The UK construction industry has experienced extreme highs and lows over the last ten years, however things are looking promising and these facts show that the UK construction industry is thriving.
- In August 2018 there were 52 habitable buildings under construction that are over 100 metres tall.
Compared to the 74 buildings currently over 100 metres, this figure shows that the number of high rise buildings in the UK is sky rocketing. With limited space in UK cities, developers are choosing to go up rather than out and this increased number of high rise buildings will make an obvious mark on the UK’s iconic skylines.
- There are 2,731,370 people employed in the construction industry in the UK in 2018.
The construction industry is one of the largest employers in the UK, with jobs that include wood trades, plumbing, surveyors, bricklayers, labourers and office-based staff. Its workforce of over 2.7 million people is bound to increase as the UK construction sector grows and strengthens.
- The number of homes constructed in 2016/17 was up by a huge 74% compared to four years previously.
The UK housing crisis has been putting considerable pressure on the government, councils and construction firms. With more demand than ever for new homes, the UK government hit its housebuilding target in 2016/17 and is aiming for an ambitious one million new homes by 2020. This record increase of 74% more new homes in just four years is a vital part of this strategy.
- In 2016 the value of new construction work in the UK reached a record level of £99,266 million.
This rise in construction work is great news for the industry, with record highs that even beat pre-recession levels. New construction work can be seen in nearly every UK city, which is a promising sign for the industry.
- Construction currently makes up 6.1% of the UK economy
This makes it the third biggest contributor to the UKs economy after services and production. Construction has historically been a vital part of the UK economy and improving figures across the board are underwriting its importance in a country where residential property is in short supply.
- There are no height restrictions on buildings in Manchester and there are currently six buildings over 100m under construction there.
The Northern city of Manchester has been experiencing considerable growth, both in population and in the amount of construction underway. Apartments in Manchester like those by leading property firm RW Invest are in high demand both with tenants and investors.
- The Shard in London is currently the tallest building in the UK, and 95% of the construction materials used were recycled.
The rise in the amount of recycled materials used in construction shows how the industry is taking its environmental impact seriously. This iconic building is a great example of how recycled materials can be used in construction, no matter how large the project.
- Just 10.6% of the UK is classified as urban and just 2.27% of England is actually built on.
Despite its many cities, towns and villages, the UK is surprisingly green. The urban 10% also contains parks, golf courses and reservoirs so there is plenty of land available. However, planning permission for greenfield sites is notoriously difficult to obtain, hence the high number of renovated buildings which are now being used for residential space.
