McLaren Construction Midlands and North is proud to announce the successful completion of the UK’s largest cold store facility, developed for Magnavale Ltd, one of the country’s leading temperature controlled warehouse and value added service providers. The fully automated facility stands at 47 metres tall with a capacity for 101,000
HG Construction has been appointed as the main contractor on a new purpose-built student accommodation in Stratford being developed in partnership with HG Living and M&G Real Estate. The N16 Stratford scheme will comprise 504 student beds constructed over two blocks reaching 10 and 18 storeys. The project will also
Bouygues UK has secured the contract to build two flagship education facilities for Cardiff & Vale College (CAVC): the Barry Waterfront Campus and the Advanced Technology Centre in the Vale of Glamorgan. The project, delivered under the Welsh government’s mutual investment model (MIM), is the largest to date under the
Birmingham-based property developer SevenCapital is making a bold move into the London residential market, with plans for a £1bn expansion across three major projects in Kensington, Islington, and the Isle of Dogs. Subject to planning approval, these developments could deliver 1,000 new homes through a combination of new builds and
A New Era for Project Delivery For decades, AECOM, a Fortune 500 company, has led global infrastructure innovation, delivering complex projects in transportation, energy, water, and sustainability. As a trusted leader worldwide, AECOM tackles some of the world’s toughest challenges—on time, on budget, and with a growing focus on sustainability.
Civil engineering costs are set to rise by 16 per cent over the next five years to 4Q 2029, driven mainly by increasing labour costs. Over the same period, civil engineering tender prices are expected to increase by 22 per cent according to the latest forecast from the Building Cost
Alliance Homes is celebrating a key milestone, with its total number of homes across the West of England now reaching 7,000. The landmark highlights the organisation’s commitment to playing its part in tackling the housing crisis in the region, with an ambition to build 2,000 new affordable homes by 2033.
The Prime Minister recently announced the latest tranche of funding for the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU). This additional investment of £415m will enable further progress on the multi-billion-pound programme, ensuring the delivery of faster, more frequent, and greener rail services between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds, and York. Beyond the transport improvements, TRU
Gateway 2 is a crucial regulatory checkpoint introduced under the Building Safety Act 2022, applying to higher-risk buildings, typically those over eighteen metres tall or with seven or more storeys and containing at least two residential units. Compliance is required before construction begins, meaning no work can legally start until
Family-owned construction firm Beard has unveiled details of the most successful trading period in its 133-year history, with turnover rising by 10% and approaching £200m in 2024. In the full year to 31 December 2024, the company turned over £198m, with pre-tax profits reaching £5.2million in a strong performance underpinned
McLaren Construction Midlands and North is proud to announce the successful completion of the UK’s largest cold store facility, developed for Magnavale Ltd, one of the country’s leading temperature controlled warehouse and value added service providers. The fully automated facility stands at 47 metres tall with a capacity for 101,000 pallets and represents a significant milestone in logistics and sustainable storage solutions. Located near Grantham, the purpose-built, rack-clad automated cold store has been designed to support Magnavale’s goal of creating Europe’s most efficient cold storage facility, operating at a standard temperature of -200C. The 474,283 sq. ft. development can function at temperatures as low as -28°C and is powered entirely by renewable energy, reinforcing Magnavale’s commitment to sustainability. The facility features a five-storey office space, extensive external yards, an HGV marshalling area, and a large staff car park. Additionally, cutting-edge refrigeration plant ensures that the storage chamber maintains optimal conditions for frozen food products from leading retailers. The construction of the project presented a range of unique challenges. The facility was delivered while maintaining 24/7 access to the adjacent McCain food production facility, alongside another existing cold storage unit and water treatment processing works, while ensuring minimal disruption to operations and a water treatment facility. Extensive demolition and controlled waste removal was required to clear the site, which was previously home to an iron ore drift mine. The project team also had to divert and relay multiple services and utilities across the site. An external gantry system was used to accommodate certain services instead of traditional underground installations due to space constraints. The construction incorporated a contractor-designed steel fibre slab, eliminating the need for more than 20 steel fixers on-site, while an on-site gas generator was refurbished to provide 1.45MW of power. Due to the size of concrete pours, an on-site concrete batching plant was incorporated into the build, to eliminate issues with delivery delays. The project also required precise coordination to accommodate 90 shipping containers of conveyor systems, and McLaren successfully managed an international workforce, including a specialised team from Bosnia. With the building now operational, Magnavale has achieved a major advancement in the cold storage sector, setting new standards in automation, energy efficiency, and logistics. The facility’s scale and technological sophistication position it as one of the most advanced cold storage hubs in Europe, supporting the growing demand for high-efficiency food storage solutions. Gary Cramp, Managing Director of McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “Delivering this project has been a remarkable achievement, showcasing McLaren’s expertise in managing large-scale, complex construction projects. This facility not only advances the UK’s cold storage infrastructure but also exemplifies our focus on sustainable and innovative building practices.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HG Construction has been appointed as the main contractor on a new purpose-built student accommodation in Stratford being developed in partnership with HG Living and M&G Real Estate. The N16 Stratford scheme will comprise 504 student beds constructed over two blocks reaching 10 and 18 storeys. The project will also include over 1,500 sqm of high-quality amenity space for students, including roof terraces and courtyards. Situated in the heart of Stratford, home to several well-established and accredited universities, the development will provide a significant boost to the student accommodation offering in the area. N16 Stratford is targeting an EPC rating of A and a BREEAM rating of Outstanding. HG Construction will self-deliver key elements of the build process, securing programme and quality benefits. The scheme is currently in the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) review phase and the main build is anticipated to start later this year. Adam Quinn, CEO, HG Construction said: “We are pleased to announce our involvement in this landmark PBSA development in partnership with HG Living and M&G Real Estate, an announcement which comes as we celebrate our 25th anniversary as a company. “As we continue to navigate the ever-changing construction market, we are learning to adapt as an industry. Working in partnership as funder, developer and contractor has enabled us to overcome early challenges to successfully secure this scheme. We are well underway with preparing the BSR submission and we look forward to making a meaningful start on construction towards the end of year in preparation for receiving students in the 2028/2029 academic year, and to working collaboratively with M&G Real Estate as the scheme progresses.” Craig McPhail, Director, HG Living added: “We are delighted to partner with M&G Real Estate and HG Construction on N16 Stratford. M&G Real Estate’s expertise and strategic vision align perfectly with our commitment to delivering sustainable, high-quality accommodation with strong ESG credentials in a key undersupplied student market. This scheme will deliver a significant number of student beds in an excellent location, and we look forward to working collaboratively with HG Construction and M&G Real Estate to deliver another best-in-class PBSA asset and to maximising our social value contributions throughout.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bouygues UK has secured the contract to build two flagship education facilities for Cardiff & Vale College (CAVC): the Barry Waterfront Campus and the Advanced Technology Centre in the Vale of Glamorgan. The project, delivered under the Welsh government’s mutual investment model (MIM), is the largest to date under the programme. Developed by the Welsh Education Partnership Company (WEPCo) and designed by Sheppard Robson Architects, with engineering support from Arup, the scheme aims to enhance education and skills training in the region. WEPCo is a joint venture between the Development Bank of Wales and French investment firm Meridiam, established to support the development of educational infrastructure across Wales. Construction is set to begin in June 2024, with completion expected in summer 2027. Once operational, the campuses will be maintained and managed for 25 years by Robertson FM. The Barry Waterfront Campus will be built on a brownfield site in Barry’s Waterfront Innovation Quarter, accommodating 900 students across courses including art & design, hospitality, catering, and beauty therapy. A student-run restaurant and hair & beauty salon will be open to the public, providing hands-on training opportunities. Meanwhile, the Advanced Technology Centre, to be built near Cardiff Airport, will cater to nearly 2,000 students and focus on cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced manufacturing, and net zero carbon technologies. The facility will also feature a business centre, composites manufacturing hub, and a ‘green skills house’ to support sustainability training. Bouygues UK project director Peter Sharpe, who previously led the Pentre Awel health and business complex in Llanelli, said:“Education projects are especially rewarding, knowing they will benefit young people for generations to come. We look forward to welcoming thousands of students into these state-of-the-art facilities in 2027.” WEPCo chief executive Christian Stanbury added:“We’re delighted to reach this milestone in delivering such a landmark college project. Having worked with Cardiff & Vale College for years, we understand the impact this will have on future generations of learners and the wider college community.” This development marks a significant investment in the future of skills and education in Wales, equipping students with the knowledge and training needed for careers in emerging industries. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Birmingham-based property developer SevenCapital is making a bold move into the London residential market, with plans for a £1bn expansion across three major projects in Kensington, Islington, and the Isle of Dogs. Subject to planning approval, these developments could deliver 1,000 new homes through a combination of new builds and conversions. The first of these projects to secure planning consent is 100 Kensington, a £500m residential development featuring 462 apartments. Standing at 29 storeys, it will become the tallest residential tower in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea. The other two projects—Klein’s Wharf on the Isle of Dogs and the Archway Campus in Islington—are currently in the planning phase, with proposals for 375 and 178 new homes respectively. SevenCapital, founded in 2009 by chairman Bal Sohal and managing director Damien Siviter, has an extensive £2.1bn portfolio of completed and pipeline projects. The company has played a key role in shaping Birmingham’s residential landscape with developments such as St George’s Urban Village, The Kettleworks, St Martin’s Place, and The Lansdowne. Now, it is turning its attention to London and the Southeast. For 100 Kensington, SevenCapital is collaborating with real estate investment manager Mark Capital Management. Designed by John McAslan & Partners with detailed plans by Corstorphine & Wright, the scheme will transform a 1.7-hectare site into 462 homes, including 186 affordable units. The development will also feature a 15,000 sq ft leisure facility, a concierge service, 25,000 sq ft of retail and office space, and a podium garden. Klein’s Wharf, located off Westferry Road and fronting the River Thames, will comprise 375 new homes across three buildings, with 40% designated as affordable housing. The site has a rich industrial heritage, having been home to Fenner’s Oil & Paint Refinery, which operated from 1856 to 1932, supplying fuel and paint for London’s docked ships. The Archway Campus development is centred on a historic Victorian hospital site in Islington. Previously owned by the NHS and later Middlesex University and University College London, the campus had been vacant for over a decade before SevenCapital acquired it. The company’s plans include restoring key historic buildings while redeveloping the site to provide 178 homes, 51% of which will be affordable. Additionally, the scheme will feature a new student accommodation building with 242 rooms. The masterplan for the site has been designed by Niall McLaughlin Architects. SevenCapital’s managing director Damien Siviter said:“SevenCapital is committed to delivering vibrant communities and sustainable schemes that enhance the lives of residents and workers. With our proven expertise in urban regeneration, we are now broadening our operations into London and the Southeast, bringing our track record of high-quality residential and mixed-use developments to the capital.” Chief operating officer James Moody added:“Our London expansion is focused on creating outstanding new homes with premium specifications and bespoke designs. Each development is carefully tailored to its location, offering buyers something truly unique. In 2025, we will launch 100 Kensington, our highly anticipated first London development, setting a new benchmark for luxury living in the capital.” With this ambitious expansion, SevenCapital is positioning itself as a key player in London’s evolving residential market, bringing its expertise in regeneration to some of the city’s most sought-after locations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A New Era for Project Delivery For decades, AECOM, a Fortune 500 company, has led global infrastructure innovation, delivering complex projects in transportation, energy, water, and sustainability. As a trusted leader worldwide, AECOM tackles some of the world’s toughest challenges—on time, on budget, and with a growing focus on sustainability. Yet, like the entire infrastructure industry, AECOM has long faced a persistent challenge: decisions are only as good as the data available, and in project management, that data often arrives too late. Reports take weeks to compile and analyse, meaning project teams operate in a constant state of lag. By the time a project director gets an update, conditions on-site have likely already changed. “We used to operate on monthly cycles, with lock weeks where data couldn’t move, and reports were already outdated by the time they were read.” —Richard Newey, Head of Risk & Integrated Controls, AECOM In an industry where delays cost millions and sustainability targets grow more ambitious, relying on outdated information is no longer an option. To solve this, AECOM partnered with Nodes & Links to revolutionise project insights, delivering real-time intelligence to clients. While AECOM sought a partner to solve this challenge, Nodes & Links sought an industry leader to help drive real AI-powered change in project controls. AECOM was that partner. “The future doesn’t just happen—you have to forcefully create it. AI in project management is only inevitable if we make it happen. We needed a partner delivering daily, guiding us on what’s needed to make AI genuinely useful to everyone.” —Greg Lawton, CEO, Nodes & Links With AECOM’s deep industry expertise and commitment to innovation, this partnership ensures Nodes & Links’ AI delivers real-world, actionable impact, helping teams make better, faster decisions when it matters most. Why Are Traditional Project Controls Not Enough? The problem wasn’t just the data lag… It was the ripple effects that followed: “With Nodes & Links, we are no longer making decisions on information that is four weeks or six weeks old.” —Richard Newey, AECOM Delays don’t just mean lost time; they waste opportunities. The ability to identify risks before they escalate and adjust strategy in real time separates high-performing projects from those struggling to keep up. The Solution: AI-Powered Project Controls in Real Time AECOM turned to Nodes & Links to eliminate the delays in turning raw project data into actionable information. Instead of waiting weeks for reports, teams now have near-live project visibility, allowing faster, smarter decision-making. “We’re now able to do things at a fraction of the speed we were five years ago—whether it’s analysing critical paths, sub-critical paths, or driving decision-making.” —Richard Newey, AECOM With AI handling the heavy lifting, AECOM’s project teams can now: “AI and automation are transforming how we deliver projects. This technology isn’t just about efficiency, it’s about redefining how we approach decision-making.” —Richard Newey, AECOM But the biggest breakthrough came in an area where project teams have long struggled to integrate real-time insights: sustainability. Beyond Cost & Time: Bringing Carbon into the Equation For decades, project teams have made decisions based on two primary constraints: cost and time. But what about carbon? Traditionally, sustainability has been measured and reported on after the fact, making it nearly impossible to adjust course in real time. Now, Nodes & Links enables AECOM to track carbon impact live, alongside cost and schedule trade-offs, without extra effort from teams. “For the first time in our industry, we’re not just talking about sustainability, we’re actively using data and AI to drive decision-making around carbon reduction.” —Richard Newey, Head of Risk & Integrated Controls, AECOM Nodes & Links’ AI seamlessly integrates carbon insights into existing project schedules, providing an instant view of a project’s carbon profile without requiring additional steps or inputs. With carbon now embedded into project controls, teams can ask new, critical questions: Carbon is no longer separate—it’s at the heart of project strategy. “AECOM is transforming how clients manage carbon. Real-time AI-driven insights help them make sustainable decisions at the right time, not months too late. Partnering with Nodes & Links has made sustainability an actionable priority, not just a goal.” –Nina Palmieri, Project Director, AECOM A Partnership Establishing A New Standard for Project Controls The partnership between AECOM and Nodes & Links isn’t just about adopting AI, it’s about setting a new standard for how major infrastructure projects are managed. “We can’t predict exactly what will happen on every project, but what we can do is ensure project teams have the right data at the right time to make the best possible decisions. AI allows us to do that at a scale and speed we’ve never seen before.” – Richard Newey, Head of Risk & Integrated Controls, AECOM The future of project controls is here. And with AI at the core, it’s smarter, faster, and more sustainable than ever before. Watch the announcement video here: Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Civil engineering costs are set to rise by 16 per cent over the next five years to 4Q 2029, driven mainly by increasing labour costs. Over the same period, civil engineering tender prices are expected to increase by 22 per cent according to the latest forecast from the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS). Dr David Crosthwaite, chief economist at BCIS, said: “Infrastructure projects, by their nature, require long-term planning and delivery, meaning there are no quick fixes. “However, greater government clarity could help to restore confidence in the sector. “The Lower Thames Crossing, for instance, remains in limbo. Despite being a critical transport project, it has yet to receive final approval, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves recently saying it will need to be funded by private finance. But securing investment takes time, and no investor will commit without a definitive green light from the government. “If ministers are serious about revitalising infrastructure, decisive action is required. Without firm commitments and project approvals, the industry risks further stagnation at a time when clear direction is urgently needed.” BCIS has formed a Civil Engineering TPI panel to advise on the latest movement in tender prices. Comprised of cost consultants from firms involved in multiple civil engineering tenders in the UK, the panel also provides commentary on conditions affecting pricing levels on civil engineering projects. The panel agreed an average increase of 1 per cent in the first quarter of 2025, with annual growth at 3 per cent. Dr Crosthwaite said: “Like in other sectors, civil engineering clients are waiting to see what happens with the second phase of the government’s spending review, due in June. Until then, there continues to be uncertainty in the market. “Panellists said that, although there is positive sentiment in the sector, the point at which that is expected to convert to activity keeps moving back. Whereas there was an expectation at the end of last year that output would increase from the beginning of the year, they’re now talking about the latter half of this year at the earliest.” Contractors’ appetite to tender for civil engineering projects was reported as fairly flat with some sub-sectors busy with constrained supply chains. Dr Crosthwaite said: “Water, sewerage and electricity generation spending are expected to kick in later this year, so we’ll see increased pressure in those areas. “Panellists also reported that they are starting to see some price rises feeding through following the announced changes to employers National Insurance contributions.” New work infrastructure output declined by 9.3 per cent in 2024 but is set to return to growth from this year. Output in the sector is forecast to rise by 17 per cent over the next five years. Dr Crosthwaite added: “Future output levels will be bolstered by proposed new work in the energy and water sectors, alongside ongoing work on HS2, Hinkley Point C, and offshore wind developments. In addition, the commitment to build the HS2 link between Old Oak Common and Euston is likely to boost output when construction starts in 2026.” For more information about BCIS, please visit: www.bcis.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Alliance Homes is celebrating a key milestone, with its total number of homes across the West of England now reaching 7,000. The landmark highlights the organisation’s commitment to playing its part in tackling the housing crisis in the region, with an ambition to build 2,000 new affordable homes by 2033. To mark the occasion, Alliance Homes’ Service Director for New Homes, Sarah McQuatt, met with one of the housing association’s newest customers, Samantha and David Mildon, who recently moved into a new build home with their daughter Bella and dog Huxley. Their four-bed, end of terrace home is part of the Parish Brook development in Nailsea, which is delivering 51 affordable homes to the area, including 42 for social rent and nine for shared ownership. Alliance Homes’ Service Director for New Homes, Sarah McQuatt (Left) cuts a celebration cake with Samantha and David Mildon. Samantha’s story shows the impact that safe and secure affordable housing can have on families. Before moving to Parish Brook in December 2024, she and her family lived in a privately rented home that felt too small, was expensive to heat and didn’t offer them long-term stability. The new home has given them much-needed space and security, particularly for Bella, who is blind and has autism and epilepsy. Bella Mildon Samantha’s story shows the impact that safe and secure affordable housing can have on families. Before moving to Parish Brook in December 2024, she and her family lived in a privately rented home that felt too small, was expensive to heat and didn’t offer them long-term stability. The new home has given them much-needed space and security, particularly for Bella, who is blind and has autism and epilepsy. Samantha said: “Moving into this house has made such a big difference to our lives – we feel like we’ve won the lottery, and every aspect of our lives has improved. “Before, Bella would have multiple meltdowns a day. Now it’s maybe once a week – and usually triggered by her epilepsy rather than her environment. “The open-plan layout has given Bella more confidence to move around, something she lost after she became blind. We now also have the space for her to receive medical treatments at home and even room for respite carers to stay overnight. Our new home has made us all much calmer, happier, and more confident for the future. This is somewhere we can put down roots and really grow.” Samantha and David Mildon at home with their dog Huxley David explained how the energy-efficiency of the home has also helped with heating bills. “We only need to put the heating on for an hour in the morning, and it stays cosy for the rest of the day.” Sarah McQuatt said: “It’s fantastic to celebrate this milestone and to see first-hand the difference a secure, affordable home can make to a family like Samantha, David and Bella’s. I’m so pleased to see them flourishing in their new home. “At Alliance, we want to do our bit to tackle the housing crisis in our region, and we build around 175 new affordable homes each year. Our ambition to build 2,000 new affordable homes by 2033 will help more local people and families access secure, well-built homes in the future.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Prime Minister recently announced the latest tranche of funding for the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU). This additional investment of £415m will enable further progress on the multi-billion-pound programme, ensuring the delivery of faster, more frequent, and greener rail services between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds, and York. Beyond the transport improvements, TRU is unlocking significant social and economic benefits for the region. Thousands of jobs and hundreds of apprenticeships are being created, local businesses are benefiting from supply chain opportunities and the shift towards greener transport will reduce carbon emissions by up to 87,000 tonnes each year. James Richardson, Managing Director for Transpennine Route Upgrade, said: “The government’s continued support for TRU is a clear vote of confidence in the work we are doing, which is an enabler to releasing the economic potential of the North. This funding supports our onward journey to be truly transformational, delivering faster, more reliable rail services that connect people to jobs, education, and leisure opportunities. “By improving connectivity and increasing capacity, we are not only enhancing journeys for customers but also helping to drive up investment supporting more housing and more jobs and boosting productivity across the region.” The TRU programme is delivering: With this latest announcement, it takes the programme to £7.3bn of approved funding and moves TRU even closer to delivering a modern, high-performing railway, that better connects communities across the North. By enhancing capacity, reliability and sustainability, the programme is improving journeys for passengers, and strengthening the region’s economic future. As work progresses, this transformative Transpennine Route Upgrade will play a vital role in unlocking new opportunities, supporting local businesses and helping create a more prosperous and better-connected North for generations to come. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Gateway 2 is a crucial regulatory checkpoint introduced under the Building Safety Act 2022, applying to higher-risk buildings, typically those over eighteen metres tall or with seven or more storeys and containing at least two residential units. Compliance is required before construction begins, meaning no work can legally start until the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has reviewed and approved a detailed building control application. This application must demonstrate that the building’s design meets all relevant Building Regulations and properly considers fire safety and structural safety risks. The building control application submitted at the Gateway 2 stage is much more thorough than traditional applications. It requires developers to submit full design documentation, including plans, calculations, and specifications, along with a fire and emergency file and evidence that competent professionals are overseeing the project. Developers must also show how they will maintain the ‘Golden Thread’ which is a clear, up-to-date record of safety information applicable throughout the building’s life cycle. The application must also set out how any design changes during construction will be managed and reported to the regulator. The introduction of Gateway 2 is part of a wider push to improve building safety following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, ensuring safety is prioritised from the very start of construction. By requiring a ‘stop/go’ decision point before work can begin, Gateway 2 aims to prevent unsafe designs from progressing into construction, increasing accountability and ensuring higher standards across the industry. This stricter process is designed to reduce safety risks during both construction and the eventual occupation of the building. Gateway 2 is part of a staged process, the three gateways in the new system are: Gateway 1 – Pre-Planning: Considering safety risks at the planning application stage. Gateway 2 – Pre-Construction: Ensuring the design is safe before building starts. (this is where Gateway 2 compliance applies). Gateway 3 – Post-Construction: A final check before the building is occupied. Aluprof UK has demonstrated a strong commitment to aligning with the Building Safety Act’s requirements, particularly concerning Gateway 2 approvals. Its broad range of high performance façade solutions, all 3rd party tested to the relevant standards makes Aluprof the ideal partner. In addition their major projects team collaborates closely with specialist façade contractors to ensure that all necessary supporting documentation and compliance measures are meticulously prepared for submission to the Building Safety Regulator (BSR). This proactive approach is essential, especially in light of recent challenges faced by the BSR, such as delays in processing Gateway 2 applications due to an outsourced delivery model and a shortage of in-house technical expertise. Aluprof’s vertical integration benefits specifiers by ensuring consistent product quality, streamlined supply chains, and enhanced technical support. With in-house system design, manufacturing, and testing, Aluprof delivers high-performance aluminium systems that meet stringent UK and EU building regulations, including Gateway 2 requirements under the Building Safety Act. This integrated approach allows for greater customisation, faster lead times, and improved cost efficiency, giving specifiers confidence in project timelines and compliance. Additionally, direct collaboration with Aluprof’s experts ensures tailored solutions that align with architectural intent while enhancing sustainability and energy efficiency. UK-based facade specialists, Century Facades, in conjunction with the team at Aluprof UK, have recently confirmed that the Gateway 2 application for the Devonshire Place project in London is complete. The validation checks have recently been conducted and the application has been determined to be valid, however, the final decision will be made within the statutory timelines unless an extension of time is agreed. Marcin Bara, Design Director at Century Facades takes up the story: “In the context of UK construction industry, Gateway 2 focuses on ensuring compliance with the functional requirements of the Building Regulations and forms a “hold point” between the design and construction phases. It is crucial for a facade specialist contractor to work closely with the facade system supplier and vice versa to align on design intricacies, material specifications, and safety requirements. This collaboration must be based on trust and true partnership as only this ensures that the facade would not only meet aesthetic criteria but also adheres to performance and safety standards mandated by current Building Regulations via Gateway processes. “Effective communication and coordination between the contractor and supplier help in identifying potential issues early, optimising resource use, and ensuring the facade system contributes to the building’s overall compliance, sustainability, and safety objectives. This is where key partners such as Aluprof can work as an extension arm to our competent and fully qualified in-house Design and Engineering Teams to ensure the application produced for Gateway 2 is of the highest possible standards. “It is crucial for the system supplier to offer tailored approach to this new approval regime, so that their offer and service provided is project specific and matches our requirements as a specialist facade contractor fully. This is where our close partners such as Aluprof can play a key role in producing quality submissions, meeting expectations of our Clients entirely.” Between October 1, 2023, and September 16, 2024, the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) reported that they had received 1,018 Gateway 2 applications. Of these, only 146 were approved, equating to an approval rate of approximately 14%. The BSR rejected 25 applications, while the status of the remaining 847 applications was not specified. These delays have been attributed to several factors, including an unexpected surge in applications, a high number of incomplete or unclear submissions, and resource constraints within the BSR. Developers have expressed concerns that these bottlenecks are hindering essential housing projects, including student accommodations and build-to-rent homes. The BSR has acknowledged these challenges and is working to stabilise and improve the building control approval process for higher-risk buildings. They emphasise the importance of submitting clear and comprehensive applications to facilitate quicker decision-making and reduce delays. It seems there is still some confusion over the process with contractors and developers. In short, Gateway 2 compliance is about proving to the Building Safety Regulator that the design of a higher-risk building meets all safety requirements before work starts on
Family-owned construction firm Beard has unveiled details of the most successful trading period in its 133-year history, with turnover rising by 10% and approaching £200m in 2024. In the full year to 31 December 2024, the company turned over £198m, with pre-tax profits reaching £5.2million in a strong performance underpinned by the completion of 43 projects from its offices in Bristol, Guildford, Oxford, Southampton and Swindon. It also saw a successful year for Beard’s newest office in Southampton, which opened in January 2024, and successfully achieved its targets by turning over £4.8million. Finance director, Fraser Johns, said: “Having laid the foundations in 2023, we worked hard to continue this momentum into 2024 and are pleased to once again to report strong results. “We’ve delivered projects for our customers across all our specialist sectors, including education, leisure and commercial. It was also an outstanding year for our special projects teams. “While it’s been a more favourable trading environment from that of recent years, a continued focus on the basics of building construction has been a key driver. “We start 2025 with a healthy pipeline of work, supporting our ambitions for further business improvement and growth.” Laying foundations for success Investing in people has continued to be a core focus for Beard, with new and enhanced training programmes developed and delivered. This included EmpowerHer, a bespoke training course to support women in construction. Beard also formalised its approach to supporting communities, with social value coordinators appointed in each region to support the firm’s charitable, developmental, and sustainability ambitions. With match funding from The Beard Charitable Foundation, colleagues raised more than £100,000 for 14 different charities and good causes in 2024. During 2024, Beard was also amongst the first cohort to be awarded the Fair Payment Code bronze award, which replaced the Prompt Payment Code in December 2024, demonstrating its commitment to supporting supply chain partners. Delivering for customers At the heart of this is Beard’s work for its customers across the south of England. Project highlights from 2024 included: Fraser added: “This wouldn’t have been possible without our skilled and supportive supply chain who help us to deliver prompt and faultless work for our customers, and our project partners, who trust us with their visions. “A huge thank you must also go to all our Beard colleagues who are dedicated to delivering the very best on every project, as well as continually developing themselves and staying true to Beard’s values. It’s a collective success for us all.” To find out more about Beard, visit www.beardconstruction.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
