To Birmingham, and UK Construction Week, where, in among the exhibits showcasing the latest in concrete screed, drones, backup generators and cranes, there was a contented sense that, at long last, more attention was being paid to the sector. Understandable, against the background of the Grenfell fire and a housing crisis that now seems to be acknowledged by almost everyone. Hot topics included the role of developers as “placekeepers” as well as placemakers; how to create a community; the use of mediation; and the comeback of Dubai. What was also evident was the scale of the projects under way — the £1bn revamp of Manchester airport that will double the size of Terminal 2, the ambition to boost Birmingham’s train network and the Midlands Engine, which…

Source: The Times October 14, 2017 23:05 UTC