Building Briefs – May 15th

• GMB union in ‘urgent talks’ to save JCB jobs 

The construction giant has contacted nearly 1,000 staff members - and 500 agency workers - at its 10 plants in Staffordshire, Derbyshire and Wrexham to tell them their jobs are at risk. 

A 45-day consultation period is due to start on Monday. 

Stuart Harrison, GMB organiser, said: “This announcement is devastating to everyone involved.  

“As the recognised union, GMB’s senior representatives have entered into urgent talks about the future of the business with management.  

“We will keep fighting to avoid job losses at all costs, for our members and their families.  

• Application submitted to demolish former Aberdeen school

A building warrant has been lodged for the demolition of a former Aberdeen school.

An application was published this week by Aberdeen City Council to demolish the remaining two residential blocks of the former Cordyce School.

Currently, the proposal is pending consideration but if successful, it will remove all remnants of the fire-hit school.

The site on Riverview Drive was home to the building, which was destroyed in a deliberate blaze in 2017.

• Preparations continue to pave way for Peterhead Community Campus

Aberdeenshire Council has appointed an independent consultant to undertake an economic and social impact study of the potential relocation of Peterhead Academy and its associated facilities on the town centre.

The study is due to be completed this summer and will form part of a report expected to be discussed by Buchan area committee and the local authority’s education and children’s services committee following the summer recess period, this autumn.

The statutory consultation process on the relocation of the secondary school is also in its final stages and will also be a key focus of the committee discussions later this year. Elected members are keen to underline that while many construction projects are on pause, preparatory work on this project is very much continuing. 

Preparations are underway to commence the statutory consultation process required for a potential merger of Dales Park and Meethill Schools and the relocation of Anna Ritchie Special School.

The council has been continuing dialogue with Scottish Futures Trust and partners on the funding parameters, including specific targets and outcomes to be met as a criteria of funding. Dialogue has also taken place with hub North Scotland regarding potential approaches for delivering the project.

The projected timetable for Peterhead Community Campus continues to estimate its completion in 2025, with works beginning in 2023. To provide feedback to the project team, email learningestates@aberdeenshire.gov.uk.

• HALO announces appointment of marketing agents for Enterprise and Innovation Hub

The HALO Urban Regeneration Company has announced the joint appointment of two marketing agents for its Enterprise & Innovation Hub in Kilmarnock as the HALO enters its next phase.

A £63 million urban regeneration project on a 23-acre site, the HALO Kilmarnock, formerly the home of Johnnie Walker, will be the first town centre net zero carbon energy project in Scotland, setting the standard for low carbon energy sites across the UK.

The ultimate vision is for a net zero dynamic commercial, educational, cultural, leisure and lifestyle quarter where people can ‘Live, Work, Learn and Play’.

Agents Graham + Sibbald and CBRE have been appointed to lease out the 48,000 ft² Grade A building set to open in Spring 2021.

Upon completion, the HALO Kilmarnock will feature Gold score comms connectivity accreditation, a Breeam excellent rating alongside other state of the art technology and a diverse resilient comms detection system.

Through a platinum partnership with Scottish Power the site will be fully powered by energy from the nearby Scottish Power Whitelee Wind farm.

The HALO Enterprise and Innovation Hub will also feature an industry-leading digital, data and cyber training and learning facility within an exciting and digitally connected work space, establishing the HALO at the forefront of the “Fourth Industrial Revolution” – the digital revolution.

• Orinsen announces new client

Edinburgh-based commercial property consultant Orinsen has announced new client wins.

The company has been appointed joint agent for the Overgate shopping centre in Dundee and retail agent at Straiton retail park on the outskirts of Edinburgh.