A site manager at Neath-based construction firm JG Hale Construction has won the Local Authority Building Control (LABC) National Site Manager of the Year 2021 award, for his work on the innovative development for older residents in Treberth Cresent, Newport.

Matthew Hall was presented with the prestigious accolade at the LABC Building Excellence Awards held at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge on Friday 28 January. It recognises his work on the successful and efficient delivery of the innovative development, built for not-for-profit housing provider, Pobl Group.

The award highlights Hall’s commitment and dedication towards delivering a quality development and recognises his pivotal role in the success of the innovative scheme.

The LABC Building Excellence Awards are the largest business to business awards in the building control sector. They recognise quality in all types of building projects, as well as individual contributions in the construction industry. It champions those contributions and partnerships that go the extra mile to ensure projects are built safely and comply with the building regulations.

The annual awards have 24 categories, covering every facet of residential and non-residential construction work, with nominations being made by LABC Building Quality Inspectors.

The shortlist for the National Site Manager of the Year Award 2021 consisted of 12 individuals spanning every corner of England and Wales. Each of those shortlisted for the national final had already been chosen as the regional winner in their specific geographical area.

Judging criteria for the award included providing evidence displaying a range of skills reflecting the nominees’ workmanship and on-site management. This was focused on key areas, such as organisation and cleanliness of site, safety procedures, technical compliance, management of site issues, leadership skills, and site culture.

Most importantly, entrants were judged upon their passion for delivering high-quality, exceptional homes, and demonstrating excellent craftsmanship and precision.

The Treberth development – the successful completion of which led to Hall receiving the award – makes use of a parcel of land left over from the redevelopment of Newport’s 1940s prefab homes more than 20 years ago. The scheme utilises a series of innovative and sustainable technologies, including PV panels and battery storage, as well as green roofs and climbing walls.

It comprises of two apartment blocks, one containing 18 one-bed apartments and the other 27 two-bed apartments. These are linked by a three-storey atrium space, forming an entrance to the residential element.

There is also a community hub building which is linked to the main residential block via a second-floor link corridor, allowing pedestrian access from both directions along Treberth Crescent.

J.G. Hale Construction was also shortlisted in two other categories at the LABC National awards. Graham Hale qualified as regional winner of the Residential Site Manager category, and the company’s Albert Town development as regional winner in the Best Large Social Housing Development category.

The organisers of the awards, Local Authority Building Control (LABC), represents all local authority building control teams in England and Wales. LABC teams are independent, impartial and not for profit. Public service building control is committed to safeguarding the safety and protection of our communities by constantly reviewing surveyor competence and ensuring the performance and standards of our teams.

Matthew Hall, winner of the LABC National Site Manager of the Year 2021 award, said:

I was absolutely over the moon to find out that I had won the LABC Warranty National Site Manager of the Year award. A lot of effort goes into the development, so it’s a great feeling to be recognised. I have a passion for building, it's more than just a job for me. From the first day to the last day on site I am always aiming to deliver the highest quality possible.

“LABC Warranty and J.G. Hale Construction have a superb relationship. Being recognised by LABC Warranty is welcomed by everyone in the team – so many people are involved behind the scenes too. They are just as important to the development as I am.”