The construction industry posted a second consecutive month of falling contract awards in November, according to the latest analysis by Barbour ABI. Awards values were down 35% in November following a 36% fall in October. This continues a trend set since the election with contract awards down 29% between Q3
Frasers Group has officially opened the doors to its latest flagship Sports Direct store at Westfield White City, Shepherd’s Bush, further cementing its presence in the heart of London. This new 29,000 sq ft store, spread across two floors, follows the success of the brand’s first flagship on Oxford Street
Following extensive community engagement, a major planning application has been submitted to North Lanarkshire Council for the extraction and remediation works of 200 acres of land at Ravenscraig, marking a major milestone in the regeneration of the former steelworks. Ravenscraig is one of Europe’s largest regeneration and community creation initiatives,
A multi-million pound project to create state-of-the-art facilities to support mental health patients in Norfolk and Suffolk has achieved sectional completion for three new wards and gym facility. Service users, carers and staff have all been involved with the development of the new building to improve facilities for inpatient care
A major new build construction project in the heart of London, Mount Pleasant, required Keyfix’s market-leading and A1 fire-rated Non-combustible Cavity Tray System (NCCT) to ensure it was future-proofed for many years to come. The £45 million project, overseen by main contractor and developer, McAleer & Rushe, involved the
South Quay Regeneration: Breathing New Life into Pembroke’s Historic Heart Pembrokeshire County Council has embarked on an ambitious regeneration programme, awarding Andrew Scott Ltd the transformative redevelopment of the historic South Quay site adjacent to Pembroke Castle. The project, progressing in two distinct phases, promises to revitalise the area with
Shake Shack, the renowned New York-based burger brand, has officially opened its first Midlands restaurant at Hammerson’s Bullring & Grand Central in Birmingham. The new 2,866 sq ft eatery, located in Grand Central, offers Shake Shack’s signature menu, including favourites such as breakfast burgers, the famous ShackBurger, crinkle-cut fries, hot
Bristol City Council has announced the start of major construction work on Victoria Street aimed at improving accessibility and making the area more pedestrian and cyclist-friendly. The project is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. The transformation will include several significant upgrades to enhance the experience of walking,
Following the publication of the revised NPPF earlier today, Ian Barnett, National Land Director, Leaders Romans Group has provided a comment on: Ian Barnett, National Land Director, Leaders Romans Group (LRG) What a difference a year makes. The NPPF changes announced today provide and new framework for the industry to
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is becoming a cornerstone in the building design and construction industry. As sustainability takes precedence, developers are increasingly focusing on how even small-scale projects can significantly contribute to biodiversity. Understanding and leveraging small site metrics is vital for achieving effective BNG compliance. The concept of Biodiversity
The construction industry posted a second consecutive month of falling contract awards in November, according to the latest analysis by Barbour ABI. Awards values were down 35% in November following a 36% fall in October. This continues a trend set since the election with contract awards down 29% between Q3 and Q4. The drop included a 36% drop in residential projects to £1.6bn. Meanwhile, although infrastructure awards increased in November, they still sat 64% down from the 2024 average and the month was the second worst since April 2023. Notably, the North West had a poor November for awards dipping 54% from October and 24% from the 2024 average. Barbour ABI head of business and client analytics, Ed Griffiths said: “It has been another disappointing month for contract awards. All regions except the East of England were uneventful in November. The significant dip in residential awards does little to inspire confidence in the government’s drive to get Britain building. Infrastructure saw a small increase, but it is still struggling. We can only hope the Government’s recent waving through of 150 major infrastructure projects will finally light a fire under the sector.” However, there was one area of good news heading into the holiday period with new planning applications up in October across all sectors. This was commensurate with a 26% overall increase in the value of applications against September at £8.3billion. This suggests companies are still looking to fill out their pipelines in 2025 – as is usually the case at this time of year. The North East recovered to above its two-year average after a disappointing few months. Much of this value comes from a £250m Data Centre application at Durham University – part of the data centre application rush that has been sweeping the UK in recent months. Griffiths continued: “There is more positivity in the pipeline coming from applications, but with approvals down 26% as well, it is yet to be seen how many of these will make it through the planning process. Hopefully, with the government’s recent and renewed push on local councils and planning reforms we will start to see more projects come through the pipeline. Industry watchers should also keep an eye on Data Centre projects. There are a large number of projects in planning phase, and with the government designating them critical infrastructure this could become a huge driver for activity in 2025.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Frasers Group has officially opened the doors to its latest flagship Sports Direct store at Westfield White City, Shepherd’s Bush, further cementing its presence in the heart of London. This new 29,000 sq ft store, spread across two floors, follows the success of the brand’s first flagship on Oxford Street and promises an unparalleled shopping experience for sports and fitness enthusiasts. A Premium Sports Destination in West London Located within one of London’s premier shopping destinations, the new Sports Direct store offers an extensive range of fitness gear, performance wear, footwear, and sports equipment from some of the world’s top brands, including Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, Puma, and ASICS. Whether customers are seeking high-performance running shoes, outdoor adventure gear, or the latest in athleisure, this flagship store caters to every need. Exciting New Concepts for Fitness Lovers One of the standout features of the Westfield White City store is the introduction of Sports Direct’s Running Concept, alongside a newly-launched Outdoor Concept, designed to provide customers with everything they need for their specific sporting pursuits. The store is thoughtfully arranged into distinct sections dedicated to various sports categories, making it easier for customers to find exactly what they are looking for. Expanding the Sports Retail Experience In addition to its core offering, the store will feature brands from other Frasers Group-owned companies, including GAME and USC, providing a unique blend of sports, gaming, and fashion under one roof. This marks an exciting expansion for the Group, as it continues to diversify its portfolio and offer shoppers a broader selection of products. Michael Murray on the New Opening Michael Murray, Chief Executive Officer at Frasers Group, expressed excitement about the new store, saying: “As a leading global retailer in sports, Sports Direct is committed to providing customers with unparalleled access to the best brands and the best sports retail experience. We understand the importance of evolving to meet consumer needs – especially in a crucial market like London. With this opening, we’re building on the successful formula from our Oxford Street store, bringing another unmatched destination for sports enthusiasts.” What’s Next for Frasers Group? The opening of the Westfield White City store is part of Frasers Group’s wider strategy to expand its presence in London. Earlier this year, the Group secured two major leases at Westfield Shopping Centres. Following this store’s success, Sports Direct at Westfield Stratford is set to open its doors in Spring 2025, continuing Frasers Group’s mission to create sports retail destinations that stand out in the city’s competitive shopping landscape. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Following extensive community engagement, a major planning application has been submitted to North Lanarkshire Council for the extraction and remediation works of 200 acres of land at Ravenscraig, marking a major milestone in the regeneration of the former steelworks. Ravenscraig is one of Europe’s largest regeneration and community creation initiatives, with a masterplan focused on sustainable and inclusive growth for a mixed-use site. Located on a former industrial steelworks facility, certain parts of land at Ravenscraig require extensive remediation before any new building can take place. This includes the removal of remnants from steel production and deep reinforced concrete foundations, preparing the land for future redevelopment. The remediation works represent a substantial investment into the community of Ravenscraig which will see the extraction, recycling and backfilling of over 2,000,000 cubic metres of material. This major planning application covers the remediation of 200 acres of land in the centre of Ravenscraig which equates to approximately 20% of the site. This includes an area known as Meadowhead, which is adjacent to the new urban park, The Craig, and Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility, plus a section of land North of New College Lanarkshire Motherwell Campus (Plots TC1-TC3). Following public consultation in August and September of this year including extensive engagement with local stakeholders, further landscape and ecology studies were undertaken to enable the planning application to be submitted. Russell Wilkie, Director at Ravenscraig Limited, said, “To realise our masterplan for a self-sufficient community with high quality housing, transport links, education and employment opportunities, these remediation works are essential. “We’re making great progress with SevenFourEight, our employment land which will soon become Scotland’s best connected industrial space and the Meadowhead remediation is another piece of the puzzle for residential development. The remediated land will hold huge potential for the people of North Lanarkshire, with scope to provide over 2,000 homes. “We are confident in our proposals and its ability to unlock further opportunities for Ravenscraig and the wider Scottish economy.” A spokesperson from Ravenscraig Community Action Group (RCAG), said: “We have welcomed the open dialogue with Ravenscraig Ltd and the opportunity given, in recent months, to discuss the regeneration of the Ravenscraig community in partnership with those who live here. We recognise the importance of the proposed remediation works to enable further regeneration of a housing-led, sustainable community and look forward to continuing our engagement with them as they look to future residential, education and leisure development.” A final planning decision of this major planning application is expected in 2025. For more information on the vision for Ravenscraig and latest news visit ravenscraig.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A multi-million pound project to create state-of-the-art facilities to support mental health patients in Norfolk and Suffolk has achieved sectional completion for three new wards and gym facility. Service users, carers and staff have all been involved with the development of the new building to improve facilities for inpatient care at Hellesdon Hospital. The investment is the single largest capital investment ever to improve facilities at the Trust which will modernise inpatient mental health care and benefit service users, their families and carers, and staff. Construction of the new Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) mental health facility near Norwich is expected to welcome service users and staff at the end of January 2025. The new Rivers Centre wards will allow the Trust to provide modern, purpose-built environments and therapeutic space as well as additional capacity, providing an extra 15 beds for the Trust. This will help to reduce the use of out of area and independent sector placements for people living locally who need inpatient mental health care, treatment, and support. VINCI Building’s Regional Director, Paul Tumelty said: “At IHP our purpose is to contribute our skills and expertise to benefit and improve the lives of people that live and work in our communities. We are delighted that Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust gave us the opportunity to fulfil our purpose at the Rivers Centre and bring their vision to life for a state of the art facility to support mental health patients.” Katie Fenn, Senior Project Manager at VINCI Building said: “This project is an example of what can be achieved with the right planning, design, dedication and collaboration to create a centre that will impact positively on communities, businesses, and local people. “I am extremely proud of the team and our supply chain partners who have worked tirelessly on the new Rivers Centre, and I look forward to the buildings becoming a reality.” This investment will play a significant role in enhancing care for local people, recognising wherever possible people needing inpatient care should receive care in a facility as close to home as possible. The project consists of three new ward buildings, a purpose-built gym and a hub, which has been carefully designed to promote a feeling of community. This central area will house a main reception and café and will be the ‘heart’ of the development. The project has focused on ensuring a sustainable future, with electricity supplied from solar panels and heating via air source heat pumps. The new facility makes full use of the natural environment with the aim of providing a haven where both patients and staff can relax away from clinical areas. It is hoped that this will have a positive impact on everyone’s wellbeing, while also playing an important role in service users’ recovery. The project has been delivered by Integrated Health Projects (IHP), the joint venture between VINCI Building and Sir Robert McAlpine. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major new build construction project in the heart of London, Mount Pleasant, required Keyfix’s market-leading and A1 fire-rated Non-combustible Cavity Tray System (NCCT) to ensure it was future-proofed for many years to come. The £45 million project, overseen by main contractor and developer, McAleer & Rushe, involved the transformation of the former Royal Mail Mount Pleasant sorting office in Farringdon, London, into 131 new mixed-tenure residential apartments across three blocks, varying in heights of four, eight, and 10 storeys. The development also includes external communal spaces, cycle storage, car park spaces, and a wellness centre comprising of a gym, sauna, swimming pool, and treatment facilities. With McAleer & Rushe keen to meet tight deadlines, speed of installation was imperative. As a result, Keyfix’s expertise and proven Pre-Formed Corner units were required from Phase Two of the project. Keyfix supplied 2,400m of its NCCT, including 1,830 pre-formed Corner Units and 9,500 Non-combustible Weeps. Keyfix’s sister company Keystone Lintels also provided Non-combustible Cavity Tray Lintels (NCCTL). Additionally, IG Masonry Support, another member of the Keystone Group, designed and manufactured Folded Angles, Folded Angle Piers, and Welded Masonry Support for Blocks B, C, and D of the development. This close collaboration of Keystone Group companies meant that our teams could offer a combined solution to McAleer & Rushe, ensuring that the slab edge remained decongested, safe-proofing the building. This level of collaboration helps limit downtime, reduces the level of re-work, speeds up the build programme, and ultimately reduces unnecessary costs. With future-proofing the building a major focus for McAleer & Rushe in case regulations become more stringent, Keyfix’s A1 fire-rated NCCT was chosen as it exceeds the current building regulations and does not contribute to fire loading. Furthermore, the enduring quality of the stainless steel ensures the system typically outlasts the lifespan of the building. McAleer & Rushe designed this build to achieve a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating and a Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4 certification, so Keyfix’s sustainability and buildability-focused NCCT was the ideal choice as Keyfix’s NCCT is manufactured from Grade 304 austenitic stainless steel which is 100% recyclable. Keyfix’s NCCT also features a unique design that enables the stainless steel tray to be self-supporting across the cavity. This commercially-viable and rapid-build system is self-supporting and does not connect to the internal structure making it more thermally efficient, whilst avoiding issues typically associated with differential movement. Keyfix’s technical team actively supported the project by conducting site visits to monitor progress, participating in design team meetings, and delivering CPD webinars and toolbox talks. They also prepared a detailed component schedule and layout plan that integrated all three Keystone Group products on a single drawing, based on the architect’s plans. For more information about the Keyfix range of non-combustible solutions download the brochure, visit https://keyfix.com/ or for technical support call 028 8676 7508 or email info@keyfix.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
South Quay Regeneration: Breathing New Life into Pembroke’s Historic Heart Pembrokeshire County Council has embarked on an ambitious regeneration programme, awarding Andrew Scott Ltd the transformative redevelopment of the historic South Quay site adjacent to Pembroke Castle. The project, progressing in two distinct phases, promises to revitalise the area with a sustainable mix of uses, enhancing the town’s appeal and functionality. Phase One: Honouring Pembroke’s Tudor Legacy The initial phase of this £18m initiative, supported by the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme and the Transformation Capital Grants Scheme, celebrates Pembroke’s rich history as the birthplace of the Tudor dynasty. This phase will introduce a Henry Tudor visitor centre, a modern library and information hub, a café, and beautifully landscaped gardens, creating a vibrant cultural and community space. Phase Two: The Pembroke Hwb The second phase, known as ‘The Pembroke Hwb’, is funded by the UK Government’s Levelling Up programme and the Welsh Government’s Integrated Rebalancing Capital Fund. This phase centres around the regeneration of numbers 7 and 8 Northgate Street and will deliver an integrated three-storey community hub. Facilities will include spaces for day opportunities, learning, and skills development aimed at fostering independent living across all age groups. Additionally, it will offer supported employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, ensuring inclusivity at its core. Enhancing the Environment and Accessibility The project will restore South Quay’s historic buildings while introducing a new sunken garden and upgraded parking facilities. Improved pathways will enhance connectivity between the Henry Tudor visitor centre and the waterfront, further enriching the site’s accessibility and aesthetic appeal. Leadership and Vision Cllr Paul Miller, Deputy Leader of Council and Cabinet Member for Place, the Region, and Climate Change, remarked: “Pembrokeshire’s leadership and financial investment of over £10 million into the South Quay development will provide a civic and social asset with lasting benefit to Pembroke and the county as a whole.” Preserving Heritage for Future Generations Mark Bowen, Managing Director of Andrew Scott Ltd, shared his enthusiasm: “We are delighted to have been awarded this project by Pembrokeshire County Council. We will collaborate with the Council to help conserve Wales’s heritage by breathing new life into the historic South Quay site, sensitively refurbishing and repurposing it for the 21st century.” The South Quay regeneration is set to become a cornerstone of Pembroke’s future, preserving its history while fostering growth and inclusivity for generations to come. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Shake Shack, the renowned New York-based burger brand, has officially opened its first Midlands restaurant at Hammerson’s Bullring & Grand Central in Birmingham. The new 2,866 sq ft eatery, located in Grand Central, offers Shake Shack’s signature menu, including favourites such as breakfast burgers, the famous ShackBurger, crinkle-cut fries, hot dogs, ShackMeister ale, and their indulgent milkshakes. This launch marks another milestone for Bullring & Grand Central, which has become a hotspot for international food, beverage, and leisure brands. Shake Shack joins an impressive line-up that includes Lane 7, Sandbox, Toca Social, Slim Chickens, Mrs Chew’s Chinese Kitchen, Mowgli, and Five Guys. An Expanding Dining Destination Katy Letch, Head of Leasing at Hammerson, expressed her excitement about the new addition: “Shake Shack is the latest international brand to make its debut at Bullring & Grand Central, further enhancing the diverse food and beverage options available. Combined with our existing line-up of top names in the hospitality sector and our extensive leisure offering, Bullring & Grand Central is firmly established as Birmingham’s premier destination for dining and socialising.” A Key Milestone for Shake Shack Colin O’Kane, Managing Director at Diverse Dining, the UK operator of Shake Shack, highlighted the significance of the Birmingham opening: “With locations across London and the South East, expanding the Shake Shack portfolio to new regions in the UK is a key part of our strategic growth plan. This debut Midlands site at Bullring & Grand Central is an important milestone. As the country’s second-largest city, Birmingham has been on our radar for some time, and Grand Central’s prime location above the bustling Birmingham New Street Station makes it the perfect choice for our regional expansion.” With its debut in Birmingham, Shake Shack continues its mission of bringing its unique dining experience to new audiences, further solidifying Bullring & Grand Central’s reputation as the go-to hub for culinary and leisure excellence. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bristol City Council has announced the start of major construction work on Victoria Street aimed at improving accessibility and making the area more pedestrian and cyclist-friendly. The project is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. The transformation will include several significant upgrades to enhance the experience of walking, wheeling, and cycling along the street. Planned improvements include: The project is part of the broader A37/A4018 transport corridor initiative, which is focused on enhancing the number 2 bus route, a key 15-mile route connecting Stockwood and Henbury. The work will be carried out in phases over approximately 15 months, with completion expected in early 2026. Victoria Street will remain open for most of the construction period, though temporary traffic signals will be in place, potentially causing delays. Side streets connecting to Victoria Street may also face temporary closures. Road resurfacing will occur overnight towards the end of the project. To ease the transition and encourage sustainable travel, the council is offering incentives during the construction period. Residents and commuters can access up to £100 in travel offers, including free bus and train travel vouchers, bike loans, and cycling training. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Following the publication of the revised NPPF earlier today, Ian Barnett, National Land Director, Leaders Romans Group has provided a comment on: Ian Barnett, National Land Director, Leaders Romans Group (LRG) What a difference a year makes. The NPPF changes announced today provide and new framework for the industry to work to and a flurry of activity on LinkedIn as everyone seeks to understand the key points and how they will affect their projects. The key points are: There have been many grand announcements in my time in planning and development. The priority has always been to build enough houses for the country’s population in the right places in a manner that protects the most valuable landscapes and environmentally sensitive areas. So are the latest announcements in any different to what we’ve all heard before? On paper – yes absolutely. The conviction and tone as well as the content (and indeed the fact it’s announced ahead of when most people expected!) does suggest that this time at least the Government is serious. The new NPPF gives an opportunity for the whole narrative on development and housing delivery to change. Whilst some would like to have seen more in terms of strategic planning, today’s NPPF at least gives a new window of opportunity for many sites that are suitable for development and which have been held up by inefficiencies and lack of resources, meddling local politics and NIMBYism to come forward. Delivering 1.5m houses in the first term is ambitious and unrealistic but it was utterly impossible under the previous planning system. The time for delivery is here and it’s the responsibility of everyone in the industry – developers, landowners, planners and local authorities to do what is needed. The framework is there – but it will take time to bed in and what we need now more than anything after a new NPPF update for the last two Christmases is stability so we can get on with the task ahead. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is becoming a cornerstone in the building design and construction industry. As sustainability takes precedence, developers are increasingly focusing on how even small-scale projects can significantly contribute to biodiversity. Understanding and leveraging small site metrics is vital for achieving effective BNG compliance. The concept of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) has emerged as an essential framework in promoting sustainable development within the construction sector. This approach ensures that new developments leave biodiversity in a better state than before. As the focus on environmental sustainability heightens, industry professionals must navigate the complexities of BNG compliance, particularly when dealing with small site metrics. These metrics present unique challenges and opportunities, requiring a keen understanding of their role in enhancing biodiversity on smaller scales. The integration of a BNG calculator in project planning facilitates accurate assessment and implementation of these metrics, ensuring compliance and ecological enhancement. Comprehending small site metrics Small site metrics play a pivotal role in the context of BNG, serving as benchmarks to gauge the ecological value of a project. They ensure that even minor developments contribute positively to local ecosystems. By measuring elements such as habitat quality and connectivity, these metrics help project planners make informed decisions that align with BNG goals. The integration of a BNG calculator in project planning facilitates accurate assessment and implementation of these metrics, ensuring compliance and ecological enhancement. These metrics are crucial because they hold all projects accountable, regardless of size, to maintain or improve the ecological balance. In this way, developers can contribute to broader biodiversity objectives by recognising the cumulative impact of small-scale developments. Maintaining stringent small-site metrics can lead to significant long-term benefits for local wildlife and plant life. When implementing small site metrics, it’s essential to consider both quantitative and qualitative aspects of biodiversity assessment. This includes evaluating factors such as species richness, habitat distinctiveness and ecological connectivity. Understanding these components helps developers create more targeted and effective biodiversity enhancement strategies. The metric system typically assigns numerical values to different habitat types, considering their condition and strategic significance within the local ecological network. The role of BNG calculators BNG calculators are indispensable tools for developers aiming to achieve BNG compliance effectively. These digital solutions provide detailed assessments and projections that guide planners through the intricate process of metric evaluation and improvement plans. With these calculators, you can create comprehensive biodiversity metric sheets that map out necessary steps for enhancing local habitats while meeting legal requirements. The ease of using digital tools like BNG calculators cannot be overstated. They simplify complex calculations and offer real-time data analysis, enabling efficient resource allocation and strategic planning. These tools have revolutionised project management by providing clear pathways to achieving net gain outcomes. Challenges in implementing small site metrics Despite their importance, implementing small site metrics poses several challenges. Limited space and resources often constrain how much can be done within a given project area. Additionally, there may be gaps in knowledge or expertise among project teams regarding best practices for incorporating these metrics into design plans. One strategy to overcome these challenges involves leveraging digital tools alongside expert guidance. Engaging with ecologists or environmental consultants can provide valuable insights into optimising space usage for biodiversity benefits. Moreover, integrating innovative technologies into your workflow can streamline processes and enhance accuracy in metric calculations. Examples of small site metrics in use Several compelling examples showcase the effective application of small site metrics to achieve Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) in construction projects. For instance, residential development in a compact urban area can utilise these metrics to integrate living walls, bird boxes and pollinator-friendly plants, resulting in measurable increases in local biodiversity. Similarly, a small-scale commercial site in a suburban setting can apply small site metrics to enhance on-site green infrastructure, including the creation of a native wildflower meadow and rain gardens to support wildlife and improve water management. Another example is the redevelopment of a brownfield site where metrics guide the installation of green roofs and restoration of nearby hedgerows, creating ecological corridors that benefit both flora and fauna. These examples demonstrate that even on constrained plots, small site metrics can enable tailored, impactful actions that contribute to broader biodiversity goals while meeting regulatory requirements and enhancing community value.
