Construction materials shortage: How UK contractors can become leaner
Whilst trade agreements have wreaked havoc on getting construction supplies to project sites globally, large projects closer to home in the UK have caused even more commodification once supplies are available.
Aligning housing construction with biodiversity net gain
We are all well versed in materials shortages, the skills gap, achieving net zero goals, and the need for more diverse housing solutions to meet the current demand. Finding solutions that combat more than one of these problems is becoming more important than ever before.
Joint venture to build new homes for Oxford city centre
Preparatory work for a £10.9m Oxford City Council housing development has unearthed glimpses into Oxford’s past – Oxford City Housing Ltd (OCHL) and Willmott Dixon expect to start work next month on building 36 flats in the city centre.
Four major schemes approved for Manchester regeneration
Four key planning applications have been agreed by Manchester’s planning committee as a part of the next phase of regeneration in Ancoats & News Islington.
BESA guidance aims to improve indoor air quality post-Covid
In light of Covid restrictions being lifted across England, the BESA has produced a guide to good practice: Indoor Air Quality for Health & Well-Being, which is designed to help building owners, managers and engineers interpret indoor air quality (IAQ) data.
NHBC celebrates first year of NHBC Accepts
Marking the first anniversary of NHBC Accepts, the service has now accepted a range of products and systems, which over the course of the year have helped in the delivery of more than 5,000 innovative new homes across the UK.
Working group unveils Scottish retention reform plans
The Scottish Government’s short life working group has set out plans to bring an end to the practice of withheld retention payments and deliver “an essential financial lifeline” for contractors.
Roofer and scaffolder plead guilty after fatal fall from height
A roofer and a scaffolder have been sentenced following a fatal fall from height at a two-storey terraced house on Rosevine Road, Wimbledon.
High demand for digital solutions boosts Nemetschek’s 2021 forecast
AEC software specialist, the Nemetschek Group has increased its forecast for the current financial year 2021, following a strong second quarter with record figures for revenues and earnings.
Kier completes two new projects for Exeter Council
Kier has handed over two projects for Exeter City Council, the transformation of Riverside pool and leisure centre as well as a new bus station.
Muse Developments expands Soho team with two appointments
Muse Developments has appointed Elizabeth Wright and Robert Allan to its southern team at Soho Square, as part of the business’ continued strategic expansion.
Report urges Government and housebuilders to accelerate MMC
A new report has urged Government and housebuilders to create more UK homes using modular construction in a bid to meet housing targets.
Collinson Construction breaks ground on Wiltshire sports facility
Collinson Construction has commenced eight months of work on the project that will deliver a new sports hall and outdoor courts at St John’s Marlborough.
Scaffolding worker hits overhead power line
Cambridge Glasshouse Company has been fined £333,333 after a scaffolding worker came into contact with an 11kV overhead power line.
1,000 flood schemes to benefit from £860m this year
More than 1,000 flood schemes are set to benefit from over £860m this year, as part of the flood and coastal erosion investment plan.
CIOB reveals 2021 construction manager of the year shortlist
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has revealed who’s made it to the Construction Manager of the Year Awards 2021 shortlist.
New net gain tool to help industry deliver sustainable projects
WSP, Ecosystems Knowledge Network, and Northumbria University have launched a new net gain measurement tool to help built environment professionals play a greater part in nature recovery and climate resilience.
SEISS claims to have significant impact on construction worker tax
Specialist construction accountants at tax refund firm, Brian Alfred, warn that construction workers could be facing a high tax bill if they have claimed government support due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Breakthrough at Thames Tideway links all three tunnel sections
Thames Tideway has reached a significant milestone at the Carnwath Road Riverside site in Fulham with the breakthrough of the West main tunnel connection into the Central section.
Construction begins on new community hub for Ashbourne village
Construction of the new ‘Pavilion in the Park’ is underway at Ashbourne Recreation ground, Derbyshire, after receiving a grant from the Tarmac Landfill Communities Fund.
New generation of tower cranes drive efficiency on sites
In the past 24 months, Bowmer + Kirkland have achieved some tower crane world firsts on projects across the UK.
Tetra Tech acquires MEP consultants Hoare Lea
Tetra Tech, a provider of consulting and engineering services, has acquired UK MEP consultants Hoare Lea.
UKGBC calls for industry input on net zero roadmap
The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) has launched a consultation inviting construction industry feedback on the Whole Life Carbon Roadmap draft proposals.
CBRE to acquire 60% stake in Turner & Townsend
CBRE Group is set to acquire a 60% stake in Turner & Townsend for £960m, which will expand its business in the US, where CBRE has deep occupier and investor relationships.
New AI system predicts building emissions rates in under a second
Computer scientists at Loughborough University have partnered with Cundall to create an artificial intelligence system that can predict building emissions rates (BER).
Willmott Dixon lands Kidsgrove leisure centre refurb
Willmott Dixon has been awarded a contract by Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council to deliver the £7.5m refurbishment of Kidsgrove Leisure Centre.