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LET THERE BE LEICHT: PR specialist, Publicity Engineers appointed by German kitchen furniture company, LEICHT Contracts

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BRIGHT FUTURE: LEICHT Contracts appoint PR specialist, Publicity Engineers

LEICHT Contracts, one of the UK’s leading providers of German-engineered kitchen furniture to the new build and regeneration construction market, has appointed lifestyle & design PR agency Publicity Engineers and commenced all PR and marketing communications on its behalf on May 1, 2024.

Established in 2014, LEICHT Contracts is located in SE1 London at The Leather Market, a beautifully restored period building not far from London Bridge. Home to the company’s state-of-the-art design studio and meeting space, LEICHT Contracts is supported by a team of qualified experts including its in-house Projects Design team, UK Operations team, Projects Management team and dedicated customer service department.

LEICHT furniture is multi-faceted by design and presents a comprehensive range of design solutions that help to characterise the architectural kitchen and create original interiors through a specially curated mix of luxury units and doors, worksurfaces, and wall solutions for the contemporary kitchen space.

Highly selective, LEICHT Contracts have positive working partnerships with premium electrical appliance brands like Bora and V-Zug, along with third-party product manufacturers such as worktops by Caesarstone, and sinks and taps by Abode. From composite quartz and natural stone to the very latest instant hot water taps and integrated smart lighting, sourcing high-quality branded products is key to every project designed and supplied by LEICHT Contracts.

AMAZING SPACE: LEICHT Contracts, specialise in all aspects of spatial, technical, and cosmetic kitchen design

Sarah Edwards, Managing Director UK at LEICHT Contracts says, “The last 5 years at LEICHT Contracts, has been one of huge expansion and so the timing was right for us to enlist the expertise and guidance of Publicity Engineers, to promote our work with boutique developers and national house builders. Not only that, but I am also a keen advocate of women in design and so I look forward to adding my voice to the continued diversification of the built environment.”

Matthew Goddon, Design Director at LEICHT Contracts says, “We are thrilled to work with Publicity Engineers to highlight our excellent track record of designing and supplying kitchens to a variety of home builders nationwide. LEICHT Contracts has worked in partnership with major developers like Berkeley Homes, St George, Octagon, Countryside Partnerships, City & Country and Purelake Homes, and together with our new PR company, we hope to encourage more design conversations where our brand is front and centre.”

Emily McCullagh, Managing Director at Publicity Engineers says, “From a business perspective, we are thrilled to be able to welcome such an award-winning team of contract kitchen designers, which specialise in the design and supply of volume landmark projects. For me personally, it is wonderful when an industry connection develops into a mutual business relationship, and I look forward to providing the growing community of luxury specifiers with a ready supply of LEICHT kitchen projects.”

If you would like to find out more information, please contact: LEICHT Contracts

TOP OF THE TAPS: LEICHT Contracts is named one of the top 10 German kitchen furniture companies
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RECYCLE OF LIFE: Heidelberg Materials completes acquisition of leading recycling and construction materials company, Mick George Limited

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SUSTAINABILITY: The acquisition strengthens Heidelberg Materials’ circular materials offering by adding a substantial recycling platform to its portfolio.

HEIDELBERG Materials UK has completed its acquisition of leading recycling company Mick George Limited (MGL), following approval from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).

MGL has an annual turnover of around £220 million and specialises in recycling and waste management services. It operates around 40 recycling facilities, waste transfer stations, aggregate quarries and ready-mixed concrete plants in East Anglia and the East Midlands.

In order to address the CMA’s competition concerns, the company has divested a combination of eight Heidelberg Materials and MGL sites to PJ Thory as well as Needingworth quarry to Brice Aggregates.

MATERIAL POSSESSIONS: Mick George Limited has an annual turnover of around £220 million and specialises in recycling and waste management services.

The acquisition strengthens Heidelberg Materials’ circular materials offering. It adds a substantial recycling platform to the company’s portfolio, supporting the development of innovative technologies for processing waste and upgrading it for use in the construction cycle as a valuable material.

Simon Willis, CEO at Heidelberg Materials UK, said: “I am delighted to confirm the completion of the acquisition of MGL, which is an exciting milestone for us. It is a strong fit and represents a major step as we embrace the opportunities the construction waste sector represents.

“It will allow us to drive the use of recycled aggregate in building materials and help us reach our target to offer circular alternatives for half of our concrete products by 2030.

“Promoting circularity and thereby reducing the use of primary raw materials is crucial to achieving net zero and we are committed to playing our part.

“I am looking forward to working together to explore further opportunities and develop the combined business.”

EXCITING MILESTONE: Simon Willis, CEO at Heidelberg Materials UK
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SHINING BRIGHT: Nulty designs a lighting scheme for Bromley Town Hall’s historic restoration.

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LET THERE BE LIGHT: Nulty designs a lighting scheme for Bromley Town Hall’s historic restoration

INTERNATIONAL lighting design studio Nulty has completed a lighting scheme for Bromley Old Town Hall, part of a £20 million project to restore the architectural and cultural significance of the historic site.

Nulty’s lighting design response supports the wider goals set by architecture practice Cartwright Pickard and interior design studio Fusion Interiors Group, to reclaim the heritage of the Grade II-Listed architecture and breathe new life into the flexible co-working space and all-day dining restaurant that now occupies the building.

The scheme balances the need for contemporary lighting interventions and a sensitive design narrative that prioritises reuse. Nulty reviewed archive photographs of the 1906 and 1939 sections of the building, then refurbished and reinstated traditional light fittings to honour the original aspirations of the old town hall.

The contrast of old and new plays out in the reception area, where suspended glass pendants have been used to create a focal point above the desk and seating area. The composition forms a welcoming path of light, which pulls guests through to the more historically significant areas of the scheme where the traditional lighting language begins.

Across the main circulation areas, original decorative fittings were reinstated or replicated to complement period features such as vaulted domed ceilings, cornices, and archways. In the building’s iconic central hall, artificial skylights were used to flood the space with light and pay reverence to the 1930s skylights that were removed when the floor above was extended. The backlit ceilings are inherently modern and provide dynamic white light that accurately reflects the colour temperature and intensity of external light levels.

OLD MEETS NEW: Nulty designs refurbished and reinstated traditional light fittings to honour the original aspirations of the old town hall

A new restaurant takes up residence in the old Courthouse, a historic part of the building that has been opened to the public for the first time. Here, integrated perimeter lighting accentuates the wood panelled walls and uplights illuminate artwork and help to elevate the space. Decorative glass pendants were reintroduced to ensure that the original design intent has been honoured and supplemented at a lower level by globe pendants to evoke a sense of intimacy.

In the shared Club Lounge, housed in the former Council Chambers, the lighting is unapologetically restrained to allow the large stained-glass windows, domed soffits, and columns to sing. Bowl pendants were reinstated at a high level and teamed with discreet uplights that highlight the rhythm of the architecture.

A new flexible co-working space from Clockwise resonates the spirit of the local authority building, yet every attempt has been made to elevate the building’s performance to that of a contemporary workplace. LED technology was integrated in all the workspaces and meeting rooms to deliver the required quality of light for focused work, video conferencing, and face-to-face meetings.

The basement has been repurposed to form a new thread of the building and features a dramatic circulation corridor come bike storage area. To compensate for the lack of natural light in this space, linear profiles were positioned along the length of the corridor to reinforce the curve of the exposed concrete walls and improve permeability by leading occupants along a soft cadence of light.

LIGHT FANTASTIC: Bromley Old Town Hall is now open for business, boasting a restaurant and a boutique hotel
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BREAKING NEWS: Propertynews.com signs 40 new agents as platform continues strong growth

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HOT PROPERTY: Emma Kerr, MD of Propertynews

PROPERTYNEWS.COM, the locally-owned property portal, has signed up over 40 new estate agents to list their properties on its site since the beginning of this year.

This continues very strong growth since its new owners acquired it two-and-a-half years ago. More than 400 agents in total now list their properties on Propertynews, 150 more than when GCD Technologies bought and began investing in the site in October 2021.

As a result, Propertynews now has more residential properties listed for sale and rent in Northern Ireland than any other portal.

Visits to Propertynews.com have also increased significantly, up 47 per cent since the start of 2024. And the number of enquiries being sent to agents is up 94% compared to the corresponding period in 2023.

Emma Kerr, Managing Director of Propertynews.com, says that the owners put in place a growth strategy when they acquired it two-and-a-half years ago, including significant investment in technology for the benefit of agents and homebuyers, and this is really bearing fruit.

“We have invested very significantly in Propertynews in recent years, in terms of our technology, our brand and our positioning, and this is really paying off as more and more agents continue to opt to list their properties on Propertynews.com and house hunters continue to visit us in greater numbers,” she says.

“As an example, we recently launched our bespoke AI property assistant, Liv, which has proven popular with users and agents, and is one important factor in the growth that we are experiencing,” she continues.

“The housing market continues to perform well, with homebuyers increasingly active in the market and the number of sales continuing to increase. I am confident that we can continue to provide agents with the best platform to showcase their properties and house hunters with the very best experience when seeking to buy or rent their dream home,” Emma adds.

Propertynews is owned by local business GCD Technologies. It currently lists the most residential properties on the market in Northern Ireland and has seen a huge increase in users and property enquiries in recent months, with over 1.5m users visiting the site within the past 6 months.

GCD acquired Propertynews.com in 2021 and has invested more than £1.5m into developing and improving the property portal for the benefit of agents, developers and users. For more information see: www.propertynews.com

TEAM PLAYERS: Emma McNally and Emma Kerry of Propertynews.com
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KINGS OF THE NORTH: Campbell Driver Partnership architects move into new office at Northlight

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RESTORATION COMPLETE: The £34m redevelopment of Northlight, the historic mill in Brierfield

ONE of the new tenants to be welcomed into the final phases of the £34m redevelopment of Northlight, the historic mill in Brierfield, are top architect practice Campbell Driver Partnership.

Working throughout the UK but primarily along the M65 corridor, the historic building provides a great location for their inspirational work which includes Slater Terrace in Burnley and the new Thwaites Brewery facility near Mellor.

Northlight Industries consists of 29 spacious workshop units, with sizes from 650 – 2000 sq ft. They’re occupied by diverse businesses, from people hand crafting such as Feature Lighting, to the Gawthorpe Textile Collection archive. Campbell Driver required a light, spacious office plus private meeting room, and they were overjoyed to find a property as unique as Northlight.

Joe Barrowclough, Director at Campbell Driver Partnership said: “We were looking for something that provided us with a creative studio to reflect what we do and what business we’re working on. First impressions on Northlight were absolutely blown away. I did get a chance to see the building prior to its redevelopment, and the change has been phenomenal. We’re really impressed with the spaces that have been provided!

NEW TENNANTS: Joe Barrowclough, Director at Achitects Campbell Driver Partnership, have moved into the new developed, Northlight, the historic mill in Brierfield

“There are great staff that work here as part of Store First and Business First on the reception and in other areas of the building. There’s a fantastic kitchen and hub. And with the other businesses that are currently filling up the spaces, there’s a great community feel to Northlight. I’d recommend it to anybody who’s a small startup business or anybody that’s well-established! We’re looking to expand and recruit, and we’re well-established in the area. We’ve worked up and down the M65 for the last 20 or  30 years, so it’s good to have a central position within the area that we work, and hopefully we’ll just continue our success!” he added.

Managing Director Toby Whittaker added, “I’ve worked with Campbell Driver Partnership professionally and they really understand about preserving heritage, so the new office was perfect for them. I’m really pleased we can add them to the Northlight community, and it’s great they’re so happy here!”

You can see more about the superb mixed-use £34m redevelopment of Northlight here: www.northlightestates.com

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THE XTRA-FACTOR: Biggest ever JCB X Series excavator to debut at Hillhead 2024 show

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BIGGER DIGGER: JCB's most powerful X Series tracked excavator ever– the 370X

AT Hillhead 2024, JCB will showcase its biggest and most powerful X Series tracked excavator yet – the 370X.

Headlining on the JCB stand and in the show’s demonstration area, the 370X is a heavy-duty earthmover that brings its industry-leading levels of productivity, durability, and reliability to the 35-40 tonne sector.

Powered by a stage V/T4F 240kW (322hp) diesel engine delivering 14% more power, the 370X can move 4.5 tonnes more material per litre of fuel than competitive models.

It features the new JCB UX user interface, with 10” colour touchscreen display and controls, increased hydraulic pressures boost performance in hard digging, and extended service intervals for improved total cost of ownership.

The new model will be joined at the show by an extensive line-up of JCB machines for the quarrying, construction and recycling sectors including JCB’s new Dual Drive backhoe loader, new Hydradig with Raptor tilt-rotator and the prototype backhoe loader powered by JCB’s hydrogen combustion engine.

Further products from the manufacturer’s Loadall telescopic handler, backhoe loader, tracked excavator, wheeled loading shovel, site dumper, compaction, power generation and compact equipment ranges will be shown across the stand, demonstration area and at the quarry face.

Hillhead 2024 builds on a record-breaking 2022 which hosted over 600 exhibiting companies, enjoyed by 18,500 unique visitors.

The newly renamed Showground Pavilion will be extended to accommodate even more indoor exhibits, alongside an exciting new refreshments area and networking hub, whilst additional outdoor space for exhibitors has been created adjacent to the Registration Pavilion.

Meanwhile, four live demonstration areas will continue to showcase the very latest equipment in a real-life quarry environment.

 

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GRAND DESIGNS: Sanipex specified for Mitre Yard development in West London

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LUXURY LIVING SPACES: Sanipex specified for Mitre Yard development in West London

MITRE Yard is a landmark residential development helping to redefine the regeneration zone of West London.

Developers O’Shea, one of the largest privately-owned construction and property development companies in London and the Southeast, approached SANIPEX GROUP for help in creating interiors that are as palatial as the building’s surroundings.

Situated on the Grand Union Canal, the development is set to play an important role in one of the city’s most affluent and culturally energetic districts.

This small pocket of London is home to huge globally recognised brands, from Harrods and Harvey Nichols to Victoria & Albert Museum and Kensington Palace.

Mitre Yard offers innovation at every level – with 21 floors offering a choice of spaciously designed apartment types all with perfectly proportioned living spaces.

URBAN ELEGANCE: Basin mixers and wastes, thermostatic shower mixers and shower heads are from BAGNODESIGN

The interior decor is specified to include a stylish palette of warm tone hues, rich vertical grain timber and complementary ceramic marbled style floor and wall tiling. Each space is sleek, functional and inviting for high-end London living.

Meeting the brief, brassware solutions from the luxury BAGNODESIGN brand create an affluent atmosphere in the bathrooms, in line with the development’s underlying theme of ‘Where Architecture Meets Art’.

Basin mixers and wastes, thermostatic shower mixers and shower heads from BAGNODESIGN all feature, creating the desired atmosphere of sophisticated urban elegance.

Specification includes beautiful Zephyr brassware and spa-inspired Cube showerheads, along with quality AQUAECO plumbing solutions.

For more details, call 01924 233977 or visit www.sanipexgroup.com/uk

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NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK: New Komatsu Hd605-10 rigid dump tuck and three new electric-powered mini excavators launched

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HAVING IT LARGE: The new Komatsu HD605-10 rigid dump truck

THE latest addition to Komatsu’s extensive product range – and that of their distributor in Ireland, McHale Plant Sales – is their new HD605-10 rigid dump truck.

Its many improved features include enhanced engine power and torque, and what Komatsu says is ‘cutting-edge fuel-reduction technologies’.

Drawing on over a century of Komatsu expertise in quarry and mining operations, the HD605-10 sets ‘new benchmarks in safety, productivity, durability, and environmental responsibility,’ with a focus on meeting customer demands in quarry applications.

Added benefits described by Komatsu include ‘increased power and optimal performance’ at the lowest cost per tonne, unparalleled safety and comfort for operators, with weight reductions, improved durability and an expanded load capacity up to 64 tonnes with 43 m3 body.

Building on the reliability of its predecessor, it is equipped with a powerful 610 kW Stage V engine and a host of other features improvements.

McHale Plant Sales director, Denis McGrath said: “They include a number of ‘car-like’ features such as three selectable drive modes to match applications (Economy, Economy Light, & Power); illuminated stair walkways; an external seat belt reminder lamp; hill start assist, and cruise control”.

TAKING CHARGE: Three new Komatsu electric-powered mini excavators, a PC20E, PC26E, and PC33E

And also new from Komatsu is three new electric-powered mini excavators, a PC20E, PC26E, and PC33E, which have gone on sale in Ireland following their debut at Intermat 2024. 

Komatsu distributor in Ireland, McHale Plant Sales say they: “Offer ‘zero emissions operation without compromising on performance’ all three models offer a range of features that include use indoors and in other emissions-sensitive areas thanks to their exhaust-free, battery power operation.”

 

And according to their sales director, Denis McGrath: “Other benefits are their high torque and instant power delivery, they provide a powerful performance and reduced noise pollution on the jobsite”.

 

Equipped with high-capacity batteries, a single charge provides sufficient runtime for a working day and, because electric motors require less maintenance than a diesel version, lower operating costs for customers are an additional benefit.

An onboard charger is available for PC20E and PC26E models. With new cab specifications, models have an operating weight designed to meet European requirements for trailer transportability.

 

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TRAFFIC CHAOS: Prioritise Ballykelly bypass plans within new transport strategy, MLA Sugden urges

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20-YEAR WAIT: Ballykelly bypas

EAST Londonderry MLA Claire Sugden has again urged the Minister for Infrastructure to include the long-awaited Ballykelly bypass as part of its priorities in an upcoming 10-year transport strategy.

The need for a bypass around the village has been talked about for nearly 20 years, but during the dissolution of Stormont, the Permanent Secretary of the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) confirmed that all, more recent, development had been paused because of budget constraints.

“Even the preferred route of this bypass was identified more than 10 years ago,” Ms Sugden said. “That scheme went no further, but the need has since grown for commuters and residents of Ballykelly.

“Tailbacks and congestion are common at all times of day, severely impacting important links between Coleraine, Limavady and Derry.

“The development of the Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan (RSTNTP) – which itself has been stalled and delayed for years because of the stop-start functioning of Stormont – is welcome.

“Following correspondence with the minister, I have received a commitment from him to look again at Ballykelly within the scope of the plan. But because the plan includes investments and improvements up until 2035, confidence that we will see imminent movement on this project is lacking.

“This project really matters to people. I hope that when the plan is soon published it will include this important improvement to the A2, along with a commitment to seeing it happen in a timely way.”

MAJOR PRIORITY: MLA Claire Sugden has urged the Minister for Infrastructure about the long-awaited Ballykelly bypass
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CHADWICKS PODCAST: Julian Benson and Dermot Bannon share update on their ‘Tranquillity House’ Project

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TRADE TALK, TIPS AND BANTER: The Chadwicks, Under Construction Builders Podcast

CHADWICKS Group, Ireland’s leading builders’ merchants, has launched a brand-new episode of its ‘Under Construction with Chadwicks’ podcast series.

Now just over halfway into its fourth season, the latest episode, hosted by Donncha O’Callaghan, sees Donncha chat to Julian Benson and Dermot Bannon about an important project that they have been working on.

Choreographer and dancer Julian was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF) when he was just two, and at the time, given a life expectancy of thirteen years.

Julian, through fitness and great nutrition has beaten all the odds, understands the difficulties firsthand that CF patients and their families can face when trying to find somewhere to stay during long hospital admissions.

Many CF patients need to travel from all over the country for treatment in both St. Vincent’s Hospital and Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin in Dublin, and the average hospital stay can be between ‘3-4 weeks at any time’.

To find a solution to which Julian says on the podcast, ‘is a necessity’, his charity, the Julian Benson Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, has purchased a 160-year-old Victorian house in Rathgar, which has stood derelict for many years.

The building, when renovations are complete, will be a place to stay for families with a loved one who is diagnosed with CF and requires long-term hospital treatment.

The project is being led by Julian and architect and TV presenter Dermot Bannon, who is responsible for the redesign of the building. When completed, it will be named ‘Tranquility House’.

Julian shares that his foundation has received ‘overwhelming’ support for ‘Tranquility House’, despite there being so many charities with causes that are all deserving of the Irish public’s support.

LATEST EPISODE: Season 4, Episode 6 of the Chadwicks podcast features Julian Benson Foundation’s Tranquility Project with Dermot Bannon

Having collaborators like Chadwicks on board to support with the renovation by supplying all building materials for the house, makes Julian and Dermot feel that ‘a bit of the load has been picked up’, which, as Donncha adds, ‘will always be lighter with more people’.

The charity does however, still need support to finish the project, and is asking members of the community to support in any way they can when the ‘Tranquility House’ opens.

During the episode, Julian and Dermot give insights into the challenges they have faced transforming a ‘period building that needs a lot of love and attention’ to a ‘home away from home’ for CF families.

Dermot also shares his thoughts on the number of buildings in Dublin which should be ‘reused better’, saying there are some ‘great’ derelict buildings in the city that are not being repurposed successfully like they are in other European cities such as Barcelona and Paris.

Dermot believes that ‘a lot of the city of Dublin has fallen into dereliction’ and that in Ireland, ‘buildings are let go’ instead of being renovated to live up to their full potential. He says it only takes twenty minutes to walk anywhere in Dublin city centre before you ‘hit dereliction’ and that while it is ‘tricky’ to restore a derelict building, it is ultimately worthwhile.

Dermot also speaks about the construction industry and believes that the government needs to do more to ‘protect skilled tradespeople’ especially at times when there isn’t work available for everyone.

He also believes that there is a common misconception about careers in the trades industry, and that more needs to be done at second level, particularly through subjects such as engineering and wood technology (‘woodwork’) to educate students about what a career in the trades can look like.

Dermot shares the many positive benefits of working in different trades, as well as the skills it requires, such as creativity, problem solving, and teamwork.

He feels that the government also need to ‘dispel the beliefs that some parents have about what education is’ and that completing third level education is a necessity, as it doesn’t suit all.

To listen to today’s episode, click here. The episode is the sixth of ten in the latest series of the award winning ‘Under Construction with Chadwicks’ podcast. All episodes from the fourth series of the podcast released to date are available to watch back here.

Further episodes of the series will launch in the coming weeks and will also be available to listen to at chadwicks.ie/podcast, as well as on Spotify, Apple, and all podcast streaming services in Ireland.

For more information about the Julian Benson Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and its ‘Tranquility House’ project, visit https://jbcff.com/.

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