Lidl is ramping up its UK expansion with nine new store openings within a month, marking a strong start to 2025. Most of the new locations will open their doors in February as the retailer continues to grow its presence nationwide. New stores are set to launch in Canning Town,
Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) has announced that it has awarded the Contract for Phase 2 of construction works on its £100m regeneration project to Farrans Construction, as it continues to transform its terminal facilities to dramatically improve the passenger experience and help unlock economic growth for the region. With the
Spending on new construction orders reached nearly 8.4bn in January in an upbeat start to the year for construction – a 69% increase on December. The analysis follows analysis last month from Barbour ABI that UK contract awards were up 15% up in 2024. The figures provide a silver lining
Workplace consultancy Blueprint Interiors has completed a full interior design and fit out for Inizio’s new office in Ashby-de-la-Zouch. Inizio, a global market-leading commercialization partner that specialises in healthcare, was formed in 2022 out of the combination of Ashfield Health and Huntsworth, under private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice
The report from the National Retrofit Hub, developed in partnership with Impact on Urban Health, exposes the urgent need to improve energy efficiency in the private rental sector (PRS). With 4.5 million households renting privately in England[1] and a shocking 1 in 4 renters living in fuel poverty[2], the report
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, alongside Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook, has met with top construction CEOs to discuss how planning reforms can drive industry growth and investment. During the discussions, the Business Secretary emphasised the crucial role of planning and construction in the Government’s economic strategy. Industry leaders from real estate,
Lidl is ramping up its UK expansion with nine new store openings within a month, marking a strong start to 2025. Most of the new locations will open their doors in February as the retailer continues to grow its presence nationwide. New stores are set to launch in Canning Town, Preston, Walsall, and Wombourne, while larger, upgraded stores will reopen in Blantyre, Cwmbran, Oldbrook, Wells, and West Ealing. These follow Lidl’s first store opening of the year in Northampton and a successful run of 10 new stores in the lead-up to Christmas. Richard Taylor, Chief Development Officer at Lidl GB, said: “As we step into the new year, we’re keeping up the momentum with nine brand-new, state-of-the-art stores, bringing an enhanced shopping experience to new communities and those we’ve proudly served for an average of 26 years. After a record-breaking Christmas, where millions of households turned to Lidl, these openings highlight the ever-growing demand for our unbeatable value and quality. And this is just the beginning – we have even more store openings planned for 2025 and look forward to welcoming both loyal and new customers in the months ahead.” Lidl’s expansion comes on the back of its most successful Christmas yet, with nearly two million more shoppers choosing the discounter compared to previous years. Festive season sales surged by 7% year-on-year, surpassing £1 billion for the first time. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) has announced that it has awarded the Contract for Phase 2 of construction works on its £100m regeneration project to Farrans Construction, as it continues to transform its terminal facilities to dramatically improve the passenger experience and help unlock economic growth for the region. With the terminal extension (Phase 1) due to handover in Summer 2025, the refurbishment of the existing terminal (Phase 2) of LBA: REGEN is expected to complete in Winter 2026, setting up an exciting period of development for the airport. Farrans is a leading building and civil engineering contractor which operates across the UK and Ireland. The company is already on-site completing Phase 1 of the project which involves the construction of the 9,500m2, three-storey terminal extension (pictured). Passengers will benefit from more seating, faster security, new shops and eateries, and a larger baggage reclaim area and immigration hall, as well as improved access for passengers with restricted mobility. In Phase 2, Farrans will be undertaking a full refurbishment of the existing terminal. Works will be delivered in multiple sub-phases to minimise disruption to customers and allow the airport to operate as close to normal as possible. Improvements include the creation of new staircases, lifts and escalators to provide an open plan feel which will complement the new lighter and brighter terminal extension. Remodelled internal spaces will allow improved passenger movement and there will be brand new security and arrivals facilities, World Duty Free and shops, bars and restaurants. By 2030, the regeneration has the potential to create 1,500 new direct jobs at LBA and 4,000 new indirect jobs, as well as contribute a total of £940 million to the local economy*. The regeneration will also help LBA to further decarbonise its operations, as outlined in the airport’s 2030 Net Zero Carbon Roadmap, with the installation of new all electric heating, lighting and machinery, including new baggage belts. It is expected that airlines attracted by the regeneration will accelerate the deployment of their newest, quietest and most efficient aircraft at the airport, in turn reducing the overall environmental impact of LBA’s operations. Vincent Hodder, Chief Executive of Leeds Bradford Airport, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Farrans on Phase 2 of our LBA: REGEN project. We’ve already created a strong working relationship with the team on Phase 1 and as we transition into Phase 2, we’re excited to be able to take our customers along with us on this journey. “It’s also an opportunity to let our customers know that while this important work gets underway, there will be temporary changes to the terminal while we deliver this new and improved customer experience. LBA: REGEN is the first major improvement to our terminal since its opening in 1968 and is long overdue. It’s vitally important to upgrade LBA to the world-class facility Yorkshire deserves.” Cathal Montague, Regional Director at Farrans Construction, said: “We are pleased to be continuing our strong working relationship with Leeds Bradford Airport as they progress with this important improvement project which will have long term benefits for this region. Our experience in the aviation sector has enabled us to work collaboratively with our client to ensure the airport’s operations have continued without disruption, and we will be putting in place similar plans as we move forwards into Phase 2. “Our team is fully invested in the complete delivery of this regeneration project and I am pleased that we will be remaining on site to see the work come to completion at the end of Phase 2. Leeds is an important region for our business, we are all frequent users of LBA and we are looking forward to working together with the airport’s team on the successful delivery of the next stage of the project.” This year, the airport is expected to contribute a total of £460 million to the local economy, directly employing 2,100 people and indirectly supporting 4,500 jobs. *data collected from York Aviation analysis. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Spending on new construction orders reached nearly 8.4bn in January in an upbeat start to the year for construction – a 69% increase on December. The analysis follows analysis last month from Barbour ABI that UK contract awards were up 15% up in 2024. The figures provide a silver lining after the S&P Global purchasing managers’ index (PMI) showed a fall in on-the-ground construction output in January. The residential sector bounced back from a disappointing finish to 2024 to see a January total of just under £2.5bn, up £900million on previous month. A £180million development at Devonshire Garden in Cambridge led the surge with Morgan Sindall set to carry out the works. Meanwhile infrastructure awards were up 7% on previous month and 13% on same month last year. The renewable energy sector played a role including contracts awarded at Immingham Green Energy Terminal at a cost of £170m. “A great start to the year with contract awards augurs well for 2025,” said Barbour ABI Head of Business and Client Analytics, Ed Griffiths. “This suggests that the downturn highlighted in the recent PMI index could be short-lived, with new work on the horizon. “A further fall in interest rates announced this week will also add to increased confidence from investors, although the news is tempered by a fall in projected UK GDP. Although growth is expected for 2025 it will be at the lower end in the built environment.” Meanwhile the latest planning application figures remained flat with a 2% increase between November and December 2024. Although there was little movement overall, individual sectors did see significant rise and falls. December was a strong month for the infrastructure sector with a 35% increase in the value of applications. The top application was the 840MW Botley West Solar Project. The North East saw a strong recovery from a weak November rising to £540m. The largest application was a 1000MW Battery Storage Project. “Our recent industry performance review highlighted how infrastructure sustained the sector in 2024. Planning applications at year-end suggest this trend could continue into 2025, with green energy at the forefront,” said Griffiths. “However, uncertainty remains high, and the industry will be hoping that falling interest rates finally lead to an increase in project submissions.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Workplace consultancy Blueprint Interiors has completed a full interior design and fit out for Inizio’s new office in Ashby-de-la-Zouch. Inizio, a global market-leading commercialization partner that specialises in healthcare, was formed in 2022 out of the combination of Ashfield Health and Huntsworth, under private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R). Ashfield Healthcare opened its first office in Ashby-de-la-Zouch back in 2002. Marking a new chapter for Inizio in the region and continued investment in people and communities across the UK, the company took the lease of Excelsior House on Excelsior Road, just off junction 13 of the M42. With 18,000 sq. ft. across two floors, Blueprint Interiors were briefed to create a workspace that integrated teams, enabled collaborative working, offered creative and flexible spaces, and a place Inizio could welcome clients. The space now includes areas for diverse working styles and activities, such as hot-desking areas for collaboration and interaction across teams and departments, private spaces for focused work and confidential conversations, and a state-of-the-art control for hybrid and virtual events. In line with the company’s core values, the project had clear sustainable goals. The building’s EPC A rating was maintained, existing furniture was repurposed, and recycled products made from ocean plastic were installed. Other features of the fit out included exposed ceiling designs, sustainable bespoke furniture pods and meeting rooms named after Ashby’s traditional trades, such as Smithy, Forge and Cooper. Kate Kelly, Managing Director UK & Ireland at Inizio Engage, said: “The new office has truly transformed how we work. It’s an engaging, sustainable space that brings our Inizio Engage teams together and adapts perfectly to our evolving needs. Every detail reflects our unique culture and values, creating an environment where our people want to spend time because they feel empowered to succeed.” Chloe Sproston, Creative Director at Blueprint Interiors, said: “Having worked with Ashfield Healthcare before it became Inizio, it was fantastic to be supporting them again on their impressive new office space. Just six minutes from our own HQ, the Inizio team were pleased to have sourced a local partner, echoing its sustainable and community focusses. “After immersing ourselves in the Inizio business and culture, we interviewed stakeholders to gain a view of the company’s aims and ambitions. With a clear sense of the project goals, we set to work to create a dynamic workspace that met the needs of the evolving business. “The space we designed brings people together and reflects the culture of the teams based out of the Ashby-de-la-Zouch location. With areas for different styles of working and socialising, alongside sustainable practices, Inizio has a workplace which enhances its wellbeing, diversity and inclusion and environmental policies.” As fit out designer, supplier and main contractor, Blueprint Interiors worked alongside Gleeds as project manager. Emma Wiggin, Director at Gleeds, said: “We were pleased to provide project management services on this exciting new space for Inizio. It was fantastic to work alongside them and other project partners to help achieve their ambitions for an office that truly serves their purpose. It was also great to lead on the delivery of a project that prioritised circularity, which aligns with Gleeds’ focus on sustainable practices in construction.” Blueprint Interiors follow the WELL Building Standard; a universally recognised benchmark which puts mental wellbeing and emotional health as key considerations when creating productive workplaces. The Standard helps organisations to optimise their workplaces around the health and wellbeing of their people, which allows teams to be their very best selves. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The report from the National Retrofit Hub, developed in partnership with Impact on Urban Health, exposes the urgent need to improve energy efficiency in the private rental sector (PRS). With 4.5 million households renting privately in England[1] and a shocking 1 in 4 renters living in fuel poverty[2], the report underscores the stark realities of a housing market failing its tenants and the environment. The report delivers a clear message: without immediate action, the PRS risks falling further behind other housing sectors, leaving millions of renters in cold, inefficient homes. This report explores these challenges and proposes a supported pathway to improved housing that considers the needs of both landlords and tenants Addressing poor living standards and fuel poverty Millions of renters in the private rental sector are living in substandard conditions, with poorly insulated homes leaving tenants exposed to the harsh realities of fuel poverty and inequality. Currently, 1 in 4 renters[3] in England struggle to afford their energy bills, a crisis exacerbated by rising costs and the inefficiency of older properties. Many tenants face daily challenges to keep their homes warm and healthy, while landlords often lack the necessary support to make significant improvements. “This situation highlights a systemic issue” commented Cara Holmes, National Retrofit Hub Technical Programme Manager. “The private rental sector risks falling behind other housing tenures, leaving renters trapped in a cycle of inadequate housing and energy insecurity. Tackling this problem requires a coordinated effort to raise standards, improve living conditions, and ensure fair outcomes for both tenants and landlords.” Supporting Landlords to Drive Energy Efficiency Improvements[CH1] The report highlights the practical challenges landlords face in balancing their financial goals with the need to improve their properties’ energy efficiency. Many landlords view their properties as long-term investments. As one landlord explained, “I got the property because it was the best investment compared to putting my money into a savings account.” While many are committed to maintaining their properties and complying with regulations, the report reveals that landlords often see regulations as a target to meet rather than an opportunity to exceed. “If I’ve had an EPC assessment on my property and it’s below the requirements, I’d want absolute clarity on what my options are to bridge the gap between where I am and where I need to be,” said another landlord. Financial barriers remain a significant hurdle for many. “I don’t have a mortgage, so extending it isn’t an option. The issue would be interest rates and over how many years,” one landlord noted. The findings underline the importance of providing landlords with practical, accessible solutions to retrofit their properties effectively, ensuring they can balance their investment goals with the urgent need for energy efficiency improvements. A call for bold action The report calls for immediate updates to Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), setting ambitious yet achievable targets to: However, raising standards alone is not enough. Landlords need a robust package of support to enable meaningful change, including: To ensure tenants are not left behind, the report also calls for stronger compliance and enforcement measures, including: Join the conversation and take action The National Retrofit Hub and Impact for Urban Health invite policymakers, landlords, and industry professionals view the report and take part in conversations about the future of energy efficiency in the private rental sector. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, alongside Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook, has met with top construction CEOs to discuss how planning reforms can drive industry growth and investment. During the discussions, the Business Secretary emphasised the crucial role of planning and construction in the Government’s economic strategy. Industry leaders from real estate, planning, construction, and infrastructure were invited to share insights on recent planning system reforms, ongoing barriers to growth, and how government intervention could unlock new opportunities. Jonathan Reynolds said: “Our construction sector is a cornerstone of the UK economy, supporting thousands of jobs and playing a key role in our Plan for Change as we push to get Britain building. With the stability of our upcoming Industrial Strategy, we’re committed to working closely with industry to ensure our reforms deliver real benefits to communities nationwide. Meetings like this are essential in identifying and addressing planning challenges to drive growth and investment.” The Government has already taken steps to accelerate planning approvals and stimulate growth, including the publication of an updated National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) in December. This follows extensive industry engagement, with over 3,000 responses to its Industrial Strategy green paper consultation helping to shape future policy. Looking ahead, the Government will unveil a 10-year Infrastructure Strategy and the 2025 Spending Review, providing long-term certainty for investors and the construction supply chain. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
