Broadgate REIT, equally owned by British Land and GIC, has announced a landmark joint venture with Abu Dhabi-based Modon Holding. This partnership will spearhead the development of 2 Finsbury Avenue, a 750,000 sq ft world-class project set to redefine the Broadgate area in the City of London. The development will
Landmark Port Hamilton building redesign to become one of Capital’s largest ever pre-letting deals Lloyds Banking Group has announced plans to transform its Port Hamilton building in Edinburgh city centre into a state-of-the-art innovation hub as part of a £200 million redesign led by Drum Property Group. In what will
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and construction of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects has announced the completion of The Bath House, an iconic Build-to-Rent (BTR) development in the centre of Birmingham. The project, delivered for Edmond de Rothschild Real
This Blue Monday (20 January), escape the ordinary and apply for the job of a lifetime in Antarctica. British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is looking for people to work at its research stations in Antarctica in a range of roles. Carpenters, chefs, electricians, plumbers, boating officers, plant operators and more are
Around half of construction professionals now use AI at work – and almost all of them say it’s been a force for good. New research from The Access Group shows that 52% of construction professionals surveyed use the technology, which saves them, on average, just under three hours a week.
Marking a significant step in the government’s growth mission, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, together with some of the sector’s leading FTSE 100 and privately owned companies including AstraZeneca, GSK, Airbus and AVEVA, investors, and Britain’s top universities, have welcomed a plan to double the economy of the
Discount retailer Savers has announced ambitious plans to open 32 new stores across the UK in 2025. Known for offering a wide range of health, household, toiletries, and beauty products, the company is actively seeking locations in retail parks, high streets, and shopping centres to expand its footprint. Savers is
Civil engineering tender prices increased by an average of 1% in the final quarter of 2024, according to a panel newly established by the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS). The BCIS Civil Engineering TPI panel has been formed to advise on the latest movement in tender prices, i.e. prices agreed
Local housebuilder Dandara has received quality excellence from Premier Guarantee for two of its developments in Buckinghamshire, The Muse and The Aces, and its development in Bedfordshire, Saxon Park. All three developments received a ‘Quality Recognition Award’ from the warranty provider after meeting top standards in site management, workmanship, health
Alliance Homes has appointed Jon McMahon as its new Chief Finance Officer (CFO), as the organisation continues to focus on building much-needed new affordable housing across the West of England, while investing in existing homes and communities. Jon brings more than two decades of financial leadership experience and a wealth
Broadgate REIT, equally owned by British Land and GIC, has announced a landmark joint venture with Abu Dhabi-based Modon Holding. This partnership will spearhead the development of 2 Finsbury Avenue, a 750,000 sq ft world-class project set to redefine the Broadgate area in the City of London. The development will feature two iconic high-rise towers, a 36-storey East Tower and a 21-storey West Tower, connected by a 12-storey podium. At its heart will be a 7,000 sq ft winter garden, offering green spaces, leisure areas, and publicly accessible facilities, making it a standout addition to the London skyline. Construction is already in progress under the leadership of Sir Robert McAlpine, with completion anticipated in 2027. Notably, the project has secured a major pre-let agreement with Citadel and Citadel Securities, leasing a minimum of 261,000 sq ft of workspace with options for an additional 121,000 sq ft, achieving record rental rates for the City. The development places sustainability at its core. Once completed, it will be a fully electric, smart-enabled building, ensuring operational energy efficiency and aligning with the growing demand for sustainable office spaces in London. H.E. Jassem Mohammed Bu Ataba Al Zaabi, Chairman of Modon Holding, expressed enthusiasm about the venture, calling it a key milestone in Modon’s international growth strategy. Bill O’Regan, Group CEO of Modon Holding, highlighted the project’s exceptional quality and potential, describing it as a compelling entry into London’s prime real estate market. Simon Carter, Chief Executive of British Land, commented, “This partnership with Modon demonstrates confidence in both Broadgate and the City. With limited supply forecasted in 2027, this project is well-positioned to meet high demand for premium office space, driving strong rental growth.” This exciting collaboration underscores the enduring appeal of London’s real estate market and showcases innovative approaches to urban development. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Landmark Port Hamilton building redesign to become one of Capital’s largest ever pre-letting deals Lloyds Banking Group has announced plans to transform its Port Hamilton building in Edinburgh city centre into a state-of-the-art innovation hub as part of a £200 million redesign led by Drum Property Group. In what will be one of Edinburgh’s largest ever pre-letting deals, the complex will become Lloyds Banking Group’s main base in Scotland following completion of the works in 2027. Lying at the heart of the city’s financial district, the 282,000 sq. ft. Port Hamilton building has been home to Scottish Widows for almost 30 years. It is one of Edinburgh’s landmark office buildings, reaching up to eight storeys with a distinctive curved roof. In an innovative deal structure, Drum will assume control of the property and take responsibility for redeveloping the building as part of a forward funding agreement. Port Hamilton will remain the head office for the pensions and investments business as Drum has also concluded a pre-letting agreement with Lloyds Banking Group which will see the firm enter a 21-year lease after the transformation works are expected to be completed in 2027. Welcoming the redevelopment deal, Graeme Bone, Group Managing Director, Drum Property Group, said: “The £200m redevelopment of Port Hamilton presents an exceptional opportunity for Lloyds Banking Group to upgrade and enhance one of Edinburgh’s landmark buildings and deliver an exceptional working environment for Lloyds colleagues in an unrivalled city centre location. We are particularly proud of securing one of Edinburgh’s largest ever office pre-letting deals. The level of investment, structure and net-zero objectives of the Port Hamilton redevelopment sends out a very strong message for the future of the city centre office market. It also marks another exciting addition to our proven track record in delivering major office facilities for both corporate and government occupiers.” As the UK’s largest digital bank, Lloyds Banking Group employs around 10,000 people in Edinburgh across a range of different parts of the company, including customer-facing, finance and technology roles from software engineering and data science to cyber security. The Port Hamilton redevelopment is part of Lloyds Banking Group’s wider drive to create a more sustainable office footprint across the UK and contribute to its net zero goal. It follows the full refurbishment of its Bristol office in 2022 and a move to the most energy-efficient office building in Leeds last year. Chira Barua, CEO of Scottish Widows, said:“The fintech scene in Scotland is buzzing and we’re committed to staying right in the centre of it. We’ve made huge progress in connecting customers with their financial futures and we’re starting to see how powerful digital engagement and gamification will be in the future. There’s huge potential to help make a real difference for our customers’ lives and we’re right out in front building all the parts we need to innovate in a massive way.” Sharon Doherty, Chief People & Places Officer, Lloyds Banking Group, said:“We want to create a more modern and sustainable workspace in Edinburgh where our colleagues enjoy working so that we’re in the best place to serve our 27 million customers in more ways with the things that matter to them.” HSBC Asset Management advised the building owners on the transaction, noting they weredelighted to conclude the agreements to enable this significant redevelopment project. In concluding the Port Hamilton transaction, Knight Frank acted as commercial property agents for Hamilton Prop Co. Ltd. whilst CBRE acted for Lloyds Banking Group. Drum’s legal advisors were Morton Fraser and MacRoberts, Pinset Masons represented Lloyds Banking Group and Brodies acted for Hamilton Prop Co. Ltd. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and construction of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects has announced the completion of The Bath House, an iconic Build-to-Rent (BTR) development in the centre of Birmingham. The project, delivered for Edmond de Rothschild Real Estate Investment Management (REIM), has been designed to exemplify modern urban living and offers 406 quality, purpose-built apartments on the historic site of the former Kent Street Swimming Baths. Designed by Glenn Howells Architects and engineered by Hexa Consulting Limited, this landmark scheme consists of four residential blocks ranging from seven to 18 storeys, comprising a mix of 1, 2 and 3-bed studios as well as 3-bed duplex apartments. Offering impressive views of Birmingham’s dynamic cityscape, the tallest tower fully overlooks the local area, highlighting its innovative design and sustainable construction features. Despite the unique logistical challenges posted by the site’s compact central location – with roads bordering the development on all sides – Winvic’s expertise in delivering similar developments ensured a smooth delivery. Modernity is prioritised in every aspect of construction, with the buildings incorporating reinforced in-situ concrete frames, and a striking façade of brick-slip panels. The site is further enhanced by a timber-framed hub external amenity area, which complements the building’s sustainable design. This space is designed to host activities like outdoor yoga, an external cinema and other covered-events for the residential community. With a 20,000 sq ft landscaped central courtyard, multiple amenity spaces for residents, 10,000 sq ft of ground floor commercial units, and basement parking for 95 vehicles as well as storage for 406 bicycles, The Bath House is more than a building, but a thriving community within a community. The Bath House received national recognition from the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) National Site Awards in 2024 and won the Social Value Impact Award in BTR in this year’s prestigious Love to Rent Awards. These accolades celebrate the project’s Social Value Plan developed to meet Birmingham City Council’s (BCC) highest priorities of training and employment to address the city’s high youth unemployment rate. During construction, Winvic created an extraordinary 7,993 employment and training weeks for local people, surpassing BCC’s Employment & Skills Plan targets. This included new entrant and graduate employment opportunities, apprenticeships and work experience placements. By joining forces with multiple subcontract partners and BCC’s Employment Access Team (EAT), Winvic also enabled 54 apprentices to gain valuable hands-on experience, while almost 500 Birmingham residents worked on the project. In addition to workforce development, Winvic engaged 235 young people through nine curriculum-based engagement activities with local schools and colleges – including Ark St Albans, City Academy, Walsall College and King Edward School – and donated over 50-hours and more than £30,000 to support community projects, such as Tabor Living project, Father Hudson’s Care, and supporting the UKRO challenge. Mark Jones, Managing Director for Multi-room at Winvic, said: “The Bath House goes beyond offering high-quality living spaces. This vibrant community redefines urban living with its shared spaces and ground-floor commercial units that will further enhance the Kent Street area, contributing to Birmingham’s regeneration. “I’d like to thank Edmond de Rothschild, the entire Winvic team, and our supply chain partners who contributed to the successful delivery of The Bath House. This development stands as a testament to Winvic’s commitment to shaping the future of city living while creating valuable employment and training opportunities for local residents and young people.” James Whidborne, Head of Residential Fund Management (UK), added: “At 406 apartments The Bath House is now our largest scheme and testament to our conviction to deliver good quality but affordable housing across the UK. We’re confident the Bath House will be a catalyst for yet further regeneration across southern Birmingham and with the arrival of HS2 these are exciting times for the UK’s “second city”. Winvic have been an exemplary construction partner, allowing us the confidence to invest in a project of this scale.” For more information on Winvic, the company’s latest project news and job vacancies please visit www.winvic.co.uk. Join Winvic on social media – visit X (Formally Twitter) @WinvicLtd – and LinkedIn Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
This Blue Monday (20 January), escape the ordinary and apply for the job of a lifetime in Antarctica. British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is looking for people to work at its research stations in Antarctica in a range of roles. Carpenters, chefs, electricians, plumbers, boating officers, plant operators and more are encouraged to apply for a job that offers the opportunity of a lifetime. It’s a job unlike any other and an experience that will provide lifelong memories. Successful applicants will work in some of the most remote and beautiful places on Earth, building lifelong friendships and contributing to science that’s critical for understanding our changing world. Eloise Saville is a carpenter at Halley VI Research Station, which sits on an ice shelf and is the furthest south of the BAS research stations. This is her first season in Antarctica. “This job is unlike anything I’ve ever done before. I scrape ice off wood, drive skidoos and build things in one of the most extreme places on Earth, yet it’s funny how quickly it all feels normal. The people here are some of the most interesting and adventurous that I’ve met, and yet they’re normal too! If I’d known this was an option earlier, I’d have been working my way down here all along. It’s not just cold, it’s cool!” It’s an experience that leaves a lot of people wanting more. Ben Norrish, Head of Vehicles, joined BAS in 2001 as a Mobile Plant Technician. He has since returned to Antarctica many times, having spent 16 Antarctic seasons living and working on the ice. “There’s something special about Antarctica and the people that adventure there that gets under your skin. No matter how many times you go, when you step off the ship or aeroplane into Antarctica, you look up and take in where you are. That feeling of being in an amazing place is that same now as it was the first time. I would say to anyone who’s even a bit curious about what it’s like to live on the ice, take the leap and apply for the job of a lifetime – you won’t regret it and you don’t know where it might take you!” Looking out the window of your workplace and watching icebergs, whales and penguins is an experience that never gets old. Olivier Hubert, who is now a Catering Manager at BAS, was a chef in a Michelin-starred restaurant before deciding he was ready for a change of scene. He has over-wintered at Rothera Research Station and spent a summer at Halley VI Research Station. “Being a chef in Antarctica is a very different experience to anything I’ve ever done before. Meals are such an important part of life down South – they’re the anchors to the day so the pressure is on to create interesting and nutritious meals with limited supplies. But it’s such a privilege to cook for the team that become your family while you’re there – plus the views from the kitchen are pretty epic!” BAS is a world leader in polar research and operations. Its research highlights the fragility of the Earth’s frozen environments, and what that means for us and our planet. BAS scientists discovered the hole in the ozone layer and identified key evidence for climate change in ancient ice. It provides the UK’s national polar capability by operating research stations, aircraft and Royal Research Ship Sir David Attenborough, supporting science at the poles and securing the UK’s presence in Antarctic affairs. The first batch of the jobs – including diving officer, meteorological observer and ocean scientist are now on the BAS website at bas.ac.uk/vacancies. Applicants should check the specific job advert for the relevant closing date, with contracts starting anytime between May and September. We will continue to post more vacancies, including chefs, vehicle mechanics and zoological field assistants over the next three months. Contracts run from six to 18 months and are flexible. Salaries start at £29,273 per annum, with a benefits package. It’s worth noting there are no external costs whilst living on station as all living expenses are covered – accommodation, food, travel, specialist clothing, tools and training. Want to know more about what it’s like to live and work in Antarctica? Check out our podcast Iceworld to hear stories from people working in these roles on the ice. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Around half of construction professionals now use AI at work – and almost all of them say it’s been a force for good. New research from The Access Group shows that 52% of construction professionals surveyed use the technology, which saves them, on average, just under three hours a week. Around 94% believe it has positively impacted their workplace, and 83% say it’s improved standards. The Access Group surveyed employees in 12 industries and professions – and found that half use AI today. Tech professionals are leading the way at 74%, then HR at 68%, while those in the not-for-profit, and health and social care sectors ranked lowest at 29% and 30% respectively. Construction sector employees cited reduced workloads as AI’s biggest benefit, followed by cost savings and improved productivity. Top five benefits of AI in construction: ChatGPT is the most popular AI tool, used by around 57% of respondents. Just over 65% also say generative AI tools, like ChatGPT, have helped to relieve stress or anxiety about their jobs. Alex Boury, General Manager at Access Construction, part of The Access Group, said: “Tools like ChatGPT can help speed up routine tasks like writing emails. But advanced tools, including construction-specific ERP systems, such as Access Coins, use AI and big-data processing to securely analyse huge amounts of data to help with cost forecasting, CVR and resource allocation. AI has the potential to be transformative to the sector, driving better decisions and providing insights to help companies build better across the sector.” However, the survey also uncovered a number of potentially worrying trends among construction professionals. Around 41% admit they often use AI to complete tasks they were meant to do themselves, and 38% say they use the technology to get ahead in a way they wouldn’t tell their boss about. Over two-fifths (43%) also have concerns about data security, and 30% highlighted confidentiality. Marko Perisic, Chief Product and Engineering Officer at The Access Group, said: “AI has taken off in a way that few people could have imagined – but left unchecked it can lead to some employees using it irresponsibly. Sometimes this is down to lack of training about the potential security risks but, according to our survey, a high proportion use it covertly to do their job for them, which is unfair on their colleagues and customers. “Construction teams need a vendor who offers the highest data protection standards. Our new AI experience, Access Evo, encourages employees to innovate, while giving them peace of mind that all information is stored in a secure and private environment and not used in other open source AI systems. Approved AI tools like these, underpinned by clear and regularly-updated policies and training, can help everyone to deliver a better standard of service, and get ahead in their careers without compromising company data.” The full research can be found here www.theaccessgroup.com/en-gb/evo/insights. For more information about Access Evo, The Access Group’s new AI solution for businesses, visit www.theaccessgroup.com/en-gb/evo Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Marking a significant step in the government’s growth mission, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, together with some of the sector’s leading FTSE 100 and privately owned companies including AstraZeneca, GSK, Airbus and AVEVA, investors, and Britain’s top universities, have welcomed a plan to double the economy of the Oxford-Milton Keynes-Cambridge region by 2035. In a meeting with industry chiefs today, Secretary of State for Science and Innovation Rt Hon Peter Kyle and Minister of State for Science, Research and Innovation Lord Vallance confirmed their steadfast commitment to growth in the UK’s most strategically important region for science and technology, working with the Oxford-Cambridge Supercluster Board to explore their plans. Projections from the Oxford-Cambridge Supercluster Board, which represents many of the largest investors in UK science and technology, and research consultancy Public First estimate that fast-tracking the region’s growth through policy interventions like reforming the planning system would add an estimated £78 billion cumulative GDP to the UK economy by 2035. This is equivalent to funding the national New Hospital Programme, the country’s biggest hospital building programme in a generation, more than three times over. Powered by private capital and infrastructure investment including the delivery of East West Rail and an expanding Luton Airport, the commitment – which follows the Government’s recently announced AI Opportunities Action Plan – puts the UK’s ambition to become a global scientific superpower firmly back on the table, including through the creation of 100,000 high-skilled jobs. It comes as the region’s universities join the call to reverse a so-called “brain drain” away from Britain by nurturing homegrown talent and attracting the best and brightest from across the globe. Also supporting the pledge were some of the 45 members of industry body the Oxford-Cambridge Supercluster Board, which counts among its ranks leading industry players including AstraZeneca, Airbus, AVEVA, Oxa, an international developer of autonomous vehicle software, and Cambridge-headquartered global leader in AI cybersecurity Darktrace, alongside the region’s globally renowned universities and international investors and advisors such as Prologis, ARC, Pioneer, Bidwells, British Land and Mission Street. The Oxford-Milton Keynes-Cambridge corridor represents one of the world’s most influential regions for science and technology, which already contributes over £40bn to the UK economy, with world-leading levels of patents and scientific publications per capita. Currently accounting for seven percent of total UK GDP, the region is responsible for some of the world’s most significant scientific breakthroughs including the structure of DNA, in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), the invention of penicillin and green hydrogen, as well as monoclonal antibodies and ultra-thin solar cells to generate renewable electricity over a wider surface area. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Discount retailer Savers has announced ambitious plans to open 32 new stores across the UK in 2025. Known for offering a wide range of health, household, toiletries, and beauty products, the company is actively seeking locations in retail parks, high streets, and shopping centres to expand its footprint. Savers is targeting units with ground-floor sales areas ranging from 1,800 sq ft to 5,000 sq ft, ensuring ample space to cater to its growing customer base. Here’s the full list of locations Savers is eyeing for its expansion: By focusing on key locations and optimised retail spaces, Savers continues its mission to deliver high-quality, affordable products to more customers across the UK. Stay tuned for updates as the expansion unfolds in 2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Civil engineering tender prices increased by an average of 1% in the final quarter of 2024, according to a panel newly established by the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS). The BCIS Civil Engineering TPI panel has been formed to advise on the latest movement in tender prices, i.e. prices agreed between client and constructor at commit to construct, and to inform quarterly updates to the BCIS Civil Engineering Tender Price Index. Comprised of cost consultants from firms involved in multiple civil engineering tenders in the UK, the panel will also provide commentary on conditions affecting pricing levels on civil engineering projects. At its first meeting, panellists also agreed on a 4.7% average increase in civil engineering tender prices in the year to 4Q2024. Dr David Crosthwaite, BCIS chief economist, said: “It’s fantastic to see the Civil Engineering TPI panel up and running. From our UK building TPI panel and our Scottish tender price assessment and contractor panels, we know just how valuable the insights are that we get from experts working on multiple tenders. “They really help us to understand the context of what we see in the data and how different the tendering experience might be dependent on location, procurement route and sub-sector.” The panel described a generally positive pipeline of work for the next 12 months, though some projects remain at the mercy of government policy, for example the Lower Thames Crossing scheme, and in some cases are reliant on direct public sector expenditure. Panellists described a ‘wait and see’ approach in the market, with the results of phase 2 of the government’s spending review and the National Infrastructure and Construction Pipeline due to be published later this year. Dr Crosthwaite added: “As is always the case, the sector needs clarity and commitment to schemes to properly plan and to give confidence to the supply chain. “When asked about contractors’ appetite to tender, the civil engineering TPI panellists described a similar profile to the building TPI panel, with risk aversion among contractors meaning suitable tenderers are found after searching, but they’re not seeing very eager contractors. This was particularly the case with larger projects, where there needs to be agreement about who carries the risk.” For more information about BCIS, please visit: www.bcis.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Local housebuilder Dandara has received quality excellence from Premier Guarantee for two of its developments in Buckinghamshire, The Muse and The Aces, and its development in Bedfordshire, Saxon Park. All three developments received a ‘Quality Recognition Award’ from the warranty provider after meeting top standards in site management, workmanship, health and safety, site tidiness and general cooperation. The Muse is now 80% sold and Saxon Park is 90% sold, whilst prospective buyers can purchase their new home from plan at The Acres. Gary Williams, Construction Director at Dandara Northern Home Counties comments: “It is fantastic that the teams have been recognised for their hard and consistent work across the site. The fact that three Dandara developments have received Premier Guarantee Awards just shows the high standards that the construction team maintain across all sites, which is reflected through the high-quality homes that are eventually built.” Rachel Lindop, Head of Sales at Dandara Northern Home Counties, added: “It is a great achievement to be awarded for our high standards across not one but three developments in Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire! It really does reflect the hard working team that we have building new Dandara homes and their attitude to maintaining excellence on site.” Currently at The Acres, in Milton Keynes, Dandara is selling a selection of three, four and five bedroom homes from plan, with prices starting from £435,000. At The Muse, in Milton Keynes, there is one final three bedroom home remaining, priced from £378,000. Dandara is also selling a range of three, four and five bedroom homes at its Saxon Park development in Biddenham, with prices starting from £400,000 for a three bedroom home. At Saxon Park and The Acres, Dandara is currently offering six months free shopping with a £500 Waitrose or John Lewis voucher per month when buyers reserve select homes. For more information about the homes Dandara Northern Home Counties is currently selling, visit www.dandara.com/new-home-counties. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Alliance Homes has appointed Jon McMahon as its new Chief Finance Officer (CFO), as the organisation continues to focus on building much-needed new affordable housing across the West of England, while investing in existing homes and communities. Jon brings more than two decades of financial leadership experience and a wealth of expertise in the property development sector. As Finance Director at PG Group, he played a key role in delivering landmark regeneration and new build projects, including the Carriage Works development in Bristol, working closely with Homes England to secure funding. Louise Swain, Chief Executive of Alliance Homes, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Jon to our Strategic Leadership team. His extensive experience in finance and property development will be instrumental in helping us deliver our strategic priorities – investing in our existing homes and neighbourhoods and delivering new affordable homes. “Jon’s leadership will ensure we continue to be a financially responsible organisation that provides good quality affordable housing and great services for our customers.” Jon McMahon, Chief Finance Officer at Alliance Homes, said: “I’m excited to join an organisation that exists to provide safe, affordable homes for people who need them most. Alliance Homes already has strong financial foundations and trusted partnerships in place, and I’m looking forward to building on that success.“This is a particularly challenging time for social landlords, with many competing pressures on our finances. That’s why I’m focused on making sure we continue to make sound financial decisions that support our ambitious plans to invest in our homes, build new affordable housing, and provide great services for our customers.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
