Work is due to begin this summer on a new £27.3 million leisure centre in Bishop Auckland, marking the start of Durham County Council’s flagship development under its Leisure Transformation Programme. The new facility will replace the aging Woodhouse Leisure Complex, the oldest in the council’s portfolio, and will become
McAleer & Rushe, MRP, and Vita Group have celebrated a significant construction milestone with the topping out of their new £85 million purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development on Gough Street, Birmingham. The landmark scheme, constructed by design & build contractor McAleer & Rushe, is being developed by MRP under a
Panattoni, the largest industrial real estate developer in Europe, has strengthened its commitment to Milton Keynes with an agreement to acquire a prime 5-acre site, marking the next phase of its strategic expansion in the region. The new development, Panattoni Milton Keynes 100, will be a single-unit of 100,000 sq
Willmott Dixon has been appointed to deliver a £48.8 million transformation of Queen Mary University of London’s School of Business & Management — marking the construction firm’s second major project for the university within a year. Located in Tower Hamlets, the redevelopment will see a brand-new, seven-storey academic building designed
Leeds City Council has launched a public consultation on new planning guidance that could pave the way for the large-scale regeneration of land surrounding Elland Road football stadium, potentially delivering a multi-billion-pound boost to the city’s economy. The draft ‘Elland Road 2025 Informal Planning Statement’ outlines a vision for transforming
NFRC (The National Federation of Roofing Contractors) welcomes the government’s announcements in its Spending Review, particularly the commitment to significantly increase funding for the Affordable Homes Programme. The intention to unlock greater private investment in housebuilding through Homes England is also a positive step, provided it is implemented effectively. The
The Government’s £39 billion Affordable Homes Programme signals a long-term approach to tackling the housing crisis. However, the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) warns that, without sufficient planning capacity and access to specialist training, the delivery of sustainable, community-focused places remains at risk. Dr Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the
Yesterday, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, delivered the outcome of Phase 2 of the government’s Spending Review. The government announced in Autumn 2024, that the forthcoming Spending Review in 2025 will set government departmental resource budgets for three years and capital budgets for five years, with
One of the UK’s largest and most technically challenging road projects has officially opened, completing the £2bn Heads of the Valleys Road upgrade programme helping to deliver better transport and fix our roads. The final phase of the Welsh Government funded upgrade programme , which was designed to deliver prosperity
Contractor Clegg Construction has strengthened its team with the appointment of a new business development manager. Amy Fullaway has more than five years of business development experience in the construction sector and associated industries, plus a background in marketing and bid coordination. She joins the business development team at Clegg
Work is due to begin this summer on a new £27.3 million leisure centre in Bishop Auckland, marking the start of Durham County Council’s flagship development under its Leisure Transformation Programme. The new facility will replace the aging Woodhouse Leisure Complex, the oldest in the council’s portfolio, and will become a key part of the council’s strategy to modernise leisure services across the region. The centre will be the fifth project delivered by Alliance Leisure for the council, following upgrades to facilities in Consett, Abbey, Peterlee, and Stanley. Funded primarily by Durham County Council, with an additional £2.5 million contribution from Sport England, the development is designed to promote health, wellbeing, and community cohesion—particularly in one of the county’s most deprived areas. Currently, 33% of residents in County Durham live in the top 20% most deprived areas nationally, and nearly 39% of adults are considered physically inactive. The Bishop Auckland leisure centre has been designed to address these challenges by offering modern, inclusive amenities aimed at encouraging physical activity for all ages and abilities. In a first for the region, the centre will also incorporate a public library, creating a multi-purpose community hub that combines leisure, education, health, and social engagement. Key features of the new facility will include a 25-metre, six-lane main swimming pool and a 20-metre, four-lane teaching pool with moveable floors. A large gym, two group exercise studios, and the council’s fourth Move Hub, an Innerva-equipped, power-assisted exercise studio designed to support users with reduced mobility—will also be included. The development will feature an indoor adventure play area to support children’s physical literacy and social development, a café for community use, and flexible community and cultural spaces. Outdoor active areas and a community garden will further enhance the site’s role as a neighbourhood focal point. Designed by GT3 Architects, the building will incorporate pitched roofs and expansive windows to maximise natural light while blending with the local architectural style. It aims to achieve a BREEAM Very Good rating and will operate entirely on electricity, utilising air source heat pumps and renewable energy systems to reduce operational costs and environmental impact. The project team includes contractor Morgan Sindall, project managers Axiom, planning consultancy DPP, and GT3 Architects as lead designers. The scheme was procured through the UK Leisure Framework, managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
McAleer & Rushe, MRP, and Vita Group have celebrated a significant construction milestone with the topping out of their new £85 million purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development on Gough Street, Birmingham. The landmark scheme, constructed by design & build contractor McAleer & Rushe, is being developed by MRP under a forward funding agreement with urban regeneration specialist, Vita Group. The topping out ceremony brought together key stakeholders and guests to celebrate this significant stage of progress. Once complete, the development will provide 540 premium Vita Student studio apartments across two towers of 10 and 29 storeys. Architecturally distinctive, the scheme is defined by a striking zig-zag façade and a modern design approach with sustainability at its core. Residents will benefit from an exceptional range of communal amenities, including private dining rooms, a gym, basketball court, co-study spaces, a social hub, and games rooms, creating a vibrant student living environment. This development is among a series of collaborations between McAleer & Rushe and Vita Group, including the award-winning Bruce StreetschemeinBelfast, developed by MRP, as well as ongoing projects at NewWaverley in EdinburghandIndia Street in Glasgow. Designed to achieve a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, the scheme places a strong emphasis on energy efficiency and environmental responsibility. Features include more than 200 cycle parking spaces, multiple outdoor terraces, and a rooftop area on level 29. Additionally, a landscaped roof terrace on level 10 will incorporate a bio-green garden with wildflower beds, crushed stone piles, and stacked tree stems to promote biodiversity and create habitats for urban wildlife. Centrally located on Gough Street, near Suffolk Street Queensway, the scheme features excellent connectivity, with Birmingham New Street Station, The Mailbox, and The Cube within walking distance, making it highly attractive to students with easy access to local universities and amenities. McAleer & Rushe recently achieved an ‘Outstanding’ Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) score of 47, including two best practice points, recognising excellence in site management, community engagement, and sustainability. The project remains on track for completion in Summer 2026, ready for occupation by students for the 2026/2027 academic year. Stephen Surphlis, Managing Director at MRP said: “We are thrilled to celebrate the magnificent milestone of the Vita Student, Gough Street topping out. This scheme reflects MRP’s commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable spaces that support the city’s ambition and support Birmingham’s growing student population with first-class housing.” Mark Diamond, Senior Director at McAleer & Rushe, commented: “We are delighted to celebrate the topping out of Vita Gough Street, marking a significant milestone in the delivery of this exceptional purpose-built student accommodation scheme in Birmingham. Reaching this key achievement is a testament to the hard work and collaboration of our project team, partners, and supply chain, whose collective efforts continue to drive the project forward. “We’re proud to be playing a central role in bringing to life a vibrant living environment that meets the growing demand for high-quality student accommodation in the city. As we move toward completion in Summer 2026, we remain committed to delivering the development to the highest standards, with a strong focus on safety, quality, and sustainability.” Max Bielby, Chief Operating Officer, Vita Group commented: “Birmingham has always been an important city for Vita Group, and the topping out of our latest development on Gough Street marks a proud moment in deepening our connection in the city. Following the success of Vita Student Pebble Mill, we’re excited to expand our presence in a city known for its vibrant student population and world-renowned universities. This new scheme is also a reflection of our strong and trusted partnership with McAleer & Rushe, with whom we continue to deliver high-quality, design-led student residences across the UK. Together, we’re creating exceptional living environments that prioritise wellbeing, sustainability, and a true sense of community for the staff and students there.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Panattoni, the largest industrial real estate developer in Europe, has strengthened its commitment to Milton Keynes with an agreement to acquire a prime 5-acre site, marking the next phase of its strategic expansion in the region. The new development, Panattoni Milton Keynes 100, will be a single-unit of 100,000 sq ft and bring additional high-quality, speculative industrial space to the market. A detailed planning application will be submitted in Q2 2025, with Panattoni’s £30 million commitment into the project to further enhance its logistics hubs in Milton Keynes. The site, acquired from owner-occupier Tesa UK Ltd, will be redeveloped following the demolition of the existing industrial unit. This latest prime UK acquisition provides tenants easy with access across the country. The site complements the ongoing development at Panattoni Park Milton Keynes less than one mile away, where we are delivering two large-scale units to the Southern M1 market. Already underway and committed, Panattoni Park Milton Keynes comprises of two speculative units; 343,666 sq ft which is now complete and ready for tenant fit-out, while the 448,366 sq ft unit is scheduled for completion in May 2025. Both units will achieve a BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ rating and net zero carbon in construction, reflecting Panattoni’s focus on sustainability. Featuring 18m clear internal height, 55m service yards, and extensive loading capabilities, these buildings offer future occupiers best-in-class facilities in a prime logistics location near Junction 14 of the M1. James Watson, Head of Development, Southern England & London at Panattoni commented: “Our latest acquisition underlines our long-term commitment to Milton Keynes and our confidence in the region’s industrial and logistics market. With the completion of the new logistics hub, Panattoni Park Milton Keynes, we wanted to continue to expand our speculative offering, giving tenants flexible size options for businesses to move and grow in the region. Panattoni is offering clients modern, high-quality, sustainable space in a prime location. This investment aligns with our strategy to deliver best-in-class facilities to meet occupier demand. We look forward to bringing forward the planning and working with the community even further.” Panattoni was advised by Savills on the acquisition. For further details on Panattoni’s developments in Milton Keynes, visit www.panattoni.co.uk/our-properties Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Willmott Dixon has been appointed to deliver a £48.8 million transformation of Queen Mary University of London’s School of Business & Management — marking the construction firm’s second major project for the university within a year. Located in Tower Hamlets, the redevelopment will see a brand-new, seven-storey academic building designed by Nicholas Hare Architects take the place of the current facility, which is no longer considered fit for purpose. The 6,700-square-metre scheme will also enhance the surrounding public realm, featuring new landscaped terraces and dedicated green spaces for students and staff alike. Completion is scheduled for 2027. This project follows closely on the heels of Willmott Dixon’s earlier commission in 2024 to extend the Informatics & Technology Learning building in Bethnal Green. That scheme involves a full retrofit and the addition of two extra storeys to the existing structure. Richard Poulter, managing director for Willmott Dixon in the South, commented: “Working with Queen Mary University London on both these projects presents a fantastic opportunity to deliver high-quality spaces through close collaboration. These schemes will provide long-lasting benefits for the university community.” Professor Colin Bailey, Principal of Queen Mary University of London, added: “This project represents more than just bricks and mortar. It is a bold investment in our academic future: a tangible statement of our commitment to excellence in education, research, and innovation. It will help us deliver on our mission of opening the doors of opportunity, transforming lives, addressing inequalities, and making new discoveries.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leeds City Council has launched a public consultation on new planning guidance that could pave the way for the large-scale regeneration of land surrounding Elland Road football stadium, potentially delivering a multi-billion-pound boost to the city’s economy. The draft ‘Elland Road 2025 Informal Planning Statement’ outlines a vision for transforming around 30 acres of land, primarily owned by the council, into a new mixed-use neighbourhood. The plans include up to 2,000 new homes, high-quality public spaces and a range of leisure and commercial opportunities. The regeneration area could accommodate new community amenities such as a sports arena, hotel accommodation, and flexible workspaces. There is also scope for educational facilities linked to health, sport, and wellbeing, reflecting international examples where major stadiums have become the centrepieces of wider urban renewal. Proposals also cover the future of the temporary park and ride facility currently operating on the site. Subject to evidence of demand, one or more multi-storey car parks could be built to serve both the local community and visitors, particularly on matchdays. The development of the area would be phased over a 20-year period to ensure the local highway network can accommodate changes without negatively impacting neighbouring communities. The consultation comes as the council looks to refresh planning guidance for the site for the first time since 2007, taking into account changing conditions across Leeds and progress on Leeds United’s proposed stadium expansion. The land has been earmarked for redevelopment for several years, but recent momentum has prompted the council to update its vision in line with current and future needs. As part of the process, local residents will be contacted to share their experiences regarding parking issues in the area, with the council exploring the potential introduction of new parking restrictions to ease pressure on surrounding streets. Alongside housing and leisure developments, the draft guidance also emphasises improved transport links. Plans include enhancements to walking and cycling infrastructure to better connect Elland Road with the wider city and promote sustainable travel options. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
NFRC (The National Federation of Roofing Contractors) welcomes the government’s announcements in its Spending Review, particularly the commitment to significantly increase funding for the Affordable Homes Programme. The intention to unlock greater private investment in housebuilding through Homes England is also a positive step, provided it is implemented effectively. The allocation of nearly £2.3bn a year to fix crumbling classrooms and a further £2.4bn to rebuild 500 schools presents a significant opportunity for NFRC members to contribute high-quality work to vital public infrastructure. In addition, the pledge of up to £1.2 billion per year in skills training for young people by the end of the Parliament is a critical investment. It will help ensure a pipeline of trained professionals is in place to deliver these ambitious projects. NFRC Director of Membership, Richard Miller, said: “It’s encouraging to see the Government making a strong commitment to social and affordable housing at a time when difficult decisions are being made across the board. “A safe, well-built home is the foundation for a stable life, and this investment will play a key role in making more of these homes available to those who need them. “To ensure this funding delivers real value, it is essential that homes are constructed to a high standard, using quality products and contractors whose workforce is demonstrably skilled. “This is particularly important for roofing, especially now that solar panels will be the default on all new homes under the Future Homes Standard. That policy will only work if solar systems are properly designed and installed by professionals with the right expertise in both PV technology and roofing.” NFRC urges the Government to avoid undermining the impact of these investments through further tax increases on construction businesses in the upcoming Autumn Budget. “Many roofing businesses are already under pressure from rising employment costs,” Miller added. “In our most recent Spring survey, cost of employment was the most cited challenge facing roofing businesses, with 76% of responding Members highlighting the issue. Construction insolvencies remain high, and any further financial strain could put the Government’s housing ambitions at risk, regardless of how much funding is committed.” NFRC eagerly anticipates the forthcoming publication of the government’s ten-year infrastructure strategy. A clear and reliable pipeline of work will be essential to ensure that the promised funding can be delivered effectively and translated into tangible outcomes on the ground. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Government’s £39 billion Affordable Homes Programme signals a long-term approach to tackling the housing crisis. However, the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) warns that, without sufficient planning capacity and access to specialist training, the delivery of sustainable, community-focused places remains at risk. Dr Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the RTPI, said: “The Government has shown a serious commitment to addressing the housing crisis with long-term investment to deliver the homes communities across the UK urgently need. However, planning must be recognised not only as a key policy lever but also as a profession that requires sustained investment to help achieve these commitments. “While the overall increase in local authority core spending power is welcome, it does not guarantee the funding needed for planning services. Targeted investment in planning teams is essential to meet growing demand and deliver on national priorities. “We support the strong focus on education and training, but the key issues around resourcing are only exacerbated by the restriction of funding for Level 7 Apprenticeships to those aged 16 – 21. This will result in the loss of up to 200 future planners a year from RTPI-accredited universities. “With the profession already facing severe skills shortages, it is vital that access to advanced and specialist training, including postgraduate routes, remains open to both new entrants and those looking to upskill.” The RTPI also highlighted the importance of ensuring funding settlements for devolved governments translate into meaningful investment in planning, particularly in areas like Scotland and Wales where local authority capacity is under severe strain. The Institute welcomes the significant investment in public service delivery in Northern Ireland. But notes that infrastructure investment across the nations must also be matched by planning resource if delivery goals are to be achieved. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Yesterday, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, delivered the outcome of Phase 2 of the government’s Spending Review. The government announced in Autumn 2024, that the forthcoming Spending Review in 2025 will set government departmental resource budgets for three years and capital budgets for five years, with reviews every two years. CIHT will be providing a more detailed analysis in the coming days. Sue Percy CBE, Chief Executive, CIHT said: “CIHT welcomes the commitment to transport spend outlined today by the Chancellor. The Spending Review, shows that the government understands the vital role that highways, transport and infrastructure plays in the UK economy.” “The announcement of funding to support the key areas of transport decarbonisation, public transport, climate resilience and highway maintenance echo many of CIHT’s recent submissions to government. The reference to an increase in funding for apprenticeships and training to reach an extra £1.2 billion per annum by 2029 is a welcome emphasis on the need to support the future skills of the sector.” “CIHT will be working closely with the government to support these initiatives and more in the run-up to the forthcoming 10-year infrastructure strategy.” The following includes some of the highlights CIHT welcomes from the Spending Review that CIHT called for, including: – £750 million per year to maintain and improve bus services, including introducing franchising pilots in areas including York and North Yorkshire and Cheshire West and Cheshire West and Chester Read CIHT on improving buses – £2.6 billion capital investment to decarbonise transport from 2026-27 to 2029-30. This includes: – Investing £616 million to build and maintain walking and cycling infrastructure. (1) Read CIHT on making the case for active travel – £1.4 billion for the continued uptake of electric vehicles Read CIHT on electric vehicles – £400 million to support the rollout of charging infrastructure, building on the almost 80,000 public charging devices already available; – Extending the £3 bus fare cap – due to end this year – by over a year until March 2027 Read CIHT Spending Review submission – £4.2 billion over three years, from 2026-27 to 2028- 29 for climate resilience – Providing £24 billion of capital funding between 2026‑27 and 2029‑30 to maintain and improve motorways and local roads across the country. Read CIHT Unlocking the Benefits of Long-Term Funding for Local Roads – The impending publication of the government’s ‘10-Year Infrastructure Strategy’ later in June. Further announcements that CIHT welcome include: – Investing £2.3 billion in the Local Transport Grant over Phase 2 for local transport improvements including bus lanes, cycleways and congestion improvement measures in places outside of those areas receiving TCR settlements. – £15.6 billion investment in total by 2031‑32 through the new Transport for City Regions (TCR) settlements to give metro mayors of some of England’s largest city regions long‑term transport settlements. – Up to £27.8 billion capital to be invested through the National Wealth Fund (NWF), which will drive growth and create jobs across the UK in areas, including transport sectors. – A multi-year settlement for London (TfL) of £2.2 billion of funding between 2026-27 and 2029-30 for Transport for London’s capital renewals programme. – £1.2bn a year for training and upskilling, with a focus on creating more apprenticeship opportunities. – Devolved governments will receive an additional £5.7 billion per year on average through the operation of the Barnett formula. This translates as £52bn for Scotland, £23bn for Wales, and £21bn for Northern Ireland. The full government Spending Review Document is available to read here. CIHT looks forward to continuing to work with HM Treasury, the Department for Transport, and other government departments to ensure that the UK’s transport network is fit for all our futures. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
One of the UK’s largest and most technically challenging road projects has officially opened, completing the £2bn Heads of the Valleys Road upgrade programme helping to deliver better transport and fix our roads. The final phase of the Welsh Government funded upgrade programme , which was designed to deliver prosperity to some of the most deprived areas in Wales, has already created 2,200 new jobs across the country with almost a half of those employed living in the local area and coming from a disadvantaged or long-term unemployed background. The £1.4bn Section 5&6 – Dowlais to Hirwaun final phase is helping to connect communities by linking the Valleys, South and West Wales to the English Midlands and beyond together with ports serving Irish and other European destinations. As well as improving the resilience of the South Wales trunk road network, the road provides a vital link across the top of the South Wales valleys for the Metro project improving links to the Cardiff and Swansea Bay City Regions. This has been achieved by delivering: As well as boosting the region’s economy with approximately £400m being invested in the local supply chain, the project has helped to inspire the next generation through educational engagement sessions, and delivered a series of environmental benefits. These include: Speaking at the official opening, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates said: “Delivering better transport and fixing our roads is a priority for this government, which is why I am delighted to be marking the completion of what has been a hugely ambitious road upgrade programme. “It’s been a complex project, which has not been without its challenges, but is a fantastic example of how targeted investment in road infrastructure can deliver benefits on so many levels, from providing local jobs to improving accessibility, supporting education and skills, as well as delivering environmental benefits. “Of course, a project of this magnitude is inevitably going to have an impact on local residents, and I would like to thank those that were affected for their patience. I am confident that once people realise the benefits of this investment, memories of any disruption they have experienced will start to fade.” Finance Secretary, Mark Drakeford added: “Investing in this major capital project has created real benefits for local people. It has resulted in £400m for the local supply chain and has created 2,200 new jobs.“Beyond improving transport, this project has built a legacy in the area, by training over 200 apprentices and providing STEM activities for local schools. This shows how our investments are improving more than just infrastructure; they are supporting our communities.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Contractor Clegg Construction has strengthened its team with the appointment of a new business development manager. Amy Fullaway has more than five years of business development experience in the construction sector and associated industries, plus a background in marketing and bid coordination. She joins the business development team at Clegg Construction at a time when the company has a growing order book, with exciting schemes in the pipeline and projects under way across the Midlands, East Anglia and the North. Her role will involve developing new opportunities and strengthening relationships with existing clients. Pre-construction director Christian White said: “The Clegg Construction team welcomes Amy to the business. She brings with her several years of experience in both business development and marketing, which will help us to achieve our future goals.” Amy, who is originally from Derbyshire, has a Business and Management BSc Hons degree from the University of Derby. She said: “Joining Clegg Construction is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a company with such a strong reputation in the industry. I look forward to collaborating with the team to drive innovation and explore new business avenues.” With its headquarters in the Lace Market, Nottingham, Clegg Construction is a Midlands, East Anglia, and Yorkshire-based construction firm specialising in the delivery of public and private sector projects. It was founded in the 1930s and now works across all specialities including healthcare, education and residential. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
