A landmark stage has been reached in the construction of a new purpose-built student accommodation scheme at Silverthorne Lane, Bristol, with project stakeholders including StudioHIVE, HG Construction, Woh Hup, Far East Orchard and Atlas Land coming together to celebrate the milestone at a topping out ceremony. Silverthorne Lane Plot 6
McLaren Construction Midlands and North has announced its involvement in the prestigious Birmingham England Temple project for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The scheme, which is set to re-define the local landscape, officially commenced with a groundbreaking ceremony on 22nd March, attended by over 300 guests which
Thousands of homes are to be made warmer and more energy efficient as part of an £80m investment secured by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. £31.8m will come from the Warm Homes: Local Grant fund and will be distributed to low-income homeowners and private renters. The funding was secured
Roam, a leading provider of residential electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, has successfully delivered scalable EV charging infrastructure at Beaufort Park, a 25-acre residential development in north-west London. Partnering with one of the largest property management companies in the UK, RMG, Roam has installed 117 fast-charging points to support the
Aggreko has received the “Net Zero Heroes” award alongside the other Scottish Business Climate Collaboration (SBCC) members at the CeeD 2025 Awards for contribution to the coalition’s Climate Action Hub. The accolade recognises the benefits of collaborative working and helps to raise the profile of the Climate Action Hub, a
University students who want to bolster their income and boost their skills are being offered the chance to join HS2’s construction partner in the West Midlands for an eight-week paid work placement. Now in its fourth year, Balfour Beatty VINCI’s undergraduate scheme gives students the chance to earn and gain
Real PM Limited, a leading project and programme management consultancy, has announced a strategic leadership transition to strengthen its service offerings and drive growth. Barry Fowler has been appointed Managing Director, Philip Soleil assumes the role of Director of Project Management, and Steve White and Martin Clark step into positions
A new MILWAUKEE® study finds the construction sector remains reliant on petrol-powered tools and equipment, despite worker calls to move to battery-powered alternatives. Almost all European construction workers say they’d feel safer working on-site if their employer replaced petrol-powered equipment with battery-powered alternatives. A new report, commissioned by industry-leading manufacturer
We welcome today’s construction skills announcement from the Chancellor, which aligns closely with the key objectives we’ve been championing through PfP Thrive. Rachel Reeves is absolutely right: we cannot meet the urgent need for 1.5 million new homes without a skilled construction and trades workforce to build them. This means
Regal has successfully secured a £58.6 million investment loan from lender Firma Partners to refinance The Clarendon Works, its newly completed, sustainable office development in Watford. The 12-storey office scheme is the largest of its kind in Watford, offering nearly 140,000 square feet of high-quality workspace, complete with modern amenities.
A landmark stage has been reached in the construction of a new purpose-built student accommodation scheme at Silverthorne Lane, Bristol, with project stakeholders including StudioHIVE, HG Construction, Woh Hup, Far East Orchard and Atlas Land coming together to celebrate the milestone at a topping out ceremony. Silverthorne Lane Plot 6 will comprise 706 student rooms including cluster bedrooms and studio rooms along with high quality amenity spaces. The development forms an integral part of the regeneration of land off Silverthorne Lane, in Bristol’s Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone (TQEZ). The scheme is split over four blocks ranging from five to 15 storeys high, with blocks being interconnected in pairs. A landscaped external courtyard at the centre has been designed to create an important meeting place for students, comprising sports and games facilities along with quieter areas for relaxation. David Munce, construction director, HG Construction said: “We are delighted to be reaching this important milestone and I would like to recognise the project team for their commitment and hard work to date. “This is our first scheme in Bristol and we have been getting actively involved in the local community, from educational talks at schools and site visits for students, to providing support for local community centres, we are committed to making a positive impact throughout the construction of this scheme and beyond. “We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with StudioHIVE and our project partners as the scheme progresses.” Jason Collard, managing director at StudioHIVE, said: “We are excited to have reached such an important milestone in the development of this quality student offering in central Bristol. “With a high proportion – around 30 per cent – of the accommodation being studio flats and the remainder smaller clusters limited to eight rooms, along with facilities including a cinema room, gym and sports facilities, the scheme will offer students a premium experience right in the heart of the city.” StudioHIVE is working in partnership with Far East Orchard, Woh Hup and Atlas Land who acquired the site in June 2022 as part of the wider Silverthorne Lane masterplan. The scheme is well located for the nearby Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus as well as key transport hubs and will benefit from the proposed improvements to pedestrian and cycle connections through Silverthorne Lane to the wider Temple Quarter. It is expected to complete in 2026. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
McLaren Construction Midlands and North has announced its involvement in the prestigious Birmingham England Temple project for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The scheme, which is set to re-define the local landscape, officially commenced with a groundbreaking ceremony on 22nd March, attended by over 300 guests which was live streamed globally on YouTube. The project involves the demolition of an existing administrative building to make way for a new Temple and ancillary building that will house office space and living accommodation. Alongside the construction of the Temple and accommodation block, McLaren will oversee the renovation of the existing meeting house and extensive landscaping works, including the planting of mature trees to enhance the natural surroundings, to be complete and well-established by project handover. The new two-storey accommodation block will be built with a steel frame and brick façade, complemented by bespoke stonework. The Temple itself will feature a central 38-metre-high spire and a stone façade, designed with exceptional craftsmanship. The contractor will manage the installation of new electrical, mechanical, and ancillary systems, including water supply, fire protection, and advanced security measures, to ensure the facility operates to the highest standards. Such a high-profile project presents several key challenges – the site, located in a predominantly residential area, requires careful planning and co-ordination to mitigate disruption to neighbouring properties. The formation of a new entrance from Penns Lane involves diverting multiple services, adding another layer of complexity, while the procurement of a specific shade of limestone from a Portuguese quarry is essential to maintaining consistency with other Temples constructed worldwide. One of the most striking features of the project is the 38-metre spire, which is being constructed directly under the flight path of Birmingham Airport. This requires close coordination with aviation authorities to ensure compliance with safety regulations. The Birmingham England Temple project will be built to the highest standards, with a focus on bespoke design elements, including carved stone façades, custom joinery, and feature lighting. The scheme is set to target a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, reflecting McLaren’s commitment to sustainable building practices. Luke Arnold, Operations Director at McLaren, said: “We are honoured to be entrusted with such a significant project that carries deep meaning for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and its global community. This is not just a construction project, but a testament to the Church’s vision and legacy. Our team is dedicated to delivering an exceptional standard of craftsmanship and quality that reflects the sacred purpose of the Birmingham England Temple.” McLaren Construction Midlands and North is committed to delivering a world-class facility that will serve the Church and the wider community for generations to come. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Thousands of homes are to be made warmer and more energy efficient as part of an £80m investment secured by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. £31.8m will come from the Warm Homes: Local Grant fund and will be distributed to low-income homeowners and private renters. The funding was secured by a Combined Authority-led consortium of Liverpool City Region’s six local authorities – Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral – and was the third highest award in England. A further £48m has been secured through the Warm Homes Social Housing Fund which will be distributed among 24 housing associations operating in the city region and the wider north west. The award was the fourth highest in England and work is expected to start in the summer. The investment – which will enable energy-efficiency improvements to around 10,000 homes – is part of a five-year carbon action plan to make the city region net zero by 2035. It comes on top of £105m already secured by the Combined Authority to retrofit 10,000 homes with energy-efficiency upgrades including wall and loft insulation, new roofs, solar panels, heat pumps and ventilation. Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram said: “Too many families are still forced to choose between heating and eating – and that’s simply not right. This investment from government is a welcome step towards fixing that, with more than £31m going to low-income households in our region and another £48m to support social housing residents. “Here in the Liverpool City Region, we’ve already invested over £100m to improve the energy efficiency of more than 10,000 homes – cutting bills, reducing carbon emissions, and tackling fuel poverty. This latest funding builds on that progress, helping even more people stay warm for less. And I’ll keep working with government to make sure our region gets the investment it needs, so no one is left behind.” Households with an energy inefficient home (Energy Performance Certificate Band D or below) and living in certain postcodes will be automatically eligible for the local grant scheme. Grants can also be accessed by households with an annual income of less than £36,000, who own their own home or for certain privately rented properties. Cllr Graham Morgan, Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration, said: “More than half of our region’s 720,000 homes are rated below the EPC band C standard, which makes them less efficient and more expensive to heat. We’ve secured this latest funding thanks to our track record of working with government and partners to deliver large scale retrofit projects. This significant investment means that thousands of local people will pay less to heat their homes in future.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Roam, a leading provider of residential electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, has successfully delivered scalable EV charging infrastructure at Beaufort Park, a 25-acre residential development in north-west London. Partnering with one of the largest property management companies in the UK, RMG, Roam has installed 117 fast-charging points to support the growing demand for EV adoption among residents. The installation reinforces the growing demand for electric cars across the UK, with EVs achieving their highest-ever February market share after a record-breaking January. Latest reports reveal there were over 21,200 BEV registrations last monthi, reflecting a 41.7% year-on-year growth as the industry continues to gain momentum. Beaufort Park, managed by RMG, is home to thousands of residents across multiple residential blocks, making the need for a reliable and scalable EV charging solution essential. Following a comprehensive site survey, Roam designed a bespoke charging infrastructure featuring 56 active and 61 passive 22kW fast-charging sockets. Strategically placed to maximise accessibility and usage across the development, the new network enables residents to conveniently charge their vehicles at home. “Providing our residents with access to high-quality EV charging supports environmental goals and offers convenience and cost savings to residents,” said Adam Peer, Associate Director at RMG. “Roam’s expertise and experience working in the residential sector made them the ideal partner for this project.” Roam has invested £465,000 in the fully funded installation which ensures ongoing management, maintenance and technology upgrades throughout the length of the partnership. With over 2,000 serviced parking bays at Beaufort Park, this new installation forms part of RMG’s wider sustainability strategy and guarantees that the site remains future-ready. “At Roam, our mission is to create seamless, scalable EV charging solutions that integrate effortlessly into residential developments,” said James Randall, CEO of Roam. “Our partnership with RMG at Beaufort Park demonstrates how property management companies can embrace sustainable innovation while enhancing residents’ daily lives.” Residents have responded positively to the new installation, praising the modern, fast, and user-friendly chargers. With an intuitive payment system and competitive tariffs, Roam’s solution ensures that EV adoption is both accessible and affordable for the Beaufort Park community. This latest project strengthens Roam’s position as a leading residential EV charging provider, already trusted by major property management firms and housing developments across the UK such as Battersea Power Station, West End Quay and Wimbledon Stadia. The company continues to expand its nationwide residential network, supporting the UK’s transition towards a greener, electric future. For more information, visit www.roamcharging.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Aggreko has received the “Net Zero Heroes” award alongside the other Scottish Business Climate Collaboration (SBCC) members at the CeeD 2025 Awards for contribution to the coalition’s Climate Action Hub. The accolade recognises the benefits of collaborative working and helps to raise the profile of the Climate Action Hub, a tool created by the SBCC to enable SMEs to accelerate their low carbon transitions. The Hub is a free to use service to assist companies, large and small, to understand what net zero means, to offer tools to calculate their own carbon footprints and to develop action plans to support a net zero strategy. It brings together learnings and expertise from the SBCC’s member’s Aggreko, Diageo, EY, FirstGroup, Bank of Scotland, Scottish Power, Scottish Water, and Wood Group, drawing on insight from the different sectors they operate in. As rising costs continue to pose a challenge to SMEs[1], finding practical solutions that deliver a commercially viable and successful energy transition are even more important to avoid smaller organisations being left behind. Initiatives like The Climate Action Hub are a vital part of providing the resource to smaller businesses to be able to meet ESG targets. For larger businesses, Aggreko’s recent research also revealed rising costs impacting net zero timescales, with 95% of the 400 CEOs surveyed stating they have changed their net zero timescales in light of energy supply and pricing issues. Presented in the report Rebalancing the Energy Transition, the research also highlights the importance of supply chain collaboration to find the right solutions to balance cost, efficiency and sustainability in line with targets. Supporting businesses across various sectors in accelerating their energy transition, Aggreko leverages its teams’ expertise and the Greener Upgrades™ portfolio of technologies. This effort is a central part of Aggreko’s sustainability framework, Energising Change™.” This is especially important as energy intensive industries such as manufacturing, data centres, petrochemical refinery, utilities across the globe look for practical solutions that balance cost and efficiency with sustainability. Dawn Demellweek, Director of ESG & Compliance at Aggreko, said: “As a global organisation, we have a responsibility not only to make our own energy transition, but also to support businesses through our value chain with their energy transitions. With the insight and data we have gained from working on projects across different sectors on a global scale, we are able to be a strategic supply chain partner to businesses, advising on and implementing solutions that deliver maximum energy and cost efficiency while lowering emissions. “Through our work on the Climate Action Hub, we have also been able bring together our insight, expertise and learnings with those of other leading Scottish businesses and make it available for free to smaller businesses to help them understand how they can implement a net zero strategy. The success of the energy transition relies on close collaboration between businesses, and by creating these types of resource, we can make sure every organisation, no matter their size or means, has the resources they need to accelerate their transition to a low carbon world.” For more information on Aggreko’s Energising Change™ framework, visit www.aggreko.com/en/about-us/energising-change Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
University students who want to bolster their income and boost their skills are being offered the chance to join HS2’s construction partner in the West Midlands for an eight-week paid work placement. Now in its fourth year, Balfour Beatty VINCI’s undergraduate scheme gives students the chance to earn and gain vital work experience in their specialist subject area during the summer holidays. There are 30 places on this year’s programme and to qualify, undergraduates must live, or study, in the Midlands. All placements will begin in July and include opportunities at BBV’s construction sites and offices in Birmingham, and North and South Warwickshire. Placements are open to candidates studying a broad range of subjects, with opportunities in the following business areas: Julie Venn-Morton, HS2’s Senior Skills and Inclusion Manager for the region said: “This is an exceptional opportunity for talented undergraduates who want to get a head start in their career and play a part in building Britain’s new railway. “Prioritising places for those who live locally, or study in the region, helps to retain local talent and for those who excel, the summer programme has led to long-term careers on HS2.” BBV began its undergraduate summer scheme in 2022 and has provided paid work placements to 30 students every year thereafter. Placements allow undergraduates to put the theoretical element of their degree into practice and can be a real opportunity for candidates to shine. In previous years, stand-out students have gone on to secure full-time employment with BBV paying the remainder of their university fees so they could continue their studies whilst working. Naomi Bates, Skills, Employment and Education Business Partner at Balfour Beatty VINCI said: “Our summer placement programme is a great way for university students to earn money and learn new skills which are relevant to their future careers. “There are a limited number of places available for students who live or study in the Midlands, so I’d encourage anyone who’s interested to grab this opportunity with both hands, as soon as possible.” Expressions of interest for the 2025 programme are open now, and prospective candidates are encouraged to apply early to secure one of 30 places. 22 year-old Aniqa Malik from Bordesley Green, Birmingham joined the 2022 summer programme while studying Civil Engineering at the University of Birmingham. During the eight-week course, Aniqa was exposed to a range of work areas but especially enjoyed her time with the design team. Subsequently, Aniqa decided to stay on the project and successfully gained a place as a graduate design coordinator, based at HS2’s Delta Junction. Aniqa said: “My summer placement with Balfour Beatty VINCI back in 2022 was an invaluable learning opportunity. I was able to hone my technical abilities, collaborate with professionals in the field, and gain a true understanding of the scope and significance of the HS2 project. “My decision to return as a full-time employee was made simple by the encouraging atmosphere and growth prospects. Anyone wishing to expand their professional network, get practical experience, and be a part of something truly special should consider this placement.” For more information about BBV’s undergraduate placement programme, and details on how to apply, visit the HS2 jobs board and search ‘summer placement’. The closing date for expressions of interest is Friday 4th April 2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Real PM Limited, a leading project and programme management consultancy, has announced a strategic leadership transition to strengthen its service offerings and drive growth. Barry Fowler has been appointed Managing Director, Philip Soleil assumes the role of Director of Project Management, and Steve White and Martin Clark step into positions as Directors of Planning. Founders Jeremy Ruff and Geraint Roberts will remain actively engaged as Project Executive and Executive Planner, ensuring a seamless transition and continuity for clients and partners. With deep expertise in delivering complex projects across the built environment, Real PM has built a strong reputation for delivery of project management and planning solutions in commercial, residential, hospitality, education, infrastructure, retail, and mixed-use developments. The company is expanding its service offerings into emerging sectors such as research and technology, energy, and sports and stadia facilities. Barry Fowler said: “Maintaining strong relationships and delivering exceptional value is at the heart of Real PM. By integrating our planning, logistics, and project management expertise, we offer a uniquely comprehensive service, ensuring efficiency, certainty, and value for our clients across diverse markets.” Jeremy Ruff said: “Real PM’s success is rooted in its open, collaborative approach and deep industry expertise. This new structure ensures we continue to provide high-quality project delivery and is a significant next step for the business and for our clients.” Abrar Sheriff, President of Turner, said: “I am excited to see even more opportunities for our people as Real PM expands in our current and growing markets. Real PM supports Turner’s strategy to expand our technical service offerings in Europe and our collaboration across the Turner company gives Real PM the scale and coverage to deliver services to a wide range of clients.” As part of Turner, HOCHTIEF and the ACS Group, Real PM combines a boutique consultancy approach with access to global expertise, technical innovation, and extensive project delivery experience. This strategic positioning enables Real PM to scale its services and bring added value to a broader client base. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new MILWAUKEE® study finds the construction sector remains reliant on petrol-powered tools and equipment, despite worker calls to move to battery-powered alternatives. Almost all European construction workers say they’d feel safer working on-site if their employer replaced petrol-powered equipment with battery-powered alternatives. A new report, commissioned by industry-leading manufacturer of power tools, equipment, accessories and hand tools, MILWAUKEE®, has uncovered the persistent and widespread use of petrol-powered tools and equipment across European construction sites. This is despite the well-known operational and health risks these products carry, and the knowledge that safer alternatives are available on the mainstream market. The whitepaper, Building a Safer Future, draws on the findings of a Europewide survey of 3,200 construction professionals across 14 countries. It specifically asked them about their attitudes to working with petrol-powered equipment, conclusively revealing that most respondents want to see an end to fossil fuel use for on-site activities. Putting European construction in petrol-powered peril The level of constant exposure to petrol-related emissions was shocking. Almost two-thirds (60%) of respondents highlighted they were exposed to petrol-powered equipment and machinery for the majority of the working week, with more than a quarter (27%) for the whole of it. No wonder a similar number also flagged pollution as one of the most significant dangers to their health and wellbeing when working on site. With the long-term health risks well documented, from heart disease to various forms of cancer, the persistent use of petrol on sites is contributing to shorter life expectancies amongst construction professionals. It’s also an issue that concerns the majority of those surveyed (65%). However, more disturbing was the finding that the remaining (35%) appeared less concerned about the short and long-term impact of regularly inhaling toxic emissions. This worrying stat shows a distinct lack of awareness or ignorance of the considerable hazard posed by petrol-powered equipment and machinery, and that more education is needed around why this fuel type needs to be phased out as soon as possible. Workers want to make the switch There are mainstream alternatives, particularly high-performance, battery-powered equipment and the appetite for this solution is healthy. Almost all respondents (92%) felt they would feel safer if their employer switched to battery-powered tools, equipment and machinery. Around half (45%) also indicated that doing so would make them feel more secure on site, in conjunction with better tools and equipment (54%) and higher-quality, comfortable PPE (48%). Making the change This research serves to highlight that sticking with the petrol-prolific status quo is no longer acceptable and it’s up to construction employers to take the lead, protecting their workers by putting an end to the use of fossil fuels for powering tools and equipment. The good news is battery-powered alternatives are now prolific and the technology that underlies them has come on leaps and bounds in the past decade, particularly concerning run-time. MILWAUKEE understands many on-site workers are rightly concerned; however, it remains concerning that a significant minority appear indifferent or unphased about the serious health implications of constant exposure to petrol fumes. Upfront, it indicates site teams need to ensure that, if they are still relying on petrol, their workforce is adequately protected. However, it’s only a temporary measure as the safest approach is to swap this dangerous fuel source out for good. To find out about Milwaukee’s award-winning range of tools, equipment and PPE, including the groundbreaking MX Fuel and OPE ranges, click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
We welcome today’s construction skills announcement from the Chancellor, which aligns closely with the key objectives we’ve been championing through PfP Thrive. Rachel Reeves is absolutely right: we cannot meet the urgent need for 1.5 million new homes without a skilled construction and trades workforce to build them. This means investing not only in the next generation of engineers, bricklayers, electricians, and carpenters, as the Chancellor highlights, but also in upskilling the existing workforce. We are keen to learn more about how the £600 million in skills funding will be distributed and hope it presents opportunities for partnerships with organisations like ours to help train the skilled workers we need. The focus on skills boot camps is promising, particularly as it aligns with our own goals of reskilling the workforce to adopt new construction techniques and materials. Additionally, the emphasis on foundation apprenticeships is encouraging, as we are already collaborating with organisations across the sector to help them utilise the apprenticeship levy to address the skills gap. However, challenges remain – particularly the upcoming National Insurance increase, which could dampen the appetite for apprenticeships. We hope this announcement signals a broader commitment to addressing such barriers, ensuring we are in a strong position by 2029. Together, we can build a highly skilled workforce capable of delivering not only the 1.5 million homes needed in this Parliament, but also the crucial housing projects and upgrades that will follow. Tom Arey is director at PfP Thrive, an organisation delivering comprehensive bespoke training programmes for the UK housing and construction sectors, as well as compliance training, trade skills apprenticeships and leadership development to meet evolving workforce needs. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Regal has successfully secured a £58.6 million investment loan from lender Firma Partners to refinance The Clarendon Works, its newly completed, sustainable office development in Watford. The 12-storey office scheme is the largest of its kind in Watford, offering nearly 140,000 square feet of high-quality workspace, complete with modern amenities. With almost 80% of the space already let, major tenants include National Lottery operator Allwyn, which has taken 63,527 square feet across six floors, and global technology firm Epson UK, occupying 30,530 square feet. Interest remains strong in the two remaining floors of this premium-grade workspace, which has been designed to rival central London office standards. The deal marks another milestone for Firma Partners, a newly launched real estate lender. This is only its second transaction following last month’s support for McGrath Group’s £40 million acquisition and development project in West London. Victor Librae, chief executive of Firma Partners, commented: “We are pleased to provide Regal with an investment loan to refinance The Clarendon Works, a development that has set a new standard for office space in Watford and the wider South East. This highly sustainable, amenity-rich workspace has already attracted leading tenants, demonstrating its strong market appeal. “Firma Partners is committed to supporting innovative developers and investors in delivering top-tier real estate projects. The facility we are providing for The Clarendon Works aligns with our approach to backing high-quality developments with long-term potential.” Firma Partners specialises in flexible capital solutions for mid- to large-scale real estate investments and developments. Its focus spans across the living sector, including residential, mixed-use, build-to-rent, student accommodation, co-living, later living, hospitality, and hotels.
