Author: Tom Vear

First ‘Step Energy’ project gets underway

Category: Frameworks

The first project to be delivered by complete construction partner Stepnell’s new Step Energy service has started on site at Aylestone Leisure Centre in Leicester.

The Leicester City Council £1.12m scheme is due to be completed in Summer 2023 and involves the removal and replacement of existing roofing and installation of a large scale solar Photovoltaic (PV) system.

Procured through the Crown Commercial Services Framework: RM6088 Construction Works and Associated Service, the scheme is partly funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and linked to the city council’s Climate Emergency Action Plan. The sustainable works will enable the leisure centre to self-generate a large percentage of its energy requirements, reducing demand on the local electricity network.

Simon Briggs, energy lead at Stepnell, said: “Step Energy exists to support our clients make the best renewable and energy efficient technology choices. This is a fantastic first project for the division and, when complete, Leicester City Council’s Aylestone Leisure Centre will now be expected to save 54.65 tC02 of emissions. “We are proud to offer a tailored approach and bespoke solutions to projects like this, which will ensure that long term benefits are prioritised for the building owners, users and importantly the planet.”

This is the first project to benefit from Stepnell’s new ‘Step Energy’ service, which provides energy saving strategies and carbon reduction ambitions, through the implementation of renewable and efficient energy technologies.

Leicester’s deputy city mayor Cllr Adam Clarke, who leads on transport, clean air and climate emergency, said: “This new investment in major energy efficiency improvements at Aylestone Leisure Centre represents another step forward in our citywide response to the climate emergency. With over 800 panels, it will be the largest array of PV panels we have installed on any of buildings so far.“We are acutely aware that the need to retrofit and decarbonise existing buildings is amongst the biggest challenges presented by the climate emergency. “Through an ongoing programme of investment in making our buildings more energy efficient, we can dramatically cut carbon emissions. In doing so, we will also help to save hundreds of thousands of pounds each year in energy costs – something that’s very welcome in these extraordinarily challenging times.”

The scheme will deliver significant social value through employing a local workforce and the use of a regional supply chain within 30 miles of the project. Neighbouring schools and colleges are set to benefit from careers advice events put on by Stepnell. To add even further value back to the local community, Stepnell will be donating 32 volunteer hours to make improvements in the area and to the environment.

Tom Sewell, regional director at Stepnell, said: “Working with local partners throughout the project, such as Leicestershire Cares, LEBC and Leicester Environmental Volunteers, will enable us to deliver on our commitment to social value. We prioritise leaving a lasting legacy in the communities our projects take place, not only on the quality of works but also our impact on supporting the next generation to thrive, making the environment better and improving local economies by providing valuable work opportunities.”

Work starts to transform Northampton’s historic Market Square

Category: Construction

We are delighted to announce we have started work on the multi-million-pound transformation of Northampton’s Market Square for client West Northamptonshire Council (WNC).

The scheme, which has been procured through the Procure Partnerships Framework is located at the heart of the town. Northampton’s Market Square is set to be transformed to better reflect the wonderful, historic public space that it is. As well as the use of high-quality paving and materials, the improved facilities will include a flexible event space, bespoke fixed stalls, more trees, tiered seating and an interactive water feature.

Cllr Jonathan Nunn, Leader of West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth at WNC were joined by Stepnell representatives Adrian Barnes, Regional Director, Jenna Weedon Business Development Manager, Stacey Brooke, Social Value Manager and George Jarman, Quantity Surveyor.

Commemorating the occasion with a ground-breaking ceremony, key stakeholders came together to mark the start of the project, which will take shape over the next 18 months.

 “For years many have expressed the wish for the market square to be improved and rejuvenated, so today marks a key moment in the redevelopment of Northampton Town Centre as work begin to transform Northampton’s historic Market Square.

“The new-look square is set to provide a focal point for businesses and visitors. We look forward to working closely with Stepnell to see the vision that people have told us they want to see for this space come to life over the next 18 months.

“In the meantime, I would urge everyone to support our traders at the market’s new temporary location at Commercial Street Car Park, before we welcome them back to a revitalised Market Square next year.”

Cllr Dan Lister, West Northamptonshire Council

“We are excited to be commencing the redevelopment of the Market Square in Northampton town centre.

“This is an important project in the transformation and regeneration of the town centre and we are proud to be part of the Council’s vision for the town”.

Adrian Barnes, Regional Director at Stepnell.

We are looking forward to working with WNC to set targets to be delivered in social value, through improving the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of the local area. Aligned to our Procure Partnerships Framework social value KPIs, the targets are made up of commitments to:

  • Support as many businesses as possible with the potential disruption whilst works are carried out.
  • Special attention is to be applied to independent businesses who will find the transition particularly challenging such as cafe track
  • Supporting our sub-contractors, specifically Danaher and Walsh with their social value commitments to provide support to the Northamptonshire community
  • Regular community meetings with business and the community to discuss concerns, issues, development updates and social value delivered.
  • Employing a local workforce and local supply chain within 30 miles
  • Donating voluntary hours to working with local schools and colleges, delivery careers support
  • Providing opportunities for apprentices and trainee to gain experience on site
  • Car sharing and recycling schemes