Latest news with #GovernmentPropertyAgency
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Plan to prevent repeat of Manchester 'dust devil'
"Appropriate measures" will be put in place to prevent a repeat of a dramatic "dust devil" that startled onlookers in Manchester over the weekend. The swirling 30ft (10m) column of dust and debris was pictured beating a path across Great Ancoats Street in the city centre on Saturday afternoon. Similar in appearance to a mini-tornado, the phenomenon was caused by contrasts in temperature causing air to rotate. Manchester City Council said the dust devil originated from the Central Retail Park building site, a vacant swathe of open land which is being redeveloped into a civil service office complex. The authority said: "The meteorological conditions required to create a so-called dust devil are uncommon in urban areas and so it's rare that a site is affected in the way we saw over the weekend. "However, dust control is a consideration for any development, and we'll ensure the developer takes appropriate measures to manage the site throughout the construction period." One eyewitness said he "froze" when she saw the column of dust spiralling towards him. Violinist Adam Riding, 30, said: "It was the most amazing thing. "I've never seen anything like that, and to witness it in the city on really not a very windy day. "It was like this wind tunnel between buildings had created this mini-vortex. It was bizarre." Met Office meteorologist Alan Goodman said dust devils were a "rare occurrence" in the UK. He said: "The ground was very, very warm. When you get this very warm air near the ground it will rise. "And then if you just get it right, the air starts to rush in from the sides and you get this sort of rotation motion." The Government Property Agency, which is redeveloping the Central Retail Park site, said the dust devil was the result of "exceptional meteorological conditions". It added: "In response to this, the contractors currently managing the site have taken the additional steps of bringing in a road sweeper and a towable water bowser to reduce the likelihood of dust being blown from this plot if unusual weather patterns continue." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on BBC Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram, and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer. What caused 'dust devil' in city centre?
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Wates chosen for Category B fit-out of First Street Hub in Manchester
The UK's Government Property Agency (GPA) has selected Wates as the contractor for the Category B fit-out of the new government office at Manchester's First Street in England. The construction of the nine-storey building is progressing into its final stage, with the company responsible for the hub's fit-out to ensure it is functional for office use. This selection follows the recent completion of the Category A fit-out and the beginning of the lease. The fit-out phase commenced following the handover of the property to GPA this February, after BAM Construct UK completed works on the development. The Manchester First Street Hub, a significant part of GPA's Government Hubs Programme, is set to house approximately 2,600 civil servants from various departments. The £105m ($135m) project, backed by the Pension Insurance Corporation, is part of a broader initiative to foster growth and modernise government workspaces across the UK. Located within a short distance of the Oxford Road and Deansgate rail stations, the First Street Hub is designed to meet inclusive and accessible standards. The 12,000m² building aims to support diverse working styles, promoting collaboration and community among civil servants. GPA capital projects interim director Georgina Dunn said: 'Appointing the Cat B contractor was the final major hurdle to overcome before the home straight of delivering this exceptional building. The hub will provide a state-of-the-art office space for thousands of civil servants and will be one of the largest cross-departmental hubs outside London. "It also has enviable sustainability credentials with the building achieving a NABERS [National Australian Built Environment Rating System] 5.5* rating - ranking it among the most sustainable buildings in the UK.' Wates Smartspace managing director Scott Camp said: 'We are delighted to continue our successful partnership with the Government Property Agency following our work at Darlington Economic Campus and 2 Ruskin Square in Croydon. 'Securing the contract for the Cat B fit-out at Manchester First Street is a testament to our expertise in delivering high-quality, modern office environments. This project will provide thousands of civil servants with a state-of-the-art workspace, enabling them to foster collaboration and efficiency.' "Wates chosen for Category B fit-out of First Street Hub in Manchester" was originally created and published by World Construction Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
