Deputy First Minister John Swinney has this week marked the official start of construction work on the Guardbridge £25 million green energy centre.

The green energy centre which is being delivered by St Andrews University will help to regenerate north east Fife by creating more than 225 jobs in the construction phase.

Visiting the site, Mr Swinney said: “I am delighted to be in Guardbridge today as work begins on this innovative and ambitious project.

“The Scottish Government is using all the levers at its disposal, including through European Funding initiatives, to help regenerate areas and maximise employment opportunities that help achieve sustainable economic growth.”

A state-of-the-art biomass facility will be built on the site of a former paper mill at Guardbridge and will pump hot water from the plant four miles underground to heat and cool laboratories and student residences in St Andrews.

The University has developed the Guardbridge Guarantee as part of the project. This ensures that the project supports apprenticeship and graduate training, creating and sustaining jobs while working with the local community to promote environment and energy projects and local business.

University of St Andrews Chief Operating Officer Derek Watson said: “This is an exciting day for the green energy centre, for the University and for the local community. After years of planning and consultation we are now seeing this project get under way.”

ISG has been awarded three regional leisure projects by Alliance Leisure in Selby, Wigan and Prestatyn, with a combined value of circa £10 million.

The Selby Leisure Village project sees ISG construct a circa 13,000 sq ft steel frame building next to the recently opened Selby Leisure Centre. Facilities include ten pin bowling, adventure play area, indoor aerial trekking, adventure climbing and an indoor skate and BMX park.

The new structure also incorporates a double-height area to accommodate an indoor ski simulator and the Leisure Village also includes a café/restaurant.

ISG will deliver the new facility while the existing leisure centre remains fully operational, managing shared access as an integral part of project planning.

The Selby contract runs alongside work at Howe Bridge Leisure Centre in Atherton, Wigan, as part of an operational refurbishment scheme for Alliance Leisure, which is due for completion in late summer.

ISG is also on site at Prestatyn’s Nova Centre carrying out a refurbishment project that will deliver improvements to the building’s energy and thermal performance, reducing running costs and the facility’s carbon footprint.

Due for completion towards the end of the year, the scheme sees ISG create a new entrance and fitness suite with windows overlooking the sea, as well as two studio areas with flexible partitioning to allow its use as a single function room.

ISG will retain the existing four-lane 25m pool and splash pool, upgrading facilities with a new changing area and renovating the roof structure. The project also includes construction of a new café with sea views and two promenade-side retail units.

Danny Murray, ISG’s Northern regional managing director, commented: “These three schemes continue our long-standing relationship with Alliance Leisure as a primary delivery partner for the company’s extensive programme of improvements to municipal leisure services.

“Creating facilities that appeal to a broad range of users is essential in driving up participation in leisure activities, bringing major health benefits and fostering strong community bonds.”

Mace has been appointed by Exemplar, who are working in partnership with AshbyCapital, to deliver the £33m scheme at One Bedford Avenue in London’s West End.

One Bedford Avenue is scheduled for completion in early 2017 and has been designed by Stirling-nominated architects Bennetts Associates, with the project replacing two outdated office blocks with 115,000 sq ft of high-end retail and office accommodation.

There will be an art installation on the south-west corner of the building, acting as a marker to signify the entrance to Tottenham Court Road.

The new mixed-use development close to Tottenham Court Road will kick-start the redevelopment of the surrounding area in anticipation of Crossail’s completion in 2018.

Sustainability is central to Exemplar and AshbyCapital’s vision and at the heart of the scheme’s design, which is targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating for the commercial space and Very Good in the retail units.

Sustainable measures incorporated into the design include green roofs, photovoltaics and CHP.

Mace is already working with Exemplar on Regent Street at 1 New Burlington Place and 10 New Burlington Street, and this new appointment complements Exemplar’s projects in the area.

Mace’s Chief Operating Officer for Construction, Gareth Lewis, said, “This is a fantastic project for Mace and we’re delighted to be working with Exemplar on another high quality, high profile development in London’s West End. With Crossrail due for completion shortly after One Bedford Avenue, the scheme will be a major new addition to the Tottenham Court Road area.”

Small builders will benefit from a £100 million cash boost to recognise and support their important role in keeping the country building, Housing Minister Brandon Lewis said today.

The Housing Growth Partnership will act as a dedicated initiative that will invest alongside smaller builders in new developments, providing money to support their businesses, helping get workers onto sites and increasing housing supply.

The Partnership will also establish a network of builders, including experienced developers, who will act as mentors and advisers to those looking to expand and grow their businesses.

Supporting small builders

In the last 25 years, the number of firms building between 1 and 100 units a year has fallen from over 12,000 to fewer than 3,000.

That’s why the government has placed housebuilding at the heart of its long-term economic plan, to get homes communities want built and create jobs in construction and related industries.

The latest housebuilding figures show starts have more than doubled since those seen during the same period in 2009 – with both starts and completions rising in the past year and the number of homes granted planning permission are at the highest annual total for 8 years.

The government has matched a £50 million investment from Lloyds Banking Group to create the £100 million Housing Growth Partnership, which will be used to help smaller builders to invest in new projects and develop their businesses, allowing them to recruit and train skilled workers and become more competitive in their local area.

The partnership expects to make around 50 investments, with the aim to provide an additional 2,000 homes.

Housing Minister Brandon Lewis said: “The 2008 economic crash devastated our army of small builders, with delivery falling from 44,000 homes to just 18,000 – 7 years on, companies are getting back on their feet but we’re determined to give them all the help they need.

“Access to finance is one of the biggest challenges they face – so that’s why today I’m launching this £100 million commitment which will help our smaller builders fund new projects, expand their businesses, create more jobs and build more homes.

“With housing starts at a 7-year high and climbing and homes granted planning permission at 261,000 – the highest since 2007, this work will ensure we maintain this momentum and keep the country building.”

Andrew Bester, Group Director and Chief Executive, Commercial Banking, Lloyds Banking Group said: “The challenge of housing supply and affordability is one of the biggest issues facing Britain today, so we at Lloyds Banking Group welcome the government’s announcement of support for the Housing Growth Partnership, which will double the capability to support SME house builders.

“It will provide SME house builders with much needed equity to support residential development projects, to stimulate growth in their businesses and facilitate access to conventional property development finance.”

BAM Construction has won a £9.3 million project to create the second University Technical College in Sheffield, for human sciences and computing.

The contractor, which has offices in Leeds, will build UTC 2 Sheffield on the Olympic Legacy Park in Don Valley, helping economic growth and boosting the trades industry.

BAM intends to move most of its Oasis Academy team over to the UTC project and to work with many of the same suppliers, including local firms Sothall Roofing, Brebur, Jumbo Partitions and Smith’s Decorators.

Project Director, Paul Cleminson, said: “These will be first class facilities for students to learn critical skills that employers in Sheffield will need. We look forward to working with the local community to maximise the benefits of the project.”

UTC 2 Sheffield will source 10 per cent of its energy from renewable sources with Sheffield’s district heating presently being considered. All plant is designed to meet the EFA’s facilities output specification ensuring efficient and robust solutions are provided throughout.

BAM has undertaken a series of major projects in Sheffield in the past decade, including the University of Sheffield Arts Tower, Information Commons Building, Cantor Building and a laboratory rationalisation project for Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Schroder UK Real Estate Fund (SREF) and Stanhope have appointed Lendlease as the preferred contractor for the first of five office buildings at Ruskin Square, London.

The partnership’s £500 million business, along with the residential and leisure quarter adjacent to East Croydon Station, is set to underway, with completion expected in autumn 2016.

Work on the building has now commenced, with the creation of 200,000 sq ft of flexible office accommodation and independent retail space on the ground floor.

Sir Edward Lister, Deputy Mayor for Planning, said: “Croydon is set to become one of the capital’s most vibrant town centres and a major driver of our economy. Lendlease’s appointment will act as a catalyst for change, bringing forward much-needed valuable office space in South London.”

The appointment builds on Lendlease’s recent succession of construction wins such as Legal & General’s office building in Hammersmith and the Rathbone Place scheme just off Oxford Street.

With a shortage of Grade A office accommodation in the central London market in particular, Ruskin Square’s total of 1.25 million sq ft of new office space will meet a growing demand from occupiers across the Capital and South East, for high quality, flexible accommodation, catering to Croydon’s burgeoning business community.

Situated at the heart of Croydon’s business district, the 2 million sq ft Ruskin Square development will also provide up to 625 residential units and 100,000 sq ft of retailing, cafes, restaurants and public space.

Work on the first residential phase at Ruskin Square began in July 2014, with Places for People appointed to build and manage the construction of 161 high quality homes, due to be completed in 2016.

Neil Martin, Managing Director, Construction at Lendlease, said: “We are looking forward to working with Stanhope and Schroders on this pivotal development in a part of South London that is set to undergo a remarkable transformation over the next few years.

“Adding to our high–profile portfolio of major London construction jobs, the contract is testament to the strong relationships we have with our clients and our expertise in building mixed-use regeneration schemes.”

 A £30 million development is to be built within Perth city centre that will create more than 350 construction and supply jobs, while attracting over 300,000 visitors every year.

The Mill Quarter development, which will be located on the site of the Thimblerow car park, will comprise of restaurants and bars, speciality shops, a cinema, gyms, housing, and a multi storey car park.

This multi million pound project was secured by Perth and Kinross Council and helped by collaborative marketing undertaken by the Scottish Cities Alliance, a partnership between Scotland’s seven cities and the Scottish Government.

Expresso Property have been selected by Perth and Kinross Council as the preferred developer for the site.

Speaking as he visited Perth Concert Hall to make the announcement, Deputy First Minister John Swinney said:“If Scotland’s cities thrive so too does the rest of the country, and I am pleased to announce this exciting new £30 million venture for Perth.

“By providing a unique new destination for restaurants, retail and leisure, the Mill Quarter development will boost the local economy by creating jobs and attracting visitors to the area.

“The Scottish Cities Alliance provides a single point of contact for potential investors to access all seven Scottish cities. This success clearly signals the benefits of our cities and the Scottish Government working together in partnership. I am delighted that this is the first deal to be done, and I hope it will be the first of many.”

Councillor Andrew Burns, Chair of the Scottish Cities Alliance said: “This is a fantastic result for the city of Perth and my congratulations go to everyone involved in bringing the deal to fruition.

“I am quite sure that, thanks to our ongoing collaboration and, in particular, to the development of the Investment Prospectus, we can look forward to attracting many more major investments from across the globe.”

Nicholas Robinson of developers Expresso Property Limited said: “That forward thinking has been crucial in establishing the real business case for this development here in the heart of Perth and we are now excited to get the project underway.”

McAleer & Rushe has announced two major student housing schemes delivering 1280 rooms for central Belfast.

Planning applications have been submitted to develop the major student accommodation scheme that will pave the way for new construction jobs and boost the building trades.

Stephen Surphlis Property Director of McAleer & Rushe said: “These are large scale development and investment projects which underpin our confidence in Belfast and particularly the student accommodation sector where we already have a significant presence.

“The development of 1280 rooms in the City Centre will help to address the current shortage of purpose built student accommodation which is significantly below the UK average.

“We are planning to commence construction this Autumn with the developments being completed for the in-take of students in summer 2017”.

McAleer & Rushe has become a dominant player in this sector on the UK mainland and has been working with the leading operators in student housing provision including Unite Students and Knightsbridge Student Housing.

The Company is on target to deliver more than 7000 student rooms by the Summer of 2018, with an estimated value in excess of £400 million.

McAleer & Rushe are currently on site constructing a 759-room student housing scheme for Unite in Stratford, London which is due to complete this summer, together with a 356-room scheme for Knightsbridge Student Housing in Southampton, which is due to complete in 2016.

The Mayor of London has announced a further four Housing Zones across London, accelerating efforts to deliver the new homes and boost the construction industry.

The new zones in the boroughs of Havering, Enfield, Redbridge and Tower Hamlets will together deliver over 12,000 new homes, nearly 3,500 of which will be affordable housing.

This will bring the number of Housing Zones announced to 15 with a total of 45,109 homes created, 14,055 of them affordable.

The Mayor of London has contributed a total of £162 million in funding to the new Housing Zones, which are a collaborative effort between the Greater London Authority, the government and local boroughs to streamline approval processes and fast-track development in areas where it may not otherwise happen.

Included in the new Housing Zones will be two brand new rail stations, a large new park, new primary schools, and new retail and entertainment precincts. They will revitalise currently disused brownfield sites and turn them into neighbourhoods where Londoners will work, live and visit.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: “Housing Zones will provide the swift delivery of new homes for Londoners that is so desperately needed and create entirely new, highly-connected urban districts for generations to come.

“By freeing up empty brownfield sites from lengthy approval processes and providing a funding boost, we can ensure new housing capacity is created in areas where it might never otherwise have happened.

“I am very pleased that the announcement of four more Housing Zones today brings us within touching distance of our aim to create 50,000 new homes through this innovative scheme.”

Morgan Sindall has started work on the £11.5 million rebuild of Blacon High School and the £3.6 million rebuild of JH Godwin Primary School, both of which are in Blacon, Chester.

The two projects are part of 12 schools to be delivered by Morgan Sindall under the Priority School Building Programme (PSBP) that will boost the building trades and hep economic growth.

Barry Roberts, area director at Morgan Sindall, said: “Both Blacon High and JH Godwin Primary are great community schools that will really benefit from the Priority School Building Programme.

“The new design makes the best use of the space available on both sites and will give the schools an enhanced presence in the local community.

“We look forward to working with the local community and delivering the best possible learning environments to the students at both schools.”

The scheme aims to provide purpose-built school buildings to those in most need of repair and replacement while paving the way for new jobs in construction trades.

The full list of schools Morgan Sindall is delivering under PSBP is as follows:

Secondary schools:

• Blacon High School, Blacon, Chester

• The Deanery Church of England High School and Sixth Form College, Wigan

• Neston High School, Neston, Wirral

• Ridgeway High School, Prenton, Wirral

• South Shore Academy, Blackpool

Primary schools:

• Bedford Drive Primary School, Birkenhead

• Bridge Hall Primary School, Stockport

• Dee Point Primary School, Blacon, Chester

• Halebank Primary School, Halebank, Halton

• Hawes Side Primary School, Blackpool

• JH Godwin Primary School, Blacon, Chester

• Plymouth Grove Primary School, Manchester