Business

Pembrokeshire County Council ‘s new Eco Park in Milford Haven completed

Published

3 weeks ago

August 29, 2024

ANDREW SCOTT LIMITED says it has successfully handed over a new Eco Park Waste and Recycling Facility in Milford Haven for their Client, Pembrokeshire County Council.

The new Eco Park Waste Recycling facility will support Pembrokeshire County Council’s waste and recycling programme, in line with the Welsh Government Strategy “Towards Zero Waste”. The facility will enable materials collected across Pembrokeshire to be bulked and sorted prior to onward transfer to processing and disposal facilities across Wales and the UK.

Andrew Scott Ltd were awarded the Contract for Phases 1-3 as detailed below:

Phase 1 – Recycling Transfer Facility and Covered Waste Bay; overall internal floor area 5,855m2; external service yard area 4,340m2; together with associated access roads and infrastructure. This phase also contains an office and visitor centre, offering the opportunity for groups to come and learn about waste and recycling.
Phase 2 – Vehicle Maintenance Bay and Staff Welfare Building; internal floor area 400m2. This phase also includes staff car parking for 138 vehicles and 56 lorry parking bays.
Phase 3 – Residual Waste Recycling facility and Covered Waste Bay; overall internal floor area 2,700m2; external service yard area 3,970m2; together with associated access roads and infrastructure.

As part of this project, Andrew Scott Ltd and Pembrokeshire County Council are committed to maximising recycling and re-use of excavated materials from the existing site to promote and increase a circular economy and reduce the carbon footprint of the project and minimise the amount of construction traffic.

During the main construction phase of this project, Andrew Scott implemented the following initiatives to contribute to Sustainable Development:

100% retention of excavated topsoil on site for re-use on soft landscaping. Zero offsite to landfill.
Excavated subsoil re-used onsite within landscaping bunds and bioretention areas.
Surplus inert subsoil taken off-site to licensed waste disposal facility, for use as capping layer, with recycled imported hardcore fill materials carried on return loads, using same transport.
Use of local suppliers for ready mixed concrete, tarmacadam, sub-base, pipe bedding and filter material.
Use of local supply chain for tree surgery, reinforcement, formwork and concrete placing, security fencing, brickwork and blockwork, drainage surveys and steel fabrication, accounting for over 70% of supply chain spend.
Directly employed local labour to supplement our direct construction team.
Surface water drainage – fully compliant (SUDS) surface water drainage systems comprising major underground storm attenuation/storage systems, rainwater harvesting, bioretention swales and raingardens, flow management/hydro-brake surface water discharge control, pollution control and onsite foul wastewater treatment system.
PV solar array to main warehouse roof to produce a self-sufficient sustainable energy source to operate the full recycling facility.
Environmentally sensitive acoustic fencing and tree planting to northern boundary, to minimise noise and visual impact for adjacent domestic property owners.
SmartWaste and energy usage: recording, monitoring and control system in place for all construction activities, to minimise waste and optimise energy.
Ecology – all early construction activities carried out under strict control of site ecologist’s instructions to minimise risk of disturbance to existing badger sett discovered within the confines of the site as well as the installation of bird and bat boxes and formation of bat corridors.

Throughout the project, a total of 120,000 tonnes of waste was produced, 99% of which was diverted from landfill. A total of 114,000 tonnes of soil and stone biproduct was produced and 100% of this was re-used. Prior to and during the project, Site Waste Management Plans were established to prioritise the principles of the Waste Hierarchy, in order to minimise waste and achieve the targets set. Andrew Scott are extremely proud of the outstanding waste diverted from landfill rates achieved on this project and are highly committed to continue this progress to enhancing Environmental Sustainability on all projects.

As a sustainable business, Andrew Scott Limited’s business model is aligned to the wider global goals of achieving net zero carbon by 2050. We are committed to accelerating this time frame to achieving net zero carbon by 2030, committing to reaching zero carbon emissions across all operations, direct and in-direct. As a socially conscious contractor, our strong community benefits offering is closely tied to the Well-being of Future Generations Act, ensuring cohesive communities and a more prosperous and resilient Wales.

Throughout the project, Andrew Scott supported training opportunities for graduates and apprentices in West Wales, as well as long term sustainable employment opportunities for disadvantaged individuals from the Pembrokeshire area.

Mark Bowen, Managing Director of Andrew Scott Ltd, said “we are delighted to have handed over the new Eco Park Waste and Recycling Facility to our Client, Pembrokeshire County Council. As a Welsh contractor, we are committed to help the Welsh Government reach net-zero by 2050 and also accelerate our net zero target of 2030. We are totally committed to decarbonisation of the built environment, with a focus on reducing our emissions throughout the business and ensured that all stakeholders on this project met the goals of a globally responsible Wales.”

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, welcomed this county-wide resource for handling the Authority’s recyclate and residual waste streams. He said: “We are delighted to receive handover of this important facility from Andrew Scott Ltd. This will modernise Pembrokeshire’s recycling facilities as we work to increase recycling rates in line with the Welsh Government Strategies ‘Towards Zero Waste’ and ‘Beyond Recycling’. This facility will provide us with greater control over the waste streams we collect. We are also grateful for grant funding from Welsh Government towards the development of the Eco Park to help make this possible.”

Business

Local site managers triumph in prestigious House-Building Awards

Published

8 hours ago

September 16, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE and Cardigan site managers have been celebrated for their exceptional dedication to quality house-building, earning top accolades in the industry’s most esteemed competition.

Gareth Davies of T I Davies A’I Fab Cyf and Mike Thomas of South Meadow Homes Ltd, representing Cardigan and Pembroke respectively, were among the prominent winners at the National House Building Council’s (NHBC) Pride in the Job Awards 2024. The prestigious event, held at Celtic Manor Golf Club in Newport on Friday, 13 September 2024, recognises the very best in the industry.

In the Small Builder category, Gareth Davies clinched the top honour for his outstanding work at Maes Y Dderwen in Cardigan. His exceptional commitment to raising standards was further acknowledged with the Pride in the Job Seal of Excellence. Meanwhile, Mike Thomas was awarded the Seal of Excellence for his work in Pembroke, demonstrating the high standards upheld by builders in the region.

Matthew Coyle of Redrow Homes South Wales was also a major winner on the night, securing the Large Builder category award for his work at Parc Y Coleg in Newport. Like Davies, Coyle was awarded the Pride in the Job Seal of Excellence, marking his dedication to quality construction.

The Pride in the Job Awards, now in its 44th year, are regarded as the ‘Oscars’ of the house-building industry, setting the benchmark for exceptional site management. The competition is known for its rigorous judging process, which assesses entrants across six key areas: consistency, attention to detail, leadership, interpretation of drawings and specifications, technical expertise, and health and safety.

This year, eight site managers from across Wales received the Seal of Excellence, having first earned a Quality Award in the initial round of the competition in June. The full list of Seal of Excellence recipients includes:

Gareth Davies of T I Davies A’I Fab Cyf, Cardigan
Matthew Coyle of Redrow Homes South Wales, Newport
Dave Jones of Barratt and David Wilson Homes South Wales, Swansea
Paul Oakley of Bellway Homes Wales, Cardiff
Nick Powell of Redrow Homes South Wales, Newport
Nick Rumble of Persimmon Homes West Wales, Pontyclun
Mike Thomas of South Meadow Homes Ltd, Pembroke
Daniel Williams of Taylor Wimpey South Wales, Penarth

Steve Wood, CEO at NHBC, extended his congratulations to the winners: “For more than four decades, Pride in the Job has underpinned NHBC’s purpose of raising standards in house building. The competition recognises the UK’s top site managers, showcasing best practice and rewarding excellence. Winning site managers demonstrate dedication, passion, and leadership to ensure new homes are delivered to exacting construction quality standards.”

The regional events, taking place throughout the UK, aim to celebrate these achievements and acknowledge the recipients of the Quality Awards. Mr Davies and Mr Coyle will now progress to the next stage of the competition, vying for the ultimate prize in house building at the Pride in the Job Supreme Awards, set to be revealed at a gala ceremony in London in January 2025.

Business

Specsavers expansion ‘shows confidence in future of Haverfordwest’

Published

8 hours ago

September 16, 2024

Tom Sinclair

SPECSAVERS’ decision to expand into larger premises in Haverfordwest is further proof of the confidence of businesses in the future of the County Town.

That was the message from Pembrokeshire County Council Deputy Leader Cllr Paul Miller to news that the leading optometry company will move to larger premises at the Riverside Shopping Centre.

Specsavers has signed a lease with the Council to expand into the building previously occupied by Boots and Poundland.

The additional space will allow for 14 examination rooms fitted with state-of-the-art technology that will enable Specsavers to provide more enhanced sight, contact lens and audiology services for its customers.

Cllr Miller, who is also the Council’s Cabinet Member for Place, the Region and Climate Change, said: “I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to support Specsavers in expanding and investing significantly in Haverfordwest.

“This shows confidence in both the present and future of Haverfordwest which is undergoing major regeneration by Pembrokeshire County Council.

“Through taking control of the Riverside Shopping Centre we have been able to secure investment and tenancies in the town while also recovering the Council’s investment to purchase the site.

“Alongside the great news that leading food and drink company Loungers is moving into our Western Quayside development, I am confident further businesses will be drawn to the town centre.

“The work we’re doing will ensure Haverfordwest is an attractive place for businesses to operate and a great place for people to live, work and visit.”

Andy Britton, one of the partners of the locally owned store, said: “We are so pleased to be making the move into larger premises. The additional space will allow us to better accommodate the increasing demand for eye tests and audiology clinics in the area and help take some of the pressure off the NHS.

“The new store will open later this year and we look forward to celebrating its launch with customers old and new.”

Pictured top of article: Cllr Paul Miller, Deputy Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council (centre) with Andy Britton (left) and fellow partner Wayne Jones at the Riverside store which will be home to an expanded Specsavers.

Business

Former Cleddau Bridge Hotel site up for sale for £1.2m

Published

10 hours ago

September 16, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A FORMER hotel site in Pembrokeshire is now on the market, having received planning permission for a new care home. The site, previously home to the Cleddau Bridge Hotel, is listed for sale at £1,200,000.

The Essex Road location, which spans 2.45 acres, has been granted outline planning permission for the construction of a care facility accommodating between 55 and 70 beds, as well as six retirement bungalows. This significant development is set within Pembroke Dock, lying just 120 metres from the A477, and is encompassed by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. The area boasts convenient access to amenities such as a shopping centre, restaurants, cafés, hotels, a pharmacy, sports clubs, and recreation grounds.

***The fire was in March 2019 (Pic Herald)***

Planning consent for this project was conditionally approved by Pembrokeshire County Council in February 2023. The approval was given for the “Demolition of Hotel and Siting of Residential Care Home and Linked Bungalows,” marking a new chapter for the site that has remained derelict since a fire in 2019.

The Cleddau Bridge Hotel has been out of operation since March 2019, when a blaze caused extensive structural damage, leading to the collapse of several sections of the building. This incident thwarted earlier plans to convert the hotel into a 48-bedroom care home, a project that had been green-lit following a change of use application in 2018.

Due to the damage incurred, a new application was submitted for the demolition of the existing structure and the erection of a new care home. The planning proposal also included provisions for the six retirement bungalows, intended to be occupied by elderly residents who could assist with activities at the care home.

The fire that devastated the former hotel required a substantial emergency response, however, an investigation by Dyfed-Powys Police concluded there was insufficient evidence to identify a suspect.

This site is now poised for a new beginning as a care facility, providing much-needed services to the local community. Interested parties can find more information about this listing, handled by Christie and Co, on Rightmove.