Royal Mail Projects win two National CDM Awards

The recently completed projects at Tyneside Mail Centre and Leeds Mail Centre, part of the Royal Mail North East Transformation Programme, had received three nominations to the 2012 Association for Project Safety National CDM Awards. Royal Mail Group Property, with their Consultants and Contractor, were outright winners of both the Regional Health & Safety Awards and CDM Co-ordinator of the Year Award.

The APS Awards are the construction industry's premier showpiece for excellence in Design and Construction, they recognise projects with an outstanding and innovative approach to Health & Safety.

On the two Mail Centre projects the Royal Mail operators, main contractor Wates Construction and the design team collaborated to promote a culture of zero-tolerance to H&S risks which resulted in over 200,000 accident free hours across the two projects over an 18 months period. Innovative measures included a red-card system for unsafe acts, stringent policy on the use of PPE, weekly planning meetings of the work ahead and monthly rewards for individuals and sub-contractors demonstrating exemplary H&S awareness and initiative.

Overall a great team effort.

The new extension at Tyneside Mail Centre

Leeds Mail Centre during construction

University of Huddersfield Student Learning and Leisure Centre Gains Planning Approval

The new £22.5m Student Learning and Leisure Centre for the University of Huddersfield received planning permission during a special committee meeting on the 10th September. The facility provides much needed sports accommodation including an 8 badminton court sports hall, fitness suite, squash courts, a climbing wall, and a range of studios and a spa. To compliment the leisure activities the new development integrates social learning and catering facilities, student services, students' union and the existing library  accommodation, and a new corporate suite.

The striking appearance and use of modern materials crates a unique identity on a key gate way into the town.

Demolition and enabling works are currently ongoing with the main phase of construction work due to start on site before Christmas. The project is due for completion in Spring 2014.

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