Building Briefs – October 15th

Hardies continues student sponsorship scheme

Having kept student and graduate training schemes in operation right through the recession and beyond, Hardies Property & Construction Consultants has revealed the latest two young people to benefit from its student support scheme.

Kirsten O’Connor and Laura Falconer, both from Dalkeith, are being supported by Hardies whilst they study at Napier University to become a Building and Quantity Surveyor respectively.

Both could now gain vital work experience working on Hardies latest schools projects in Midlothian which will see new Primary Schools built at Gorebridge North and Bilston.

Demolition work resumes on Red Road flats remains

Work has started to dismantle the remains of the two Red Road flats in Glasgow which remained partially standing following a failed demolition at the weekend.

The six remaining towers were brought down on Sunday in a single blowdown which was intended to be less disruptive to residents and businesses.

Under the initial plans, the six tower blocks were to be left with 10 storeys remaining, to be brought down later.

But four of the six multi-storey flats appeared to be demolished, with two remaining partially upright.

The remaining storeys started being brought down with high-reach machinery on Wednesday.

Action over radon level in Highland council houses

Almost 100 Highland council houses have been found to have an unacceptable level of radon gas following tests by the local authority.

The Highland Council’s community services commissioned Public Health England (PHE) last year to test around 1,150 homes at the highest risk from radon gas. Of the near 700 test kits returned and analysed, there are 95 homes where the council will be taking action to reduce radon levels.

Hundreds of test kits have been returned and 95 properties will need action to reduce radon levels.

These houses were in parts of Badenoch and Strathspey; Wester Ross Strathpeffer and Lochalsh; Caol and Mallaig; Landward Caithness; East Sutherland and Edderton; Dingwall and Seaforth; and Aird and Loch Ness Wards. The Community Services has written to all tenants who returned their test kits to advise of the results.

Highland Council investigations into the presence of naturally occurring gas radon gas at its schools and other buildings are ongoing and an update on them is expected after the October holidays.

Radon is produced by the radioactive decay of rocks and soil. High levels are normally tackled by fitting ventilation equipment.

Multi million pound investment in M8 gantries

The second phase of a £6m rolling programme to refurbish the overhead gantries on the M8 motorway continues on Friday.

The investment from Transport Scotland will see four gantries on the M8, between Junctions 10 and 15, being upgraded to bring them up to date with modern day standards.

Scotland TranServ, which maintains almost 200 sign gantries on south west Scotland’s motorways and trunk roads will carry out the work to the structures, which provide a lane management facility and keep motorists up to date with real time traffic information.

The refurbished structures will provide a number of long term benefits energy savings and the increasing demands of routine maintenance.

Drop-in session for £5.2m East Dunbartonshire hub

East Dunbartonshire Council is inviting the public to attend an informational session about a new £5.2m hub being developed in the region.

Work on the Lennoxtown Community Hub is underway and will bring council, library, leisure and cultural services under one roof.

Also included are healthcare services, including GP surgeries, in partnership with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

The project is expected to be completed in January 2016.

The exhibition is to take place on 28 October between 3pm – 4:30pm and 6pm – 7:30pm at Campsie Memorial Hall.

£3.3m boost for cycling and walking infrastructure

Cycling and walking infrastructure in Scotland is to receive a £3.3m cash injection, transport minister Derek Mackay has announced.

The new funding takes overall investment in active travel to £39.2m for 2015/16.