Building Briefs – September 23rd

• Second phase of Caledonian Canal repairs to commence

Works will begin on-site on October 28 due for completion in spring 2020. The lock gate replacement works are part of a critical repair programme made possible thanks to £5.35 million funding from the Scottish Government in 2018.

The completion of Phase One works at Fort Augustus to replace lock gates 2 and strengthen lock gates 3 & 4 took place last winter and the canal reopened to navigation on the 17 April 2019.

To accommodate the works in Fort Augustus, the south side road will periodically close to traffic from lock gates 1 to lock gates 6.  Access will only be affected during specific dates to accommodate major activities.

Additional works will also be carried out to the embankment to the west of Kytra, which will place some restrictions on the use of the towpath. So all work can be undertaken safely, the Caledonian Canal water level will be reduced once again from Kytra lock to the top of Fort Augustus.

• Plans lodged for Udny homes and business spaces

Plans have been lodged for 46 new houses and business space in Udny.

MRT Architects submitted the scheme to Aberdeenshire Council on behalf of JNF Developments, which hope to build a variety of home styles across two sites.

At the first site, located on the north-eastern side of Udny Station, 38 houses have been proposed alongside six live/work units.

The second site, where a former cafe and garage once stood, would be used to create eight affordable homes, including flats and semidetached properties, as well as two business units.

• Funding still available to improve social housing safety standards

The Scottish Government has hailed the impact of a new loan scheme to help social landlords meet improved housing safety standards.

The Fire and Carbon Monoxide Detection Loan Scheme offers interest free loans to registered social landlords to help cover the cost of buying and installing smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms to meet new fire and smoke alarm standards.

The Scottish Government recently extended standards that currently apply to private rented property and new-builds.

It means smoke alarms fitted in the living room or lounge, as well as circulation spaces such as hallways and landings must be fitted in every home in Scotland.

The improved standards also mean kitchens must have a heat alarm and a carbon monoxide installed where there are appliances such as boilers. 

There have been 23 applications to the Fire and Carbon Monoxide Detector Loan Scheme since it launched in June. The loans will bring more than 19,000 homes up to the new standard.

Applications are open until November 30.

• New green fleet for building firm

A Scottish construction company has invested more than £1 million in a fleet of low-emission plant excavators and vehicles. Roadbridge UK, which is based in Bellshill, North Lanarkshire, has purchased three hybrid Komatsu excavators which are said to “massively” reduce the amount of fuel needed to operate them. The firm has also received delivery of ten hybrid-electric vehicles.

• British Land commits to creating a net zero carbon portfolio

British Land has signed a ground-breaking commitment to deliver a net zero carbon real estate portfolio, as part of an industry-wide effort to tackle the growing risks of climate change.

The Climate Change Commitment, launched by the Better Buildings Partnership, recognises the collective actions that need to be taken across the industry to respond to the challenges of climate change.

Simon Carter, chief financial officer, British Land, said: “There is superb environmental practice taking place in pockets right across our industry. The launch of this commitment has the potential to bring this to the fore, quickly, and accelerate our collective progress in tackling this huge challenge. We are delighted to be a signatory to this commitment.”

British Land has been reducing its carbon footprint for over a decade. In its latest annual Sustainability Accounts, the Group announced that is has improved the carbon intensity of the portfolio by 64% versus its 2009 baseline: a reduction of two thirds in a decade.

• Six-figure sum invested in new gym at Aberdeen’s largest sports venue

Aberdeen Sports Village (ASV) has unveiled its new gym refurbishment following a half a million-pound investment.

As part of the substantial upgrade, the facility is the first in Scotland to introduce the latest fitness strength tracking system, Advagym, which allows members to monitor both cardio and strength workouts.

Established in 2009, ASV is the largest sporting facility in the North-east and is recognised as one of Scotland’s leading sports and fitness venues, therefore, the £500,000 refurb ensures its position as a leader in the city’s competitive fitness market. 

The new gym, which saw the installation of more than 100 pieces of world class equipment, new flooring, lighting and audio-visual kit, also includes MyZone and Precor technology for advanced connectivity and trackability.