SGS UK Retail has announced that Braehead Shopping Centre is going from strength to strength, headlining outstanding sales and footfall growth for the year to date. In addition, SGS has signed a series of major new retail and F&B lettings and reinvestments, implemented a rebrand and new consumer marketing campaign,
Over 1,000 hours of planning went into supporting Kiruna Church’s two-day journey to its new home Mammoet has completed the safe and successful relocation of the iconic Kiruna Church, one of Sweden’s most treasured architectural landmarks. The operation, which took place over two days, marks a historic moment for the
Newly-opened Manchester bar The Morris has unveiled an eye-catching design scheme created by Up North Architects, which elevates its cocktail bar concept inspired by Crown Paints’ vivid Quick Kiss. Located on Thomas Street at the heart of Manchester’s vibrant nightlife scene, The Morris occupies a compact site but packs an
MGF is pleased to announce the promotion of Chris Whitworth to the Executive Board, marking a significant milestone in his career and a strategic step forward for the business. Chris began his journey with MGF in 2010, joining on a six-week work experience placement. Following his graduation from university, he
SGS UK Retail has announced that Braehead Shopping Centre is going from strength to strength, headlining outstanding sales and footfall growth for the year to date. In addition, SGS has signed a series of major new retail and F&B lettings and reinvestments, implemented a rebrand and new consumer marketing campaign, and launched Braehead Ambition, an operating partnership with Braehead Arena and the neighbouring XSite leisure destination. The combination of successes further cementing Braehead’s position as Scotland’s number one retail and leisure destination. Huw Kmiot, Associate Director of Asset Management at Pradera Lateral, commented: “2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for Braehead. With strong trading performance, a wave of exciting new lettings, and meaningful reinvestment from our existing brands, we’re seeing our strategy deliver tangible results and are building momentum for a strong end to the year.” The results follow the launch of Braehead Ambition, the strategic partnership to align the marketing of Braehead Shopping Centre, XSite, and Braehead Arena. Driving a joined-up approach to experience, engagement and performance, Braehead ambition is backed by a board, comprising SGS UK Retail, TDL Media, and XPE Group Plc, and delivered by a collaborative team including Pradera Lateral, Savills, BWP Group, Lunson Mitchenall, BGP, and Metis. Braehead is asset managed by Pradera Lateral, and its leasing agents are Lunson Mitchenall and Savills. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Over 1,000 hours of planning went into supporting Kiruna Church’s two-day journey to its new home Mammoet has completed the safe and successful relocation of the iconic Kiruna Church, one of Sweden’s most treasured architectural landmarks. The operation, which took place over two days, marks a historic moment for the town of Kiruna and showcases the power of precision engineering and collaboration. Built in the early 20th century and once voted Sweden’s most beautiful building, Kiruna Church is one of the country’s largest wooden structures. Its relocation became necessary due to the expansion of LKAB’s Kiruna mine, which required several buildings to be moved to a newly developed city center five kilometers away. Commissioned by civil engineering firm Veidekke and LKAB, Mammoet was entrusted with transporting the 713-tonne wooden church in one piece—a task that demanded over 1,000 hours of meticulous planning and engineering. The move, dubbed “The Great Church Walk,” drew thousands of spectators, including the King of Sweden, and was carried out with exceptional care to preserve the integrity of the fragile structure. To ensure the church’s safety, Mammoet worked closely with Veidekke and Swedish wood engineering specialists to model and test the building’s response to lifting and transport. The operation was timed for August to avoid adverse weather conditions that could jeopardize the move. The church was jacked up to a height of 1.3 meters and placed on steel beams supported by two trains of 28 axle lines of Self-Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMTs). A custom monitoring system developed in-house ensured the structure remained stable throughout the journey, allowing for a maximum tilt of just 7.5 cm between sides. The route was carefully analyzed and prepared, including temporary road widening and compacting work. Mammoet advised on these civil works and conducted road tests using SPMTs loaded with counterweights to simulate the church’s axle load. The relocation took place during daylight hours on August 19 and 20, with the church arriving safely at its new location. Once in place, the SPMTs lowered the structure onto its new concrete foundations, completing a move that will be remembered for generations. In the coming days, Mammoet will also relocate the church’s 90-tonne belfry using a different SPMT configuration, further contributing to the preservation of Kiruna’s cultural heritage. “This project exemplifies the importance of detailed engineering and planning in executing unique and meaningful moves,” said William Soeters, Project Manager at Mammoet. “We’re proud to have played a key role in safeguarding this historic building for future generations.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Newly-opened Manchester bar The Morris has unveiled an eye-catching design scheme created by Up North Architects, which elevates its cocktail bar concept inspired by Crown Paints’ vivid Quick Kiss. Located on Thomas Street at the heart of Manchester’s vibrant nightlife scene, The Morris occupies a compact site but packs an impressive creative punch. The venue spans two levels, with a traditional ground floor pub leading to an experimental first-floor cocktail bar offering the UK’s first sub-zero cocktails and next-generation carbonated creations. Up North Architects was tasked with ensuring guests felt an immediate transition from the classic pub environment to the innovative cocktail bar above – the solution for which was colour. The practice discovered the perfect shade at Crown Paint’s stand at Material Source Studio – a hub for northern architects to collaborate and interact with partners and suppliers. Patrick Thomas, Director at Up North Architects said: “We were looking for a ‘candy’ style shade to reflect The Morris’ playful, vibrant cocktail menu. We knew instantly that Crown’s ‘Quick Kiss’ was right for the project. It’s vivid, fun and it announces the cocktail bar’s presence in an unforgettable way.” Quick Kiss is part of Crown Paints’ Co palette, one of five Colour Insights 25/26 palettes designed to influence the creation of harmonious spaces, bringing a balance that can foster both productivity and relaxation. The full Colour Insights report was curated by Crown Paints to support architects and designers with evidence-based colour forecasting rooted in social and design shifts. Despite the venue’s compact scale, the colour was used strategically to make a bold statement, wrapping around the staircase to signal the magical experience awaiting up the stairs and continuing into the cocktail bar itself. The paint was specified in Crown Trade’s Clean Extreme Scrubbable Matt, a premium, stain-resistant emulsion. The paint allows for stains to be wiped away with ease, which is ideal for a busy bar environment. It can also withstand regular cleaning, whilst maintaining its rich colour and clean finish– ultimately reducing maintenance costs. Richard Bailey, Architectural and Design Consultant at Crown Paints, said: “Quick Kiss is a fantastic example of how impactful colour can be in transforming a space. Our Colour Insights palettes are designed to help architects and designers feel confident making bold, future-focused decisions, and it’s brilliant to see Up North Architects bringing this to life so vividly at The Morris. “We always encourage creatives to visit us at Material Source Studio, where they can be inspired by our paints up close. Our stand features installations like our painted bench, for hands-on inspiration. It’s also a great opportunity to pick and choose from our Pure Paint Samples to support the development of moodboards and colour schemes.” Crown Paints has a dedicated presence at Material Source Studio in both Manchester and Glasgow, where architects and designers can gain inspiration, explore the full palette, and pick up a fan deck or Pure Paint Samples for their projects. Crown also regularly hosts events at both locations, including RIBA and BIID-approved CPDs to support professional development. For more information on the Crown Paints Colour Insights, please visit: Crown Trade paints visit: www.crownpaintsprofessional.com/colour/insights Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MGF is pleased to announce the promotion of Chris Whitworth to the Executive Board, marking a significant milestone in his career and a strategic step forward for the business. Chris began his journey with MGF in 2010, joining on a six-week work experience placement. Following his graduation from university, he formally joined the company in 2012 as a Management Trainee. Since then, Chris has built an impressive career, gaining hands-on experience across nearly every area of the business. Over the past 13 years, Chris has worked in the yards, loaded and unloaded wagons, tested and maintained equipment, and held roles in hire desk, depot management, sales, purchasing, transport, and operations. His deep understanding of the business has been shaped by the guidance of experienced mentors and a commitment to continuous development. A key highlight of Chris’s career has been his instrumental role in developing MGF’s people and leading the development of new divisions within the group. His work has been central to the successful launch and growth of Lifting & Safety, Exports, and most recently, Structural Support, each now a vital part of MGF’s offering to the construction industry. Chris’s promotion to the Executive Board reflects his dedication, leadership, and strategic vision. His appointment strengthens MGF’s commitment to investing in talent and driving innovation across the business. Simon Littlewood, Managing Director, commented:“Chris’s journey is a testament to the opportunities available at MGF for those who are forward-thinking, driven, and committed to making a difference. His promotion is well deserved, and we’re excited to see the impact he’ll continue to make at board level.” MGF congratulates Chris on this achievement and looks forward to the continued growth and evolution of the business under his leadership. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
