Building Weekly Digest | 16 August 2024

The latest issue of Building Magazine is out today, you can read the digital version here

What's in the August issue?

Cover feature: 140 years after Antoni Gaudi started work on La Sagrada Familia, the end is finally in sight. Daniel Gayne went to Barcelona to meet some of those involved   

Project Insights: Read about St Catherine’s College's innovative approach to RAAC roof challenges and the ongoing construction of Gaudí’s La Sagrada Família.

Global Ambitions: Discover how Cundall is leading in sustainable engineering and see Heatherwick’s new luxury shopping centre designs in Seoul.

The ins and outs of Labour’s new National Planning Policy Framework

Daniel Gayne provides an insightful analysis of Labour's new National Planning Policy Framework. The piece delves into Keir Starmer's ambitious proposals to boost UK housebuilding, examining key changes in planning guidelines, housing targets, and potential infrastructure reforms. To understand how these sweeping changes could transform Britain's housing landscape, read Gayne's full report here.

The Tribeca brick: Made from earth and water but (crucially) no fire

Thomas Lane reports on an innovative low-carbon earth brick being trialed at Tribeca, London's largest life sciences project. Discover how this sustainable building material, made without fire, could significantly reduce carbon emissions in construction. Read on about this potential game-changer in sustainable building practices here.

Comment highlights

Partnerships and location are key to success of government’s new towns ambitions

Oliver Steele, head of Cities Studio at Mott MacDonald, shares valuable insights on the government's new towns initiative. Learn about four crucial factors for success: strategic location selection, place-led development, coordinated planning, and effective public-private partnerships. Full article

Take these steps now – and be ready for procurement reform

Jane Brighouse at Procurement for Housing outlines crucial steps for contractors to prepare for the Procurement Act, effective October 2024. Learn how to navigate new opportunities and risks, from utilising free resources to understanding performance monitoring changes. Read on here

Construction industry gossip: As time goes by

This week’s industry gossip covers Gareth Lewis’s (sort of) leaving do at Mace, giant heat pumps at 30 Fenchurch Street, and Gleeson Homes' football sponsorship. Plus, a missing plaque in York and a Paris Olympic poster taking 2,000 hours to create. Get the latest here

From the Archives: Queen Elizabeth II opens the Barbican Centre, 1982

In March 1982, Queen Elizabeth II inaugurated the Barbican Centre, a bold yet controversial symbol of postwar London. Costing around £500m, the arts complex faced criticism for its brutalist design but has since become a cultural icon. Explore the center's ambitious history and architectural significance in Alex Funk's report here.

Events update

Summer sale is now on for our marquee London conferences - Housing Today Live and Building the Future. Big-name speakers have been announced this week making them the must-attend events of September.

Building Awards and the Architect of the Year Awards are just around the corner. Act now to ensure you don't miss out—reserve your seats while they’re still available!

From the news desk

• David Chipperfield’s controversial plans for new Chinese Embassy re-submitted
• ISG takes housing association to High Court over claimed £7.7m unpaid bill
• Construction output down in Q2 despite second consecutive month of growth
• Analysts say Bellway’s £720m bid for Crest Nicholson faltered after firm decided ‘risks were too high’
• Lendlease promotes commercial boss to company director and hands him new role
• Plans submitted for Chelmsford town centre regeneration scheme

Thank you for reading and have a lovely weekend!