Project-starts, planning approvals and contract wins all down as construction industry braces for impact Glenigan, one of the construction industry’s leading insight and intelligence experts, releases the September 2024 edition of its Construction Review. The Review focuses on the three months to the end of August 2024, covering all major
Aldi is set to make its largest-ever annual investment in the UK, following a remarkable surge in sales. The supermarket giant is investing £800 million to expand and refurbish stores across the country, as it continues to strengthen its foothold in the British retail market. The move comes after Aldi
RED Construction Group, the specialist main contractor, has announced its appointment by Berkeley Estate Asset Management (BEAM) to carry out a comprehensive refurbishment of 8 Lancelot Place in Knightsbridge. Delivering the refurbishment is RED Construction Group’s Special Projects team, which will be undertaking some of the works while office tenants
Bloor Homes has announced it is a company supporter of The Lighthouse Construction Charity, the only charity dedicated to the emotional, physical and financial wellbeing of construction workers and their families. Hannah Burgess, HR Director at Bloor Homes said: “The Lighthouse’s mission is very clear. It shows that every day
A new report from the National Retrofit Hub (NRH) has unveiled a fragmented and inconsistent landscape of retrofit delivery models across the UK. This comprehensive review urges immediate action to streamline processes, clarify intended outcomes, and establish consistent measurement methods for implemented retrofits to track progress and drive future improvements.
With retrofitting buildings, a key part of the construction industry’s journey to a greener future, UK Construction Week Birmingham has announced a one-day takeover of its Net Zero talks by the National Retrofit Hub (NRH). The sessions are a must for architects, contractors and anyone who works in local authorities,
Commissioned study will aid the energy transition of industrial and commercial gas users across Wales and the south west of England Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has been selected by Wales & West Utilities (WWU) to support its industrial and commercial (I&C) gas users to switch to low carbon solutions
The Royal Institue of British Architects (RIBA) has today (18 September) announced the shortlist for the Neave Brown Award for Housing 2024. Given in honour of modernist architect and social housing pioneer, Neave Brown (1926-2018), the annual Award recognises the UK’s best new affordable housing. From projects that positively
Leading workwear and safety footwear brand TROJAN has launched its most inclusive range of safety shoes to date, including unisex work trainers that offer ‘true female fit’. The new TROJAN footwear range, available exclusively from Arco, has been designed in a modern style, reflecting the growing shift in consumer preferences
A brand-new play area in Oakham has been officially opened by Florence, one of the people who will be having fun in the new facilities most over the coming months and years. The new play area is located at the front of Oakham Pastures, Davidsons Homes’ collection of new homes
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
Project-starts, planning approvals and contract wins all down as construction industry braces for impact Glenigan, one of the construction industry’s leading insight and intelligence experts, releases the September 2024 edition of its Construction Review. The Review focuses on the three months to the end of August 2024, covering all major (>£100m) and underlying (<£100m) projects, with all underlying figures seasonally adjusted. It’s a report which provides a detailed and comprehensive analysis of year-on-year construction data, giving built environment professionals a unique insight into sector performance over the last 12 months. Averaging £9,751 million per month, work commencing on-site dipped 7% against the preceding three months to stand flat compared to a year ago. This decline was attributed to a significant drop in major project-starts which fell back 23% against the preceding three months, despite increasing 13% compared to 2023. Conversely, underlying project-starts were down on the previous year despite inching up (+7%) on the preceding three months. Main contract awards also faltered on the preceding three months’ performance, declining 21% in the three months to August to stand 7% lower than the same time last year. Detailed planning approvals plummeted 37% against the previous year, as well as falling back 11% against the preceding quarter. Commenting on the Review, Glenigan’s Senior Economist, Yuliana Ivanykovych, says, “The UK construction industry is showing signs of recovery, with a rise in private housing and infrastructure starts underpinning a 7% starts increase compared to the preceding three months. Confidence is returning to the private residential market, which will come as good news for investors and developers alike. However, we must be mindful of the sluggish growth of the national economy, with recent flatlining GDP figures indicating that market caution still reigns supreme.” She continues, “The recent strong spell for infrastructure may not last, especially as we’ve registered a slowdown in major projects, despite their value growing year-on-year. This may be caused by short-term sector trepidation as contractors await clarity from the Government’s Autumn Budget.” The sector-specific and regional index, which measures underlying project performance, saw modest growth during the three months to the end of August 2024. Taking a closer look at the highlights… Residential construction maintains growth Residential construction remained a bright spot, with underlying project-starts increasing 22% on the preceding three months, despite an 8% dip year-on-year. Private housing developments saw a robust 30% rise as investor confidence improved, although these figures still lag 4% behind last year’s numbers. Meanwhile, social housing starts remained sluggish, down 4% against the preceding three months to stand 21% below last year. Strong civils performance Civils work starting on-site experienced a particularly healthy period, posting impressive performance scores, rising 18% against the preceding three months and standing 9% up on the previous year. This growth was largely attributed to impressive performance in the infrastructure vertical, with starts up by 31% against the preceding three months and by 36% compared with a year ago. A key contributor to this growth was the commencement of the new HS2 station at Old Oak Common in London. These positive scores were tempered by sluggish utility starts, which decreased by 3% against the preceding three months to finish 23% down against the previous year. Regional Outlook The East Midlands experienced a welcome 65% rise in starts against the preceding three months, standing 16% up against the previous year. The South West and Northern Ireland also posted strong growth, with starts rising 20% and 32%, respectively, against the preceding three months, standing 6% and 36% up against the previous year. Starts in Northern Ireland were boosted by the commencement of a £150m industrial project in Antrim, Enkalon Business Park. Scotland experienced a 20% increase against the preceding three months but remained 13% down on the previous year. Likewise, London saw a 10% increase against the Index period but was 8% down against 2023 levels. Elsewhere, regional performance was poor. The value of starts in Yorkshire and the Humber and Wales declined by 19% and 6% during the three months to August and were 12% and 46% down respectively on a year earlier. The East of England experienced a mixed period, increasing 18% against the preceding three months to stand 13% down on the previous year. The North East and the North West performed poorly, declining by 35% and 15% respectively against the previous three months, and standing 29% and 12% down against the previous year. To find out more about Glenigan and its construction intelligence services click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Aldi is set to make its largest-ever annual investment in the UK, following a remarkable surge in sales. The supermarket giant is investing £800 million to expand and refurbish stores across the country, as it continues to strengthen its foothold in the British retail market. The move comes after Aldi reported a 16% boost in sales for 2023, with revenue for the UK and Ireland growing by £2.4 billion, from £15.5 billion in 2022 to £17.9 billion by the end of 2023. Pre-tax profits saw a staggering leap from £152.6 million to £536.7 million, thanks to a combination of record-breaking sales and increased operational efficiencies. Operating profits also grew to £552.9 million, with Aldi achieving a 3.1% profit margin. In response, the discounter has announced plans for an £800 million investment, which will see the opening of 23 new stores and the refurbishment of 100 existing ones before the end of the year. The investment will also be used to expand Aldi’s distribution network and upgrade its technology infrastructure to support its rapid growth. Aldi, currently operating more than 1,000 stores in the UK, aims to increase this number to over 1,500 in the coming years. Giles Hurley, CEO of Aldi UK and Ireland, commented: “British shoppers are voting with their feet and choosing Aldi as their go-to supermarket. We’re responding with our biggest-ever investment, using every £1 of last year’s profit to invest £2 this year. We’re opening more stores, enhancing our infrastructure, and bringing high-quality, affordable groceries to even more families across Britain. “We’re also making record investments to lower prices, reward our fantastic colleagues, and support local communities, all while creating thousands of jobs and providing more opportunities for our growing network of British suppliers and farmers.” In August, Aldi made the decision to discontinue its click-and-collect service, which had been introduced during the pandemic. The move reflects the evolving online grocery market, with online sales shrinking to less than 13%, down from the pandemic peak of around 15%. During the cost-of-living crisis, Aldi surged ahead of Morrisons to become the UK’s fourth-largest supermarket, capitalising on shoppers’ increasing demand for budget-friendly options. However, recent data shows Aldi’s market share has slipped slightly, with the retailer holding 10% of the market in the 12 weeks leading up to 4 August, down by 20 basis points compared to the previous year. Despite this, Aldi’s ambitious expansion and investment strategy suggests the supermarket is well-positioned to maintain its competitive edge and continue attracting shoppers across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
RED Construction Group, the specialist main contractor, has announced its appointment by Berkeley Estate Asset Management (BEAM) to carry out a comprehensive refurbishment of 8 Lancelot Place in Knightsbridge. Delivering the refurbishment is RED Construction Group’s Special Projects team, which will be undertaking some of the works while office tenants remain operational. Spanning 35,000 sq ft, the prominent office development is located at the corner of 8 Lancelot Place and 70 Brompton Road in Knightsbridge, opposite Grade II listed department store, Harrods. Set to undergo a substantial transformation, RED Special Projects will strip-out the current facilities to deliver a CAT A fit-out, across basement, reception, and levels two to seven. A new entrance, feature garden, glazing, and canopy – as well as refurbishment works to the level six terrace and roof – are also part of the project. MEP throughout will be enhanced, with the offices being served by high-efficiency all-electric systems at completion in line with BEAM’s sustainability requirements. It will also see RED Special Projects carrying out works on the live office building, with current tenants operational on levels two, three, and seven. RED Construction Group’s appointment on 8 Lancelot Place marks its second partnership with BEAM, with 21-25 Bruton Place due to complete Q4 2024, offering a contemporary open plan office space in the heart of Mayfair, alongside first-rate retail on the ground floor. Nathan Farrar, Construction Director at RED Special Projects, commented: “Our team is well versed in delivering complex schemes, and the works required at 8 Lancelot Place – while many of the office tenants remain working as normal – plays to our strengths. BEAM’s decision to partner with RED Construction Group for a second project is testament to the team’s extensive experience in delivering both high-quality office accommodation, and navigating unique and challenging logistics in the heart of London.” The appointment follows RED Special Projects’ delivery of the new hub facilities for Merlin Entertainments, at LEGOLAND Windsor’s £35m Woodland Village. The project has added an on-site restaurant, industrial kitchen, entertainment space consisting of various play areas, and a stage and bar, to the internationally renowned destination. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bloor Homes has announced it is a company supporter of The Lighthouse Construction Charity, the only charity dedicated to the emotional, physical and financial wellbeing of construction workers and their families. Hannah Burgess, HR Director at Bloor Homes said: “The Lighthouse’s mission is very clear. It shows that every day two construction workers in the UK take their own life, while stress, depression and anxiety accounts for 27% of all work-related illness in the industry. The Charity has set out to reduce the number of construction industry suicides and improve workforce in a number of ways. “As well as its free 24/7 helpline it provides free and accessible key support services for everyone in the industry – and their families – and it addresses the root causes early on, tackling three areas of wellbeing: emotional, physical and financial early on to drive change.” For example, alongside its crucial ‘Get Help Now’ resources, support extends to providing aid to families in crisis from food to financial support, and critical interventions when required. For those struggling physically or financially, The Lighthouse can help on a wider range of issues from requiring occupational health support or struggling with addiction, to debt management and retirement planning. In addition, the Charity is pioneering awareness at all levels across the industry via its Wellbeing Academy. It offers a range of courses designed to promote understanding around people’s own mental health whilst also providing them with the skills and knowledge to look out for colleagues. And The Lighthouse is taking awareness to the frontline of construction through its #makeitvisible campaign, travelling to construction sites around the country to ‘meet the boots on the ground and get them talking’. Hannah continues; “This aspect of the charity’s work really impressed us as it brings it to everyone working on our sites whether they are directly employed, contracted or subcontracted. It’s an all-encompassing approach. We are looking forward to rolling out a series of dedicated site visits from The Lighthouse in the coming months.” The visits will include a ‘Toolbox Talk’ and the opportunity for a one-to-one chat. Meanwhile Bloor Homes is also ensuring teams across its regional head offices and extended site teams are aware of the Charity and its work by sharing communications with every person working with the developer. By doing so, Bloor Homes aims to create – and reiterate – as many opportunities for people to access as much support as possible, complementing its established Employee Assistance Programme. For more information and to access the wide range of support and engagement available to construction workers and their families visit lighthouseclub.org/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new report from the National Retrofit Hub (NRH) has unveiled a fragmented and inconsistent landscape of retrofit delivery models across the UK. This comprehensive review urges immediate action to streamline processes, clarify intended outcomes, and establish consistent measurement methods for implemented retrofits to track progress and drive future improvements. The report, written by the NRH in collaboration with consultants Arup and climate-change charity Ashden, found that disparate models and funding mechanisms create a complex, ‘shifting sands’ scenario, with many delivery methods lacking uniform measurement standards. The report has been created following robust engagement from over 200 stakeholders nationwide. Through collaborative workshops and detailed analysis, including extensive Miro board sessions, the team, in partnership with Ashden and Arup, confirmed the need for consistent measurements as a foundation for setting effective targets. The report highlights four priority areas that the NRH identified as the best opportunities to leverage its network and achieve significant impact. These are: Sara Edmonds, National Retrofit Hub Co-Director, explained: “While there were various perspectives on what should be prioritised, the Hub focused on these areas because they align best with its goals and capabilities.” The review is a wake-up call. The findings show the urgent need for defined measurements to set and achieve meaningful targets. The strong engagement from a diverse range of stakeholders underscores the sector’s readiness to collaborate on these critical improvements. Commenting further on the report, Sara Edmonds, said: “The Working Group invites passionate individuals and organisations to join ongoing efforts to refine and enhance delivery models. Feedback and additional insights are welcomed to ensure the report remains a dynamic and evolving resource. “Our thanks go out to everyone who has contributed so far. This research is a significant step forward, but there’s more to do. We’re excited to continue this journey with the incredible support of our network”. To download the report click here Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
With retrofitting buildings, a key part of the construction industry’s journey to a greener future, UK Construction Week Birmingham has announced a one-day takeover of its Net Zero talks by the National Retrofit Hub (NRH). The sessions are a must for architects, contractors and anyone who works in local authorities, housing associations or government. The NRH, a non-profit organisation that brings together the entire retrofit community to share knowledge, collaborate on solutions, and turn ideas into action, will curate all the Net Zero Hub content on Wednesday 2nd October. The programme of talks covers a range of topics, from leveraging data to retrofitting heritage buildings, and will feature contributions from a wealth of experts in the retrofit sphere: Sara Edmonds, National Retrofit Hub Co-Director, commented: “Retrofitting isn’t just about upgrading buildings; it’s about enhancing the quality of life for the people who live and work in them. We’ve put together sessions at UK Construction Week that are packed with practical insights and real-world examples, crucial for anyone involved in the built environment. Whether you’re looking to get up to speed on EPC reform or learn how to tackle retrofitting heritage buildings, we’re here to share the knowledge and tools you need to drive meaningful change.” Sam Patel, Divisional Director – Construction, commented: “The topic of retrofit is front and centre in the Net Zero debate for the construction industry, so it made perfect sense for us to handover the second day content to the team at the National Retrofit Hub; there promises to be some invaluable insight and thought-provoking debate throughout the day.” Officially opened by architect and Channel 4 presenter, George Clarke, the show will be home to a plethora of educational, insightful, and interactive areas including the Main Stage, Digital Construction Hub, Live Demo Theatre, Skills & Training Hub, and Culture Change Hub; all highlighting the most pressing topics across the sector. With this year’s theme of ‘Growth’, UKCW Birmingham will examine a wide range of topics over three days of insight, innovation, and inspiration across its number of hubs and areas. To find out more and register for UKCW Birmingham for free, visit https://ukcw-birmingham-2024.reg.buzz/cabpr Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Commissioned study will aid the energy transition of industrial and commercial gas users across Wales and the south west of England Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has been selected by Wales & West Utilities (WWU) to support its industrial and commercial (I&C) gas users to switch to low carbon solutions like hydrogen. Costain will lead a study examining how WWU’s I&C customers – many of whom are connected to the natural gas network – could transition to a lower carbon network through a hydrogen blend or conversion. Many I&C customers are considered hard-to-decarbonise due to the high temperatures and energy demands needed to carry out their operations, which cannot be met through electrification alone. Research into the role of hydrogen, and the potential for blending solutions in the gas network, is a key part of providing the evidence to drive forward the UK’s net zero ambitions and reaching national targets of generating 10GW of hydrogen production capacity by 2030. Qualitative and quantitative data will be collected to establish the market’s current level of understanding around hydrogen refuelling plans and users’ preferred means of decarbonisation, such as through the deployment of Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage solutions or utilising a hydrogen network. The research will also geographically map users and help WWU understand which customers will need additional support to ensure that the transition to hydrogen blending does not impact their operations. Laura Hughes, energy sector director at Costain, commented: “To make decarbonisation of the UK a reality, a mix of clean fuels will be required to meet increasing energy demands. Integrating hydrogen into our gas network, either through blending or full conversion, will be instrumental in providing clean, reliable energy for 2050 and beyond. “Through this important study, Wales & West Utilities will have a good understanding of market requirements which will help accelerate the UK’s decarbonisation mission. With our long track record of delivering pioneering and innovative solutions to reduce carbon emissions, we are well placed to provide to WWU with the insights they need to implement viable fuel switching plans for their customers.” Matthew Hindle, head of net zero and sustainability at Wales and West Utilities added: “The energy system transition means changes for everyone who uses energy – including industrial and commercial businesses of all sizes, many of whom rely on the gas network today and could use hydrogen in the future. “At WWU we’re committed to doing all we can to improve understanding and help our customers across Wales and the south west of England implement sustainable transition plans. We look forward to working with the Costain team to help us support our customers and better understand their needs.” Costain is providing a range of support to WWU’s decarbonisation activity, including conducting a separate study exploring how hydrogen refuelling stations can be integrated into the UK’s existing gas network. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Royal Institue of British Architects (RIBA) has today (18 September) announced the shortlist for the Neave Brown Award for Housing 2024. Given in honour of modernist architect and social housing pioneer, Neave Brown (1926-2018), the annual Award recognises the UK’s best new affordable housing. From projects that positively prioritise green space (Unity Place, Dover Court), to transforming vacant sites to improve communities (North Gate Social Housing, Chowdhury Walk), this year’s shortlisted projects demonstrate social housing that blends quality design, community regeneration, and meaningful social value. Each project seeks to help address pressing issues facing local residents while providing a hopeful blueprint for future social housing, where thoughtful and innovative architecture creates accessible, quality spaces in which communities can thrive. The four shortlisted projects are: A sculptural infill development heralding the beginnings of an ambitious programme of new generation council housing by Hackney Council. A carefully implemented reimagining of a 1960s Modernist estate, the architects have created a new series of welcoming spaces throughout the site, while converting disused garages into 70 new, bespoke, low-carbon homes. A longstanding vacant brownfield site transformed into a new residential landmark, designed to suit the needs of primarily older residents. 31 one or two bed flats for 100% social rent. A neighbourhood transformation providing 235 social rented homes, a community hub and new outdoor areas. Jury Chair and 2023 Neave Brown Award for Housing winner, Astrid Smitham, said: “At a time when the UK sets out to build 1.5 million new homes, this shortlist shows the importance of great partnerships between clients and architects in delivering housing of the very highest standard, that everyone deserves. From a new generation of council homes in Hackney and low-carbon homes in Islington, to a residential landmark in Glasgow designed for older residents and an ambitious masterplan in Brent, these projects show how the next wave of UK home building can help individuals and communities to thrive.” RIBA President, Muyiwa Oki, said: “This year’s shortlist reaffirms that creating social housing should not be seen as a limitation to architects, but a great opportunity. Each brief has taken run-down or underused spaces and created outstanding projects that serve the needs of residents and the wider community. These schemes thoughtfully balance the environment, community, and quality, reinforcing the reality that when designing social housing, good design need not compromise on any of the three. The Neave Brown Award for Housing 2024 jury comprised: Astrid Smith (Chair), Founder of Apparata Architects, winners of Neave Brown Award for Housing 2023 for A House for Artists; Bob Allies, Partner, Allies and Morrison andRIBA Awards Group Member; and Zoe Brown, daughter of Neave Brown. The Neave Brown Award for Housing 2024 shortlist is selected from winners of 2024 RIBA Awards. The winner will be announced at the RIBA Stirling Prize ceremony on Wednesday 16 October 2024 at The Roundhouse in London. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading workwear and safety footwear brand TROJAN has launched its most inclusive range of safety shoes to date, including unisex work trainers that offer ‘true female fit’. The new TROJAN footwear range, available exclusively from Arco, has been designed in a modern style, reflecting the growing shift in consumer preferences from traditional safety boots and shoes to more stylish, casual trainers and hiker boots. Along with specific men’s and women’s options, the new collection includes unisex trainers that have been moulded on the contours of women’s feet in sizes 3-6, offering a true female fit. This makes it easier for a business to kit out their whole team with the same level of comfort, support and protection. The range includes five new styles, all made with lightweight materials and offering enhanced comfort and performance features such as improved footbeds. All five options meet the latest safety footwear standard (EN ISO 20345:2022), providing slip resistance and steel or composite toe protection and midsoles. The non-metallic styles incorporate advanced midsole materials to provide superior protection. Trojan products are tested in Arco’s own Product Assurance laboratory, the first UK testing lab able to carry out UKAS-accredited testing against impacts, compression, midsole perforation, slip resistance and electrical resistance of safety footwear certified to the revised standard. To help businesses achieve their sustainability goals, all styles in the new TROJAN footwear range incorporate recycled materials in the linings, laces and footbeds, with 45 per cent Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certified uppers. Becky Casson, buying director at Arco, said “Arco is committed to leading the way in innovative and inclusive workplace solutions. This new Trojan footwear range not only modernises our footwear offerings but also reinforces our dedication to providing more inclusive workwear options. “We believe that every worker deserves footwear that fits well, looks great, and performs under pressure, and this collection delivers just that.” The TROJAN range is available exclusively from Arco. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A brand-new play area in Oakham has been officially opened by Florence, one of the people who will be having fun in the new facilities most over the coming months and years. The new play area is located at the front of Oakham Pastures, Davidsons Homes’ collection of new homes off Uppingham Road, surrounded by lush trees and pretty greenery. Florence was invited to cut the ribbon the brand-new play area, declaring it officially open for children and families to enjoy from now on. Rachel Harris, mother to Florence, said: “We were so touched that Florence was invited to open the play area at Oakham. Not only was it a lovely surprise for her, Davidsons Homes also bought her a little rucksack and necklace which she is now wearing with pride! “We have been staying at Oakham Pastures with my parents, so have had a front-row seat watching the play area be created, and Florence was so excited to be able to go out there and enjoy playing on the equipment. “The outlook from my parents’ house is truly special, and we have absolutely loved living with the open-plan spaces and the void which joins the bottom floor with the top one. It’s not overlooked and has a large garden – in fact we’d like to stay here forever! “The homes have got real character, they feel like a great blend of Georgian design and elements of local style too. There are a lot of swallows here, which is evidently a sign of a happy place – and Oakham Pastures certainly feels it.” Simon Tyler, Sales Director for Davidsons Homes, said: “The most important people we have to impress with our play areas and sections of open spaces are the children and families who will actually use them – which is why we were delighted to welcome Florence to officially launch our play area at Oakham Pastures. “We hope her and her friends enjoy playing here for many years to come!” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
