Richard Desmond, the newspaper tycoon, has finally secured planning approval for his ambitious £1bn redevelopment of the Westferry Printworks site on the Isle of Dogs, London. After eight years and three attempts, Tower Hamlets Council has granted permission for the construction of 1,360 luxury flats on the 6.15-hectare brownfield site,
Andrew Scott Limited has successfully handed over a new Eco Park Waste and Recycling Facility in Milford Haven for their Client, Pembrokeshire County Council. The new Eco Park Waste Recycling facility will support Pembrokeshire County Council’s waste and recycling programme, in line with the Welsh Government Strategy “Towards Zero Waste”.
A new Family Resilience and High Needs Centre in North Birkbeck, London, has been completed by leading offsite manufacturer McAvoy, to meet London Borough of Waltham Forest’s needs to support vulnerable children. McAvoy delivered The Birkbeck Centre in just 20 weeks from installation of the first module, using offsite manufacturing
EMCOR UK has introduced its new service, Insight Intelligence, which combines human expertise with cutting-edge technology. This service leverages advanced modelling, AI, and data science to extract actionable insights from customer operations, enabling a comprehensive view of their entire estate and unlocking the full potential of their facilities. The service
Partnership modernises TSG’s telephony and IT infrastructure for 200-strong employee base TSG Building Services Plc, a multi-disciplined building services and construction company, has successfully accelerated its digital innovation by partnering with managed workplace services (MWS) provider Apogee Corporation. The collaboration has modernised TSG’s telephony and legacy IT infrastructure to better
Caddick Construction Group has reached completion of Stonebridge Beck, Rushbond’s brand new “heritage village” at the Grade II listed Stonebridge Mills in Leeds. Handover of the development marks the completion of a £25m renovation and new-build project to create 112 residential properties, including mill townhouses, contemporary new build homes and
With national and global skills shortages in engineering, Finning – the world’s largest dealer of Catâ equipment, parts and services – is bucking the trend by successfully developing its own talent. Not only does its UK Apprenticeship Academy boast a 100% retention rate – meaning all students over the last
UBS AM complete lettings totaling more than 60,500 sq ft at new urban logistics industrial park A duo of lettings totaling more than 60,500 sq ft have been completed at Velocity Point, the UBS AM Real Estate & Private Markets (UBS AM REPM) funded logistics park in Leeds. The latest
Celebrations are underway at the GSSArchitecture Newcastle Studio, as Dan Jones has been promoted to Associate. Dan joined GSS in 2022 as a Senior Architect and has since overseen the delivery of numerous projects, including the retrofit and upgrade of the Grade II listed King George VI Building for Newcastle
Christophe Williams, CEO of Naked Energy: “This news is definitely a positive sign, but it’s another thing altogether to actually get something in place. Whilst this is a strong signal of intent from Starmer, we shouldn’t get too excited until we see a final deal agreed.” “Hardware and manufacturing businesses
Richard Desmond, the newspaper tycoon, has finally secured planning approval for his ambitious £1bn redevelopment of the Westferry Printworks site on the Isle of Dogs, London. After eight years and three attempts, Tower Hamlets Council has granted permission for the construction of 1,360 luxury flats on the 6.15-hectare brownfield site, which was once home to Desmond’s Northern & Shell publishing company. The Westferry Printworks scheme will be a comprehensive mixed-use development featuring 13 buildings, ranging from 4 to 31 storeys, to be constructed in four phases over a six to eight-year period. The development will include 1,358 homes, with 35% designated as affordable housing, a significant increase from the 21% proposed in previous applications. In addition to the residential units, the plans feature a 1,200-place secondary school, over two hectares of public open space, a rejuvenated dock front, and a variety of ground-floor amenities such as shops, restaurants, a community centre, and workspaces. The approval comes nine years after the controversial redevelopment was first submitted to Tower Hamlets Council. The project has faced significant challenges and controversy, with two previous planning applications being rejected by the council. In 2016, the then London mayor, Boris Johnson, overruled the council and approved a scheme with 722 flats. Two years later, a revised application for 1,500 flats across five tower blocks was also rejected. However, in 2020, the then Housing Secretary, Robert Jenrick, controversially overturned the council’s decision, despite opposition from the Planning Inspectorate. This decision was later quashed after it was revealed that Northern & Shell had donated £12,000 to the Conservative Party shortly after the approval. The latest application was approved after significant revisions, including the increase in affordable housing, which appears to have been a key factor in swaying the council. Mace is acting as the development manager for Northern & Shell, with the design by architect PLP, MEP engineering by Aecom, and WSP serving as the civil and structural engineer. Demolition and site enabling work have already been completed, and construction is expected to commence later this year. The approval marks a major milestone in the transformation of the former Westferry Printworks, once the largest printing facility in Europe, into a luxury residential and commercial development that will reshape the Millwall outer dock waterfront. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Andrew Scott Limited has successfully handed over a new Eco Park Waste and Recycling Facility in Milford Haven for their Client, Pembrokeshire County Council. The new Eco Park Waste Recycling facility will support Pembrokeshire County Council’s waste and recycling programme, in line with the Welsh Government Strategy “Towards Zero Waste”. The facility will enable materials collected across Pembrokeshire to be bulked and sorted prior to onward transfer to processing and disposal facilities across Wales and the UK. Andrew Scott Ltd were awarded the Contract for Phases 1-3 as detailed below: As part of this project, Andrew Scott Ltd and Pembrokeshire County Council are committed to maximising recycling and re-use of excavated materials from the existing site to promote and increase a circular economy and reduce the carbon footprint of the project and minimise the amount of construction traffic. During the main construction phase of this project, Andrew Scott implemented the following initiatives to contribute to Sustainable Development: Throughout the project, a total of 120,000 tonnes of waste was produced, 99% of which was diverted from landfill. A total of 114,000 tonnes of soil and stone biproduct was produced and 100% of this was re-used. Prior to and during the project, Site Waste Management Plans were established to prioritise the principles of the Waste Hierarchy, in order to minimise waste and achieve the targets set. Andrew Scott are extremely proud of the outstanding waste diverted from landfill rates achieved on this project and are highly committed to continue this progress to enhancing Environmental Sustainability on all projects. As a sustainable business, Andrew Scott Limited’s business model is aligned to the wider global goals of achieving net zero carbon by 2050. We are committed to accelerating this time frame to achieving net zero carbon by 2030, committing to reaching zero carbon emissions across all operations, direct and in-direct. As a socially conscious contractor, our strong community benefits offering is closely tied to the Well-being of Future Generations Act, ensuring cohesive communities and a more prosperous and resilient Wales. Throughout the project, Andrew Scott supported training opportunities for graduates and apprentices in West Wales, as well as long term sustainable employment opportunities for disadvantaged individuals from the Pembrokeshire area. Mark Bowen, Managing Director of Andrew Scott Ltd, said “we are delighted to have handed over the new Eco Park Waste and Recycling Facility to our Client, Pembrokeshire County Council. As a Welsh contractor, we are committed to help the Welsh Government reach net-zero by 2050 and also accelerate our net zero target of 2030. We are totally committed to decarbonisation of the built environment, with a focus on reducing our emissions throughout the business and ensured that all stakeholders on this project met the goals of a globally responsible Wales.” Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, welcomed this county-wide resource for handling the Authority’s recyclate and residual waste streams. He said: “We are delighted to receive handover of this important facility from Andrew Scott Ltd. This will modernise Pembrokeshire’s recycling facilities as we work to increase recycling rates in line with the Welsh Government Strategies ‘Towards Zero Waste’ and ‘Beyond Recycling’. This facility will provide us with greater control over the waste streams we collect. We are also grateful for grant funding from Welsh Government towards the development of the Eco Park to help make this possible.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new Family Resilience and High Needs Centre in North Birkbeck, London, has been completed by leading offsite manufacturer McAvoy, to meet London Borough of Waltham Forest’s needs to support vulnerable children. McAvoy delivered The Birkbeck Centre in just 20 weeks from installation of the first module, using offsite manufacturing methods. The new 1,588 m2 centre will serve as a valuable resource for the Youth Offending Service. The centre will also provide family therapy and restorative justice programmes. The two-storey building features a sports hall constructed using a steel frame, café, kitchen, general teaching spaces, break out spaces, construction skills workshop, medical room, art rooms, and a music suite. The exterior of the centre also includes carefully planned landscaping and ample parking spaces. Students will receive counselling and therapy alongside essential subjects like Maths and English. Wider training and skills will also be offered in construction, catering, computer technology, music recording and production. Cahal Cunning, Senior Contracts Manager at McAvoy, said: “Delivering essential buildings quickly to support the council’s broader plan for youth offending rehabilitation and educational facilities is key to supporting those in need in the area. By choosing high quality offsite manufacturing, combined with our team who are specialists in the design and build of community and education facilities, we have enabled the quick turnaround of projects for Waltham Forest. This approach meets the urgent demand for safe and nurturing environments for vulnerable young people, fostering positive growth and development. “This is our second project with Waltham Forest London Borough Council within the last year and is testament to the increasing confidence in offsite manufacturing and its ability to deliver high quality, sustainable buildings that are fit for the future.” Earlier this year, McAvoy completed an extension of Kelmscott Primary School in Walthamstow, East London. The design and build included a main two-storey school building alongside a separate special educational needs building with a green roof and solar PV, addressing the critical need for 900 school places in the area. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
EMCOR UK has introduced its new service, Insight Intelligence, which combines human expertise with cutting-edge technology. This service leverages advanced modelling, AI, and data science to extract actionable insights from customer operations, enabling a comprehensive view of their entire estate and unlocking the full potential of their facilities. The service is powered by One Data World, EMCOR UK’s proprietary insight platform. This platform integrates diverse datasets into a unified system that delivers data and visualised reporting metrics across customers’ properties and services. By utilising a single data repository, Insight Intelligence goes beyond merely displaying historical data, employing state-of-the-art technologies such as interactive virtual modelling, diagnostics, digital twins, geolocation, IoT, remote services, AI, and intelligent modelling tools to support proactive decision-making and foster collaboration with customers. Insight Intelligence is built on four key components: Insight Intelligence is one of five key areas within EMCOR UK’s customer-centric services portfolio, alongside Carbon Transformation, Asset Dynamics, Facilities Management, and Workplace Evolution. The company also maintains a consistent focus on ESG and sustainability commitments, both for itself and its clients. James Dunnett, Chief Technology Officer of EMCOR UK, stated: “Many organisations face challenges in creating a single view of their facilities’ performance across their entire estate, which is crucial for ensuring efficiency, compliance, sustainability, and future readiness. Insight Intelligence addresses this need, offering customers rich data, advanced analytics, and our specialist expertise to fully unlock the potential of their facilities.” For more information on EMCOR UK’s Insight Intelligence service, visit www.emcoruk.com/our-services/insight-intelligence. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Partnership modernises TSG’s telephony and IT infrastructure for 200-strong employee base TSG Building Services Plc, a multi-disciplined building services and construction company, has successfully accelerated its digital innovation by partnering with managed workplace services (MWS) provider Apogee Corporation. The collaboration has modernised TSG’s telephony and legacy IT infrastructure to better support its more than 200 staff as well as customers. The modernisation follows a period of rapid growth for TSG and the opening of two new offices in Potters Bar and Cambridge, which highlighted the need for digital innovation to overcome inefficiencies owing to its outdated PTSN-based telephony system and complex IT infrastructure. Apogee has overhauled the company’s telephony and IT infrastructure, replacing TSG’s on-premises setup with a cloud-based telephony system that has improved remote working capabilities and streamlined call handling. The new system includes softphone and mobile app functionality, disaster recovery options, and features for remote work, compliance, and training. As a data processor for local authorities, the family-run business also needed to improve document security and reduce printing costs. Apogee’s managed print services have cut running costs by 12% and enhanced document security, ensuring GDPR compliance. “Apogee’s commitment to IT service management has made a significant difference. There has to be that sufficient level of customer service to ensure we get the best from our technology implementations. The communication promises made prior to the signing of the contract have been adhered to, and that really outweighs any financial gain we’ve made from the project,” says Marc Terenzio, Head of IT, TSG. TSG has also become the latest organisation to join Apogee’s Affinity+ Partner Programme, thereby boosting its ESG credentials by upcycling old devices for donation to schools and non-profits. This marks the first phase on an ongoing collaboration, with TSG and Apogee currently exploring further innovations to enhance TSG’s digital capabilities and operational efficiency, including hybrid cloud network infrastructure, IT service management, and cloud cybersecurity. “TSG’s business is going from strength to strength, and we’re there every step of the way to ensure they can have confidence that their IT infrastructure meets the evolving needs of both their employees and customers. This is just the start of our journey together,” added Jason Barnard, Sales Specialist Telecoms and Cloud Solutions, Apogee. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Caddick Construction Group has reached completion of Stonebridge Beck, Rushbond’s brand new “heritage village” at the Grade II listed Stonebridge Mills in Leeds. Handover of the development marks the completion of a £25m renovation and new-build project to create 112 residential properties, including mill townhouses, contemporary new build homes and restored cottages. Construction work began in May 2021 and has seen the derelict 19th century mill and cottages restored and refurbished to create a unique residential community spanning 9.1 acres. Preserving the mill’s historic character was a crucial element of the Rushbond project with Caddick restoring and retaining existing features. These included original signage, a cast iron weigh bridge, an internal stone staircase with cast iron balustrade and chimney restoration. Caddick’s work on-site also included the installation of incoming utility services, associated plot drainage, estate infrastructure, ancillary works, highway works and car charging for all properties. The Yorkshire-based construction firm also facilitated 10 local apprenticeships, welcomed two construction T-Level students from Leeds College of Building into work placements, created 100 new jobs in Leeds and engaged with over 700 local pupils through 12 educational visits and workshops. J W Maud, Chairman at Rushbond Plc, comments: “We have been delighted to work with the talented Caddick team and to deliver the Rushbond vision – a respectful, significant heritage anchored residential community, harnessing and preserving Leeds’ gem for a new future.” Steve Ford, Regional Managing Director of Caddick Construction Group in Yorkshire and the North East, comments: “Delivering Rushbond’s vision to create Stonebridge Beck and bringing this historic mill site back to life was a project that required meticulous attention to detail and I’m very proud of what the Caddick team has achieved. Preserving history while creating something contemporary and sustainable is a fine balance and the result is a stunning residential development by Rushbond that pays tribute to Leeds’ industrial heritage. “The historic significance of these Georgian and Victorian mills meant that it was important that we worked closely with the planning and heritage officers, as well as registering our site with the Considerate Constructors Scheme to make sure we delivered the development to an impeccable standard.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
With national and global skills shortages in engineering, Finning – the world’s largest dealer of Catâ equipment, parts and services – is bucking the trend by successfully developing its own talent. Not only does its UK Apprenticeship Academy boast a 100% retention rate – meaning all students over the last two years have gone on to employment with the company – but it has now also achieved a “good” OFSTED rating. Finning launched its Apprenticeship Academy at its Cannock UK headquarters in 2007. This was an unusual step at the time, as most businesses take on apprentices in the role of employer, while an educational institution, usually a College of Further Education (FE) delivers the academic learning and administers the qualification. But the decision quickly started to return real business benefits. The academy was inspected by OFSTED in July this year, receiving highly positive feedback on the state-of-the-art learning environment, a culture of inclusivity and the enjoyment apprentices find in their courses. Inspectors also noted how effective communication between instructors and line managers helped apprentices to improve, and how students with additional needs achieved as well as their peers. As Academy Manager Craig Smallman explains, the rating reflects the importance Finning has placed on the scheme and the impact it has had both for apprentices and the business. “By keeping the whole apprenticeship program in-house, we can deliver academic learning in the best way to prepare our students for a career with us – enthusing people about engineering and addressing the ongoing skills shortages the industry faces. “The results from Ofsted speak for themselves. The national retention figure for apprenticeship employers is around 56%, but at Finning we’ve retained all but one of our apprentices over the last two years who have gone on to secure a job with us. It’s a fantastic endorsement of the talented people we have working here and the focus we place on supporting them.” With the program now in its 18th year, its positive influence can be seen right across the company. Academy graduates now fulfil a variety of management positions in both engineering and non-engineering roles. This includes Craig, who himself started his career with Finning as an apprentice, and is particularly proud of how the scheme has fostered wider diversity and inclusion: “Diversity and inclusion is an area where we see a real opportunity for the academy to contribute to the wider organization and the industry. We have measures in place to recruit and support a diverse cohort and it was great to see that recognised in the Ofsted report. Over the next few years, we plan to double in size and this year’s intake will be the biggest ever. The ages of our current students range from 16 to 53, we are a disability confident employer, one in six of our apprentices are female and we would like it to be more. Finning is an amazing place to work with opportunities to travel all over the world and work with great people. We have sites right across the UK and Ireland so whoever and wherever you are, if you would like to work with these amazing machines, we would love to hear from you.”
UBS AM complete lettings totaling more than 60,500 sq ft at new urban logistics industrial park A duo of lettings totaling more than 60,500 sq ft have been completed at Velocity Point, the UBS AM Real Estate & Private Markets (UBS AM REPM) funded logistics park in Leeds. The latest deals follow a flurry of lettings at the urban logistics industrial development with occupiers signing up to 7 of the 9 specialist units since PC just 7 months ago. Garolla, the UK’s #1 recommended garage door company, has taken Unit 9, totaling 33,500 sq ft over ground and first floor. The company, which supplies and installs made-to-measure electric garage doors nationally, has acquired the site as part of its growth plans as it expands in the garage door market and adjacent categories. Avison Young advised Garolla on the acquisition. Total Hardware, a leading window and door hardware supplier, has agreed terms on Unit 6 totaling 27,000 sq ft over ground and first floor. The company is moving to Velocity Point to facilitate its business expansion into larger, more practical, modern premises. The company supplies a comprehensive range of market-leading hardware products to the trade. Velocity Point is a Grade A, speculatively built Industrial Park set across 13 acres and offers nine units across five buildings from 3,500 sq ft to 108,500 sq ft. The development is strategically located with direct links to Leeds City Centre, the UK motorway network and is set within a globally-recognised region for advanced manufacturing, R&D and academia. CBRE, Carter Towler and Savills are joint marketing agents for Velocity Point. Jonny Ufton, Investment Manager, UBS AM REPM, commented: “Velocity Point, which is set against the Leeds-Liverpool Canal, offers occupiers a high quality working environment with vast green spaces and has been designed to promote a positive work life balance by putting people at its heart. The development is built to the highest standard with future-thinking design firmly focused on sustainability, with renewable and environmentally responsible features being integral to the scheme. It’s a real draw for businesses of all sizes from those looking to integrate their operations into national and international supply chains to companies seeking strong links to academia excellence and places occupiers in a prime position for growth.” Dani Raunjak, Associate Director at CBRE Leeds, said; “The deals secured on seven out of nine units within a few months of completion at Velocity Point demonstrates the appeal of well positioned, quality stock in a supply constrained Northern logistics market. Carter Towler, Savills and our team have received considerable interest in the remaining units and look forward to achieving full occupation soon.” According to Rob Oliver, Principal at Avison Young, who advised Garolla on their search and acquisition; “We have undertaken several acquisitions across Yorkshire in recent months, with a number of further projects ongoing. We were delighted to work with Garolla on this matter, undertaking a thorough review and consideration of their options, and then securing a lease on this high quality new unit at Velocity Point. Availability of quality units across the region ready for immediate occupation is getting challenging, given the limited amount of current development. It is particularly pleasing to support a manufacturing business looking to upgrade and expand their operation.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Celebrations are underway at the GSSArchitecture Newcastle Studio, as Dan Jones has been promoted to Associate. Dan joined GSS in 2022 as a Senior Architect and has since overseen the delivery of numerous projects, including the retrofit and upgrade of the Grade II listed King George VI Building for Newcastle University, and several refurbishment projects for the Inn Collection Group up and down the country. Over the past two years, Dan has built upon his considerable experience and portfolio within the region and beyond, contributing significantly to heritage assets within the Durham peninsula for Durham University and offering conservation support to the wider team. With over 11 years of experience in the construction industry, Dan leads on complex and interesting projects across the North East and is starting to cover a more national heritage and conservation role within the practice. He takes a special interest in this sector and has recently submitted his portfolio to become an AABC accredited Conservation Architect, aiming to lead more actively on GSS’s heritage and conservation offerings to support our clients. As Associate, Dan will continue to take the lead on projects across the region, contribute to business development to drive continuous improvement, and mentor other team members. Dan comments, “I am thrilled to step into this new role, especially as it allows me to further expand our heritage and conservation portfolio on a national scale. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with our talented team to deliver exceptional projects and to contribute to the ongoing success of GSSArchitecture.” Simon Rennison-Rae, Partner at GSS and Newcastle Studio lead, said, “It’s fantastic to recognise Dan’s growth within the team, his depth of knowledge, the way he collaborates with clients and his role within our Newcastle studio has gone from strength to strength also allowing those around him to develop with his support. Dan will continue to assist our national practice as well as strengthening the opportunities and client focus in the North East as we continue to grow in the region – well done Dan!” GSS have an impressive history within the UK and have always invested in their team members. As an Investors in People Gold Accredited practice, GSS have a track-record of ensuring they have great designers and professionals in the construction industry to allow them to provide a fantastic service to their clients in the North East and across the country. To find out more about GSSArchitecture, their extensive range of projects in the North East and across the country, or to find out about career opportunities, please visit www.gssarchitecture.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Christophe Williams, CEO of Naked Energy: “This news is definitely a positive sign, but it’s another thing altogether to actually get something in place. Whilst this is a strong signal of intent from Starmer, we shouldn’t get too excited until we see a final deal agreed.” “Hardware and manufacturing businesses like us were deeply affected by Brexit. Our solar thermal technology is designed in Britain, but the main manufacturing hub is in Italy and over 90% of our materials come from the continent. “Brexit generated a lot more friction in getting goods in and out of the country. Given we’re an internationally-focused business with customers in Germany, and considering a German office, this has been a major challenge. “The dream result of this partnership would be more regulatory alignment with Germany and the EU. This will make it much easier to get access to facilities, secure soft funding and buy the necessary equipment to accelerate our rollout. “Regulatory alignment will help us develop more projects that rely on British manufacturing. We’ve just signed a deal with E.ON, the German utility company, and getting the UK and Germany on the same page will allow us to deliver our tech at scale. This will create British jobs and domestic growth while also helping to accelerate net zero. “It will also help with European domestic security. Energy prices are set to increase by 10% here in the UK, and energy independence is a must going forward. If we can increase European cooperation when it comes to renewable energy, we’ll boost the continent’s security as well as its economy.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
