Tag Archive for: Guinness Partnership

Highland Council Appoints Four Contractors for £2.1bn Infrastructure Overhaul

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Highland Council has selected four main contractors to spearhead the initial phase of its ambitious £2.1 billion Highland Investment Plan (HIP). This 20-year capital programme aims to modernise public infrastructure across the region, with the first tranche of projects focusing on creating community hubs.

Key Takeaways

  • Four contractors – Morgan Sindall, Morrison Construction, Robertson Group, and Ogilvie Construction – have been appointed.
  • The projects are part of the first phase of the £2.1bn Highland Investment Plan (HIP).
  • The initial projects include schools, offices, depots, and partner facilities combined into community hubs.
  • Highland Council is the client, with hub North Scotland acting as the delivery partner.

Major Infrastructure Investment Underway

The appointed contractors will deliver seven key projects spanning from Thurso to Inverness. These schemes are the first to reach the preferred contractor stage under the council’s Points of Delivery (PoDs) programme. This initiative consolidates various public facilities into integrated community hubs, enhancing local services and infrastructure.

Project Allocations

The initial projects and their awarded contractors are:

  • Morgan Sindall: Beauly Primary PoD and Charleston Academy PoD.
  • Robertson Group: Dingwall Primary PoD (including St Clements School) and Tornagrain Primary PoD.
  • Morrison Construction: Fortrose Academy PoD and Thurso PoD.
  • Ogilvie Construction: Inverness High School PoD.

Funding and Delivery

The HIP will be financed through a combination of capital investment and a dedicated annual allocation equivalent to 2% of ring-fenced council tax revenue. The council has committed £750 million for investment over the next five years as part of the broader £2.1 billion programme. The procurement route, while not explicitly detailed, suggests an early contractor engagement process, likely a two-stage approach under the hub North Scotland framework. This allows for early involvement in consultation, design development, and pre-planning activities.

Stakeholder Reactions

Council leader Raymond Bremner hailed the appointments as a “major milestone” that will drive long-term improvements to schools and community facilities. Council convener Bill Lobban indicated that the next steps involve further community engagement and detailed design. Glynis Sinclair, chair of the housing and property committee, highlighted the programme’s potential to support new homes and employment opportunities, including graduate and apprenticeship roles. Richard Park, chief executive of hub North Scotland, confirmed that design and delivery efforts are already in progress.

Contractors expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration. Gordon Williamson, managing director for Morrison Construction Building Highland, stated their commitment to developing plans for two new schools. Stuart Parker, managing director of Morgan Sindall Construction in Scotland, noted the appointments reflect the strength of their Inverness-based team. Elliot Robertson, CEO of Robertson Construction Group, confirmed their team’s collaboration on the Dingwall and Tornagrain projects, while Martin Poole, preconstruction director at Ogilvie Construction, outlined their role in delivering the Inverness High School building.

Sources

Cardiff cinema building with construction nearby.

Historic Cardiff Cinema Faces Demolition for Affordable Housing

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A former cinema building on City Road in Cardiff, long standing in a state of disrepair, is set to be demolished to make way for a new development of affordable apartments and commercial units. The ‘Gaiety’ building, located at 195-197 City Road in Roath, has been vacant for an extended period.

Key Takeaways

  • The ‘Gaiety’ cinema building on City Road, Cardiff, will be demolished.
  • The site will be redeveloped into 70 affordable housing apartments and ground-floor commercial units.
  • The project is a collaboration between Draycott Group and Wales and West Housing Association.
  • The development aims to be “car-free” with ample cycle storage.

Redevelopment Plans

Draycott Group, in partnership with Wales and West Housing Association, has proposed to replace the existing structure with a modern building of up to seven storeys. This new development will provide 70 self-contained flats, all designated as 100 per cent affordable housing. The proposed accommodation includes 67 one-bedroom flats and three two-bedroom flats.

Community and Commercial Space

In addition to the residential units, the scheme includes plans for three commercial units on the ground floor, facing directly onto City Road. Residents will benefit from internal and external amenity spaces, as well as a private landscaped courtyard. The development is designed to be “car-free”, with secure cycle storage for 72 bicycles provided at the rear of the property.

Council Support

Cardiff Council’s planning committee is expected to review the application. A council report has indicated support for the principle of development, citing the site’s location within the City Road District Centre and its prolonged vacancy. The report deems the loss of the cinema building “acceptable” and suggests the mixed-use scheme aligns with local policy objectives. The committee is recommended to approve the application.

Sources

Modern university campus building with green surroundings.

Wolverhampton’s £61m City Learning Quarter Campus Officially Complete

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Construction has officially concluded on Wolverhampton’s state-of-the-art £61 million City Learning Quarter college campus. The new facility, designed to significantly enhance education and skills within the city, has been handed over to City of Wolverhampton College. Students are set to begin using the modern campus from November 4th, marking a new era for learning in the heart of Wolverhampton.

Key Takeaways

  • The £61 million City Learning Quarter campus in Wolverhampton has completed construction.
  • City of Wolverhampton College has taken possession of the first, second, and third floors, along with the ground floor hair and beauty salon.
  • The campus will open its doors to students on November 4th.
  • The development is expected to boost city centre footfall by 4,500 people per week.
  • Over a ten-year period, approximately 45,000 people are projected to benefit from learning at the campus, with around 7,500 apprenticeships started.

A New Hub For Education And Skills

The City Learning Quarter, situated around the Old Hall Street and St George’s Parade area, incorporates the existing Metro One building and a new site on the corner of Garrick Street and Bilston Street. Councillor Chris Burden, City of Wolverhampton Council cabinet member for city development, jobs and skills, expressed his satisfaction with the project’s timely and on-budget completion. He highlighted the facility’s role in driving education and skills, unlocking opportunities for residents and visitors, and acting as a vital focal point for the city centre.

Diverse Educational Offerings

The new campus will provide a wide array of A Levels and vocational qualifications. These include courses in:

  • Art, Design and Photography
  • Business and Management
  • Catering and Hospitality
  • Computing and Digital
  • Creative Media, Games Design and E-sports
  • Hair and Beauty
  • Health and Social Care
  • Music Technology
  • Performing Arts
  • Science

A Collaborative Achievement

Louise Fall, principal and chief executive of City of Wolverhampton College, described the handover as “fantastic news” for current and future learners and staff. She thanked partners for their commitment and support in delivering the facility on schedule. Martin Keys, operational director at contractor McLaughlin & Harvey, praised the “exceptional collaboration” that led to the project’s successful completion, emphasizing its quality and potential to unlock significant opportunities for the community.

The first phase of the City Learning Quarter masterplan, an £8.1 million Advanced Technology and Automotive Centre at the college’s Wellington Road campus, opened to students in September 2024. The move to the new city centre location will also facilitate the redevelopment of the college’s former Paget Road site for much-needed housing.

Sources

New affordable homes in Mortimer Common neighbourhood

Regeneration Boost: Mortimer Common to Gain 24 New Affordable Homes After SNG Approval

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Sovereign Network Group (SNG) has received planning approval for a transformative residential project in Mortimer Common, West Berkshire. The scheme will deliver 24 affordable homes, replacing a former over-55s complex, and aims to create a contemporary, sustainable village community by late 2027.

Key Takeaways

  • 24 affordable homes to be built in Mortimer Common by SNG
  • Mix of shared ownership and social rent properties
  • All homes designed for energy efficiency with modern features
  • Completion expected by late 2027

Redevelopment Vision for Mortimer Common

The Windmill Court site, previously dedicated to older residents, will see a complete overhaul as part of SNG’s broader regeneration efforts. The new development includes both houses and maisonettes—specifically, 11 homes available for shared ownership and 13 offered for social rent. This mix is intended to support a diverse range of households and addresses a clear need for affordable housing in the area.

Design Focused on Community and Sustainability

All homes will be delivered to SNG’s Homes and Place Standard, prioritising comfort, space, and long-term energy efficiency. Modern amenities, including air source heat pumps and solar panels, will be standard features, designed to reduce energy costs and environmental impact for residents.

Key Features:

  • Energy-efficient appliances and installations
  • Outdoor space and ample parking for every unit
  • A design that caters to households of varying sizes

SNG emphasised that this regeneration aims not just to improve the site visually but also to create lasting, affordable opportunities for local people who wish to remain part of Mortimer Common.

Navigating Complex Planning and Community Engagement

Acquiring final approval required overcoming several hurdles. The planning journey involved negotiations to release historical covenants as well as comprehensive engagement with local stakeholders, ensuring the project aligns with broader community needs.

The new homes are expected to appeal to a wide demographic, partially due to Mortimer Common’s attractive village character, its proximity to Reading, and convenient transport links, including rail services to Basingstoke and Reading.

Next Steps and Wider Impact

Four households who previously lived in the old Windmill Court complex have already indicated their intention to return once the homes are completed. SNG expects work on site to begin by the end of 2025, with final handovers anticipated in late 2027.

This project forms part of SNG’s strategic goal to deliver 2,500 homes annually across London and the South of England, with a focus on creating sustainable communities that meet modern living standards.

References

Guinness Partnership

Guinness Partnership Unveils £300M Framework for UK Building Remediation

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The Guinness Partnership has unveiled a substantial £300 million framework aimed at tackling critical building remediation needs across the UK. This four-year initiative, managed by ProcurePublic, is designed to address both planned and emergency interventions in residential and mixed-use properties, significantly enhancing safety and structural integrity nationwide.

A Landmark Investment in Building Safety

This new framework represents a significant commitment to improving building safety and quality. With a budget of £300 million, it will fund essential remediation works, ensuring that properties meet modern safety standards and are resilient against future issues. The initiative is a proactive step to safeguard residents and property assets across the UK.

Key Takeaways

  • Scope: The framework covers a wide array of remediation works, from fire safety upgrades to structural repairs and external refurbishments.
  • Accessibility: It will be accessible to all UK public sector contracting authorities, broadening its impact.
  • Duration: The framework is set to run for four years, from September 15, 2025, to September 14, 2029.
  • Contractors: A maximum of 25 contractors will be appointed, with a focus on equitable access for firms of all sizes.

Comprehensive Remediation Scope

The framework’s scope is extensive, addressing a multitude of building deficiencies. This comprehensive approach ensures that various aspects of building safety and structural integrity are covered.

Key areas of work include:

  • Fire Safety:
    • Cladding removal and replacement
    • Fire stopping installations
    • Fire door upgrades
    • Installation of advanced fire detection systems
  • Structural Remediation:
    • Concrete and steel repairs
    • Stabilization efforts
    • Foundation improvements
  • External Works:
    • Façade repairs
    • Roof and balcony refurbishments
  • Internal Upgrades:
    • Lift modernizations
    • Smoke ventilation system enhancements
    • Mechanical and electrical compliance work
  • Specialist Services:
    • Provision for specialist surveys and investigations

Equitable Opportunities for Contractors

ProcurePublic has implemented an innovative dynamic filtering system for contractor selection, moving away from traditional lot-based tendering. This system allows contractors to bid on workstreams based on their specific capabilities, promoting fairer access to opportunities for a diverse range of firms.

  • Tender Process:
    • Enquiry Deadline: August 5, 2025
    • Bid Submission Deadline: August 12, 2025
    • Award Notice Expected: September 15, 2025
  • Award Methods: Contracts will be awarded through either direct award or mini-competition.
  • Supplier Fee: A capped supplier fee of 2% of client invoices will apply.

ProcurePublic is actively encouraging applications from regional and specialist firms, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to ensure a broad and capable pool of contractors for this vital initiative.ontractors for this vital initiative.

Sources

  • Guinness Partnership launches £300m building remediation framework – Construction News.

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