Editor’s COMMENT
NI BUILDER
ISSUE 35-1 - FEB/MAR 2024
REFORM NEEDED TO SUPPORT NI’S ECONOMIC AMBITIONS Welcome to the February/March edition of NI Builder. As 2024 gets underway, positive developments include the restoration of devolved government after a two-year hiatus and an easing of inflationary pressure. Public infrastructure investment is expected to get back off the ground with the return of Stormont alongside a £3.3bn package from the Treasury. Despite limited public sector activity and 9% tender price inflation, a strong private sector performance drove a 7.8% year-on-year increase in NI’s total construction volume output for 2023, according to consultancy AECOM. Among notable projects completed last year are two case studies featured in this edition,
Derg Water Treatment Works in Strabane and New Gate Arts & Culture Centre in Derry. And a diverse pipeline of projects is highlighted in our news pages from housing developments in Newcastle and Greenisland to a 30-year plan to develop Belfast’s Maritime Mile. Much needs to be done if the construction sector is to support NI’s economic ambitions, however, with both CEF and NI Chamber pushing for planning reform and greater support for affordable housing and the transition to net zero. With skills development another area of focus, this edition showcases NI Apprenticeship Week activity supported by FMB and a Meet the CIOB event in Belfast. Enjoy… Alyson Magee
THE TEAM: Managing Director Karen McAvoy Editorial Alyson Magee Heather Campbell Sales Manager
CONTENTS
Karen Jess Advertising Julie Patterson Production Manager Julie Anne Guiney Digital Creative Manager Jo Hendron Digital Communications Rachel Freeman Accounts Andrea Simpson Photograpy
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Gordon MAvoy Administration Laoise Boyle
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LEADING THE WAY GRAHAM is the first UK business in any industry to be awarded IIP Wellbeing Platinum accreditation. 12 FUNCTIONAL & FUN Saint-Gobain Ecophon creates a unique interior design aesthetic with its panels for a new suite at Ulster University. 15 CALLING FOR CHANGE CEF urges pivotal reforms to revitalise Northern Ireland’s construction sector post-Executive restoration. 20 INNOVATION IN INFRASTRUCTURE An innovative £12m upgrade of Derg Water Treatment Works was led by Lowry Building & Civil Engineering. 42 ADAPTING TO INDUSTRY NEEDS EA Martin and Son is celebrating 100 years of supplying hardware, tools and equipment to builders and merchants. 56 REFRESHED VICTORIAN HERITAGE GH Décor Ltd wins a Dulux Connect project management award for bringing a new lease of life to the Slieve Donard.
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