Oxford United Football Club has partnered with Radisson Hotel Group to deliver a premium hotel within its new state-of-the-art stadium complex. The Championship club is developing a 16,000-capacity stadium as part of a wider project featuring a 1,000-delegate conference centre, bars, entertainment venues, and fitness facilities. The stadium will be
The University of East London (UEL) is extending its strategic partnership with global technology company Siemens in a contract that will see the business design and install a Water Source Heat Pump (WSHP) to help power its net zero campus of the future. The new WSHP is set to be
The Gym Group has announced plans to open between 14 and 16 new sites in 2025, building on strong revenue growth in the past year. The expansion is part of the operator’s broader strategy to launch around 50 new gyms over three years. Last April, Savills was appointed to support
The future of decarbonised home heating is upon us and is already being rolled out across the UK with some of the country’s largest housebuilders – with the latest housing development benefiting from the solution ‘going live’ in recent weeks. The Community Heat Hub (CHH), one of GTC’s Future Homes
Henry Boot Construction has begun major refurbishment works on mental health facility, Maple Ward, at the Longley Centre in Sheffield, to provide a safer and more supportive space for staff and patients. The £3m project includes a full refurbishment of the two-storey mental health unit and involves redesigning the layout
Geoscience experts have used their specialist rope access skills and inflatable boats to extract concrete samples from inside Sheffield’s Megatron culvert. The culvert is a concrete tunnel beneath Sheffield that carries the River Sheaf. The work is part of a project that has seen a section of the river uncovered
A seminar on the benefits of using Europe’s only C2C Certified® reflective insulation along with its sister membranes is one of the highlights of an open day being held at the HQ of a leading timber frame manufacturer next month. Liane Bayliss, South East and South London area sales manager
Cadogan announces the appointment of Stuart Wetherly as Finance Director. Working closely with the Chief Executive and wider Cadogan team, he will play a pivotal role in driving the financial strategy to support Cadogan’s commercial success and long-term stewardship of the Estate. Stuart brings extensive experience in corporate finance and business
Oxford United Football Club has partnered with Radisson Hotel Group to deliver a premium hotel within its new state-of-the-art stadium complex. The Championship club is developing a 16,000-capacity stadium as part of a wider project featuring a 1,000-delegate conference centre, bars, entertainment venues, and fitness facilities. The stadium will be the UK’s first fully electric football venue, powered by a low-carbon energy supply and solar panels. Radisson’s new hotel, integrated within the development, will offer 180 rooms, with over half boasting pitch-side views. A ground-floor restaurant will further enhance the guest experience. Adela Cristea, Radisson Hotel Group’s vice-president of business development for the UK, Ireland, and Nordics, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration: “Radisson is the perfect fit for a project committed to sustainability. We look forward to elevating the visitor experience at this innovative venue.” Adam Benson, Oxford United’s chief commercial and marketing officer, highlighted the significance of the partnership: “Securing a brand of Radisson’s calibre underscores the world-class nature of our stadium development. The hotel will be integral to our vision of creating a multi-purpose venue while ensuring the club’s long-term financial sustainability.” Radisson Hotel Group continues to expand its UK and Ireland presence, with nearly 80 hotels in operation or development. The brand is also growing its footprint in the sports and events sector, having recently partnered with Manchester City and launched projects at Allianz Stadium Twickenham and Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham. Oxford United’s ambitious plans mark a significant milestone in the club’s history, setting new benchmarks for sustainable stadium design while enhancing the matchday and visitor experience. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The University of East London (UEL) is extending its strategic partnership with global technology company Siemens in a contract that will see the business design and install a Water Source Heat Pump (WSHP) to help power its net zero campus of the future. The new WSHP is set to be the largest fitted at any university and will power the university’s Docklands Campus Library and Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability buildings, replacing existing gas boilers – and together with campus existing green energy infrastructure, achieve carbon zero in these spaces. Submerged in the River Thames, the closed-loop system will use a series of pipes to extract natural heat from the water in the Royal Albert Docks, providing a cost-effective heating system which will reduce annual CO2 emissions by 258 tonnes without removing vast quantities of water from the river. The system is scalable to allow the university to extend in the future similar heat pump systems across the Campus and the wider Royal Docks – the only Enterprise Zone in London – and is part of the long-term partnership with Siemens, which is supporting the university’s transition to net zero by 2030. The strategic partnership, which was formed in 2022, has already seen Siemens deploy a variety of decarbonisation technologies including solar PV, Building Management Systems and EV charging infrastructure across the university campus. In addition, Siemens is using its Building X technologies and data analytics to allow UEL to better understand its energy consumption and drive research and enterprise programmes. UEL has reduced its CO₂ emissions and carbon-producing energy consumption more than any other modern London university already, and by 2026 will achieve the lowest emissions per student in the UK – putting it on track to achieve its 2030 net zero targets. The partnership is providing a clear, replicable blueprint for sustainability. As well as saving the university over £500,000 per year in utility costs and reducing emissions by over 1,000 tonnes annually, the partnership has driven a unique range of successful green employability, enterprise and research initiatives including student internships, MSc sponsorships, hackathons, and the creation of a ‘Living Lab’ for training and research on sustainability. This project directly supports the Mayor of London’s vision for a greener, more sustainable capital, advancing his commitment to cleaner air, renewable energy, and achieving net zero by 2030. Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “London is leading the way in the fight against climate change, and projects like this pioneering partnership between the University of East London and Siemens are key to our city’s transition to a greener, more sustainable future. By harnessing the power of the River Thames to heat university buildings, this initiative demonstrates how innovation and collaboration can drive real progress towards net zero. It not only reduces carbon emissions but also sets a powerful example of how London’s institutions can embrace cutting-edge, clean energy solutions to build a better, fairer and greener city for all Londoners.” UEL Vice-Chancellor & President, Professor Amanda Broderick, said: “We are committed to driving forward sustainable innovation that not only reduces our environmental impact but also creates a living laboratory for the next generation of climate leaders. This Water Source Heat Pump demonstrates how universities can be at the forefront of the green energy transition, harnessing our natural surroundings to drive real change. Through our strategic partnership with Siemens, we are accelerating towards our 2030 net zero targets, delivering cutting-edge solutions that will benefit all the communities we serve, and the planet.” Andrew Smyth, Head of Sustainability for Smart Infrastructure Buildings, Siemens UK and Ireland, said: “Decarbonising heating systems is a critical step towards achieving net zero carbon emissions. The University of East London has a fantastic resource in the Thames, right on its doorstep. Harnessing renewable power from the water allows it to take huge steps towards its net zero goals. “The investment is underpinned by our long-term strategic partnership. And it demonstrates how data-led insights of buildings and energy consumption provide heightened confidence in deploying large-scale renewables technologies like Water Source Heat Pumps. The programme is setting the blueprint for how sustainability can be a catalyst for fantastic collaboration and innovation between businesses and universities.” Building X is Siemens’ digital building platform designed to digitalise, manage, and optimise building operations. It aims to enhance user experience, increase performance, and improve sustainability. Building X integrates various applications and services, including energy management, security management, and building automation, to create a unified data environment that enhances accuracy and efficiency. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Gym Group has announced plans to open between 14 and 16 new sites in 2025, building on strong revenue growth in the past year. The expansion is part of the operator’s broader strategy to launch around 50 new gyms over three years. Last April, Savills was appointed to support its property search and expansion efforts. With approximately 245 locations across the UK, The Gym Group added 12 new sites in 2024, including venues in Orpington, London Euston Road, Manchester Oxford Road, Welwyn Garden City, and several key London areas such as Plaistow, East Ham, Bromley-by-Bow, Shepherd’s Bush, and Elephant and Castle. The company’s financial results for 2024 highlight a positive trajectory, with revenue reaching £226.3 million, an 11% increase year on year. Adjusted pre-tax profit improved significantly, rising to £3.6 million from a £5.5 million loss in 2023. Free cash flow also saw a notable boost, increasing to £37.5 million by year-end, up from £27 million in 2024. Will Orr, CEO of The Gym Group, said: “This strong set of results demonstrates solid progress against our Next Chapter growth plan. Membership, revenue, and profit have all increased, reinforcing our market-leading position in a sector that continues to expand. “We will continue to build on initiatives launched in 2024 while introducing new strategies for 2025, with a strong focus on leveraging technology and data to drive future growth. Given our momentum, we are confident in meeting the top end of recently revised analyst forecasts for 2025. We also remain on track to achieve our target of opening around 50 high-quality gyms over three years, funded entirely through free cash flow.” With a growing member base and a commitment to accessible, high-quality fitness facilities, The Gym Group is set to strengthen its position as a leading force in the UK’s health and wellness sector. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The future of decarbonised home heating is upon us and is already being rolled out across the UK with some of the country’s largest housebuilders – with the latest housing development benefiting from the solution ‘going live’ in recent weeks. The Community Heat Hub (CHH), one of GTC’s Future Homes Standard-compliant heat network solutions, is now delivering low-carbon heat at The Gateway in Bexhill, Sussex, a vibrant housing development being delivered by Vistry Group, the UK’s leading provider of affordable mixed-tenure homes. GTC has been the chosen utility partner for housebuilders and developers across the UK for almost 30 years, delivering pioneering multi-utility infrastructure solutions to all types of new-build developments. The Community Heat Hub is one of GTC’s low carbon heat network solutions that answers the Future Homes Standard by reducing carbon emissions by 75-80% from day one, combing the two FHS notional specifications of heat pumps and heat networks in one future-proofed, net zero solution. Vistry contracted GTC to deliver heat via its innovative Community Heat Hub to The Gateway in Bexhill, alongside electric, fibre, water, and wastewater. Once fully built the scheme will provide 801 high-quality mixed-tenure new homes, a primary school, community centre and sports pavilion connected to the low carbon solution. GTC commissioned The Gateway Community Heat Hub in late February and first homeowners moved in on February 24th. This is the UK’s second Community Heat Hub to be commissioned since its launch, with more contracted across the country being delivered in the coming months. The Community Heat Hub at The Gateway is estimated to save around 850 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually in comparison to individual gas boilers in homes. John Marsh, Chief Operating Officer at GTC said: “Home decarbonisation is top of the agenda right now and The Gateway at Bexhill is a brilliant example of how low carbon heat can be delivered into new homes. The forthcoming end of gas means decarbonisation is no longer optional. Working with housebuilders, like Vistry, who want to showcase compliance and sustainability excellence is always a pleasure, and to be able to offer a solution that meets forthcoming Standards is credit to the skills and expertise of the GTC team.” Brendan Evans, Managing Director at Vistry Kent said: “Vistry is committed to delivering sustainable long-term communities that provide the mix of high-quality new homes that residents need. Collaborating with like-minded organisations like GTC is essential to help us deliver innovative solutions that meet important decarbonisation standards while helping to fulfil the UK’s chronic need for new housing.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Henry Boot Construction has begun major refurbishment works on mental health facility, Maple Ward, at the Longley Centre in Sheffield, to provide a safer and more supportive space for staff and patients. The £3m project includes a full refurbishment of the two-storey mental health unit and involves redesigning the layout to create 17 en-suite bedrooms, an accessible bedroom, calming de-escalation facilities, and a newly landscaped garden courtyard. As part of the improvements, the team will be installing new drainage, manholes, and window and door openings, alongside refurbishing mechanical and electrical systems. Patient safety will also be a key focus, with the removal of fixed ligature anchor points throughout the site. The renovation will also create or upgrade several essential spaces, including a quiet space, dining room, staff rest area, lounge, clinic room and dispensary. Maple Ward provides important assessment and treatment for individuals experiencing a diverse range of emergency mental health needs. Commenting on the project, Lee Powell, MD of Henry Boot Construction, said: “We’re very proud to be delivering the refurbishment of this important mental health facility in Sheffield. “This project is obviously much more than just bricks and mortar – it’s about creating a safe, calming, and supportive space for those experiencing urgent mental health needs. The refurbished ward will also be complemented by a new garden courtyard, creating another open-air retreat for self-reflection and relaxation. “Well-designed healthcare environments are extremely important for our community, and we’re committed to ensuring the space meets the highest standards for both patients and staff. “It’s a privilege to contribute to such an impactful project that will make a real difference in people’s lives.” Adele Sabin, Head of the Therapeutic Environments Programme which is behind this refurbishment, added: “We are doing this work to put the comfort and safety of our service users at the forefront, removing ligature anchor points and creating high-quality environments for care. “I’m really excited to see our plans for the site come to fruition, and I am very proud of everything our team has done to get us to this stage of making our plans a reality.” The refurbishment is expected to complete in late autumn this year and the ward will then be reopened. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Geoscience experts have used their specialist rope access skills and inflatable boats to extract concrete samples from inside Sheffield’s Megatron culvert. The culvert is a concrete tunnel beneath Sheffield that carries the River Sheaf. The work is part of a project that has seen a section of the river uncovered for the first time in 100 years. It is located in the centre of Sheffield, where the River Sheaf meets the River Don, and is part of a larger £15 million endeavour to create a new public park. The 70-metre-long culvert was built over a section of the River Sheaf in 1917, as part of work to create the Castle Market, at a time when the river was badly polluted with sewage and slaughterhouse run-off, according to Sheffield City Council. RSK Geosciences project manager Stephen Owen said: “Two buildings, Alexandra House and Exchange Place Studios, stand close to the edge of the culvert. Before the culvert can be removed, it is necessary to understand what is behind the concrete and how this could affect the structural integrity of these nearby buildings.” Stephen explained that they carried out ground-penetrating radar surveys above ground, in addition to collecting vertical and horizontal concrete cores from inside the culvert. Five horizontal concrete cores and three vertical cores were taken. Endoscope surveys of the core holes were carried out, along with covermeter surveys – a method of using electromagnetic measurements to measure the position, depth and size of the reinforcements within the concrete – of the walls, arches and roof of the culvert. He said: “We accessed part of the culvert through a manhole, but an underground weir blocked us from going further downstream. Fellow RSK Group company CAN Structures used its expertise in rope access and confined spaces work to go up the culvert on an inflatable boat and take the surveys for this area. “Being a river, the flow and water level can change quickly, so there were some significant health and safety precautions to be taken. There is also a nesting bat population inside the culvert, so to avoid causing disturbance we had to work outside of the hibernation season.” Concrete quality testing was carried out on recovered samples and the data included in the final report for Sheffield City Council. This report will inform the planning and design process on how to remove the culvert without affecting the nearby buildings, Stephen said. Sheffield City Councillor Ben Miskell, who chairs the council’s Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee said: “For more than 100 years the River Sheaf, which gave the city its name, has been covered by brick and concrete. Uncovering the river is an incredibly important milestone and just one part of the wider transformation of the Castlegate site. Our new city centre public park will also feature the remains of the city’s old 12th century castle, including the gatehouse, visible to the public. The whole area is pivotal to the history of our fantastic city and our new park will showcase this most historic of areas for decades to come.” Removal of the culvert began in August 2024, with Sheffield City Council’s final vision due to be completed by 2026. The site will also include new buildings for commercial, community or education use. Funding for the project has already been secured through funding from central Government. The opening up of the River Sheaf is being streamed online by the Sheaf and Porter Rivers Trust. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A seminar on the benefits of using Europe’s only C2C Certified® reflective insulation along with its sister membranes is one of the highlights of an open day being held at the HQ of a leading timber frame manufacturer next month. Liane Bayliss, South East and South London area sales manager for pan-European insulation specialist Actis, is among guest speakers at the event at the Scandia-Hus show centre in East Grinstead on Saturday April 5. She will be talking about how and why Scandia-Hus uses the Actis Hybrid range on all its designs, and providing information on installation and its thermal benefits. She will talk about how it helps developers comply with tighter Part L and Part O regulations and meet the Future Homes Standard. Actis’ zero-waste policy and the 100% recyclability of all its products has enabled its honeycomb structure Hybris insulation to become the only reflective insulation in Europe to earn international Cradle to Cradle Certified® Bronze Certification. Few raw materials and fewer energy resources used during production means carbon emissions produced manufacturing all five Actis products are very low compared with those produced by other insulation products, at less than 2kg per sq m of CO2. Scandia-Hus has used the Actis Hybrid range in all four of its show homes, with the day marking the official fully-furnished opening of its latest design The Lodge, with the other three homes also being open for viewing. Visitors will be able to discuss their projects and ask advice from the Scandia-Hus team and specialist suppliers whose products and expertise are used in the company’s various designs. Liane’s seminar is at 10.30am, with others on subjects such as plot finding, design, underfloor heating, MVHR, planning and build finance between then and 1.30pm. Find out more information about the open day and book your place at the event and Liane’s seminar here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Cadogan announces the appointment of Stuart Wetherly as Finance Director. Working closely with the Chief Executive and wider Cadogan team, he will play a pivotal role in driving the financial strategy to support Cadogan’s commercial success and long-term stewardship of the Estate. Stuart brings extensive experience in corporate finance and business transformation. He joins Cadogan from Capital & Regional Plc, where he was Group Finance Director and a member of the Board of Directors. Prior to this, Stuart held senior positions at Deloitte, where he led global audits for FTSE 100 and 250 companies and played a crucial role in major corporate transactions, including M&A, capital raises and IPOs. Stuart also served as Treasurer and Trustee for the London Wildlife Trust, where he helped restructure the Trust’s funding model to ensure long-term sustainability. Hugh Seaborn, CEO of Cadogan, commented:“We are delighted to welcome Stuart to Cadogan. His extensive experience and proven leadership in financial strategy will be invaluable to the business. I am looking forward to working with him as we continue to shape the future of Chelsea, making a positive contribution towards a sustainable environment and putting the community at the heart of our commercial decisions.” Stuart Wetherly, Finance Director, added: “Cadogan is renowned for its placemaking and long-term stewardship of one of London’s most fascinating and thriving neighbourhoods. I very much look forward to supporting the continued success of this extraordinary property portfolio and helping to curate a destination where retailers, businesses and local residents flourish.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
