Co-op has unveiled plans to bolster its presence across the UK with the opening of 75 new stores in 2025. This growth initiative includes both Co-op-operated and franchise stores, alongside major refurbishments for 80 existing locations, as the retailer focuses on enhancing its role as a hub for convenience and
Prologis UK, a leading logistics property owner, investor and developer, is pleased to announce that Aerospheres, a leading supplier of consumables to the aviation industry, has committed to a new ten-year lease of DC9 Prologis Park Hemel Hempstead. DC9, a state-of-the-art 74,770 sq ft facility located near the M1 and
Caddick has commenced building work on site at Max Spielman’s new warehouse at Bromborough’s international business park, marking the first owned and occupied premises for Timpson’s printing specialist. To mark the start of construction work, Timpson Group Chairman, Sir John Timpson, joined Caddick on site at Power Road where the
CEG has instructed a £2 million construction contract to deliver highway infrastructure works which will facilitate next phase of development at the successful Vesuvius development in Worksop. The latest works will include an extension of the existing spine road, construction of a new roundabout and connections to all utilities. As
The City of London Corporation has officially given the green light to plans for 1 Undershaft, a landmark skyscraper that is set to become the tallest building in the City of London and one of the most iconic structures in the UK. The towering development will rise to an impressive
Retrofit skills lagging, say industry body A new study from the Building Services Research and Information Association (BSRIA) has found that retrofit training gaps are stalling Net-Zero progress in UK construction. The research surveyed 500 construction professionals and revealed that there is a low sector-wide understanding of retrofit technologies and
McLaughlin & Harvey has completed the construction and CAT A fit-out of Eden Campus, Unilever’s new UK headquarters. The site comprises two office blocks providing 290,000 square feet of commercial accommodation and a multi-storey car park in Kingston upon Thames, south-west London. The construction of Eden Campus began in October
Highfurlong School, an award-winning Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) school in Blackpool, has officially completed a multi-million-pound expansion project. Featuring a state-of-the-art hydrotherapy suite, the project included the construction of a new building to help manage the growing demand for SEND places at the school. Designed by Cassidy +
MORE than 150 leaders in the energy efficiency sector met this month for the annual National Home Decarbonisation Group (NHDG) and National Insulation Association (NIA) Parliamentary Reception, hosted in the historic House of Lords Cholmondeley Room and Terrace by Lord Best. Members of both groups were in the esteemed company
An ambitious project to redevelop Abbey Fields Swimming Pool in Kenilworth is to receive additional funding from the HS2 Community & Environment Fund (CEF). The £75,000 HS2 grant has been awarded to Warwick District Council (WDC) to support external landscaping and groundwork improvements as part of the multi-million-pound investment in
Co-op has unveiled plans to bolster its presence across the UK with the opening of 75 new stores in 2025. This growth initiative includes both Co-op-operated and franchise stores, alongside major refurbishments for 80 existing locations, as the retailer focuses on enhancing its role as a hub for convenience and community services. Expanding the Co-op Network The expansion aims to ensure easy and convenient access to Co-op stores nationwide. Among the first new openings, Salford Quays – The Anchorage and East Benton – Newcastle Upon Tyne will welcome Co-op-operated stores in early 2025. Franchise growth will contribute up to 50 additional stores, allowing Co-op to extend its reach into communities it might not otherwise access, thanks to partnerships with trusted collaborators. Building on 2024’s success, Co-op will continue its innovative approach to franchise locations, which include university campuses, petrol forecourts, hospitals, and even military bases like HMS Collingwood. Revamping Existing Stores Up to 80 stores will undergo significant refurbishments, designed to modernise and maximise the potential of Co-op’s property portfolio. Early 2025 will see major makeovers completed in locations such as Exeter, Brighton, Bristol, Cambridgeshire, Hampshire, Avonmouth, Hereford, and Clapham. These refreshed stores will embody Co-op’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and community engagement. A Hub for More Than Groceries Co-op stores go beyond traditional retail, offering services like parcel collection, payment options, and quick online delivery. Acting as micro-distribution hubs, stores support Co-op’s growing ecommerce platform, enabling rapid delivery of fresh groceries through partnerships with Just Eat, Uber Eats, and Deliveroo. Co-op aims to expand its quick commerce market share to over 30%, solidifying its position as a leader in online grocery delivery. In-store digital media screens, member savings, and support for local causes also highlight Co-op’s focus on creating a sense of community and delivering economic and social benefits to its members. Sustainability at the Forefront Co-op’s green ambitions include plans to install up to 76,000 solar panels across 700 sites in its food, funeralcare, and logistics portfolio over the next three years. This move reinforces Co-op’s commitment to carbon reduction and sustainability. A Vision for the Future Matt Hood, Co-op’s Managing Director, stated:“We want everyone to have easy and convenient access to a Co-op store, wherever they live. This year, we are completely focused on achieving that through an ambitious and exciting new store strategy. “As a membership organisation owned by six million members, we are experts in convenience shopping. By combining quality products, great value, ethical retailing, and quick online delivery with community participation, we’re creating stores that act as active hubs of local life.” With a robust plan for expansion and innovation, Co-op continues to cement its role as a leading convenience retailer while supporting its members and communities across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Prologis UK, a leading logistics property owner, investor and developer, is pleased to announce that Aerospheres, a leading supplier of consumables to the aviation industry, has committed to a new ten-year lease of DC9 Prologis Park Hemel Hempstead. DC9, a state-of-the-art 74,770 sq ft facility located near the M1 and M25 motorways, is currently under construction and will serve as the new operational hub for the business, supporting its mission to supply aviation products globally. The site’s proximity to London’s major airports was a key factor in Aerospheres’ decision to relocate its operations and the new facility will enable the business to adopt cutting-edge new process and technologies, acting as a Centre of Excellence and flagship for innovation and automation. Prologis UK’s latest development in Hemel Hempstead is focused on delivering high quality, sustainable industrial space. It has achieved both EPC A+ and BREEAM Outstanding ratings – representing exemplary sustainability performance. The development features flexible mezzanine spaces, outdoor terraces which are directly accessible from first floor offices and well-appointed external amenity spaces. Paul Thompson, CEO of Aerospheres, added: “Securing DC9 Hemel Hempstead as our new UK Headquarters marks an exciting step forward for Aerospheres. This building will provide us with the capacity we need to expand our operations and continue to provide our customers with the highest level of service.” Robin Woodbridge, Head of Capital Deployment at Prologis UK, commented: “We’re delighted to welcome Aerospheres to Prologis Park Hemel Hempstead. The pre-let of DC9 demonstrates the ongoing appeal of our developments to forward-looking businesses that need modern, flexible space to grow. Aerospheres plays an essential role in keeping the aviation industry running smoothly, and we’re proud that they’ve chosen to expand their operations with us.” For Prologis, this pre-let demonstrates the appeal of its latest speculative development in Hemel Hempstead, ensuring that the location continues to lead as a destination for businesses seeking to grow in the South East. Further units, ranging in size from 20,860 to 66,735 sq ft are currently available at Prologis Park Hemel Hempstead. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Caddick has commenced building work on site at Max Spielman’s new warehouse at Bromborough’s international business park, marking the first owned and occupied premises for Timpson’s printing specialist. To mark the start of construction work, Timpson Group Chairman, Sir John Timpson, joined Caddick on site at Power Road where the contractor will be delivering an £8m contract to build a 77,400 sq ft industrial development. Work on site comes 16 years after the family-owned Timpson Group acquired Max Spielman and will see the development of a 9.5-acre site to create warehousing for storage and distribution with internal mezzanine offices and car parking. Caddick’s appointment to the development follows planning permission by Wirral Council in April 2024 and marks the first time Caddick has worked on behalf of Timpson Group, bringing together two prominent family-owned northern businesses. Set to complete in September 2025, the new Power Road development adds to Caddick’s growing pipeline of industrial projects across the North West, which also includes Ark 42 at Trafford Park Road on behalf of Trebor Developments. Dave Saville, Regional Managing Director of Caddick Construction North West, commented: “The new development at Power Road is a huge investment by Timpson Group and a statement of intent by the definitive leader in photo printing – a business that has impressively diversified in an evolving market. “As a family-owned business ourselves, our culture means a lot to us and we are very proud to be working in partnership with Timpson as a likeminded family-owned business, with which we share many values. We have a relatively short build programme in which we’ll build brand new facilities for Max Spielman, and we are looking forward to progressing on site and building our wider industrial pipeline throughout 2025.” Sir John Timpson CBE, Chairman and Owner of Timpson, commented: “I’m pleased that in Caddick we have formed an important partnership with another vibrant family business to deliver this development at Power Road. Exactly 16 years ago Timpson acquired the Max Spielman business, taking it out of administration, and since then it has developed a reputation for exceptional customer service and grown to become the UK’s leading photo service retailer with over 400 outlets. This new development on Power Road marks an important step in our plans to strengthen the Max Spielman business for its future growth, and it is great to have Caddick appointed as main contractor to help us achieve this.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
CEG has instructed a £2 million construction contract to deliver highway infrastructure works which will facilitate next phase of development at the successful Vesuvius development in Worksop. The latest works will include an extension of the existing spine road, construction of a new roundabout and connections to all utilities. As well as providing access for the local bus service into the site, this will release the remaining sixteen acres of development land ready for businesses to locate here. As a result, a deal has been secured for an acre of land to Admirals Yard Self Storage which will deliver a new secure storage facility. Rob Sadler from Admirals Yard said: “Admirals Yard Self Storage is pleased to announce plans for a new personal and business storage facility on land adjacent to Asda and the new Fire Station. Offering a range of drive-up unit sizes with state-of-the-art security, CEO Rob Sadler expects to open for business in early Summer 25. Admirals Yard Self Storage has facilities nationwide and is delighted to be adding the Vesuvius site to its portfolio.” Antonia Martin Wright, Director of Commercial Development at CEG, explained: “The quality of the first phase has ensured this is the prime industrial and business location in Worksop. “This latest phase of infrastructure work will provide serviced land for development and I’m pleased to welcome Admirals Yard Self Storage to the site. We are marketing design and build development opportunities from 10,000 sq ft upwards and welcoming engagement from occupiers on all commercial basis.” The 20-week programme of works will commence in January and will be delivered by Caddick Civil Engineering. DTRE and FHP have been appointed as agents to market the site. Rob Kos, Associate Partner at DTRE, said: “This latest phase of works continues to demonstrate CEG’s commitment to the scheme and by spring next year there will be two serviced and development-ready plots for local businesses. We are currently having a number of positive conversations with occupiers and purchasers alike and as there is such a shortage of well-located supply we expect to announce more deals imminently.” Vesuvius is CEG’s regeneration of a 45-acre brownfield site close to the M1 and A1(M). CEG delivered the original remediation and development platforms, alongside infrastructure including the new access roundabout and roads, working closely with the local authority and D2N2 to enable the development. A 70,000 sq. ft ASDA food store opened in 2020, followed by Travis Perkins and Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue’s £3.4m new fire station. CEG speculatively delivered the first phase of 16 light industrial units in summer 2021. These were swiftly let to a range of occupiers including Kitchen Craft, Escape Hot Tubs, Rother Valley Optics, electric vehicle charging specialist Powerpoint and Shark Eye’s research and design centre. There are also three food and beverage units at the site, including Burger King. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The City of London Corporation has officially given the green light to plans for 1 Undershaft, a landmark skyscraper that is set to become the tallest building in the City of London and one of the most iconic structures in the UK. The towering development will rise to an impressive height of 309.6 metres (1,015.8 feet), matching The Shard as the tallest building in the country. Located in the heart of London’s financial district, 1 Undershaft will stand proudly between two of the city’s most famous landmarks—the Gherkin and the Leadenhall Building—solidifying its place in the city’s iconic skyline. A Monumental Addition to the City’s Landscape 1 Undershaft will offer approximately 1.7 million square feet (158,000 square metres) of state-of-the-art office space, attracting businesses from across the globe and further cementing London’s reputation as a world-leading financial hub. Designed by the renowned architecture firm Eric Parry Architects, the skyscraper will feature cutting-edge design, offering both modern aesthetics and practical functionality. The building’s distinct cylindrical form and glass façade will set it apart from its neighbours. A significant feature of the development is its commitment to sustainability, with the project expected to achieve high environmental performance standards. 1 Undershaft will be equipped with an innovative low-carbon heating and cooling system, along with solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems, reflecting the ongoing trend towards eco-conscious construction in the capital. Public Spaces and Views Like Never Before One of the standout features of 1 Undershaft is its dedication to public access. The building will include a stunning, free-to-access public garden on the 11th floor, offering visitors panoramic views of the city. The garden will feature a wide range of plants, providing a lush, green space that contrasts with the urban environment below. At the very top of the skyscraper, visitors will be able to take in breathtaking views from Europe’s highest publicly accessible viewing gallery. This will not only be a great attraction for tourists but will also serve as a unique space for Londoners to experience the city from a new perspective. Additionally, the tower will be home to a dedicated cultural space, located on the 72nd and 73rd floors, which will house an exhibition curated by the London Museum. This space will highlight the rich history and heritage of London, making it an ideal spot for both locals and visitors to learn more about the city’s fascinating past. Overcoming Challenges and Moving Forward The development of 1 Undershaft has not been without its challenges. The City of London Corporation’s planning applications sub-committee approved the project with 16 votes in favour and 7 votes against, after a number of revisions were made to address concerns from local residents and organisations. In particular, objections were raised about the loss of public space at nearby St Helen’s Square, with critics arguing that the new development could overshadow this area. However, the revised plans included design changes that reduced the impact on St Helen’s Square and enhanced the public realm, leading to the approval of the project. This compromise highlights the city’s commitment to balancing modern development with the preservation of open public spaces. Looking to the Future With construction set to begin soon, 1 Undershaft promises to be a true testament to the City of London’s ambition and innovation. Once completed, it will not only redefine the skyline but also offer an array of opportunities for businesses and the public alike. The building’s blend of advanced technology, sustainability, and dedication to open spaces will ensure it becomes a defining feature of London’s ever-evolving cityscape. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Retrofit skills lagging, say industry body A new study from the Building Services Research and Information Association (BSRIA) has found that retrofit training gaps are stalling Net-Zero progress in UK construction. The research surveyed 500 construction professionals and revealed that there is a low sector-wide understanding of retrofit technologies and approaches, creating a potential bottleneck in the UK’s plans to decarbonise. Four in ten professionals stated that the level of training available to them was insufficient and that industry knowledge and understanding of retrofit techniques are currently ‘lacking’. However, many professionals see retrofitting existing buildings as a more effective path to reducing carbon emissions compared to constructing new. Nearly two in three (62%) believe retrofit projects provide greater benefits for achieving net zero than new-build homes. Another area of the study examined how professionals measure the impact of applied retrofit measures. Just two in five professionals (43%) measure building performance after envelope changes, highlighting a concerning ‘do-it-and-dash’ trend that skips energy, carbon, and comfort evaluation. An approach that can lead to suboptimal results. These findings come at an important time for the UK’s decarbonisation efforts. Back in July, the Climate Change Committee warned that the UK could be at risk of missing Net-Zero targets. In early November, ministers also put £30 million more into a grant scheme to encourage the uptake of heat pumps. The research also revealed surprising doubts about the value of large-scale retrofit measures, with one in four professionals unconvinced of their long-term effectiveness over the next 20 years. This was particularly true for sole traders and those in the repair sector – just half (55% and 56%, respectively) thought retrofit measures were worth the investment. This could suggest a need for more advanced training on the performance benefits of retrofit technologies. The study also flagged an interesting area of debate – what constitutes ‘comfort’ within Net-Zero spaces. Professionals remain divided – two in five identified it as air quality and ventilation, while just over half (52%) said thermal comfort was the most important factor. Natural lighting closely followed (50%) and then acoustic comfort (40%). In context, these stats show variations in which retrofit measures take precedence. It also highlights a growing need in the industry to define a standardised approach to retrofit assessments, such as the new BS 40104 standard. Tom Garrigan, Technical Director at BSRIA said: “The results of this study show a snapshot of the industry’s approach to retrofitting. There’s a clear need for detailed pre- and post-retrofit assessments. Understanding a building’s condition, possible defects, and energy performance is an essential step but one that appears to be lacking. Without high-quality testing, building owners will never know the true value of retrofit investments.” Lisa Ashworth, CEO at BSRIA said: “Retrofitting 29 million homes by 2050 is an ambitious goal for the UK. To achieve it, we must upskill the construction workforce on the value of retrofitting and the need for a meticulous approach to every property. As the saying goes, ‘you can’t test what you don’t measure’—a mindset the entire industry must embrace.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
McLaughlin & Harvey has completed the construction and CAT A fit-out of Eden Campus, Unilever’s new UK headquarters. The site comprises two office blocks providing 290,000 square feet of commercial accommodation and a multi-storey car park in Kingston upon Thames, south-west London. The construction of Eden Campus began in October 2022. Building A, an eight-storey office building with a basement is located on Eden Street and has a strong architectural identity, continuing the curved profile of Eden Street. Building B, a second, complimentary ten-storey office building with a basement, is located on Brook Street. The two offices are fully integrated and designed for long-term flexibility. The joint entrance off Brook Street creates a welcoming approach at ground level whilst defining the main reception area. This will also reinforce the new public realm being created nearby. A connecting bridge at the sixth-floor level creates a seamless internal transition to the proposed social and communal spaces on the sixth-floor of Building A. The multi-storey car park on St James Road can accommodate 350 cars and 490 bikes. It has full electric charging infrastructure and changing facilities to facilitate sustainable commuting. It also has a landscaped roof garden. At completion, Eden Campus achieved an Excellent BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment) rating, recognising McLaughlin & Harvey’s commitment to net zero by designing and delivering projects that are highly energy efficient, perform as designed when occupied, minimise carbon emissions and cost of ownership, and improve people’s health and wellbeing. Following the practical completion and key handover, Jonathan Lawes, Director at Cube Real Estate, said: “We are incredibly proud to have completed Unilever’s new UK headquarter campus. It is not just about the physical structure but more about the dreams, aspirations, and collective effort that have gone into making this project a reality. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when a group of talented individuals comes together with a shared vision and determination.” Reflecting on the project, Michael Kieran, Construction Director at McLaughlin & Harvey, added: “We are delighted to have reached Practical Completion of the Eden Campus project and hand over the keys to our Client, Cube Real Estate. The success of this exceptional project is a testament to the collaborative approach adopted by our design team, supply chain partners, project delivery team and the employer’s agent. We are extremely proud of the completed project and wish Unilever good luck as they embark on their fit-out.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Highfurlong School, an award-winning Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) school in Blackpool, has officially completed a multi-million-pound expansion project. Featuring a state-of-the-art hydrotherapy suite, the project included the construction of a new building to help manage the growing demand for SEND places at the school. Designed by Cassidy + Ashton and built by Conlon Construction, the project was carried out over two phases and represents a significant investment in education and community services for the Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde Coast areas. Phase one of the project was funded by government funding for new school places and SEND. The £4.8m new building doubles the school’s capacity to 180 students, reducing the need to use out-of-borough placements. The new building which connects to the existing school via a covered walkway, includes a specialist teaching room for the delivery of subjects such as science, food technology and life skills. A £2m phase two created a hydrotherapy suite designed to provide children a sensory-rich experience. The suite features a deck-access pool, customisable lighting, a projector, fibre optic art ceiling and a specialised hoist. Designed for dual-purpose use, the therapy pool is also available to community groups outside of school hours and includes features to enable future expansion of an additional storey if needed. Architect Dominic Read-Garrett, from Cassidy + Ashton, said: “It has been an incredibly rewarding experience to work on the design and delivery of the new facilities at Highfurlong School. By collaborating closely with Conlon Construction on this project, we have been able to create a space that truly supports the needs of the students and staff. “The new classrooms, café and hydrotherapy pool are designed to provide both an inspiring learning environment and essential resources for therapeutic and recreational activities. We are proud to have contributed to a facility that will enhance the educational experience for students and empower the whole school community.” Built in 2015, Highfurlong School has been a cornerstone for pupils with a wide range of SEND requirements. The school won the ‘School of the Year’ award, ‘Blackpool Primary School of the Year’ and the ‘Blackpool Inspirational Teacher’ of the year award at the National School Awards in 2021. Highfurlong School head teacher Jasmine Short said: “Cassidy + Ashton and Conlon Construction have worked as a team on this project to bring our vision to life. The design and quality of the build is outstanding, and the entire process to completion was managed in an extremely professional manner. “We are also immensely grateful to Blackpool Council for backing this expansion project. The new facilities at the school have transformed our ability to support the local demand for SEND places. We can now offer places to a larger number of pupils and the community-focused areas enable us to provide an innovative preparation-for-adulthood programme.” Conlon Construction commercial director Darren Lee added: “It is a tremendous pleasure to deliver the newly renovated Highfurlong School, now a state-of-the-art educational facility ready to be enjoyed, to its enthusiastic community of pupils, teachers and parents. Helping to addresses critical gaps in the urgent demand for SEND education solutions, a challenge currently affecting children on a national scale, Highfurlong School features outstanding specialist amenities designed to foster learning and exploration, all within a modern and inspiring environment. “Building on our proven experience in delivering SEND schools, this project highlights Conlon Construction’s strong track record in the education sector – from early years settings to universities – across the region. It also reflects our unique approach to SEND projects, demonstrating a deep understanding of the specific needs and requirements of schools designed for young people with additional needs.” Jasmine added: “Our vision was always to extend beyond the school itself; as we aim to create a hub for the wider community. This includes welcoming former pupils and families and providing a space for socialising and collaboration. The hydrotherapy pool is an outstanding addition. With two pools now available at the school, we can significantly expand access to hydrotherapy for both pupils and the local community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MORE than 150 leaders in the energy efficiency sector met this month for the annual National Home Decarbonisation Group (NHDG) and National Insulation Association (NIA) Parliamentary Reception, hosted in the historic House of Lords Cholmondeley Room and Terrace by Lord Best. Members of both groups were in the esteemed company of Bill Esterson MP, Labour MP for Sefton Central and chair of the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee, as well as Selvin Brown, director of net zero buildings – domestic at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). Talks reflected on the significant strides forward in decarbonisation of the UK’s housing stock over recent years and the bold ambitions for the future shared by the government, public and private sectors. With the new Labour government’s commitments to energy efficiency now laid out, it was a crucial time for both organisations to come together and discuss how to turn plans into reality. NHDG members had also met earlier in the day for its latest forum, with attendance from DESNZ, Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise (RISE), and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA). Derek Horrocks, chair of both the National Home Decarbonisation Group and the National Insulation Association, said: “It is a hugely exciting time to be involved in energy efficiency, and the ongoing cooperation between key stakeholders reveals a strong sense of optimism. The challenges we face have been identified, but there is confidence and trust that the rising investment in retrofit measures and clean energy will be effective in improving the lives of millions of people. “Events such as the recent Parliamentary Reception are always used to highlight the issues caused by cold, damp and mouldy environments that people are unfortunately still occupying. However, the collective drive among members of the NHDG and NIA can create lasting change that will regenerate communities and ensure our housing stock meets much higher standards than are currently common. “I must thank our guests Bill Esterson MP and Selvin Brown for their attendance and engagement, not only at the recent event but day to day too as the sector moves forwards. Having the government’s attention and financial support means that the private sector can sustain the necessary resources and influence greater policy, innovation and skills development.” Members of the NHDG and NIA specialise in retrofit decarbonisation and insulation respectively. Both organisations aim to drive and demonstrate best practice in an effort to raise standards, which will help to tackle critical societal issues, including the five main crises of today – health, cost of living, housing, energy security and climate. Gary Lawson, managing director at headline sponsor Sustainable Building Services (UK) Ltd, said: “The NHDG is very unique. Being a member means that we can contribute to collective growth in scale of energy efficiency works. There are economies of scale that are not yet being achieved to the extent that is possible, but we’re making an effort to change this alongside our fellow members who are equally committed to collaboration. It is clear that self-interests are being put to one side so that the leading experts in energy efficiency can improve overall retrofit delivery and results.” The Parliamentary Reception event was also sponsored by Axis Europe, InstaGroup, Morgan Sindall Property Services, Smart Energie and CoreLogic. To learn more about NHDG, its aims and its members, please visit the website at: https://www.nhdg.org/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
An ambitious project to redevelop Abbey Fields Swimming Pool in Kenilworth is to receive additional funding from the HS2 Community & Environment Fund (CEF). The £75,000 HS2 grant has been awarded to Warwick District Council (WDC) to support external landscaping and groundwork improvements as part of the multi-million-pound investment in the town’s community swimming facilities. Located within the site of an ancient scheduled monument on Abbey Fields, the pool was originally built in the 1890s. Newer buildings were developed in the 1930s, 1960s and 1980s – with the latter being demolished in 2022 to make way for a full redesign and rebuild project. Once developed, the new facility will provide state-of-the-art swimming facilities including family and learner pools with moveable floors to accommodate all ages and abilities. In addition, a multi-use community space will include a café and outdoor terrace. Funding from HS2 will go towards creating an engaging outdoor space surrounding the new pool building, featuring footpaths, landscaping and public seating areas, all sensitively designed to blend in with the historic location. Following a delay caused by the discovery of extensive medieval remains on the site, construction work on the new buildings began in May with completion due in summer 2026. Councillor Jim Sinnott, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Leisure at Warwick District Council, said: “The Council is making a huge investment in this exciting project to provide Kenilworth and the wider district with the additional swimming pools required to meet the needs of a growing population. We very much welcome the additional funding we will receive from the HS2 which will make a significant contribution to our aim of creating a wonderful asset for the whole community.” The Abbey Fields Swimming Pool project is one of over 300 initiatives to be awarded funding from HS2’s Community & Environment (CEF) and Business & Local Economy Fund (BLEF). So far, HS2 Ltd has awarded over £17 million to 320 community projects since the funds were launched in 2017. Projects in the West Midlands, including Greater Birmingham, Warwickshire and Staffordshire, have received just over £3.5 million. HS2’s community and business funds are managed and administered on behalf of HS2 Ltd by the charity Groundwork UK. HS2’s CEF and BLEF schemes will provide up to £40 million in funding throughout the construction of HS2, supporting community groups and business partnerships to deliver projects that will improve the environment or bring direct benefits to local people and local economies. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
