Building Briefs – November 22nd

A street name that disappeared when two Dundee multi storey blocks were built could be resurrected if councillors back the move next week.

Russell Street was wiped from the map in the late 1960s to make way for Bucklemaker and Butterburn courts at the top of the Hilltown.

The street once joined Strathmartine Road and Derby Street and was a well-used thoroughfare as far back as 1867.

However the name is now being considered as part of a development of 123 flats and 40 houses currently being undertaken by Robertson Partnership Homes, on behalf of the council and Hillcrest Housing Association.

Mark Flynn, depute convener of Dundee City Council’s city development committee, said: “The name for the new street is an open secret having been the subject of an extensive local consultation.

“Its historic links with the area have made this a well-received proposal, especially with people who have long memories!

“However it is sad to see the association with one of our historic Nine Incorporated Trades disappear with the demise of Bucklemaker Court.

“However I am sure that with the amount of re-development and building currently going on in Dundee we will find another suitable location to mark their contribution to city life.”

Russell Street was named after Liberal Prime Minister John Russell, who held the office twice between 1846 and 1851 and again in 1865. He also served as home secretary and foreign secretary.

The street was built over as part of the Derby Street multis development, which welcomed its first tenants in 1971. The high rise towers were demolished in 2013.

The city development committee meets on Monday November 27.

Caledonian Exchange recognised for digital connectivity

An Edinburgh office building has become the first in the city, and one of the few in Scotland, to scoop a top industry certification for its digital infrastructure and technology-focused design.

Caledonian Exchange, marketed jointly by Knight Frank and Eric Young & Co has been awarded a Wired Certified Silver rating, which recognises buildings excelling in the implementation of digital technology.

The office accommodation, located by the Western Approach to the city centre, recently underwent an extensive £120,000 refurbishment project. Its current tenants include property and planning consultancy, Rapleys; recruitment firm, Hudson; engineering consultancy, Mott MacDonald; law firm, Lindsays and telecommunications company, AT&T.

New senior appointment for Savills as Scottish new build market takes off

Carole Mackie has been appointed Savills head of residential development sales (RDS) in Scotland.

As well as taking on this new wider role for the Scottish region, Carole will remain head of Savills RDS in Glasgow where she has overseen a three-fold increase in turnover over a two year period.

Carole said: “It is an exciting time for the Scottish new homes sector, which has been outperforming the wider market this year. It has seen a 5% annual increase in transactions, and a 12% increase in the market below £400,000.”

Edinburgh’s Burnshot Bridge set to be demolished

Motorists using the A90 are being advised to allow extra time for their journeys this weekend while Burnshot Bridge is being demolished.

Deterioration of joints in the structure means Burnshot Bridge is no longer fit for purpose and must be taken down.

The A90 will be closed under Burnshot Bridge from 20:00 on Friday 24 November until 05:30 on Monday 27 November, with traffic diverted via the slip roads.

Rugby fans travelling to see Scotland take on Australia at BT Murrayfield on Saturday and football fans heading to Tynecastle for Hearts v. Ross County on Sunday are urged to plan their journeys especially carefully to ensure they make it to the match on time.

Detailed design work on a replacement structure will get under way once Burnshot Bridge has been demolished.

Mactaggart & Mickel Homes and AMA Homes scoop UK house building awards

Mactaggart & Mickel Homes has received the Bronze Award in the Best Medium Housebuilder category at the highly acclaimed WhatHouse? Awards 2017.

The family-owned housebuilder impressed the judges with its strong financial performance, quality of design and build, and outstanding customer care to take bronze for the Medium Housebuilder of the Year category.

Scottish luxury property developer AMA Homes won a Bronze Award in the Best Luxury development category for its Caer Amon Crescents development at Cramond in Edinburgh.