Building Briefs - September 30th

• Taylor Wimpey sells out first phase at Troon development

While homeowners will continue to move into the final few homes at Queen’s Court over the next few months, the housebuilder’s commitment to Troon continues at its neighbouring Princess Gate development.

Combined, both developments are delivering 290 new homes as part of a wider masterplan vision that is transforming the local area, which will includes open green spaces, equipped play areas as well as impressive connectivity with footpaths, cycle routes and woodland walks to maximise the development’s tranquil location.

Audrey Ross, sales and marketing director for Taylor Wimpey West Scotland, said: “Since launching our new homes for sale at Queen’s Court in Troon the response to our Caledonian Collection, which were offered for the first time here in Ayrshire, was incredible. With just 31 four and five bedroom homes, this exclusive development has clearly impressed our customers and we’re very proud of the new community that we have created here.

“Our longstanding commitment to South Ayrshire will continue with our impressive range of family homes that are available at our neighbouring Princess Gate development.”

• Repairs begin on Edinburgh tram concrete ‘defects’

Safety repairs are under way on Edinburgh’s tram line after “defects” in the concrete beside tracks became “degraded”.

The ongoing work has closed part of Princes Street and Shandwick Place in the city centre over several days since Sunday night.

Edinburgh Trams said defects in the concrete had “degraded” and repairs were required “to ensure safe operation of the system”.

Some of the damaged areas are believed to include a 1m-long section beside St John’s Church at the west end of Princes Street.

Another is thought to be on the other side of the road, near a crossing beside the Johnnie Walker Princes Street attraction.

• BBA launches certification scheme for reinforcing steel

The British Board of Agrément has announced a ‘natural progression’ to its industry-leading certification services with news of a new Reinforcing Steel Scheme designed to offer a straightforward and robust route to demonstrating industry compliance.

The Watford-based organisation has worked closely with the rebar sector and wider supply chain to ensure the scheme is straightforward yet robust, providing assurance that reinforcing steel products manufactured within its scope meet the relevant standards.

The scheme assesses manufacturing, process control and management systems to industry defined standards, backed by continual benchmarking through material testing; the BBA samples products and witnesses in-house testing to determine compliance. Samples are also submitted to 3rd party UKAS accredited labs for confirmation on material compliance.