Bowmer & Kirkland has been appointed as main contractor for the £180 million Fabrica development in Oxford, a major new addition to the city’s rapidly expanding West End innovation district. Set to begin construction in May 2025, the 180,000 sq ft scheme will deliver five storeys of high-quality laboratory and
Danish lifestyle brand Søstrene Grene has unveiled ambitious plans to double its UK presence, with a goal of reaching 100 stores nationwide by 2027. The popular homewares retailer is continuing its rapid expansion with new locations confirmed for Canary Wharf in London, Harrogate in North Yorkshire, and Stirling in Scotland,
Award-winning housebuilder, The Hill Group has joined forces with TOWN, the UK’s leading cohousing developer, in a strategic joint venture to scale up the delivery of community-focused residential development and cohousing. This ambitious partnership signals a major step towards integrating innovative cohousing models into the mainstream housing sector, combining Hill’s
Six of the UK’s metro mayors have been announced to go head-to-head on the decks for an iconic night of musical entertainment at this year’s UKREiiF. At only £20 a ticket, concertgoers at the Regeneration Brainery DJ Battle will be the first to witness battles between: Powered by Capital &
Savills Earth Capital Advisory, on behalf of Caerphilly County Borough Council, is launching the sale of Cwm Ifor Solar Farm, which provides an opportunity to buy the development rights to a ready-to-build (RTB) solar PV scheme. Situated just outside Caerphilly, the proposed C. 20 MW farm secured planning permission in
Clegg Construction has commenced work on a major new health facility at the University of Sheffield, marking the start of a £16 million development that will support world-leading research into neurodegenerative diseases. The project will see the expansion of the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), which plays a vital
Full-service law firm Shakespeare Martineau has advised Great Places Housing Group on a landmark £104 million development scheme at Mosley Common in Wigan – a major housing scheme that will deliver more than 1,000 new homes, including 369 affordable properties. The deal involved the purchase of the first 100 acres
A leading Midlands construction consultancy has been appointed to support the development of half a dozen new gyms across the UK. Birmingham-based The Construction Consultants (TCC) has been appointed to project manage and provide quantity surveying to gyms being developed by The Gym Group. The new contracts will bring to
Rt Hon Pat McFadden, Labour MP for Wolverhampton South East, has opened Nightingale House, the new name for the former Royal Hospital. To celebrate the official opening, residents living at Nightingale House and partners involved in the transformation welcomed Rt Hon Pat McFadden for a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The historic site,
Bromsgrove’s Joe Baker is Running to Rebuild What Suicide Took Away…. Joe Baker from Bromsgrove is running 5K every single day in May to raise awareness of the construction industry’s suicide crisis — a challenge inspired by his own battle with addiction and mental health, and dedicated to the 7,000
Bowmer & Kirkland has been appointed as main contractor for the £180 million Fabrica development in Oxford, a major new addition to the city’s rapidly expanding West End innovation district. Set to begin construction in May 2025, the 180,000 sq ft scheme will deliver five storeys of high-quality laboratory and office space. Located on Botley Road, Fabrica is being developed by science and innovation specialist Mission Street and real estate investment manager BGO. The project is being hailed as a significant milestone for the UK’s science and technology sector, marking the largest construction start in the field during the first half of 2025. Groundworks and site preparation are already underway, carried out by Colemans, with completion of the building anticipated in early 2027. Fabrica is also set to break new ground in sustainability and social impact. It is the first commercial science building in the UK to target a BREEAM Outstanding rating, and it will become Oxford’s first Living Wage building—ensuring that all employees working within it earn at least the Living Wage. Colin Brown, development director at Mission Street, said: “Following a collaborative, positive procurement process, Bowmer & Kirkland will shortly take forward the science and innovation sector’s biggest construction start of 2025 so far. As science companies increasingly look to central Oxford for its extensive amenities and unrivalled transport connections—including the future East West Rail link—Fabrica’s delivery represents a major vote of confidence in the UK market.” The scheme is the second phase of Oxford’s Central Science District, following the recent completion of Mission Street and BGO’s Inventa project. The wider pipeline from the joint venture spans 1.5 million sq ft across Oxford, Cambridge, and Bristol. Neil Brook, group construction director at Bowmer & Kirkland, added: “Our teams approached this project collaboratively from the outset, allowing us to complete the tender process in just 10 weeks. We look forward to starting on-site at the end of May with a 96-week programme.” Bowmer & Kirkland is also supporting Mission Street and BGO’s District East development in Cambridge, where it is engaged under a pre-construction services agreement for the 23-acre science campus. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Danish lifestyle brand Søstrene Grene has unveiled ambitious plans to double its UK presence, with a goal of reaching 100 stores nationwide by 2027. The popular homewares retailer is continuing its rapid expansion with new locations confirmed for Canary Wharf in London, Harrogate in North Yorkshire, and Stirling in Scotland, all set to open this summer. These additions follow the recent launch of its Oxford Circus flagship in March – the brand’s fifth store in the capital. This UK growth is part of Søstrene Grene’s wider international strategy, which includes the opening of 60 new stores globally in 2025. Chief Executive Officer and co-owner Mikkel Grene said: “Customers in the UK have responded incredibly positively to the Søstrene Grene concept. We continue to see strong footfall, high levels of engagement, and real appetite for new locations – even in areas where other retailers are pulling back.” Grene noted that the company’s confidence to expand lies in its ability to enhance and support local high streets. Founded in 1973, Søstrene Grene now operates more than 330 stores across 17 European countries. The brand is known for its distinctive Scandinavian design, offering a curated range of homewares, furniture, kitchen accessories, and creative hobby items. “We’re making long-term investments because we believe in the ongoing relevance of physical retail,” Grene added. “Especially when it creates a meaningful customer experience and an emotional connection. We see an opportunity to bring something different to the UK high street at a time when fresh thinking is needed.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Award-winning housebuilder, The Hill Group has joined forces with TOWN, the UK’s leading cohousing developer, in a strategic joint venture to scale up the delivery of community-focused residential development and cohousing. This ambitious partnership signals a major step towards integrating innovative cohousing models into the mainstream housing sector, combining Hill’s industry-leading delivery expertise with TOWN’s pioneering approach to community-oriented development. Together, Hill and TOWN are committed to redefining how new neighbourhoods are conceived and built, with a particular focus on resident engagement, custom build and stewardship. Over the next five years, the joint venture will focus on delivering mixed-use, community-focused developments that reflect the evolving needs of residents while championing sustainability and innovation in the built environment. The partnership will help scale TOWN’s successful approach to delivering cohousing, a housing model that actively cultivates community through the provision of shared spaces and spaces and amenities that are jointly owned and managed by residents. Future residents will play a significant role in the design process, working with TOWN to help shape their homes and neighbourhoods. The joint venture launches with a £50m project at Northstowe, a pioneering new town in South Cambridgeshire. Landowner Homes England has selected the partnership to bring forward approximately 150 homes, including two cohousing communities, alongside a mix of private and affordable housing. The joint venture draws from TOWN’s track record of successful collaboration with public and institutional partners. These include Cambridge City Council, Landsec and The Crown Estate – relationships that have shaped projects such as the regeneration of Wolverton town centre with Milton Keynes City Council, the strategic masterplan for Hartree in Cambridge, and a resident-led neighbourhood at Westwick Row in Hemel Hempstead. TOWN is already inviting future residents interested in cohousing at Northstowe to help design the community’s homes and shared spaces – including gardens, play areas and a common house for shared meals and community activities – with a planning application expected to be submitted this summer. The partnership builds on the success of TOWN’s groundbreaking Marmalade Lane cohousing community in Cambridge, which has become a national exemplar of best practices in community-oriented development. Completed in 2019, Marmalade Lane is home to 100 adults and children and maintains a waiting list of over 500 households. It has received more than ten national awards for architecture, planning, placemaking and social value and is widely featured in national policy and best practice guidance. Nearby, The Hill Group has delivered a 100% affordable housing development at Orchard Park in partnership with Cambridge City Council, further demonstrating both organisations’ commitment to inclusive and sustainable living. The new joint venture aims to deliver new homes across London, East of England, South East and South Midlands, regions where both companies already maintain a strong presence. It will work closely with public sector bodies, legacy landowners and forward-thinking partners to deliver places that generate long-term social, environmental and financial value, through a mix of shorter and longer-term projects at different scales The joint venture is structured to allow close coordination of planning, design and delivery from the outset, making sure quality is embedded and maintained through every stage to create better places, faster and with greater long-term value. Andy Hill OBE, Founder and Group Chief Executive of The Hill Group, said: “This is an exciting move for Hill as we step into the cohousing sector for the first time. TOWN’s community-first perspective to development presents a fresh and innovative approach that aligns with our commitment to creating sustainable, socially valuable communities. This venture not only expands and diversifies our development pipeline but also reflects our ambition to support the growth of smaller, values-driven developers who are making a real impact in the sector.” Jonny Anstead, Director of TOWN, added “This partnership enables us to take our proven model of resident-led development to new places and bigger projects, while keeping our commitment to quality and community at the heart of what we do. With Hill, we have a partner who shares our ambition to change how housing gets made in the UK – and the capacity to help us do it.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Six of the UK’s metro mayors have been announced to go head-to-head on the decks for an iconic night of musical entertainment at this year’s UKREiiF. At only £20 a ticket, concertgoers at the Regeneration Brainery DJ Battle will be the first to witness battles between: Powered by Capital & Centric, the first Regeneration Brainery DJ Battle will take place at the O2 Academy Leeds, one of the country’s most popular music venues, on 21 May 2025. For one night only, the mayors will deliver spinbacks not speeches, and the only fiery debate will be whether house is better than techno. After the regional rivalries have been tested, each Mayor will return to deliver the most crucial performance of their life: a final track followed by a crowd-powered vote, for the audience will decide which of the mayors is worthy of following in the footsteps of The Stone Roses, The Killers, and Robbie Williams in taking to the O2 Academy stage. This landmark event will raise money for UKREiiF’s official charity partner Regeneration Brainery. All monies raised from ticket sales will go towards Regeneration Brainery’s continuing support of more than 6,000 young people from under-represented backgrounds, enabling them to gain hands-on experience in the property and regeneration industry. Regeneration Brainery’s national social mobility programme offers in-depth insights into the property industry, through workshops, work experience, and opportunities to connect with inspirational mentors. “Brainees” develop crucial employability skills, with over a third of participants now in the industry. Ticketholders can expect a dazzling production, an all-star lineup of mayors-turned-DJs, and an electrifying clash of styles, from disco anthems to indie classics. This will be an evening where politics takes a backseat, and the musical talents of the nation’s regional leaders are revealed. Tim Heatley, Co-Founder of Capital & Centric, said: “I’m buzzing to be teaming up with Regeneration Brainery and the Metro Mayors for the first ever Multi Metro Mayor DJ Battle! Its an epic venue, an even better cause, and with Capital & Centric involved, you know it’s going to be a proper party. Huge thanks to the various businesses backing the event to make sure its absolutely epic. Expect thrills, spills and some unexpected DJ skills on the night” Michele Steel, Chief Executive of Regeneration Brainery, said: “I cannot wait for what will be a truly iconic night, to see our headliners seriously impress us with their unexpected musical talents, whilst raising money for an amazing organisation. An evening of classic tunes and great dance moves all created by our Metro Mayors is not one to miss. This really will be the most unique debate of their lives, and I can’t wait to find out who is voted the winner. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Savills Earth Capital Advisory, on behalf of Caerphilly County Borough Council, is launching the sale of Cwm Ifor Solar Farm, which provides an opportunity to buy the development rights to a ready-to-build (RTB) solar PV scheme. Situated just outside Caerphilly, the proposed C. 20 MW farm secured planning permission in May 2024, with c. 81 acres of land under an option to lease. The project is expected to connect to the grid in December 2026, with the potential to generate enough clean energy to power approximately 6,000 homes annually. Henry Grant, Director, Savills Earth Capital Advisory, says, “This sale offers an excellent opportunity for investors to acquire a well-planned renewable energy project with substantial potential for positive impact. We anticipate strong interest from investors, community energy groups and public sector organisations and look forward to supporting Caerphilly County Borough Council throughout the process.” Cllr Jamie Pritchard, Caerphilly Councils Deputy Leader, adds, “This is an exciting and innovative initiative, which aims to help deliver our targets to lower carbon emissions and at the same time generate a financial return that can be reinvested into services, which is vital during the current challenges we face.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Clegg Construction has commenced work on a major new health facility at the University of Sheffield, marking the start of a £16 million development that will support world-leading research into neurodegenerative diseases. The project will see the expansion of the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), which plays a vital role in advancing research into conditions such as motor neurone disease, Parkinson’s, dementia, and multiple sclerosis. Located on the corner of Glossop Road and Clarkehouse Road, the Faculty of Health Phase 1 scheme involves the demolition of existing buildings at the Barber House Annex and Central Garages site. In their place, a modern three-storey facility will be constructed, complete with new landscaping and external works. The building will be physically linked to the existing SITraN centre via a dedicated corridor, extending laboratory space and enhancing opportunities for collaboration between university researchers and clinicians at the neighbouring Royal Hallamshire Hospital. It will also include flexible teaching areas, office space, and workspaces for students, staff, and visiting academics. Designed to blend with the university’s wider campus, the development will create a new frontage on Glossop Road, with two storeys visible from the main road and a third at the rear, responding to the natural slope of the site. Craig Gibbons, contracts manager at Clegg Construction, commented: “This is our fourth contract with the University of Sheffield, and we’re delighted to have started on site. SITraN is renowned for its groundbreaking research, and this development will further support its critical work while strengthening links with the clinical teams at Royal Hallamshire Hospital.” The scheme has been designed by architect Bond Bryan, with Ridge providing structural engineering services. The project is scheduled for completion in September 2026. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Full-service law firm Shakespeare Martineau has advised Great Places Housing Group on a landmark £104 million development scheme at Mosley Common in Wigan – a major housing scheme that will deliver more than 1,000 new homes, including 369 affordable properties. The deal involved the purchase of the first 100 acres of the site from Peel Land by Kellen Homes. Of the 1,044 homes planned for the full development, 815 will be built on this initial phase by Kellen Homes in partnership with Great Places and Taylor Wimpey. With planning permission already secured, the Mosley Common scheme will provide a mix of tenures and housing types alongside investment in transport links, green spaces and local infrastructure – creating a sustainable, well-connected new neighbourhood in Wigan. Hazel Doolan, development programme manager at Great Places, said: “This is a fantastic example of how collaboration across sectors can deliver real impact. Mosley Common will provide a wide range of much-needed homes – including 369 affordable properties – in a thriving, sustainable community. “Our thanks go to Shakespeare Martineau for their expert support in navigating a complex transaction and helping us secure our role in this transformative scheme. We’re pleased to be working alongside Peel Land, Kellen Homes, Taylor Wimpey and Wigan Council to bring this ambitious vision to life.” The complex deal was completed under tight timescales and required extensive cross-discipline collaboration. It was led by land partner Jack Kelly and social housing legal director Anita Rasaratnam, supported by residential development associate Joe Davies. The Shakespeare Martineau team advised on 13 separate legal documents across the transaction, ensuring Great Places was well positioned to play a leading role in the development. Jack said: “We’re proud to have supported Great Places on a deal that will have a lasting impact on the Wigan community. This development delivers not just new homes but vital infrastructure and affordable housing, all aligned with regional growth plans. It’s a brilliant example of the value that can be unlocked when housing and land experts collaborate closely. “This work reflects our commitment to supporting housing associations and public interest developments. This deal ensures Great Places will continue to play a vital role in shaping inclusive, sustainable communities.” The Mosley Common site was allocated in the Places for Everyone framework and is expected to move into the construction phase later this year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A leading Midlands construction consultancy has been appointed to support the development of half a dozen new gyms across the UK. Birmingham-based The Construction Consultants (TCC) has been appointed to project manage and provide quantity surveying to gyms being developed by The Gym Group. The new contracts will bring to more than 50 the number of gym projects supported by TCC for the Croydon-based group. The latest contracts will provide new gyms all over the UK including London, West Yorkshire, East Anglia and Scotland. They are due for completion later this year. TCC has been involved in projects for The Gym Group for several years and has delivered fitness facilities in London, Liverpool, Manchester, Leicester, Nottingham, Southampton, Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Newcastle and Edinburgh among others. TCC director James Smith said, “The Gym Group has been a loyal client of ours for several years and we are delighted to be able to support their ambitious plans to roll out more facilities in the UK, using our extensive project management and quantity surveying capabilities.” TCC has a wealth of experience across public and private sectors including industrial, commercial, retail, leisure, care and residential projects. Headquartered in Bennett’s Hill, TCC is a multi-disciplined consultancy providing specialist project management, quantity-surveying, employers agent, building surveying and health and safety services to a wide range of sectors. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Rt Hon Pat McFadden, Labour MP for Wolverhampton South East, has opened Nightingale House, the new name for the former Royal Hospital. To celebrate the official opening, residents living at Nightingale House and partners involved in the transformation welcomed Rt Hon Pat McFadden for a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The historic site, which had stood empty since its closure in 1997, has been revitalised as part of a wider area transformation made possible through the collaborative efforts of whg, City of Wolverhampton Council, Homes England, the West Midlands Combined Authority and developer Morro Partnerships. Through careful restoration, the Grade II listed building has been transformed into 38 one- and two-bedroom apartments, available for affordable rent as part of a housing scheme for people over the age of 55. The renovation maintains the building’s architectural heritage, including three stained glass windows installed in the chapel in 1967. The building also features new modern eco-friendly amenities such as air source heat pumps for heating to reduce its carbon footprint and improve energy efficiency. Earlier in the day, former hospital staff also gathered for a reunion event to share their memories of working life at the Royal Hospital. In addition, a blue plaque sponsored by the Royal Hospital Nurses League, was unveiled. Sir Stephen Moss, who has dedicated 57 years to the NHS, unveiled the plaque to celebrate the legacy and care of Wolverhampton NHS staff. Gary Fulford, Group Chief Executive, at whg, said: “I want to thank Rt Hon Pat McFadden for marking this momentous occasion with us. “The former Royal Hospital building has stood empty since 1997, however, its historical significance as a place for people, and a place of care, has been preserved through our innovative wellbeing scheme. “This remarkable transformation has only been possible through the power of partnership, with Nightingale House setting the standard for what is possible in the regeneration of historic buildings. Now, the site offers a supportive environment where residents can live independently while enjoying communal spaces that foster a sense of community. “It’s been a pleasure welcoming everyone to the official opening of Nightingale House and celebrating the thriving community that has been established here.” Commenting on the opening of Nightingale House, Matt Moore, CEO at Morro Partnerships said: “This project has been about so much more than just a regeneration; it’s the start of a vibrant new community, contributing to the wider area and supporting the lives of local people, all of which is at the heart of Morro Partnerships. “We are proud to have worked alongside whg, City of Wolverhampton Council, and Homes England to bring this vision to life, providing much-needed, high-quality homes for the over 55s in Wolverhampton. “The excitement surrounding today’s grand launch, coupled with the touching reunion of former hospital colleagues, truly highlights the importance of this site to the city. We are grateful to Rt Hon Pat McFadden for his support in marking this significant step forward.” City of Wolverhampton Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Housing, Councillor Steve Evans, said: “The former Royal Hospital is an iconic building in Wolverhampton and has played a huge part in the lives of so many of our citizens. “whg and Morro Partnerships have made a remarkable job of restoring and converting it to much-needed housing and created a community for our over 55s residents. “It is also in keeping with the wonderful transformation of the Royal Quarter as a whole over recent years where the council has worked tirelessly with partners to regenerate the area as a key gateway to the city centre, driving further investment and giving our residents and businesses opportunities to thrive.” Owned and managed by whg, Nightingale House is its seventh wellbeing scheme, offering affordable rental homes for people aged 55 and over. The scheme has a dedicated wellbeing officer, meaning residents can maintain their independence and live in their own home, whilst knowing there is someone on hand if needed. For more information about life at Nightingale House, please visit whg.uk.com/nightingale-house Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bromsgrove’s Joe Baker is Running to Rebuild What Suicide Took Away…. Joe Baker from Bromsgrove is running 5K every single day in May to raise awareness of the construction industry’s suicide crisis — a challenge inspired by his own battle with addiction and mental health, and dedicated to the 7,000 lives already lost. Every single day this May, Bromsgrove boy, Joe Baker will be lacing up his trainers and running 5 kilometres. No rest days. No shortcuts. Just one man running daily in honour of the thousands who never got to keep going. Joe isn’t training for a medal — he’s taking on this relentless challenge to raise awareness of the mental health crisis facing construction workers, and to support The Lost City campaign. It’s a personal mission, rooted in pain, purpose, and the hope that things can change. The Man Behind the Miles Joe is the founder of Second City Screed, a respected Midlands construction business. But before that, life looked very different. “I attempted suicide. I was deep into addiction. Really, really struggling.” His lowest point came before he joined the construction industry. Covid, isolation, and alcohol nearly broke him. But through reaching out and getting sober, Joe began the long road back. Now he’s putting one foot in front of the other — literally — to make sure others get that same chance. “It was talking to people that saved me. That and becoming sober.” The Challenge: 5K Every Day for May Throughout the month of May, Joe is running 5 kilometres every single day — no matter the weather, how sore he feels, or how much life gets in the way. “I haven’t trained for this. But that’s the point — it’s meant to be hard. Because this issue is hard.” Each run is a symbol of the mental load so many in the industry carry silently. Fatigue. Financial stress. Loneliness. Grief. These runs are for them — for the ones still battling, and the ones already lost. What Is the Lost City? Joe’s challenge supports The Lost City campaign — a powerful initiative that visualises what the construction industry has lost to suicide: 🏠 150,000 homes🏫 80 schools🏥 3 hospitals That’s what 7,000 lost lives could have built in the past decade — if they’d been here. But this isn’t just about missed output. It’s about fathers, sons, friends and colleagues whose lives were cut short. It’s not a personal problem — it’s an industry-wide emergency. “We Build the Country — But Who Builds Us Back Up?” “The roads, the railways, the homes we live in — they’re all built by people like us. But we’re undervalued. Underappreciated. And when we break, no one notices until it’s too late.” Joe’s message is simple: enough is enough. Through his 5K-a-day challenge, he’s raising money for Band of Builders and Construction Sport, charities at the forefront of suicide prevention and mental health support in the trades. How You Can Help You can back Joe’s mission in three ways: Because the buildings we live, learn, and heal in wouldn’t exist without construction workers — and they deserve to live full, supported lives too. SUGGESTED QUESTIONS BACKGROUND As of the first quarter of 2024, the construction industry employment figures for the UK regions are as follows: This workforce is predominantly male, with women comprising about 12.5% of the total. The industry also has a notable proportion of self-employed workers; in 2020, out of the 2.1 million construction workers, approximately 727,000 were self-employed. In terms of regional distribution, over a third of construction businesses in 2020 were located in London and the South East of England. The industry faces challenges related to workforce demographics, including an ageing workforce and a shortage of skilled labour. These issues have been exacerbated by factors such as Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic, which have impacted the availability of both domestic and migrant workers. Efforts are ongoing to address these challenges through initiatives aimed at improving training, attracting new talent, and enhancing diversity within the sector. However, the industry continues to grapple with issues related to mental health, job security, and working conditions, which affect the overall well-being and productivity of its workforce. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
