Building Briefs – August 10th

Aberdeenshire Council has submitted plans for the creation of 12 affordable homes within a conservation area in Huntly town centre.

The application proposes the demolition of an existing joiner’s workshop at the site between Deveron and George Street to make way for two blocks fronting a courtyard space.

In the submitted planning statement, architects Halliday Fraser Munro said the location in the Huntly Town Centre Conservation Area suggests “a more traditional approach” to the new development.

Infrastructure Transformation ideas hub launched

The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) has launched a new thought leadership hub to help professionals better understand and collaborate on some of the big trends that are transforming how we design, build and operate infrastructure.

The free-to-access Infrastructure Transformation hub draws on the latest thinking and new ways of working from across the construction and technology sectors. It features expert blogs, project case studies, events, videos and other online content.

The hub focuses on four issues that may transform the infrastructure industry in the next decade; autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, “agile” infrastructure that can flex rapidly to meet changing demands, and the changing skills demands these developments will create.

Aggreko strengthens business with DRYCO acquisition

Glasgow-based Aggreko has strengthened its business by acquiring industrial climate control specialist DRYCO.

The temporary power supplier purchased the US business as part of expansion plans to “enter additional sectors and global markets”.

The move will add over 60 employees as well as more than 6,000 fleet assets to its Rental Solutions division. In addition, Aggreko said it plans to integrate DRYCO’s operations into its North America business.

DRYCO is a specialist in moisture control, drying, heating, and cooling applications within the shipping, manufacturing, food processing, construction, and industrial painting industries.

Deal signed for £1.5 million Perth parking revamp

Perth and Kinross Council has struck a £1.5 million deal for a radical overhaul of city centre parking.

Major improvements will be made to the “outmoded” Canal Street multi-storey in an effort to drive more trade into the city.

Glasgow-based construction firm Diack and Macaulay will carry out the work.

A date has yet to be set for the 14-week project, but the local authority is keen to avoid the busy summer season and the run-up to Christmas.

The work will involve bringing back into use two floors which have been sealed off for some time.

Lighting, security, access for disabled motorists and facilities for electronic cars will also be upgraded.

Kirkcudbright art gallery plan seeks extra funding

A further funding commitment is being sought to allow £3.1m plans for a major art gallery project in Kirkcudbright to proceed.

The scheme would see the town hall converted to house “nationally significant” collections.

The Kirkcudbright Common Good Fund is being asked to agree to support the project with up to £200,000.

The money would allow the creation of a second floor gallery to host a hoard of Viking treasure found in the region.

Property consultant JLL expands Scottish retail team

JLL has appointed James Murray to its Edinburgh office as the property consulant seeks to strengthen its Scottish retail offering.

Murray joins the firm’s team in his home city from its office in central London, where he worked for the past three years as a retail specialist, advising tenants and landlords.

He also brings with him overseas retail experience, having worked in Hong Kong for two years with Colliers International.

He will work across the Edinburgh and Glasgow offices, and key responsibilities will include retail acquisition and disposals in Scotland, as well as working alongside the investment and agency teams.

South Ayrshire beach reopens after asbestos discovery

A beach in South Ayrshire has reopened following the completion of asbestos removal works.

Prestwick Beach was closed on 29 July after analysis of small pieces of material found on the beach revealed the substances contained asbestos fibres.

A specialist contractor was appointed to remove any additional material and carry out detailed analysis. Further investigations confirmed that the material found on the beach prior to the closure, as well as the additional material retrieved by the contractor, contained Chrysotile ‘White’ asbestos.

The material is more commonly known as asbestos cement, found in sheets used for roofing and wall cladding.

Experts from Asbestos Analytical Services have confirmed the potential for asbestos fibre release from the material is “very low”, while public health experts added the risk to beach users is negligible.

The main northern stretch of the beach was reopened on 05 August and inspections/removal work continued on the southern stretch over the weekend.

The council said it believes the material was washed ashore after being in the water for a “considerable period of time”.

Ayrshire resurfacing project begins

Scotland TranServ is underway with a £115,000 road maintenance project in Ayrshire.

The company is resurfacing the A77 at Bellfield Interchange over a three night period on behalf of Transport Scotland.

For safety reasons, a full closure will be implemented each night on the A77 at Bellfield Interchange between the southbound off slip and on slip from 8pm – 6am.

Consultations on improving Edinburgh walking and cycling routes

The City of Edinburgh Council has launched two consultations on improving walking and cycling routes in the city.

Residents are invited to voice their opinions over upgrades to parts of QuietRoute 20 (Craigleith, Leith and Restalrig) and QuietRoute 61 (The Rosslyn Chapel Way).

Changes could include installing further cycle and pedestrian crossings, developing protected cycleways and building cycle/pedestrian ‘shared use’ pavements.

Once the consultations close, further exhibitions on proposed QuiteRoutes improvements will be carried out over the coming months.

The consultations are scheduled to close on Sunday, 04 September.