Building Briefs – August 31st

Independent chartered surveyors firm DM Hall has recruited nine new graduate surveyors for nine of its offices throughout Scotland.

The group, five women and four men, will focus mainly on residential property surveying with one dedicated to the commercial property sector.

They are: Hannah Sime, who will operate from the firm’s Kirkcaldy office; William Humphries, Oban; Amelia Rogers, Aberdeen; Leanne Saunders, Dunfermline; Margaret McDowall, Hamilton; Graham Wilson, Musselburgh; Jack Chinery, Dundee; Vanessa Harris, Cumbernauld, and Oliver Lawson, Edinburgh Commercial.

DM Hall’s senior partner, John Albiston, said: “We are a highly progressive professional firm seeking to move our recruitment policy quite decisively towards gender parity.

“The nine young people we have hired across our Scottish offices represent the future of our profession. It is exciting to be part of their career journey and gratifying that they trust us with that responsibility. We congratulate them on choosing DM Hall and trust that they will prosper and thrive, both personally and professionally within our firm.

Final fortnight of West Princes Street Gardens consultation

Edinburgh residents have until Friday 14 September to share their views on the City of Edinburgh Council and Ross Development Trust’s proposals to enhance West Princes Street Gardens.

With two weeks to go until the project’s public consultation closes, the city’s culture and communities convener Donald Wilson has urged anyone with an interest in the project to ensure their say counts.

Councillor Wilson commented: “There are now just two weeks left to have your say on the Council’s plans to work with the Ross Development Trust.

“Already, we’ve seen the Trust successfully restore the Ross Fountain but the wider proposal is to replace the Ross Bandstand and enhance the surrounding Gardens. We need to decide now how this future venue will be run, so that the Trust’s fundraising campaign can grow.

“One idea has been to set up a new charity. One which - under a carefully drawn up agreement with the Council - would operate the West Gardens day-to-day. It is important to note that under this proposal, the area would remain in public ownership and under Council control, with events like the Festival Fireworks Concert and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay still able to take place. Let’s be clear: this Council is not proposing to and never would consider ‘selling off’ any part of the gardens. They are an important public asset and always should be.

“We recognise, however, that as a valued green space in the heart of the city there are many views to be considered, not least regarding the number of other events that could take place in the Gardens. That is why it is crucial we hear from everyone with an interest in the project. This is your chance to have your say.”

The Council’s public consultation has been running since 26 June and 875 comments and surveys have already been gathered online and at two public drop-in events. All feedback will be carefully evaluated and a report will be brought forward later this year detailing the results before any decisions are taken.

Take part now at: https://consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/bi/west-princes-street-gardens-project/consultation/intro/.

Construction workers dig deep for Young Enterprise Scotland

Kind-hearted staff from Morrison Construction took time out of their working day to help young people learn more about the benefits of practical enterprise experience.

A group of five staff volunteered at Young Enterprise Scotland’s social enterprise base at Rouken Glen as part of their community benefits programme – a scheme which encourages colleagues to volunteer at local charities and organisations.

The workers assisted the YES Works team in the creation of a new builder’s yard area, which will help the social enterprise to grow and develop its service.

YES Works, founded by Young Enterprise Scotland, aims to provide sustainable employment opportunities and training to young people from less advantaged backgrounds.

YES Works, established in 2016, is an award-winning social enterprise that delivers landscape gardening services to local authorities, housing associations, business as well as private homes in the West of Scotland.

Bield cuts ribbon on Edinburgh development

Bield Housing & Care has officially launched its newest Edinburgh development, providing affordable accommodation for more than 100 people.

The housing provider cut the ribbon on its Fleming Place development this week at a ceremony attended by staff, tenants and members of the community.

Held in the courtyard of the development, the ribbon was cut by tenants Howard Tang and Monica Hunter, and chair of Bield, Susan Napier, who spoke about the development process and the success of the project.

Fleming Place features 40 apartments for social rent that comprise a mixture of one and two-bedroom flats for people aged 50 and over.

Five of the properties have been allocated to The Action Group for people with support needs.

Located on the site of former NHS General Hospital, the development overlooks Craigentinny Golf Course, with many flats benefiting from spectacular views across Calton Hill and the world-famous Edinburgh cityscape. More than 100 people are already on the waiting list.

Fleming Place is the first development in Edinburgh in almost 15 years, which has been achieved through a successful partnership with Edinburgh-based J Smart & Company.

An overall £4.9 million investment supported the delivery of this development, with a £2.2m grant contribution from the Scottish Government.

Upgrades at Barrhead Foundry complete

A £2.5 million upgrade project has been completed at Barrhead Foundry to improve the swimming pool, health suite and changing rooms.

The swimming pool upgrade has incorporated modernised equipment to ensure even better water quality. Natural, energy-efficient lighting and new tiling have also been installed to further enhance the swimming experience.

The new changing village provides a more spacious layout, with new cubicles, lockers and showers.

The health suite, which includes a new sauna cabin and steam room, has also been refurbished with a new shower cubicle and changing area.

Gym customers will benefit from upgraded and reconfigured changing areas, which incorporate new showers and lockers.

The new facilities will be available to customers when the pool re-opens on Monday 03 September.