Plans are advancing for a major AI data centre development at the Teesworks site in Northeast England, with the UK government aiming to position it as Europe’s largest AI infrastructure hub. But behind the headlines of digital transformation and investment, the project is fast becoming a focal point for debates
The Crown Estate has acquired the headlease of 100 Regent Street, a prominent mixed-use building in London’s West End, for £95 million. The purchase was made from a vehicle managed by Federated Hermes Real Estate and further cements The Crown Estate’s long-term commitment to revitalising the capital’s iconic retail and
By Blueprint Interiors With the hybrid tide turning and more businesses bringing people back to the office, the conversation has quickly moved from “how do we get them back?” to “how do we make them want to stay?” The answer lies not just in desks and deadlines – but in
A total of 22 firms have been awarded a place on Prosper’s New Build Development Framework, which covers the whole of England and Wales. The 4-year multi-supplier framework, launched this week, delivers a range of construction works and associated services including design. The new framework has been developed in collaboration
Almost a quarter of the UK public struggle with the concept of net zero, and nearly three-quarters hold no strong opinion on projects that support net zero but disrupt daily life, according to a new report by Copper Consultancy and Keele University which spells out the major opportunities – and
On the 25th July 2025, NHS Property Services, Deputy Mayor of Preston Councillor Nweeda Khan and the NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board came together to celebrate the opening of the modernised Ingol Healthcare Centre. This transformative project represents a significant investment in local healthcare infrastructure, designed
New land bridge to provide level access route through urban park to connect the High Street to the River Tees. Esh Construction has marked a significant milestone in the transformational Stockton Waterfront urban park project with the installation of the precast beams to form a new land bridge being completed.
Lovell is well positioned for future growth through its long term partnerships, which has been demonstrated in Morgan Sindall Group’s record half year results released to the London Stock Exchange this morning (29 July 2025). Today’s results continue to represent Morgan Sindall Group’s strong track record of delivering growth over
New lighting in schools, refurbishing a local wellbeing centre, creating crisis packs and wellbeing bags, running education events and donating almost £60,000 to community causes are some of the ways that the construction company building the National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) have delivered social value to the local area. The construction
Temporary power distribution specialist IDE Systems has installed a customised Cat® DE110E2 diesel generator, supplied by Finning UK & Ireland, at its manufacturing centre in Cannock. The standby generator will provide resilience against power outages and ensure seamless operations in producing power distribution equipment for critical sectors, including data centres, healthcare
Plans are advancing for a major AI data centre development at the Teesworks site in Northeast England, with the UK government aiming to position it as Europe’s largest AI infrastructure hub. But behind the headlines of digital transformation and investment, the project is fast becoming a focal point for debates around sustainability, governance, and planning priorities. Teesworks Ltd submitted a planning application in June for a proposed hyperscale campus covering nearly 500,000 square metres. The facility would anchor the UK’s second AI Growth Zone, complementing the existing site at Culham in Oxfordshire. The development forms part of the government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan and Compute Roadmap, both designed to increase the UK’s sovereign computing power. Backed by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), the project is seen as essential for scaling AI workloads, providing dedicated energy access, and embedding the infrastructure into wider industrial and academic ecosystems. Early interest from leading tech firms suggests strong commercial momentum, with site selection favouring Teesside’s ample brownfield space, utilities access, and regeneration incentives. Yet the project faces mounting tension from within government and beyond. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has flagged environmental risks, especially around the expected energy draw and water usage of large-scale AI centres. These concerns are amplified by a parallel proposal at the site: BP’s blue hydrogen and carbon capture (CCUS) facility. Local authorities and Teesworks Ltd have previously expressed opposition to the CCUS scheme, citing incompatibility with the data centre plan. This clash of priorities sets up a critical decision for Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, who is due to rule on the CCUS proposal by 28 August. The outcome could determine whether Teesworks becomes a national flagship for digital infrastructure or encounters prolonged planning conflict. Adding further complexity, Teesworks has come under scrutiny for its governance practices. A 2024 independent review raised questions about transparency and public value. This led to a best value notice issued in April 2025 and the creation of an improvement board to oversee development and accountability. With public-private collaboration at the core of the site’s ambition, confidence in management practices is crucial. For the building, design, and construction sector, the Teesworks data centre raises major questions about how future infrastructure projects balance innovation with environmental stewardship. As AI becomes more embedded in everyday systems—from smart cities to automated construction tools—the physical spaces that support this technology must align with broader sustainability goals. Constructing a site of this scale will demand integrated approaches across civil engineering, energy planning, facilities management, and digital systems architecture. Whether in HVAC systems tailored for server cooling, or sustainable power sourcing to mitigate emissions, design choices made now will influence long-term outcomes for both climate impact and operational resilience. If approved, the Teesworks campus could offer a blueprint for integrating hyperscale compute infrastructure into post-industrial landscapes. But it also highlights the increasing pressure on developers and public bodies to deliver technological progress without compromising environmental integrity or public trust. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Crown Estate has acquired the headlease of 100 Regent Street, a prominent mixed-use building in London’s West End, for £95 million. The purchase was made from a vehicle managed by Federated Hermes Real Estate and further cements The Crown Estate’s long-term commitment to revitalising the capital’s iconic retail and business corridor. The Grade II-listed property spans more than 53,000 square feet of retail and office accommodation. Already holding the freehold interest through the Regent Street Partnership—its joint venture with Norges Bank Investment Management—The Crown Estate will now gain full operational control of the building. This acquisition is seen as a strategic move to unlock the site’s full potential, both commercially and environmentally. The Crown Estate has confirmed plans to enhance the office interiors, refresh the retail offering, and invest in sustainability upgrades to improve the building’s overall energy performance. Dominic Packwood, investment manager at The Crown Estate, commented: “This important acquisition marks a key step in delivering our long-term vision for Regent Street and the wider West End. Direct ownership of 100 Regent Street will help us to realise our ambitious plans across our portfolio, including the delivery of our development pipeline and public realm investment, alongside our wider goal to create a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable West End.” Property consultancy Savills acted on behalf of The Crown Estate during the transaction. As part of its wider strategy, The Crown Estate continues to focus on modernising key assets across its central London holdings—enhancing both their commercial value and contribution to the city’s urban regeneration. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
By Blueprint Interiors With the hybrid tide turning and more businesses bringing people back to the office, the conversation has quickly moved from “how do we get them back?” to “how do we make them want to stay?” The answer lies not just in desks and deadlines – but in design, culture and purpose. We’ve spent over two decades helping businesses create workspaces that are more than just functional. They’re places where people want to be. And with recent stats showing that nearly 40% of global workers value a positive work environment over salary (Microsoft Work Trend Index, 2024), now’s the time for employers to rethink what a return to the office really means. Here are our top tips for keeping your people happy, productive and loyal once they’re back through the door: 1. Design spaces that inspire collaboration The traditional “rows of desks” model doesn’t cut it anymore. The office isn’t just a place to complete daily tasks – it’s a space for culture, collaboration and connection. Research shows that people want to come into the office to collaborate, build relationships and be part of something bigger. It’s not just about getting people back into the office; it’s about creating spaces that make them want to stay. By creating collaborative spaces that encourage teamwork and innovation, businesses see a significant boost in creativity and employee satisfaction. Top Tip: Use spatial zoning to create different environments – quiet zones, collaboration hubs, social spaces. These spaces will inspire creativity and make employees feel more connected. It shows you understand that work isn’t one-size-fits-all. 2. Prioritise employee wellbeing in design A great workspace isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s about creating an environment where employees feel physically and mentally supported. With employees increasingly prioritising wellbeing over salary, the design of your office space plays a crucial role in retention. Top Tip: Integrate biophilic design elements such as plants, natural lighting, and outdoor views to enhance mood and productivity. Include quiet zones for relaxation and focus, and ensure ergonomic furniture is a priority to prevent burnout. 3. Tailor the office to your culture We take a bespoke approach to each client, ensuring the office design mirrors the values, mission, and personality of the company. The workspace should reflect your company’s unique culture, encouraging employees to feel part of something bigger than just their job. Top Tip: Use branded elements in your workspace design, such as custom wall art, colour schemes, or interactive displays that reflect your company’s ethos. Integrate spaces for informal team building, brainstorming, and socialising, ensuring employees feel a sense of belonging. 4. Flexibility still matters Flexibility remains a top priority for employees, and we champion flexible, hybrid-friendly office designs that allow businesses to adapt to evolving work styles. Creating adaptable workspaces helps employees feel empowered and trusted in their roles. Top Tip: Design spaces that can accommodate various work styles. Include adjustable desks, movable partitions, and multi-purpose areas to ensure that the office meets both personal and team needs. 5. Enhance productivity through acoustic design One area that often gets overlooked is acoustics. Poor acoustics can significantly impact employee focus and satisfaction making sound management a priority in creating a better working environment. Top Tip: Use acoustic panels, ceiling baffles, and carpeting to reduce noise in open-plan areas. Offer employees quiet rooms and phone booths for private calls, ensuring they have spaces to focus without distractions. 6. Listen to your people and measure what matters One of the biggest mistakes we see is businesses assuming they know what people want. Is your workspace actually doing what it’s supposed to? Track key metrics like engagement, retention, and productivity – but also qualitative feedback on how the office really feels to your team. We work closely with our clients to evaluate the success of office transformations, measuring not only how well the space works but how it impacts employee experience. Top Tip: Define success criteria and assess progress over time. Conduct regular employee feedback surveys to identify areas for improvement and ensure your office space evolves to meet their needs. At Blueprint, we believe the office should be more than a place to sit – it should be a place to belong. The employers getting it right aren’t just filling their desks – they’re building spaces that fuel purpose, connection and growth. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A total of 22 firms have been awarded a place on Prosper’s New Build Development Framework, which covers the whole of England and Wales. The 4-year multi-supplier framework, launched this week, delivers a range of construction works and associated services including design. The new framework has been developed in collaboration with landlord partners, believe housing, Gentoo and Karbon Homes, designed using the experience and expertise of the development teams within each organisation. It is envisaged the primary use of the framework will be for new build residential developments, however, the scope of works will also include new build, refurbishment and renovations, extensions and improvements to housing, commercial buildings, community and civic buildings, education establishments and health care buildings. The new framework covers twelve Lots across ten regions, namely the North East, Yorkshire and The Humber, North West, West Midlands, East Midlands, East of England, South East, South West, London and Wales. Rebecca Griggs, Head of Procurement at Prosper, said: “It was great to work with representatives from the development teams at believe housing, Gentoo and Karbon to undertake the tender evaluation, as they provided extra knowledge and experience to ensure the process was robust. “As one of its key priorities, the government is committed to building new homes and our landlord and contractor partners will play a key role in helping to deliver this. The aim of this framework is to build new homes and give our partners greater procurement opportunities across the UK. We are looking forward to working with our contractor partners.” The framework call-off will be either by further competition or by direct award. For more information about the new framework or any of our other solutions, please email Prosper at info@prosper.uk.com or call on 0191 280 5665. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Almost a quarter of the UK public struggle with the concept of net zero, and nearly three-quarters hold no strong opinion on projects that support net zero but disrupt daily life, according to a new report by Copper Consultancy and Keele University which spells out the major opportunities – and risks – facing those seeking public support on net zero projects. The new report – Winning Back the Net Zero Narrative – calls for a shift in how developers communicate about net zero projects, shifting to an emphasis on highlighting local benefits and tangible impacts, and being more transparent about potential disruption. The report draws on a nationally representative survey of over 1,500 adults in Great Britain, carried out in Spring 2025 by BMG Research. The findings highlight a significant knowledge gap, with just 53% of respondents correctly identifying the definition of ‘net zero’, and one in four (24%) admitting they had no understanding of the concept. Meanwhile, 73% of people expressed they only somewhat approved or disapproved – or held no strong opinion / didn’t know – in relation to net zero projects that will impact people’s day-to-day lives. Just over one in four people held a ‘strong’ view either way, with 18% strongly supporting such projects and 9% strongly opposing. This helps explain why nearly half (47%) of respondents struggle to connect net zero ambitions with their everyday lives. Messaging which only focuses on national climate goals may fail to resonate with large sections of the public. Despite polarised debate in the media, the report finds widespread apathy toward net zero. This indifference means a large risk exists, with the potential for misinformation or a lack of understanding of what net zero means could sway public opinion on net zero projects. To address this, the report highlights several recommendations for building local support. Building out the public argument for such projects simply past the benefits to the green transition is vital. Prioritising messaging around how such projects benefit local communities directly, especially in ways which aren’t immediately obvious – such as improving wellbeing – are critical. Martin McCrink, Managing Director at Copper Consultancy, said: “Net zero is critically important but the delivery of it does not yet enjoy universal support – but there is support for investment in our infrastructure. Large swathes of the population have no strong view on net zero; it’s a positive in the sense people can still be won over, but it also spells danger on the risks of misinformation. “Developers have a golden opportunity to reframe discussion on projects which deliver net zero. By focusing on the range of reasons investment is needed and the benefits it will bring, as well as the impacts, mitigations, government objectives and targets.” More broadly, the report suggests that rooting projects in key national issues – such as economic development – will help make the case even stronger for net zero projects. Alongside this, developers must explain how broad outcomes around net zero will positively impact people’s day-to-day lives, as well as proactively engaging with the ‘climate disengaged’ cohort to wade off potential misinformation, or detraction of projects due to disruption. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
On the 25th July 2025, NHS Property Services, Deputy Mayor of Preston Councillor Nweeda Khan and the NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board came together to celebrate the opening of the modernised Ingol Healthcare Centre. This transformative project represents a significant investment in local healthcare infrastructure, designed to both modernise existing facilities and enhance sustainability. The project has attracted a substantial investment of over £1.3 million, with £526,000 allocated from developer contributions secured through the planning process at Preston City Council and £730,000 coming from NHS Property Services (NHSPS) – with £240,000 earmarked for energy improvements through the health and property organization. This funding underscores NHSPS’ commitment to creating a more efficient and environmentally responsible healthcare environment. The improved facilities are expected to service approximately an additional 35,000 patients and a total of 5,300 new homes in North West Preston. In addition to a full refurbishment of existing clinical rooms, the project will add seven new clinical rooms to increase capacity for GP services and convert the site into a Net Zero facility. New forms of insulation have been installed (cavity wall and loft insulation), the move to electric heating was made and energy-efficient upgrades such as LED lighting, double glazed windows and solar PV panels were put into place. These measures will ensure long-term cost savings and reduced carbon emissions. The project was launched to address the growing demand for GP clinical services and to improve the sustainability and long term future of the building. NHSPS and the ICB’s Strategic Estates and Infrastructure Team were played a central role in to the project, handling everything from the initial Section 106 bid, negotiations with GP’s and other delivery partners, design and tender phases, to legal agreements and project management. Ben Gammer, NHSPS Estate Strategy Lead, said: “This project is a standout example of how smart space optimization can directly support the goals of the NHS’s 10-year health plan. By transforming underutilized areas into high-impact clinical environments, we’re not only increasing capacity but also reinforcing our commitment to delivering accessible, quality care in every neighborhood. It’s a testament to what can be achieved through strategic partnerships and sustainable design.” Now completed, the site’s increased GP capacity will alleviate pressure on local services, while the energy-efficient infrastructure will offer long-term benefits for both the local healthcare system and the environment. Dr Nidghtta Anjan, Partner GP at North Preston Medical Practice, said: ‘We are delighted to announce the completion of the newly renovated health centre, which signifies a substantial positive change for the community. We are committed to supporting the NHS’s long-term strategy to deliver high-quality healthcare whilst minimizing environmental impact and promoting social responsibility. With the new developments surrounding the area, we eagerly anticipate welcoming new patients to our practice, allowing us to showcase our enhanced clinic rooms, improved waiting area and modern reception desk.” Deputy Mayor of Preston Councillor Nweeda Khan said: “The improvements at the centre have been made possible by what is known as Section 106 agreements in relation to various planning applications made to Preston City Council. “These agreements are made to reduce the impact of a significant development on a local community, by providing such things as affordable housing, improving public spaces, enhancing local services or the environment. The upgrades will make a huge difference to the quality of service the health centre can provide and to the number of people in the area who now have access to essential services.” Geoff Lavery, Strategic Estate Lead for the ICB said: “We have worked incredibly hard with NHSPS and other delivery partners over several years to deliver this project and we are grateful that the S106 funding was in place to support it, however even with the availability of the funding the project has been incredibly challenging. The aim has always been to deliver increased capacity, sustainability and improved primary care services in the area and we were determined to achieve those aims. I hope the delivery of the Ingol project highlights the commitment of the ICB to serve the needs of its patient populations.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New land bridge to provide level access route through urban park to connect the High Street to the River Tees. Esh Construction has marked a significant milestone in the transformational Stockton Waterfront urban park project with the installation of the precast beams to form a new land bridge being completed. The North of England contractor is carrying out the £23 million urban park on behalf of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council. The project is a major part of the Council’s blueprint for the regeneration of Stockton over the next 25 years. Upon completion, it will feature a series of green, flexible spaces capable of hosting events and impressive, unique play areas, transforming the High Street and providing uninterrupted access to the riverside. With paving works progressing at pace along Finkle Square in the upper park, works to connect the High Street to the River Tees via a new land bridge and Millennium Bridge, have taken a significant step forward. A total of 47 prestressed concrete bridge beams have been installed with support from reinforced concrete specialists BEMAC Construction, to form the land bridge above the A1305 Riverside Road carriageway. The beams, which were manufactured by Shay Murtagh Precast Ltd in the Republic of Ireland, include 45 standard units measuring 21.5 metres in length and weighing 17 tonnes, alongside two edge beams which weigh 35 tonnes each. David Player, Contracts Manager at Esh Construction, said: “The bridge beam installation is a key milestone in the Stockton Waterfront project and a testament to the collaborative planning and engineering expertise of all involved. “With the beams in place, we can now move forward with casting the bridge deck and progressing the next phase of public realm works that will bring the land bridge to life.” A 200-tonne crane was used to lift the 47 beams into position over four days, with the heaviest lift taking place at an 11-metre radius. Ahead of the installation, Esh Construction’s project team visited Shay Murtagh’s manufacturing facility in County Westmeath to inspect the cast beams, review the quality assurance process, and ensure compliance with project specifications. Working closely with the specialist precast concrete provider, robust plans were then implemented to ensure safe delivery of the product in line with the installation schedule. Steve Lowe, Chief Structural Engineer at Shay Murtagh Precast Ltd, explained that the beams for this project are environmentally advanced with concrete using 40% GGBS replacement of Portland cement making them a significantly carbon efficient option. He added: “It was great to bring our technical expertise to this project and support Esh Construction in the beam and bridge deck installations, which will enable the next construction phase of the development of the land bridge and support the urban park’s progress for Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council.” With the beams forming the base for the 55-metre-wide land bridge above the realigned Riverside Road, the next phase of works will involve pouring 170m3 of concrete to cast the bridge deck, followed by the installation of 163m2 of porphyry paving, 420m2 of resin and 75m2 of granite paving to create a seamless public realm open space. The project will create an iconic, nationally recognisable new public space for the Borough’s residents and visitors and is part of Council ambitions to make Stockton-on-Tees a place of choice for people to live, work and visit. Councillor Richard Eglington, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: “It’s very exciting to see the progress of the transformation of the Stockton Waterfront site taking place and this important milestone helps make the vision of reconnecting the High Street to the river more of a reality. “The scale of change will also be felt across the entire Borough. Stockton Waterfront is set to be the catalyst for further regeneration work across Central Stockton and North Thornaby and we are looking to build on this success to create a thriving place for our communities and businesses.” In the coming months, residents and visitors will see marked changes on the site as works commence to install the amphitheatre and landscaping elements across the lower park, while construction of a new play park in the upper park is also set to begin. Procured via North East Procurement Organisation (NEPO), Esh is working with design partners Ryder Architecture and Billinghurst George & Partners to deliver the project. To find out more about Stockton Waterfront Urban Park, visit Stockton Waterfront urban park – Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council To find out more about Esh Construction, visit www.eshgroup.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Lovell is well positioned for future growth through its long term partnerships, which has been demonstrated in Morgan Sindall Group’s record half year results released to the London Stock Exchange this morning (29 July 2025). Today’s results continue to represent Morgan Sindall Group’s strong track record of delivering growth over the long term, with revenue up 7% to £2.4bn, profit before tax up 37% to £95.9m, supported by a PBTA margin of 4% – an expansion of 80 basis points when comparing to this time last year. For Lovell, revenues for the first half of the year increased 6% to £405m (HY2024: £381m), driven by contracting, which was up 21% to £311m, compared to the previous year. Operating profit also showed positive momentum increasing by 13%% to £13.2m (HY 2024: £11.7m). Lovell works in partnership with housing associations and local authorities to deliver and refurbish affordable housing as a contractor and developer. Against the backdrop of severe social housing shortages in the UK, the medium and longer-term fundamentals for Partnership Housing remain strong, enabling Lovell to continue to invest selectively. A high-quality pipeline continues to grow, through ongoing successful client engagement. The secured order book at the period end was £2,198m, 6% higher than the prior year end (HY 2024: £2,081m), with a further £2,849m at preferred bidder stage. Notable work winning activity in the period includes securing the strategic partnership agreement with Cardiff & Vale of Glamorgan Councils, a LLP with North Yorkshire Council and a joint venture with London Borough of Barnet to deliver estate regeneration. The business’ strategy to increase the number, and size of mixed-tenure sites continued apace, with 68 active sites at various stages of construction, compared to 63 in the previous period, along with 1,838 homes completed. Lovell Managing Director, Steve Coleby, said: “We continue to demonstrate the resilience and long-term strength of our partnerships model. Our ability to secure and progress major regeneration, joint venture and master developer opportunities is creating a platform for sustainable growth. At the halfway stage of 2025, our secured and preferred bidder orderbook has grown to £5 billion, a testament to the quality of our offer and the trust placed in us by local authorities and housing associations. “The scale and ambition of recent wins reflects our deep-rooted relationships, our capacity to deliver at pace and scale, and our confidence in the future of partnership housing. These long-term, multi-site partnerships not only provide stability but also position Lovell as a key delivery partner in helping meet the government’s target of building 1.5 million new homes by the end of this Parliament. “As we look ahead, we remain focused on strategic investment, strengthening our capabilities within new build, retrofit and refurbishment and continuing to deliver the affordable and mixed-tenure homes communities across the UK so urgently need.” Lovell is working on a number of key projects across the UK, including: To view the Morgan Sindall Group plc half year results video, see below. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New lighting in schools, refurbishing a local wellbeing centre, creating crisis packs and wellbeing bags, running education events and donating almost £60,000 to community causes are some of the ways that the construction company building the National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) have delivered social value to the local area. The construction of the 70-bed purpose-built rehabilitation centre near Loughborough is being carried out by Integrated Health Projects (IHP), a joint venture between Sir Robert McAlpine and VINCI Building, and investing in the local community has been high on their priorities since the beginning of the programme. The NRC will be staffed and run by Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) when it opens to our first patients later this year and aims to transform rehabilitation in the UK. Through their social value scheme, IHP contractors have volunteered 988 hours of their time within a 20-mile radius of the NRC and paid for the materials to deliver a variety of projects. These included: In addition, IHP has supported the local area by employing more than 150 local employees and 8 apprentices, and running 41 weeks’ worth of work placements for people aspiring to work in the construction industry. Miriam Duffy, NRC Director, said: “The commitment to social value was one of the key factors in our decision to select IHP and we’re delighted to see the impact they have had on our local communities. “The NRC is about improving the lives of our patients through rehabilitation following a serious illness or injury. I’m pleased that the building of such an important centre has also had a positive impact locally.” One key project has been refurbishing the lighting system at the nearby St Peters Church of England Primary School in Loughborough to help them to save 27% of their annual energy costs. This project was especially fitting as the design of the NRC uses modern methods of construction and will be the first operational carbon neutral NHS building in the country. T-Clarke, the company which has been completing Mechanical and Electrical installation, donated a total of 332 hours to replace all the faulty equipment with newer and more energy efficient lighting. Anton Melia from T-Clarke said: “The school’s existing lighting system was an outdated fluorescent installation that was not energy efficient and had also been causing the school a few issues. Following a report by an energy expert, we were approached under social value responsibility to see if we could aid with bringing this both up to date and reduce both energy usage and carbon dioxide production. “Together with our partner Lightcraft Technology, we installed a point for point LED based solution – resulting in a 27% energy reduction and a significant improvement to the learning environment for the children.” Another important project carried out by IHP as part of their social value commitments saw a refurbishment of the Loughborough Wellbeing Centre which provides a safe and supportive place for adults experiencing mental health problems. The refurbishment included installing sustainable, energy-efficient lighting, reconfiguring the interior space, making acoustic enhancements to make the space more peaceful, and created a new café area. This project is still on going and will be finished in the coming months. Numerous contractors from the project donated 70 hours and £3,267 to make the project possible. Helen Carter, CEO at the Loughborough Wellness Centre, said: “Through the works provided so far, we have already seen a difference with new cost-effective lighting being installed and creating a new cafe space for our Wellbeing Cafe within our building. “We are so grateful to have the support of IHP, Clear Engagement, T-Clarke, and Sherwood Interiors from the construction of the National Rehabilitation Centre to enable these improvements to be made. The works that you and your team have carried out have been greatly appreciated and have created a calmer space for our mental health charity beneficiaries which has been very well received by all.” The £105million NRC programme will create a specialist facility combines NHS care with research and innovation, all on the same site as the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre and is part of the New Hospital Programme. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Temporary power distribution specialist IDE Systems has installed a customised Cat® DE110E2 diesel generator, supplied by Finning UK & Ireland, at its manufacturing centre in Cannock. The standby generator will provide resilience against power outages and ensure seamless operations in producing power distribution equipment for critical sectors, including data centres, healthcare and infrastructure projects. The installation ensures that in the event of a mains failure, IDE Systems’ manufacturing operations can continue without interruption, protecting customer delivery timelines and production schedules. Matt Collins, Head of Power Distribution at IDE Systems, said: “Our facility produces a full range of power distribution panels, including everything from small dual 16 A sockets to 4,000 A generator connections. Any disruption on site doesn’t just impact us, it can delay critical deployments for customers. This new standby system from Finning gives us the resilience we need to operate with confidence, even during unexpected outages.” Customised at Finning’s Cannock site, the generator was tailored to IDE Systems’ requirements with fuel system upgrades and a branded enclosure. The unit delivers 110 kVA at 50 Hz and is powered by a Cat C4.4 engine. With a 250-litre tank and fuel consumption of 23.8 L/hr at full load, the system provides up to 10.5 hours of continuous runtime, enough to cover most outages without the need for immediate refuelling. Martyn Drinkwater, Senior Sales Manager of Electric Power UK & Ireland at Finning, said: “The DE110E2 is engineered for fast response in environments where downtime isn’t an option. It meets ISO 8528-5 transient response standards and can accept 100% block load in a single step. This means power is restored instantly without any phased ramp-up. “It meets EU Stage II emissions standards and is housed in a sound-attenuated enclosure suitable for installation near offices or testing bays. With its 50°C ambient capability, it’s well suited to real-world UK site conditions, including the kind of summer extremes we’ve seen in recent years.” Finning UK & Ireland is the exclusive distributor for Cat equipment and power systems across the region. With in-house engineering, service, and customisation capabilities, the company supports customers in construction, manufacturing, energy, and other critical sectors with power solutions. For more information please visit: https://www.finning.com/en_GB Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
