education college courses which may u
17/09/2013
Disused tennis courts in Cwmllynfell, Neath Port Talbot, have been transformed into a multi-use games area and skate park thanks to Welsh Government funding of over £87,000. 'Parc Cymunedol Llynfell Community Park', which also features a zip slide, was developed following an extensive discussion wi
17/09/2013
A roofing firm has been fined for safety failings after a worker sustained severe injuries when he fell through a primary school roof in Chorley. The 51-year-old from Kirkby, who has asked not to be named, suffered fractures to his spine, breastbone and ribs in the incident at St Marys Primary Scho
17/09/2013
Henderson Global Investors, on behalf of its £152 million UK Property Fund, has purchased Units 1-5 Pier Road Industrial Estate in North Feltham for £3.7 million. The asset was acquired from DTZ Investment Management. The property comprises 43,985 sq ft (4,086 sq m) of industrial space across fiv
17/09/2013
Need to know about the EUTR and how PEFC can help? PEFC UK alongside the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®) and the Malaysian Timber Certification Council (MTCC) will be available at Timber Expo 2013 (24-25 September) to promote and educate visitors on a wide range of issues surrounding the sup
17/09/2013
Heskins has announced it has launched a new website, a much overdue update that has been in development for a good 8-10 months. The update includes a new cleaner, modern, more user-friendly interface, better structured information for our products, and a photo download suite which will be exclusiv
16/09/2013
Crossrail and development partner Cardinal Lysander have received planning approval from the London Borough of Islington for an over-site development above the western entrance of Farringdon Crossrail station. The 207,000 sq ft development, located at the corner of Cowcross Street and Farringdon Ro
16/09/2013
Notre Dame Catholic College – the first school to benefit from Mayor Joe Anderson's £169m education investment programme – opens today Monday, 16 September, according to the Liverpool Express. The £15m building on Great Homer Street in Everton is part of the Mayor's Investment Plan for Schools, dev
16/09/2013
British Gas customers are set to benefit from a £600m deal between British Gas and Landis+Gyr. The landmark deal, announced today, means Landis+Gyr will supply the majority of the 16 million smart meters British Gas will install in its customers' homes. By 2020, smart meters will be rolled out a
16/09/2013
ISG has successfully completed an innovative fast-track project to transform a former Tetley bottling plant in Leeds into a new Asda merchandising centre, training facility and office accommodation - delivering the project in just eight weeks. Located adjacent to the supermarket chain's headquarter
16/09/2013
Nikal has submitted their planning application to regenerate Altrincham town centre. The £70m Altair scheme is situated on the land located between Tesco and Altrincham Leisure Centre, adjacent to the £19m interchange scheme, and will be a new gateway into the bus, tram and train station. The plan
16/09/2013
The Minister for Culture and Sport, John Griffiths, has announced that some of Wales' finest historic buildings are set to benefit from £240,800 of funding. In total, nine projects across the country will receive Welsh Government grants - ranging from £7,000 to £40,000 - for essential repairs and r
16/09/2013
A ceremonial topping out has marked the progress towards the completion of the first phase in the development of Charters Village in East Grinstead - the area's newest retirement village. Representatives from owners Retirement Villagers Group Ltd and developers Kier Construction were present to hel
16/09/2013
Usually CES Hire Ltd's machines are used on building sites for new builds or maintenance work so we were very pleased and surprised to hear from the Production company working on the BBC 2 program 'The Burrowers' where they shed light on the magical underground world of three iconic British animals
13/09/2013
Balfour Beatty has been appointed by Bristow Helicopters Ltd as its infrastructure delivery partner to support the development of its UK Search and Rescue service. As main contractor for the contract worth in excess of £40 million, Balfour Beatty will now begin outsourcing various aspects of the b
13/09/2013
College leavers from Kent are set to benefit from apprenticeships in drylining offered in a pioneering collaboration between leading support services provider Carillion and its supplier of plaster and drylining products, Knauf. The apprentices will be taught the practical elements of building walls
13/09/2013
A sod cutting ceremony to mark the start of building work on the new Gladstone Primary School expansion will take place today, Friday 13 September 2013. The new building will comprise of a new two-storey block containing 16 classrooms to teach all the school's Key Stage 2 pupils (Years 3 to 6), wh
13/09/2013
Today's data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) highlights a dramatic increase in construction new orders during the second quarter of 2013, according to the Construction Products Association (CPA). Overall, new orders in the four quarters to Q2 were 12.0% higher than a year earlier, wo
13/09/2013
A topping out ceremony has marked the completion of the main structure of the new state-of-the-art radiotherapy facility in Redhill, Surrey. Representatives from Royal Surrey County Hospital and Surrey and Sussex Healthcare joined the Kier Construction team to celebrate this important milestone.
13/09/2013
Miller Construction has strengthened its senior management teams with the appointment of three new Directors within its South East and Scotland regional business units. Steve Cresswell has been appointed as Area Director in the South East region with specific responsibility for the Improvement and
13/09/2013
A construction firm has appeared in court over a major gas leak which caused widespread disruption and sparked fears of an explosion in Liverpool city centre. Hundreds of people were evacuated from the area around the former Lewis's department store on 19 January 2012 after a gas supply pipe was da
13/09/2013
Centrica Energy has announced that it will extend its contract for the Hummingbird Spirit until March 2016. The cylindrical FPSO, owned by Teekay, has been operating on Centrica Energy's Chestnut field in the Central North Sea since 2008 and has already produced over 13 million barrels of oil. The
12/09/2013
Galliford Try has secured two housing contracts in East London worth a combined £60m. Both involve delivering housing schemes for registered provider Peabody. The first scheme will involve providing the £35.4m first phase of a four-phase development at Devon's Road in Bow which will initially creat
12/09/2013
Structural steelwork is being delivered and erected at the £2.3m development at the new fire station on Kent Street in York. Approximately 80 tonnes is being transported to the 10,764 sq. ft. site at the heart of the City. A 37-week programme has already now commenced to construct the framework o
12/09/2013
Energy Minister Greg Barker has opened a new extension to the Gunfleet Sands offshore wind farm that will see the first demonstration in UK waters of the next generation of offshore wind turbines. The turbines, made by Siemens, and installed by DONG Energy, have been deliberately designed to be us
12/09/2013
Cambridge City Council households in Cambridge are set to see the benefits of a domestic heating programme and roof replacement scheme, thanks to work carried out by Kier in order to increase the energy efficiency of homes and help reduce fuel poverty for council residents in the city. Cambridge ha
12/09/2013
Mitie has been awarded a contract to deliver painting services to London & Quadrant Housing Trust (L&Q), one of the largest affordable housing providers in the UK. The new six year contract has a total value of £7.5m, with a possible six year extension valued at a further £7.5m. The contract start
12/09/2013
A Bridgend crane hire firm has been fined for failing to make adequate provisions for safe work at height. Pyle-based RW Christopher Crane Hire Ltd was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after an investigation identified issues with risk assessments and systems of work; and the ava
12/09/2013
Ucatt and Unite have slammed the salary being advertised for the Chief Executive of the Construction Industry Training Board "as grossly excessive and entirely inappropriate". The Chief Executive position is being advertised at £170,000-£190,000 plus a car allowance and a bonus. There is also a pen
12/09/2013
Tardis Environmental have just purchased three new water tanker trailers for delivering clean fresh water for construction sites, events/festivals and long term hire. The new trailer tankers will be able to deliver 30,000 litres of clean fresh water and will be delivered by EUSR trained drivers in
11/09/2013
New proposals are set to be launched for the redevelopment of part of Woking Town Centre to be known as Victoria Square at a public exhibition from Thursday 12th September. Victoria Square will be delivered by Bandstand Square Developments Limited (BSDL) a joint venture between Moyallen, owners of
11/09/2013
The one millionth tonne of earth to travel by rail has left Crossrail's tunnel entrance in west London for Northfleet in Kent. The 55 million year old earth has come from the construction of Crossrail's western tunnels between Royal Oak and Farringdon by two giant 1,000 tonne tunnel boring machines
11/09/2013
London Array, a joint venture owned by DONG Energy, E.ON and Masdar, have announced that it has signed an agreement for the sale of transmission assets at the world's largest offshore wind farm to Blue Transmission London Array Limited. The disposal takes place pursuant to the Offshore Transmissio
11/09/2013
Cruden Construction is to begin two new contracts in Old Trafford and Macclesfield. Firstly, Cruden will undertake design and construction of 36 one and two bedroom apartments on Stretford Road in Old Trafford under a £2.9m (approx) contract for Trafford Housing Trust and follows on from the succes
11/09/2013
A Newcastle-based skip hire firm has been fined for safety failings after a worker suffered serious head injuries when he was struck by a falling skip. The 45-year-old from Annitsford, Cramlington, who does not want to be named, has still not returned to work following the incident at N A Park Ltd
11/09/2013
Public sector bodies in Wales can exclude blacklisters from bidding for public sector contracts under new Welsh Government guidance that aims to eradicate the practice, Finance Minister Jane Hutt has announced. Blacklisting is a practice where individuals have been denied employment opportunities b
11/09/2013
Plans for a new 420-pupil school in south Bristol are now available for local people to view. The school is to be run as a new academy on the former City of Bristol College Marksbury Road site, and is part of a local regeneration project for the area which is being led in partnership with the Homes
11/09/2013
Guard Industry has announced it will be attending The Landscape Show on 24th-25th September. Guard Industry specialises in the research, manufacture and development of a comprehensive range of fully environmentally-friendly products to protect, decorate, clean and maintain construction materials.
11/09/2013
Halifax based Polyframe, the UK's leading manufacturer of windows, doors and conservatories, are pleased to announce that they have taken a shareholding in trade supplier Britannic Glass of Hailsham, East Sussex and that additionally, Britannic Glass will now use the distinctive Polyframe brand and
10/09/2013
Willmott Dixon has been appointed by St Albans City and District Council for a £6 million contract to rebuild Batchwood Sports Centre which was destroyed by fire in August 2011. Designed by AFLS+P architects, the new Batchwood Sports Centre will be an East of England regional centre of excellence t
10/09/2013
Galliford Try has announced that its building business has been appointed by Bridgend Custodial Service Limited, in co-operation with G4S Care and Justice Services (UK) Limited and the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), to build the second phase of the HM Prison & Young Offenders' Institution Parc in Bridge
10/09/2013
Mansell has started work on a £2.7m scheme to provide 30 new homes in Wisbech in Cambridgeshire for the Roddons Housing Association, part of Circle Housing Group. The Acacia Avenue development will consist of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom affordable homes and will be starting as Mansell has almost completed w
10/09/2013
Amec and Morrison Utility Services have been awarded a five-year extension to the Western Gas Alliance (WGA) mains replacement contract by Wales & West Utilities (WWU). The contract extension, worth £40m per year, will run until 2018 and follows Ofgem's Price Control Review which has set financial
10/09/2013
ISG has further strengthened its Fit Out business with the appointment of James Weekes as divisional director for its Projects team. The highly experienced industry professional heads up one of ISG's fastest growing business divisions, with a core focus on projects up to a value of circa £1.5m. J
10/09/2013
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has unanimously supported a motion moved by construction union UCATT, demanding urgent action to resolve the housing crisis. The motion focuses on both the need for a huge increase in council housing, as well as regulation to tackle exploitation in the private rented
10/09/2013
The Magdalen Chapter, a hotel in Exeter which was restored by Kier Construction, has been named City Hotel of the Year at the Food & Travel Magazine Readers Awards, beating a host of top London properties. The Exeter hotel was one of six finalists in the category, beating competition from London's
10/09/2013
A Kent aggregate company has been ordered to pay more than £180,000 in fines and costs after a worker was killed by dangerous lifting equipment on a tipper lorry. Brian Peek, 57, from Ashford, sustained fatal injuries whilst unloading bags of hardcore and aggregate for Moores Turf & Top Soil Limite
09/09/2013
According to MPs, the Department for Transport has failed to show the High Speed 2 (HS2) is the best way to spend £50bn on the railways. The House of Commons Public Accounts Committee has released its report into the planning of the project. The report – High Speed 2: A review of early programme p
09/09/2013
House prices in the UK increased by 5.4% in the year to August, according to the Halifax's latest house price survey. It is the highest annual rate recorded since June 2010. The survey also revealed the average price of a house passed the £170,000 mark for the first time in five years. However,
09/09/2013
The Highways Agency has published its proposals for a £1.5bn project to upgrade the A14 between Cambridge and Huntingdon. A consultation regarding the project begins today (9 September). The plans include a toll system, for a new stretch of the road between Ellington and Swavesey, as well as a w
09/09/2013
E.On Connecting Energies, the new unit of E.ON focusing on energy efficiency and distributed energy solutions in the B2B sector globally, has agreed to acquire Matrix, the UK market leader in energy management and energy efficiency services for commercial buildings. The transaction is subject to A
09/09/2013
It has been claimed that plans to construct a £25bn barrage in the Severn Estuary are "dead in the water" when it comes to the current Parliament. Neath MP, Peter Hain, is quoted by the BBC as saying the UK Government has refused to commit to the project. Hafren Power wants to build an 11-mile
09/09/2013
Plans have been submitted for a residential development in Didsbury, which include a new primary school and the preservation of an historic playing field. The proposals are the continuation of a successful partnership between Manchester City Council and Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) to
09/09/2013
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has said a Wiltshire civil engineering company has been fined after a worker was seriously injured by a reversing tipper truck at a Cheltenham building site. The worker, who does not wish to be identified, was struck from behind by the vehicle as it delivered a
09/09/2013
A government agency has approved an additional £60m into its fund to help develop faster and greener buildings. According to Construction News, the Technology Strategy Board said it is to invest the extra money in its Low Impact Building Innovation Platform which supports projects that can reduce
06/09/2013
Mansell has been awarded the construction contract for two residential community care centres in Derbyshire. Derbyshire County Council has appointed Mansell to develop the centres in Heanor and Darley Dale at a cost of approximately £16 million. The developments will provide residential and day car
06/09/2013
Construction union UCATT has welcomed the key findings of the Armitt Review. The review, commissioned by the Labour Party and written by John Armitt the former chairman of the Olympic Delivery Authority, recommends that an independent cross party commission should be established to advise on major
06/09/2013
The Cheshire and Warrington LEP has allocated £3 million from the Growing Places fund to the Omega site in Warrington. The funding will support infrastructure works at Omega North, helping to secure occupier interest and unlock the first 500 of the predicted 1,500 jobs on this 80 acre part of the
06/09/2013
Crossrails has completed a key part of its work to the Victorian Connaught Tunnel in east London, ahead of schedule. Earlier in the year, dam walls were installed in a section of the Royal Docks that runs above the tunnel to allow Crossrail workers to access the tunnel from above. However, the dam
06/09/2013
Kier is expanding the range of environmental services it offers to local authority and private sector customers, following the integration of the recently acquired May Gurney business. The new offering means Kier now provides front-line waste and recycling services throughout England and Wales to m
06/09/2013
New figures show London's thriving green economy has bucked national trends and continued to grow over the last five years with more than 9,200 green businesses employing over 163,500 people. A report has been published analysing London's 'Low Carbon and Environmental Goods and Services Sector', c
06/09/2013
A Colchester-based worker has been ordered to carry out 240 hours of community service and been given a suspended prison sentence for illegally fitting two gas fires and servicing a boiler at homes in the town, despite not being registered to work with gas. Colchester Magistrates Court was told tha
06/09/2013
Kirklees Metropolitan Borough Council approached Autopa to provide a bespoke solution to stop unwanted groups from gaining access onto their public car parks and setting up camp. Unauthorised encampment was becoming a frequent problem for the parking office at the council, resulting in reduced park
05/09/2013
A major housing scheme in Yorkshire is one step closer to being completed after Keepmoat was announced as the preferred developer for the final three phases of the scheme. The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) has appointed Keepmoat as the preferred developer at its Allerton Bywater Development at
05/09/2013
Galliford Try, the housebuilding and construction group, has announced that it has been appointed to two new construction contracts across the Midlands, worth a total of £48 million. Firstly, Birmingham and Solihull Local Improvement Finance Trust (‘BasLIFT’) has reached financial close with Gallif
05/09/2013
Following the recent planning decision regarding Higher Home Park, Akkeron is ensuring an early start on site by naming Plymouth-based building company Kier Construction as its preferred contracting partner. One of Akkeron's key criteria for selection of the preferred main contractor was the contra
05/09/2013
The Ministry of Justice confirmed the exact location earlier today having announced in June that a new prison would be built in North Wales. The First Minister visited the site in July where it is estimated that around 1,000 jobs will be created through construction and work of the prison. The Fir
05/09/2013
Housing developer Lovell has appointed Charlotte Smith as strategic development manager for the company in Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex. Charlotte was previously assistant development director with housing association bpha. In her new role with Lovell, she will generate business oppo
05/09/2013
Tens of thousands of people have taken their first steps onto the property ladder thanks to government-backed schemes, new figures show. Housing Minister Mark Prisk welcomed the latest data, which he said, "clearly show the housing market is moving again". Overall, the number of new homeowners cre
05/09/2013
An east London firm has been fined £125,000 after being found guilty of safety failings that led to the death of a worker who was crushed by a falling metal mast at its site in Cambridgeshire. Construction engineer Nigel Sewell, 57, from Eaton Ford, St Neots, died as a result of his crush injuries
04/09/2013
Plans to improve the harbours that connect Cornwall with the Isles of Scilly have received support from Local Transport Minister Norman Baker. The minister announced work at St Mary's and Penzance harbours can go ahead, subject to final clearances and securing European funding. Mr Baker said: "We
04/09/2013
Skanska's search for the best green solutions from its supply chain continues. Now in its fourth year, Skanska is once again looking for innovative, inspirational products or ways of working. The five best entries will be invited to a dragon’s den style judging day in November, where they will pitc
04/09/2013
The Mayor of Camden, Cllr Jonathan Simpson, has opened a new development for people with disabilities in Haverstock. The new accommodation has been developed by Origin Housing in partnership with Camden Council. Built to a high standard, it provides three en-suite bedrooms each with their own acces
04/09/2013
Solihull Community Housing has announced it will be working in partnership with British Gas, Britain's largest energy provider, to bring further energy efficiency measures to almost 2,000 tenants of Solihull Council. The energy conservation project, which totals £27m, includes £25m of Energy Compan
04/09/2013
Balfour Beatty is getting ready to welcome the public onto its sites for the second ever 'Open Doors' weekend, taking place on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 September. Balfour Beatty will have 11 sites participating in the initiative, which is run in partnership with the UK Contractors Group (UKCG), an
04/09/2013
Essential work on the A38 Marsh Mills Flyover near Plymouth will start on 8th September and will continue for eight weeks. Project Sponsor, Mike Hillier, said: "We have planned the repairs of the joints very carefully and specialist teams are ready to work seven days. "The first joint was repaired
04/09/2013
The start of work on an £8m housing project in North Yorkshire was celebrated by the partners when Sanctuary Group was joined by representatives from North Yorkshire County Council, the Government's Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and Keepmoat at a sod cutting ceremony on the site at Eastfield, n
04/09/2013
As one of the World's most populous cities and one that is often the victim of extreme weather conditions; Mumbai puts a great deal of strain on its street lights. The Indian city has famously suffered from lengthy blackouts in its history, severely affecting its residents’ personal lives and prof
03/09/2013
Morgan Sindall has been appointed to construct the UK’s first carbon neutral laboratory - winning the £15.8 million construction contract for the GlaxoSmithKline Carbon Neutral Laboratory of Sustainable Chemistry for The University of Nottingham. The laboratory, which is being part-funded by GlaxoS
03/09/2013
Major works are underway on a £90m scheme to transform First Street North, one of Manchester's most significant regeneration sites. Manchester City Council leader Sir Richard Leese, John Hughes, the managing director of Ask Property Developments, HOME chair of trustees Jim Forrester and HOME chief
03/09/2013
Nottingham residents have been getting smart about energy at a week-long series of events held by energy provider E.ON at its Open House store in the city centre. The events invited local residents to gain free, practical advice and information about new smart meter technology and reducing energy w
03/09/2013
Mace has been appointed as Construction Manager for the Battersea Power Station Preliminary Works. Mace, the international consultancy and construction company, will be responsible for managing the trade contractors which are undertaking the £100m works package which comprises brick repairs to the
03/09/2013
The official start-on-site at Hillington Square, King's Lynn, the major estate regeneration programme which Lovell is working on for Freebridge Community Housing, has taken place. The start of work is the culmination of years of planning and hard work that have gone into the £23m regeneration proje
03/09/2013
A new term means new schools and new opportunities for hundreds of young people in Plymouth. Around £30 million worth of Council funding has helped create new facilities which will help unlock the doors to a bright future for the city's young learners long after lessons and exams have finished. Th
03/09/2013
Poor standards and unsafe work on Britain's building sites will be targeted as part of a nationwide drive aimed at reducing death, injury and ill health in the industry. During the month long initiative, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will carry out unannounced checks at sites where refurbis
03/09/2013
As part of a £2.4m housing project by Sanctuary Group, an estate in Ashby De La Zouch has undergone a noticeable transformation. The housing and care provider has developed 12 new apartments and 14 houses in Malvern Crescent, replacing two blocks of empty flats which were demolished last year. The
03/09/2013
A report on the construction of one of the largest and most technically challenging glulam structures in the world: By Nick Partridge of Wehmeyer UK Ltd. For more than 10 years the Local Authority at Inzell in Germany had been pushing for a roof over the existing speed skating track to secure safe
03/09/2013
Addagrip has announced it will be exhibiting at Grand Designs Live next month. The exhibition – inspired by the Channel 4 television series presented by Kevin McCloud – is taking place at the NEC in Birmingham from 4th to 6th October. There will be more than 500 exhibitors across six different sect
02/09/2013
Balfour Beatty Engineering Services (BBES) has commenced a £30 million contract for the design and installation of new mechanical and electrical (M&E) services as part of the refurbishment and extension of Sea Containers House – the second largest building on the River Thames' South Bank. As part o
02/09/2013
Tenant-led housing association Liverpool Mutual Homes (LMH) has appointed housing refurbishment specialist Lovell for a £1.4 million programme of improvement work at two Liverpool sheltered housing complexes. Lovell will start work in September on refurbishment schemes for Alderwood Lodge in Speke
02/09/2013
Senior councillors in Leeds will be asked to approve flood defence measures at Woodlesford as the first part of a major project to protect the city. The council's executive board will be given an update at its meeting at Civic Hall on Wednesday 4 September on the latest proposals to reduce the poss
02/09/2013
Construction union UCATT have called off industrial action and ended their dispute with Kier Services after the company made major concessions in the dispute over changing the pay date of workers. The dispute arose after Kier failed to enter into meaningful negotiations with UCATT over the company'
02/09/2013
A sign has been has hoisted into place at Rambert's new London headquarters, instantly transforming the building into a permanent landmark within the South Bank cultural quarter. This latest development signifies completion of the main façade work. The team will now complete the final finishes, com
02/09/2013
A Bolton building firm has appeared in court after two workers were spotted replacing guttering in high winds while using unsafe scaffolding. R Hamer Ltd was prosecuted after a concerned member of the public reported the work to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Trafford Magistrates' Court he
02/09/2013
The completion of 16 brand new homes in Falmouth by Kier Living last week is testament to the hard work and perseverance of all those involved in their planning and development. The eight town houses and eight apartments have been developed by leading housing and care provider Sanctuary Group, and
02/09/2013
Interserve, the international support services and construction group, has been awarded a contract with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), to provide support services to 10 British embassies and consulates across Spain. The new two-year contract will start in September 2013, with an option
