Building Briefs – 10 November

‘Global construction market to grow by $8 trillion by 2030’

A new report released today – Global Construction 2030 – forecasts the volume of construction output will grow by 85 per cent to $15.5 trillion worldwide by 2030, with three countries – China, US and India – leading the way and accounting for 57 per cent of all global growth.

The benchmark global study - the fourth in a series from Global Construction Perspectives and Oxford Economics - shows average global construction growth of 3.9% pa to 2030, outpacing that of global GDP by over one percentage point, driven by developed countries recovering from economic instability and emerging countries continuing to industrialize.

Graham Robinson, executive director, Global Construction Perspectives, said: “China’s share of the world construction market will increase only marginally as growth slows in the world’s largest construction market to 2030. In comparison, US construction will grow faster than China over the next 15 years – growing by an average of five percent per annum. Meanwhile, we’re due to see a surge in construction rates in India as it overtakes Japan to become world’s third largest construction market by 2021.”

24 new affordable homes for Dunfermline

Another affordable housing development for Fife has been announced with building work beginning on a development of 24 one and two-bed flats as part of the drive to create 2,700 new affordable homes by 2017.

The homes are being built for the Council by Taylor Wimpey East Scotland, and when completed will be available for mid-market rent through Kingdom Housing Group.

Cllr Judy Hamilton, executive spokesperson for Housing & Building Services, recently visited the site with local councillors. She said: “Our commitment to deliver 2,700 new affordable homes by 2017 is picking up pace and I’m very pleased to be announcing our latest addition as this development in Lapwing Drive.

“The majority of the homes we’re building will be for council rent with many of those allocated to existing Council tenants on the transfer list. However, we do recognise the need to deliver other types of affordable housing too and mid-market rent homes are an important part of that offering.”

Ben Wyvis wind farm plan rejected

An appeal to build a controversial wind farm on the slopes of Ben Wyvis in the Highlands has been refused.

The Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCoS) welcomed the rejection of the bid to reverse the refusal of planning permission.

Following a public inquiry, a Reporter appointed by Scottish ministers dismissed the appeal brought by PI Renewables Ltd, which was seeking to overturn the refusal of planning permission by Highland Council for a development of 14 wind turbines on the south flank of Little Wyvis, which would have been just three miles from Ben Wyvis itself.

The Reporter found the development would have had significant visual impacts on the Ben Wyvis massif and in particular from An Cabar, part of the most popular route up Ben Wyvis itself. He also found that the development would have a number of significant individual effects and contribute to cumulative impacts on the wild land area.

The scheme was rejected by councillors and planning officers after it attracted more than 100 objections.

Former Councillor appointed Chair of West of Scotland Housing Association

West of Scotland Housing Association (WSHA) has elected Ruth Simpson as chairperson of their management committee.

Ruth, a former Councillor and City Treasurer in Glasgow, will lead the committee of 15 which includes eight tenant members.

The Management Committee shapes the strategic direction of the Association and its mix of tenants and external specialists ensures WSHA is clear about tenant’s priorities and has the technical knowledge to deliver them.

Ruth, who has been a member of the Management Committee since 2012, said:” I am delighted and honoured to be elected Chair of West of Scotland Housing Association. This is a landmark year for the Association as it celebrates its 50th anniversary year and we have recently welcomed our new Chief Executive, Lynne Donnelly.”

The Committee also elected Lanarkshire tenant Ann Reid as Vice Chair and welcomed four new Committee members - Lynne Clarke (Tenant member from Lanarkshire and chair of a local community group); Paul McAninsh (Finance Director, McTaggart & Mickel); Robert Higgins (Experienced Committee member, Dumfries and Galloway Housing Partnership); and Kelly Adams (Director of Audit and Assurance, Baker Tilley).

Multi-million pound Helensburgh and Lomond Civic Centre project in its final stages

Argyll and Bute Council’s exciting project to centralise services for Helensburgh and Lomond in one new bespoke building is in the final stages, with employees moving into their new office accommodation from Monday 16th November.

The move will be phased over three weekends to ensure continuity of services to the public.

The Helensburgh Office Rationalisation Project (HORP) is another example of the council’s commitment to investing in Helensburgh and Lomond, providing local people with a centralised one-stop-shop for all services as well as a range of indoor and outdoor community spaces.

Council staff will move to the new Helensburgh and Lomond Civic Centre and all of the services provided in local offices previously will continue in the new building.

Chair of Argyll and Bute Council’s Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee, Councillor Gary Mulvaney, said, “This investment will bring real benefits to the people of Helensburgh and Lomond. It will make it easier for people to make contact with the council and find out about our services. Having around 140 members of staff based in the heart of the town can only be good news.”

An open day is currently being arranged, as well as a separate official opening event. Details of both events will follow.

Renfrewshire regeneration delights residents

Residents have expressed their delight after moving into Renfrewshire’s newest affordable homes.

Eighty-six properties were handed over after Sanctuary Scotland completed the final phase of its £30 million regeneration of Shortroods, Paisley.

The properties range from 1-bedroom cottage flats to 3-bedroom family houses. Fifty-six of the homes are now being rented by happy tenants. The 30 properties available to buy on a shared equity basis sold within a month.

Work on Midlothian hub will continue

Midlothian Council will continue to work with Dalkeith Miners Club and the local community to build a multi-purpose hub in Woodburn.

At a full council meeting on Tuesday, councillors heard bids to the Big Lottery and the government’s Regeneration Capital Grants fund had both been unsuccessful.

Council Leader, Councillor Catherine Johnstone said: “It’s obviously hugely disappointing to hear the bids for the £1.86 million facility have not been successful this time round.

“The Woodburn Community Hub Project Group will look at the feedback received from funders following the submissions and use it to strengthen its case for the next tranche of funding.

“A national social enterprise organisation, Community Enterprise will continue to support and work with community groups to develop the community facilities and to submit bids for the necessary funding.”

In 2011, the council agreed to support the development of a community hub in Woodburn in partnership with Dalkeith Miners’ Welfare Club.

Planning permission is in place to build the new facility on the site of the current welfare club.