NIBuilder 33-5 Oct-Nov

For over 30 years, NI Builder (formerly Northern Builder) has been committed to bringing our readers the latest news on the companies, projects, products and services that matter within the construction industry in Northern Ireland.

OFFICIAL MEDIA PARTNER

Vol 33 No 5 - OCT/NOV 2022

and the winners are...

SEE PAGES 15-32

NI BUILDER

Inside this issue...

Issue 33-5 - Oct/Nov 2022

103

NI BUILDER IS THE OFFICIAL MEDIA PARTNER FOR - CONSTRUCTION EMPLOYERS FEDERATION FOR THEIR LATEST NEWS AND UPDATES - SEE PAGES 15-32

News & Views 5 Kilwaughter’s multi-million investment Kilwaughter Minerals announces two-year capital investment programme totalling £4.7m. 7 Architects award Tobermore Tobermore’s premium concrete paving Braemar is awarded ‘Best Exterior Product’ at the Architects Choice Awards 2022. 8 Building a mental health alliance Industry collaboration to create better mental health awareness, support and training for everyone working within the NI built environment sector.

Products 39 Grant

In Focus 44 Ulster University Belfast Campus Avant-garde design and outstanding construction delivery

Heating manufacturer, Grant, offers free-of charge specifications on heating technology and compliance with building regulations.

by main contractor Sacyr and supply chain completes Ulster University’s new Belfast campus.

65 Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab

Knauf Insulation earns an additional BBA certificate for its Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab range.

78 Lewis Mews Apartments, East Belfast

Leo Matheson Ltd delivers a unique, stylish riverside apartment development with a mix of social housing and retail units. 86 Fire door safety demonstration Elite Doors event highlights life-saving performance of fully compliant fire safety doors.

85 baseTherm®

baseTherm® is Ireland’s only NSAI accredited BEPS liquid floor insulation.

103 Eco Mix concrete

New Eco Mix concretes from Northstone Materials provide Co2 reductions between 10-30%.

CONTACT US: The Forge, 13b Lisburn Road, Moira, Co. Armagh, BT67 0JR T: Moira: 028 9261 2990 T: Dublin: 01 696 8319 E: northernbuilder@kmpltd.co.uk www.northernbuilder.co.uk

THE TEAM: Managing Director Karen McAvoy Editor Heather Campbell Editorial Ana Corradini Sales Manager Karen Jess Advertising Julie Patterson Production Manager Julie Anne Guiney Digital Creative Manager Jo Hendron Design Tomo Pattison Digital Communications Rachel Freeman Accounts Andrea Simpson Photography Gordon McAvoy Printed by W&G Baird

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With reference to the Misdescriptions Act, please note that the measurements and artist’s impressions within are for illustrative purposes only and may not be accurate. Reproduction of whole or in part of this publication, without prior permission from Karen McAvoy Publishing Ltd, is strictly prohibited.

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NEWS

SPANWALL APPOINTS NEW TECHNICAL SALES MANAGER

Belfast-based architectural wall cladding specialist Spanwall has appointed Gabe McArdle as Technical Sales Manager. With over 35 years of experience in the industry, Gabe will

New Spanwall Technical Sales Manager Gabe McArdle.

focus on generating new sales leads and assisting in delivering an ambitious growth strategy. After studying Production Engineering at the Dundalk Institute of Technology, Gabe spent 25 years at the Kingspan Group working his way up to Vice President of Sales in North America. For the next six years, McArdle worked at the Suretank Group and lent his expertise to accounts across Africa, the Middle East and Europe before moving to the Dublin- based OUTHAUS Group. Spanwall has provided specialist cladding solutions on many signature buildings throughout the world, from Belfast to Barbados, Dublin to Amsterdam and South Africa to Saudi Arabia. The developments were specified by architects and designers working on behalf of brands such as Google, Apple, Microsoft,

Kilwaughter Minerals CEO Gary Wilmot.

KILWAUGHTER MINERALS COMMITS ALMOST £5M TO CAPITAL INVESTMENT

Leading minerals processor, Kilwaughter Minerals Limited, has announced a two-year capital investment programme totalling £4.7 million. The money will fund a range of projects to improve capacity and efficiency, reduce the Larne company’s carbon footprint and enhance its market-leading position in the construction and agriculture sectors. The initiative includes the construction of additional warehousing, updated plant and machinery, and a new blending plant, completed earlier this year. The company also plans to improve its HQ at Kilwaughter and its distribution and office facility in Cork.

Gary Wilmot, Kilwaughter Minerals CEO, commented, “As we seek to remain at the forefront of our industries and markets, investing in our capital infrastructure remains an ongoing commitment. Demand for our products is increasing, so we must plan for future growth and development, aligned with our commitment to sustainability.” Kilwaughter’s range of products includes through-colour renders, external wall insulation systems, soil health-conditioning minerals and livestock bedding lime solutions to control bacteria. Learn more at www.kilwaughter.com

Guinness, British Airways and Audi. Visit www.spanwall.com for product information.

THIRD GENERATION OF HOMEBUILDERS LAUNCH FRASER PARTNERS

A third generation of homebuilders, brothers Andrew Fraser, James Fraser and sister Victoria Fraser, have launched Fraser Partners. Fraser Partners has been created to provide excellent quality, well-designed and family-centric homes throughout Northern Ireland. Ongoing major developments include Rivenwood in Newtownards, where they have built and sold 250 New England inspired homes since 2016, and Whitehem, in Killinchy. The company also built 24 new Eco Homes close to Comber. Fraser Partners has already broken ground on a contemporary, 100-house scheme in Carryduff with the first completions planned for Summer 2023. James commented, “Our father instilled in all three of us the importance of delivering the highest-quality product. We have innovative plans for developments throughout Northern Ireland

(L-R): Managing partners, James, Victoria and Andrew Fraser.

and look forward to seeing more people enjoy the communities we create.” To find out more about Fraser Partners and plans for future homes, visit www.fraser.co.uk

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NI BUILDER | 5

NEWS

Back row, L-R: Paul Caskey OBE, Head of Cam- paign, IEF, Nuala Hall, Principal, Central Integrated Primary School, Founder and Chair, Hagan Homes, and Brian Small, IEF’s former Fundraising Manager who has recently retired, with students from Central Integrated Primary School, Carrickfergus. Carrickfergus, James Hagan,

Braemar’s premium granite aesthetic caught the eye of the judges.

ARCHITECTS CROWN BRAEMAR PAVING “BEST EXTERIOR PRODUCT” Tobermore’s premium concrete paving Braemar was awarded “Best Exterior Product” at the Architects Choice Awards 2022. The product has become a firm favourite with specifiers due to its premium granite aesthetic and on- trend colour palette but, ultimately, it was Braemar’s sustainability credentials that won the judges over. As part of Tobermore’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing, the company published a library of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). EPDs enable architects to compare the environmental impact of different materials and make informed decisions about which to choose for their projects. Managing Director and Owner of Tobermore, David Henderson commented on the win, “We are absolutely delighted. Specifiers love Braemar’s high-end granite look, and it is a popular choice for public realm schemes. We are experiencing a tremendous amount of Braemar enquiries due to the rising costs, longer lead times and environmental implications of importing Chinese natural granite.” To find out more, visit: tobermore.co.uk/ professional/why-choose-braemar

HAGAN DONATES £1M TO THE INTEGRATED EDUCATION FUND

Homebuilding firm Hagan Homes will donate £1m to the Integrated Education Fund (IEF), which supports the growth and development of Integrated Education in NI. James Hagan, Chair and Founder of Hagan Homes, will commit the funds over a three-year period in what will be the IEF’s largest-ever corporate donation since the charity’s inception in 1992. Hagan Homes has been supporting the charity for 30 years. The funds will go towards the IEF’s mission to see 30 more schools become Integrated

through the Transformation process, as well as to programmes that promote integration through sport, support to children with additional educational needs, and new preschool provision. “The IEF is the backbone to making sure opportunities are there in educational settings that bring our children together. It is the voice and the supporter of the cause and any funding that goes to this drive can only help shape a better society here in Northern Ireland,” commented James Hagan.

FRASER MILLAR RELEASES NEXT PHASE IN UK’S LARGEST RESIDENTIAL PASSIVHAUS PROJECT

Leading Northern

Ireland property developer, Fraser Millar, has released five new turnkey homes in the next phase of its flagship £70M Lancaster Park project – the largest certified developer-led Passivhaus residential project in UK and Ireland. The homes are all built to Passivhaus low-energy building standards, helping dramatically reduce home-heating bills for buyers while

improving living standards. They consist of a range of three and four-bedroom, semi- detached and detached family homes, three of which with solar panels. Lancaster Park is the first large-scale residential development with optimum energy efficiency. For further information, visit www.frasermillar.co.uk

L-R: Fiona Donnelly and Elaine Cronin, Specification Sales Managers at Tobermore.

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MENTAL HEALTH

L-R: Barry Neilson (Chief Executive CITBNI), Gavin McGuire (Northern Ireland Director, FMB), Siobhan O’Neill (Mental Health Champion for Northern Ireland), Wilson Lambe (Chair of Building Mental Health Alliance), Paul Johnston (Chair of NICG) and Mark Spence (Managing Director, CEFNI).

BUILDING MENTAL HEALTH ALLIANCE AIMS TO SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH IN NI CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY… Building an alliance to support mental health in construction sector

B uilding Mental Health Alliance (BMHA), a body consisting of a collaboration of industry bodies, large contractors and other workplace health and safety organisations from across Northern Ireland was officially launched at an event marking World Mental Health Day (October 10) at CITB NI. The BMHA will work together with the aim to create better mental health awareness, support and training for everyone working within the NI Built Environment sector. Mental ill health within the construction industry is a growing issue. Statistics from the construction mental health charity Mates In Mind show that two people working in construction in the UK die by suicide every day and that suicide rates among construction workers are more

than three times higher than the national average. With a focus on supporting with a culture of openness, BMHA’s objectives are to: • Create a working environment that aids good mental health for all. • Promote better awareness of mental health issues. • Support/promote sector specific initiatives aiming to improve awareness and acceptance of issues around mental health. • Support/promote initiatives that provide meaningful support and guidance to individuals. FIRST STEPS As part of the launch BMHA announced some of its first outputs including: • The Construction Skills Register (CSR) will now include a mental health module

Siobhan O’Neill (Mental Health Champion for Northern Ireland).

Noel Brady (Chair of CITBNI) chatting to exhibitors.

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MENTAL HEALTH

L-R: Darren McClean (Head of SHEQ, Farrans), Andrew Cooke (Safety, Health and Environment Director, GRAHAM), Siobhan O’Neill (Mental Health Champion for Northern Ireland), David Wallace (SHEQ Director, Henry Brothers Limited).

“Spotting the signs” roleplay by two actors.

BMHA comprises of representatives from the following organisations: • NISG • WHLGNI “The BMHA will work together with the aim to create better mental health awareness, support and training.”

in the basic health and safety training delivered to approximately 20,000 construction workers a year in Northern Ireland. The module will highlight signs of mental ill health to look out for and signpost candidates to some of the organisations and charities that provide help and advice locally. • A toolbox talk that can be delivered on sites. This aims to raise awareness at site level of the issues that could be impacting those working on the site and how they can get help. • An awareness video that demonstrates to construction workers the importance of looking out for their colleagues and that support exists for those experiencing mental ill health. Wilson Lambe, BMHA Chair, commented, “It was fantastic to see such a great turnout at the event which highlights how seriously the industry takes the issue of mental ill health. The actions announced today are just the start of what the Building Mental Health Alliance plans to do. Further initiatives will be announced shortly and it’s vitally important the whole of the construction industry works together to make better mental health a priority.” Siobhan O’Neill, Northern Ireland Mental

Health Champion, who presented at the event commented, “It’s clear that employment in the construction industry is associated with a particular set of challenges that can impact on workers’ mental health. It’s heartening to see such a wide range of representatives coming together to start to tackle this issue. By creating a culture of openness and breaking down the stigma that surrounds mental health issues, individuals will feel more comfortable when raising any issues affecting their mental health and disclosing mental health difficulties.” MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT BMHA is keen to raise awareness of the fantastic work of organisations that provide guidance and support in Northern Ireland. These eleven organisations attended the launch to highlight the services they provide: Action Mental Health, Aware NI, Cause, Helplines NI, Inspire Wellbeing, HSENI (Mental Wellbeing Team), Lighthouse Club - The Construction Industry Charity, Lifeline, Mindwise, PIPS Charity and Samaritans. For more information about the BMHA, contact Ernie Spence, Joint Secretary of the NI Safety Group, T: +44 (0)28 9336 8928 / Mob: +44 (0)7938 049270.

• NICG • Farrans • GRAHAM • Henry Brothers • McLaughlin & Harvey

• CITBNI • CEFNI • MPANI

Attendees networking with 11 mental health organisations exhibiting.

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TRADE

EVENT

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

To book a stand contact:

Karenj@kmpltd.co.uk

028 9261 2990

BUILDEX BELFAST 2023

WED 29 MARCH 2023 4PM - 9PM THUR 30 MARCH 2023 9:30AM - 4PM TITANIC EXHIBITION CENTRE

THE PRESTIGIOUS BUILDING INDUSTRY EVENT IS BACK IN NORTHERN IRELAND IN MARCH WITH WORLD-CLASS BRANDS AND EXCLUSIVE OFFERS… Save the date for BUILDEX Belfast

N orthern Ireland building industry, get your calendars out and save the date: BUILDEX is back in Belfast in association with CEF. The 2023 show promises to be bigger and better than ever before. After a brief hiatus due to the pandemic lockdown, the festival of construction and networking will be held on March 29 and 30, 2023 at the Titanic Exhibition Centre in Belfast. Normally held every two years, BUILDEX is an unmissable opportunity for both companies and visitors. The show brings together hundreds of top brands to promote the last word in the building industry, featuring innovative products, trends in the business, and smart technologies. BUILDEX attracts visitors from across the NI construction industry, including building contractors and sub-contractors, architectural and design firms, house builders and developers, government

departments, housing groups and associations, and education and training institutes, as well as merchants and distribution companies. Exhibitors will be able to increase brand awareness, meet peers in the industry, keep an eye on the competition, and develop relationships with suppliers, distributors, and end customers. They also receive interesting inquiries and numerous orders during the show. Visitors will have the chance to receive expert advice on modern working methods and enjoy great deals, thanks to the event’s special offers. Fun product

demonstrations, the competitive vibe of the Apprentice Skills Challenge and the always popular freebies contribute to a great atmosphere during the two days of the show. BUILDEX Belfast is an integral part of the Build Electrical Plumbing Expo (or BEPEX for short) at the Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast on March 29 and 30, 2023. Co-locating with two major trade events under one roof, BEPEX 2023 is the must-attend event for anyone involved in the construction, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical sectors in Northern Ireland.

BOOK A STAND TODAY

If you would like to promote your brand and products and reach hundreds of distributors and end customers, book a stand today. For more information, contact Janice Uprichard on +44 (0)28 9261 2990 or +353 (0)696 8319, or email janice@kmpltd.co.uk

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CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS

BUILDING A STRONG, TALENTED WORKFORCE IS AT THE HEART OF BREEDON’S EXPANSION PLANS…

Breedon targets team growth

B reedon Group Plc recently announced a strong set of results for the first six months of 2022, with Group revenue for the period up by 12%. Rob Wood, Breedon Group’s CEO stated, “Crucially, we achieved this strong outturn while keeping our people safe and well. We have continued to invest in our team as we prepare for our next chapter of growth and that was reflected in our recent engagement survey where response and engagement rates were the highest ever. Our colleagues are embracing the challenges presented by the uncertain backdrop, remaining focused on responding nimbly to local market requirements, winning new business, driving efficiencies and delivering first-class service to our customers. Now more than ever, our agile and entrepreneurial DNA will set us apart.” Breedon has ambitious plans to become even bigger and more successful in the future. An integral part of these plans is the people it employs. Breedon endeavours to develop its own staff from within whilst also attracting talented people into the organisation to help build a sustainable future. In Ireland, Breedon embarked on an employer brand campaign recently called ‘Inside Breedon’ to promote itself as a ‘preferred employer’ within the construction industry. Breedon employees share their experience of what working for one of the leading construction material groups in Ireland and Great Britain, really means.

JACK HENRY,CIVIL ENGINEERING APPRENTICE Jack is a Site Engineer, from Derry, who works in various Breedon locations around Fermanagh and Tyrone. He joined the Breedon group from the Graduate level, and explains how support from his employers has made the transition into the industry all the easier. “I came to Breedon after my A-Levels as an apprentice and the opportunity to both develop directly into my chosen career and earn while I learned was a huge plus for me. Everything is costing more these days and it’s just not an option to take on costly debts with the current economy being the way it is. “What appealed to me was being able to advance ahead of many of my peers, gaining valuable industry experience and knowledge with a big company like Breedon. You’re doing real world learning across multiple sites, with an interesting variety of work that just can’t be taught as deeply without getting out there and getting the hands dirty. “I’m now in my final year of my

Jack Henry, Civil Engineering Apprentice, Breedon Ireland.

honour’s degree at University Ulster Jordanstown, and my studies have been fully supported by Breedon’s flexible and collaborative working culture. “They really work around me to fit in my study days for exam preparation and all this takes place around a busy schedule. “I get a sense that my development is important to them as well as me, and with Breedon, the opportunities are there for you when you want them. “The varieties of experiences and levels of knowledge from all my colleagues makes a job that can be hard work, into a job that you can learn how to do better and become better whilst doing so.”

What they do - Breedon Group Plc is a leading construction materials group operating in over 350 locations across Ireland and Great Britain. The company produces essential materials that make a fundamental difference to the everyday lives of people everywhere.

T: +44 (0)28 9250 1000 E: info.ni@breedongroup.com www.breedongroup.com

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GOLF DAY

T he MacBlair charity golf day held at the Royal Belfast Golf Club on October 6, turned into a highly competitive event with colleagues helping to raise £5,000 for their charity partners AWARE and Community Rescue Service. Each charity was represented by a team of MacBlair colleagues and sponsored by one of MacBlair’s key suppliers; Team AWARE was sponsored by Xtratherm and Team CRS by Gyproc. Each player was tasked with raising a minimum of £100 to take part, with a representative from each charity and supplier joining in to play for their respective teams. It was a close-run race, with CRS coming out on top as the MacBlair Charity Cup 2022 winners. The monies raised will be split between both charities. www.macbair.com COLLEAGUES TEE- OFF FOR CLOSE-RUN MACBLAIR CHARITY CUP… MacBlair charity golf event raises £5k

(L-R): Julie Carson, Phil McCrory, Emmett Trainor, Dermott McDaid, Mark Rutherford and Barry Torrens (CRS).

(L-R): Natasha MacKay (AWARE), Tom McLean, Niall McParland, Ryan Sinclair, Neil Glover and Barry Torrens (CRS).

(L-R): Natasha MacKay (AWARE) Michael Bryson (Xtratherm), Paul Finlay (Gypsum), Ian McClelland, (Martin Groome (Xtratherm) and Barry Torrens (CRS).

(L-R): Natasha Mackay (AWARE) Phillip Aughey, Kenny McBride, Aaron Wall, Robert McNeill and Barry Torrens (CRS).

MacBlair charity partners:

AWARE is the Depression Charity for Northern Ireland. Community Rescue Service is a charitable search & rescue organisation operated by volunteers.

(L-R): CRS Team Captain Michael Getty, Natasha MacKay (AWARE), Barry Torrens (CRS) and AWARE Team Captain Jack Uprichard.

(L-R): Barry Torrens (District Commander Community Rescue Service) and Team Captain Michael Getty with the Winner’s Cup.

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CEF AWARDS

and the winners are...

PATRONS

MEDIA PARTNER

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Mark Spence, CEF Managing Director, introduces the 2022 CEF Excellence Awards.

Claire McCollum and Martin Roberts, Co Hosts and Presenters.

Suzannah Nichol, Build UK.

Martin O’Kane President CEF.

Frank Reilly, CIF president.

The Red Hot Chilli Pipers.

MARK SPENCE, CEF MANAGING DIRECTOR, INTRODUCES THE 2022 CEF EXCELLENCE AWARDS… Celebrating Excellence in Construction

R eturning to an in-person event for the first time in three years, I’m sure I speak for many when I say what a huge pleasure it was to see over 550 people from across the local construction industry gather on October 6 to celebrate the phenomenal achievements of our

sector, and its people, at the 2022 CEF Excellence Awards. Joined by industry leaders from GB and ROI, CEF President Martin O’Kane reflected on the resilience of the sector and the importance of government engagement. This year’s gala ceremony, hosted by

BBC’s Claire McCollum and Homes Under the Hammer’s Martin Roberts, was our largest event yet and a fantastic showcase for the incredible work carried out by CEF members and their teams. The exceptionally high standard of entries made deciding the winners a difficult job for our judging panel and proved a real testament to the ability of NI construction firms to deliver world-beating projects with the potential to benefit the wider community for generations to come. In the Housing categories, contractors such as EHA Group, BW Affordable Social Housing and Alskea Ltd won over the judges with developments that delivered homes to be proud of, while in the Quality Performance awards, Woodvale Construction scooped Social Value Project of the Year and Adman Civil Projects, Heron Brothers and GRAHAM/ BAM Healthcare Partnership picked up

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EVENT WELCOME

Bonus awards • Overall Winner – Felix O’Hare for Merchant Square, Belfast • Achieving Excellence in Partnering – FLYNN for Harberton North, Belfast Construction Person of the Year Awards • Apprentice of the Year – Shannon O’Doherty, Mascott Construction • Rising Star – Fergal McAliskey, Lotus Homes • Outstanding Contributor – Donal McGloin, Tracey Brothers • Lifetime Achievement – Desmond Scott, Woodvale Construction

trophies for displaying excellence in their approach to training, health & safety and sustainability respectively. The ability to deliver for the client was a recurring theme among this year’s winners, and so was the case with Gilbert-Ash, who impressed the judges to win Fit-Out Project of the Year for the PwC Headquarters in Belfast. Similarly, P&K McKaigue won Restoration Project of the Year for their work on St Comgall’s Community Centre which the judges called a credit to them and their client, Falls Community Council. The Health Project of the Year award went to HJ O’Boyle for the Macmillan Cancer Unit at the Ulster Hospital, while the award for Education Project of the Year went to Tracey Brothers for delivering the world’s first Passivhaus Premium and BREEAM Outstanding educational facility at SWC Erne Campus in Enniskillen. Other innovative projects included BSG Civil Engineering who won Infrastructure Project of the Year for the Ballykelly Waste Water Treatment upgrade and Henry Brothers who picked up a GB & ROI Construction award for delivering Staffordshire University’s first carbon neutral building at Woodlands Day Nursey & Forest School. The 2022 awards also showcased individual and emerging talent through the Outstanding Contributor, Rising Star and Apprentice of the Year awards. The winners of these awards, Donal McGloin (Tracey Brothers), Fergal McAliskey (Lotus Homes) and Shannon Doherty (Mascott Construction) should be rightly proud of the recognition they have achieved. In a new category, established to recognise the individual who best exemplifies dedication to the pursuit of excellence and leadership in construction, Desmond Scott from Woodvale Construction was awarded with the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award. Rounding off this year’s ceremony, we were delighted to present the 2022 Overall Winner Award to Felix O’Hare for Merchant Square, Belfast. The judges agreed that the firm’s skills, expertise and teamworking led to the delivery of a landmark project in the heart of the city centre. In closing, I would like to thank everyone who entered this year’s CEF Excellence Awards and congratulate you on your many achievements. Over the coming weeks and months, I look forward to visiting many more world-class projects that will no doubt feature in the awards of 2023!

Quality Performance • Training – Adman Civil Projects • Health & Safety – Heron Brothers

• Environmental Sustainability – GRAHAM/BAM Healthcare Partnership, Royal Victoria Hospital, new Maternity Hospital • Social Value – Woodvale Construction, Belfast City Cemetery Visitor’s Centre Housing • Social Housing – BW Affordable Social Housing – Cappagh Green, Portstewart • Private Housing – Alskea, Foxleigh Wood, Lurgan • Multiple Occupancy – EHA Group, Harberton Hall, Belfast • Multiple Occupancy – HIGHLY COMMENDED – GRAHAM, LIV, Belfast General Construction • Commercial Construction, above £1m – Felix O’Hare, Merchant Square, Belfast • General Construction, above £1m – Moss Construction, Waringstown Presbyterian Church • General Construction, below £1m – Charles Brand, Magheracross Viewpoint, Bushmills • Fit-Out – Gilbert Ash, PwC Headquarters, Belfast • Restoration – P&K McKaigue, St Comgall’s Community Centre, Belfast • Health – HJ O’Boyle, MacMillen Cancer Unit, Ulster Hospital, Belfast • Education – Tracey Brothers, Erne Campus, Enniskillen • Infrastructure – BSG Civil Engineering, Ballykelly WwTW upgrade, Ballykelly GB & ROI and Infrastructure • GB & Republic of Ireland Construction, above £2.5m – Henry Brothers, Staffordshire University Woodlands Day Nursery & Forest School • GB & Republic of Ireland Construction, below £2.5m – DAWSON-WAM – HS2 SCS Area West – Rail Infrastructure, London

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L-R: Mark Spence, CEF, Martin O’Kane, President CEF, John Tracey, Past President CEF and Tom Parlon, Director General CIF.

L-R: Martin O’Kane, President CEF, Christine Spence, Suzannah Nichol, Build UK, Mark Spence, Managing Director CEF and Damien Toner, Director of Estates QUB.

Raise a glass to world-class construction excellence

Over 550 people filled the Crowne Plaza Ballroom for CEF’s first post-covid Gala Awards Evening to recognise the best examples in local construction for 2022. Hosted by BBC’s Claire McCollum and Homes Under the Hammer’s Martin Roberts, the event – the largest in CEF history – was a night of glamour and glitz celebrated in great style by our industry members. NORTHERN IRELAND’S CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY GATHERS TO CELEBRATE THE PHENOMENAL ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE SECTOR AT THE CEF EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2022…

L-R: Mark Spence, Managing Director CEF, Christine Spence, Claire McCollum, Suzannah Nichol, Build UK, Martin O’Kane, President CEF and John Tracey, Past President CEF.

L-R: Kevin Fitzsimons, Joe McLeigh, Declan McCormick, Chloe Smith, Roy Henning, Martin Dobbin and Gary Denvir.

L-R: Paddy Kerrin and John Tracey from Tracey Brothers, James Curran, Albert Fry Associates, Tracey McGovern, Tracey Brothers, Dan Gilchrist, Semple McKillop, Donal McGloin and Eamon McSharry, Tracey Brothers with Eimear Grugan, South West College.

Pictured on the night: Fox Contracts.

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DRINKS RECEPTION

L-R: Gerard Graham, Gerard Graham Consulting, Jack Bothwell, QMAC Construction and Alastair McCaw, Choice Housing Association.

L-R: Cathal Morgan, Gerard Brooks, Conor Quinn and Marcus Baird, Felix O’Hare.

L-R: Martin O’Kane, Current President CEF and John Tracey, Past President CEF.

L-R: Lisa Haycock and Sarah McConkey, Farrans.

L-R: Damian Gill and Joe Gorman, Felix O’Hare.

L-R: Robert Fitzpatrick, South West College, Kevin Boggs, Finalist in ‘Apprentice of the Year’ category and Trevor McLean, South West College.

L-R: Padraig Venney, NHBC and Mark Spence Managing Director CEF.

L-R: Maurice and Linda Thompson, GRAHAM.

CEF Awards raise over £6,000 for Air Ambulance

Guests at the CEF Gala Awards evening dug deep to support the prize draw which helped CEF raise an amazing £6,000+ on the night for the industry’s nominated charity, Air Ambulance NI.

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L-R: Desmond Scott, Chairman Woodvale Construction Company, Martin O’Kane CEF President, Martin Roberts Co Host & TV Presenter.

Lifetime Achievement Award WINNER: DESMOND SCOTT – WOODVALE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

Desmond Scott from Woodvale Construction Company is the winner of the very first Lifetime Achievement Award, established to recognise the individual that best exemplifies dedication to the pursuit of excellence and leadership in construction throughout their career. Starting his career as an apprentice plumber in 1966, three years later, Desmond and his late cousin, Philip Ewing, founded Scott & Ewing Ltd, a mechanical services contractor. Initially they serviced the boom in the oil-fired home heating market, before expanding into a successful industrial heating and plumbing enterprise. With a long-held vision to establish as a main contracting company, Desmond acquired the goodwill and assets of a small local company, SJ McCutchen, in 1980, and rebranded it as Woodvale Construction Company Ltd. Today, it is a leading privately-owned business that has evolved from small beginnings to that of an

innovative, reliable and flexible contractor operating from Northern Ireland, with site locations and an enviable portfolio of award-winning projects across Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and GB. Desmond’s outstanding commitment and longevity in the construction industry is testament to his core values, which are rooted in family and community. Those core values and principles – trust, mutual respect, integrity, a co-operative attitude and a dedication to excellence – still apply today and are the hallmarks of the business. As principal of the family run business, Desmond nurtures staff from apprenticeships to site managers and is proud that many staff members have been employed for over 30 years. Loyalty is reciprocated in the provision of progressive training in industry standards, sustainability, innovation, management techniques and formal qualifications.

He also has a keen sense of corporate social responsibility providing a lifetime of support to local charity and community groups. A notable career achievement was leading Woodvale’s MCIOB programme, which saw 16 candidates graduating from the company in a single ceremony – the largest group ever internationally for CIOB. Above all else, Desmond has provided leadership that has carried his team through the many challenges faced by the construction industry over the last 42 years, and it is this strength, drive and ability to inspire that makes him a worthy recipient for the Lifetime Achievement Award.

T: +44 (0)28 8224 2622 E: info@woodvaleconstruction.co.uk www.woodvaleconstruction.co.uk

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WINNERS REVIEW

Merchant Square, Belfast.

L-R: Claire McCollum, Co Host and Broadcaster, Steve McClean, Site Manager Felix O’Hare, Gerard Brooks, Contracts Manager Felix O’Hare and Martin O’Kane CEF President.

Overall Winner Contributor WINNER: FELIX O’HARE - MERCHANT SQUARE, BELFAST

Felix O’Hare & Co Ltd is the Overall Winner in the CEF Construction Excellence Awards 2022 for the Merchant Square refurbishment project in Belfast. The team immersed itself in the project, showcasing its skills, expertise and teamworking approach to successfully deliver for its client. Competition in this category was fierce and the judges acknowledged the quality of this year’s entries which all portrayed the highest standards of professionalism and excellence. However, there could only be one winner and they agreed that Felix O’Hare & Co Ltd was the worthy winner given the extremely tight city centre location, retention of existing buildings while constructing additional new floor

relationship with the end tenant. Delivered within the heart of Belfast, Merchant Square has been completely transformed, becoming one of the city’s iconic, catalyst structures both functionally and architecturally. Initially three separate, 7- and 8-storey buildings comprising of Oyster House, Ferguson House and Royston House, the scheme required each building to be stripped back to its core and meticulously stitched back together to form one cohesive 260,000 sq ft Grade A office space. Situated in Belfast’s historic Linen Quarter, nods to the city’s heritage are found in abundance within the building envelope and finishes. The Corten façade with its rusted finish links the building to Belfast’s world-renowned shipyard heritage and

the yellow theme found throughout the finishes reflects the famous Harland and Wolff Cranes. Delivered within Belfast 1, the project was technically challenging with over 250 piles and 1,000 tonne of steel installed. The existing precast concrete facade panels, each weighing circa 2.5 tonne, had to be removed at night when the footway and road below was closed. Completed during the pandemic, Merchant Square lead the redevelopment of the Linen Quarter and uplifted the area.

T: +44 (0)28 3026 1134 E: admin@felixohare.com www.felixohare.com

space, the approach to sustainable construction and positive working

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

NI BUILDER | 21

The Cappagh Green development provides 75 new social homes and 12 private sale homes on a mixed tenure site in Portstewart. Six of these homes are complex needs homes and have been specially designed to facilitate people with disabilities and special needs. This development is a Department for Communities Housing for All scheme which, despite the challenges of Brexit and Covid, was delivered four months ahead of schedule and is an excellent example of how collaborative working at all levels can result in a well-designed, high quality and safe residential environment to improve the health and well-being of those who live there. Social Housing Project of the Year WINNER: BW SOCIAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING CAPPAGH GREEN, PORTSTEWART L-R: Dominic Millar, Site Manager, BW Social Affordable Housing, Paul Price, Director of Social Housing Policy and Sean McWilliams, Contracts Manager, BW Social Affordable Housing.

L-R: Claire McCollum, Co Host and Broadcaster, Conor Maguire, Project Manager Alskea, Mark Spence, Managing Director CEF, Francis Casey, Finishing Foreman Alskea and Martin Roberts, Co Host and TV Presenter.

Private Housing Project of the Year WINNER: ALSKEA FOXLEIGH WOOD, LURGAN

Foxleigh Wood is an exceptional housing development located on the edge of Lurgan. The judging panel spoke with several residents who were all very positive about residing in this impressive development and they also spoke very highly of the Alskea team in relation to how any concerns they had were quickly and professionally resolved. Overall, the judges were particularly impressed with the attention to detail evident throughout the scheme, the high-quality design and how the layout of the scheme embraces the mature landscaping which collectively contributes to the creation of an overall distinctive sense of place at this site.

T: +44 (0)28 8776 9297 E: info@alskea.com www.alskea.com

T: +44 (0)28 7181 0106 - E: enquiries@bwltd.com www.bwltd.com BW Social Affordable Housing is part of the Braidwater Group

Foxleigh Wood, Lurgan.

Cappagh Green, Portstewart.

22 | NI BUILDER

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

WINNERS REVIEW

Multiple Occupancy Project of the Year WINNER: EHA GROUP HARBERTON HALL, BELFAST L-R: Claire McCollum, Co Host and Broadcaster, Ronan Devine, Quantity Surveyor EHA Group, Mark Spence, Managing Director CEF and Mark Gilmore, Construction Director Ireland EHA Group. Harberton Hall is an impressive, high specification, multiple occupancy residential development, which delivers a luxury retirement facility to south Belfast. The judges were impressed by the design of the development which thoughtfully and seamlessly blended private apartment style living, with a variety of indoor and outdoor social spaces offering a combination of quiet areas, active areas and family spaces. One of the standout features of the development was the high standard of finish both internally and externally, the commitment to quality and attention to detail was evident throughout. The distinctive development left the judges with an impression of quality and careful design.

Liv Belfast is a purpose-built student residential complex located on York Street in Belfast. The 14-storey development accommodates 576 ensuite double bedrooms and 141 studios with shared communal areas/kitchens. Other facilities include reception suite, library, cinema room, social spaces and storage areas. Impacted by several national and global challenges such as Brexit and Covid 19, the construction team developed alterations to the build programme to ensure any challenges were overcome and setbacks were managed. The judges were impressed by the delivery team’s commitment and proactive approach to community liaison and to ensuring that any potential disruption to neighbours was minimised. Multiple Occupancy Project of the Year HIGHLY COMMENDED: GRAHAM LIV, BELFAST L-R: Garry Farmer, Projects Director GRAHAM, Mark Spence Managing Director CEF and Gareth Dale, Contracts Managers GRAHAM.

T: +44 (0)28 7181 1634 E: info@ehagroup.co.uk www.ehagroup.co.uk

T: +44 (0) 28 9268 9500 E: info@graham.co.uk www.graham.co.uk

Harberton Hall, Belfast.

Liv, Belfast

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

NI BUILDER | 23

L-R: Neil McNabb, Adman Ltd, Civil Engineer, Ronan McAuley, Adman Ltd, Project Manager and Barry Neilson, CITBNI.

L-R: Paddy McCullagh - Construction Director, Claire McCollum Co-Host and Broadcaster, Barry Neilson CITBNI, Caroline Hughes – SHEQ Manager.

Excellence in Training

Excellence in Health and Safety WINNER: HERON BROS.

WINNER: ADMAN CIVIL PROJECTS

The judges were impressed by how Adman Civil Projects identified a business need or direction, reviewed its current capabilities and set out a training programme to both build on existing strengths and competencies and identify training needs to move into a new area of work. The company demonstrated how the management team identify and develop talented people not only within the company, but also the supply chain, and contribute to developing those individuals to deliver better results for clients. The approach to cross-training individuals to ensure individuals within teams not only know their own role, but are competent in different roles, allowing them to step up when required also impressed the judges. The judges also praised the innovation shown in the training undertaken. The company has identified areas of its operations where quality and risk are key considerations and developed simulated training activities, combining knowledge with practical problem- solving activities to build core competencies within the workforce. Key training scenarios are developed with their clients and stakeholders to ensure the outcomes are in line with clients’ needs and operating practices. A key comment from Company Director Adrian McCrory is that, “risk stops being a risk if you train people to deal with the situation.”

While the judges felt that all shortlisted candidates would be worthy winners of the award, one stood out from the others. Heron Bros. use information gained from comprehensive data gathering to create both business benefits and a culture of extending beyond the required performance. Health Safety and Welfare (HS&W) are equal considerations at management meetings to progress, finance and quality. The ethos is that by getting HS&W right, the other metrics will also improve. Focussing on the digitisation of their HS&W processes and the culture of reporting has resulted in freeing up significant time over the monitoring period. That is time gained that can be focussed on delivering for its clients. In an environment where maintaining a healthy and competent workforce is a priority, this company has a 97% retention rate and 0.7% absence rate, something to be envied by many companies. Its approach can be summed up by the mantra of “Come to work happy – Go home safely.”

PROUD TO BE RECOGNISED AS

BUILDING THE FUTURE TOGETHER

T: +44 (0)28 8224 2166 E: mail@adman-ltd.com www.adman-ltd.com

T: +44 (0)28 796 28505 E: info@heronbros.com www.heronbros.com

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www.northernbuilder.co.uk

WINNERS REVIEW

Woodvale Construction adopted an innovative and flexible response to deliver social value while following Public Health advice due to Covid-19. It was achieved in this project through a partnership approach to ensure the social value of the project was delivered in a meaningful way. It was a core element from the whole project team including the architect, design team and subcontractors on site. The new City Cemetery visitor centre is part of a £2.8m heritage project which aims to protect and enhance the existing legacy of the cemetery. It also seeks to ensure current and future generations are able to access and understand its fascinating history. Social Value Project of the Year WINNER: WOODVALE CONSTRUCTION BELFAST CITY CEMETERY VISITOR’S CENTRE L-R: Lynn Carvill Womenstec, Yvonne Conway Social Impact Manager, Woodvale Construction, Paul Devine Contracts Manager Woodvale Construction, Martin Roberts Co Host and TV Presenter.

Excellence in Sustainability L-R Claire McCollum, Co Host and Broadcaster, Damian McCabe, Contracts Manager, Brett Hannam, SIB and Rosie Barnett, Regional Environmental Manager.

WINNER: GRAHAM BAM HEALTHCARE PARTNERSHIP RVH, NEW MATERNITY HOSPITAL

Judges were impressed by GRAHAM BAM’s early adoption of measures to minimise and reuse waste during the Royal Victoria Hospital’s new Maternity Hospital project which has resulted in 98% of all waste being diverted from landfill so far, and less than half the expected amount of construction waste generated. And a concerted effort was made to ensure that mature trees on site were protected and retained to enhance the surrounding environment and maintain it biodiversity. Judges praised efforts to mitigate climate control and carbon reduction with the installation of 111 solar panels covering almost 200m 2 of the building’s roof which produce an output capacity of around 8,350kWh per year.

GRAHAM T: +44 (0) 28 9268 9500 www.graham.co.uk BAM T: +353 (0)45 886 400 www.bamireland.ie

T: +44 (0)28 8224 2622 E: info@woodvaleconstruction.co.uk www.woodvaleconstruction.co.uk

Belfast City Cemetery Visitor’s Centre.

RVH, new Maternity Hospital.

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

NI BUILDER | 25

Merchant Square is situated on Wellington Place, one of the busiest streets in Belfast City Centre. The scheme included three existing buildings stripped back to their core and stitched back together with additional steel framed floors to form tenant to PWC’s largest grade A office space outside London. The Judges believe that delivering this project in Belfast City Centre with the challenges of restricted access, ‘live’ buildings, stitching three existing buildings together along with the seamless coordination of the entire supply chain and authoritative bodies has been testament to the success of this contract and justifiably the standout winner. Commercial Project of the Year, above £1m WINNER: FELIX O’HARE MERCHANT SQUARE, BELFAST L-R: Gerard Brooks, Contracts Manager Felix O’Hare, Brendan Magill, RedSky IT, Damian Gill, Managing Director Felix O’Hare and Martin Roberts Co Host and TV Presenter.

This project was for the construction of a new build, large, two-storey community hall on a restricted site adjacent to a listed church building and a graveyard both of which remained operational. The judges were impressed with the quality of finishes and the well-executed detailing particularly in relation to the brickwork. The completed building attained an EPC A rating. It is unusual for a scheme of its size being heated and cooled entirely by air source heat pumps which operate in conjunction with PV panels and heat recovery on the mechanical ventilation. Credit is therefore due for prioritising energy efficiency and low carbon design. General Construction Project of the Year, above £1m WINNER: MOSS CONSTRUCTION (NI) LTD WARINGSTOWN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH L-R: Claire McCollum Co Host and Broadcaster, Brian Taylor, Facilities Manager WPC , Thomas McIlroy Sales Manager RTU and Kevin Dougan, Site Manager Moss Construction (NI) Ltd.

T: +44 (0) 28 3026 1134 E: admin@felixohare.com www.felixohare.com

T: +44 (0)28 3751 1991 E: info@mossconstruction.com www.mossconstruction.com

Merchant Square, Belfast.

Waringstown Presbyterian Church.

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www.northernbuilder.co.uk

WINNERS REVIEW

Magheracross Viewpoint in Co. Antrim involved the creation of two viewing platforms – fully accessible for the public – to enjoy the stunning natural vista; spanning Portrush to Dunluce Castle and over to Rathlin and the Mull of Kintyre. The coastal cliff top location presented significant challenges throughout the construction works. However, the Judges noted clear evidence of collaborative and effective partnership working between the client and contractor teams. The Judges believe that overall quality of finishes, user accessibility and location have ensured General Construction Project of the Year, below £1m WINNER: CHARLES BRAND MAGHERACROSS VIEWPOINT, BUSHMILLS L-R: Thomas McIlroy, Sales Manager RTU, Paddy Harney, Director Charles Brand and Martin Roberts Co Host and TV Presenter.

L-R: Claire McCollum, Rodney Coalter, Project Director Gilbert-Ash, Edel Creery, NIE Networks and Joe Devlin, Contracts Manager Gilbert-Ash.

Fit-Out Project of the Year WINNER: GILBERT-ASH PWC HEADQUARTERS, BELFAST

The judges were impressed by this project because of the quality and complexity of the fit-out required. The contractor worked closely with a London-based interior designer to achieve a ‘themed’ floor-by-floor fit-out with exceptionally high attention to detail. The new offices have a luxury feel to the interior with innovative interpretations of how workspaces should be arranged and how private telephone conversations would occur in an open-plan layout. The result is a high-quality workspace which feels relaxed and spacious. The staff amenities and well-being facilities provided make the project unique in terms of provision and support for PwC employees.

that Magheracross Viewpoint has already become an iconic addition to the national tourism offering on the Causeway Coastal Route.

T: +44 (0)28 9045 5531 www.charlesbrand.com

T: +44 (0)28 9066 4334 E: belfast@gilbert-ash.co.uk - www.gilbert-ash.com

Magheracross Viewpoint, Bushmills.

PwC Headquarters, Belfast.

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

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