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The company officially replaces the Highways Agency next week. The improvements over the first five years of operation include: 112 major improvements, including 15 smart motorway projects providing 280 extra miles of capacity, and resurfacing the majority of the network providing a more accessible road system delivering over 150 new cycling facilities and crossings, including 40 by the end of next year, and cycle-proofing new schemes reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured on the network by 40% from the 2010 baseline Graham Dalton, Chief Executive of Highways England said: “The launch of Highways England is an incredibly significant moment for those who rely on England’s motorways and major A roads. “As well as delivering the biggest investment in major roads since the 1970s, there will be fundamental changes to …

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Sheffield city council has unveiled plans for a £480m retail quarter to transform the city centre. The ambitious plan designed by Leonard Design Architects comprises 900,000 sq ft of mixed-use accommodation. This will predominantly by retail and leisure led, but also includes over 200,000 sq ft of residential and office space. Sheffield City Council has been assessing the best way forward for the retail quarter since ending a partnership with developer Hammerson in 2013. It plans to part fund the scheme from the New Deal with Government to use tax incremental financing. Simon Green, Sheffield City Council’s Executive Director – Place said: “This is the right time for Sheffield. “We sit at the heart of the devolution debate; we have an ambitious plan for growth; and we are delivering …

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Westminster City Council has approved a £27m scheme to ‘open up’ the Royal Opera House in London. Construction manager Rise will oversee the project which has been designed by architect Stanton Williams in collaboration with Arup. The plans make the entrances and street-level public spaces of the Royal Opera House more open and inviting to the public. Existing spaces, such as the Linbury Studio Theatre and Foyer will be transformed, a new terrace off the Paul Hamlyn Hall will be created and other spaces developed to make the creative, technical and education work of the Royal Opera House more visible. Work expected to start by the end of this year and take two years to complete.

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Flashing hi-ves vests are being developed to warn workers of potential dangers on sites. The SmartVest contains strips of LED lights which flash different colours to warn workers of particular hazards. The vests have been developed by software specialist 3Squared and link-up to its site management system. Workers will be alerted with flashing lights to dangers like oncoming trains on rail sites. Lights will also warn operatives when they enter a dangerous site zone as mapped out on the 3Squared ‘SmartSafe’ virtual zone management platform. Tim Jones, Managing Director of 3Squared, said: “The SmartVest concept innovatively and creatively takes an established product with existing safety benefits into the 21st Century. “We are very excited about what this could mean for construction and infrastructure workers in …

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Each winter the demand for de-icing products spikes significantly as winter is harsher each year. Two of the most common de-icing products are brown and white gritting rock salt. Both products are effective in managing the buildup of ice on roads and pavements and both can be easily spread. In fact, in a short amount of time these rock salts can cover quite a large area. Also, both are cost efficient and effective. Salt works by lowering the melting point of ice. When salt mixes with any moisture or water, a saline solution is created (salty water). This saline solution will freeze at a lower point than fresh water, making it more difficult for ice to form. Brown Rock Gritting Salt Brown rock salt is …

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Main contractor Speller Metcalfe has been hit by a fresh wave of con-artists attempting to trick clients into sending payments to fraudster bank accounts. In the last week swindlers have written to two housing association clients telling them to amend the firm’s bank details for payments. The builder has issued a warning so that other firms do not fall foul of the latest out-break of attacks. The industry was hit by a major case of what is known as mandate fraud several years ago when the Olympic Delivery Authority was conned out of £2.3m. A spokesman for Speller Metcalfe warned that the latest attempts are becoming more sophisticated, using company logos and project names to make them seem convincing. Speller Metcalfe and another external partner firm were …

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Auction houses for cheap property is an attractive proposition for those who are looking to build their property portfolio. Transparency is integral and never more so than from your building survey. It seems that this element of purchasing property has long since suffered from a vague and often misunderstood purpose. So what does this then means for the conscientious property developer.   The modern property developer and their legal and financial challenges According to the Home Owners Alliance, only 20% of buyers think they need to get a survey no matter what the condition of age of property they are buying, is this ignorance or experience? As a property developer, you success will be in the finances, but that doesn’t mean you need to purchase a …

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While some reports say we are finally seeing the light in between the trees out of recession times, others would disagree and still see heavy public and private sector cuts, meaning the recession is still very much among us. When hiring contractors to provide a service, it is important to do your research. You may want to consider the following questions like do they have a good reputation for the work they deliver. Have the worked with similar clients in your industry. Whilst you may collect a number of quotes which may be priced differently, it is important to find out if the price reflects the quality. Line marking contractors KVR Coatings have over 30 years of lining and floor coating expertise and an extensive portfolio including Swansea Football, …

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Production has started into building the UK’s first Eco-Town which will be situated in North West Bicester, Oxfordshire. The project which will see up to 6,000 sustainable homes being built is part of a long term eco-friendly drive known as the “Exemplar”. The initial construction involves the production of 33 homes in the area. Each one will be highly efficient and produce zero carbon making this the first true zero carbon community in the UK. In addition, the development will boast 40% green space which is well above the national average. Mark Fielding MD at Cotaplan building systems highlighted on the project, “Like ourselves, A2dominiona have a vision to transform the way communities live and use accommodation in a sustainable way.  Cotaplan are glad to see …

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With the UK pushing ahead full force with housing developments up and down the country to meet the ever growing demand, it seems that architecture has become somewhat homogeneous. For many, such a landscape of properties serve only to blend into a pool of choices that are all depressingly the same, which leads them to search for older properties which boast character features from decades gone by.  Trevor Smith from Essex Drain Engineering Services speaks out about the five of the main considerations to bear in mind when old is not always as beautiful inside and out. The roof and chimney: Structures vital to both your bank balance as well as your safety The roof of any home serves as one of the most important structures (as …

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