A fast-growing Midlands architecture business is celebrating after completing its 30th project for the UK’s largest sporting goods retailer, Sports Direct. Wolverhampton-based Pinnacle Architecture has provided architectural services, interior design and project management for Sports Direct’s concept stores around the UK, including one of its biggest flagship stores in Birmingham
PRO:DIRECT Sport is set to launch its first flagship PD:FC concept store at Birmingham’s Bullring shopping centre in early 2026. The new store will combine retail with community space, aiming to become a hub for Birmingham’s football culture. Alongside an extensive product range, PD:FC will host events, training sessions, and
Anytime Fitness has celebrated the opening of its 100th UK gym, reinforcing its position as one of the country’s leading 24/7 fitness operators. The milestone site, located in Guildford, Surrey, adds to the brand’s nationwide portfolio and highlights the resilience of the health and fitness sector despite challenging economic conditions.
Chelmsford City Council has begun the hunt for a development partner to help deliver the £250m regeneration of Chelmer Waterside, one of the city’s most significant brownfield sites. Formerly home to the town’s gas works, the site has been rebranded as Chelmer Waterside and is now primed for transformation into
Clowes Developments has begun a multi-million-pound site remediation and enabling works programme at its recently acquired 31-acre Harrier Park site in Hucknall, paving the way for new industrial and warehouse development. The brownfield site, once home to the creation of the Harrier ‘Jump Jet’ and Rolls-Royce Merlin engines, is set
GMI Construction Group and Olympian Homes have marked the completion of Rialto House, a £50 million purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development in York that delivers 275 high-quality student bedrooms and state-of-the-art amenities in a design-led environment. The four-storey scheme on Fishergate, developed by Olympian Homes, funded by Cain International and
O’Brien Contractors Limited has made substantial progress on the next phase of critical earthworks at Fairham, one of the East Midlands’ largest and most ambitious mixed-use developments. The earthworks are a key part of the delivery of the remaining residential parcels at Fairham, a transformative new neighbourhood on the edge
Kiverco, a global leader in recycling solutions, has completed the installation of a new recycling plant for Binn Group, a prominent waste management company in Scotland. This marks their fourth collaboration, reflecting a long-standing partnership built on trust and exceptional service. A third-generation family business and Kiverco customer for over
Development and asset manager, Canmoor, is delighted to announce that Westway at Glasgow Airport has been shortlisted for Best Overall Scheme (Logistics Park) at the prestigious Industrial Agents Society (IAS) Awards 2025. The recognition places Westway among the UK’s most outstanding industrial and logistics developments. The IAS Awards, regarded as
Britain’s multi-billion-pound construction pipeline is under threat, as new data reveals the industry must recruit 61,000 new workers annually* – putting the Government’s five-year investment plan in jeopardy – including Labour’s pledge to build 1.5 million homes by 2030. According to CV-Library, the UK’s leading job for construction roles*, demand
A fast-growing Midlands architecture business is celebrating after completing its 30th project for the UK’s largest sporting goods retailer, Sports Direct. Wolverhampton-based Pinnacle Architecture has provided architectural services, interior design and project management for Sports Direct’s concept stores around the UK, including one of its biggest flagship stores in Birmingham city centre. The £10 million New Street development includes in-store retail outlets for Game, Evans Cycles, USC and the Belong Gaming Arena. The huge 85,000 sq ft store is over four levels. Pinnacle has also recently supported major Sport Direct outlets in the Cascades Shopping Centre in Portsmouth and the £1.3 million Sports Direct store at The Fort in Birmingham. As well as architectural, design and project management services, Pinnacle has provided structural engineering work and cost consultancy for many other Frasers Group projects. Pinnacle Architecture Limited managing director Hurnake Singh Johal said, “We are delighted to have been on this journey and to continue to provide services for such a high profile retailer. The developments involved combining premium design and advanced retail features into spaces which embody the Sports Direct brand and reflect Frasers Group’s high status and values.” Pinnacle Architecture provides a one-stop bespoke service for architecture, structural and civil engineering and laser scanning. Founded in 2019, the firm has a wealth of experience across a wide range of sectors including buy-to-rent developments, care, retail, residential, mixed-use developments and more. Headquartered in a Grade 2 listed building in Deansgate Offices, Wolverhampton, Pinnacle also has offices in Telford and London. Pinnacle supports clients through the development process, from planning to design and implementation on a wide range of new build and refurbishment projects. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
PRO:DIRECT Sport is set to launch its first flagship PD:FC concept store at Birmingham’s Bullring shopping centre in early 2026. The new store will combine retail with community space, aiming to become a hub for Birmingham’s football culture. Alongside an extensive product range, PD:FC will host events, training sessions, and activations that connect players, coaches, fans, and creative talent from across the region. Sam Baldock, chief of brand at PRO:DIRECT Sport, said:“Birmingham has always been a city with deep roots in football and youth culture. PD:FC at Bullring will be much more than a store – it will be a destination for the football-inspired community, bringing together the game’s passion, lifestyle, and future in one place. We are creating a space that reflects the city’s energy and love for football.” Retail landlord Hammerson, which owns and manages Bullring, said the signing reflects strong demand from digitally native and sports-led brands seeking physical retail opportunities in prime locations. Toby Tait, director of asset management at Hammerson, commented:“PRO:DIRECT Sport choosing Bullring for its debut flagship concept underlines the centre’s status as one of the UK’s leading retail destinations. The store will strengthen our line-up, offering visitors a new experiential space that celebrates both sport and culture.” The opening adds to a wave of new signings at the Bullring and Grand Central estate, including Nike Rise, Lululemon, and JD Sports expansions, cementing Birmingham’s role as a key hub for retail and lifestyle brands. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Anytime Fitness has celebrated the opening of its 100th UK gym, reinforcing its position as one of the country’s leading 24/7 fitness operators. The milestone site, located in Guildford, Surrey, adds to the brand’s nationwide portfolio and highlights the resilience of the health and fitness sector despite challenging economic conditions. Since launching its first UK club in 2010, Anytime Fitness has steadily built a strong presence across towns and cities, with expansion driven by both new and existing franchisees. The company has confirmed plans for a further 15 gyms to open over the next year, with demand from prospective franchise partners at an all-time high. Alongside new openings, investment is also being directed towards refurbishing existing clubs and enhancing member experiences through digital integration and new fitness programmes. Neil Randall, CEO of Anytime Fitness UK, said: “Reaching 100 gyms is a landmark achievement for us and a clear sign of the strength of the brand and our franchise network. Our success is built on accessibility, community and innovation, and we will continue to build on these foundations as we grow further.” He added: “We are focused on continually improving the member experience, whether through the latest fitness technology, new training formats, or ensuring our clubs are welcoming and inclusive spaces for all. This momentum gives us a fantastic platform for the future.” The brand’s ongoing expansion reflects the increasing appetite for flexible, community-based fitness solutions across the UK. With further growth already planned and a pipeline of new franchisees joining, Anytime Fitness is well placed to continue its upward trajectory in the coming years. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Chelmsford City Council has begun the hunt for a development partner to help deliver the £250m regeneration of Chelmer Waterside, one of the city’s most significant brownfield sites. Formerly home to the town’s gas works, the site has been rebranded as Chelmer Waterside and is now primed for transformation into a residential-led neighbourhood. Recent infrastructure improvements, including a new pedestrian bridge linking the site to the city centre in under five minutes, have unlocked the area’s potential for large-scale development. Chelmsford City Council said the scheme could deliver between 770 and 1,000 new homes across six hectares, with phases designed around apartment-led blocks. Work has already begun on relocating the existing gas pressure reduction system, due to complete in early 2026, while remediation and decontamination of the former gasworks land will form a key part of the early programme. Some housebuilders, including Taylor Wimpey, have already delivered homes on adjoining parts of the wider waterside area. The council is now seeking a lead partner to accelerate the main residential development. The procurement process will shortlist up to three bidders from an initial questionnaire stage, who will then move into dialogue and negotiation before final tenders are submitted. The winning bidder will enter into a preferred developer agreement to confirm delivery commitments. A council spokesperson said the vision for Chelmer Waterside is to create a vibrant new residential community that makes the most of its riverside setting, while supporting wider regeneration and growth across the city. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Clowes Developments has begun a multi-million-pound site remediation and enabling works programme at its recently acquired 31-acre Harrier Park site in Hucknall, paving the way for new industrial and warehouse development. The brownfield site, once home to the creation of the Harrier ‘Jump Jet’ and Rolls-Royce Merlin engines, is set to be transformed into a major commercial hub. The clean-up will tackle legacy contamination, preparing the land for up to 500,000 sq ft of modern employment space alongside the existing 200,000 sq ft RM Resources facility. Lead contractor TanRo has been appointed to deliver the complex works, which include ground remediation, groundwater treatment, earthworks, construction of retaining walls, drainage infrastructure, and road access improvements. The programme will run beyond an initial 20-week schedule, forming the first phase of long-term investment into the site. Although planning permission is already in place for six industrial and warehouse buildings, environmental remediation is essential before development can progress. The site’s strategic location, close to junctions 26 and 27 of the M1 and within half an hour of East Midlands Airport, Derby and Nottingham, makes it a prime choice for occupiers seeking new space in the region. Kevin Webster, Associate Development Director at Clowes Developments, said:“Harrier Park is a special site with a remarkable heritage, and we’re proud to be bringing it back into productive use. Our first major step is to address its long-standing issues with contamination. Our enabling works are designed to prepare the land for high-quality industrial development, and interest is already strong from potential occupiers looking for bespoke space in a well-connected location.” Clowes Developments is working with FHP Property Consultants and Fisher German to market the site, with design-and-build opportunities available on both freehold and leasehold terms for units ranging from 60,000 to 206,000 sq ft. For enquiries, please contact: Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GMI Construction Group and Olympian Homes have marked the completion of Rialto House, a £50 million purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development in York that delivers 275 high-quality student bedrooms and state-of-the-art amenities in a design-led environment. The four-storey scheme on Fishergate, developed by Olympian Homes, funded by Cain International and built by GMI, provides 80,000 sq. ft. of modern living space tailored to meet the city’s growing demand for student housing. Rialto House is just a ten-minute walk from the city centre and seven minute bus ride from the University of York. With a focus on student welfare, it features a comprehensive range of facilities including gym, yoga studio, games area, podcast studio, music room, co-working spaces, group dining areas, landscaped courtyards, and integrated cycle storage. In recognition of the site’s heritage, it also includes a bespoke in-house cinema, a nod to the former Rialto Cinema from which it takes its name. It is one of three PBSA schemes GMI is delivering in York, reinforcing its position as a key player in strengthening the city’s higher education offering and addressing a national shortage of student accommodation. Ed Weston, Regional Director for Yorkshire at GMI Construction Group, said: “Rialto House is a flagship scheme delivering excellence in student living while honouring the legacy of a much-loved York landmark. We’re delighted to have completed this project in partnership with Olympian Homes and are proud to be playing a key role in tackling the student accommodation shortfall through our growing portfolio of PBSA developments. I also hope this marks the start of a strong and long-lasting relationship with Olympian and we look forward to collaborating on future opportunities.” Mark Slatter, Chair of Olympian Homes, added: “With Rialto House, we set out to create something distinctive, delivering outstanding student living. Thanks to GMI and our funding partner Cain International, this scheme sets a new benchmark for purpose-built student accommodation in York. The result from GMI is outstanding, with a level of finish that stands among the highest we’ve been involved with.” The development stands on the former site of the Rialto Cinema, which first opened in 1913, and the adjacent Mecca bingo hall. The cinema holds a special place in local memory, having hosted four performances by The Beatles in 1963, just months before their rise to global fame. Demolished in 2003 and used as a car park for many years, the Rialto site has been transformed into a new residential community that will welcome students from the autumn term onwards. Olympian exchanged contracts on the site in April 2021 and submitted a planning application in June 2021 to demolish the existing Mecca Bingo Hall. Works began in Q2 2022 after GMI secured the contract. Olympian and Cain International completed a funding agreement for the scheme, alongside a second PBSA scheme, in 2023. GMI delivered the project using a predominantly local supply chain, reflecting its commitment to regional growth and sustainability. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
O’Brien Contractors Limited has made substantial progress on the next phase of critical earthworks at Fairham, one of the East Midlands’ largest and most ambitious mixed-use developments. The earthworks are a key part of the delivery of the remaining residential parcels at Fairham, a transformative new neighbourhood on the edge of Nottingham. Once complete, Fairham will offer 3,000 new homes, over one million square feet of employment space, and 200 acres of open green space, creating a balanced community where people can live, work, and thrive. Delivered by O’Brien Contractors on behalf of master developer Clowes Developments, in partnership with Homes England, the government’s housing and regeneration agency, the earthworks are part of a wider £100 million infrastructure investment across the 606-acre site. Earthworks includes: These operations pave the way for future construction activity and are expected to be completed by the end of October 2025, subject to weather conditions. Rob Hopkinson, Technical Associate Director at Clowes Developments commented, The progress achieved at Fairham reflects a significant collective effort from all parties involved. Completion of this phase of earthworks will unlock substantial parcels of land ready for residential development, marking a pivotal step forward in the delivery of this landmark scheme. Once these works are finalised, we will be positioned to complete the remaining roads, sewers, and key landscaping phases, further advancing the creation of a sustainable and well-connected community. Fairham is being designed as a sustainable and highly connected community. Alongside residential and employment zones, plans include a local centre, new education and healthcare facilities, sports and leisure amenities, and a safeguarded route for a future NET tram extension. To support this major development, Clowes Developments and Homes England continue to work in close coordination with National Highways, Nottinghamshire County Council, Nottingham City Council, and Rushcliffe Borough Council to deliver infrastructure improvements with minimal disruption to existing transport networks. Once fully developed, Fairham will make a significant contribution to regional growth—delivering thousands of homes and jobs, and supporting Rushcliffe Borough Council’s housing target of 13,500 new dwellings by 2030. With its strategic location, integrated design, and focus on sustainability, Fairham is setting a new benchmark for modern, mixed-use communities in the East Midlands. Keep track of the progress onsite at Fairham, here: https://fairhamlife.co.uk/news/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Kiverco, a global leader in recycling solutions, has completed the installation of a new recycling plant for Binn Group, a prominent waste management company in Scotland. This marks their fourth collaboration, reflecting a long-standing partnership built on trust and exceptional service. A third-generation family business and Kiverco customer for over 20 years, Binn Group shares a deep commitment to innovation and sustainability. Their trust in Kiverco was reinforced more than a decade ago when a fire at their site damaged the waste plant. Kiverco’s rapid response helped them get the plant up and running again very quickly and this level of support at a critical time for the business has forged strong lasting relationships. Binn Group’s latest investment supports both business growth and their drive to adopt greener energy solutions. The new facility, designed for construction and demolition (C&D) waste, will boost throughput, improve material purity, and advance their green energy initiative, which includes converting waste into energy. Sustainability is central to Kiverco’s approach. Their plants are built to ensure a longer useful life and retain their value over time. Binn Skips sold their previous Kiverco plant to another waste processor, recouping part of their investment. The 10+ year old system was decommissioned from the Glenfarg site and recommissioned with another waste company in Scotland. Marcus McAlinden, Kiverco Sales Manager, said:“We’re very happy with this project at Binn Group. It integrates advanced automation to increase throughput, adapt to changing waste streams, and future-proof operations. The inclusion of an optical sorter is a game-changer, removing wood as a waste stream transforms it from a disposal cost into a valuable fuel.” As Vice Chairman of the Resource Management Association Scotland, Allan MacGregor highlighted the significance of this project:“Kiverco has never let us down. Their service and support have been exceptional. This new facility gives us cleaner commodities, higher throughput, and the capacity to handle more waste in the future.” Stewart Smith, Director of Operations added; “It’s more robust and heavy-duty than the competitors we considered. Over the years Kiverco machinery has proven that it dependable and long lasting and that’s why we’ve remained loyal to Kiverco who have delivered all four of our plants over the lifetime of the business. The site combines waste-to-energy technology with four large wind turbines producing 9MW of electricity, creating a private grid for power generation and consumption. Kiverco understood the vision and came up with exceptional design to bring our vision to life. From the initial enquiry to installation, I couldn’t fault Kiverco. The installation was seamless. They went the extra mile.” Based in Dungannon, Northern Ireland, Kiverco designs and manufactures bespoke recycling plants, building long-term customer relationships and pioneering advancements in sustainable recycling technology. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Development and asset manager, Canmoor, is delighted to announce that Westway at Glasgow Airport has been shortlisted for Best Overall Scheme (Logistics Park) at the prestigious Industrial Agents Society (IAS) Awards 2025. The recognition places Westway among the UK’s most outstanding industrial and logistics developments. The IAS Awards, regarded as one of the most respected accolades in the property sector, celebrate excellence in industrial and logistics real estate. Being shortlisted reflects the quality, vision and positive impact that Westway has delivered to both occupiers and the wider community. In particular, the shortlisting recognises Canmoor’s ambitious speculative development programme, which has delivered 300,000 sq ft of high-quality, sustainable industrial space to the Scottish market. This includes the successful completion and pre-letting of two flagship units within the park: Westway 90, now home to sustainable packaging innovator Pulpex, and Westway 200, secured by the UK Government. Designed and built with sustainability at their core, both buildings embody sustainable design, earning BREEAM “Excellent” and EPC “A” ratings. The facilities are all-electric capable and include electric vehicle charging stations, photovoltaic panels, and air source heat pumps. Key amenities include dedicated car parking, HGV parking and extensive yard space, all within Westway’s 24/7 fully secure environment. Gregor King, Scottish Director of Canmoor said: “We are delighted that Westway has been recognised on a national stage. This shortlisting in recognition of Westway 90 and Westway 200 is a testament to our commitment to delivering ‘best in class’, sustainable logistics space on a speculative basis. “Securing Pulpex and the UK Government as occupiers demonstrates both the park’s appeal and the importance of our role in supporting innovation and public sector operations.” The winners of the IAS Awards will be announced at a ceremony in London on Wednesday 24 September. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Britain’s multi-billion-pound construction pipeline is under threat, as new data reveals the industry must recruit 61,000 new workers annually* – putting the Government’s five-year investment plan in jeopardy – including Labour’s pledge to build 1.5 million homes by 2030. According to CV-Library, the UK’s leading job for construction roles*, demand continues to grow, with job vacancies surging by 7.9% between January and July 2025, based on market wide data analysis. That being said, with a 14% decline in the workforce over the past five years, 15% of workers now over 60 (CITB data), growing concern as to “who will build Britain” exacerbates. To understand construction professionals’ sentiment of the industry, CV-Library conducted a survey of 625 workers that paints a stark picture of the workforce: Lee Biggins, Founder and CEO of CV-Library explains what the skills shortage could mean for Labour’s 1.5 million homes pledge: “Urgent action is needed to ensure the talent is there to build Britain. Labour’s pledge to deliver 1.5 million new homes by 2030 won’t be possible without the workforce to build it. Without confronting the growing construction talent gap head on, these ‘homes of the future’ won’t be built. The industry is under significant pressure and there needs to be urgent investment in skills if the Government is serious about delivering the UK’s major infrastructure goals. More needs to be done to retain existing workers and attract in new workers through apprenticeships and career changes. For those seeking a career change, the construction industry is one of the few sectors with big investment and a jobs boom. There are a wide range of roles in demand, with many of them being largely AI-proof, offering more job security.” Despite the challenges, CV-Library analysed job market data which shows a strong interest and demand in construction roles in 2025, especially in regions like the West Midlands and North West, where application volumes remain high. The 10 most in-demand job vacancies across construction include: Methodology Nationwide market data used to analyse CV-Library’s status as the UK’s leading job board for construction roles. Job trends: CV-Library analysed market-wide job posting data, comparing vacancy rates from January to July 2025 compared to the previous six months. Referenced Data: Labour demand forecasts were sourced from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). Survey: CV-Library conducted a survey of 625 construction workers in March 2025 to gather insights on workforce sentiment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
