Tk Maxx has unveiled a detailed wishlist of prime retail spots as it prepares for a significant expansion across London. The fashion and homeware retailer, which currently operates around 350 stores across the UK, is on the hunt for new premises ranging from 10,000 to 30,000 square feet. It is
A new strategic partnership has been formed between Network Rail Property, Places for London, and the London Borough of Lambeth to drive forward a major regeneration of London Waterloo Station and the surrounding South Bank neighbourhood. The collaboration follows the publication of the Waterloo Station Vision in 2023, which outlined
Wealth management firm Quilter has extended its partnership with Sodexo for a further three years, reaffirming its commitment to delivering high-quality workplace experiences across its UK offices. Sodexo has been providing integrated food and facilities management services to Quilter since 2020, covering 18 sites across the UK and Ireland. Prior
Wates Construction South has reached practical completion on the Life and Mind Building, a project for the University of Oxford and one of the largest building developments in the institution’s history. The 26,000m² facility will serve as the new home for the University’s Departments of Biology and Experimental Psychology, offering
Eclipse Power Networks to adopt and maintain mission-critical power infrastructure for new hyperscaler campus Eclipse Power Networks, a leading Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO), has secured a significant contract with Colt Data Centre Services to adopt and maintain grid connections totalling 250 megawatts (MW) for its hyperscale data centre campus
Glasgow City Council has approved plans for the final stage of the long-running Collegelands redevelopment, giving the green light to a £95 million mixed-use scheme in the city’s Calton district. The new project, known as Collegelands Park, will feature two purpose-built student accommodation blocks providing 591 beds, alongside 147 build-to-rent
The Oxford Science Park has secured planning permission for a new 80,000 sq ft best-in-class laboratory and office building, unlocking the next major phase of growth at the Park. The approved development will see the construction of a state-of-the-art four-storey building offering high-specification laboratory and office space tailored to the
Stanmore Contractors, the UK’s leading specialist contractor, has today announced the launch of Stanmore Design House, a new division that will provide RIBA Stage 4 and onwards technical design services to its clients – alongside integrated procurement and construction advice. The new division, which will serve developers, contractors, housing associations,
Intatec, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of heating and plumbing products, is returning to the Installer Show 2025 – joined on stand 5B60 by group brands ActivTec and Zilmet UK. Taking place at the NEC, Birmingham from 24th –26th of June, this year’s exhibit puts the spotlight firmly on
Lloyd’s Register Foundation, the global safety charity, has today announced the launch of its new Global Safety Evidence Centre, backed by a £15 million investment over 10 years. The Centre will serve as a hub for anyone who needs to know ‘what works’ to make people safer in the face of a
Tk Maxx has unveiled a detailed wishlist of prime retail spots as it prepares for a significant expansion across London. The fashion and homeware retailer, which currently operates around 350 stores across the UK, is on the hunt for new premises ranging from 10,000 to 30,000 square feet. It is open to trading across two floors and is seeking 10-year lease agreements for its new London outlets. Within Central London, the retailer is targeting key high-footfall locations including the West End, Canary Wharf, King’s Cross, and Regent Street. Additional sought-after areas include Marylebone, Spitalfields, Borough, and Vauxhall, among others. Tk Maxx has also outlined a broad range of potential sites across Greater London. These include areas such as Croydon, Chiswick, Crouch End, Finsbury Park, and Crystal Palace, as well as suburban hubs like Upminster, Walton-on-Thames, and Banstead. Property firms Brasier Freeth and KLM Real Estate have been instructed to identify and secure suitable units across the capital. The expansion marks a bold move by the retailer to strengthen its London presence and tap into the capital’s diverse consumer base, as demand for value-led fashion and homeware continues to grow. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new strategic partnership has been formed between Network Rail Property, Places for London, and the London Borough of Lambeth to drive forward a major regeneration of London Waterloo Station and the surrounding South Bank neighbourhood. The collaboration follows the publication of the Waterloo Station Vision in 2023, which outlined long-term ambitions for one of Britain’s busiest transport hubs and its vibrant surrounding area. As the fourth busiest station in Great Britain, London Waterloo plays a crucial role in connecting commuters, tourists, and leisure travellers to the heart of the capital and its renowned cultural landmarks. The new partnership aims to transform the station into a modern destination that enhances the customer experience while delivering broader benefits to the South Bank area. The regeneration is expected to improve connectivity, open up new public spaces, and support diverse development and investment opportunities. Working with public and private sector partners, the programme will be rolled out in a series of phases. The initiative will also engage closely with local stakeholders and communities to ensure the regeneration meets the needs of both residents and visitors. The collaborative project seeks to unlock long-term economic growth for Lambeth by creating jobs, attracting businesses, and delivering new housing, while reinforcing the area’s role as a global cultural and economic hub. Robin Dobson, Group Property Director, Network Rail said: “This is a great step forward in combining both our resources and assets across Waterloo and South Bank. We will work with neighbouring partners to deliver a regeneration plan that unlocks huge growth and investment opportunities across the Borough, delivering the widest mix of uses and something very special for this important part of London for future generations to come.” Graeme Craig, Director and Chief Executive, Places for London added: “Millions of people pass through Waterloo every year to work and explore the South Bank and beyond. Through this new collaboration, we can ensure those customers are getting the very best London has to offer as they travel through this historic transport hub. This a great opportunity for Places for London to work with Network Rail and the London Borough of Lambeth to provide a new and improved vision for the community and all who come to Waterloo.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wealth management firm Quilter has extended its partnership with Sodexo for a further three years, reaffirming its commitment to delivering high-quality workplace experiences across its UK offices. Sodexo has been providing integrated food and facilities management services to Quilter since 2020, covering 18 sites across the UK and Ireland. Prior to this partnership, Quilter worked with multiple service providers, but the collaboration with Sodexo has brought a streamlined, consistent approach to workplace operations. As part of the renewed contract, Sodexo will continue to provide a comprehensive range of services including food, hospitality, technical support, and soft facilities management. Its workplace dining concepts, Modern Recipe and Kitchen Works, will remain central to fostering a positive and engaging work environment, offering healthy, sustainable food options that encourage employees to relax and connect away from their desks. Both companies share a strong focus on sustainability. Sodexo’s services fall within Quilter’s Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions, and the two organisations will continue to work together to support Quilter’s journey towards net zero. Sodexo’s Waste Watch food waste reduction programme is already in place at sites where food services are delivered. A key innovation in the new agreement is the rollout of Sodexo’s agile mobile engineering service. This self-delivered solution, overseen by Sodexo’s digital intelligence hub in Salford, will handle planned and reactive maintenance across core areas such as electrical systems, HVAC, building fabric, and water management. The technology-driven system is designed to anticipate and resolve maintenance issues before they escalate, minimising disruption and reducing costs. Lynsey O’Keefe, CEO of Corporate Services at Sodexo UK & Ireland, commented: “Over the last five years we have worked closely with Quilter to seamlessly integrate and deliver optimised food and FM services, successfully elevating the employee experience at its offices across the country. We are excited about this next step in our partnership and look forward to driving innovation, enhancing sustainability, and enabling Quilter to focus on its core business.” Maxine Hulme, Operations Director at Quilter, added: “Sodexo has made some notable improvements to our workspaces over the last five years, including some remarkable initiatives in hospitality and fine dining. We look forward to continuing our partnership over the next three years.” The extension signals continued evolution in workplace management, with both companies committed to creating sustainable, engaging, and future-ready office environments. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wates Construction South has reached practical completion on the Life and Mind Building, a project for the University of Oxford and one of the largest building developments in the institution’s history. The 26,000m² facility will serve as the new home for the University’s Departments of Biology and Experimental Psychology, offering a cutting-edge environment designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and drive forward world-class research. Described as a flagship example of modern and sustainable higher education construction, the Life and Mind Building combines research, learning, and community engagement within a single, flexible space. The project represents a bold reimagining of facilities for science and education, setting a new standard for academic infrastructure. “The Life and Mind Building is a shining example of what can be achieved when vision, expertise and collaboration come together. Reaching practical completion on a project of this scale and significance is a proud moment for everyone involved,” said Mark Craig, Managing Director of Wates Construction South. “I’d like to thank our teams, partners and supply chain who’ve helped deliver a truly world-class facility that will shape the future of science, research and education at Oxford and beyond.” With practical completion achieved, the project now enters its final fit-out phase, ahead of an official opening scheduled for Autumn 2025. The project was delivered in collaboration with key partners including the University of Oxford, Legal & General, Oxford University Development, NBBJ, Hoare Lea, Ramboll, Fira, and Savills. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Eclipse Power Networks to adopt and maintain mission-critical power infrastructure for new hyperscaler campus Eclipse Power Networks, a leading Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO), has secured a significant contract with Colt Data Centre Services to adopt and maintain grid connections totalling 250 megawatts (MW) for its hyperscale data centre campus at Hayes, Middlesex. The agreement follows a competitive tender process that began late 2023 and ran until the end of 2024. Eclipse offered support and guidance to Colt Data Centre Services throughout the process, and is delighted to have been contracted at its conclusion. Under the contract, Eclipse will adopt a 132 kilovolt (kV) dual-circuit connection from National Grid’s Uxbridge Moor substation, near Iver, providing 100MW of power to the campus. In addition, Eclipse will adopt a 66kV dual-circuit connection from National Grid’s North Hyde substation for a further 150MW of power. These two connections are designed to support the campus of five data halls, each individually metered via Eclipse Power Networks’ network at 11kV. The project demonstrates Eclipse Powers’ innovative approach to network infrastructure adoption, working collaboratively with Colt Data Centre Services and their appointed Independent Connection Provider (ICP) to ensure that the network is designed, built, owned and operated as efficiently and economically as possible, while maintaining security of supply through direct connections to the transmission system. David Swadling, Group Sales Director at Eclipse Power said: “This Critical National Infrastructure project showcases our technical expertise, and our ability to develop creative, economically attractive solutions for mission-critical infrastructure. We worked collaboratively and transparently with Colt Data Centre Services to help them develop a complex commercial model that that provided an innovative and equitable economical solution never seen before in Great Britain. “By owning and operating the grid infrastructure on Colt’s behalf, we’re ensuring that they secure reliable power for the facility, while allowing them to focus on their core business of providing sustainable hyperscale data centre solutions.” Eclipse Power Networks’ selection was based on its extra-high voltage (EHV) experience and deep technical understanding of National Grid processes, along with a commitment to working transparently with all stakeholders to optimise the commercial relationship between the parties. David Knox, Global Director of Energy & Sustainability at Colt Data Centre Services, said: “As the UK aims to reach the next level in the global digital marketplace, customers require scale in their data centre solutions. Sustainable, hyperscale sites such as our Hayes campus not only require power supply security, but they must also have the expansion potential necessary to support growth. “As a trusted partner for our worldwide customers, Colt Data Centre Services works only with organisations that share our commitment to mission-critical infrastructure. Eclipse’s innovative and collaborative approach, together with its rich expertise in power networking, has made it the ideal partner for our expansion at the Hayes site.” With data halls across five floors and 175MW of IT power, Colt Data Centre Services’ Hayes campus represents a major investment in data centre infrastructure. Energisation of the site is scheduled for 2028, with the network infrastructure provided by Eclipse Power Networks designed to last a minimum of forty years. More information about Eclipse Power’s data centre services can be found here Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Glasgow City Council has approved plans for the final stage of the long-running Collegelands redevelopment, giving the green light to a £95 million mixed-use scheme in the city’s Calton district. The new project, known as Collegelands Park, will feature two purpose-built student accommodation blocks providing 591 beds, alongside 147 build-to-rent apartments and a new arts centre. A 2.5-acre public park is also included in the plans, offering meadows, orchards, exercise spaces and seating areas designed to enhance the local environment. The development is expected to generate around 250 construction jobs and marks the final phase of a regeneration programme that began over two decades ago. The broader Collegelands project has already delivered offices, homes, retail units and a hotel to the area. Paul O’Donnell, a representative of Glasgow Enlightenment, the development group behind the scheme, said: “It’s fantastic that we are now able to start work on delivering the final piece of the Collegelands jigsaw, creating a completely new neighbourhood that will help enrich the Calton area and address Glasgow’s urgent need for purpose-built student accommodation. “The Collegelands regeneration project began over 20 years ago, so it’s great news for the city that it’s now moving towards completion, bringing new residents and much-needed amenities to the area. We’re grateful for the support of Glasgow City Council and pleased that they share our vision for the future of this community.” The final phase is being seen as a major step forward for the east end of Glasgow, breathing new life into a site that has long been earmarked for transformation. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Oxford Science Park has secured planning permission for a new 80,000 sq ft best-in-class laboratory and office building, unlocking the next major phase of growth at the Park. The approved development will see the construction of a state-of-the-art four-storey building offering high-specification laboratory and office space tailored to the needs of cutting-edge science and technology companies. Located at the eastern edge of The Oxford Science Park, the site is near the proposed new Cowley Branch Line, with a new station scheduled to open in early 2030, bringing direct links to central Oxford and London. Yong Shen, Director at The Oxford Science Park, said: “This is fantastic news for the Oxfordshire ecosystem and for the companies shaping the future of science and technology. This development allows us to offer more world-class facilities in an established setting that promotes collaboration, sustainability and discovery, further cementing The Oxford Science Park’s reputation as a leading destination for science and technology companies. My thanks go to everyone who worked on the planning application.” Designed with sustainability and community integration in mind, the development includes a 5.86% biodiversity net gain, extensive landscaping, improvements to the adjacent wildlife site, and enhanced cycle and pedestrian connectivity. Alongside 168 car parking spaces (25% with EV charging) and 104 bicycle spaces, the building itself will feature upgraded façades with anodised aluminium, high energy efficiency standards, and rooftop photovoltaic panels. The development will also deliver significant heritage enhancements. These include a public space showcasing archaeological discoveries and contributing to the setting of the nearby Grade II listed Minchery Priory. The unanimous decision by Oxford City Council follows extensive public engagement and marks another milestone in the park’s growth, following the unanimous approval of the 450,000 sq ft Daubeny Project in 2023. The expansion ensures Oxford remains competitive against global science hubs whilst enabling local communities to benefit from investment and employment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Stanmore Contractors, the UK’s leading specialist contractor, has today announced the launch of Stanmore Design House, a new division that will provide RIBA Stage 4 and onwards technical design services to its clients – alongside integrated procurement and construction advice. The new division, which will serve developers, contractors, housing associations, as well as the wider industry, launches at a time of significant regulatory change in the sector. The new Building Safety Regulator (BSR) regime requires that, alongside submitting technical designs (RIBA Stage 4), developers must now begin tendering, contractor engagement, and preparing detailed contractor designs (RIBA Stage 5) ahead of BSR Gateway 2 submission. Stanmore Design House will offer clients a fully integrated suite of technical design consultancy, procurement services, and contractor-led advice to prepare for BSR Gateway 2 submission in a single place, removing the need to engage a separate, standalone technical design house whose outputs are later passed to contractors for RIBA Stage 5. Stanmore Design House will provide clients with the full suite of RIBA Stage 4 outputs, including elevation drawings, section and plan details, subframe layouts, wind load assessments, thermal analysis, and supplier coordination. Stanmore will also apply its contractor expertise to the design process, ensuring all technical designs are practical and buildable. The new technical design service will be paired with comprehensive procurement and construction support and guidance, including providing multiple supplier options across different price points, assessing material availability, ensuring QA through early factory visits, and considering site logistics and construction needs during the design phase. This end-to-end support will help minimise the risk of late-stage design changes that could trigger BSR resubmission and cause delays. The offering is designed to streamline planning, reduce risk, and ensure designs are ready for real-world construction. Founded in 1958, Stanmore is one of the UK’s leading specialist contractors, with expertise in drylining, facades, glazing, and metalwork. With offices in London, the South West, and the North West, the business has delivered major projects for clients including The Guinness Partnership, Bouygues UK, Wates, and St James. Raj Manak, Managing Director at Stanmore, said: “With the new BSR framework, it’s more important than ever to integrate procurement and construction insight into the technical design stage as early as possible. Stanmore Design House will offer clients exactly that kind of insight-led support. “Our ultimate aim is to make technical design seamless, efficient, and effective. We want to reduce risk, save costs, and deliver solutions that work in practice and not just in theory.” Haman Manak, Head of Procurement at Stanmore, added: “We want to offer our clients the ability to tap into the company’s wider procurement and construction expertise from Day One. “Whether it’s aligning technical design with material availability, supplier pricing, or site logistics, it’s increasingly important that design and delivery go hand in hand.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Intatec, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of heating and plumbing products, is returning to the Installer Show 2025 – joined on stand 5B60 by group brands ActivTec and Zilmet UK. Taking place at the NEC, Birmingham from 24th –26th of June, this year’s exhibit puts the spotlight firmly on solutions for heat pump systems, in response to increasing demand across the sector. A not-to-miss product on stand is the IntaKlean Heat Pump Filter with 28mm Reducing Set – a compact, high-flow magnetic filter with an unmatched Kv value of over 17,000 l/h. It delivers powerful corrosion protection without restricting performance, making it a standout choice for both new and retrofit installations. Also featured on stand is the Inta Zero, a next-gen anti-freeze valve that prevents freezing before it starts. With a 3°C trigger, zero-drip outlet, and full R290 compatibility, it offers reliable protection for external pipework. Additionally, the newly launched K Type Ball Valve will also be available on stand, this new design replaces the traditional handle with a removable key type adjuster, enabling the valve to be operated without breaking the insulation seal. Built to last with anti-tamper and anti-vandal features, it’s pressure rated to PN25 and handles temps from -10°C to 90°C. Available in compression sizes from 15mm to 35mm and WRAS-approved, each valve includes both a red and blue cover cap for hot and cold systems. Darran Bougourd, Managing Director at Intatec, comments: “This year is all about innovation for heat pump systems. We’ve listened to what installers need – products that are smart, safe, and simple to fit. From the K Type Ball Valve to the IntaKlean 35mm Filter, everything on the stand has been designed to make working with heat pumps easier and more efficient.” In addition to these products, the stand will also feature ActivTec’s ActivStopLeak, designed to detect leaks as small as 0.1 litres per hour, setting a new benchmark in leak detection and water conservation. Established favourites will also be on stand, including the HIPER II HIU and ActivFlo – each playing a crucial role in improving reliability and efficiency. Zilmet UK will also be showcasing its Zil-B range of Insulated Buffer Vessels – created to reduce cycling and stabilise flow in renewable systems. With premium insulation, wall brackets and optional feet that allow 100% drainage during maintenance, these features make installation and servicing significantly easier. The expanded presence of ActivTec and Zilmet UK further reinforces the group’s commitment to whole-system performance. Visitors to stand 5B60 can expect hands-on product demos and expert advice from the Intatec team across all three days of the show. To find out more about Intatec’s product ranges, visit: https://www.intatec.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Lloyd’s Register Foundation, the global safety charity, has today announced the launch of its new Global Safety Evidence Centre, backed by a £15 million investment over 10 years. The Centre will serve as a hub for anyone who needs to know ‘what works’ to make people safer in the face of a range of global safety challenges, including workplace accidents and injuries. In addition to OSH practitioners and policymakers, the centre aims to support professionals across different high hazard industries, including the construction sector, high-quality and actionable resources and evidence. According to the Lloyd’s Register Foundation World Risk Poll, one in five workers globally (18%) experienced harm at work in the last two years, and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) estimates this to be the cause of three million deaths annually. The need for such a centre is demonstrated by two reports published today, produced by RAND Europe on behalf of the Foundation. The reports – including a systematic review of OSH intervention reviews, and the findings of a consultation with OSH practitioners in high-risk sectors around the world – highlight a worrying scarcity of reliable, high-quality evidence on the comparative effectiveness of different safety measures, and a need to make evidence more relevant and accessible to practitioners in different global and industrial contexts. Nancy Hey, Director of Evidence and Insight at Lloyd’s Register Foundation, said: “Evidence is critical to improving the safety of people and property; without it, we cannot fully understand the nature and scale of safety challenges faced by people around the world, nor what works to protect them from harm. “However, around the world and across industrial sectors, many professionals, policy and decision-makers who need to consider safety do not have access to sufficient high quality evidence; either because it does not yet exist, or because it has not been collated and communicated to them in an understandable and actionable form.” To address these problems, the new Global Safety Evidence Centre will collate, create and communicate the best available safety evidence from the Foundation, its partners and other sources on the nature and scale of global safety challenges, and what works to tackle them. To kickstart this process, the Centre is inviting researchers and safety practitioners from all over the world to apply for a share of £2 million being made available to support projects that address OSH evidence gaps, as well as broader safety science work, such as how to measure and value safety and prevention, and how to learn from past failures and fatalities. Nancy Hey continued:“We are keen to partner and collaborate with other researchers, analysts and funders, professional and trade bodies, and most of all, safety practitioners, whose knowledge and expertise we need to harness – not just to identify evidence gaps, but as part of the evidence base itself on how to reduce harm.” Martin Cottam, Chair of the Global Safety Evidence Centre’s Expert Advisory Panel and former chair of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Technical Committee on Occupational Health and Safety Management, added: “I’m delighted to see this important initiative from Lloyd’s Register Foundation coming to fruition. As safety practitioners we are presented with a sometimes bewildering range of tools and methods with which to manage safety risks, but often without much evidence to demonstrate their effectiveness, or evidence of the conditions under which they are more or less effective. The work of the Centre will help safety practitioners navigate this landscape, enabling them to be confident in selecting approaches that have been shown to deliver real safety improvement. “I’m excited to be involved in the Global Safety Evidence Centre’s expert advisory panel, and look forward to working with panel members to help the Centre achieve its objectives for the benefit of the global safety community.” Further outputs due to be published by the Centre this summer include a report on the growing impact of emerging technologies – including virtual reality training, AI and robots – on workplace safety. The Centre will also publish a report on the relationship between climate change and OSH – an important priority for the ILO. Welcoming the launch of the Centre, Joaquim Pintado Nunes, the ILO Branch Chief responsible for occupational safety and health and the working environment, said: “Lack of data remains one of the biggest challenges to improving workplace safety worldwide — it’s the fourth major gap identified in national OSH systems by ILO Member States. In many regions, research on the scale of the problem is also still scarce. The launch of the Global Safety Evidence Centre marks a vital step forward in closing this gap.” As well as offering funding to external organisations, the Global Safety Evidence Centre is currently recruiting data analysts, research (trials and reviews) managers, and project and stakeholder managers to grow its in-house capacity. Qualified candidates with an interest in improving safety are encouraged to apply via the Lloyd’s Register careers platform. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
