The team behind York Central, one of the UK’s largest and most ambitious city centre regeneration projects, has announced the line-up of architects who will bring the scheme to life. Allies & Morrison, the original masterplanner for York Central, will continue as lead architect. They are joined by seven other
Property management and building consultancy specialist Workman LLP has been appointed by Sager House Almeida to deliver property management services at the high-profile Islington Square development in north London. Located on Islington’s bustling Upper Street, the 170,000 sq ft mixed-use scheme combines heritage architecture with a modern lifestyle offering. Workman
CBRE Global Workplace Solutions (GWS) and Scottish media company, DC Thomson, have entered into a long-term facilities management agreement, enabling a step-change in the delivery of technical services across DC Thomson’s property portfolio. As part of the agreement, CBRE will deliver hard services across 17 sites, which include Dundee, Aberdeen,
Construction has officially started on Caerphilly’s flagship £38 million Leisure and Wellness Hub—an integral part of the wider Caerphilly Town 2035 placemaking regeneration strategy. Commissioned by Caerphilly County Borough Council, the state-of-the-art facility is being delivered by Alliance Leisure as development partner and future operator, with Morgan Sindall appointed as
The University of Cambridge with Jestico + Whiles and Bouygues UK have unveiled the Ray Dolby Centre, the landmark new building that serves as the home of the Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics. Designed by the award-winning architecture and interior design practice Jestico + Whiles and constructed by main contractor
Kier has secured a major contract from the Department for Education to redevelop East Coast College in Great Yarmouth—transforming it into a modern, future-focused learning hub for the town. The multi-million-pound project will see the complete replacement of the existing facilities with a purpose-built campus, designed to support a wide
Construction contract awards are now almost £1bn below the 2024 average at £5.7bn, according to Barbour ABI. Contract awards have declined over the past two months with April value down 19% compared to the same period last year, following a positive start to the year. There are signs of resilience
Travelodge, the UK’s first budget hotel brand, which operates over 610 hotels across the UK, Ireland and Spain, has exchanged contracts to develop a new 89-room hotel at the Goods Yard development in Bishop’s Stortford. The new-build hotel will feature Travelodge’s latest premium look and feel design, including a contemporary
Network Space Developments (NSD) has submitted a full planning application for a cutting-edge employment development at the St Helens Manufacturing and Innovation Campus. The Project Halo proposal relates to a five-acre council-owned site located off the A570 James Roby Way and seeks to deliver four state-of-the-art “Tech Box” units –
The Midlands Rail Hub project would deliver 20 million extra seats a year for businesses, residents and commuters. The Midlands Rail Hub proposes building two ‘chords’ and over 10 further engineering interventions throughout the region to deliver a massive step change in rail transport in the Midlands. This will see
The team behind York Central, one of the UK’s largest and most ambitious city centre regeneration projects, has announced the line-up of architects who will bring the scheme to life. Allies & Morrison, the original masterplanner for York Central, will continue as lead architect. They are joined by seven other leading practices: Grant Associates, Sheppard Robson, Cartwright Pickard, Corstorphine & Wright, Haworth Tompkins, 3D Reid, and Re-form Landscape Architecture. Led by joint venture partners McLaren Property and Arlington Real Estate, the £2.5 billion regeneration will transform a 45-hectare brownfield site behind York railway station. The scheme will deliver 2,500 new homes and up to one million square feet of office, retail, leisure, and hospitality space. Plans also include enhancements to the railway station and National Railway Museum. The development is being brought forward by Homes England and Network Rail, the majority landowners, in collaboration with the City of York Council and the National Railway Museum. £135 million in government funding has already been secured for enabling infrastructure. Allies & Morrison will maintain oversight of the overall vision and produce the site-wide design guide, as well as lead on a new Innovation Hub. Grant Associates will lead on landscaping, including the central park, public spaces, and the long-term reimagining of the historic coal drops area. Sheppard Robson will design the 195,000 sq ft government office space commissioned by the Government Property Agency (GPA). The residential components will be delivered by Cartwright Pickard, along with Corstorphine & Wright’s Leeds studio, which will focus on build-to-rent homes. Haworth Tompkins will take the lead on affordable housing. 3D Reid has been appointed to develop the site’s hotel offering and the western station entrance. Re-form Landscape Architecture will oversee the design of Museum Square and public realm in the first delivery phase. Tom Gilman, Managing Director of McLaren Regeneration, said:“Following a comprehensive competitive process involving both local and international firms, we have carefully selected some of the world’s leading architects and design specialists to work with us and bring our ambitious vision for York Central to life. Key to our decision-making was ensuring they had a proven track record in delivering large-scale regeneration schemes and a strong understanding of York and its unique character. Now, we are excited to begin this next stage of delivery, working closely with our design team, partners and the local community to create a vibrant, sustainable new neighbourhood for the city.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Property management and building consultancy specialist Workman LLP has been appointed by Sager House Almeida to deliver property management services at the high-profile Islington Square development in north London. Located on Islington’s bustling Upper Street, the 170,000 sq ft mixed-use scheme combines heritage architecture with a modern lifestyle offering. Workman will work closely with asset manager Sovereign Centros to attract new occupiers and support the performance and vibrancy of the estate. The development is already home to a wide variety of retail and leisure tenants, including Third Space, Odeon, a Heal’s pop-up, Megan’s, Anthropologie and A.P.C. Originally constructed in the early 1900s as a red-brick sorting office for the General Post Office, the building has been reimagined as a contemporary destination while preserving its historic character. James Simpson, partner at Workman, said:“We are very much looking forward to working alongside Sovereign Centros and Sager House Almeida to highlight the very best aspects of this much-loved asset, ensuring it performs to the top of its potential.” The appointment reflects Workman’s continued growth across landmark mixed-use and retail-led schemes, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner for complex and character-rich urban developments. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
CBRE Global Workplace Solutions (GWS) and Scottish media company, DC Thomson, have entered into a long-term facilities management agreement, enabling a step-change in the delivery of technical services across DC Thomson’s property portfolio. As part of the agreement, CBRE will deliver hard services across 17 sites, which include Dundee, Aberdeen, and London locations, encompassing mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fabric engineering. DC Thomson, a family-owned company headquartered in Dundee, has properties spanning the UK, including both office and manufacturing assets. As a leading provider of facilities and workplace solutions in Scotland with significant technical expertise, CBRE’s focus will be supporting DC Thomson in protecting the integrity of the estate, implementing planned and proactive maintenance regimes, and enhancing statutory compliance. CBRE will also work closely with DC Thomson and their advisor, Cadeama Consulting, to preserve the company’s presence in the local communities in which they operate, crafting a bespoke supply chain strategy that prioritises local organisations and delivers social value. Alex Noyce, Business Unit Director – Scotland at CBRE GWS says: “We are thrilled to be working with DC Thomson and supporting them as they look to enhance their portfolio. “This collaboration brings together CBRE’s hard-services heritage with DC Thomson’s commitment to property maintenance, community engagement, and sustainability. Our shared values and understanding of the unique demands of the media industry make this relationship a perfect fit. “We look forward to supporting DC Thomson in protecting their heritage and assets. Our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional service and ensuring the long-term preservation of their properties.” Ian Simpson, Head of Estates and Operations at DC Thomson says: “We are delighted to be working with CBRE GWS to deliver our facilities management services. Although they are a globally renowned organisation, we are impressed by their local expertise and commitment to developing an integrated and sustainable supply chain that promotes growth and jobs across the communities in which we operate. “We expect this appointment will deliver a step change in the way we provide services to the wider DC Thomson community. CBRE’s approach to date has given us confidence that working with them will achieve that.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction has officially started on Caerphilly’s flagship £38 million Leisure and Wellness Hub—an integral part of the wider Caerphilly Town 2035 placemaking regeneration strategy. Commissioned by Caerphilly County Borough Council, the state-of-the-art facility is being delivered by Alliance Leisure as development partner and future operator, with Morgan Sindall appointed as main contractor. Architecture is led by Watson Batty, while Hadron Consulting oversees project management. Set to become a major community asset, the two-storey, timber-clad building will house a six-lane swimming pool with an adjoining wet play zone, a modern fitness suite equipped for cardiovascular and strength training, two squash courts, and a power-assisted wellness suite. Additional features include flexible studio spaces, a group cycle studio, health consultation rooms, and an adventure play area alongside a TAGactive Arena. The facility will also incorporate a health-focused café, community lounge, and versatile social spaces to support local group use. It is designed to meet modern environmental standards, with air source heat pump technology helping to create an energy-efficient, low-carbon building. Julia Goddard, regional director at Alliance Leisure, said:“The Alliance team has been working with the council on this project since 2022, so it is fantastic to finally see a vision being turned into a reality. The new building integrates modern technologies to create an efficient, air-source-powered environment, housing an array of innovative facilities that directly match the needs of the community.” The project is being jointly funded by £20 million from the UK government’s Levelling Up fund and £18 million from Caerphilly County Borough Council’s own reserves. With construction now underway, the Caerphilly Leisure and Wellness Hub is on track to become a cornerstone of the region’s regeneration ambitions—delivering improved health, wellbeing, and community infrastructure for years to come. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The University of Cambridge with Jestico + Whiles and Bouygues UK have unveiled the Ray Dolby Centre, the landmark new building that serves as the home of the Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics. Designed by the award-winning architecture and interior design practice Jestico + Whiles and constructed by main contractor Bouygues UK in partnership with executive design partners NBBJ and BDP, this state-of-the-art facility is set to revolutionise scientific research and education. The Cavendish Laboratory has been at the forefront of physics research for more than 150 years. With 31 Nobel Prizes emanating from it, The Cavendish Laboratory has been the grounds of numerous groundbreaking discoveries, including the electron, the neutron, and the structure of DNA. Its new home, the Ray Dolby Centre, situated at the heart of Cambridge West Innovation District, sets the stage for a new era of scientific innovation. Spanning 32,900m² across five floors, the highly technical research and learning facility is equipped with laboratories, workshops, cleanrooms, offices, and collaborative spaces, all tailored to support a diverse array of physics research. Serving as a national hub for physics it hosts the new EPSRC National Facility, CORDE. The Collaborative R&D Environment will foster cooperation collaboration between industry and university researchers and enhance public access to groundbreaking scientific endeavours. Empowering the Next Generation of Scientists The Ray Dolby Centre is designed to inspire and educate, offering extensive teaching and learning spaces for its 1,100 staff members and students, including a 400-seat lecture theatre, undergraduate teaching labs, a learning resource centre, café space, and outreach and exhibition spaces organised around six peaceful courtyards and a connecting ‘street’ to encourage collaboration and interaction between staff and students. Jestico + Whiles’ design prioritises active fronts and an inclusive public realm, featuring a lively new south-facing central garden off JJ Thomson Avenue and three pocket rain gardens. Large picture windows provide views into the laboratories and public areas, showcasing the research and learning activities within. The central garden leads guests up to an elevated piazza and into the arrival space with twin floating lecture theatres adorned in burnished bronze shingles. Drawing inspiration from Cambridge’s distinct architectural heritage, the building’s facade features a durable, timeless combination of white polished concrete, glass, and aluminium. The Ray Dolby Centre’s facilities bridge the gap between the cutting-edge research happening within the university and the wider community, promoting greater engagement, outreach and understanding. Innovative and Intricate Design Both architecturally and technically complex, the project had to meet strict specifications to provide the perfect environment for world-class scientific research. Jestico + Whiles, Jacobs and Bouygues UK worked closely with the Department of Physics to understand the set of requirements needed for each of the 173 laboratories, adapting their design and construction methods to the experiments they will host. A deep basement is the home of the most vibration-sensitive equipment: the microscopy labs have achieved a VC-H vibration control (the highest rating) through passive means only; the laser labs require very close temperature (to 0.1 degree) and humidity control. The STM and cryostats labs required electro-magnetic interference (EMI) and infrasound shielding. Some labs have anti-static and/or non-magnetic requirements, leading the structural teams to use stainless steel instead of traditional rebar and resulting in the invention of a new type of epoxy flooring, in order to meet the unique set of performance criteria. The clean rooms cover almost 2,500m² and range from ISO 7 to ISO 3. The cleanest room, the EBL (electron beam lithography ISO3) is also non-ferrous, and has very high acoustic, vibration and environmental control capacity. Services include traditional solutions such as ventilation or laboratory gases, as well as liquid nitrogen distribution, toxic gases, specialist extracts, and a network of clean earthing. Sustainability is at the core of the Ray Dolby Centre’s design. The building has achieved BREEAM Excellent certification and features a ground source heat pump system that will reduce operational energy consumption throughout the building’s lifespan, providing a robust and resilient solution for the Department of Physics’ 24/7 operations. In addition to the Ray Dolby Centre, the ground source heat pump supplies the adjacent West Hub, also designed by Jestico + Whiles and built by Bouygues UK, and has further spare capacity. The building includes 770 cycle spaces discreetly located beneath the raised public piazza, reflecting the high proportion of staff and students who use sustainable modes of transport. The Ray Dolby Centre is the centrepiece and final part of the University’s project to replace the previous facilities for the Cavendish Laboratory, which were outdated and had poor environmental performance. A Testament to Ray Dolby’s Legacy Named in recognition of a generous £85 million donation from the estate of Cambridge alumnus and sound pioneer Ray Dolby, along with £75 million support from the UK government through the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), the Ray Dolby Centre stands as a testament to Dolby’s enduring legacy and commitment to scientific innovation. Phillippe Bernard, Chair and CEO of Bouygues UK, said: “We are immensely proud to have delivered the Ray Dolby Centre, a project that demanded the highest level of technical expertise and precision. Through close collaboration with the University of Cambridge and our committed partners, we have created advanced facilities that will support pioneering scientific research for years to come, with a focus on building for life. Working on such a transformative project has been incredibly rewarding for our team and partners, and the end result is a testament to the dedication and skill of everyone involved. We eagerly anticipate the substantial impact this state-of-the-art centre will have on the scientific community.” Jude Harris, Director at Jestico + Whiles, said, “The Ray Dolby Centre represents a significant milestone in our 10-year journey to create spaces that will enable scientific discovery and collaboration. Our design fosters an environment where researchers and students will be inspired to push the boundaries of knowledge and innovation. We are excited to see the next set of groundbreaking scientific advancements that will emerge from this remarkable facility.” Professor Mete Atatüre, Head
Kier has secured a major contract from the Department for Education to redevelop East Coast College in Great Yarmouth—transforming it into a modern, future-focused learning hub for the town. The multi-million-pound project will see the complete replacement of the existing facilities with a purpose-built campus, designed to support a wide range of vocational and academic programmes for both 16 to 19-year-olds and adult learners. Planned facilities include a mock hospital ward for aspiring healthcare professionals, a fully operational hair and beauty salon run by students, new sports amenities, training kitchens, restaurants, a lecture theatre, and advanced digital learning suites. The redevelopment will also feature updated spaces for staff and community use, creating a modern and welcoming environment for all users. A key focus of the project is sustainability. The new campus will harness solar power through the installation of photovoltaic (PV) panels, reducing reliance on non-renewable energy. In addition, the design incorporates an enhanced building envelope to improve thermal efficiency—minimising heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer—helping to lower both operational costs and carbon emissions. The scheme forms part of the government’s £1.5 billion Further Education Capital Transformation Fund, with East Coast College being one of just 16 institutions across England selected to benefit. Mark Dady, managing director of Kier Construction Eastern & Midlands, commented:“East Coast College is a landmark project due to the scale of teaching facilities on offer, and we look forward to continuing the great work we’ve done to date with both the college and the Department for Education. Kier will use its extensive expertise in delivering first-class educational facilities to build a campus that will benefit the local community and support students to achieve their full potential—ultimately inspiring future generations.” Construction is scheduled to begin on site this summer, paving the way for a revitalised educational offer in Great Yarmouth. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction contract awards are now almost £1bn below the 2024 average at £5.7bn, according to Barbour ABI. Contract awards have declined over the past two months with April value down 19% compared to the same period last year, following a positive start to the year. There are signs of resilience and optimism in some areas. Infrastructure stood out as a relative bright spot, increasing 14% between March and April, with an increasing volume of brick and concrete deliveries and a growing pipeline of green energy projects. Infrastructure planning approvals were up 85% on March and 150% on the 2024 average, with green energy projects that including the Rampion offshore windfarm and Moy Lodge hydro energy storage facility in Scotland leading the way. “The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has forecast that infrastructure will be the main driver of industry growth in the coming years,” said Barbour ABI’s Head of Business and Client Analytics, Ed Griffiths. “Adding momentum to the infrastructure and planning outlook, the Chancellor has pledged to reform environmental regulations that supposedly unnecessarily hinder development.” Residential awards were also up month on month; however, the three largest projects (totalling £726m) were student accommodation developments in the North of England and Scotland, which do not contribute to the government’s 1.5million housing target. Regionally, Wales had an optimistic month almost doubling the 2024 average for contract awards. However, over two-thirds of this value came from the £225m Cardiff Bay music arena and hotel development. Contract value for the North West increased by 86% to £1bn, 60% above the 2024 average. The overall value of new planning applications dipped from February falling 14% to £8.5bn in March. “Despite some positive indicators, including increased materials deliveries and infrastructure momentum, job cuts across the sector and uncertainty driven by external pressures such as US tariffs, suggest that the near-term outlook remains challenging. Notably, new home starts in London are at a 16-year low according to the latest industry figures.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Travelodge, the UK’s first budget hotel brand, which operates over 610 hotels across the UK, Ireland and Spain, has exchanged contracts to develop a new 89-room hotel at the Goods Yard development in Bishop’s Stortford. The new-build hotel will feature Travelodge’s latest premium look and feel design, including a contemporary reception area and next-generation rooms, offering everything business and leisure travellers need for a comfortable and relaxing stay. Subject to planning permission, the hotel will be developed by Solum, the developer of the Goods Yard scheme, a joint venture between Kier Property and Network Rail. Samuel Turner of Carter Jonas acted on Travelodge’s behalf to secure this deal. Steve Bennett, Travelodge Chief Property & Development Officer, comments: “We are delighted to have exchanged contracts with Solum for our proposed Bishop’s Stortford Travelodge. This is our second development deal that we have transacted with Solum, which previously built and delivered our fantastic Travelodge in the centre of Epsom. “Travelodge now operates over 610 hotels across the UK, and we are actively targeting a further 300 new locations, with 95 of these in the South East region. Our ongoing expansion will create even more jobs across the UK and will allow us to continue to offer our diverse customer base of business and leisure customers great value when travelling across the South East and the wider UK.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Network Space Developments (NSD) has submitted a full planning application for a cutting-edge employment development at the St Helens Manufacturing and Innovation Campus. The Project Halo proposal relates to a five-acre council-owned site located off the A570 James Roby Way and seeks to deliver four state-of-the-art “Tech Box” units – hybrid industrial and office buildings designed to meet the needs of life science advanced manufacturing occupiers. The scheme forms a key part of the Liverpool City Region Life Sciences Innovation Zone, which aims to stimulate innovation and create high-value jobs across the region. NSD was appointed by St Helens Borough Council as development manager for the site in 2023, following the Council’s acquisition of the land with support from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. The company previously partnered with the Council to deliver the landmark £54 million Glass Futures adjacent to the site, a global centre of excellence for sustainable glass research and innovation. The site has already undergone extensive enabling works, including ground remediation, re-profiling, and the construction of a new estate road and roundabout arm at Langtree Way. These works, led by NSD, enhance connectivity with neighbouring developments and position the site as a “development-ready” location. The application seeks approval for four high specification Tech Box units ranging from 7,629 sq. ft to 31,484 sq. ft. Totalling 85,000 sq. ft they will offer high quality flexible employment space across use classes B2 (advanced manufacturing), B8 (storage/distribution), and E(g) (R&D laboratories, professional services, and ancillary offices). All will have adaptable layouts to accommodate bespoke tenant office and laboratory requirements. This sustainable scheme will include all electric air source heat pumps and photovoltaic roof panels to minimise operational energy, electric vehicle charging points, cycle parking and landscaping aligned with the decarbonisation goals of the St Helens Campus. Already home to flagship projects such as Glass Futures, SINA Medical Glass and Inovus Medical, the Campus has also aided the collaboration and expansion of existing tenants. The scheme has been designed with a strong emphasis on sustainability and will target BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ accreditation, reflecting the highest standards of environmental performance and design. The Project Halo development will target synergistic life science advanced manufacturing occupiers, bolstering St Helens’ position as a hub for innovation and manufacturing. The project aligns with the Liverpool City Region’s Life Sciences Innovation Zone Prospectus, which aims to create 8,000 jobs and unlock £800 million in public-private investment over 10 years. As part of this initiative, the St Helens Campus will focus on materials science and health technologies, complementing the region’s strengths in infectious disease research and AI-driven healthcare. Situated in a City Region Innovation Zone, any future occupiers will enjoy multiple benefits that include: full Stamp Duty Land Tax relief for land and buildings bought for commercial use or development for commercial purposes; 100% relief from business rates for 5 years on newly occupied business premises; Enhanced Capital Allowances of 100% first year allowance for companies’ qualifying expenditure on plant and machinery assets; and enhanced Structures and Buildings Allowance with accelerated relief allows businesses to reduce their taxable profits by 10% of the cost of qualifying non-residential investment per year, relieving 100% of their cost of structures and buildings over 10 years. Employer National Insurance Contributions Relief is also zero-rated for Employer NICs on salaries of any new employee based in the Zone for at least 60% of their time – on earnings up to £25,000 per year. This relief can be applied for up to 36 months per employee. NSD Development Director Joe Burnett said: “This application represents a pivotal step in realising the vision for a high-quality employment space that addresses a productivity gap within the manufacturing science sector. By attracting life sciences businesses, there is the potential to create hundreds of skilled jobs while reinforcing St Helen’s key role in the region’s Investment Zone.” Councillor Anthony Burns, St Helens Borough Council’s Leader said: “This is another major step forward for the growth and regeneration ambitions of St Helens. It isn’t just about shiny new buildings but more about raising aspirations and creating new opportunities for our residents. In this project we will support hi-tech businesses to start up or expand operations here in our great borough. This development proposal will build on the renewed focus of our borough as a world leader in manufacturing innovation, building on our rich history for a brighter future for our residents and communities.” Subject to approval, construction is anticipated to start in early 2026. Support for the Halo Project has been provided by Architects AEW, GWB Consultants, Stantec, Kaizen Consulting Engineers and Spawforths. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Midlands Rail Hub project would deliver 20 million extra seats a year for businesses, residents and commuters. The Midlands Rail Hub proposes building two ‘chords’ and over 10 further engineering interventions throughout the region to deliver a massive step change in rail transport in the Midlands. This will see up to 300 extra trains traveling into or out of Birmingham every single day and will help create a ‘turn up and go’ service on the busy Cross City line. Birmingham Moor Street will see 14.2 million extra seats and Birmingham New Street will gain an extra 5.4 million seats. The Cross City line will see two extra trains, in each direction, per hour, which will create 5.4 million new seats each year. Redditch, Alvechurch and Barnt Green will see one extra train, in each direction, per hour and 2.7 million new seats for passengers, whilst Bromsgrove will see 4.7 million new seats. Lichfield will gain 5.4 million seats. Nottingham, Hereford, Coleshill Parkway, Worcester, Hinckley, South Wigston, Droitwich Spa and Worcestershire Parkway will see at least 2 million new seats. Derby will see 4.1 million new seats. Andy Clark, Head of Rail at Midlands Connect, said: “The benefits of the Midlands Rail Hub will be felt by millions of people across the Midlands and beyond. “Being able to run faster, more frequent services and deliver 20 million extra seats is the definition of a win-win project. The Midlands Rail Hub is our flagship project at Midlands Connect, and we are working to deliver massive benefits to all corners of the Midlands.” The Midlands Rail Hub project is co-sponsored by Midlands Connect, the Department for Transport and West Midlands Rail Executive. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
