Welcome to this month’s round up! We are excited to highlight our recent projects and initiatives focusing on sustainability, community development, and education. From innovative waste management solutions to significant advancements in childcare facilities, we have been busy working to create a positive impact in our communities. Join us as we share the latest updates and milestones in our ongoing commitment to building a greener future.

Walsall Household Waste Recycling Centre shortlisted for RIDBA Awards 2025
We are excited to announce that the new Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) in Walsall is now complete. This remarkable team effort has led to the project being shortlisted as a finalist for the 2025 RIDBA (Rural and Industrial Building) Awards.

We are proud to have worked with Morgan Sindall Construction and Walsall Council on this project, which has modernised, enhanced, and future-proofed local facilities. In addition to the new HWRC, the site includes a Waste Transfer Station (WTS), a Reuse shop, and a Welfare Office.

This essential project supports the Council in achieving its Net Zero goals, and we eagerly await the awards results in September.

Spire Lodge Children’s Home Picks Up Pace
We’re thrilled to share that the roof structure is now being installed at the new £5 million Spire Lodge Children’s Home in Chesterfield. The team is making great strides on this important project thanks to the fantastic summer weather.

Spire Lodge, developed in partnership with Derbyshire County Council and Stepnell, will provide essential short-break and long-term care for children and young people with significant disabilities and complex learning needs.

We look forward to sharing more updates as we collaborate with our partners to continue building a brighter future for the communities in which we work.

Transforming Boxford CEVCP School with Reclaim The Rain
We are excited to share the transformation journey of Boxford CEVCP School, completed in partnership with Reclaim The Rain as part of the Department for Education’s SuDS in Schools Programme and GreenerGrowth.

The programme included improvements to the drainage systems, creating a new sensory garden, three SuDS Pods, a new rain garden, new vegetable planters, and new trees.

Thank you to the incredible staff and students whose ideas and enthusiasm played a significant role in the success of this project. Their vision for sustainable water management was crucial in shaping the outcome. CEVCP School is just one of five schools we have enjoyed working with across Suffolk and Norfolk. We look forward to sharing more updates soon.

ThrowbackThursday at Highfields Spencer Academy
Last month we looked back on the new KS2 modular classroom at Highfields Spencer Academy in Littleover, Derbyshire.

Completed in February 2024, we partnered with Derbyshire County Council and Ideal Building Systems Ltd to transform a space that will not only be of use to the children at the school but eventually become a space to serve the community.

A modular construction was chosen for this site, offering a faster construction time, reduced costs, and minimal disruption to the surrounding environment. Additionally, choosing a modular building ensures flexibility and can easily be expanded or modified in the future if required. Read our full case study here.

Embracing Biodiversity Net Gain
We are highlighting our commitment to Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) this month. With the new planning policy in the UK mandating a 10% improvement in biodiversity starting February 2024, we are dedicated to leading the charge in creating sustainable developments that benefit both people and the planet.

At Concertus, our landscape architects actively collaborate with partners and engage in innovative practices to ensure that biodiversity is prioritised from the outset of every project. We embrace the ethos of BNG, working not just to meet regulatory requirements but to exceed them, enhancing ecosystems for future generations.

Let us help you navigate the complexities of BNG in your developments. Together, we can build a greener, healthier future. Read more here.

Investing in the future
One of our architects, Daniel Boulton, has recently achieved his Passivhaus Designer qualification. Through live webinars, interactive tutorials, and self-study, Dan has better understood the Passivhaus standard, building physics, and the essential elements of designing and detailing the building envelope and services.

We are excited for Dan to apply this knowledge to our projects, engage in discussions with our clients to help them achieve their sustainability targets, and share his expertise with his colleagues. Congratulations Dan!