Editor’s COMMENT
NI BUILDER
ISSUE 35-2 - APR/MAY 2024
REPORTS HIGHLIGHT URGENT NEED FOR INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING & INVESTMENT REFORM
Welcome to the April/May 2024 edition of NI Builder. A few impressive case studies are featured including Roe Valley Integrated Primary School, a project elevated by its curved design, and the Cardinal Newman Library at St Mary’s University College Belfast, reimagining and extending an existing building to create a modern, user-friendly space. By repurposing existing concrete floor and roof slabs, carbon emissions were significantly reduced for the library project. The aesthetic appeal of our cover star, the new McConnell’s Distillery in the A-wing of the Crumlin Road Gaol, is undeniable with the client amazed by how closely the finished project mirrors initial artistic designs. An open-
plan layout showcases the restored Victorian architecture, gleaming copper stills, statement steel supports and reinforced concrete beams. Having referred to hopes a restored Stormont would reignite public infrastructure investment in our last publication, a series of pieces in this edition outlines the extent of the need. From the NI Audit Office report laying out major delays and a £2.45bn overspend on capital projects to a CEF member survey suggesting limited wastewater capacity is currently holding back construction of 8,450 homes (rising to 19,000 houses with proposed projects), the need for reform of infrastructure planning and investment has become critical. Alyson Magee
THE TEAM: Managing Director Karen McAvoy Editor Alyson Magee Editorial Laura Barr Publication Manager Karen Jess Production Manager Julie Anne Guiney Digital Creative Manager Jo Hendron Digital Communications Rachel Freeman Accounts Andrea Simpson Photography Gordon McAvoy Administration Laoise Boyle
CONTENTS
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Printed by W&G Baird
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News & Views: Northern Ireland’s limited wastewater capacity is holding back construction of as many as 19,000 homes, according to a CEF survey. 23 Products: Grant has installed its 13kW Aerona³ R32 air-source heat pump as part of a bespoke Integrated Heating Package in a new luxury home in Holywood, Co Down. 29 News & Views: Carryduff Building Supplies, an independent family business with its own precast concrete manufacturing facility, is celebrating its 40th anniversary. 50 In Focus: With its Cardinal Newman Library project, Tracey Brothers has created a modern space for collaboration, as well as a benchmark for sustainable development. 62 In Focus: Showcasing its quality workmanship, Roe Valley Integrated Primary School is the latest successful project in the education sector for Lowry Building & Civil Engineering. 76 Products: Kilwaughter Minerals has enhanced its suite of industry-leading products with the launch of premium general-purpose render, GP Mix, through its K Rend brand.
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