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VIVID appoints Director of Property Services

17/12/2024

Darren Mealings has been appointed as Director of Property Services at leading south of England housing association VIVID. Darren brings with him extensive experience of property repairs and maintenance service delivery, having previously served in key roles at Sovereign Network Group.

In this role, Darren will oversee all property services operations, including maintenance, repairs, and compliance. A major focus is to continue improving the service to customers, specifically in reducing the time waiting for repairs to be completed.

“I am pleased to welcome Darren to VIVID,” said Margaret Dodwell, Chief Operating Officer. “He brings a track record of excellence in property services, a deep understanding of our commitment to building trust in our homes and services, and a dedication to ensuring customers feel proud of their homes and communities.”

Darren said, “I’m excited to join VIVID and to work with the talented team here to implement solutions and improve our property services for the benefit of all our customers.”

To continue driving improvements to services and support for customers, VIVID has made some additional appointments in its senior management. Beth Holmyard has been appointed Head of Neighbourhoods, Robyn Allen as Head of Operations and Natalia Hadfield as Head of Customer Experience. These significant roles will provide the strategic insight and strength to ensure that customers are central to everything.

Belfast City Council appoints GRAHAM as delivery partner for £630m housing-led regeneration programme

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17/12/2024

In a major move forward to accelerate city centre living and housing regeneration across the city, Belfast City Council has selected GRAHAM as its long-term private sector partner to work alongside Council to deliver residential-led, mixed-use, sustainable developments across multiple sites.

With an overall development potential of c£630m, this initial partnership phase leverages strategic Council-owned city centre sites with a development value of £280m, which will deliver mixed tenure homes to help meet the needs of those wishing to live in the city.

This innovative approach will help drive forward city centre living and housing-led regeneration across the city. It follows a period of active engagement with the private sector and investment market through a public procurement process.

Appointing GRAHAM will allow Belfast City Council to bring forward development at scale with placemaking, people and connectivity at its heart to help meet the city’s growth ambitions.

Chair of Belfast City Council’s Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, Councillor Ryan Murphy said:
“Belfast has seen significant regeneration in recent years and there is high demand to live, work, socialise, study, and invest here. In response to a clear imperative to accelerate city centre living, and to address sustained housing stress across the city, the Council has brought forward this game-changing opportunity to deliver transformative change in our city centre and beyond.

“Securing GRAHAM as our delivery partner signals our intent and ambition to deliver quality new homes across a range of tenures. At the core of this partnership is a strong commitment to community and stakeholder engagement and to delivering long lasting social, economic and environment impacts for communities. This bold, innovative approach to bringing forward housing-led, mixed-use regeneration will help us build an inclusive city that works for everyone.”

Councillor Sam Nelson, Chair of Belfast City Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee said:
“Accelerating city centre living and delivering quality homes across the wider city is one of Belfast’s most pressing priorities. As well as providing new homes, this opportunity will provide social value, create employment opportunities, deliver quality outdoor spaces, and support a vibrant, inclusive, and liveable city. GRAHAM has the relevant experience, capability, and resources to match the scale of our ambition for the city.”

John McDonald, Investment Projects Managing Director at GRAHAM said:
“GRAHAM is delighted to have been selected by Belfast City Council as its delivery partner for this housing-led regeneration partnership. We look forward to building a meaningful, long-term collaborative relationship with the Council, and other stakeholders, to expeditiously unlock Belfast’s regeneration potential.

“This partnership is a unique development vehicle that can make an important contribution to the Council’s strategic aspiration to deliver thousands of much-needed new homes for people of all ages and backgrounds.

“GRAHAM is rooted in Belfast. Together with the Council, we will be ambitious and build momentum across the portfolio of sites to accelerate development. Our firm commitment is to create homes that contribute to vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive communities in the city centre and across the city.”

For more information on Belfast City Council’s regeneration initiatives, go to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/regeneration

NI Water Outlines Major Programme of Work at Dungannon

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16/12/2024

An extensive programme of work to upgrade Dungannon Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW) off Moygashel Lane is progressing well by NI Water.

Councillor Eugene McConnell, Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, was able to see firsthand progress on the £44 million investment by NI Water during a recent visit to the site.

Welcoming the Chair and providing an update on progress, NI Water’s Director of Infrastructure Delivery, Tzvetelina Bogoina, said:
“Dungannon Wastewater Treatment Works is a critical piece of infrastructure which underpins day-to-day life in this part of Mid Ulster, and we are delighted to have the council chair on site to view NI Water’s progress on the major programme of work being undertaken by local contractor GEDA Construction and Newry-based Water Solutions Ireland.

“Only by seeing these sites firsthand can anyone appreciate the complexities that NI Water and our contractors face in keeping existing treatment works operational while constructing vital new assets, installing an abundance of mechanical and electrical equipment, and laying extensive pipework.

“Over four years, NI Water will invest around £44 million at Dungannon to ensure the treatment facility can continue to support local industry, pave the way for new housing, and promote a flourishing environment for many years to come.”

Council Chair, Councillor McConnell, welcomed the plans for the Dungannon WwTW, saying:
“I’m grateful to NI Water for showing me around Dungannon Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW) and walking me through the plans for the facility over the next few years. Availability of wastewater facilities to our current and future homes is vital to address issues in demand for housing in our district, and therefore, the Council welcomes this significant investment by NI Water to upgrade the Dungannon WwTW.

“Alongside the new infrastructure recently installed in Ballyronan and Derrychrin, it will help to ensure that there is increased capacity available for future social and economic growth in those areas. The Council will continue to work actively with NI Water to ensure that the needs of the Mid Ulster district continue to be met.”

Dungannon WwTW dates back to the 1970s and treats a combination of both municipal and trade effluent discharges from Dungannon and the surrounding area.

The original facility – which was designed to serve a population equivalent (PE) of around 60,000 – was upgraded in 2019 with an innovative Nerada® system to enhance the treatment process and help maintain compliance.

When complete in 2027, NI Water’s current four-year programme of work will raise the capacity of the treatment works to 106,000 PE – an increase of over 75%.

Working alongside NI Water and the team from GEDA and WSI is Belfast-based McAdam, who are providing project management and technical support services for the multi-million-pound upgrade.

New Features/Options for Develon DL-7 Wheel Loader Range

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12/12/2024

Designed to Further Enhance Performance and Operator Comfort

Develon, formerly Doosan Construction Equipment, has announced several new features and options for the company’s award-winning DL-7 wheel loader range.

Comprising eleven models, running from the smallest DL200-7 through to the top-of-the-range DL580-7 model, the DL-7 range is designed to provide easier and faster loading with maximum bucket capacities from 2.0 to 6.4 m³, providing increased productivity for a very wide range of material-handling applications.

These include the transport and delivery of soil, sand, aggregates, and other materials in industry, recycling, waste, construction, demolition, mining, and quarrying. Develon also offers a wide choice of options to provide more work tools for a better match with applications, further increasing output.

Parallel Lift for Enhanced Pallet Handling and Lifting Work

One of the most important changes in the DL-7 range is the new parallel lift system now adopted as standard in the six smallest models, from the DL200-7 to the DL380-7.

These wheel loaders now feature a parallel lift system with electro-hydraulic compensation, specifically designed to maintain the horizontal alignment of the pallet forks during lifting. This advanced system automatically adjusts the forks to stay level as they move up and down, ensuring loads remain stable and securely balanced.

Ideal for precise pallet handling, Parallel Lift simplifies loading and unloading operations and reduces the risk of spillage or damage. This enhancement not only improves safety but also increases productivity, allowing operators to handle materials with greater confidence and efficiency in any working environment.

Electric Joystick Steering Extended

Electric joystick steering integrated on the armrest, a proven feature on large Develon wheel loaders, is now available for the smallest models, from the DL200-7 to the DL280-7.

Electric joystick steering helps operators to keep their concentration and reduces stress. The comfortable electric joystick allows the operator to drive their machine more easily, especially in repetitive tasks and tight spaces.

Designed to give the operator more precise control with a shorter lever stroke, resulting in less fatigue, the sensitivity of the ergonomic joystick control can be set and altered according to operator preferences using the SmartTouch touchscreen monitor. User-friendly and easy to read in all conditions, the touchscreen provides all the important settings and information the operator needs in one place.

Full Visibility

Another upgrade for all the models in the DL-7 range is a comprehensive Full LED Lighting Pack, designed to improve visibility, safety, and operator comfort.

This new package includes advanced LED work lights, which provide powerful illumination for optimum visibility during night shifts or in low light conditions, ensuring tasks are completed safely and efficiently.

The LED road lights add an extra layer of safety when transporting materials, improving visibility on roads and in busy working areas.

In addition to the lighting enhancements, this package also includes heated and electrically adjustable door mirrors. The heating function ensures clear vision in cold or frosty conditions by preventing fog and ice build-up. The power adjustment allows the operator to set the optimum angle without leaving the cab, increasing comfort and ease of operation.

With the full LED lighting package in place, Develon wheel loaders can tackle and operate in any environment with improved safety, enhanced functionality, and greater operator control.

Spacious Ergonomic Cab Design

Inside the cab, there is an option on all models of a new seat with both heating and ventilation. The seat offers fully adjustable horizontal and vertical suspension settings and a pneumatic lumbar function as standard.

There is a 3-point safety belt with alarm icons on the SmartTouch touchscreen monitor and on the gauge panel, which offers a clear layout and anti-reflective glass.

DL-7 wheel loaders offer significantly enhanced operating comfort, an enhanced steering system, and advanced electronic controls.

Using the new Develon Smart Key system on the control panel in the cab, the operator can start the machine using a keyless device, helping to prevent machine theft. The Smart Key system provides remote door control, door lock and unlock, door release, searching, and other functions.

The control panel also includes two USB sockets.

New Quick Coupling and 3rd Spool Piping

DL-7 wheel loaders have smooth and responsive hydraulics and auxiliary hydraulic connections.

All of the newly updated DL-7 wheel loaders are equipped as standard with a 3rd spool valve with settable flow and detent function, providing a constant flow for hydraulically driven attachments. Operators can easily and comfortably control hydraulic attachments via the proportional switch on the joystick.

The DL200-7, DL220-7, DL250-7, and DL280-7 models now have both quick coupler and 3rd spool piping as standard, with these new features optional on the larger models.

For more on Develon, please visit the website: https://eu.develon-ce.com/en/

Enfield Speciality Doors now on NBS Source

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12/12/2024

Enfield Speciality Doors now on NBS Source for easy fire door specification

Enfield Speciality Doors is the latest manufacturer to join NBS and list its products on NBS Source, the construction product library and specification platform.

Based just outside of London, Enfield Speciality Doors manufactures timber flush fire and acoustic doors for commercial and public sector projects. The doors are custom-made to exact specifications, and can combine fire resistance with acoustic performance and/or PAS 24 security.

“We decided to use NBS Source to target specifiers looking for best-in-class product and specification data,” explains James Saunders, Managing Director, Enfield Speciality Doors. “NBS Source makes it easy for specifiers to find, understand, and compare detailed, accurate information about products quickly. It also allows us to build and maintain relationships with specifiers, and provide advice and guidance for a smoother and more collaborative process.”

James adds: “Our fire and acoustic doors are now also listed in NBS Chorus, the cloud-based specification writing platform, which links up with NBS Source. Chorus allows users to create specifications much faster than writing them manually, and then import them into the full specification. It puts us at the heart of the specification process, and means we can support the architects, contractors, designers, and technologists we work with effectively.

BAB-certified for ISO9001 (quality management) and ISO14001 (environmental management), Enfield Speciality Doors offers internal fire doors with FD30, FD60, FD90 and FD120 ratings, tested to BS476 with independent, third-party certification from the IFC Group. The company also manufactures Quiet Mark-accredited acoustic timber doors with sound insulation up to 48dB (single door), and 54dB (two doors back-to-back), as well as other specialist doors.

Lee Jones, Head of Manufacturer Solutions, NBS, says, “Specifiers want to make better and more informed decisions, and by having Enfield Speciality Doors listed on Source, this will make their lives easier. By giving specifiers access to the data they need, they can make accurate, direct comparisons, allowing them to be more decisive when choosing products and reducing the risk of mistakes.”

Find Enfield Speciality Doors on NBS Source: https://nbs.fyi/4SmYKW

For further information on Enfield Speciality doors visit www.enfielddoors.co.uk, email sales@enfielddoors.co.uk, or follow @EnfieldDoorsUK1 on X or LinkedIn. You can find out more about NBS Source at source.thenbs.com.

Alma and The Furniture Practice Partner for Sustainable Fit-Out of New East London Rental Development

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12/12/2024

Located in the vibrant Zone 1 district of Aldgate, where the City of London meets the creative East, Alma launched in September 2024, offering 159 new apartments to rent, from studios to three bedrooms. Alma residents enjoy spacious, light-filled, and refined apartments with generous living spaces and artful interiors. Including a bespoke concierge service and access to a suite of boutique amenities—plus co-working space and an 8th-floor residents’ lounge—Alma meets the ever-evolving tenant expectations for modern city living.

An increasing challenge for new urban developments is to match growing tenant demands for the responsible, sustainable, and ethical considerations of their new homes. By partnering with designers and makers that adhere to strict ethical production policies, every piece of furniture inside Alma’s apartments and amenity spaces was sourced with respect for both people and the environment.

The Furniture Practice’s Sustainable Approach

The Furniture Practice was appointed to ensure a reduced carbon footprint for Alma’s furnishings. Founded in 1997, The Furniture Practice is a B Corp-certified company that collaborates with clients and professional teams to create impactful living and workplace environments internationally.

The Furniture Practice operated a rigorously audited supply chain on behalf of Alma to ensure that each supplier selected for the development’s furnishing met sustainability targets. Carbon reduction was achieved through the implementation of a close-to-home supply chain, with specific criteria established to ensure no item of furniture housed at Alma would endanger human health—either at the producer or user end—or use factories without ethical production policies.

Alma’s furnishings have been crafted with timeless designs and carefully sourced to ensure both longevity and style. For items that may need refreshing or for residents wishing to add personalized touches to their homes, pieces such as apartment sofas, beds, and coffee tables have been created with circular design principles in mind, offering both adaptability and lasting value.

Data supplied by manufacturers allowed The Furniture Practice to calculate the total carbon impact of each item in the fit-out, thus transparently disclosing the furniture’s overall carbon footprint.

Locally Sourced and Sustainable Materials

All furniture at Alma was made and supplied by partners based within the UK and Europe. All apartment case goods, such as sofas and armchairs, were made in the UK by domestic manufacturers.

British-based manufacturers were chosen to provide a number of bespoke TV units, bedside tables, and coffee tables made from durable, responsibly sourced timbers, guaranteeing both sustainability and a long product lifespan.

Other manufacturers were specifically chosen for their provision of low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) materials, emphasizing a commitment to healthier material choices, as demonstrated in products including Andreu World Reverse Conference Tables, Foresso Top Console Tables, and Pedrali Nolita Outdoor Chairs.

Bespoke Artworks from Local Artists

The sustainable furnishing of communal spaces is complemented by a series of specially commissioned bespoke artworks made by eight local artists handpicked from the thriving arts and culture scene in the Aldgate area. These artists were carefully selected by The Furniture Practice’s dedicated team to ensure that the artwork, along with all accessories and styling, seamlessly aligned with the overall Alma design philosophy and intent.

Statements from Alma and The Furniture Practice

Amelia Polowyj, General Manager of Alma, comments:
“At Alma, we believe that modern city apartments are enjoyed not only for their elegance, functionality, and comfort but for their ethical considerations too. By working with The Furniture Practice and prioritizing sustainability standards in all furniture choices in our apartments and amenities, we are proud to set a new benchmark for London rental life that respects both our residents’ needs and the environment.”

Tas Kanyangarara, Senior Furniture Consultant at The Furniture Practice and FF&E Lead for Alma, adds:
“It was truly inspiring to take such a collaborative, creative approach to Alma’s apartments and amenities, resulting in an FF&E package that balances timeless design, responsible sourcing, and thoughtful features that promote sustainability and longevity—all while capturing the unique Alma lifestyle. The project’s strong sustainability philosophy became central to the entire process, shaping a result we’re incredibly proud to have contributed to.”

For more information about Alma, visit www.alma-aldgate.co.uk.

NI housing market to end year on the up despite ongoing concerns around supply

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12/12/2024

RICS and Ulster Bank Residential Market Survey NI – November 2024

Northern Ireland’s housing market is ending the year on an upward trend, the latest Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and Ulster Bank Residential Market Survey suggests, despite ongoing concerns around insufficient supply to meet demand.

On the pricing front, a net balance of 66% of respondents in NI reported that prices rose through November, which is higher than the UK average of 25%. And respondents expect this to continue, with a net balance of 64% expecting house prices to rise over the next three months.

Demand for houses also continued to rise through November, although at a slower rate than seen previously. A net balance of 42% of NI respondents reported a rise in new buyer enquiries, down from 50% in the previous survey but still higher than the UK average of 12%.

With regard to sales, a net balance of 24% of respondents in NI reported that sales rose through November, which is down from 46% in October, but above the UK average of 1%. NI surveyors also remain optimistic on the sales outlook, with a net balance of 64% of respondents anticipating sales to rise over the next three months.

On the supply side, whilst there has been evidence of more properties coming onto the market in recent months, this appears to have slowed in November with a net balance of 6% of respondents in NI reporting that new instructions to sell rose through the month, down from 32% in October. Anecdotally, respondents continue to say that there is insufficient supply to meet demand.

Samuel Dickey, RICS Northern Ireland Residential Property Spokesman, comments:
“The housing market looks set to end the year with prices and sales activity rising, and surveyors remain relatively upbeat about the new year. But the market is continuing to face challenges in the form of a lack of supply. A key reason behind this is the longstanding issue of a lack of wastewater infrastructure as well as planning delays. This is limiting the number of new builds coming to the market. It is encouraging though to see that despite this, NI respondents remain more optimistic than their UK counterparts.”

Terry Robb, Head of Personal Banking at Ulster Bank, says:
“With changes to stamp duty thresholds for first-time and other buyers coming into effect in 2025 as well as proposed increases to residential rates, buyers are planning their purchases more carefully than ever. That said, in line with what is being reported in the latest survey, we are yet to see interest dwindling or mortgage enquiries slowing down. As the market ends the year on a positive note, we hope to see this continue into 2025.”

Commenting on the UK picture, RICS Senior Economist, Tarrant Parsons, said:
“Although the latest survey results continue to signal a steady improvement in buyer demand across the residential market, the broader macro environment is likely to pose additional headwinds moving forward. Most significantly, the recent rise in mortgage interest rates may curtail the recovery in market activity before long, and this is reflected in the slightly less optimistic sales expectations data coming through this month.

“Moreover, measures of consumer and business confidence across the economy have deteriorated of late and, if sustained, this could begin to feed through into housing market conditions in the months ahead.”

Engineering Business Teams Up with Asset Disposal Specialists in Preparation for Retirement

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12/12/2024

The Challenge: Disposing of Business Assets

After decades of delivering precision engineering services, C&M Engineering, based in Bury, decided to wind down operations as its owner, Brian, prepared for retirement. Renowned for their expertise in fairground ride repairs, including projects at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, C&M Engineering had built a solid reputation over the years.

Faced with the challenge of efficiently closing the business and maximising financial returns, Brian initially considered selling the entire company. However, this option presented challenges, including a potentially lengthy and complex process that could take months or even years to complete. Instead, Brian opted for a more straightforward approach: an asset sale.

Brian reached out to BPI for help after hearing about their expertise in asset disposal through a mutual contact. What made BPI stand out was their ability to handle the entire process end-to-end, combining a dedicated sales and marketing team with their advanced 24/7 online auction platform.

The auction featured over 80 lots of high-quality machinery, including milling and drilling machines, tooling, measuring instruments, and other essential tools. With BPI’s extensive global database and targeted marketing strategies, Brian was confident they could attract a wide pool of potential buyers.

This streamlined asset disposal process offered a faster resolution, allowing Brian to maximise the value of his well-maintained equipment and add significantly to his retirement fund. By choosing BPI, Brian was able to achieve his goals efficiently and seamlessly, ensuring a successful transition to the next chapter of his life.

The Asset Disposal Solution

C&M Engineering was impressed by BPI’s proven track record of delivering fast and efficient asset sales, making BPI the ideal partner for their disposal needs.

BPI’s asset disposal solutions provide an efficient, time-sensitive approach, with machinery sales completed in as little as five weeks. Leveraging BPI’s extensive network of buyers, this method ensured C&M Engineering could maximise returns in a short timeframe.

To prepare for the sale, BPI’s team meticulously catalogued and photographed each lot within a single day, ensuring everything was ready for the online auction. Among the standout lots featured in this sale were:

Colchester Mascot 1600 Lathe
Colchester Triumph 2000 Lathe
Lion 3VS Universal 3 Axis CNC Milling Machine
KRV3000 Universal Milling Machine
Harrison M300 Toolroom Lathe

The Auction Sale Results

The auction ran for just 13 days – a remarkable turnaround time for anyone looking to generate cash flow quickly and efficiently!

The final hammer total reached £25,000, approximately 40% more than the initial expectation.

This success was primarily due to the excellent quality and maintenance of the machinery, combined with BPI’s seamless sales and marketing efforts. Their robust marketing strategy, paired with an extensive global network of potential buyers, ensured a highly successful auction.

For C&M Engineering, opting for an asset sale was a logical choice given the efficiency and simplicity it offered, especially when closing a business within a tight timeframe. Many of BPI’s clients, like Brian, are often keen to finalise their exit as quickly as possible, and BPI ensured this process was smooth from start to finish.

BPI handled all collections within two days with their dedicated machine mover, ensuring that everything was completed in a timely manner.

Brian, owner of C&M Engineering Services, said:

“I’m very pleased with the outcome of the sale. The whole process from start to finish was flawless and exceeded my expectations. I would highly recommend people who are thinking of retiring or closing a business to consider an asset disposal route with BPI.”

Richard Travis, Sector Specialist at BPI, said:

“It was a pleasure to oversee this auction for Brian with such a well-maintained and presented workshop. I’m thrilled with the successful outcome and wish him all the best for the future.”

Kingspan Launches A1-Rated Flat Roof Insulation

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11/12/2024

Kingspan Insulation has introduced K-Roc Flat Roof Slab 70/039, a Euroclass A1-rated insulation slab that is fully compatible with most mechanically fixed single-ply waterproofing systems.

The rock mineral fibre insulation has a thermal conductivity of 0.039 W/mK and is available through specialist insulation distributors and selected roofing merchants across Great Britain. The product can be installed above new or existing metal, concrete, and plywood decks and is compatible with most green roof systems. Its A1 Euroclass reaction to fire performance has been assessed under Assessment and Verification of Constancy of Performance (AVCP) System 1.

It forms part of Kingspan Insulation’s full spectrum of insulation solutions for flat roofs. This includes the popular Thermaroof range of PIR flat roof boards, Thermataper tapered roofing systems, and the OPTIM-R Roofing System, which features vacuum insulation panels (VIPs) with a thermal conductivity of just 0.007 W/mK – providing a solution for applications where available depth is at a premium.

All Kingspan Insulation roofing solutions are backed by its expert technical services team, who can provide advice and support on the most suitable product for a particular application, along with U-value calculations and condensation risk analyses.

For general enquiries:
Web: www.kingspan.com/gb/en-gb/products/insulation-boards/contact
Email: info@kingspaninsulation.co.uk
www.linkedin.com/company/kingspan-insulation-global

Optimism in Northern Ireland’s Construction Sector as Hospitality and Industrial Projects Drive Recovery

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10/12/2024

Construction starts are expected to rise by 9% to £1.4bn by 2026, according to industry-leading analyst Construction Information Services (CIS).

The insight and intelligence expert has released its widely anticipated Construction Industry forecast and estimates that construction will continue to grow in future years, although at a slower rate initially.

The report predicts a rise of 1% in underlying starts – projects valued under £100m – in 2025, which will increase to 9% in 2026.

Growth across sectors is expected to vary, with 9 out of the 10 sectors analysed in the CIS forecast projected to experience increases of 5% or more in at least one of the next two years, signalling widespread but uneven expansion.

2024 saw relatively strong growth in all sectors, bar residential, where housing completions in Northern Ireland look set to continue to decline. One major hurdle is the inability of the water infrastructure to support new housing developments. Approximately 19,000 homes are delayed due to these restrictions, exacerbating the housing crisis and slowing economic progress.

Encouragingly, planning applications for new housing developments have remained steady, with over 11,000 units submitted in 2024, reflecting optimism in the market. However, delivery remains a significant challenge due to systemic delays and underfunded infrastructure.

Dave Thompson, Vice President Ireland and Europe at CIS, commented:

“We anticipate a 20% decline in new housing investment this year, followed by a modest recovery in 2025. Encouragingly, the recent surge in new housing applications reflects growing confidence and renewed optimism in the housing market.

Additionally, the announcement by Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd of an extra £31 million in funding for NI Water, with £19.5 million specifically earmarked to address critical wastewater system issues, is a positive step forward. This investment is vital for unlocking the potential for new housing developments and addressing long-standing infrastructure challenges.”

Beyond housing, Northern Ireland’s industrial and commercial construction sectors are showing signs of resilience and growth.

Industrial Construction:
- In 2024, industrial project starts are forecast to match 2023’s record-high levels, driven by robust demand in manufacturing, logistics, and pharmaceutical facilities.
- While the pipeline for new planning applications and approvals may dip below 2023 levels, steady recovery is expected, with a projected sector value of £218m by 2025, £234m in 2026, and almost £250m by 2027, underscoring its long-term potential.
Commercial Construction:
- Fuelled by a resurgence in office development, the sector is set to see a 104% increase in value, rising to £126m in 2024, reflecting post-pandemic recovery and renewed urban business activity.
- This growth is anticipated to continue, with projections of £151m in 2025, £185m in 2026, and exceeding £200m by 2027.

The hospitality and sports/community facilities sectors are also showing resilience:

Hospitality:
- Investment in hospitality developments is projected to rise by 111% in 2024, with over 300 hotel beds under construction or completed.
- Project starts are anticipated to hit £79m in 2025 and increase to £85m in 2026.
Sports and Community Facilities:
- Funding for these projects will see a 55% boost, reflecting increased local investment in grassroots and recreational projects.
- With a robust project pipeline, these sectors are projected to hit £58m in 2025, £62m in 2026, and nearly £70m in starts by 2027.

Education and medical construction are also positioned for steady growth, with delayed school and hospital projects set to resume as funding stabilises. These sectors provide vital opportunities for diversification and economic stimulus.

Allan Wilén, Economics Director, commented:

“The industrial and commercial sectors are bright spots in Northern Ireland’s construction landscape. With industrial starts holding steady and commercial activity on the rise, these sectors are driving diversification and economic resilience. However, sustained growth will require collaborative solutions to address planning bottlenecks and ensure the funding stability needed to unlock the region’s full potential. The resilience we’re seeing is a testament to the innovation and determination within the industry.”

As Northern Ireland’s construction sector faces pivotal years ahead, a strategic focus on diversification, sustainability, and collaboration will be key to overcoming challenges and seizing growth opportunities across sectors. The progress in industrial and commercial projects highlights the potential for a brighter, more robust future.

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