A major new development is set to redefine Leeds’ South Bank, with the first phase of the Florence Square masterplan gaining approval. This ambitious scheme will deliver two striking office buildings, providing more than 220,000 sq ft of premium workspace, alongside extensive landscaped public spaces designed to create a new
Aecom has revealed its vision for a new pedestrian and cycle bridge in Alperton, northwest London, as part of a £5 million regeneration project designed to improve connectivity and promote active travel. The bridge will span the Grand Union Canal, linking residents of the Grand Union development to the towpath
Plans for a new £100 million surgical centre at Guy’s Hospital in London have moved forward, with McLaughlin & Harvey appointed as the main contractor for the landmark healthcare project. The Guy’s Elective Surgical Centre will be an eight-storey, purpose-built facility dedicated to non-emergency surgery. Featuring six state-of-the-art operating theatres,
Health and wellness retailer Holland & Barrett has unveiled fresh plans to expand its store network across the Midlands and East Anglia, as part of an ongoing growth and modernisation strategy. The announcement follows the recent relocation of its Ipswich branch to a new site, underlining the brand’s commitment to
A new report from Montel Analytics, Curtailed Renewables in GB and Ireland, has revealed that over 5.5TWh of clean electricity was turned off across Great Britain and Ireland in the first half of 2025, costing consumers £152m in curtailment payments. The amount of electricity instructed to switch off would have
On Thursday 13 November 2025, the UK’s leading voices in fire safety will gather for one of the sector’s most anticipated events – FIRE2025. Taking place at the QEII Centre in London, with the option to join online, this dynamic one-day conference promises to deliver vital insights, foster collaboration, and
As construction projects grow more complex and safety standards tighten, PERI UK’s field services manager Terry Hall is on a mission to professionalise industrial training. Leading temporary works training programmes, including the only accredited formwork training courses in the UK, he is enhancing the skills – and confidence – needed
Global real estate firm Avison Young today announces the appointment of Chris Pilgrim as Principal, Managing Director and UK Head of Capital Markets. Chris joins Avison Young from Colliers, where he was based in both London and Singapore as Managing Director of Global Capital Markets for Asia Pacific and sat
Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard has appointed David Dunbar as National Director of Architecture. Bringing more than 30 years of experience in architecture, multi-disciplinary design and project management, the appointment strengthens Pick Everard’s commitment to driving positive change through high impact projects across the UK and beyond. A chartered architect, David
Fresh figures from the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) reveal that up to 75% of high-rise residential buildings are falling short of the UK’s latest building safety requirements, raising major concerns across the sector. Of the 1,454 high-risk buildings where owners have submitted their mandatory safety case files, the BSR has
A major new development is set to redefine Leeds’ South Bank, with the first phase of the Florence Square masterplan gaining approval. This ambitious scheme will deliver two striking office buildings, providing more than 220,000 sq ft of premium workspace, alongside extensive landscaped public spaces designed to create a new destination for the city. Developed by Southside Leeds Ltd, a joint venture between Shelborn Asset Management and Stamford Property Holdings, and designed by DLA Architecture, the project places public realm at the heart of its vision. A central public square will form the focal point of the scheme, complemented by a pocket park in the north-east corner, which will act as a welcoming gateway just 500 metres from Leeds train station. The design prioritises pedestrian movement, with a car-free environment and improved connections to both the city centre and the Holbeck Village conservation area. The two office buildings, Block A and Block B, will sit prominently along Water Lane. Block A will rise to nine storeys, with seven floors of office space, while Block B will have 11 storeys, nine of which are dedicated to offices. The ground floors will house a mix of cafés, restaurants, and retail units, encouraging activity throughout the day. Rooftop terraces and business lounges will provide elevated views across the city skyline, creating attractive spaces for work and relaxation. The architectural design has been shaped to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding urban fabric. Building heights step up from the lower-rise conservation area to the west towards the taller Bridgewater Place to the east. The façades reference the site’s industrial past, using red and brown tones and terracotta cladding that nod to the historic flax weaving industry once centred here. Fenestration patterns and materials further reinforce this connection to local heritage. Florence Square’s development also acknowledges the rich history of the site. Once home to Water Lane Mills, later known as Hope Mills, it was a hub for Leeds’ thriving flax industry, producing fine linens and supporting generations of textile workers. Remnants of former residential streets such as Front Row and Back Row remain visible, offering a tangible link to the area’s past. Looking ahead, outline consent is already in place for up to 500,000 sq ft of future development, which could bring further commercial, residential, leisure, or hotel space to the area. The project’s sustainability ambitions are high, with performance standards such as NABERS and ActiveScore embedded from the outset to ensure healthier, lower-impact working environments. As Leeds continues to evolve, Florence Square is poised to become a key part of its transformation – blending history, architecture, and vibrant public space to create a modern workplace destination with lasting community value. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Aecom has revealed its vision for a new pedestrian and cycle bridge in Alperton, northwest London, as part of a £5 million regeneration project designed to improve connectivity and promote active travel. The bridge will span the Grand Union Canal, linking residents of the Grand Union development to the towpath on the southwestern side, the Abbey Estate, and the Park Royal employment hub. Brent Council has now launched a public consultation on the proposals, inviting feedback from the community. The design features a sweeping, curved structure supported by slender steel columns that echo the vertical lines of surrounding tree trunks, allowing the bridge to sit harmoniously within its natural environment. The four-metre-wide deck will be framed by steel girders and lined with 1.5-metre-high repeating steel fins, providing both safety and visual rhythm. Constructed from low-maintenance weathering steel, the bridge will develop a warm, rust-coloured patina over time, paying homage to the site’s industrial heritage. Its ‘half-through’ deck design offers structural efficiency with a reduced depth, shortening ramp lengths to enhance accessibility and lessen environmental impact. “We wanted to create a bridge that reflects its unique location and integrates seamlessly with the landscape,” explained Erik Behrens, Aecom’s architecture director. “It will provide a sculptural, natural journey with views across the canal and into the tree canopy. The raw finish of the weathering steel adds authenticity, connecting the area’s industrial past with a modern, dynamic structure.” Project manager Jack Summerhayes highlighted the technical and environmental considerations behind the scheme. “The half-through deck allows for a shallower profile and shorter ramps, improving accessibility while minimising disruption to habitats. Designing in such a constrained and sensitive site requires innovative thinking, and our integrated team is bringing together expertise in engineering, architecture, landscape and ecology to ensure the bridge is functional, durable, and environmentally responsive.” To minimise construction impact, all major components—excluding the foundations—will be fabricated offsite and lifted into place, reducing disruption to canal operations and the surrounding area. The scheme is being delivered through Perfect Circle, a collaboration between Aecom, Pick Everard and Gleeds, via the Scape consultancy framework. If approved, the bridge will not only provide a vital new route for walkers and cyclists but also stand as a striking architectural addition to the area, embodying both sustainability and design excellence. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans for a new £100 million surgical centre at Guy’s Hospital in London have moved forward, with McLaughlin & Harvey appointed as the main contractor for the landmark healthcare project. The Guy’s Elective Surgical Centre will be an eight-storey, purpose-built facility dedicated to non-emergency surgery. Featuring six state-of-the-art operating theatres, it will significantly boost surgical capacity for Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, helping to ensure more patients receive timely treatment in a modern, efficient environment. Located beside London Bridge Station on the south bank of the Thames, the centre will house complex orthopaedic procedures and other planned surgeries. By relocating these services from the hospital’s main theatres, the Trust will free up additional capacity for urgent and emergency operations, supporting improved care across all surgical disciplines. The building, designed by Ryder Architecture, will focus on optimising the flow of patients and staff, while providing an enhanced experience for all who use the facility. The design also reflects a commitment to sustainability, with McLaughlin & Harvey bringing its track record of delivering environmentally considerate healthcare projects to the scheme. Paul Griffen, Managing Director of McLaughlin & Harvey, said: “With a history of delivering sustainable and considerate healthcare facilities across the UK that enhance the experience for patients and staff, McLaughlin & Harvey is well positioned to support the Trust in delivering this important project.” Trust chief executive Ian Abbs added: “The Guy’s surgical centre will give us state-of-the-art new theatres so we can ensure that people get their operations when they need them. Having a dedicated facility for complex, non-emergency operations benefits orthopaedic patients while also enabling us to upgrade our existing theatres to meet the needs of all our patients now and in the future.” Enabling works are already underway at the Great Maze Pond site. Main construction is due to begin in summer 2026, with completion scheduled for the end of 2028. The centre is expected to open its doors to patients in spring 2029. Once operational, the Guy’s Elective Surgical Centre will stand as a major addition to London’s healthcare infrastructure, delivering cutting-edge surgical care while supporting the Trust’s mission to provide outstanding services for years to come. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Health and wellness retailer Holland & Barrett has unveiled fresh plans to expand its store network across the Midlands and East Anglia, as part of an ongoing growth and modernisation strategy. The announcement follows the recent relocation of its Ipswich branch to a new site, underlining the brand’s commitment to enhancing customer experience and accessibility. The company is actively seeking ground floor retail units between 1,500 and 2,000 sq ft in prime locations. Larger sites are also being targeted within major city centres and regional shopping destinations that offer high levels of footfall. In addition, Holland & Barrett has ambitions to explore smaller-format stores of 700 sq ft or more in travel hubs. Flexible retail formats such as concessions, kiosks, and pop-up stores in busy pedestrian areas are also on the table as part of a strategy to adapt to changing consumer shopping patterns. Key locations earmarked for potential openings or relocations include Ashbourne, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Birmingham (Moseley/Selly Oak), Birmingham City Centre, Cambridge, Cannock, Derby, Grantham, Leicester, Lincoln, Market Harborough, Meadowhall, Northampton, Norwich, Nottingham, Oswestry, Peterborough, Redditch, Sheffield, Shrewsbury, Sleaford, Solihull, Stoke-on-Trent, Sutton Coldfield, Tamworth, Warwick, Wednesbury, West Bridgford, West Bromwich, Wolverhampton, and Wrexham. The retailer has also indicated that other opportunities across the Midlands and East Anglia will be considered. For relocations, the focus is on securing sites that can provide improved layouts, greater visibility, and enhanced customer flow. Upsizing in select markets, such as Cambridge and Meadowhall, will allow the brand to expand product ranges and improve in-store services. Out-of-town retail parks remain a priority in several target areas, while designer outlet destinations such as McArthurGlen and Grantham are also on the radar. By diversifying its footprint, Holland & Barrett aims to capture a broader customer base, from urban shoppers to regional visitors. Property consultancy Rawstron Johnson has been appointed to identify and secure suitable premises, working closely with the retailer to meet specific size, location, and footfall criteria. With a strong presence in the UK health food and wellness sector, Holland & Barrett’s expansion plans reflect wider trends in retail, where brands are increasingly adopting a multi-format approach to cater to evolving shopper habits. Whether in a bustling city centre, a busy transport hub, or a popular retail park, the retailer’s objective remains the same – to make health and wellness more accessible to communities across the region. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new report from Montel Analytics, Curtailed Renewables in GB and Ireland, has revealed that over 5.5TWh of clean electricity was turned off across Great Britain and Ireland in the first half of 2025, costing consumers £152m in curtailment payments. The amount of electricity instructed to switch off would have been enough to power every domestic household in Scotland for the first six months of the year. Key statistics from the report: The report, the first of its kind in assessing the turn down of all renewables across GB and Ireland, uncovers a growing disconnect between renewable generation and grid infrastructure capacity, something which has the potential to raise costs on consumer bills for years to come. This is primarily due to constraints and bottlenecks on the transmission network, which make it hard for power generated in certain areas (most notably North Scotland) to be transferred to areas where power is required for consumption. Explaining the findings, report author and Senior Energy Market Analyst at Montel Analytics, Fintan Devenney said: “The analysis shows that only 63% of the wind power which could have been generated in GB actually made it to the grid. The cost of turning down that other 37% is passed on to energy bills, meaning consumers are the ones left counting the costs. Ensuring that renewables can be deployed effectively is therefore key as government looks to balance decarbonisation goals against consumer costs and security of supply. Unless policymakers pay attention to the need to marry renewable power with public systems and infrastructure, then an outdated transmission network could continue to drive up consumer bills as NESO is forced to operate a network potentially unfit for the net-zero future.” Year-on-year comparisons show that the cost of curtailment is actually falling, despite the growing volume of power which is being asked to turn off. The £152m paid to generators to switch off during H1 2025, is 7% less than the equivalent figure for the first six months of 2024. Director at Montel Analytics, Phil Hewitt added: “The price paid per MWh of curtailment has gone down on average, so the overall cost of curtailment is lower, despite the higher volumes of power that were required to turn down. “This is due to more CfD [Contracts for Difference] offshore farms coming online, which offer cheaper bids to be turned down by the system operator (NESO) because of their subsidy contract structure. Over time, curtailment costs could become cheaper as windfarms supported by the Renewables Obligation scheme fade away and CfD supported generation continues to build out further.” The report also outlines the increasing impact of solar generation when it comes to curtailment, with Ireland seeing solar curtailment rates for June 2025 (around 24GWh) almost seven times higher than the equivalent figure for June 2024 (around 3.5GWh). Assessing the potential impacts of further curtailment as new renewables continue to connect to the grid, Fintan Devenney added: “With NESOs Future Energy Scenarios envisioning the possibility of around 15TWh of solar curtailment being required by 2050, this analysis brings the issue of renewable integration into sharp focus. “Now is the time for government to come together with industry and build the holistic view of policy which will enable the optimal siting of generation, sufficient investment in grid infrastructure and the correct investment signals to help alleviate grid constraints. The Strategic Spatial Energy Plan (SSEP) and the wider reformed national market workstream will be key to achieving these aims.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
On Thursday 13 November 2025, the UK’s leading voices in fire safety will gather for one of the sector’s most anticipated events – FIRE2025. Taking place at the QEII Centre in London, with the option to join online, this dynamic one-day conference promises to deliver vital insights, foster collaboration, and provide actionable solutions for an industry that continues to evolve at pace. Developed in partnership by the Fire Protection Association (FPA), Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE), National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and the Fire Sector Confederation (FSC), FIRE2025 will bring together over 400 professionals from across the fire, construction, insurance, risk management, local authority, and property sectors. With legislative changes, sustainability requirements, and the push for ever higher safety standards shaping the built environment, FIRE2025 offers an opportunity to hear from industry experts at the forefront of these developments. A full programme of keynote presentations, seminars, and breakout sessions will explore how organisations can meet building safety expectations, adapt to new regulations, and embrace innovation in fire safety technologies. Why Attend?Beyond the speaker sessions, FIRE2025 is designed to be a hub for high-quality networking. Delegates will have the opportunity to connect with peers and suppliers during the dedicated exhibition periods – covering registration, breaks, lunch, and the informal evening drinks reception. Exhibitors will showcase the latest products, services, and solutions, providing hands-on demonstrations and in-depth advice. For professionals seeking to enhance their expertise, the conference offers six hours of IFE-accredited CPD, ensuring attendees not only gain insights but also tangible career benefits. Who Will You Meet?The event attracts a broad and influential audience – from chief fire officers, directors, and chartered building surveyors to fire engineers, risk managers, insurers, architects, and consultants. Whether you’re looking to connect with decision-makers, share best practice, or explore potential collaborations, FIRE2025 brings together the right people in the right setting. A Hybrid ExperienceWith both in-person and online options, FIRE2025 is accessible to professionals across the UK and beyond. The hybrid format ensures those unable to attend in London can still benefit from the knowledge, networking, and exposure the event offers. Be Part of ItWhether you attend as a delegate, showcase your solutions as an exhibitor, or take advantage of the exclusive partnership opportunities, FIRE2025 is a must-attend date in the fire safety calendar. It’s where strategic thinking meets practical application – and where the industry comes together to influence the future of fire protection. For further details, visit fireconference2025.eventbrite.co.uk or contact the event team at events@thefpa.co.uk. Also, to see the Event PDF with further details, please click the below button. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As construction projects grow more complex and safety standards tighten, PERI UK’s field services manager Terry Hall is on a mission to professionalise industrial training. Leading temporary works training programmes, including the only accredited formwork training courses in the UK, he is enhancing the skills – and confidence – needed to build better. Modern construction demands towering skyscrapers rise from the ground with inch-perfect precision – driven by efficiency, productivity, and sustainability, making the need for competent, safety-conscious operatives ever greater. Improving site safety and operational efficiency in the UK’s system formwork and scaffolding sectors is Terry Hall’s top priority. Terry is a field services manager at PERI UK, providing accredited, hands-on training and support to both novice and experienced professionals. “PERI UK is the only company currently offering accredited formwork training of this kind,” Terry states. “And it’s long overdue that the industry catches up.” The man behind the mission With over three decades of experience in formwork carpentry, supervision, and instruction, Terry embodies a blend of deep practical knowledge and a strong commitment to improving industry practices. His journey from apprentice carpenter to a twice-nominated CONSTRUCT Unsung Hero spearheading PERI’s accredited training programme reveals both a dedication to systemic safety and a sharp understanding of the risks involved in formwork and scaffolding. Terry’s goal is to ensure that only individuals with a recognised, formal qualification are authorised to erect temporary works systems. This commitment is reflected in his efforts to introduce clear competency measures in the areas of formwork and falsework. He believes that by introducing mandatory, regulated training, the industry can make meaningful strides in reducing serious accidents and injuries. “There’s no other construction activity where you can use specialist equipment without any formal training,” says Terry. “Electricians can’t work without qualifications, and site operatives shouldn’t use complex, multi-tonne climbing systems for formwork and scaffolding without ever being shown the right way to do it. It’s dangerous.” Bridging the industry’s skills gap PERI UK’s training programme was developed in response to this challenge. PERI UK is now an approved centre by the CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) for formwork and has accreditation from the CISRS (Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme) for system scaffolding. PERI UK offers bespoke formwork and falsework training, accredited by UK industry body AIM, according to necessity and related to working at height, plus scaffolding courses from basic erector to advanced scaffolder and inspection. The courses are delivered by a team of experts and can be carried out at any PERI UK depot, PERI’s Brentwood training facility, or other designated location. Successful participants receive certification from an awarding body and have the qualification linked to their CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card, providing instant proof of competence on-site. “When a site manager scans your CSCS card, they can see immediately that you’ve had proper training,” explains Terry. Straight from the classroom Terry believes training should be grounded in real-world experience and delivers all of his courses with this approach. Having worked hands-on with PERI’s systems as a site supervisor for five years before stepping into his managerial role, he understands the challenges that only practical experience can reveal. “I always assume learners have never used the systems before,” Terry says. “Some have, some haven’t, but I treat every session as a blank slate to make sure nothing is missed.” Training figures continue to rise each year, with 2024 marking a record high for PERI UK, up 50% from the previous year. In total, Terry has trained nearly 600 individuals in his career, but the impact goes beyond numbers: “The most rewarding thing is when someone who’s been in the industry for years comes up to me after a course and says, ‘I never knew that, thank you.’ That’s when I know we’re making a difference.” A typical course spans a minimum of two days with additional tailored support available on request. PERI’s courses blend hands-on instruction with theory-based workbooks. With new systems constantly being introduced, Terry also regularly trains alongside designers and engineers from PERI’s global teams to remain ahead of industry evolution, and is consistently involved in meetings held by CONSTRUCT, the organisation which acts as an interface between member contractors, clients and suppliers to improve safety and efficiency and identify best practice and buildability. PERI’s training is increasingly being built into projects from the outset. As Terry explains, major contractors are beginning to require proof of competence before permitting operatives on high-risk tasks such as climbing formwork assembly. “On many projects PERI is involved in, training is embedded into the package,” Terry explains. “We’re supplying the equipment, the drawings, the supervision, and the accredited training. That gives our client confidence that everyone knows what they’re doing and why.” Driving change, one trainee at a time While PERI advocates for wider industry adoption of accredited formwork training, it currently remains the only provider offering this level of formal instruction. In an industry that can be slow on the uptake, Terry and PERI are proving that transformation doesn’t always begin at the top. Sometimes, it starts with someone on the ground, quietly raising the bar until the rest of the industry has no choice but to catch up. Beyond the manuals and lifting diagrams, Terry sees each session as a way to embed safer habits across the industry. Whether teaching apprentices or experienced operatives on cutting-edge hydraulic systems, each training session is a chance to build safer habits. “PERI UK is leading the way, but we shouldn’t be the only ones,” says Terry. “This kind of training needs to become mandatory across the board.” “But it’s not about pointing fingers,” he adds. “It’s about keeping sites and people safe.” And the industry is listening. Several contractors have gone from post-incident training to proactive upskilling across their workforce. The long-term benefits speak for themselves: fewer accidents, more efficient builds, and improved reputation. Looking ahead As construction projects become more complex, Terry and the PERI training team’s role evolves. They are currently involved in training
Global real estate firm Avison Young today announces the appointment of Chris Pilgrim as Principal, Managing Director and UK Head of Capital Markets. Chris joins Avison Young from Colliers, where he was based in both London and Singapore as Managing Director of Global Capital Markets for Asia Pacific and sat on the Capital Markets Global Executive Committee. At Avison Young Chris will bring a global-first approach to the UK capital markets team, focused on leveraging international capital deploying into the UK. He will be integral to expanding Avison Young’s global capital markets service line, working closely with U.S. and Canadian colleagues. This includes Marion Jones, who was recently appointed as Principal and Executive Managing Director of U.S. Capital Markets, and Michal Cwiklinski, Principal, Managing Director, Europe. Growing the London Capital Markets team and asset class specialism across the UK capital markets business, Chris will be at the forefront of a talent acquisition drive aimed at driving investment and growth into capital markets at Avison Young. Bringing more than 18 years’ experience specialising in the deployment of capital into major real estate markets and asset classes, Chris is a recognised strategic leader bringing extensive global capital expertise and a deep client base spanning across the UK, EMEA, APAC, MENA and North America. Acting for sovereign wealth funds, REITs, developers, insurance companies, pension funds and investment managers, Chris brings considerable knowledge of advising, structuring and transacting across the risk-return spectrum. He has a proven track record in marketing £1+ billion single asset trades, alongside structuring and marketing complex corporate M&A activity. Nick Walkley, Principal, UK President at Avison Young, said: “Chris brings vast expertise and is a landmark addition to our capital markets team. Bringing international knowledge, Chris will push forward global cross-collaboration across clients and services. This appointment will significantly strengthen our capital markets presence in London, whilst bolstering Avison Young on an international scale.” Chris Pilgrim, Principal, UK Head of Capital Markets at Avison Young, said: “Joining Avison Young is the opportune time to grow an international capital markets service to provide our clients best in class advice and access to global capital. Leveraging the existing strength of Avison Young’s diversified UK platform, I look forward to delivering outstanding outcomes for our people and our clients. Together with global colleagues, we will develop a collaborative team that is open for growth and new talent. The UK is the number one global destination for international real estate capital and we will grow out asset class specialism putting more specialists in place, as well as developing our debt brokerage and equity placement offer to align with our client’s strategies across the capital stack.” Prior to his time at Colliers, Chris also spent a decade at CBRE across their London, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore offices. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard has appointed David Dunbar as National Director of Architecture. Bringing more than 30 years of experience in architecture, multi-disciplinary design and project management, the appointment strengthens Pick Everard’s commitment to driving positive change through high impact projects across the UK and beyond. A chartered architect, David joins from RPS Consulting Services, part of Tetra Tech, where he served as chief executive officer, having previously led design teams on multiple commercial, industrial, rail and aviation projects, ranging from a business park in Abu Dhabi to the design of the UK’s first gigafactory in Sunderland. David said: “I am really enjoying getting to know our architecture teams based throughout the UK and the projects we are delivering. “Our people and our clients are the cornerstones of Pick Everard’s future success. Working together across our services, we will foster closer collaborative working methods and grow future joint business opportunities.” Pick Everard is recognised for successfully leading the design and delivery of high quality projects across a wide range sectors including education, culture and heritage, healthcare and residential. As part of his role, David will use his experience of managing projects overseas to leverage new growth opportunities. In October 2024 Pick Everard joined Artelia, one of Europe’s leading multidisciplinary consultancy, engineering and project management companies. David’s appointment supports the potential for Pick Everard to further enhance and diversify its offer by working together with colleagues across the Artelia group. “I am keen to develop relationships within the wider Artelia business, recognising the prospective openings to promote architecture and design services internationally,” said David. “Pick Everard is known for its design capabilities, and commitment to quality and social value, which it delivers across a vast range of products. I am looking forward to working closely with the team to encourage their growth and business development initiatives while supporting the executive team in the delivery of business objectives. “Together we can build on the strong architectural legacy within Pick Everard, initially connecting as a national team but also across the Artelia business to leverage new opportunities.” Commenting on the appointment, David Harris, Executive Director for Design Services at Pick Everard, said: “David has joined with a strong vision and a keen eye for detail and accuracy. His natural leadership and extensive experience in leading highly performing teams will not only drive our ongoing growth, but his architectural expertise will add significant value to our business. “These qualities will allow us to continue building our reputation of delivering sustainable, purposeful design and architecture able to secure positive and lasting legacies through the work we deliver across the UK and beyond, and I look forward to seeing what David achieves as part of the Pick Everard team.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Fresh figures from the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) reveal that up to 75% of high-rise residential buildings are falling short of the UK’s latest building safety requirements, raising major concerns across the sector. Of the 1,454 high-risk buildings where owners have submitted their mandatory safety case files, the BSR has reviewed 170 to date. Alarmingly, 125 of these did not meet the required standards. Legal notices have now been served on the owners of non-compliant properties, compelling them to act on serious safety failings. Failures range from inadequate assessments and missing resident engagement strategies, to structural and compartmentation issues requiring significant remedial work. The data was part of the BSR’s first formal performance update, covering the period from late 2023 through early 2025. It also revealed a growing backlog in planning approvals. On average, developers are waiting 36 weeks — or nine months — for Gateway approvals, three times the intended 12-week target. Out of 2,108 applications submitted in that window, only 338 received approval. A spokesperson for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) acknowledged the delays and said recent recruitment and process reforms are starting to improve throughput. The BSR has now surpassed a key milestone, with the number of decisions each month finally exceeding the number of new applications received. Further reforms are underway. The BSR, which was previously part of the HSE, is being restructured into a standalone authority. A dedicated Innovation Unit has also been launched to help accelerate new-build approvals, particularly those that adopt modern construction methods or demonstrate exemplary safety strategies. To strengthen enforcement and technical scrutiny, the regulator is also recruiting experienced engineers and building safety professionals following criticism that previous case reviewers lacked sector-specific knowledge. Baroness Taylor of Bolton, chair of the Industry and Regulators Committee, spoke as part of an ongoing inquiry into the BSR’s performance: “The Committee wants to hear from all stakeholders to find out if the BSR has the skills and resources required to ensure the safety of all buildings and its residents in the process of approving applications for high-rise buildings. This is crucial if the Government is going to achieve its manifesto target of building 1.5 million homes over the next Parliament.” As the BSR moves to ramp up its capabilities and regain industry confidence, the figures underscore the scale of the task ahead in transforming building safety in the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
