Month: November 2022

Rebuilt TBM launches into second HS2 tunnel drive

Eliz

The second one-mile tunnel bore under Long Itchington Wood in Warwickshire marks the next big milestone for the  Balfour Beatty Vinci (BBV) tunnelling team on the northern section of phase one.

After operating around the clock in shifts over seven months, Dorothy became the first on the HS2 project to complete a tunnel drive in July 2022.

Since then the gantries of the tunnel boring machine, which weigh over 1,000 tonnes, were brought back through the tunnel and reassembled at the north portal.

The 10m diameter cutterhead, weighing 160 tonnes, was transported by road during an intricate night-time operation in September.

Neil Johnson, Tunnels Delivery Director for Balfour Beatty Vinci, said: “This has been an intense four months for the 300-strong team, including an intricate logistical operation to safely transport the TBM’s giant cutterhead and tail skin back to the north portal.

HS2’s senior project manager for Long Itchington Wood

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McLaughlin & Harvey wins Lowestoft harbour design

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ABP’s vision for LEEF is to provide a facility that supports operations & maintenance and construction  for the offshore wind farms, helping to transform Lowestoft into a leading offshore energy hub.

As part of the next phase of the project, ABP will invest around £1m in the detailed design of infrastructural upgrades of the site, including the addition of extra capacity to accommodate the next generation of larger offshore support vessels.

Seamus Devlin, McLaughlin & Harvey civil engineering director, said that the design phase was anticipated to last around six months with the construction following over the next 12 months and potential for vessels to begin using the facility from 2024.

Andrew Harston, ABP Director for Wales and Short Sea Ports, said, “The winning design for LEEF will enable us to deliver this hugely exciting project and create a competitive edge for companies across the Southern

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Kier shareholders rebel over chief executive’s pay rise

Eliz

Around 44% of Kier’s shareholders voted against the directors’ pay report at the firm’s AGM late last week.

Davies saw his total pay including bonus and long-term incentive plan rise to £2,245,000 this year from £1,323,000 in 2021.

His basic salary rose 26% to £750,000 from £595,000 the year before.

The AGM vote was only advisory and followed a formal vote in 2020 to accept the company remuneration and long term incentive policy.

In a brief statement, the firm said: “Prior to the AGM, the company engaged with its largest shareholders on directors’ long-term incentives, and the remuneration committee will reflect carefully on the points that they have raised.

“The remuneration committee is commencing its triennial review of the remuneration policy and will continue to engage with as many shareholders as possible during 2023 to understand their views.

“The policy will be put to shareholders for consideration at the

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Leeds construction activity soars to highest level in 15 years

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Planning consultant DPP carried out a visual survey across the city that revealed there are 30 active tower cranes operating within the city centre.

This is believed to be the first time there has been this many tower cranes in use for 15 years, following a similar exercise in the last city boom.

Oliver Corbett, principal planner at DPP, said: “The Leeds skyline is being dominated by tower cranes, which is a real positive for the city.

“Investors are taking note of Leeds’ strong economy, cultural offerings, such as LEEDS 2023 Year of Culture, and student population, which is one of the largest in the UK, and clearly see the city as a great location for sustainable new developments.”

The rise in activity is being driven by a boom in city centre living, which has seen a raft of new apartment developments aiming to meet demand

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Subcontractors wanted by big players across North West

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A host of big name contractors and clients will be looking to boost their supply chains across the North West during the event at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday November 17.

Running from 8:30am-2:00pm, the event will see organisations attending, including Balfour Beatty, BAM, Kier, Ministry of Justice and VINCI Facilities.

The event is sponsored by landscaping and fencing specialist Ground Control.

Constructionline COO, Rob Walton, said: “Over 500 like-minded businesses from the construction industry will be in attendance, providing a fantastic opportunity to connect, gain insight, build knowledge, and grow your business.

“The event will allow buyers and SMEs to come together for their mutual benefit, it is a fantastic chance to discuss upcoming work contracts and build long-lasting working relations.”

Tickets are available to Constructionline members, and you can register here.






Grant Prior

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