Team members from joint venture Farrans Sacyr, the main contractors delivering Belfast Grand Central Station, along with friends are setting out on an epic one-day, 200 mile cycling challenge on Saturday 30^th July, with all funds raised going to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

The group of amateur cyclists will depart from the Wicklow mountains at 5am, accompanied by support vehicles, with the aim of arriving at Donaghadee Harbour shortly before midnight.

Duane McCreadie, project director for Farrans Sacyr, will be joined by Matty Blayney, Richard McCullough, Ray Brownfield, Mark Donnan, Nathan George and Andy Hunter.

In January 2021, Duane’s 4 month old son, Xander, was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis, a chronic and lifelong health condition. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic condition which causes sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system. It affects more than 10,800 people in the UK.

The McCreadie family were devastated however felt supported by a hopeful medical team at Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital, who were excited about new treatments which had been approved on the NHS only months before Xander was born. 

Despite the amazing medical progress, Xander’s genetic mutations are exceptionally rare and he is one of the 10% of people living with Cystic Fibrosis who will not benefit from the new CFTR Modulators like Kaftrio. 

Duane said: “No parent wants to be in this position however my wife Deborah and I recognise that the best action we can take is to raise funds to support the work of scientists and researchers who have made finding a cure for ‘the other 10%’ their life’s work. We believe that funding this research will mean that one day Xander, and all babies born with CF, will live a life entirely without limits. 

“The challenge that we are taking on this weekend is daunting to say the least, with approximately 14 hours in the saddle. The collaborative spirit from the FSJV team is fantastic and I am pleased that my teammates will be cycling with me. We would all class ourselves as cycling enthusiasts, however we haven’t tried a distance of this length before. Training hasn’t been as consistent as it probably should have been, but we are all feeling ready and looking forward to raising money for Cystic Fibrosis Trust.”

Find out more and donate to Cystic Fibrosis Trust at www.justgiving.com/wicklowtodonaghadee

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David Simpson, Simpson Developments, took seven hours to complete the challenge and encourages others to sign up for this year’s “7 Peaks Challenge with Action Cancer

A Northern Ireland property developer has helped raise £10,000 hiking five peaks of the Mourne Mountains.

David Simpson, who is also a passionate traveller and is currently on a mission to visit every country in the world having last spent time in Syria recently, took a break from foreign lands to embark on the arduous challenge for charity. 

The funds will be split between Action Cancer and UNICEF’s Afghanistan appeal.

Supported by members of Ballyclare-based Waites Gym, David completed the seven-hour challenge in September 2021. This year he is launching the “7 Peaks Challenge with Action Cancer” which takes place on Saturday 17th September 2022.

The Mourne Mountains are home to Northern Ireland’s highest peak, as well as incredible views and challenging hikes.  He covered five peaks – Meelbeg, Meelmore, Bearnagh, Commedagh and Donard – in addition to Loughshannagh, Slievenaglogh and Corragh.

Speaking about this mission, he said: “I am always seeking out new adventures and I understand that I’m in a very privileged position to do so. 

“I chose two charities to benefit from the hike; Action Cancer and UNICEF’s Afghanistan Appeal for two very good reasons.

“I admire the work of Action Cancer. It is the only charity in the UK and Ireland to offer breast screening to women aged 40 – 49 and 70 plus who fall outside the NHS age range. Their unique 3D breast screening technology is picking up more cancers at an earlier and more treatable stage. It’s so true; early detection saves lives.

“The charity also provides prevention, detection and support in Northern Ireland through health improvement programmes, digital breast screening, health checks and support and therapeutic services.

“It is making a huge difference as early detection saves lives. With no regular government funding, Action Cancer is reliant on fundraising from the general public and local business community.”

Leigh Osborne, Community & Public Fundraising Manager at Action Cancer, said:

“Action Cancer is a local charity that must raise £4m each year in order to deliver its range of cancer prevention, detection and support services. Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, the charity adapted its services so that these could be delivered online or safely face-to-face. We are delighted to see fundraising efforts ramping up in 2022 as we rely on donations to deliver our services and we would like to thank Simpson Developments and Waites for this kind donation.

“The fundraising does not stop and we are thrilled that David Simpson is launching this year’s 7 Peaks Challenge which takes place on Saturday 17th September 2022. Team Action Cancer will take on the 7 Peaks Challenge and conquer seven peaks of the highest and most spectacular mountains in the Mournes while helping those affected by cancer in Northern Ireland.”  

Mr Simpson will give the other share of funds to UNICEF’s Afghanistan Appeal.

He adds: “Few will not have seen the images from Afghanistan that have circulated the press recently. Those images show scenes of devastation, communities being torn apart and violence and despite that nation being promised a positive future, their lives have been turned upside down overnight. 

“It is hard to accept that people are being forced to live this way and having travelled in and around the area I know they are among the kindest, most hospitable nationalities. UNICEF is currently working around the clock putting themselves at risk to help the lives of these vulnerable families with essential life saving supplies and it is an honour for me to support those efforts.”

The hike follows on from Simpson Developments recent donation of £15,000 to the Northern Ireland Hospice.

To sign up for the “7 Peaks Challenge with Action Cancer”, contact Leigh Osborne via email losborne@actioncancer.org or call 07928 668543.

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TODD Architects, the largest homegrown architecture practice in Northern Ireland has appointed a new Principal for their growing London studio.

Tim Burgess and the VOP Group Architects he founded have joined the AJ100 practice, bringing over twenty years of experience, working across private and public sectors, including for the past twelve years leading and managing Cove Burgess Architects and then VOP in London.

Tim is also a member of Southwark Design Review Panel and since 2012 has been a visiting critic at the University of Bath.

Peter Minnis, TODD Architects’ London studio Director commented “Tim and the VOP Group joining us is another positive step for the practice, coming shortly after our appointment of Gonzalo Vargas as our new Head of Healthcare.

“It further strengthens our offering to clients in London, particularly in the private sector, building on the reputation we have established in recent years in the design and delivery of over 2,500 homes in the capital.”

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NI Water is delighted to announce a further £2.5m investment to carry out repairs on the iconic Mourne Wall, which this year celebrates 100 years since its completion in 1922.

Phase two of the Mourne Wall Restoration Project will get underway this month and will build on the previous programme of restoration – completed at the end of 2018 – which saw over 600 repairs undertaken along the 22mile-long granite structure.

Hand built by the Belfast Water Commissioners between 1904 and 1922 to mark and protect the 9,000-acre water catchment which feeds the Silent Valley and Ben Crom Reservoirs, the wall has been a listed building since 1996 and today is in the ownership of NI Water.

Speaking about the restoration project Michael Donnelly, NI Water Senior Project Manager said: “As part of NI Water’s commitment to the ‘Protocol for the Care of the Government Historic Estates’, we undertook surveys along the entire stretch of wall during 2016 and set in place funding for a programme of repairs to get underway in 2017.

“That first phase of funding saw over 600 wall repairs completed in less than two years which was a fantastic achievement. However, we were always aware that the wall may suffer further deterioration in the future and as a result, NI Water set in place funding to undertake subsequent surveys and repairs during its PC21 Business Planning period (2021-2026).

“As this famous structure marks its 100^th birthday, NI Water is delighted to announce that a further £2.5m will be invested to protect the integrity of this much-loved listed building and help safeguard its stature for many years to come.”

The phase two repairs, which will again be undertaken by GEDA Construction working with local stonemasons from Thomas Rooney & Sons, will initially involve repairs on Slieve Muck and Rocky Mountain. Stone for the repairs has already been bagged in the quarry on Slieve Binnian and will be taken to Slieve Muck and Rocky Mountain by helicopter when weather permits.

Infrastructure Minister, John O’Dowd praised the valuable work of the Mourne Wall Restoration Project and said: “I commend NI water and its partners in preserving this iconic landmark as it approaches its centenary and the work undertaken now will mean that not only will the Mourne Wall be enjoyed by many future generations but it will also serve to protect this crucial water catchment area which feeds Silent Valley and Ben Crom Reservoirs”. 

Welcoming the support from local stakeholders, Mr Donnelly continued: “As we embark on this next phase of the Mourne Wall Restoration Project, I would like to thank Mourne Heritage Trust, NIEA, National Trust and the Trustees of Mourne for their ongoing guidance and assistance and acknowledge the strenuous efforts that will once again be exerted by the contractors and wider project team in carrying out this work.

“Over the next few years, we look forward to completing as many repairs as possible and carrying out a proactive ‘stitch-in-time’ approach which will see the careful dismantling and rebuilding of vulnerable bulges in the wall to aid its longevity. With the Mournes attracting thousands of visitors each month, we appeal to the public to be mindful of this ongoing work and the possibility of helicopters being in the area. The helicopter lifts will be carefully managed with stewards and signage will be in place for health and safety purposes.”

The iconic granite Mourne Wall is a recognised navigation route – often referred to as “the handrail”. This latest funding means that a total of over £4m has been invested to date to protect the wall and ensure that it continues to be a sturdy handrail for many years to come.

Belfast-based RPS and the local Mourne Heritage Trust are once again providing technical and project management support to NI Water for this next phase of repairs.

Don’t miss out on the chance to celebrate 100 years of the wall at our fantastic Party in the Park at Silent Valley Reservoir on Sunday 14 August from 1-5pm. Find out more at https://www.niwater.com/silent-valley 

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A leading haulier says it is benefitting from a bespoke vehicle camera system developed by Durite.

Joda Freight provides logistics and haulage services throughout the UK and into Europe. Founded more than 26 years ago, it has grown into a specialist in commercial fridge deliveries, abnormal loads, and groupage-based haulage, as well as expanding its storage capacity with two further warehousing sites.

The company was looking for a vehicle camera solution that could help it address specific challenges. Neil Tullett, Technical Director of Joda Freight, said:

“We were looking for a vehicle safety solution that could tackle several problems we were facing, including false insurance and scammer claims. It also had to be a security system that protects against fuel theft and vandalism as it was costing us hundreds of pounds in damage each month. It needed the ability to provide photo and video evidence in the event of an accident, attempted fuel theft or vandalism and of course had to be compliant with Transport for London’s Direct Vision Standard.

“The research and buying journey took quite some time as we needed a solution that could tackle all these things, and not just one. It took us more than a year and we have spoken to multiple companies and numerous people but none of them could offer a solution for us, until we met Durite.”

Durite provided Joda Freight with a 4G-enabled 4CH digital video recorder (DVR) monitoring system, integrated with a side scan detection system with left turn alarm, which is a requirement for the Direct Vision Standard.  The bespoke system also includes a customised external alarm that activates the DVR and starts recording automatically, while at the same time the alarm goes off to deter would-be thieves.

“Since the safety systems have been installed, there have been a few attempts at fuel theft but, the alarm systems were able to scare the thieves away as well as capture them on camera – which was used as evidence for police reporting and insurance claims,” added Neil. “Also, we have seen a reduction in road related accidents, saving the company time and money.”

According to Neil, feedback from Joda Freight’s drivers is extremely positive as their vision has improved immensely. The live-streaming feature ‘works wonders’ and helps their fleet manager to identify the exact location of each vehicle, while giving clear guidance to the drivers and updating customers if any problems arise.

“We are extremely happy with the outcomes, solution and service,” said Neil. “Durite went the extra mile to develop a bespoke solution with and for us. This was one of the best investments we have made, and I think the solution should definitely be fitted to all trucks operating within our industry – making everyone safer.”

Based in Keighley, West Yorkshire, Joda Freight operates a comprehensive fleet of more than 65 vehicles, ranging from 44t artics, 18t and 26t rigids to panel vans, 20 truck mounted fork trucks and 120 trailers including Euroliner, double deck, forklift/tail lift equipped, flat and step frames trailers. The company is a shareholder member of Pallet Track and accredited with Silver FORS.

Durite is an established provider of quality camera systems for commercial vehicles. To date, during its 20-year history, the company has supplied more than 50,000 systems to a wide spectrum of commercial fleets. For further details, visit www.durite.co.uk

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Brett Martin is set to reduce the carbon footprint of buildings around the world with a remarkable new Polycarbonate glazing product largely based on bio-circular attributed material such as used cooking oil, produced in a ISCC Plus certified mass balanced approach.

Called Marlon BioPlus, the new sheet offers a major carbon footprint reduction by cutting the use of fossil-based material by 70%. This raw material delivers an 84% decrease in carbon emissions and in addition Brett Martin achieves further reductions in carbon by producing the sheet using 100% renewable energy, generated at its own site.

Marlon BioPlus has already achieved International Sustainability & Carbon accreditation with ISCC Plus certification. ISCC PLUS is a globally recognised sustainability certification program for bio-based and bio-circular (recycled) raw materials with a focus on the traceability of raw materials within the supply chain.

What makes Marlon BioPlus unique is the combination of this certification and Brett Martin’s 100% onsite renewable energy which together represents a huge step towards a zero-carbon polycarbonate sheet.

As the UK’s largest producer of polycarbonate roofing and facades Brett Martin supplies high profile projects as diverse as London’s Royal College of Art or Manchester’s Old Trafford stadium as well as a wide range of commercial and industrial buildings.

This new low carbon alternative retains all the physical and performance properties of the company’s other Polycarbonate ranges and will be available to be specified in any Brett Martin’s Marlon polycarbonate multiwall, corrugated or flat sheets for use in roofs and walls.

Employing over 1,000 people in total and with sales of £220million, Brett Martin is already one of Europe’s largest plastic sheet producers for the construction industry, and the new range is expected to create strong demand from a construction market eager to reduce its environmental impact.

Brett Martin Director, Paul Martin said: “The drive for sustainable, carbon neutral plastic materials is progressing well, and our launch of Marlon BioPlus is the latest milestone in our journey to that end. Our extensive investment in renewable energy at our Mallusk site is unique in our industry and an important part of our plan. We extrude the sheet using energy generated from our own wind turbine and dedicated solar farm at Mallusk.”

“This development of this new product reflects the newest technology in the plastic industry to introduce bio-based material. The process, known as mass-balancing, certifies the input of the material through the production system, similar to the way renewable energy enters the power grid. Importantly, the material is a recycled source and therefore the bio-based content does not compete with food production.

(Image caption: Marlon Clickfix Panel Glazing)

“And because the substitution occurs at the earliest stage of the resin production process, all the visual and mechanical properties of the finished sheet remain completely unchanged. So, we anticipate strong demand for the product which is soon to be available to the market globally and we will begin to see it being used in all kinds of buildings soon,” he adds.

www.brettmartin.com

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New plant is processing 1,000 tonnes per day

Established in 2002, Bedrock Plant Hire Ltd originally specialised in plant hire for a range of customers in construction and utilities across Scotland’s central belt.

Sustained business growth led to the requirement for a landfill site with screening and crushing operations. Due to capacity and a drive to enhance their sustainability, Bedrock engaged with industry experts CDE to install a construction, demolition and excavation (CD&E) waste recycling plant at its Glasgow site, which created further opportunities for the company within the recycled aggregates market.

Expanding upon the services offered by the family-run business, Bedrock wanted to build upon its strong working relationships with some of Scotland’s premier companies and offer a one-stop shop for plant hire and aggregate recycling.

CD&E waste is in abundance in Glasgow as the city is regenerated, with new commercial and residential developments replacing older projects, meaning the demand for recycled aggregates has increased significantly.

In late 2021, the eyes of the world were on Glasgow as 15,000 people and world leaders descended to partake in the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), tasked to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

It was during this global summit the installation of the CDE plant in Polmadie was nearing completion.

Thirty minutes from the important discussions taking place in the SEC Centre in Glasgow, Bedrock Plant Hire was doing its part to move towards a more sustainable future, a circular driven economy and the protection of virgin materials.

Investing with confidence

The project was Bedrock’s first in partnership with CDE, and its first venture into wet processing. Previously, with dry processing operations, the company was crushing and screening to produce only a low-value fill, restricting its ability to market quality recycled aggregates and minimise its environmental footprint.

The team at Bedrock reached out to CDE due to the company’s strong reputation in Scotland – particularly within the central belt – for its technical expertise, customer relations and results-driven solutions. Accompanied by CDE business development manager Garry Stewart, Bedrock representatives visited several CDE reference sites in the local market, including Brewsters and Brocklebank. Here, the Bedrock team had the opportunity to hear first-hand experiences from existing customers operating CDE technology which proved highly influential and reinforced Bedrock’s decision to partner with CDE.

Carbon footprint reduction

The 80tph CD&E waste recycling facility delivered by CDE consists of an R1500 primary scalping screen, AggMax^TM 83SR logwasher, a dual pass EvoWash^TM sand washing fine material classification plant and AquaCycle^TM A400 thickener with Flocstation.

It was developed with the intention of reducing the volume of waste destined for landfill, turning it and other low-value material into profitable, saleable recycled aggregates.

The R-Series allows for a constant, even flow of material to be delivered to the integrated screen before being sent for additional screening, washing and sizing. The pioneering AggMax^TM modular logwasher incorporates aggressive attrition of conglomerates to release sands through scrubbing and organics removal, as well as recovering fines and removing filtrates.

CDE’s dual pass EvoWash^TM employs tried and tested modular hydrocyclone technology, offering unparalleled control of silt cut points with two washes. It enables Bedrock to produce a much cleaner, in-spec product and guarantees a fast return on investment within Glasgow’s construction industry. Meanwhile, the AquaCycle^TM high-rate thickener recycles up to 90% of the process water for immediate re-use.

Garry Stewart says: “Reducing Bedrock’s environmental footprint was a driving force in the decision to invest in a CDE waste recycling plant. The Bedrock team were conscious of the tricky materials to be processed and had full confidence in the capabilities of our technology due to our commitment to engineering excellence and our comprehensive analysis of their raw feed, the results of which informed the development of the plant.”

Processing 1,000 tonnes per day

Proven solutions from CDE provide maximum recycling potential and full water treatment, achieving considerable reduction in waste-to-landfill volumes. Indeed, since commissioning, the plant has led to a decrease in the quantity going to landfill by 70-80% as 1,000 tonnes have been processed per day, creating 700 tonnes of saleable material.

The investment has also opened new revenue streams for Bedrock through the outputs generated, with eight variations of high-quality recycled aggregates being produced for sale and use in the construction industry. They include 0-2mm, 4-10mm and 40-100mm rinsed oversize.

Bedrock is also delivering drainage stone (10-20mm) to the construction sector, as well as pit and utility sands for concrete. The aggregates will also be used for cable bedding and pipe bedding.

The site at Polmadie is very compact and situated in a highly industrialised area in close proximity to large residential neighbourhoods. Due to its urban setting and limited site footprint, Bedrock required a closed-loop system capable of recycling the process water and eliminating the need for settlement ponds.

CDE’s water management expertise, realised through the combination of a A400 AquaCycle coupled with a P15 filter press ensured Bedrock’s vision was feasible.

With the plant processing 1000 tonnes per day, the filter press deals with approximately 20-30 tonnes per hour of sludge to produce a dry cake from the silt and clay generated from the washing process. This cake product is used as a capping material for Bedrock’s own landfill while the company investigates other uses for the material to bring it back into the circular economy.

“We wish we had been able to do this 10 years ago”

The company has its sights set on the future with plans to increase capacity, as Joe McHugh, director of Bedrock Plant Hire Ltd explains.

“We wish we had been able to do this ten years ago. The technology has changed remarkably in that time and CDE is at the top of its game when it comes to wet processing and waste recycling. We really see these areas as a defining part of Bedrock’s future.

“Our experience with CDE has been extremely positive. We visited other reference sites and hearing the endorsements first-hand from existing and satisfied CDE customers was reassuring that we were indeed making the right decision on such a significant investment.

“The team were always managing our expectations while sharing our vision. We found them easy to work with and the bespoke, compact structure of the plant is first class and unique to our requirements. We have hopes for the future that this will only be the first plant we collaborate with CDE on, especially with the relationship we are building together.”

Garry Stewart adds: “It has been a pleasure to work with Bedrock, a family business focused on building a sustainable future through strategic investments. It felt particularly poignant as the final stages of our project came at such a significant time for the city of Glasgow, as it played host to global climate summit COP26.

“We are proud to be part of Bedrock’s journey towards a more sustainable business model and look forward to working with its team to strengthen its position within the market in Glasgow.”

For more information about CDE wet processing solutions, visit cdegroup.com.

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South West College has announced that it will host delegates from 26 countries as part of an International Passive House Association (iPHA) camp taking place at its Erne Campus in Enniskillen from Monday 26^th to Friday 30^th September 2022.

Enniskillen was chosen as the location for the prestigious event as the Erne Campus is presently the world’s largest Passive House Premium Rated building in the world and the first educational building to achieve the accreditation.

Passive House is the fastest growing standard in global construction and visitors from Europe, the Americas and Australasia will spend a week learning about the building and exploring other energy efficient construction projects currently in development across Northern Ireland.

In support of the iPHA programme of activities, South West College will also host a two-day ‘Building a Sustainable Future’ conference on Tuesday 27^th & Wednesday 28^th September. The conference programme has been designed for local and national delegates, particularly those engaged in the public, local authority and education sectors. Conference attendees will participate in a series of themed workshops exploring sustainable construction for both public and private sector buildings, transport sustainability, fleet management and strategy development. Renowned industry speakers and academics will present a series of case studies and take part in interactive discussion panel sessions over the course of the two days.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council will be the principle strategic delivery partner for the Building a Sustainable Future Conference and iPHA Camp.

South West College’ Interim Chief Executive, Leo Murphy said;

‘I am very proud that the International Passive House Association has chosen to host its camp in Enniskillen this year. 100 of the world’s leading influencers in sustainable construction will be in attendance to learn about our Erne Campus and to also share their knowledge on new and emerging practices that will transform the local and global industry.

The team at South West College put together a very compelling bid to host the event and this follows on from the presentations at the COP26 conference in Glasgow last November and our membership of the United Nations High Performance Buildings initiative. We also hope that representatives from the United Nations will be attending and speaking at the event in Enniskillen which is sure to be unmissable.’

The Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Cllr Barry McElduff said:

“The Council appreciates the opportunity to be a strategic partner in the International Passive House Conference to be held in South West College’s Erne Campus, Enniskillen.  

The Council wholeheartedly congratulates the College on securing the opportunity to host the Building a Sustainable Future conference. This is a major achievement. 

We very much look forward to welcoming delegates from all over the world to Enniskillen to see at first hand the stunning landscape and unspoilt beauty of Fermanagh and the wider Council area”. 

Jessica Grove-Smith, Joint Managing Director Passive House Institute and International Passive House Association

We are very excited to come to Enniskillen for this stakeholder meeting of our closest partner organisations. During this camp iPHA’s Affiliate organisation, as well as Passive House course providers and building certifiers from all around the world will get together to strengthen our collaboration and efforts to grow and scale Passive House worldwide. South West College and its exceptional Erne Campus Passive House Premium is the perfect place to host this event.

Having the ‘Building a Sustainable Future’ conference run simultaneously with our camp provides a fantastic opportunity to take part, network and position Passive House in a wider sustainability context. Delegates from both events will be able to benefit from the many projects and activities in the area that show the energy saving and comfort advantages of Passive House construction in real-life.

Dr Barry McCarron, Chairperson of Passive House Ireland said;

‘Being selected to host this prestigious iPHA camp with delegates from almost all of the member countries is an honour not just for the college but for the wider region and is a celebration of the work that South West College has been doing in the development of internationally renowned sustainable buildings and the training of Passive House accredited professionals.

Registration is now open for the two day ‘Building a Sustainable Future’ Conference. The final programme and speaker line up will be revealed through the conference website over the coming weeks. The delegate registration fee will also include admission to a conference dinner hosted by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council on Tuesday 27^th September and to the inaugural South West College climate resilience lecture which will close the conference on the evening of Wednesday 28^th September.

Further information and tickets are now available at https://swc.ac.uk/events/building-a-sustainable-future or by emailing conference@swc.ac.uk

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A topping out ceremony has taken place to celebrate the latest milestone in the creation of a £9 million sustainable pavilion, being built by Henry Brothers, to expand SportPark, the multi award-winning development at Loughborough University.

The 2000 sq m project on Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park (LUSEP) is being built to Passivhaus Classic Accreditation to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions and is scheduled for completion at the end of the year.

As the first Passivhaus development on the University campus, SportPark Pavilion 4 will give sports organisations the unique opportunity to secure environmentally future-proof accommodation that is tailored to their needs.

It will also enable occupants to reduce their carbon footprint due to highly efficient heat pumps, opening triple-glazed windows, solar shading to avoid summer overheating as well as a well-insulated building fabric to minimise heat loss.

Passivhaus consultants Beyond Carbon Associates have hailed the development as “an exciting, future-facing building, treading lightly on our planet’s resources using Passivhaus energy conservation, solar PV and a climate resilient design to manage future heat waves.”

Ian Taylor, Managing Director at leading construction company, Henry Brothers said:

“SportPark Pavilion 4 is an exciting Passivhaus development which is supporting Loughborough University’s plans to decarbonise its estate to meet the Government’s zero carbon target by 2050.

“It also builds on Henry Brothers’ growing portfolio of environmentally sound schemes and we are very pleased to have reached this milestone in this important development for the University.”

Henry Brothers recently announced its Journey to Net Zero strategy, outlining plans to build upon its extensive foundations in sustainability.

SportPark Pavilion 4 will project the University’s and Henry Brothers’ forward thinking and environmentally conscious values, delivering significant benefits to its occupants.

Professor Mike Caine, Loughborough University Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor Sport, said:

“SportPark is a tremendous asset to the University and wider region – housing complementary organisations, working in partnership with the University, and harnessing the power of sport to benefit communities, locally, nationally, and around the world.

“SportPark Pavilion 4 will provide the capacity to welcome yet more mission-driven organisations to the University, and to reinforce the East Midlands region’s potential as a global sports innovation hub, with Loughborough at its heart.

“The SportPark expansion coincides with a growing number of innovation and technology-led sports businesses launching at, or relocating to, LUSEP, attracted to the collaborative environment and access to the University’s world-leading expertise in sports science, engineering, health and well-being, high-performance athlete base, and sports infrastructure.”

SportPark Pavilion 4 is delivered by the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) as part of the Getting Building Fund (GBF).

Funds were designated for investment in local, shovel-ready infrastructure projects to stimulate jobs and support economic recovery across the country. The LLEP was allocated £20 million, supporting the SportPark 4 project with £6 million.

A separate £1.8 million GBF allocation helped fund improvements at Junction 23 and the A512, which links the M1 with Loughborough. It makes LUSEP one of the most accessible science parks in the UK.

Andy Reed OBE, Interim Chair of the LLEP Board of Directors, said:

“Loughborough University’s global reputation for sport brings tremendous opportunities for us all and, through this fourth pavilion, provides new jobs and opportunity for further growth across a range of services.

“This latest project directly supports 165 jobs, with more than 150 in the wider economy. Importantly, it also helps create further demand to bring sports-related organisations and businesses to the region.

“On a separate note, it’s really pleasing for me personally to see the continued development of SportPark. I was fortunate to be involved in creating the vision of a sports cluster at the University for the first phases of the development back in the mid-2000s. It’s wonderful to see it continue going from strength to strength.”

To find out more about Henry Brothers, visit henrybrothers.co.uk

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