Plans lodged for 35-storey Manchester student tower

London-based developer Manner has submitted plans for 550-bed student tower at a historic cotton mill site in Manchester.

Designed by architect Hodder + Partners, the project on Cambridge Street will preserve much of the existing brick façade of the 19th Century Hotspur Press building with a 35-storey tower built behind it.

The project is the first in Manchester for the developer, which took over the sire after previous plans for a 28-storey residential complex on the site fell by the wayside.

The Hotspur Press forms part of Manchester’s industrial heritage. Built on the bank of the Medlock in 1801, this former cotton mill has had many uses but is now derelict.

Manner’s plans include a new public square and connected public realm improvements for the wider community.

Government commits to more timber construction

The Government has set out an ambitious plan to raise the use of timber in the construction of homes and buildings.

It has published a roadmap to boost the safe use of sustainable UK timber in construction while planting forests to increase domestic timber supply.

By planting forests and stimulating construction it aims to reduce emissions and reach net zero, while boosting the economy by cutting imports.

Currently 80% of the timber the UK currently uses is imported. Increasing domestic capacity will create new green jobs in the forestry and wood processing sectors, which contribute over £2bn to UK economy.

Only 9% of English new build homes were timber framed in 2019 in contrast to Scotland where this figure was 92%. With England’s low rates of building with timber relative to other countries, there is an opportunity to unlock this industry at scale and at speed.

Despite several remaining outstanding building safety concerns, the report states that it is possible to safely increase the use of mass-engineered timber in some mid-rise commercial buildings and other non-residential buildings where the risks are adequately assessed, and the consequences of failure accounted for.

Forestry Minister Rebecca Pow said: “Investing in timber is investing in growth and levelling up. The built environment is responsible for a huge proportion of UK carbon emissions, and using home-grown timber in construction is key to reducing emissions.

“Promoting the use of timber as a building material is a key part of the government’s Net Zero Strategy. It will innovate the economy, play a role in creating green jobs and also help meet our tree-planting targets.”

Key actions in roadmap

  • Improving data on timber and whole life carbon

    1. Promoting timber as a construction material

    2. Boosting skills, capacity and competency across the supply chain

    3. Increasing the supply of sustainable timber products

    4. Addressing fire safety concerns to safely expand use of engineered mass timber

    5. Building collaboration with insurers, lenders, and warranty providers

    6. Promoting innovation and high-performing timber construction systems

Click here for Timber in Construction Roadmap

To create a thriving timber construction sector, the Government has also committed build three small school buildings that use the full GenZero system by 2025 and develop five new-build pathfinder projects which develop key themes taken from GenZero by 2028.

Government will also work with industry to explore opportunities for scaling innovations in housing construction using English timber by 2025 and continue to support modern methods of construction to deliver quality homes more quickly and more sustainably though Home England’s strategic plan.

OCS expands Oxygen’s role

Having been appointed in June 2022 by OCS, in the role of 'Corporate Business Advisor,' Oxygen role has been expanded to include more properties within the UK and Ireland following the merger of OCS with Atalian’s UK, Ireland, and Asia operations in March 2023.

OCS Group is now one of the world’s leading international facilities service providers, delivering critical and essential services to support their 20,000 customers. With a turnover in excess of £2bn, the company employs more than 130,000 colleagues in 26 countries and has a strong track record of expertly delivering high-quality services across a range of sectors and industries to customers at a local, national and international level.

Oxygen now manage 33 properties on behalf of OCS, having recently acquired space in Gracechurch Street.

Compact Powerhouse: Unveiling Titon’s Latest MVHR Range

Titon is excited to announce the expansion of its mechanical heat recovery range with the introduction of the new HRV4 Q Plus Range. This latest addition showcases Titon’s commitment to delivering innovative and efficient ventilation solutions for residential applications.

The HRV4 Q Plus Range brings impressive enhancements, maintaining a compact size only 600mm wide whilst significantly boosting performance and efficiency. With an airflow up to 158 l/s (568 m3/h) at 100 Pa, this advanced system ensures optimal indoor air quality. Additionally, the HRV4 Q Plus Range boasts a remarkably low Specific Fan Power, down to 0.38 W/l/s, demonstrating Titon’s dedication to energy efficiency and sustainability.

One of the standout features of the HRV4 Q Plus Range is its highly efficient heat exchanger, achieving up to 91% heat recovery. This outstanding recovery not only ensures superior ventilation but also aids in reducing energy consumption and associated costs.

The new HRV4 Q Plus Range measures 600mm (w) x 602mm (h) x 477mm (d), providing a compact and space-saving design for ease of installation in various building layouts. Moreover, it offers the convenience of Left or Right Hand on-site configuration, allowing for adaptable placement according to specific requirements.

Titon continues to develop its product listening to their customers and the needs of the market. The HRV4 Q Plus Range boasts full MODBUS and WiFI connectivity via the aura-t controller and the auraSmart app, enabling seamless integration for remote monitoring and control.

James Fisher, Titon’s Commercial Director, expressed his excitement about the new product, stating, “The HRV4 Q Plus Range is a game-changer in the ventilation industry. Its impressive airflow capacity, energy efficiency, and smart connectivity options set a new standard for indoor ventilation solutions.”

The most popular products in our range have always been the smaller 600mm wide units, (HRV1.25-1.35 Q Plus and HRV1.6-1.65 Q Plus), Titon now has a range of 3 units covering low to high airflow requirements. We are the only supplier to be able to offer a full range in 600mm width.

Titon is proud to offer the HRV4 Q Plus Range, representing a significant advancement in indoor ventilation technology. With its compact size, remarkable performance, and eco-conscious design, the HRV4 Q Plus Range is poised to transform the way MVHR manage their indoor air quality.

For more information about Titon’s HRV4 Q Plus Range and other ventilation products, please visit www.titon.com/biglittlemvhr.

“Phenomenal” Show Was Just The Job For Jobmate

Speaking to P&D News Mak Singh Sales Director at jobmate, said “jobmate’s team attended the Painters & Decorators Show, and the response was phenomenal! Customers visiting our stand were interested to discover our software that gives a simple solution for a faster and more effective way to process paperwork and organise a business day.

“The show did not just create lead generation, but also many signed up on the day. We are happy to announce that we have quadrupled our sales from last year. The support from attendees was amazing, with shouting out jobmate in the queues for our video. The P & D show has been a great platform to market our software and services. As well as being on a great journey using jobmate we also join the journey with the P & D show“.

Get Started With Timbabuild And See Demos Galore!

TIMBABUILD – STAND 84

Timbabuild will be showcasing it’s just launched brand new “basic” starter kit at the P&D Show. The basic kit case itself is made from FSC accredited tough cardboard which is also recyclable, and is aimed at the contractor that already has a storage system in place but wants a starter kit with no frills.

Timbabuild will have exhibition only prices, on limited stocks of the Premium Starter Kit, the new BASIC starter kit, and another brand new kit offering – at exclusive direct to trade prices.

Visit the stand  for live product demonstrations running throughout the show, giving hints, tips and advice on the best use of the Timbabuild system. Free places on Timbabuild training courses are also up for grabs. Completing the picture is the new Timbabuild EWS Primer dispensing system which offers no more mess, no more measuring. The “squeeze and pour” bottles now come in a large 300ml size and  are designed take all the fuss out of priming repairs.

Monarch Aims To Impress As Show First Timer

MONARCH – STAND 32

Monarch Painting UK are be exhibiting at The National Painting and Decorating for the first time ever. On Stand 32 you’ll be able to view the full collection of brushes and roller sleeves and the company’s popular Detail & Finishing Brush Set.  

Demonstrations and the opportunity to try out  products for yourself as well as a ‘show us your skills’ competition will be running throughout the show.  

Said a company spokesperson ,”The Monarch stand will be a hive of painting & decorating activity with the chance to see what Monarch products can do first hand.  Whether you want to learn about the features of the product, pick up a few tips & tricks or get your hands on some merchandise or products of your own the Monarch stand is not to be missed!“.

All Monarch products will be available to purchase and be exclusively discounted by 20% for the show.

The P&D Show – A Business Boosting Must And The Biggest Yet!

Exhibition now one the largest painting and decorating trade shows in Europe

Over 100 exhibitors from across the UK, Europe, Turkey, New Zealand and North America are putting the finishing touches to their plans for this year’s P&D Show as they prepare to welcome the thousands of visitors already registered to attend.

The two-day show, which opens its doors for business on 21st November at the CBS Arena in Coventry, is now in its 29th year and is a “must” for all decorating professionals. 

New product launches, “How To “demonstrations, business boosting seminars and show- only deals take their place alongside a host of great competetions worth literally thousands of pounds, not to be missed giveaways and the ever-popular visitor Goody Bag.

“The mix of exhibitors at this year’s show reflects the continuing success of the sector, with big-name suppliers and manufacturers sharing the show with an array of innovative newcomers“, comments Organiser Terry Dullaway. “If a decorator is going to invest a day or two in visiting the show, he needs to know that the time spent is really going to help his business and, of course, be enjoyable . The P&D Show aims to do just that!“

Introducing MEDITE MR PLUS!

MEDITE SMARTPLY is delighted to announce the launch of MEDITE MR PLUS to the UK and Ireland!

MEDITE MR PLUS is a premium white primed moisture resistant MDF panel. 

The innovative panel is primed on both surfaces using an opaque UV cured coating system with a matt low gloss finish. It has all the benefits of MEDITE MR but is designed for customers who are looking to save time, effort and money by eliminating the need to prime the panel before painting.

After exceptional feedback and success in European markets, we are happy to announce that MEDITE MR PLUS will now be available to our customers in the UK and Ireland.

“We’re absolutely delighted to bring MEDITE MR PLUS to the UK and Irish markets,” says Jack Scanlan, Product Marketing Executive at MEDITE SMARTPLY. “It’s an incredibly versatile product that has the added benefit of being primed. Removing the priming stage from the process enables the end user to save time and cut down on project costs.”

MEDITE MR PLUS is the perfect product for a wide range of interior applications. Its moisture resistant properties make it ideal for kitchen and bathroom furniture, intricate joinery and cabinetry projects, shop fit outs and events and exhibition stands.

“MEDITE MR PLUS is a perfect example of MEDITE SMARTPLY’s continuing commitment to create products that meet the diverse needs of users, specifiers and designers.”

MEDITE SMARTPLY manufacture a wide range of environmentally conscious engineered wood panels that are fully certified, UKCA and CE marked and legally sourced. As a company, MEDITE SMARTPLY is committed to being a net zero manufacturing company by 2050, reducing carbon emissions across the business and supply chains.

For more information on MEDITE MR PLUS, visit https://mdfosb.com/en/products/medite-mr-plus to download product documents, request samples. Alternatively, contact one of our TSMs. To get in touch with someone in your local area, visit: https://mdfosb.com/en/contact/directory.

Graphenstone Presents Optimal Ecological Paint Systems Perfectly Suited For The Heritage Sector

Graphenstone UK, one of the world’s most widely certified, sustainable mineral paint companies announces that it will showcase its portfolio of products at the 2023 edition of the National Painting and Decorating show (Coventry Building Society Arena). With specifiers and trade decorators looking for fresh solutions to help reduce carbon footprints and reach sustainability targets, the Graphenstone UK technical team will be on hand to talk about the science behind their formulations and explain first-hand what makes their unique product range so special, and why they are so well suited for those working on Heritage projects.  

With Graphenstone already claiming one of the industry’s lowest embedded carbon footprints (below 0.2Kg CO2(e) / m2/at two coats of paint), demonstrating a substantial saving to most conventional and synthetic paint systems, it will talk to visitors about how to make meaningful Net Zero reductions easily, whilst improving indoor air quality too. Already independently certified: Cradle to Cradle Certified®, Ecolabel, EPD's, Green Tag, Eurofins Indoor Air Quality Gold, and being BREEAM, LEED and WELL compliant, it will demonstrate to visitors that with up to 98% pure lime in select ranges, just one of its 15-litre pots can absorb 5 kilos of CO2 as it cures during the month after application. 

Patrick Folkes, Graphenstone UK Founder, says:

“When building longevity into commercial and residential design schemes, we have a responsibility in terms of how these spaces can be future-proofed, taking into account the wider health and wellbeing of the people who live and work in them. Ultimately, it is our role as custodians, and in all our interests, to protect the planet in whatever ways we can.

In the past, one of the barriers to the inclusion of natural mineral based paints was the need for longevity in terms of performance and durability. That’s an area where we have been able to make a significant breakthrough; our paints provide incredible durability and elasticity, which results in less cracking or 'touching up' and reduces maintenance costs. Not only do our paints have no smell following application, but they are highly washable too. Available in over 1000 colours, I firmly believe our paints are the optimal ecological paint system on today's market.        

Graphenstone’s paint ranges are crafted from rich, sustainable materials such as lime, calcium carbonates, silicates, vegetable resins and contain no formaldehydes or added microplastics. Its paint contains only trace VOCs (under 0.1% volatile organic compounds) and gives maximum vapour permeability, perfectly suited for contemporary and Heritage projects.  

Ben Sturges, Operations Director, Graphenstone UK says;

When it comes to Heritage projects, most people want to work with traditional materials, however these can often be expensive and quite impractical. This is an area where Graphenstone paints work well, as they are brilliantly suited to the demands of contemporary living and work alongside the fabric of older buildings by effectively letting walls ‘breathe’. This process which allows water vapour to pass through the paint membrane enabling moisture to evaporate from the surface rather than being trapped behind it. Our paints are classified as Class 1, with Sd ratings of between 0.01 and 0.1. and are tested to a Class 1 wet scrub rating, so perfect for helping manage moisture levels often found in older buildings whilst also offering the highest level of durability.”

Graphene – an extraordinary 21st Century discovery, and an integral patented ingredient to the structure of Graphenstone’s coatings formulations, was first discovered by Prof Andre Geim and Prof Kostya Novoselov at The University of Manchester 19 years ago and won them the Nobel Prize in Physics, opening multiple industry opportunities to radically change how we build and design in our world for the better. This unique innovation uses this graphene technology to enhance thermal conductivity, uniformity and, importantly, durability extending maintenance cycles and ultimately lowering long-term costs.  

Graphenstone will showcase its full range of market-leading products from its GCS Exterior Premium mineral paint range, which has been independently tested to A2-s1,d0 classified as a non-combustible material, helping to prevent the surface spread of flames*, to its flagship Ambient Pro+ range which has special photocatalytic capabilities offering air-purification benefits, removing toxins like NOx, SOx and other harmful gasses, for many years after application.

The company will also present its latest and exclusive new paint range created in a special collaboration with the world’s oldest public museum, the Ashmolean, Oxford. This carefully curated collection of 16 colours pays homage to art and culture through the decades and demonstrate how tradition and innovation can work in tandem. Sales of this range will also help support the museum’s ongoing work.

Graphenstone UK is based in Norfolk. www.graphenstone-eco paints.store 

For further information please contact: Byrne Communications:  

Emma Tweedie / emma@byrnecomms.com 07711 515904 or Melissa Byrne / melissa@byrnecomms.com 07795 805 937