Building Briefs – September 4th

Link completes £3.1m Arnotts Building development in Paisley

Link’s new affordable housing development at the Arnotts Building in Paisley has been officially opened by Provost Anne Hall.

The £3.1 million construction of 31 homes for intermediate rent and shared equity sale commenced in January 2013, using £940,000 funding from the Scottish Government.

Built by Westpoint Homes the properties consist of one-and two-bedroom flats and meet Link design standards for affordable housing.

Each property has gas central heating and hot water systems, high thermal insulation and double glazing to create warm, comfortable and energy efficient homes that will be easy and economical to run.

Link has already provided 30 new homes for sale at its Cotton Street development and is onsite with 38 ‘independent retirement living’ flats which will be available by August 2016.

Vision of Highland City Region Deal takes shape

Highland Council has agreed the vision and a list of associated projects to form the basis of the case for the City Region Deal to be presented to the UK and Scottish Governments.

A number of projects have been identified under the themes of a skilled economy; a growing and sustainable economy and an enabled economy.

A skilled economy focuses on projects, which facilitate a highly skilled workforce, attracting graduates, promoting greater uptake in science and technology and expanding construction skills initiatives.

Further projects are aimed at a growing and sustainable economy through life sciences and health, and the promotion of tourism and renewables.

Recognising the importance of connectivity, there are a range of infrastructural projects and projects to accelerate the provision of effective broadband and mobile coverage across the whole region and enhanced wi-fi availability, as well as support for small businesses to take advantage of digital opportunities.

Crosslet House demolition begins at Dumbarton care home site

Work to demolish Crosslet House to make way for the new multi-million pound Dumbarton care home and day facility is now underway.

The state-of-the-art care facility will provide 84 beds for residents once it is completed.

The layout of the new facility has been designed to utilise the outside space to create partially enclosed safe and accessible communal courtyards where residents can enjoy the stunning views over Dumbarton.

Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2016 dates announced

Next year’s Scottish Apprenticeship Week will take place from 29th February-4th March 2016.

The earlier date next year is to avoid a clash with the school exam period and to ensure the dates are better aligned to the workforce development planning period for many employers. This will mean greater opportunity for engagement with business and education.

The week-long campaign is an excellent opportunity to showcase the very best of Scotland’s Modern Apprenticeships, their dedicated employers and training providers.

Last year’s Scottish Apprenticeship Week was the most successful to date with over 200 events up and down the country. CITB was the biggest supporter of the week, hosting over 40 events across the country.

Proposed £1.5m upgrade of Perth multi storey car park under scrutiny

Improvement recommendations for the upgrade of Canal Street Multi-Storey car park (MSCP) in Perth are to be discussed by councillors next week.

The plans detail how the car park can be improved to make it fit for purpose, increase income generation, mitigate future costs and improve the quality and versatility of car parking options in Perth City Centre.

Works to achieve this would include introducing Pay-on-Foot parking to replace Pay and Display; painting walls and columns with soot band to stop decolourisation from vehicle exhaust fumes; improving graphics and upgrading signage and road markings; improving parking for motor bikes and improving Shopmobility access and storage; improving access/egress to the various levels by allowing a wider swept path for vehicles to negotiate the ‘up’ and ‘down’ ramps and enlarging the bays to suit modern vehicles.

A number of proposals are also being made to ensure the car park continues to be maintained safely. To achieve this plans include fitting new wheel stops to parking bays and fitting high level barriers; resurfacing stairs with non-slip coating and fitting permanent contrasting colour step nosings; renewing lighting including emergency lighting; upgrading fire alarm and detection systems; investigating and upgrading ventilation, heating, water and lighting services in offices and staff welfare facilities and undertake maintenance for the whole car park to improve the overall appearance and increase the long term viability of the car park.

The proposed works are estimated at £1.5 million. It is proposed that the car park improvements would be financed in the main by the council’s earmarked car parking reserve.

Highland wind farm company to launch after planning permission denied

Developers behind plans for a wind farm on the edge of a world-famous Highland landscape are mounting a legal challenge to the Scottish Government’s refusal to grant permission.

German-backed wpd Beinn Mhor Ltd had appealed to ministers following repeated delays by the Highland Council in considering their application to erect six turbines on land near Glen Affric, three miles south-east of Tomich.

But a Scottish Government Reporter subsequently found against the development.