Caddick is building its placemaking pipeline in Birmingham with its appointment to deliver the first phase of Cole Waterhouse’s flagship regeneration project, Upper Trinity Street in Digbeth. The 182,986 sq. ft residential project inaugurates a wider regeneration of the Upper Trinity Street scheme in Digbeth, and will comprise 211 apartments
Osprey Charging, the UK’s leading rapid-charging network, has been chosen by one of Europe’s largest asset management companies – Legal & General – as the provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure for its ReAssure Funds. Working closely with advisor Knight Frank, the two companies are bringing reliable, ultra-rapid charging
Spanish fashion giant Mango is accelerating its UK expansion with plans to open 20 new stores in 2025, further strengthening its presence in key locations across the country. The latest openings are part of the retailer’s ambitious 2024-26 growth strategy, which aims to increase Mango’s footprint and bring its total
Whitbread Plc, the parent company of Premier Inn, has secured the freehold of 35 Red Lion Square, WC1, with plans to transform the site into a hub by Premier Inn hotel. Situated at the junction of Theobalds Road, Drake Street, and Red Lion Square, the prominent eight-storey, 47,500 sq ft
The regeneration of Hartlepool waterfront has reached a significant milestone with a £631,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The funding will support the development phase of the ‘Tides of Change’ project, aimed at transforming the visitor experience at the Museum of Hartlepool and the historic paddle steamer, Wingfield
The Building Research Establishment (BRE) is calling for urgent action to support homeowners in retrofitting 12 million homes across England that currently fall below adequate energy efficiency standards. With the government’s Warm Homes Plan set to be unveiled in the spring, BRE is pushing for immediate measures to improve private
A2Dominion, one of the G15 housing associations, is set to transform how it delivers its repairs service for the 38,000 homes it manages. A2Dominion has appointed new technology partners, Totalmobile and Manifest Software Solutions, to improve efficiency, reliability, and customer experience, through its integrated online housing repairs service. Due to
Architectural design has evolved significantly over the years, with a greater emphasis on both aesthetics and functionality. One material that has gained popularity for building facades is perforated metal panels. These panels are not only visually striking but also provide practical benefits that enhance the durability and performance of modern
Caddick is building its placemaking pipeline in Birmingham with its appointment to deliver the first phase of Cole Waterhouse’s flagship regeneration project, Upper Trinity Street in Digbeth. The 182,986 sq. ft residential project inaugurates a wider regeneration of the Upper Trinity Street scheme in Digbeth, and will comprise 211 apartments in total, 115 of which will be one-bedroom and 96 two-bedroom apartments. Construction will commence imminently following demolition and enabling works by Caddick. Caddick’s contract will include the design and build of the apartments, amenities space, external works and the development of a shared courtyard area, as well as management and fit-out. Due for completion in Spring 2027, the development spans three individual blocks, the tallest of which is 10 storeys high. Ray O’Sullivan, Regional Managing Director for Caddick Construction Midlands, comments: “Cole Waterhouse has visualised an ambitious and impressive masterplan to create a thriving creative and cultural hub at Upper Trinity Street, and we’re proud to have been appointed to bring this vision to life in phase one. Caddick has built its extensive expertise delivering high-quality residential projects across the North, and as we take on new and exciting projects in the Midlands, we look forward to bringing our skillset to Upper Trinity Street for our valued client, Cole Waterhouse.” Damian Flood, CEO at Cole Waterhouse commented: “Entering into a contract with Caddick enables us to undertake this exciting project with Taurus, Housing Growth Partnership and BGO. This is our first Joint Venture with the professional team at Housing Growth Partnership and we are all excited to bring forward the first phase of UTS, which will be one of the catalysts for the further regeneration of Digbeth, demonstrating our confidence in delivering much needed housing in this key part of the City.” The project marks Caddick’s second major regeneration development in the Midlands, adding to the nearby Port Loop scheme, which has seen Caddick build 58 new-build apartments on behalf of Urban Splash and Places for People. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Osprey Charging, the UK’s leading rapid-charging network, has been chosen by one of Europe’s largest asset management companies – Legal & General – as the provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure for its ReAssure Funds. Working closely with advisor Knight Frank, the two companies are bringing reliable, ultra-rapid charging facilities to premium retail and leisure parks across the UK. A first site is already live at Festival Heights Retail Park in Stoke-on-Trent, with four rapid charge points. Two 16-bay ultra-rapid hubs are in construction at Highbridge Retail Park, Waltham Abbey, Essex, and at Woodside Leisure Park, Watford. Conveniently situated just off the M25 and M1 respectively, these locations offer drivers an ideal opportunity to recharge their vehicles and enjoy a break from their journey. In total, six sites from L&G’s ReAssure portfolio will benefit from ultra-rapid charging. The planned rollout spans England, from the South East to the North West, and collectively delivers 72 state-of-the-art charge points. L&G’s EV charging strategy shows its commitment to future-proofing its assets while enhancing long-term value for tenants and retail customers alike. David Goatman, Partner, Department Head, Global Head of Energy and Sustainability at Knight Frank, commented: “We are delighted to have advised Legal & General on this successful rapid EV charging partner selection. This kind of innovative procurement process will help to deliver crucial low carbon infrastructure across the portfolio and add to the on-site amenity offer for occupiers.” Andrew Nosworthy, Commercial Director at Osprey Charging, said: “We’re proud to work with L&G’s ReAssure portfolio, providing the ultra-rapid charging infrastructure that is crucial for the UK’s expanding EV market. By installing reliable, high-powered charging hubs, we’re making EV ownership more convenient and accessible for drivers across the country, whilst making these excellent retail parks even more attractive to tenants and customers. With over 1,300 charging bays, we are the UK’s third largest open rapid charging network and committed to further expansion with high quality landowners like L&G.” Easy to use and powered by 100% renewable energy, Osprey chargers accept contactless bank cards, Apple/Google Pay, the Osprey App and payments through all major third-party methods including fleet fuel cards. Osprey’s in-house software, Osprey Iris, enables market-leading levels of reliability and fleet integrations. As a result, Osprey is a multi-award-winning network and a Zap-Map ‘Driver Recommended Network’ for satisfaction for the fifth consecutive year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Spanish fashion giant Mango is accelerating its UK expansion with plans to open 20 new stores in 2025, further strengthening its presence in key locations across the country. The latest openings are part of the retailer’s ambitious 2024-26 growth strategy, which aims to increase Mango’s footprint and bring its total number of UK stores to over 90. Following a successful year of expansion in 2024, the brand is set to make an even bigger impact in the coming months. Major Openings in London and Beyond Six of the new stores will be in London, including a second flagship store on Oxford Street. Other prime locations include Kensington High Street and Long Acre in Covent Garden, reinforcing Mango’s commitment to high-visibility retail spaces in the capital. Beyond London, the expansion will extend across the UK and Ireland, with new stores opening in Birmingham, Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen, Belfast, Craigavon, and Cardiff. These locations reflect Mango’s strategy of reaching a wider customer base and strengthening its presence in major shopping destinations. A Strong Commitment to Growth Mango, which currently operates in around 70 locations across the UK, is continuing its push to become a leading fashion retailer in the market. The brand has seen strong demand for its stylish, contemporary collections, and its store expansion is designed to enhance the in-person shopping experience for customers. Daniel López, Director of Expansion and Franchising at Mango, commented: “The UK remains one of our priority markets for international growth. Our 2025 expansion plan builds on the success of our store openings in 2024, allowing us to increase our reach and bring the Mango experience even closer to our customers.” With a growing presence in key retail hubs and a focus on delivering high-quality fashion in prime locations, Mango’s expansion signals confidence in the UK market. As the brand continues to invest in physical retail, shoppers can expect even greater access to its latest collections in stylish, well-designed stores nationwide. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Whitbread Plc, the parent company of Premier Inn, has secured the freehold of 35 Red Lion Square, WC1, with plans to transform the site into a hub by Premier Inn hotel. Situated at the junction of Theobalds Road, Drake Street, and Red Lion Square, the prominent eight-storey, 47,500 sq ft building was purchased from the Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCoA) for an undisclosed sum. The property has served as the organisation’s headquarters since 2006. As part of its ongoing London expansion strategy, Whitbread sees strong potential for a 150-bedroom hub by Premier Inn at this prime location. Jonathan Langdon, Senior Acquisitions Manager at Whitbread, commented:“hub by Premier Inn has been a tremendous success since its launch in 2014. We now offer guests 18 fantastic locations—15 of which are in London—and see huge growth potential for the brand.” “The first site we ever opened was an office-to-hotel conversion in Covent Garden, and we’ve successfully delivered many similar projects since. We plan to bring this experience to 35 Red Lion Square, transforming it into a high-quality hotel in a sought-after location.” “Converting underused office buildings into hotels has enabled us to establish hub by Premier Inn in some of London’s most vibrant areas while aligning with Whitbread’s Force for Good sustainability strategy. With this latest acquisition, we look forward to working closely with Camden Council to develop plans that benefit both visitors and the local community.” Expanding in the Capital Whitbread’s purchase of 35 Red Lion Square is part of its wider commitment to growing Premier Inn’s presence across London, where a significant portion of its future development pipeline is focused. The company is actively searching for 40 new locations for Premier Inn and hub by Premier Inn hotels within the M25. Designed for high-demand city locations, hub by Premier Inn offers a compact yet stylish format that allows for affordable stays in prime areas while delivering strong long-term returns. Hotel sizes vary, from the 60-bedroom hub by Premier Inn at Bank to the upcoming 690-room flagship hub at 5 Strand, set to open in 2028. Whitbread was advised on the acquisition of 35 Red Lion Square by Frame Real Estate Partners, while the Royal College of Anaesthetists was represented by Newmark. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The regeneration of Hartlepool waterfront has reached a significant milestone with a £631,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The funding will support the development phase of the ‘Tides of Change’ project, aimed at transforming the visitor experience at the Museum of Hartlepool and the historic paddle steamer, Wingfield Castle. This investment will enable further development of plans to revitalise the two iconic attractions, making them a dynamic destination for both locals and tourists. The project will tell the story of Hartlepool in a new, engaging way, with a focus on inclusivity and accessibility. Pending additional funding, the transformation will involve upgraded exhibition spaces, improved entrances, enhanced access, interactive features, new community and learning spaces, and the restoration and reopening of the Wingfield Castle. The redevelopment will also complement the ongoing work at the National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool and the broader waterfront regeneration, which includes the construction of the Highlight active wellbeing hub. The Tides of Change development phase will also include a series of community activities, pilot projects, and consultation events designed to ensure the project meets the needs of local residents. These initiatives will offer hands-on opportunities for volunteers, including maritime skills training, walking tours of the area’s coastal ecology, a folklore music event, and educational programs for schoolchildren. If further funding is secured, the goal is to complete the transformation of both the Museum and Wingfield Castle by 2029. The project has also appointed award-winning LDN Architects to reimagine the visitor experience. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Building Research Establishment (BRE) is calling for urgent action to support homeowners in retrofitting 12 million homes across England that currently fall below adequate energy efficiency standards. With the government’s Warm Homes Plan set to be unveiled in the spring, BRE is pushing for immediate measures to improve private sector housing and reduce energy costs for millions. Newly released figures from the English Housing Survey (EHS) show that, for the first time, over 50% of homes in England now meet at least an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) band C rating—a significant milestone in improving home energy efficiency. While social housing has made notable progress, privately owned and rented properties remain a major challenge, requiring large-scale interventions to create healthier, low-carbon, and cost-efficient homes. Tackling Energy Inefficiency in Private Homes The Warm Homes Plan has already introduced Local Grant funding to combat fuel poverty, and the £1bn-a-year ECO programme—which supports low-income households—is set to continue until 2026. However, BRE’s analysis of the latest government data highlights that wider-reaching support is needed to meet the UK’s net zero targets. A key concern is that the burden of improving inefficient homes (those rated below EPC band C) is overwhelmingly a private sector issue, with 90% of these properties either owner-occupied or privately rented. Some of the least efficient homes include: Cold Homes Costing the NHS £500 Million a Year Poor energy efficiency in homes isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a major public health concern. According to separate research by BRE, cold homes are the single largest housing-related cost burden to the NHS. In 2023, it was estimated that over £500 million was spent treating cold-related illnesses caused by homes in the lowest EPC bands F and G. To address this, BRE is urging the government to ensure the Warm Homes Plan includes targeted retrofit advice, particularly for the over-65s, who own more than 40% of the owner-occupied homes that fall below EPC band C. The plan should also include support for accessing finance to help households fund essential improvements. By tackling energy inefficiency across the full spectrum of housing stock, the government can make significant progress towards net zero while protecting households from high energy bills and the health risks associated with cold homes. Jane Goddard, Managing Director of Building Performance Services and Deputy CEO of BRE, said: “We have made encouraging progress to date on retrofitting our existing housing stock, with over half of English homes now meeting the reasonable EPC C standard. “However, our approach to the remaining energy inefficient homes will require consideration to ensure the Warm Homes Plan can target a much wider group of households with effective support. “Local authorities will be crucial in this journey and require the necessary data, capacity, funding and powers to deliver energy efficiency improvements to homes most in need. The upcoming English Devolution Bill will hopefully mark a welcome step in this process.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A2Dominion, one of the G15 housing associations, is set to transform how it delivers its repairs service for the 38,000 homes it manages. A2Dominion has appointed new technology partners, Totalmobile and Manifest Software Solutions, to improve efficiency, reliability, and customer experience, through its integrated online housing repairs service. Due to launch in Summer 2025, the system will mean all customer repair requests are managed within one central system, rather than across multiple platforms. Developed with Totalmobile’s expertise in field service management technology and Manifest Software Solutions’ housing integration services, A2Dominion, which received 150,000 repair requests last year alone, will be able to provide a more reliable and streamlined service. The new system will: Once live, customers who request repairs through A2Dominion’s online portal My Account will be able to do the following for non-urgent repairs: A2Dominion currently has more than 17,600 customers registered to use My Account, which represents approximately more than a third of its customer base. Ahead of the system launch, A2Dominion will be inviting customers to get involved at each stage of the design process and test the new system to make sure it is easy to use. Jo Evans, A2Dominion’s Director of Repairs & Maintenance, said: “We’re excited to partner with Totalmobile and Manifest Software Solutions to work with our customers to develop and launch this new repairs system. Our top priority is providing a better repairs service for customers. One of our key challenges is that we currently hold data across multiple platforms – this creates inefficiencies in the way we work and impacts the service we give to customers. “The introduction of the new technology is a critical step in our journey as it means everything will be held in one place. The new system will speed up our repairs process and give our customers reassurance that we’re dealing with their repairs requests effectively.” David Webb, Managing Director of Property and FM at Totalmobile, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with the team at A2Dominion on such a transformative project. This new partnership allows us to bring our software to life in a way that directly benefits residents by making the repairs process simpler and more efficient. With the introduction of this new technology, we’re ensuring that the new system works for everyone – customers, operatives and the organisation as a whole.” Alan Swift, Manifest Software Solutions’ Managing Director, said: “Repairs is a hugely important service provided by a landlord. We’re incredibly proud to be supporting A2Dominion to improve the repairs service they provide to their customers. We have integrated systems with Totalmobile before and, while this is a challenging project, we know it will make a huge difference to customers and will ensure they get a better experience.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Architectural design has evolved significantly over the years, with a greater emphasis on both aesthetics and functionality. One material that has gained popularity for building facades is perforated metal panels. These panels are not only visually striking but also provide practical benefits that enhance the durability and performance of modern structures. Available in various metals such as aluminium and steel, they are widely used in commercial, industrial, and even residential projects. Strength and Longevity in Construction One of the key advantages of perforated metal panels is their durability. Made from robust materials like aluminium, copper, and stainless steel sheet, these panels are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, including heavy rain, strong winds, and intense sunlight. Unlike traditional cladding materials such as wood or concrete, metal panels do not warp, crack, or degrade over time. Stainless steel, in particular, is known for its corrosion resistance, making it a preferred choice for projects in coastal or high-humidity environments. When used as part of a building’s exterior, a stainless steel sheet offers long-term protection against rust and deterioration, reducing maintenance costs while preserving the structure’s integrity. Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Beyond strength, perforated metal panels contribute to energy efficiency by improving ventilation and controlling solar heat gain. Buildings with solid facades can trap heat, increasing reliance on air conditioning. Perforated panels allow air to circulate while providing shade, helping to regulate indoor temperatures and reduce energy consumption. The sustainability of these panels is another major advantage. Many perforated metal panels are made from recycled materials, and metals like stainless steel and aluminium can be recycled at the end of their lifespan. This makes them an environmentally responsible choice for architects and builders looking to reduce a project’s carbon footprint. Aesthetic Appeal and Design Versatility Perforated metal panels offer endless possibilities in architectural design. With the ability to create custom patterns, shapes, and textures, they allow designers to bring creativity into building facades. Whether used to form intricate geometric designs, corporate branding, or artistic expressions, these panels provide a unique visual identity to any structure. A stainless steel sheet with a perforated pattern can be finished in various ways, including polishing, powder coating, or anodising, to achieve different aesthetic effects. Matte, glossy, or coloured finishes can be applied to match a building’s overall design theme. The versatility of these panels makes them suitable for both modern and traditional architectural styles. Noise Reduction and Acoustic Benefits In urban environments, noise pollution can be a major concern. Perforated metal panels can be designed to act as sound barriers, helping to absorb and deflect noise from traffic, construction sites, or nearby commercial activities. When combined with acoustic insulation materials, these panels can significantly reduce noise levels within a building, creating a quieter and more comfortable environment for occupants. Public buildings, offices, and residential complexes located in high-traffic areas can benefit from the sound-dampening properties of these panels. Whether installed on exterior facades or as interior partitions, they contribute to improved acoustic performance without compromising on style. Protection and Security Another functional advantage of perforated metal panels is the added layer of security they provide. While they allow for ventilation and visibility, their sturdy construction makes them difficult to penetrate, acting as a protective barrier against vandalism and unauthorised entry. For commercial and industrial buildings, a stainless steel sheet with perforations can be used for fencing, window coverings, or parking structures, enhancing security while maintaining airflow and natural light penetration. These panels are also used in public infrastructure projects, such as bus shelters and train stations, where durability and safety are key considerations. Low Maintenance and Cost-Effectiveness Perforated metal panels require minimal upkeep compared to other facade materials. Unlike wood, which needs regular sealing, or concrete, which can develop cracks, metal panels are resistant to environmental wear and tear. Stainless steel and aluminium, in particular, require only occasional cleaning to maintain their appearance and functionality. The long lifespan of these panels translates to cost savings over time. Reduced maintenance, energy efficiency, and durability make them a smart investment for property owners looking to minimise long-term expenses while enhancing the value of their buildings. A Practical and Stylish Choice for Modern Architecture Perforated metal panels offer a rare combination of strength, style, and sustainability. Their ability to enhance durability, improve energy efficiency, and provide design flexibility makes them a valuable addition to contemporary buildings. Whether used for large commercial developments or residential projects, these panels serve both functional and aesthetic purposes, ensuring that structures remain visually appealing and structurally sound for years to come. With materials like stainless steel sheet leading the way in longevity and performance, perforated metal panels are set to remain a top choice for architects and builders looking to balance innovation with practicality.
