Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson appointed to £7bn Department for Education framework
G F Tomlinson are celebrating their re-appointment as an approved partner for the new £7bn Department for Education 2021 Construction Framework, a four year framework for the delivery of both education and non-education projects in the public sector.
The framework supports the delivery of the Department for Education’s school building programmes, with an emphasis on achieving net zero carbon in operation.
Following a rigorous selection process, G F Tomlinson is one of only 26 contractors to be selected nationally, and will deliver projects valued between £0.5m and £6.0m across the East and West Midlands.
This is the third consecutive Department for Education framework the regional contractor has been appointed to since 2014. Over the last 8 years, the company has delivered more than £55m of new build and refurbished primary, secondary, SEND and alternative provision schools, providing 4,467 new pupil places across the Midlands.
The new framework will be available to local authorities, schools, academies, FE colleges, universities and other public bodies which provide educational facilities in England, whilst also being available to central government, including government agencies.
G F Tomlinson has a strong focus on sustainability and social value, and will deliver schemes which meet stringent framework targets for local spend/labour, apprenticeships, T Level placements and reducing waste and carbon emissions.
Chris Flint, Managing Director at G F Tomlinson, said: “We are proud to have been re-appointed to the 2021 Construction Framework which continues our long-association with the Department for Education and expands on our delivery of high quality education facilities across the Midlands.
“With our experienced and committed framework team, we are ideally placed to ensure the educational facilities delivered through the framework meet the immediate and long-term needs of users, providing safe, healthy and productive environments.
“The DfE framework places decarbonisation at the forefront of every scheme. Our standardised school solutions comply with the DfE’s Output Specification and meets the zero carbon requirements for new schools. We will work with the DfE, their Technical Advisors and the schools themselves to ensure schemes continue to respond to the climate emergency and achieve the Government’s net zero targets.”
Office Design Trends for 2022: Hybrid Working
There’s been a shift in the way businesses use their offices over the last 18 months, shaping office trends for 2022. Lincolnshire-based commercial interior design and fit out company APSS has nearly 25 years’ experience in creating amazing workspaces for businesses across the country and it has been looking at the different ways in which offices are changing.
Many businesses are now opting for a more permanent hybrid working environment. The office design post-COVID has certainly changed. So what can be expected from the office environment, and what will this mean for companies?
In 2022, office design, the flow of people moving about the office and its functionality are at the top the priority list. With a focus on environmental impact and creating flexible, hybrid working environments, businesses are adapting to a new working format. A pleasant office space increases productivity, boost staff morale and make an impression on visitors to your place of business.
Biophilic offices are proving popular as they provide a link to nature. Nature friendly offices are becoming highly sought after by leading office designers as they create optimal working environments allowing occupants to work more. They have a positive impact on mental wellbeing, productivity, and morale for all who use the office space.
Hybrid Working Environment
According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, around 70% of companies will incorporate a hybrid working environment. Office trends will see a shift to create more varied spaces to work in. This includes more than just the normal banks of desks or office and meeting room space. The hybrid office design supports staff working both in and out of the office environment. They need to quickly access the information and speak to the rest of the team easily. The post-pandemic workplace needs to be far more flexible. The key is organising offices so it is optimized for how staff productivity and efficiency. Different business types require various layout ideas. Some require a central meeting hub. Others will require staff to be in full time when it is not possible for them to work from home. In this case the traditional desk spaces will continue to be required. Staff have got used to working from home over the last 18 months. It has become apparent the hybrid working environment is not a passing trend. Staff want more comfortable furnishings in the office and separate areas they can work in a quieter environment. They are requesting freedom of movement in the office rather than being chained to a desk, depending on the work they are doing. Many businesses may find they are rarely at full capacity anymore as more people work from home at least some of the time. This has freed up space in the office for meeting areas and staff amusements like a games area or a table tennis table. It has become more important for hybrid working environments to be a central meeting hub for employees and customers.Bring Nature Into The Office
According to the EMEA, offices which incorporate natural elements report a 13% higher level of well-being than offices that don’t. More businesses are looking to incorporate biophilic (or green) walls, planter storage units or potted plants to incorporate the outside on the inside. Living plants incorporated into offices will help increase oxygen levels, decrease fatigue and improve concentration levels. This will help boost productivity whether at home or in the office. Wooden slatted walls or area dividers are great for creating separation between departments or work/meeting spaces. They look aesthetically pleasing and create a more natural feel. Alternatively, go a step further and incorporate tree trunks for a unique partition wall.The Sustainable Smart Office
Businesses are looking at the different ways they can become more environmentally friendly and reduce their carbon footprint. This is because of the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties 26th meeting (COP26) being held in 2021. As a country, we need to make big changes now so in 2030 we will start to see the effects of our efforts. The majority of consumers look for businesses which pay attention to the environmental and social impact it has on the world. Making changes to your corporate fleet, recycling more and minimizing business travel are great places to start looking to make a change. But many businesses are also looking to create a smarter office environment which reduces energy consumption. The last couple of years have pushed emerging trends into hyperdrive. What would normally have taken five to 10 years to become the norm in office design, has been forced to happen overnight. Many companies, don’t want to go back to what can now potentially feel like the Stone Age. A smart office incorporates the best management tools to help staff work better, faster and happier. Using light sensors, installing automatic doors, using automatic bathroom facilities like flushes, taps and hand dryers is a great cost and energy saving tactic. It also helps reduce the number of touch points in a shared environment. You can even install intelligent climate controls now which detects preferences, usage patterns and regulates the temperate automatically. This could potentially end staff disagreements over whether the office is too hot or too cold. This has helped staff feel more confident in the work environment. It includes the extra benefit of creating a more efficient and environmentally friendly workspace, saving money on electricity and water. It’s a win-win situation. The government is looking at ways to incentivize businesses to use renewable energy. We have found many businesses installing solar panels on its roof which can significantly reduce bills and provides energy for your business.Office Design for Staff Wellbeing
Office design has change to incorporate more space between desks to accommodate social distancing. Perspex screens, also known as COVID screens, have become standard fittings in offices that continue to utilize an open plan environment. Alternatively, where offices have more space, the cellular office design is being brought back into fashion. This limits the spread of germs and has proven to reduce absence due to sickness by up to a quarter. It promotes productivity thanks to a quieter environment. Fewer distractions and additional privacy are also a benefit. Cellular offices can be tailored to each team or department’s requirements.Leicestershire businesses encouraged to take part in pilot scheme that will overhaul skills development
Businesses across Leicestershire have been invited to take part in a pioneering scheme that will help pave the way for a new approach to how skills programmes are delivered.
The Leicester and Leicestershire Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) pilot will put the county’s employers at the centre of skills provision, building stronger links with local colleges and training providers.
Led by East Midlands Chamber, it is one of eight “trailblazer” areas funded by the Department for Education as part of the LSIP programme. In this pilot phase, it is now looking for companies in logistics, manufacturing, and sports and human health to take part in the scheme.
Chris Hobson, director of policy and external affairs at East Midlands Chamber, said: “We often hear there is a gap between education providers and employers when it comes to skills provision, and how this places businesses at a disadvantage when it comes to filling vacancies – ultimately holding them back from increasing productivity, growing and in turn creating more jobs.
“The LSIP pilot is a fantastic opportunity for the business community to put itself at the centre of this agenda so that learners coming out of our local colleges are well-equipped with the right knowledge, skills and behaviours for the demands of our labour market by aligning courses accordingly.
“To ensure the LSIP accurately reflects the needs of employers in the region, it’s important we hear from as many people from our target sectors as possible. This could include frontline staff, operations and support staff, team leaders, managers, HR departments or learning and development professionals.
“Participants will play an integral role in ensuring the future knowledge, skills and behaviour requirements are provided for within Leicestershire.”
What does the Local Skills Improvement Plan pilot involve?
The first phase of the LSIP pilot involves collecting data via a mobile app. Participants will be asked to answer one or two short questions every weekday for up to four weeks. It should take no longer than a couple of minutes per day. The daily questions will relate to five key training and development themes:- Your confidence in being able to recruit the people you need
- Your views on investment in training and skills
- The knowledge areas most important to the future of your business
- The skills that will be most important for your business
- The behaviours that you feel will be most important for your team to have.
Housing association CEO Lindsey Williams inducted as new East Midlands Chamber president
Lindsey Williams, who has headed up one of the region’s largest housing associations for almost two decades, is the new president of East Midlands Chamber.
The Chief Executive of Futures Housing Group, which manages more than 10,000 homes across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Northamptonshire, was inducted into the role at the Chamber’s annual general meeting.
In her first speech as president, she spoke about her two priorities – to support the Chamber’s objective of strengthening links between businesses and communities to create a “Sustainable East Midlands,” and to support the wider region in attracting, developing and retaining great talent via the young professionals’ network Generation Next.
She said: “I’m extremely proud to become president of East Midlands Chamber after observing much of its great work across the region as a board member, and I’m excited about what we can achieve in the year ahead.
“I’m passionate about people having choice – something that is limited by poverty and a lack of opportunity – so I want to ensure our region has equity of investment compared to the rest of the country and, specifically, to promote how any company can have an impact on the local community.
“As a housing provider with an important role in our communities, I’m aware of the many benefits this can have for organisations – building reputation, raising employee loyalty and establishing networks – and there has probably never been a more important time for this connection as we continue to see the negative impact of the pandemic on communities.
“The Chamber’s aim is to help its members achieve their aspirations in supporting the communities in which they operate by getting 70% of our members active in local communities – so I hope I can support in increasing this number over the next year by sharing best practice and ideas, celebrating the work of members and providing encouragement to organisations to engage.”
Lindsey, who joined the housing sector via a management traineeship at Birmingham City Council before becoming one of the UK’s youngest housing association directors before the age of 30, has been Chief Executive of Futures Housing Group since 2003, when it was known as Amber Valley Housing.
She led it through the acquisition of Daventry and District Housing in 2007, as well as in buying a stake in Nottingham-based training provider Access Training – which helps more than 1,000 learners a year – and launching a grounds maintenance social enterprise Futures Greenscape, which last year merged into the wider group.
During her time at Futures, the organisation has doubled headcount to about 330 people, achieved Investors in People platinum accreditation and, earlier this year, moved from Ripley to a new 20,000 sq ft home called Futures House, based at Pegasus Business Park next to East Midlands Airport. Lindsey has also been a strategic leader on various boards and is an active member of the National Housing Federation in the region.
As well as inviting Chamber members to approach her to discuss how they can build links with their communities and encouraging them to put forward young leaders for Generation Next membership, she announced the three charities she will raise money for throughout 2022.
These are Treetops Hospice Care, an end-of-life care charity that operates in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire; Focus, which helps young people in Leicester to develop skills, confidence and aspirations; and Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, which has helped protect the green spaces that have become so valuable during the pandemic.
Outgoing president Eileen Richards MBE, who owns Leicester-based ER Recruitment, presented her three charities – Chesterfield Samaritans, Help the Homeless Leicester and Nottinghamshire Hospice – with their equal share of the £12,000 she fundraised.
In her speech, she said: “I chose these three charities carefully to reflect the wide range of good work being done every day and I’m incredibly proud to have quadrupled the Chamber’s previous best amount thanks to the amazing generosity of our members and staff.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my year as president and feel very honoured for the experience. It has been immensely fulfilling to see my priority objectives take great strides forward.
“Members have come to us in huge volumes and almost two-thirds have accessed at least one service; Generation Next has developed significantly to establish its own shadow board and stage its first awards event; and our strategy to help shape the region’s economic recovery has been witnessed by the Kickstart Scheme, in which we have helped to fill more than 1,500 placements.
“It was also exciting to see our Business Awards return to face-to-face events and encapsulate the best of all that our people and members do. Each of our three ceremonies highlighted the outstanding talent we are blessed with in our region.”
During the Chamber’s AGM, which was hosted by chair of the board of directors Ian Morgan OBE, Stuart Dawkins was elected as the new vice-president. He brings a wide range experience, including heading strategic planning and corporate communications for a FTSE 100 company, and has been a board member for organisations for a wide variety of sectors.
New directors elected to the board were University of Derby commercial director Dr Peter Dewhurst, Geldards LLP chairman David Williams, SMB Group Chief Executive and principal Dawn Whitemore and Dr Cham Kang, chief visionary officer at business growth consultancy Qinesis.
David Campbell, director of the Chamber’s Derbyshire Business of the Year, SureScreen Diagnostics, which has supplied Covid-19 lateral flow tests to the UK and overseas, gave a speech about his company and there was a presentation for longstanding members of the Chamber.
Denby IT firm spreads festive cheer with food bank donation to local Salvation Army
Families in Amber Valley who were facing a difficult Christmas have received some festive cheer thanks to a local charity and kind-hearted staff from a Denby IT firm.
Axess Systems, which is based in Denby Hall Business Centre, have been collecting food for their local Salvation Army, who will package up the goodies and deliver them to almost 170 families living in Ripley and the surrounding area.
James Walker, marketing executive for Axess Systems, said: “Everyone at Axess – staff, clients and their families – have kindly donated food such as tinned products, tea, coffee and UHT milk, which has been delivered to the Salvation Army in Heath Road, Ripley.
“The food parcels will make a huge difference at this time of year, when many feel isolated or alone.”
Callum Thompson, minister of the Salvation Army in Ripley and Somercotes, said: “We have had to increase our capacity over the past two years due to the pandemic, as the demand has increased.
“Almost 170 families in Amber Valley will receive food parcels from the Salvation Army and 300 children will also receive a large, a medium and a small toy plus a colouring book, a reading book and a teddy. We’re extremely grateful for the donations we receive and would like to say thank you to Axess Systems for their goods.”
The Salvation Army food bank runs throughout the year, with around 600 people benefitting. They also hand out ‘starter packs’ for those leaving foster care, which include cutlery, cleaning products and toiletries.
Callum added: “Before the pandemic, we operated as a drop-off service and as well as donations of food and essentials, people also appreciated our time and knowledge of other services from which they could benefit.
“Unfortunately, due to Covid, that has had to change; we now operate a booking service and take referrals from organisations such as Futures Housing, Amber Valley Borough Council, the local job centre and addiction services.
“It’s a 365 day service and we appreciate all the help we can get. We’re grateful that, thanks to kind-hearted people like the staff at Axess Systems, we can help bring a little festive cheer to people in our area this Christmas.”
How to keep your temperature control equipment operational during the winter months
With the onset of much colder outdoor temperatures and snow and frost more prevalent in parts of the UK, here are a few tips to make sure your temperature control systems will survive the harsher weather conditions.
Delaying or ignoring proper winterisation for your cooling systems could potentially cause a number of problems such as equipment failure, resulting in the need to hire an interim, temporary solution.
Prevention is always better than cure – so be proactive when approaching the maintenance of your cooling systems during the colder months. Undertake routine checks to prevent pipes freezing and ultimately machines not working.
Top Tips:
Glycol – adding the correct (inhibited) anti-freeze/glycol to your system will prevent the fluid inside the system from freezing. The minimum concentration of glycol within the circuit should be 25%. Although be aware that the incorrect concentration of glycol within the system could have a detrimental effect on the efficiency of your cooling circuit. Consideration should also be given to the circulating fluid temperature, plus the ambient exposure of the pipework and cooling system.
Trace heating – check trace heating is operating correctly.
Thermal insulation – ensure all pipework that is exposed to the winter air is appropriately insulated.
Mains Cold Water feeds – ensure all MCW feeds are drained or correctly frost protected.
Seasonal use equipment – turn off any equipment that is not going to be used in the colder months, or alternatively, drain down the circuit. If that is not possible, ensure you run the pump(s) at least once a month, to maintain lubrication.
In the words of Benjamin Franklin – “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”
For any further help or guidance, please call Temperature Control and Humidity experts Newsome today on 01422 371711.
New build warehouse investment sold in Derby
Acting on behalf of Clowes Developments (UK) Ltd, FHP Property Consultants have completed the investment sale of Unit A Crown Park, Parcel Terrace, Derby.
The unit was built in 2020 and let later that year on a new 15 year lease to Derbyshire Performance.
Darran Severn of FHP Property Consultants says: “Crown Park comprises six new build industrial/warehouse units ranging in size from 2,583ft2 to 7,750ft2, all of which are finished to a high specification and are tenanted.
“Unit A is somewhat the jewel of the estate benefitting from a good sized self-contained yard to the front and rear of the property. The sale was secured at a price of £510,000 which represented a net initial yield of 6.24% after purchase costs.”
2022 office design trends: hybrid working
There’s been a shift in the way businesses use their offices over the last 18 months, shaping office trends for 2022.
Lincolnshire-based commercial interior design and fit out company APSS has nearly 25 years’ experience in creating amazing workspaces for businesses across the country and it has been looking at the different ways in which offices are changing.
Many businesses are now opting for a more permanent hybrid working environment. The office design post-COVID has certainly changed. So what can be expected from the office environment, and what will this mean for companies?
In 2022, office design, the flow of people moving about the office and its functionality are at the top the priority list. With a focus on environmental impact and creating flexible, hybrid working environments, businesses are adapting to a new working format. A pleasant office space increases productivity, boosts staff morale and makes an impression on visitors to your place of business.
Biophilic offices are proving popular as they provide a link to nature. Nature friendly offices are becoming highly sought after by leading office designers as they create optimal working environments allowing occupants to work more. They have a positive impact on mental wellbeing, productivity, and morale for all who use the office space.
APSS are specialists in commercial interiors, office fit outs, car showroom refurbishments, healthcare interiors and educational interiors. Since 1997, the company has been helping businesses to refurbish their premises to ensure the best use of space and productivity – priding themselves on being an approachable and innovative interior fit out specialist.
For more information visit www.apss.co.uk
Hybrid Working Environment
According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, around 70% of companies will incorporate a hybrid working environment. Office trends will see a shift to create more varied spaces to work in. This includes more than just the normal banks of desks or office and meeting room space. The hybrid office design supports staff working both in and out of the office environment. They need to quickly access the information and speak to the rest of the team easily. The post-pandemic workplace needs to be far more flexible. The key is organising offices so they are optimized for staff productivity and efficiency. Different business types require various layout ideas. Some require a central meeting hub. Others will require staff to be in full time when it is not possible for them to work from home. In this case the traditional desk spaces will continue to be required. Staff have got used to working from home over the last 18 months. It has become apparent the hybrid working environment is not a passing trend. Staff want more comfortable furnishings in the office and separate areas they can work in a quieter environment. They are requesting freedom of movement in the office rather than being chained to a desk, depending on the work they are doing. Many businesses may find they are rarely at full capacity anymore as more people work from home at least some of the time. This has freed up space in the office for meeting areas and staff amusements like a games area or a table tennis table. It has become more important for hybrid working environments to be a central meeting hub for employees and customers.Bring Nature Into The Office
According to the EMEA, offices which incorporate natural elements report a 13% higher level of well-being than offices that don’t. More businesses are looking to incorporate biophilic (or green) walls, planter storage units or potted plants to incorporate the outside on the inside. Living plants incorporated into offices will help increase oxygen levels, decrease fatigue and improve concentration levels. This will help boost productivity whether at home or in the office. Wooden slatted walls or area dividers are great for creating separation between departments or work/meeting spaces. They look aesthetically pleasing and create a more natural feel. Alternatively, go a step further and incorporate tree trunks for a unique partition wall.
The Sustainable Smart Office
Businesses are looking at the different ways they can become more environmentally friendly and reduce their carbon footprint. This is because of the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties 26th meeting (COP26) being held in 2021. As a country, we need to make big changes now so in 2030 we will start to see the effects of our efforts. The majority of consumers look for businesses which pay attention to the environmental and social impact they have on the world. Making changes to your corporate fleet, recycling more and minimizing business travel are great places to start looking to make a change. But many businesses are also looking to create a smarter office environment which reduces energy consumption. The last couple of years have pushed emerging trends into hyperdrive. What would normally have taken five to 10 years to become the norm in office design, has been forced to happen overnight. Many companies don’t want to go back to what can now potentially feel like the Stone Age. A smart office incorporates the best management tools to help staff work better, faster and happier. Using light sensors, installing automatic doors, using automatic bathroom facilities like flushes, taps and hand dryers is a great cost and energy saving tactic. It also helps reduce the number of touch points in a shared environment. You can even install intelligent climate controls now which detect preferences, usage patterns and regulate the temperate automatically. This could potentially end staff disagreements over whether the office is too hot or too cold. This has helped staff feel more confident in the work environment. It includes the extra benefit of creating a more efficient and environmentally friendly workspace, saving money on electricity and water. It’s a win-win situation. The government is looking at ways to incentivize businesses to use renewable energy. We have found many businesses installing solar panels on roofs which can significantly reduce bills and provides energy for your business.
Office Design for Staff Wellbeing
Office design has changed to incorporate more space between desks to accommodate social distancing. Perspex screens, also known as COVID screens, have become standard fittings in offices that continue to utilize an open plan environment. Alternatively, where offices have more space, the cellular office design is being brought back into fashion. This limits the spread of germs and has proven to reduce absence due to sickness by up to a quarter. It promotes productivity thanks to a quieter environment. Fewer distractions and additional privacy are also a benefit. Cellular offices can be tailored to each team or department’s requirements. Glass partition walls provide a good view of the full office and still allow for maximum natural light to penetrate throughout.
APSS are specialists in commercial interiors, office fit outs, car showroom refurbishments, healthcare interiors and educational interiors. Since 1997, the company has been helping businesses to refurbish their premises to ensure the best use of space and productivity – priding themselves on being an approachable and innovative interior fit out specialist.
For more information visit www.apss.co.uk New executive director for Space Park Leicester
Space Park Leicester has appointed Professor Richard Ambrosi as its new executive director.
Professor Ambrosi is an expert in space instrumentation and space nuclear power systems and will lead the development of the innovative research, enterprise and education cluster.
Richard first joined the University of Leicester in 2000, after completing a PhD in Physics at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa. Since then he has lent his expertise to a number of international space missions, including the Swift Gamma Ray Burst Mission and ExoMars. Over the past decade, Richard has been leading the development of radioisotope power systems for the European Space Agency.
He has also previously chaired the UK Space Agency’s Space Exploration Advisory Committee and serves on a number of national and international committees.
Professor Ambrosi said: “I feel honoured to be taking on the role of Space Park Leicester executive director. Having worked on the project from the beginning, it is very rewarding to have been part of the team that transformed an idea into the state-of-the-art facilities we see today.
“I am looking forward to the opportunity of realising the ambition of Space Park Leicester, which ranges from enabling discovery science, to changing the economics of access to space, to transforming how we use data to address global challenges and driving innovation through collaboration with our industry partners.
“The University of Leicester has an exceptionally talented team of people working in space research and together we can create new opportunities for Leicester, the UK and the next generation of space scientists and engineers.”
Developed by the University of Leicester in collaboration with local, national and international partners, Space Park Leicester comprises of a 9700 m2 facility featuring offices, shared laboratories, teaching facilities and co-working spaces, focusing primarily on research, development and applications of space.
The project enables collaboration between University researchers and the private sector, creating high quality knowledge-based jobs, building the skills base and contributing to economic growth and resilience of the economy. Space Park Leicester also proudly hosts the headquarters of the NERC-affiliated National Centre for Earth Observation (NCEO).
Professor Sarah Davies, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Leicester, said: “Space Park Leicester is a landmark project, not only for our University and region, but for the UK space sector and for our collaborators across the globe.
“In Richard, we have appointed an executive director who matches our ambition to advance world-leading excellence in space research, inclusive education and training, and space-enabled industry as we look to consolidate Leicester’s role as a ‘space city’.
“We are hugely proud of our long-standing heritage in space research and exploration – expanding to the real-world impacts of space-based technology development and manufacture with downstream application of space-derived data, including tracking and combating climate change.
“With Richard at the head of a team of talented scientists, researchers and engineers, Space Park Leicester will play a key role in further developing the crucial links between industry and academia and supporting the skills pipeline required to expand the UK’s space ambitions.”
New milestone reached for Bingham Arena and Enterprise Centre
Key partners have come together to mark another milestone of the new Bingham Arena and Enterprise Centre development on Chapel Lane in the town.
Leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council Cllr Simon Robinson laid the latest part of the carbon efficient buildings on the £16m project on Friday (December 10), courtesy of part funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership.
He met partners from builders Willmott Dixon, project managers Henry Riley, Bingham Town Council, Bingham Business Club and Parkwood Leisure to view the latest on the project which will open late summer next year.
The leisure centre part of the site is now ready for a carbon efficient plant to be installed early next year that will power the new leisure centre’s 25 metre six lane swimming pool with spectator seating and teaching pool.
There will also be a fitness centre, spin and exercise studios, café and a community hall with capacity for 300 complete with stage and fully equipped kitchen.
The adjacent Bingham Enterprise Centre will provide twelve self-contained office lets for small and growing businesses over two floors that could create up to 90 jobs.
All will produce far lower levels of carbon. This includes 78% carbon emission reduction compared to other leisure centres in the Borough and 82% lower carbon for similar office developments. Efficient building materials, air source heat pumps, combined heat and power technology, water efficiency measures, LED lighting and photovoltaic panels on the office roof will also feature.
Cllr Robinson said: “It’s heartening to see a major project taking shape and on schedule for a wonderful new focal point for Bingham with leisure and office facilities the town can be proud of that have environmental priorities at heart.
“I am delighted all our partners have been so keen to join us in delivering a greener and more efficient development in line with our Carbon Clever values that will benefit Bingham and many other local communities so directly.
“It’s all about investing in new infrastructure in the right way and Bingham Arena and Enterprise Centre is a prime example of this with a strong focus on how it can be sustainable.”
The site will offer community, office and leisure development consistent with the Bingham Growth Board’s aspirations to develop the site as part of a key gateway between the current town centre and the growth of its housing developments to the north.
Keen to ensure building in Bingham supports the local area, partners Willmott Dixon have been using local supply chains and local employment wherever possible with 74% of those employed on the site living within 20 miles and nearly 50% of the project’s spend being on local supply chains.
Nick Heath, director of delivery at Willmott Dixon, said: “We’re delighted to have reached this significant milestone as it marks an exciting moment in the project’s timeline.
“Utilising state-of-the-art technology, we’re really pleased to be delivering a truly sustainable facility that employs our Energy Synergy™ service to reduce the performance gap between predicted and actual energy use – ensuring the building continues to be adaptable and eco-friendly once in use.
“By working closely with the project team and Rushcliffe Borough Council, we’ve been able to make excellent progress to reach the topping out stage. We’ve drawn upon our wealth of combined knowledge of the leisure sector and sustainability to deliver the scheme, and we’re very pleased with how the project is advancing.”
The project is being managed on behalf of the Council by Henry Riley LLP, co-ordinating the design team, YMD Boon architects, ESP mechanical and electrical engineers and BSP civil and structural engineers.
Chris Donachie, partner at Henry Riley, said: “This has been a fantastic project to be involved with and a scheme we are very proud to deliver for the community of Bingham.
“The project success has been driven by constant collaboration between the Council, Design Team of YMD Boon, BSP and ESP stakeholders and now Wilmott Dixon as the delivery contractor.
“We at Henry Riley look forward to seeing the project completed and fully operational for the community and the wider Rushcliffe areas.”
The £12.9m Leisure Centre and Community Hall will be managed by the Council’s existing leisure provider, Parkwood Leisure and subcontracted to Lex Leisure who have managed the Council leisure centres since 2007.
