Restoration of ancient Westminster Hall complete
The restoration of the Grade I-listed Westminster Hall, the oldest part of the Palace of Westminster, has been completed under the project management of consultancy Pick Everard. Work involved: the cleaning of the hall’s 14th century hammer-beam roof; essential repairs to the roof timber trusses; repair and restoration of the lead-covered roof lantern; and the installation of fire safety equipment.
Foster + Partners designs landmark Qatar towers
Foster + Partners has designed the Lusail Towers in Qatar – a collection of four high-rise buildings as part of a 1.1m sq m development that will host the headquarters of the Qatar National Bank, Qatar Central Bank and Qatar Investment Authority. The project is part of a larger masterplan also designed by Foster + Partners, which is being completed ahead of the 2022 Football World Cup in Qatar. The two taller towers stand at 70 storeys, while the other two are 50 storeys high, all arranged symmetrically around a central plaza.
Wall-crawling robot wins Cemex award
A wall-crawling robot that can paint or inspect building exteriors, called Hausbot, was among eight UK-developed technologies recognised in the annual Cemex Ventures Top 50 ConTech Startups list. The robot’s ability to climb walls is “based on Formula 1 aerodynamic principles, and carefully engineered design”.
BAM in race to lay foundations for British Antarctic Survey building
A team of 20 construction workers from BAM, Ramboll and Sweco have arrived by ship in Antarctica to continue constructing the Discovery Building at the British Antarctic Survey’s (BAS) Rothera Research Station. They have just weeks to finish the pre-cast concrete foundations, ground floor slab, rock anchors and stub columns, as well as drainage and the perimeter wall, before winter arrives in March.
Balfour in retrofit first to slash emissions on £1.5m piling rig
Balfour Beatty has successfully retrofitted a £1.5m piling rig in use on HS2 to bring it in line with the latest EU Stage V emissions requirement. The six-month pilot of the retrofit solution was carried out by UK company Eminox on a Balfour Beatty-owned Junttan PM20, which was rated at Stage IIIA. It is thought to be the first EU Stage V equivalent retrofit solution in Europe.
New construction minister appointed after just one month
Anne-Marie Trevelyan has become the latest construction minister, replacing Kwasi Kwarteng after just one month following his appointment as business secretary.
Robertson Group to help make Edinburgh net zero
Robertson Group has joined with five other Edinburgh businesses to sign a pledge to help Edinburgh reach its target of net zero emissions by 2030. Launched by the Edinburgh Climate Commission, the Edinburgh Climate Compact commits firms to actions including retrofitting owned buildings and decarbonising operations, prioritising sustainable travel, and a switch to zero-emissions company vehicles.
