After eight years of uncertainty, Manchester’s Central Retail Park is on the brink of a major transformation, with plans for a nine-storey office development and a new public park expected to get the green light this week. A New Era for Great Ancoats Street The £37m site, previously home to
A colossal 100ft-high steelworks, covering the equivalent of four football pitches, is set to rise near Meadowhall, solidifying Sheffield’s status as a powerhouse of British engineering. Forgemasters has secured planning permission for the £350m machining hall on Weedon Street, which will become the largest facility of its kind in the
Hortons has been granted planning consent for the final phase of a scheme to deliver c.334,000 sq ft of premium industrial/logistics accommodation in the UK’s ‘golden triangle.’ Saxon 68, a new Grade A warehouse spanning 68,000 sq ft, will be developed at Saxon Park on Oakley Hay Industrial Estate in
DEPUTY prime minister and housing minister Angela Rayner has announced a further £350 million pledged toward Labour’s momentous 1.5 million home target. However, while building new homes is essential to addressing the planning crisis, Derek Horrocks, owner of retrofit decarbonisation provider Sustainable Building Services UK Ltd and chair of the National
On Friday 14th February the IPPR has released a new report that has found 1.4m houses have been left unbuilt by developers since 2007. Cllr Adam Hug, Housing spokesperson for the LGA, said: “This report puts a spotlight on one of the key issues the LGA has long-called for Government
GMI Construction Group has started work on one of the largest regeneration projects in Grimsby’s history – the transformation of Freshney Place into a dynamic leisure, retail, food hub and complimentary market. This landmark investment, backed by the Government and North East Lincolnshire Council, aims to revitalise the shopping area
HS2’s construction partner for the West Midlands, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), has announced plans to take on a further 20 apprentices – providing training and skilled jobs in the construction industry. The National Apprenticeship Week has 2025 recently taken place and marking T Level Thursday, BBV has opened applications for
Caple, as one of the UK’s leading kitchen and bedroom suppliers, is well known, by both the trade and the homeowner, for providing superior spaces. “Our starting point is always how people want to use their spaces and appliances; then we add intelligent design, technology and beautiful finishes. We love
If you’re a property developer or planning to build your dream home, you’ve probably come across the term SAP Calculation. But what exactly does it mean and why is it such an important part of construction and property development? This guide will break it down for you in simple terms,
Even in the face of changing times in tech, your business still requires a high-functioning website. Establishing a solid online presence will get you ahead of the game and help you stand out from the competition. In the current digital landscape, contractors, researchers, architects, and other professionals use the internet
After eight years of uncertainty, Manchester’s Central Retail Park is on the brink of a major transformation, with plans for a nine-storey office development and a new public park expected to get the green light this week. A New Era for Great Ancoats Street The £37m site, previously home to Toys R Us, Argos, and other retailers, has stood vacant since 2019. Initial proposals to turn it into a pay-and-display car park were overturned by a High Court challenge, and in the years since, the abandoned space has been a battleground for different visions—including a DIY skatepark nicknamed GooseSide, after goslings that moved in when the shops closed. However, after years of setbacks and town hall debates, the project gained momentum in 2023 when council leader Bev Craig announced that half the site had been sold. Now, with planning officers recommending approval, the long-running saga could finally reach its conclusion. A ‘Flagship Development’ for Manchester The new plans include:✅ A nine-storey office building to accommodate 7,000 civil servants✅ A one-hectare public park featuring 96 trees and three play areas✅ New retail spaces to enhance local amenities The Government Property Agency (GPA) has hailed the project as a “flagship development”, stating: “This building will set the standard for new government hubs through this decade and beyond, with flexibility, function, and collaboration at its core.” Dubbed the ‘Manchester Digital Campus’, the project is expected to create 6,000 construction jobs and fill a key gap on Great Ancoats Street. Final Decision Looms Manchester City Council’s planning committee is set to deliberate on the proposals at 2pm on Thursday, 20th February. If approved, it will mark the end of an era for Central Retail Park—and the beginning of a new chapter for Manchester’s urban landscape. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A colossal 100ft-high steelworks, covering the equivalent of four football pitches, is set to rise near Meadowhall, solidifying Sheffield’s status as a powerhouse of British engineering. Forgemasters has secured planning permission for the £350m machining hall on Weedon Street, which will become the largest facility of its kind in the UK when it opens in 2028. A Game-Changer for British Defence and Engineering The cutting-edge facility will house 17 of the world’s most advanced vertical turning lathes, producing critical components for the British defence programme, including next-generation nuclear submarines. A second, smaller building will feature a state-of-the-art test-house and training facility, ensuring vital skills are passed down to the next generation of engineers. A Forgemasters spokesperson stated:“The sheer scale of this project will make it an iconic Sheffield landmark, surpassing even the UK’s largest open-die forging line, which is currently under construction at our adjacent Brightside Lane site.” Revitalising a Historic Industrial Site The steelworks will rise on a brownfield site previously owned by British Land, once earmarked for the ambitious ‘River Don District’, which aimed to create nearly 5,000 jobs but never materialised. The facility’s lathes are being produced by German engineering firm WaldrichSiegen, reinforcing Forgemasters’ commitment to cutting-edge technology. A Nationalised Future for Forgemasters Since its nationalisation in July 2021, Forgemasters is now fully owned by the Ministry of Defence and undergoing a £400m modernisation programme, securing its role at the heart of the UK’s strategic industrial and defence capabilities. With this landmark project, Sheffield’s steelmaking legacy is not just being preserved—it’s being revolutionised for the future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Hortons has been granted planning consent for the final phase of a scheme to deliver c.334,000 sq ft of premium industrial/logistics accommodation in the UK’s ‘golden triangle.’ Saxon 68, a new Grade A warehouse spanning 68,000 sq ft, will be developed at Saxon Park on Oakley Hay Industrial Estate in Corby. The development will offer modern, high-specification facilities, including 12.5m to haunch, a minimum 520 KVA power supply, first-floor offices, and enhanced PV roofing. The unit is targeting BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and an EPC A+ rating, reinforcing Hortons’ commitment to environmental sustainability. Construction is set to commence shortly, with completion expected in Q4 2025. Hortons has built a strong reputation for investing in and developing industrial/logistics assets, with more than 60% of its portfolio comprising industrial properties at key strategic locations throughout the East and West Midlands. The company acquired Saxon Park in 2023 as part of its long-term investment strategy. The broader redevelopment of the site includes the transformation of an existing building into two high-quality units, Saxon 79 and Saxon 129, which will comprise 78,500 sq ft and 129,300 sq ft respectively. Both units will be available for occupation from Q3 2025. Additionally, Hortons has successfully delivered Saxon 58, a comprehensively refurbished unit of 58,350 sq ft, which was let to Russell & Bromley in 2024. James Slater of Hortons said: “We are investing in a full-scale redevelopment programme at Saxon Park to create high-specification units that offer enhanced power and sustainability. Saxon 68 is a key part of this plan, delivering best-in-class industrial/logistics space in an established and sought after location.” Saxon Park lies four miles southwest of Corby town centre and five miles north of Kettering. It benefits from excellent road accessibility via the A6003 and A14, providing links to the M1/M6 and A1/M11. For more information, please contact retained agents, DTRE and TDB Real Estate. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
DEPUTY prime minister and housing minister Angela Rayner has announced a further £350 million pledged toward Labour’s momentous 1.5 million home target. However, while building new homes is essential to addressing the planning crisis, Derek Horrocks, owner of retrofit decarbonisation provider Sustainable Building Services UK Ltd and chair of the National Home Decarbonisation Group, believes that we must not overlook another critical factor when it comes to meeting the housing crisis: decarbonisation of existing stock. He said: While it’s reassuring seeing the government making strides in providing new stock, it’s important that with new-build homes taking centre stage in this discussion, we don’t lose focus on the work to be done on our existing housing stock. Bringing these existing homes up to standard – particularly when it comes to energy efficiency – can align with the visions for new homes, working side-by-side to tackle the housing shortages reported across national media every day. It’s also important that the focus on new homes does not create a new divide in terms of the quality living conditions. Improving the energy efficiency of existing homes not only tackles the housing shortage, but also other wider crises people face – including physical and mental wellbeing, and fuel poverty. Simply put, it means that comfortable, safe and healthy living environments and affordable energy bills are shared across everyone in any kind of home – not confined to those in newer builds. Though brilliant progress has been made in recent years installing retrofit decarbonisation measures in UK homes to bring them up to at least EPC rating C, there is still a journey ahead of us. Momentum is continuing to be promising, with the ongoing commitment to the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund (previously the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund) and Warm Homes: Local Authority Grant – along with additional funding announced in last year’s Autumn Budget and changes to the National Planning Policy Framework. Together, our aim should be to completely decarbonise the UK’s current social housing stock as soon as possible, installing energy efficient upgrades to raise each home to at least EPC rating C. While certainly beneficial toward climate change, the impact we’re able to make in one home contributes massively to their wellbeing in multiple ways. Better energy efficiency can not only prevent health hazards like damp spreading but can also lower energy bills and provide a greater overall comfort. Put together, we’re making considerable progress against helping these families healthier – financially, physically, mentally, and socially. So, amid the exciting headlines around new homes, and among the discourse around deliverability, it’s crucial we don’t become distracted and take our foot off the pedal elsewhere. We need to keep building on the already-strong momentum – making sure work to decarbonise and retrofit existing homes works in tandem with building new ones to meet the requirements of every local area and community. Some of the focus must stay on our existing housing stock; otherwise, once the new homes are finally built, we risk creating a new problem – a property divide. Learn more about Sustainable Building Services here: www.sustainablebuildinguk.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
On Friday 14th February the IPPR has released a new report that has found 1.4m houses have been left unbuilt by developers since 2007. Cllr Adam Hug, Housing spokesperson for the LGA, said: “This report puts a spotlight on one of the key issues the LGA has long-called for Government action on – the need to tackle slow build-out rates from some developers. “In order to deliver the homes we need, Government must work with councils and the housebuilding industry to ensure there is a suitable pipeline of sustainable sites, which once allocated in a Local Plan and / or given planning permission, are indeed built out. Councils approve 9 in 10 planning applications, but people cannot and do not live in planning permissions. Councils must be given greater powers to ensure prompt build out of sites with planning permission, also should be given the support to ensure they have an up-to-date local plan so they can give certainty to residents and housebuilders’ “Planning is about creating communities linked with the right economic activity and public services, whilst conserving and enhancing the natural and local environment generating a sense of place, culture and local identity. Developments require more than just houses to create thriving, attractive and desirable places and communities in which to live, and often it is the accompanying local and national infrastructure, to be delivered alongside new homes, which is of primary concern for residents.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GMI Construction Group has started work on one of the largest regeneration projects in Grimsby’s history – the transformation of Freshney Place into a dynamic leisure, retail, food hub and complimentary market. This landmark investment, backed by the Government and North East Lincolnshire Council, aims to revitalise the shopping area in the heart of the port town to secure its long-term economic future. GMI, appointed principal contractor by the council’s regeneration manager Queensberry, will construct a modern market hall with refreshed facades, featuring internal upgrades, and a new five-screen cinema and adjacent leisure facility, developed as shell-only units providing greater flexibility for tenants. It will also deliver three commercial units designed for food and beverage operators, a newly designed public square serving as a central focal point, upgraded shopfronts and bulkheads within Market Square, as well as the refurbishment of three existing retail units. The initial phase involves an internal strip-out followed by the demolition in summer of the existing market hall and rooftop carpark. There will also be a partial demolition of the former BHS store on Flottergate and several commercial units in Flottergate Mall and the Bullring. Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, Cllr Philip Jackson, joined representatives from GMI Construction Group on site to formally launch the project. He said: “We’re on a hugely ambitious journey, with significant investment of public funds across our towns and borough. We’re investing in one of the largest schemes this council has ever invested in, and I’m pleased to be working with GMI on this significant contract. “Our Freshney Place regeneration scheme is, in my firm belief, the most important regeneration project we have seen in North East Lincolnshire. It is key to the future of our town centre – underpinning the other regeneration taking place as well as securing the future of Freshney Place and the 1,700 local jobs it supports” Ed Weston, GMI’s Commercial Director, said: “We are proud to be part of this transformative project that will breathe new life into the town centre. Our expertise in delivering both urban regeneration projects and high-quality mixed-use developments will ensure that Freshney Place becomes a vibrant destination for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.” Paul Sargent, founder of Queensberry, and the Council’s Development and Asset Manager for Freshney Place, added: “We are looking forward to working with GMI’s team on this critical regeneration project that is vital to the continued success and popularity of Freshney Place. This is the sort of placemaking everyone talks about, but not everyone gets the opportunity to create.” The scheme has already attracted strong interest from key tenants, with local operator Parkway Cinema pre-let on the five-screen venue and Starbucks confirming its return, while discussions continue with a leading food outlet. The investment builds upon wider regeneration efforts across Grimsby, complementing projects such as the Onside Youth Zone and a new housing development at Garth Lane. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HS2’s construction partner for the West Midlands, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), has announced plans to take on a further 20 apprentices – providing training and skilled jobs in the construction industry. The National Apprenticeship Week has 2025 recently taken place and marking T Level Thursday, BBV has opened applications for construction-focused apprenticeship roles within its delivery and support teams. The opportunities include trainee roles in civil engineering, commercial, health and safety, environment and business administration. The company has already supported over 480 apprentices throughout its supply chain, working on construction sites and in office-based locations across a 90-kilometre section of the HS2 route. This covers an area from Warwickshire, into Birmingham and up to Staffordshire. An increasing number of apprentices are joining BBV via the T Level route, which offers an alternative to A Levels and focuses on vocational skills to help students into skilled employment, an apprenticeship or further study. Each T Level includes an in-depth industry placement lasting for at least 45 days. A total of 30 students have been offered apprenticeships with BBV on board HS2 after completing their T Levels since they were first introduced in 2020. The business initially established a partnership with Walsall College and works with an increasing number of West Midlands-based higher education institutions to upskill and develop local talent. Among those to join the HS2 project with BBV as an apprentice civil engineer is Charlotte Gibberson, 19, from Sutton Coldfield. Charlotte’s interest in construction stems from childhood, with a T Level course in design, planning and surveying at Walsall College enabling her to explore this passion within an academic environment. Charlotte said: “This HS2 project is extremely dynamic and has immense potential for both professional and personal development. The exposure of working on one of the largest projects in Europe will not only assist with networking but will provide great insight into the various opportunities available on the project. “The prospect of being able to work in a role that will allow me to contribute to a bigger picture and create a sustained legacy for future generations gave me the confidence to pursue a role as a civil engineer.” After gaining his T Level qualifications, 22-year-old Miles Kenshole, also from Sutton Coldfield, embarked on a Level 3 health and safety apprenticeship which he successfully passed in 2024. Now a Health and Safety Advisor, his role involves travelling to 35 different HS2 sites to conduct inspections. Miles said: “I believe the guidance and support provided to me as a T Level student has been essential to my success in gaining a full-time role in the industry. “My advice for anyone looking to join BBV and work on HS2, especially if you are doing a placement, would be to approach the works with an open mind. I would advise anyone on joining this project. There are so many opportunities available, and it is a fantastic career path.” More than 1,800 people have already secured an apprenticeship on the high-speed rail project, with 31,000 people currently working on the programme in total between London and the West Midlands. The project is firmly on track to meet a target of generating at least 2,000 apprenticeships over the lifetime of the programme. Earlier this week, HS2 announced that it is searching for a total of 40 new apprentices based in HS2 offices and sites in London, Birmingham and Milton Keynes and across its wider supply chain to help support Britain’s high-speed railway. Julie Venn-Morton, HS2 Ltd’s Senior Skills and Inclusion Manager for the West Midlands, said: “Together with our construction and supply chain partners, HS2 is bringing thousands of new people into the workforce, increasing skills and helping to underpin the construction industry for years to come. “As the UK celebrates National Apprenticeship Week and highlights how vital apprenticeships are within any workplace, we’re pleased to see BBV recruiting even more apprentices and showcasing the importance of T Levels. T Levels are a great alternative to more traditional routes into an apprenticeship and provide an ideal stepping stone into the construction industry.” Balfour Beatty VINCI’s 2025 apprentice opportunities will be advertised on www.balfourbeattyvinci.com and on Apprentices and graduates – HS2 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Caple, as one of the UK’s leading kitchen and bedroom suppliers, is well known, by both the trade and the homeowner, for providing superior spaces. “Our starting point is always how people want to use their spaces and appliances; then we add intelligent design, technology and beautiful finishes. We love the details, from spot-on task lighting right down to the last, satisfying (almost-silent) click of the cupboard door.” To further enhance the Caple experience, the website has been updated, as it is regularly, to make it smoother and more intuitive. ‘Where to buy’ The ‘Where to Buy’ section is now easier to find in the navigation bar. Quickly locate your nearest Caple retailer with our easy-to-navigate map and streamlined navigation. Enhanced product comparison The Compare feature helps customers to evaluate products side-by-side, complementing the personalised brochure tool to make decision-making a breeze. FAQs made clearer The revamped FAQs section now provides more detailed answers and an improved layout, helping customers quickly find the information they need. Streamlined navigation The improved navigation ensures key sections, like spare parts and product warrantyregistration, are now simple to locate under the new Service & Support category. Here is a short clip which illustrates the new functionality on the website. For more information on Caple, please visit www.caple.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
If you’re a property developer or planning to build your dream home, you’ve probably come across the term SAP Calculation. But what exactly does it mean and why is it such an important part of construction and property development? This guide will break it down for you in simple terms, providing a detailed overview of what SAP Calculations involve, their importance and how they can benefit your project. What is a SAP Calculation? SAP stands for Standard Assessment Procedure, which is the UK government’s official method for assessing and comparing the energy and environmental performance of new buildings. Essentially, a SAP Calculation evaluates how energy-efficient a property is, providing insights into how much energy it will use for activities like heating, lighting, and hot water, as well as its carbon emissions. Every new residential property in the UK must undergo this assessment to ensure that it meets building regulations. A SAP score is given on a scale from 1 to 100+, where: A SAP Calculation ensures that homes meet modern energy-efficiency standards, contributing to reduced energy costs and environmental impact. Why is it important? SAP Calculations serve a variety of purposes. While they’re primarily a legal requirement for any new residential build in the UK, this assessment goes far beyond regulatory compliance. Here’s why it’s important: 1. Compliance with Building Regulations First and foremost, a SAP Calculation is mandatory for Building Regulations compliance. Without it, you won’t be able to obtain a Building Regulations completion certificate, which is necessary to legally sell or occupy the property. Building Regulations are in place to ensure that new homes meet minimum standards for energy efficiency and sustainability and a SAP Calculation provides evidence that your property aligns with these benchmarks. 2. Lower energy bills Energy-efficient homes aren’t just good for the planet—they’re also good for your wallet. A high SAP score usually correlates with lower energy use, which means homeowners can save significantly on their heating, hot water, and electricity bills over time. It’s a win-win. 3. Better market appeal For property developers, energy efficiency is becoming an increasingly attractive selling point. Buyers today are more inclined to invest in homes with lower running costs and sustainable features. A good SAP rating not only boosts the market appeal of your property but can also enable you to command higher prices. 4. Sustainability matters Tackling climate change is a global priority, and the UK government is heavily focused on reducing carbon emissions from buildings. By enforcing SAP Calculations, new homes are designed with sustainability in mind. This ensures they use less energy and contribute to a greener future. 5. Long-term value Over time, energy standards become stricter, and properties with higher energy efficiency ratings tend to hold their value better. Investing in improving your SAP score not only benefits the current owner but also safeguards the property’s value for future buyers. Why do I need a SAP Calculation? If you’re involved in building or developing new homes, SAP Calculations are non-negotiable. Here’s a detailed look at why they’re essential: Compliance with regulations New home developments must meet specific energy-efficiency standards at various stages of the construction process. A SAP Calculation ensures your project complies with these standards before building starts and after completion. Cost savings By identifying opportunities to improve energy efficiency, SAP Calculations help create properties that are more affordable to run. Small investments upfront in areas like insulation or heating systems can lead to significant savings on energy bills down the line. Market demand Increasingly, buyers prioritise energy-efficient homes. Meeting and exceeding these expectations with strong SAP scores can make your property stand out in a competitive housing market. Environmental responsibility A SAP Calculation ensures your development contributes to the UK’s climate goals, enabling you to do your part in reducing carbon emissions. Whether you’re a developer or a homeowner, this commitment to sustainability is impactful and rewarding. When is a SAP Calculation required? There are two critical stages in the construction process when a SAP Calculation is required: 1. Before Construction Begins (Design Stage Report) Before any building work starts, you’ll need a Design Stage SAP Calculation to demonstrate that your project will meet energy-efficiency requirements. This report forms part of your application for Building Regulations approval. 2. After Completion (As-Built Report) Once construction is complete, a final SAP Calculation is carried out. This ensures that the finished property matches the energy-efficiency standards outlined in the initial design stage. The final report includes an official Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for the home. Both reports are necessary for gaining full approval from Building Control. How does the SAP Calculation process work? The SAP Calculation process is relatively straightforward but requires accurate information and professional assessment. Here’s how it works: Step 1: Gather information You’ll need to provide specific details about your project, including: Step 2: Assessment by a Qualified SAP Assessor An accredited SAP assessor will use specialised software to calculate the energy performance and carbon emissions of your property. This results in a SAP rating and a Predicted Energy Assessment (PEA) for the design stage. Step 3: Final certification After the build is complete, the final SAP Calculation confirms that the finished property meets all design specifications. The property will then receive an official Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Working with a professional SAP assessor ensures that everything is completed efficiently and accurately. How can you improve your SAP rating? If you’re aiming for a higher SAP score, consider these practical strategies: 1. Upgrade insulation Opt for high-quality insulation materials to minimise heat loss through walls, roofs, and floors. 2. Install efficient heating systems Heating accounts for a significant portion of energy use in homes. Choose energy-efficient options like heat pumps, condensing boilers or underfloor heating systems. 3. Add renewable energy Integrate renewable energy systems such as solar panels or wind turbines to reduce dependency on non-renewable sources. 4. Improve windows and doors Double or triple glazing for windows and insulated doors can make a noticeable impact on energy efficiency. 5.
Even in the face of changing times in tech, your business still requires a high-functioning website. Establishing a solid online presence will get you ahead of the game and help you stand out from the competition. In the current digital landscape, contractors, researchers, architects, and other professionals use the internet for pricing information, project briefs, site scheduling, and other essential parts of construction projects. Still on the fence about web design for construction companies? Here are a few reasons why you need a professional website in 2025: Imagine a potential client trying to find your company information online and …crickets. This will show a lack of professionalism and raise red flags when doing business with you. But, putting your business out there shows that it is legitimate and you have nothing to hide. It instantly increases trust and credibility among clients and stakeholders. A professional website keeps your construction business in marketing mode even when you’re not actively selling. It increases visibility and advertises your services. A well-designed website also helps your business appear on top of search results in your local area. With relevant content and the right keywords, customers will trickle in. The easiest way to convert leads and win customers is to showcase all of the construction projects you’ve previously undertaken. Whether you work in general or residential construction, your portfolio represents your capabilities. It shows your skills and proves your experience. Security is pivotal in any business, especially when handling sensitive customer data. A professional website for your construction business includes security measures that ensure important information remains safe and secure. In 2025, a website will also help you comply with HIPAA and GDPR standards, which patch vulnerabilities and reduce legal risks. There are a lot of moving parts that make a construction business. Your CRM system, payment gateways, and analytics all rely on each other to streamline your operations. With a few website links, you can bring all the puzzle pieces together and offer competitive business solutions. Your website is a gateway to customer insights. Data collection methods like Google Analytics and Search Console will provide in-depth information about your website. You’ll learn about your customer demographics, the devices they use, their search terms, and preferences. Ultimately this will help you tailor your services according to their needs and grow your business. The Bottom Line While your construction business is rooted in your local area, your website allows it to break barriers and reach audiences globally. Who knows, you may find that people in other areas are looking for your expertise! The advantages of having a high-functioning website for your construction business in 2025 cannot be understated. It will work just as hard as you do!
