Failure to electrify mooted Oxford Cambridge rail line branded a “disaster” Jul 10, 2019 Using diesel instead of electric trains on the proposed line between Oxford and Cambridge has been branded a “disaster” for the development of the surrounding Arc, one of the area’s most eminent planners has said. The Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Trust’s Jane Hamilton told the infrastructure panel session at Ox-Cams conference, that “backsliding” on […] Posted by: Nathan Spencer Read more
Council Chief downplays role of Ministerial Arc Champion Jul 10, 2019 Progress on the development of Oxford to Cambridge Arc should not be held up by the delayed appointment of a Ministerial Champion, one of the area’s leading local government chiefs has said. The government made a commitment last year to appoint a ministerial champion for the Ox-Cams Arc but has yet to fill the role. […] Posted by: Nathan Spencer Read more
“Disappointment” aired due to lack of emphasis on “blue and green infrastructure” in major UK infrastructure project Jul 10, 2019 Jane Hamilton, Chair of the Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Trust, has told our event that she is “disappointed” about the lack of emphasis on “blue and green” infrastructure, like waterways and parks, in the Arc’s plans. Speaking at our Oxford Cambridge Arc Development Conference she said: “We’ve heard a lot about the Expressway and […] Posted by: Nathan Spencer Read more
Oxford Cambridge Arc’s provision of full fibre broadband and wet labs lagging Jul 10, 2019 The Oxford Cambridge Arc lacks enough of the full fibre broadband or wet lab space that its growth industries require – a Local Enterprise Partner (LEP) boss has warned. Ahmed Goga, Director of Strategy and Programmes at OXLEP, said the rate of full-fibre connectivity in the Arc is “seven to eight per cent” but while […] Posted by: Nathan Spencer Read more
REIT questions pace and capacity of modular homes sector Jul 8, 2019 Modular housing manufacturers’ ability to deliver at sufficient speed and scale has been questioned at our event in Manchester. Hayley Fielden, North West Regional Director at Sigma Capital, told delegates at our North West Development Plans event that it has already invested in or committed £900m to projects, and that the private rented specialist REIT […] Posted by: Nathan Spencer Read more
Opportunities lie abroad for UK modular start-ups Jul 2, 2019 Start-up modular manufacturers are finding it easier to find opportunities abroad than in the UK due to the burden of paperwork and procurement, the founder of one start-up offsite company has said at our Offsite Manufacture Conference. Joseph Daniels, Founder and Chief Executive of Project Etopia told our event that in his experience it was […] Posted by: Nathan Spencer Read more
Transport and logistics remains key issue for offsite and modular industry Jul 2, 2019 The transport and logistics of delivering offsite manufactured builds to site has been raised as a key issue by one of the UK’s leading housing associations – who was speaking at our Offsite Manufacture Conference. Chair of Swan Housing Association Valerie Owen said that their offsite facility had been chosen to be able to deliver […] Posted by: Nathan Spencer Read more
Early engagement with industry will heighten offsite manufacturing benefits Jul 2, 2019 Clients who want to maximise the advantages of offsite manufacture need to engage as early as possible in the process or see benefits curtailed by design and planning issues, a major modular construction firm has said. McAvoy Group’s Senior Business Development Manager Graham O’Doherty told delegates at our Offsite Manufacture Development Conference that engaging with […] Posted by: Nathan Spencer Read more
Can offsite manufacturing stand the test of time? Jul 1, 2019 The offsite manufacturing industry needs to prove that the quality of products made using the methods will stand the test of time if it is to truly convince the public of its value, Bristol Council’s housing lead has said at our Offsite Manufacture Conference. Cllr Paul Smith, Cabinet Member for Housing at Bristol City Council […] Posted by: Nathan Spencer Read more
Construction industry must tackle “wasteful” practices – says leading procurement chief Jul 1, 2019 The construction industry has to standardise its approach to new projects if it is to hit Government innovation and productivity targets, a Department for Education (DfE) procurement chief head has warned. Adam Jones, the Department for Education’s Strategic Framework Manager, who is in charge of the department’s £3bn offsite framework, said that construction needed to […] Posted by: Nathan Spencer Read more
