Building Briefs - July 6th

• NHS Forth Valley extends contract with ground maintenance specialist 

In spring, summer and autumn, Complete Weed Control provides ground maintenance and weed control along highways, construction sites, parks, and other public areas throughout the Central Belt.

Keith Gallacher, director of Complete Weed Control operations in the south-east and south-west of Scotland, said: “Local authorities previously undertook this contract, so we are delighted that by undertaking to provide improved reliability and service levels we have been awarded a one year extension to this contract by NHS Forth Valley.”

The contract covers NHS Forth Valley’s network of four community hospitals in Stirling, Falkirk, Clackmannanshire and Bo’ness, as well as a range of day and inpatient hospitals which provide care for older people and patients with mental illness.

Andrew McGown, head of estates at NHS Forth Valley, said: “NHSFV has a great relationship with Keith and his team at CWC and no issue is too big or too small. Any issues are actioned timeously, and the service received is very good.

“We receive good data and information daily on what work is carried out and when, including forecasts and road temperatures. This helps us to evidence what is done and to show value for money. Overall, the service has been excellent from CWC.”

• NIXON works to deliver for summer of staycation  

Multi-disciplinary company NIXON worked for three months to deliver seven new lodges on the grounds of luxury hotelier Manorview’s hotel and wedding venue Cornhill Castle in Biggar.

Together with Logspan, Interlocked Construction and landscape gardener Keith Robertson, the new cabins are now open to guests. The development is a near half a million-pound investment.

Owners Manorview Group invested in the popular wedding venue by adding the new luxurious lodges set on the grounds of the Castle. Each lodge has its own private hot tub with high spec fixtures and finishes, luxurious soft furnishings and stunning interiors; a signature style of the Manorview brand.

The sustainable log cabins were chosen to complement the Castle’s panoramic views of the Scottish countryside, and each is named after a Scottish river. NIXON provided quantity surveying, project management and CDM (Construction, Design and Management) services as well as civil engineering on the ground infrastructure and drainage.

• Restoration work up and running at historic Preston Tower

The first stage of restoration work at historic Preston Tower is underway.

A number of improvements are planned at the late Medieval towerhouse in Prestonpans - which was originally constructed in the 15th century and then repaired and extended upwards in the 17th century – and nearby doocot.

Restoration is focused on improving access and encouraging more people to visit in future while contributing to local regeneration. 

Due to evidence of protected species at the site, the project will be delivered in two phases.

The first phase will see the restoration of the doocot and the installation of new architectural lighting and the installation of new interpretation/information including boards are all planned, developed in collaboration with the local community.

Archaeological investigations have commenced with the careful lifting of turf, which will be reinstated when finished.

The project, which is expected to cost up to £900,000, is being supported by the Scottish Government’s Town Centre Fund and progressed by East Lothian Council in collaboration with building owners the National Trust for Scotland and with the support of the Preston Seton Gosford Area Partnership, and the National Lottery-funded Great Place Project. 

A project manager from building surveyors Doig and Smith is leading the project team, supported by project consultant Groves Raines Architects.

• Bancom Homes opens Overton Gardens show home

Bancon Homes has opened a new show home at Overton Gardens in Strathaven, South Lanarkshire.

Located off Glassford Road, Overton Gardens is an exclusive development of 37 four and five-bedroom homes built to Bancon Homes’ specification.

The new Skibo show home has been decorated by interior designer Karen Wootton from The Design House in Aberdeen.