Get Living, one of the UK’s leading build-to-rent operators and developers, has submitted revised proposals for the next and final phase of its Elephant and Castle town centre transformation, bringing further homes for rent, including affordable homes, as well as landscaped public realm and a major cultural venue. The West
The transformation and extension of 76 Southbank, a Grade II listed building adjacent to the National Theatre, has successfully reached practical completion – delivering 300,000 sq. ft. of cutting-edge and sustainable office space. The scheme has been delivered with Stanhope Plc as Development Manager, LaSalle Investment Management as asset manager
Practical completion reached at The Crescent Centre as fit out company appointed On behalf of investment and development company CEG, Kier has completed the redevelopment of Crescent at Temple Quay in Bristol. The building has been transformed to include a new two-storey feature façade, a rooftop extension and the addition
Marks & Spencer has announced a £90 million investment to expand and upgrade its store portfolio across London, with six brand new food halls and 11 enhanced stores set to open or relaunch in the coming years. The retail giant will add around 70,000 sq ft of new space through
Caddick Construction has broken ground on a major urban logistics development in Leeds, after being appointed by developer Chancerygate as main contractor for its £46.5 million T45 scheme. Situated just off junction 45 of the M1 motorway, the 11.1-acre site will deliver 23 high-specification commercial units ranging in size from
London’s worsening homelessness emergency represents the “single biggest risk” to boroughs’ finances and is pushing town halls towards bankruptcy, London Councils has warned. Analysis from the cross-party group estimates that skyrocketing numbers of homeless Londoners needing a roof over their heads and spiralling temporary accommodation costs mean boroughs in the
RAIB recently released its report into a track worker near miss at Chiltern Green, between Harpenden and Luton, 23 April 2024. Summary At about 09:53 on 23 April 2024, a train travelling at 104 mph (167 km/h) came very close to striking a track worker who was crossing an underbridge
The first students to take part in the pilot Careys Construction Campus at Oxford North, the free three-week training course for people aged 17 years and over, have graduated with flying colours. Six students, five of whom have joined through SOFEA, the Didcot-based charity that provides education, employability and wellbeing
Caddick Construction Group has reported an annual turnover of £356m for the year ending 31 August 2024, reflecting the wider Caddick Group’s focus on steady, sustainable growth and a strong future. Representing a 12% growth in revenue compared to the previous 2022/23 year, the uplift powered pre-tax profit forward to
Speedy Hire, the UK’s leading tools and equipment hire company, is proud to have partnered with WellChild’s Helping Hands programme to complete a life-changing garden transformation for 14-year-old Daisy in Huddersfield. Daisy has a chromosome disorder and epilepsy, which affects her mobility, meaning she requires specialist care. The new outdoor
Get Living, one of the UK’s leading build-to-rent operators and developers, has submitted revised proposals for the next and final phase of its Elephant and Castle town centre transformation, bringing further homes for rent, including affordable homes, as well as landscaped public realm and a major cultural venue. The West Site sits alongside The Elephant, the second phase of the scheme, which is providing 485 new homes, a diverse mix of restaurants, shops, leisure and cultural facilities, a new university campus, workspace, improved transport infrastructure including a new underground station and a new public square. The updated plans for the West Site, have been submitted to Southwark Council this month and form the third phase of Get Living’s £1.5 billion regeneration of the Elephant and Castle Town Centre. The enhanced proposal reinforces Get Living’s commitment to creating a thriving destination and a new meeting place for locals, prospective residents and visitors alike. It will be the company’s flagship mixed use scheme, incorporating retail, leisure, culture, education and infrastructure improvements alongside the new homes for rent. Building on the original 2019 masterplan, the revisions introduce 452 purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) beds, easing pressure on the local private rental market and responding to the growing demand for high-quality rental and student accommodation. In Southwark alone, there has been a 25% rise in the student population over the past decade. In response to local community feedback, retail space on the first floor facing Pastor Street has been replaced with nine additional homes, increasing the total number of homes to 507, of which 165 are affordable. The plans introduce architectural improvements to complement Elephant and Castle’s distinct character alongside providing a new public square, which will serve as a focal point for the area’s social and cultural life. Sustainability remains at the heart of the project, with an all-electric low carbon energy system, increased green spaces, and a strong commitment to reducing carbon emissions where possible by adopting the principles of passive haus design. A significant carbon reduction will be achieved by repurposing part of the existing LCC Workshop into an exciting new cultural venue. The adaptive reuse of the structure will help to preserve Elephant and Castle’s rich history and social fabric whilst creating flexible spaces for arts, performances, and community activities. The development also carefully respects the surrounding streetscape, providing the transition between the nearby Elliott’s Row Conservation Area and Victorian houses on Oswin Street to the new Elephant and Castle town centre. The West Site becomes available for redevelopment in early 2028, following the relocation of the LCC to its new, state-of-the-art campus building next door at The Elephant. The launch of the development will mark the delivery of a game changing regeneration of Elephant and Castle, set to be central London’s newest and exciting mixed use destination. Rick de Blaby, Chief Executive of Get Living, said: “Elephant and Castle has always been a place where cultures, commerce, and communities converge and we are working hard to honour that legacy as we continue the extraordinary transformation. “We are pleased to submit our planning application for the final phase that better reflects local need while significantly enhancing the sustainability credentials. “Alongside our work on the West site, our vision for the second phase of The Elephant is quickly becoming a reality and we are progressing some very exciting conversations with both well-known brands and unique independents, which will be opening their doors when the scheme launches in 2026. “As long-term stakeholders, we are committed to delivering a new meeting place where people can come together to live, work and socialise, delivering much-needed homes, including affordable homes, student accommodation and vibrant public spaces that bring energy and opportunity to the area.” The first phase of Get Living’s Elephant and Castle development, Elephant Central, launched in 2017, and included 374 homes for rent, 278 student homes and 65,659 sq ft of commercial space, comprising a supermarket, gym and nursery. Its second phase, The Elephant, is launching in early 2026, and will include 135,000 sq ft of shops, restaurants and leisure space, a 370,000 sq ft university buildings for UAL, landscaped public realm, 55,000 sq ft of workspace, and 485 new homes for rent, of which 172 will be affordable. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The transformation and extension of 76 Southbank, a Grade II listed building adjacent to the National Theatre, has successfully reached practical completion – delivering 300,000 sq. ft. of cutting-edge and sustainable office space. The scheme has been delivered with Stanhope Plc as Development Manager, LaSalle Investment Management as asset manager and was overseen by Multiplex as the Main Contractor. PayPal, a global leader in digital payments, will be the building’s first occupier, after signing a lease for 40,000 sq. ft. of the top floor of the building. Targeting a Q2 2026 occupancy, PayPal selected 76 Southbank based on the building’s amenity offerings, proximity to their current City offices and its transport connectivity. Six stations, including Waterloo, Charing Cross and Blackfriars, are within a 10-minute walk from 76 Southbank, providing direct access to the West End, City of London and Canary Wharf. The completed refurbishment features impressive outdoor terraces spanning 50,000 sq. ft., offering panoramic river views alongside biophilic landscaping. A double-height entrance lobby provides a generous office reception, with a striking centrepiece staircase serving as a visual focal point. 76 Southbank prioritises occupant wellbeing, with the revitalised building offering adaptable office spaces designed to enhance productivity and comfort while fostering collaboration. Forward-thinking design principles prioritise the end user experience, such as touchless entry systems and curated amenity areas. The iconic space sets a new standard in low-carbon office design. The project construction has embraced a circular economy approach, prioritising off-site fabrication to minimise on-site waste and incorporating reused steel in its construction. This dedication to sustainability is embodied through energy-efficient solutions that have been installed whilst protecting the building’s brutalist heritage. The project is targeting a BREEAM Outstanding certification and NABERS Design Reviewed Target Rating of 5 Stars. The transformation project renews the last significant work of Sir Denys Lasdun, the renowned architect behind iconic structures such as the National Theatre. The remodelling and refurbishing of this historically significant Grade II listed building has been carried out with the utmost sensitivity, ensuring that 80% of its iconic structure is preserved for future generations. The architectural redesign has been led by AHMM. Stanhope are the Development Manager and LaSalle Investment Management are the asset managers for the project. Global alternative asset manager Cheyne Capital Real Estate provided the financing for the project. Leading real estate agencies CBRE and JLL have been appointed as agents for 76 Southbank. JLL acted for Paypal. Kevin Darvishi, Head of Leasing at Stanhope said: “Practical completion of 76 Southbank and the arrival of PayPal will breathe new life into this brutalist icon. Built for the future, 76 Southbank is accessed from a spectacular triple height reception and provides large floor plates that all benefit from unrivalled views of the Thames, in a thriving part of central London. An occupier of PayPal’s calibre underlines market demand for low-carbon and amenity-rich workspaces.” Chris Lewis, Managing Director, International Accounts, Europe, LaSalle Investment Management said: “The completion of 76 Southbank marks a significant milestone. Its strong location, best-in-class amenities and historical significance position it as a standout commercial property in central London. PayPal’s decision to occupy space here underscores the building’s appeal, and we look forward to welcoming their employees to this exceptional development next year.” Simon Bladon, PayPal UK CEO said: “This is an exciting time for PayPal in the UK, and we’re looking forward to welcoming in the next chapter with a brand new home on London’s iconic South Bank.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Practical completion reached at The Crescent Centre as fit out company appointed On behalf of investment and development company CEG, Kier has completed the redevelopment of Crescent at Temple Quay in Bristol. The building has been transformed to include a new two-storey feature façade, a rooftop extension and the addition of three private roof terraces, the most prominent of which offers unrivalled views over Temple Gardens from the fifth floor. The first letting has already been secured with OVO relocating its UK headquarters to 22,894 sq. ft of space, which includes the entire fifth floor and a fourth-floor suite. Crescent offers 100,000 sq ft of office space and has the largest private garden in the city centre as an added benefit for its occupiers. There is also a secure weatherproof cycle park for 164 bikes and a repair docking facility, wellbeing and fitness studio with leisure club changing facilities. As well as targeting BREEAM Excellent and EPC A, the building is targeting Net Zero Carbon in operation. Reuse of the existing structure provides a 45% reduction in upfront embodied carbon over new build, allied with best-in-class energy efficient heating and cooling, makes Crescent a compelling sustainability option. CEG has now appointed Bath-based fit out specialist, Interaction, to deliver break out workspace and beautiful fitted office suites. The fitted office suites will provide occupiers with the option of taking tailor made space ready for immediate occupation or taking traditional office suites where they can deliver their own fit out. Interaction’s Business Director, Hannah Eardley said: “We are thrilled to collaborate with CEG on such a transformative project. The design balances sustainability with a deep respect for the building’s heritage, incorporating nods to Bristol’s rich manufacturing history such as the original fabric racks and pottery. By reimagining communal areas with thoughtful, flexible design, we’re creating a space that really works for its occupiers, offering something for everyone. This collaboration is a fantastic opportunity to deliver not just a workplace, but a destination where community and sustainability are at the heart of the experience.” Paul Richardson, Investment Manager at CEG, said; “Crescent sits in a prime location on Temple Back. This is a first-class redevelopment and Interaction’s interior design will deliver a contemporary and healthy place to work, supported by amenities including a ribbon business lounge, Temple Grind café, well-being and fitness studio.” The development will offer floor plates of 18,000 sq ft. It also benefits from the ability to accommodate a range of requirements from 1,600 sq ft upwards. Carter Jonas and Savills have been appointed to launch the development to market. Harry Allen, Director of Office Agency South-West at Savills, said: “Crescent offers exceptional space for small and growing businesses, from 16 desks to 180, it will create a vibrant and thriving business community. The building’s flexibility and market leading tenant amenities, from a private garden to a café and gym, will appeal to Bristol businesses seeking best in class working environments for their staff with Net Zero commitments.” This £30 million investment is the latest in significant investments into the CEG Group’s portfolio in Bristol which, to date, stands at £234 million. The team is managing a 250,000 sq ft Bristol portfolio, has refurbished the Quorum, delivered the award-winning EQ at 111 Victoria Street and 1000 Aztec West. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Marks & Spencer has announced a £90 million investment to expand and upgrade its store portfolio across London, with six brand new food halls and 11 enhanced stores set to open or relaunch in the coming years. The retail giant will add around 70,000 sq ft of new space through the launch of food halls in Covent Garden, Leytonstone, Clapham Common, Putney, New Malden, and Fulham Broadway—subject to planning permission. These additions are part of a wider strategy to strengthen M&S’s presence in the capital by catering to growing customer demand for high-quality, convenient food offerings. In addition to the new openings, 11 existing stores are undergoing significant upgrades. Among them is the Clapham South food hall, which has already reopened featuring a refreshed produce section, expanded frozen and ambient food areas, a larger in-store bakery, and improved fixtures including new flooring, refrigeration, and checkouts. Further refurbishments are under way at stores in Brooklands, Islington, Brent Cross, Whetstone, Wimbledon, and Chiswick. Meanwhile, revamped M&S food outlets have recently reopened in key London transport hubs including Euston, St Pancras, and Charing Cross stations. One of the most high-profile projects is the phased renewal of M&S’s flagship Pantheon store on Oxford Street. The renovation will begin with a complete overhaul of the basement food hall in April, which will stay open throughout the works. A temporary food offering will be in place while construction progresses. Once completed, the updated food hall will include a fresh pizza counter, hot chicken options, and an all-new coffee shop concept. This investment in the capital follows the company’s announcement of a separate £50 million plan for the North West, aimed at increasing store space and modernising outlets in the region. Sacha Berendji, Operations Director at M&S, said:“London has always held a special place in the M&S story—from our early days with penny bazaars to the modern Foodhalls we operate today, like the one we reopened in Brixton last year. We serve thousands of customers each day across the capital, from large full-line stores to grab-and-go outlets in train stations. This new wave of store investment is our commitment to bringing the best of M&S to every corner of London—from Brixton to Barnet—for many years to come.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Caddick Construction has broken ground on a major urban logistics development in Leeds, after being appointed by developer Chancerygate as main contractor for its £46.5 million T45 scheme. Situated just off junction 45 of the M1 motorway, the 11.1-acre site will deliver 23 high-specification commercial units ranging in size from 4,450 sq ft to 34,000 sq ft. In total, the development will add 223,000 sq ft of new logistics and industrial space to the region, with completion expected in early 2026. The project marks the fourth collaboration between Chancerygate and Caddick, following successful developments in Carlisle, Aintree, and Knutsford. With sustained demand for logistics and manufacturing space across the UK, Caddick has significantly expanded its regional footprint. The company is also delivering a £42 million manufacturing facility for Schneider Electric in North Yorkshire, while nearing completion of a £28 million site in Howden for Yara International — soon to be home to the UK’s largest specialist fertiliser plant. T45 is expected to attract a broad range of occupiers and contribute to the ongoing regeneration and economic development of the Leeds area. Its strategic location, just minutes from the national motorway network, makes it an ideal site for logistics and light industrial businesses. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
London’s worsening homelessness emergency represents the “single biggest risk” to boroughs’ finances and is pushing town halls towards bankruptcy, London Councils has warned. Analysis from the cross-party group estimates that skyrocketing numbers of homeless Londoners needing a roof over their heads and spiralling temporary accommodation costs mean boroughs in the capital were forced to overspend on their homelessness budgets by at least £330m in 2024-25. This represents a 60% increase on their original homelessness budget plans for the year. Local authorities have a legal duty to provide temporary accommodation to homeless households qualifying for support under housing law, making it essentially impossible for councils to place strict limits on their homelessness expenditure. London boroughs also highlight a growing mismatch between their temporary accommodation costs and the subsidy they receive for this from the government. In 2023-24 the gap was around £96m, but London Councils estimates the gap for 2024-25 reached £140m – a 45% increase. London Councils fears that if current trends continue, more boroughs will need emergency support from the government and may even be at risk of issuing Section 114 notices – effectively declarations of bankruptcy [1]. London Councils highlights the following: London Councils emphasises the need for urgent national policy action in the Spending Review to reduce homelessness pressures, including through more financial support for hard-pressed boroughs and additional investment in affordable housing. The government is set to conclude its Spending Review in June, which will determine levels of investment in public services for the coming years. The government is also preparing a new national strategy on homelessness. Cllr Grace Williams, London Councils’ Executive Member for Housing & Regeneration, said: “The worsening homelessness emergency is devastating the lives of too many Londoners and represents the single biggest risk to boroughs’ finances. “Homelessness spending is fundamentally driven by factors outside our control. Boroughs have a legal duty to provide homelessness support – and we’re seeing homelessness numbers skyrocket while accommodation costs spiral. “If things carry on as they are, we will see more boroughs’ become effectively bankrupt. This brings massive uncertainty to the future of our communities’ local services, and could ultimately mean more costs to the government when emergency interventions are required. “London boroughs are doing everything we can to turn this situation around, but we need urgent action from ministers. Only national government has the powers and resources required to bolster councils’ budgets and reduce homelessness pressures – particularly through investing far more in affordable housing.” Cllr Williams recently gave evidence in parliament on boroughs’ unsustainable homelessness spending, including showing MPs a “chart of doom” based on boroughs’ fast-rising overspends [3]. London Councils is calling on the government to: Help councils meet the cost of temporary accommodation by ending the fourteen-year freeze on the amount local authorities can claim back from government to meet their temporary accommodation costs. The subsidy gap has become the key driver of financial insecurity for boroughs, reducing investment in prevention and is consequently leading to lower quality accommodation. Make the increase in Local Housing Allowance rates a permanent measure. Research published by London Councils shows only 5% of London’s private rental listings in the capital are affordable to households in the private rented sector relying on Local Housing Allowance (which goes to eligible households as part of their housing benefit or Universal Credit payment if they have a private landlord). Boroughs want LHA rates updated annually to track inflation and help ensure adequate support for low-income tenants in the private rented sector. This would prevent significant levels of homelessness in the capital. Progress work on the national cross-departmental strategy to reduce homelessness. In line with the government’s commitment to a new strategy with a clear role for councils, tackling homelessness must be a major priority at a national level with government departments working together – in addition to key partners such as local authorities – as effectively as possible. Boost long-term grant funding for affordable housing. The chronic and longstanding shortage of affordable housing is the key factor driving London’s homelessness emergency. At the Spending Review, the government should announce a more ambitious and longer-term Affordable Homes Programme on top of the initial investment confirmed for 2026-27. With more investment available for social and affordable housing, boroughs will be in a better position to deliver the affordable housing London’s communities are crying out for. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
RAIB recently released its report into a track worker near miss at Chiltern Green, between Harpenden and Luton, 23 April 2024. Summary At about 09:53 on 23 April 2024, a train travelling at 104 mph (167 km/h) came very close to striking a track worker who was crossing an underbridge at Chiltern Green, between Harpenden and Luton Airport Parkway stations. The track worker was just stepping off the bridge, from an area where there was very limited space between the bridge parapet and train, when the train passed them. Upon seeing the track worker on the bridge, the driver sounded the train’s horn and then made an emergency brake application. Once the train stopped, the driver reported the incident to the signaller, unsure as to whether the train had struck the track worker. At the time of the incident, the track worker, who was a tester carrying out telecommunications cable testing, was walking to rejoin their group after a welfare break. RAIB found that the tester walked over the bridge because they were unaware of any other way to walk back to the rest of the group and because the person in charge had not arranged for the tester to safely leave and rejoin the group when taking a break. The person in charge had previously taken the tester over the bridge using an informal and potentially unsafe system of work, using a route to the site of work which was not the one the project engineer planning the work had intended the group to use. This happened because the staff involved were unfamiliar with one of the locations, the person in charge had a very limited role when the work was planned and had not been briefed beforehand, and the documents issued to the person in charge did not give a clear description of the way the team was expected to walk to the site of work. RAIB found that the tester had crossed the bridge without an effective safe system of work in place despite being aware of the risks in doing so. However, the tester’s personal track safety competency, and the associated rules for walking alone on or near the line, did not prohibit them from crossing a structure with restricted clearance. RAIB also identified that the bridge was not signed as a limited clearance structure, which was a possible factor. An underlying factor was that the overall methodology followed for planning the work did not provide the person in charge with clear information about how to carry out the walking element of the work. A possible underlying factor was that, although Network Rail had recorded the bridge as having restricted clearance, it and many other structures on the railway between London and Bedford were not fitted with the required signage to warn staff of this hazard. RAIB also observed that: Since the incident, changes to the rules were published to prohibit personal track safety competency holders from crossing a bridge with restricted clearance unless an appropriate safe system of work is in place. Recommendations As a result of the investigation, RAIB has made four recommendations. The first is for Keltbray Infrastructure Services Limited to review and amend how it plans work on or near the line, so its staff can better understand how to manage and carry out the work they need to deliver. The second is for the Rail Safety and Standards Board to follow the relevant rail industry processes to review and amend as necessary the rail industry standard requirements for warning signage at structures with restricted clearance. The third is for Network Rail to record its lineside signage assets, determine what inspection and maintenance regime is required for these assets, and then schedule these activities to be done. The fourth, also addressed to Network Rail, is to reduce the risks to railway staff due to warning signage not being fitted to structures with restricted clearance. RAIB has also identified four learning points. The first reminds staff involved in planning or carrying out work on or near the line of the importance of coming to a clear understanding about how the planned activities, including the walking elements, should be executed. The second highlights the importance of providing information that clearly identifies the access points to be used if the planned activity involves staff going to more than one access point and different sites of work. The third highlights the importance of not going into any area where there is reduced space between a structure and the nearest running rail of an open line. The fourth highlights the importance of track workers, who are involved in a near miss incident with a train, understanding how they will safely exit the railway, and seeking assistance from the signaller if required. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The first students to take part in the pilot Careys Construction Campus at Oxford North, the free three-week training course for people aged 17 years and over, have graduated with flying colours. Six students, five of whom have joined through SOFEA, the Didcot-based charity that provides education, employability and wellbeing programmes for vulnerable young people, have completed their course in curbing, block paving, drainage and finishing. The course ran for five days a week from 8am to 4pm. Their graduation ceremony was held at Oxford North on Friday 11 April 2025 with attendees from Oxford North, Thomas White Oxford, Careys, Mace, SOFEA, Activate Learning and Abingdon and Witney College. They were joined by Councillor Susan Brown, leader of Oxford City Council, to see the campus and meet the teachers and students. The campus is place-based rather than project-based so that upon graduation the students are able to consider jobs at Oxford North and on other construction sites across Oxford and Oxfordshire. All students have completed their Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card training and have had an interview. Three have been offered jobs at Oxford North and the remainder have interviews in progress and work is underway to look at placing them at other developments within the county. Oxford North Ventures is the joint venture company of Thomas White Oxford, the development company of St John’s College, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan and Stanhope which, with Careys, has funded the initial pilot. E.ON Energy partnered with SOFEA to fund materials and transportation to and from Oxford North. Simon Ruck, managing director, Oxford North said: “We offer many congratulations to the first cohort of students at Careys’ campus. What an achievement – they should be very proud of themselves. Our sincere thanks to Careys, and Mace as principal contractor, for their hard work in putting together the campus and course. Their dedication to supporting these young people and training our future construction workers has been admirable. This is what Oxford North is all about – providing opportunities for local people and having a positive social impact.” Tom Wraight, regional director at Careys, stated: “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our first graduates on this significant achievement! We take great pride in their accomplishments. Many young individuals are overlooked due to past trauma or anxiety. We are dedicated to providing support through our campuses. We are in Wembley, Birmingham, Milton Keynes, and now Oxford, and our initiative is proving effective. These locations offer invaluable opportunities for individuals. “As we face a skills gap in the construction sector, while not everyone may choose this path, we strive to engage with these young people through three weeks of structured learning and at the age of 17 and above they can obtain their CSCS card, qualifying them for work on construction sites. Our aim is to equip individuals with both trade skills and essential social skills within a practical setting. A sincere thank you goes out to Mick, Martin, Maddy and Madison and the entire Careys and Mace teams for their unwavering commitment and hard work in making this possible.” Kaiden, graduate, Construction Construction Campus said: “I heard about this course through a family friend and saw it online and wanted to apply as I have thought about construction in the past and wanted to get into it. I’ve learnt stuff that I never thought I would learn and picked up a few new skills like drainage, which pushed me out of my comfort zone. But now I’ve learned new ways and different techniques and the safety regulations which make it easier for me. I would say anyone thinking about doing this course to really, really do it. It’s amazing. I’m proud to have gained an offer of a job and start work as soon as my CSCS card comes through.” Cait Hayton, pre-apprenticeship lead, SOFEA added: “We have seen a transformation in the young people who have taken part in this course in both their confidence and learning new skills – they should be so proud of themselves. We have had positive feedback from their parents and guardians that the course has made a noticeable difference in their children, empowering them and providing positive motivation. We are grateful to EON for supporting us with materials and transportation. We’re so excited for the students to see them grow and what future they have ahead of them.” Fiona, graduate, Construction Construction Campus added: “When I was 15 years old I started work in a scaffolding business and I absolutely loved it – my grandad and my uncle were in construction and a few months ago, I started to miss scaffolding. I kept being told that you needed a CSCS card and I kept thinking to myself that I had to do it. I had to search it up and then found out about this course through SOFEA. I have loved it – just everything about construction is great because it is satisfying to see your work and what you do expand. I would recommend anyone thinking of doing this course to do it because it’s such an amazing opportunity. Getting my certificates is one of my biggest achievements. Honestly, that is amazing.” Councillor Susan Brown, leader, Oxford City Council added: “It was a real privilege to meet all the young people who have been learning at the construction campus. I have heard from everyone involved here today about how beneficial this opportunity has been to giving confidence and skills to these amazing young people. It’s so important for us, for our city and for our country that we encourage people to develop construction skills. We know that there are lots of people out there currently looking for work, and I’m really pleased and grateful that Careys and Oxford North have given local young people this opportunity. It was an important part of the planning approval that local jobs were created and supported but it’s good to see the imaginative ways in which Oxford North has taken
Caddick Construction Group has reported an annual turnover of £356m for the year ending 31 August 2024, reflecting the wider Caddick Group’s focus on steady, sustainable growth and a strong future. Representing a 12% growth in revenue compared to the previous 2022/23 year, the uplift powered pre-tax profit forward to £8m with a margin remaining stable at 2.4%. Alongside growth in revenue, Caddick Construction Group’s order book has continued to grow by 7% to £750m and year-end cash increased to £32.8m from £31.9m along with no debt, positioning Caddick Construction Group well for a strong future. The results form part of the 2023/24 figures for the wider Caddick Group, which consists of Caddick Construction, Caddick Developments and Moda Living. The group saw a consolidated turnover of £606m, a 23% increase in gross profit to £70m and net asset growth to £202m. Caddick Construction Group’s results follow a year of milestones for the business, including the launch of its new Wakefield headquarters in June last year. This was followed by the recent opening of its first North East office in Durham. The year also saw Caddick Construction Group grow its project pipeline across the Northwest, Cumbria, North East, Yorkshire and the Midlands with key appointments including the new Schneider manufacturing facility in Scarborough alongside Caddick Developments. Work in the public sector also includes the expansion of Loreto Sixth Form College in Manchester. Growing its portfolio of residential and industrial and logistics projects, Caddick Construction’s recent appointments include the first phase of Cole Waterhouse and Taurus Investment Holdings LLC’s Upper Trinity Street in Birmingham and Max Spielman’s new warehouse on the Wirral. The 2023/24 annual results for Caddick Construction Group also includes the turnover of its two specialist sub-contracting businesses, Caddick Civil Engineering and CCL Facades, both of which are sustainably growing their turnover and profitability both with Caddick Construction and industry third parties. Paul Caddick, Chairman at Caddick, said: “I’m incredibly proud of the results we’ve achieved this financial year, with a strong turnover reflecting the hard work and dedication of our staff as we continue to build our pipeline and further invest in our people. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and these results are a testament to the collective effort across the business, underlining our purpose of creating thriving communities.” Paul Dodsworth, Construction Group Managing Director, commented: “The past few years have seen the group achieve significant operational and financial progress. We are determined to work with clients and partners that share our values for quality and as a result, the contracts within our order book reflect the bidding discipline and risk management now embedded in the business. “Our strategy is to balance our portfolio between the public and private sectors, growing our education and defense work pipeline alongside our core residential and industrial sectors. This ensures stable profitability to protect our business, our people, our clients and our supply chain. The success for future years is underpinned by the year-end order book, resulting from a large number of contract wins across Construction, Civil Engineering and CCL Facades, providing multi-year revenue visibility. “We are well positioned to continue benefiting from UK Government spending commitments and we are confident in sustaining strong cash generation, especially over the last few years, allowing us to grow and deliver the evolved long-term sustainable growth plan for Caddick Construction Group. “Over the past year, the Caddick Group has also extended its commitment to having a positive impact in the places where it operates. We have made real progress in our scope 1 and scope 2 emissions.” Jessica Harmen, Group Head of ESG and Sustainability, is leading the group’s ‘Places for Life’ strategy, originally launched in 2023, aimed at ensuring the projects across the different arms of the business will prioritise the three key ESG areas – communities, environment and business – to create sustainable places for current and future generations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Speedy Hire, the UK’s leading tools and equipment hire company, is proud to have partnered with WellChild’s Helping Hands programme to complete a life-changing garden transformation for 14-year-old Daisy in Huddersfield. Daisy has a chromosome disorder and epilepsy, which affects her mobility, meaning she requires specialist care. The new outdoor space created is designed to be safe, accessible, and stimulating, allowing her to enjoy the outdoors and spend quality time with her family and friends. Daisy loves being outside, but her garden was previously inaccessible. Over the course of the project, a dedicated team of Speedy Hire volunteers from Huddersfield and the surrounding areas worked alongside WellChild to level the ground, install secure fencing, and introduce sensory-friendly features such as artificial grass, sensory lighting, and accessible play equipment. In addition to volunteering their time and expertise for Daisy’s garden renovation, Speedy Hire also provided free tool hire to support the successful completion of the project, as they do for all WellChild Helping Hands projects across the UK. The WellChild Helping Hands programme enriches the lives of children with complex medical needs across the UK by creating safe, sensory and accessible environments for them and their families to truly thrive at home. Daisy’s Mum Jenny said: “This garden has transformed Daisy’s experience of being outdoors. She now has a safe and enjoyable space where she can relax, play, and interact with nature. We can’t thank Speedy Hire and WellChild enough for making this possible.” Amelia Woodley, ESG Director at Speedy Hire, commented: “We are delighted to support WellChild’s Helping Hands initiative. At Speedy Hire, we believe in making a positive impact in our communities, and this project is a perfect example of how we can use our resources to create meaningful change. Seeing Daisy enjoy her new outdoor space is truly rewarding.” Kieran Cullen, Helping Hands Programme Manager at WellChild, added: “The success of projects like this relies on the generosity and dedication of corporate partners like Speedy Hire. Their commitment to helping children and families across the UK is invaluable, and we are incredibly grateful for their support.” This initiative reflects Speedy Hire’s dedication to corporate social responsibility and community support, aligning with the company’s commitment to sustainability and social impact. For more information about WellChild and the Helping Hands programme, visit www.wellchild.org.uk. Watch video now Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
