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June 4, 2025
Pall-Ex signs Barberry deal for £80 million national HQ as UK’s largest pre-let in 2025 announced

Pall-Ex signs Barberry deal for £80 million national HQ as UK’s largest pre-let in 2025 announced

Kenneth Booth June 4, 2025

Pall-Ex agrees a game-changing deal for new Group HQ and flagship hub operation that will revolutionise operational excellence and sustainability. A new landmark lease agreement between leading logistics network Pall-Ex and commercial property developer and investor Barberry will result in the construction of a cutting-edge, state-of-the-art freight distribution hub in

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Wates Secures £110m Deal to Restore Iconic Victoria Tower

Wates Secures £110m Deal to Restore Iconic Victoria Tower

Kenneth Booth June 4, 2025

Wates Construction has been awarded a £110.6 million contract (excluding VAT) to lead the major restoration of Victoria Tower – the historic structure at the House of Lords end of the Palace of Westminster. The imposing 98.5-metre-high tower, which dates back to 1860, has shown significant signs of decay in

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Greater Manchester’s £2.5 billion funding boost to unlock UK’s first fully integrated, zero-emission public transport network

Greater Manchester’s £2.5 billion funding boost to unlock UK’s first fully integrated, zero-emission public transport network

Kenneth Booth June 4, 2025

Greater Manchester is set to deliver the UK’s first fully integrated, zero-emission public transport system by 2030 thanks to a £2.5 billion government funding boost. Government ministers are in Rochdale this morning [Wednesday 4 June]  to announce details of the Transport for the City Regions funding, with Greater Manchester awarded

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Designing for Accessibility: How Casinos Are Becoming More Inclusive

Designing for Accessibility: How Casinos Are Becoming More Inclusive

Nick Child June 4, 2025

The casino industry—long associated with glamour, excitement, and exclusivity—is undergoing a major transformation. As awareness around disability rights and inclusivity grows, both brick-and-mortar and online casinos are reimagining their spaces and platforms to become more accessible. From physical infrastructure improvements to digital innovations, casinos are actively working to ensure that

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Latest Issue
Issue 329 : Jun 2025

June 4, 2025

Pall-Ex signs Barberry deal for £80 million national HQ as UK’s largest pre-let in 2025 announced

Pall-Ex signs Barberry deal for £80 million national HQ as UK’s largest pre-let in 2025 announced

Kenneth Booth June 4, 2025

Pall-Ex agrees a game-changing deal for new Group HQ and flagship hub operation that will revolutionise operational excellence and sustainability. A new landmark lease agreement between leading logistics network Pall-Ex and commercial property developer and investor Barberry will result in the construction of a cutting-edge, state-of-the-art freight distribution hub in Leicestershire that will set the standard in the sector, it was announced today. Pall-Ex’s new Centre of Excellence – the largest build to suit pre-let deal in the UK this year – will cover 408,000 sq ft, with an additional 100,000 sq ft canopy, on a 35-acre site. The £80 million facility will serve as the flagship logistics hub for the network and will house Pall-Ex’s UK and European headquarters. The investment reinforces Pall-Ex’s position as a leader in quality, innovation, and technology within the industry. Scheduled to begin construction later this year, the Centre of Excellence has been designed with sustainability and innovation at its core. It will be built to exceptional ESG standards, aiming for EPC A+ and BREEAM Excellent accreditation. To achieve the highest rating of EPC A+, the new hub incorporates a variety of energy-efficient and eco-friendly features, including electric vehicle charging stations, solar panels and designated green spaces. Once complete, it will be the first purpose-built facility in the pallet network sector in the UK to be energy self-sufficient, setting the standard for environmentally responsible logistics. Barberry this week lodged a planning application at Hinckley and Bosworth District Council for the development on land at Bardon, Leicestershire. The proposals show it is expected to create around 500 construction jobs and an estimated 534 permanent jobs.Work is scheduled to start on site in Q4 this year, subject to planning. Jonathan Robinson, Barberry development director, said: “We are thrilled to announce that we have secured a pre-let agreement with Pall-Ex to deliver the company’s new national centre of excellence in Leicestershire – the largest build-to-suit pre-let in the UK this year. “Working closely with Pall-Ex we plan to create a new national palletised freight distribution center that will deliver new ESG credentials, carbon net zero in occupation, staff welfare recreation zone incorporating football pitch, basketball court, club house helping attract and retain staff while providing Pall-Ex with the operational excellence that will make the business stand out amongst its UK competitors. “After agreeing a long-term lease with the company, we have now submitted a planning application to Hinckley and Bosworth District Council for a 408,000 sq ft warehouse at Bardon, located just a couple of miles from junction 22 of the M1, providing access to the national motorway network.” He added: “This is another significant investment by Barberry which demonstrates our strong financial position and continued commitment to the industrial and logistics sector in key strategic locations.” Kevin Buchanan, Pall-Ex Group Chief Executive Officer, views the construction of the new HQ as a pivotal stage of the company’s strategy to revolutionise the way the network operates in terms of sustainability and operational excellence. He said: “Our new, multi-million-pound, cutting-edge Centre of Excellence isn’t just about expansion and growth – it’s about redefining the industry through technology, quality, and state-of-the-art infrastructure. As a market leader, we are immensely proud to unveil plans for premises that will be A+ rated, carbon-neutral, and built for the future. “This investment signals a massive opportunity for our stakeholders, reinforcing Pall-Ex’s position at the forefront of operational excellence. We are once again leading the way and shaping the future of palletised freight distribution through innovation, technology and sustainability.” Barberry has a 3.3 million sq ft industrial/logistics development pipeline with a Gross Development Value of more than £600 million and a growing income-producing commercial portfolio, delivering sustainable returns. The company also has 515 acres of strategically located residential and employment development land, capable of delivering 3,500 new homes including a 288 Build-to-rent (BTR) apartment scheme in the heart of Coventry city centre. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Superdrug Unveils Flagship Store at Meadowhall, Boosting Health and Beauty Offering

Superdrug Unveils Flagship Store at Meadowhall, Boosting Health and Beauty Offering

Kenneth Booth June 4, 2025

Superdrug has officially launched its latest flagship store at Sheffield’s Meadowhall, marking a major step in its nationwide expansion plans. Covering 10,199 square feet, the new outlet ranks among the largest in the retailer’s UK portfolio. It opens as part of Superdrug’s ambitious goal to establish 25 new stores across the country in 2025. Shoppers at Meadowhall can now enjoy an extended range of health and beauty products, toiletries, and fragrances, alongside a variety of in-store treatments. A standout feature of the new store is the addition of a nurse-led health clinic, offering services including travel advice, vaccinations, and blood tests. Also central to the experience is the in-store ‘Beauty Studio’, where customers can access a range of professional treatments such as nail services, eyebrow shaping, lash enhancements, acrylics, and piercings. Clare Jennings, Property Director at Superdrug, commented: “We are excited to be opening our new store in Meadowhall which will allow us to offer a premium shopping experience to our valued customers – featuring top health and beauty brands, a dedicated health clinic and in-store Beauty Studio. The opening will generate ten new jobs in Meadowhall, allowing us to support employment in the local community.” Richard Crowther, Retail Leasing Director at British Land, added: “The latest in a long line of leading brands to have committed to Meadowhall, Superdrug’s brand-new, upsized location responds to clear growth in the health and beauty category. As we did with dozens of tenants last year, we work hard to create opportunities for growth at Meadowhall, finding the right size and right location to optimise performance across our brands – backed by evidenced performance from our best-in-class line-up, with combined investment that significantly improves the visitor experience.” The opening comes on the heels of further retail growth at Meadowhall, with fashion brands AllSaints and Tommy Hilfiger reaffirming their presence, and Oliver Bonas joining the scheme for the first time. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Wates Secures £110m Deal to Restore Iconic Victoria Tower

Wates Secures £110m Deal to Restore Iconic Victoria Tower

Kenneth Booth June 4, 2025

Wates Construction has been awarded a £110.6 million contract (excluding VAT) to lead the major restoration of Victoria Tower – the historic structure at the House of Lords end of the Palace of Westminster. The imposing 98.5-metre-high tower, which dates back to 1860, has shown significant signs of decay in recent years. With several incidents of falling masonry since 2018, urgent safety measures – including the installation of a protective deck – have already been put in place. However, these temporary fixes are no longer sufficient, prompting the need for extensive and long-term repairs. The project, commissioned by parliamentary authorities, will see Wates undertake vital conservation and repair works to safeguard the tower’s future. This includes the restoration of exterior stonework to reduce the risk of further stone fall, refurbishment of the roof, window glazing, and the historic flagpole. The last significant works on Victoria Tower were completed more than three decades ago, in the early 1990s. Following a competitive tendering process, Wates was selected to deliver the programme, which forms part of a wider £253 million investment to secure the structural integrity and safety of the tower. Work is expected to begin later this year and will continue until 2031. Steve Holbrook, Managing Director at Wates, said: “Wates and Parliament share a commitment to preserving traditional building techniques while embracing innovative construction and logistic methodologies to protect and enhance this historic landmark. The extensive repair and restoration work we will be carrying out on the Victoria Tower will ensure it can continue its important role on the parliamentary estate for decades to come.” The project follows the recent completion of works to the Elizabeth Tower – home to the iconic Big Ben – by Sir Robert McAlpine at the opposite end of the Palace. Despite the scale of the work, access to the Sovereign’s Entrance – used by the monarch during the State Opening of Parliament since 1852 – will be maintained throughout the restoration period, allowing ceremonial events to continue uninterrupted. As one of the most recognisable features of the Westminster skyline, Victoria Tower plays a key role in the identity of the UK Parliament. Its restoration signals a renewed focus on preserving the heritage of the Palace while ensuring public safety and operational continuity. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Greater Manchester’s £2.5 billion funding boost to unlock UK’s first fully integrated, zero-emission public transport network

Greater Manchester’s £2.5 billion funding boost to unlock UK’s first fully integrated, zero-emission public transport network

Kenneth Booth June 4, 2025

Greater Manchester is set to deliver the UK’s first fully integrated, zero-emission public transport system by 2030 thanks to a £2.5 billion government funding boost. Government ministers are in Rochdale this morning [Wednesday 4 June]  to announce details of the Transport for the City Regions funding, with Greater Manchester awarded £2.5 billion. Mayor Andy Burnham said that further progress on the next phase of the Bee Network will now be delivered at an unrelenting pace. Greater Manchester will: Create an all-electric local public transport network: A thousand new EV buses will form a 100% electric fleet serving its communities. Alongside trams powered by renewable energy and e-bikes for hire, it will deliver an emission-free network. This will build on progress already made to cut CO2 emissions and improve air quality. Bring rail into the Bee Network: Local rail lines will be integrated with the Bee Network, with Greater Manchester communities the first outside London to be served by fully joined-up bike, bus, tram and train travel by the end of the decade. The move will see major improvements to stations, including making more fully accessible, as well as capped fares. Deliver major projects to drive green growth: A pipeline of transport projects – including a tram line to Stockport and tram-train services connecting Oldham, Rochdale, Heywood and Bury, new Metrolink stops and modern new interchanges – will support the delivery of thousands of new homes, skilled jobs and green growth. Transport investment will be fundamental to sustaining the city-region’s rate of economic growth, which has outstripped the UK’s average in the past decade. Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “This is a game-changing moment that will underpin Greater Manchester’s green growth for years to come. Building on our strong track record, we can now move at pace to deliver the next phase of the Bee Network – creating the UK’s first fully electric, zero emission integrated public transport system by 2030. “With a pipeline of major transport projects better connecting our towns and cities, and local rail lines brought into the Bee Network, our communities will be the first outside London to be served by fully joined-up bike, bus, tram and train travel.  “Greater Manchester has had a decade of growth faster than the UK average. This funding – together with our devolved decision-making powers – can be the key to unlocking even more growth in the decade to come. “It’s a major boost for our own plans to deliver £10bn of investment over the next 10 years, build thousands of new homes, create skilled jobs, and open up new opportunities right across our city-region.” The new funding will continue to deliver far-reaching benefits across all of Greater Manchester’s towns and cities, underpinning the city-region’s economic growth and delivering tangible benefits for its communities. Key projects will include: The £2.5 billion is part of a package of investment Greater Manchester is seeking to deliver its growth ambitions in full – with the city-region seeking to work collaboratively with Government on exploring new funding models for major transport and other infrastructure projects. As part of next week’s Spending Review, it is also hoped the Government will back transformational schemes that stretch beyond the city-region’s boundaries, including the new proposed Liverpool-Manchester Railway. Continued revenue funding from government will also be crucial to support essential bus routes that provide a lifeline to Greater Manchester’s communities and grow the Bee Network, connecting more places by bus and further boosting passenger numbers. Greater Manchester is already making significant progress in creating a cheaper, cleaner, greener and safer public transport network. Just this week Transport for Greater Manchester completed work on the city-region’s first all electric bus depot in Ashton. Now home to more than 80 zero-emission buses, it means 14 more bus routes across the city region are now serviced by cleaner electric vehicles. It’s just one of the ways the Bee Network is transforming how people get around, with lower, capped fares across bus and tram and improvements made to more than 75 services helping to reverse decades-long decline in buses with rapidly growing numbers of passengers served by a more reliable, affordable and integrated public transport network. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Hundreds of East Yorkshire homes and buildings to benefit from major improvements and green technology

Hundreds of East Yorkshire homes and buildings to benefit from major improvements and green technology

Kenneth Booth June 4, 2025

Construction company Hobson & Porter has won a major decarbonisation and stock condition works contract with East Riding of Yorkshire Council, which will see the firm install the latest sustainable technology and refurbish hundreds of homes and buildings each year. The work will be worth approximately £15million over a four-year period and will see Hobson & Porter refurbishing around 200 council owned homes each year, and significantly improving their energy performance certificate (EPC) ratings to either B or C. The company will also work on homes that the council is currently buying to supplement its existing housing stock. Hobson & Porter has already been tasked with installing 1.5kWp‘in-roof’ solar panels on more than 20 residential streets as well as making efficiency upgrades to the loft spaces. Structural repairs will also be carried out alongside the full refurbishment of a mix of council owned buildings including offices, industrial units and storage depots. This will include replacing reinforced concrete floor slabs for insulated ones, rewiring, installing new heating systems, underpinning, drainage repairs and internal structural work. In addition, Hobson & Porter will be improving communal areas in assisted living schemes and apartment buildings, as well as refurbishing and demolishing a series of garage blocks. Sam Robertson, from Hobson & Porter, said: “East Riding of Yorkshire Council is a longstanding client so we’re very pleased to win this new contract. Having worked on East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s previous frameworks for the last seven years, I am happy we have been recognised as a key partner in delivering this latest scheme, which is testament to our team’s hard work and high standards of workmanship. “It’s particularly rewarding because it involves a wide variety of work, from refurbishing all types of homes, which will make a genuine difference to local people, through to installing the latest sustainable technology. All this will significantly improve the council’s property portfolio across a large swathe of East Yorkshire, as well as future-proofing buildings and homes for future generations of residents, staff and visitors.” Councillor Gary McMaster, East Riding of Yorkshire Council cabinet member for planning, housing and infrastructure, said: “This contract has been designed to ensure that as many of the homes and buildings that we own and run as possible can benefit from modern and sustainable technology. This will ensure that they are fit for purpose for many years to come and guarantees the most efficient and cost-effective use of resources.” Hobson & Porter has a longstanding relationship with East Riding of Yorkshire Council. The company recently started rebuilding two sheltered housing developments in Anlaby and Driffield, which will both offer a mix of one-and-two-bedroom flats with generous open-plan layouts. The homes will be adaptable to meet residents’ needs as they age, thereby helping them to live independently for longer. Hobson & Porter is also working on the energy efficiency-led refurbishment of two supported living developments in Hornsea. Once complete, Meregarth will offer 14, one bedroom apartments and Pybus Court, will provide 13, one and two bedroom apartments that all meet East Riding’s need for suitable supported housing. At the end of last year, Hobson & Porter completed work on a £3.3 million renovation programme at Champney Treasure House in Beverley, which included significant improvements to the much-loved museum, archives, café area, tower viewing point, gardens and art gallery. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Designing for Accessibility: How Casinos Are Becoming More Inclusive

Designing for Accessibility: How Casinos Are Becoming More Inclusive

Nick Child June 4, 2025

The casino industry—long associated with glamour, excitement, and exclusivity—is undergoing a major transformation. As awareness around disability rights and inclusivity grows, both brick-and-mortar and online casinos are reimagining their spaces and platforms to become more accessible. From physical infrastructure improvements to digital innovations, casinos are actively working to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, can participate in the gaming experience. Expanding Accessibility Online The rise of online casinos has opened new doors for accessibility, but digital inclusion presents its own set of challenges. Fortunately, many leading iGaming platforms are now incorporating accessibility standards into their websites and apps, helping players with disabilities enjoy games from the comfort of home. Accessibility in online casinos starts with the principle that anyone, anywhere, should be able to play. While that was the original promise of iGaming, regional restrictions and regulations have limited access over time. However, international platforms—especially independent non GamStop casinos—have helped restore this vision. These sites often offer more freedom and flexibility, allowing players around the world to enjoy gaming without unnecessary barriers. Modern online casinos are also improving accessibility through practical design choices. Features like screen reader compatibility, voice commands, scalable text, and adjustable contrast support users with visual impairments. Simplified interfaces and keyboard navigation help those with motor limitations, while some platforms are testing haptic feedback and audio descriptions to create more inclusive gameplay for users with sensory needs. For deaf or hard-of-hearing users, digital accessibility options like closed captions on dealer streams and video content are becoming more common, alongside real-time text-based support. Many platforms now include accessibility testing in their development process to ensure that new features don’t unintentionally create barriers—making inclusion a core part of the user experience, not just an afterthought. Accessibility in Brick-and-Mortar Casinos Traditional casinos are large, complex environments filled with flashing lights, loud sounds, and crowded spaces. Historically, they’ve posed challenges for guests with mobility, sensory, or cognitive impairments. Today, however, many brick-and-mortar casinos are embracing universal design principles to create more inclusive experiences. This includes architectural modifications like step-free entrances, ramps, wider aisles for wheelchairs, and elevators that accommodate mobility aids. Slot machines and gaming tables are increasingly being designed with adjustable heights and improved reachability. Designing accessible restrooms, lowered counters at check-in desks, and clearly marked wayfinding signage are becoming standard features in newly constructed or renovated casinos. Some casinos offer Braille menus, tactile floor indicators, and visual or vibrating alarms for guests with visual or hearing impairments in case of emergencies. Staff training is also playing a role—casino employees are being educated on how to assist patrons with different needs, ensuring a respectful and supportive environment. In recent years, some casinos have also begun offering sensory-friendly spaces for individuals with autism or PTSD. These zones feature softer lighting, reduced noise, and fewer visual distractions—offering a much-needed respite from the often-intense atmosphere of the gaming floor. Accessibility as a Business Imperative Whether in-person or online, designing for accessibility is more than just a compliance issue—it’s a smart business strategy. People with disabilities represent a substantial and often underserved segment of the population. By making their spaces and platforms more inclusive, casinos can tap into a broader customer base while fostering greater brand loyalty. Furthermore, accessible design often benefits everyone. Features like easier navigation, better signage, or simplified interfaces enhance the user experience for all guests—not just those with disabilities. Looking Ahead As technology evolves and societal expectations shift, the future of accessible gaming looks promising. Innovations like AI-powered personalisation, real-time translation, and virtual reality are poised to offer even more inclusive experiences for players of all abilities. Ultimately, the effort to make casinos—both physical and digital—more accessible reflects a deeper cultural change. It signals a move away from exclusivity and toward equity, where everyone has the opportunity to participate, enjoy, and thrive in the gaming world. Whether you’re spinning a reel on your phone or walking into a grand casino lobby, accessibility is no longer an afterthought—it’s becoming a core part of the casino experience.

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