Building Briefs – April 19th

Borders Railway has received the Infrastructure accolade at the RICS Awards Scotland 2016.

The award recognises the excellent achievement by a project or programme of infrastructure works, including any projects that deliver essential facilities, services or organisational structures.

The Borders Railway project is the longest new domestic railway build in Britain for over 100 years. The Borders Railway supports the Scottish Government’s strategy of ensuring that transport connections to rural locations are strengthened, more reliable and can support development of employment, business, tourism and leisure opportunities. The £294m investment was delivered by Network Rail in partnership with Transport Scotland.

Richie Hales, infrastructure director at Turner & Townsend, added: “We’re delighted that this project has won this award. We’re very proud of our role in the Borders Rail project, which we’ve been involved in for over 10 years. This award is testament to not just our hard working team but also our client Network Rail and the ability of the whole project team work in a collaborative manner.”

As winner of the Infrastructure award, Borders Railway will join all category winners to represent Scotland in the RICS Awards Grand Final which will take place in London during October.

Moray Council defers Lhanbyde hotel decision

A hearing is to be held into the future of a former village hotel threatened with demolition.

Moray Council planning officers had recommended approval of an application to demolish the boarded-up Tennant Arms Hotel in Lhanbryde and replace it with a shop unit.

However, more than 100 villagers submitted objections to the proposal, with some claiming the building was an important local landmark.

Members of the council’s planning and regulatory services committee agreed to defer consideration of the planning application to a hearing at which the applicant and objectors will have the opportunity to state their respective cases.

Plans revealed for Scotland’s first community-owned whisky distillery

GlenWyvis Distillery Community Benefit Society has revealed plans to build the first community-owned craft whisky distillery in Scotland.

The society has launched its Community Share Offer in a bid to raise over £1.5 million needed to develop a new distillery in Dingwall.

The move has been organised in partnership with Community Shares Scotland and offers investment opportunities from £250 to locals living in all IV postcode areas.

Proposals for the distillery have been drawn up by ‘Flying Farmer’ John F Mckenzie, who is supported by a board of directors and local community representatives.

Construction of the distillery is due to begin in June 2016 and the first whisky is planned for Burns Night 2017.

CPA forecasts slowdown in construction growth as risks continue to rise

The Construction Products Association forecasts 3.0 per cent growth in construction output during 2016 and 3.6 per cent in 2017, a downward revision from the 3.6 per cent growth forecast three months ago.

This is due to heightened concerns regarding the effects of slowdown in global economic growth prospects, the impacts of uncertainty from the upcoming EU referendum on investor uncertainty and the potential for growth in the industry given key issues around skills shortages.

Highlights from the CPA Spring Forecast, released today, include:

Construction firms urged to apply for funding from CITB

Firms that have developed projects to provide construction workers with skills and training are being urged to apply for funding from CITB.

CITB will be accepting applications for the next Flexible Funding opportunity from today, which offers funding for construction skills and training projects that last up to 18 months and are not already supported by other CITB funding.

The Fund focuses on the training areas that have been identified as priorities for the industry following CITB’s extensive consultation with employers in 2015. The aim is to target funds to help build a well-skilled workforce and support the industry for the long term.

Since September 2015, CITB has invested over £1.7 million in projects under the Flexible Fund. A total of 45 projects have successfully acquired funding via the Skills and Training fund at a total value of £185,874, with an 88 per cent success rate for firms who apply.

Aker Solutions to redevelop Aberdeen manufacturing site

Aker Solutions has announced plans to redevelop its manufacturing site in Aberdeen.

The Kirkhill Avenue site in Dyce is being revamped to include a multi-product services area and modern electronics labs.

Other features include new office accommodation with enhanced welfare facilities for employees.

Profits soar at PRS specialist Sigma Capital Group

Profits at Edinburgh-based private rented sector specialist Sigma Capital Group have risen almost ten-fold.

The company has posted pre-tax profits of £2.14m for the 2015 calendar year, up from £0.21m a year earlier.

Revenues rose by 74 per cent to £6.72m in 2015, while profit from operations jumped 877 per cent to £1.82m over the same period.

The results were boosted by the fact that the business completed and let its first homes in March 2015, with demand above initial expectations. As of now, 549 homes have been completed and let.

Sigma also has offices in Manchester and London.

Councillors to discuss Dundee sheltered lounge investment

A Dundee sheltered lounge could be in line for a £40,000 upgrade.

Improvement works for the facility at Alva Square are to be considered by the neighbourhood services committee on Monday April 25.

The work would be carried out by Dundee Contract Services and includes improvements to toilet and laundry areas, as well as electrical works to the lounge.

Scottish Water to host drop-in event on Dundee water mains project

Scottish Water is to host a drop-in information event discussing a water mains upgrade project in Dundee.

The scheme at Dundee’s Perth Road is the first part of a programme which will see £5 million invested in upgrading the regions drinking water infrastructure.

The project involves lining and flushing existing water mains in the area.

Some initial work is expected to be carried out in the area from late May, with the main work on Perth Road itself from early July - with traffic management in place.

Further details of the work will be available at the exhibition.

The event will take place at Blackness Community Library between 3pm – 7:30pm on Thursday, 28 April.

West Lothian planning workshops to take place

A series of planning and design workshops are due to take place in Fauldhouse, West Lothian Council has announced.

Education charity PAS (Planning Aid for Scotland) will host the exhibitions at Fauldhouse Partnership Centre to develop a plan for the future of the village.

The charrette will take place between Wednesday, 11 May and Saturday, 14 May.

Activities will take place in the run up to the event including workshops with local schools, youth groups, local businesses, civic groups and organisations in the West Lothian Community Planning Partnership.