Cardiff’s long-anticipated 16,500-capacity indoor arena has taken a major step forward, with financial close now officially reached on the £300 million project. The development, backed by Cardiff Council and a consortium led by Live Nation and Robertson Property, has also named McLaren Construction as the main contractor, with work set
Asda is accelerating its presence in the convenience sector with the rapid rollout of 20 new Asda Express stores across the UK over the course of just four weeks. The expansion marks a significant step forward in the supermarket giant’s mission to strengthen its reach in busy urban areas, residential
Outline planning has been approved for new 5,000 sqm Data Centre at 45 Maylands Avenue in Hemel Hempstead. Designed by Scott Brownrigg for Northtree Investment Management, proposals provide much needed digital infrastructure while creating a new high-quality workplace and public realm. Proposals maximise space on the industrial site by replacing
England’s largest not-for-profit later-living provider, Anchor, celebrated the topping out of Mulberry House located near Gresley Way in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. The development will provide 64 one and two-bedroom later living apartments with affordable ways to buy and rent. Once open, the brand-new development will also provide future residents with various
British Land and GIC’s Broadgate joint venture has secured a £450 million five-year Green Loan for 1 Broadgate, following the development’s practical completion in July. The landmark building is already 96% pre-let, with major tenants including A&O Shearman and JLL. The 545,000 sq ft scheme delivers some of the most
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
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
With over 140,000 vacancies, the UK construction industry is facing a major skills shortage[2]. To help address this gap, leading housebuilders Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes has hosted a week long work experience at its Clipstone Park development in Bedfordshire, encouraging more young people to consider careers in construction.
United Living Group has reported record financial results for the year ending 31 March 2025, underlining the company’s strengthened position as a key provider of solutions for the UK’s critical infrastructure. The Group, which received backing from Apollo-managed funds in August 2023, has continued to scale its operations and broaden
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
Cardiff’s long-anticipated 16,500-capacity indoor arena has taken a major step forward, with financial close now officially reached on the £300 million project. The development, backed by Cardiff Council and a consortium led by Live Nation and Robertson Property, has also named McLaren Construction as the main contractor, with work set to begin immediately. Originally estimated at £280 million in March 2023, rising inflation has pushed the cost of the scheme past the £300 million mark. The arena is now on track for completion and opening in 2028. Designed to attract major touring acts and global performers, the new venue is expected to transform Cardiff’s music and cultural landscape, while also delivering significant economic and social impact to the region. Cardiff Council leader Huw Thomas said: “This arena will transform Cardiff’s visitor economy in a way nothing has since the stadium opened in 1999. It’s not just about the bricks and mortar; it’s about underpinning and enhancing Cardiff’s status as a vibrant, dynamic destination for music and culture. “The project will ensure that Cardiff continues to thrive as a hub of creativity and innovation. It is the cornerstone of our Music City strategy, which aims to support every part of Cardiff’s music ecosystem – from musicians to producers, promoters, and venues. “But crucially, this project will drive economic growth and social value, particularly in the area surrounding the arena, creating jobs and lifting horizons in some of Wales’ most economically-challenged communities. It is for all these reasons that the arena has been a priority for this Council administration for over a decade, and why I’m delighted that this decisive milestone has now been achieved.” Elliot Robertson, chief executive of Robertson Group, added: “The Cardiff Arena marks a transformative moment for the city, bringing world-class live entertainment to the city while driving significant economic and social benefits. This project is more than just a venue; it’s a catalyst for growth, creating over a thousand jobs, boosting local businesses, and solidifying Cardiff’s position as a cultural and creative hub on the global stage.” With work now underway, the Cardiff Arena stands poised to become a landmark destination, promising not only to enhance the city’s international profile but to generate lasting benefits for local communities and businesses. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Asda is accelerating its presence in the convenience sector with the rapid rollout of 20 new Asda Express stores across the UK over the course of just four weeks. The expansion marks a significant step forward in the supermarket giant’s mission to strengthen its reach in busy urban areas, residential communities, and key transport hubs – locations where it has traditionally had a lighter footprint. The first of these new stores is set to open in Castleford, Yorkshire, in October, with a wave of further openings scheduled to follow swiftly from late October onwards. Asda Express stores are designed to meet a wide range of everyday shopping needs. From quick ‘top up’ grocery runs to on-the-go lunches and convenient dinner solutions, the stores aim to bring greater flexibility to modern shoppers looking for speed, value, and accessibility. Although the Express format was initially introduced in 2022, Asda temporarily paused the launch of standalone locations while it focused on integrating the 469 convenience stores it acquired from the Co-op and EG Group. With much of that work now complete, the retailer is refocusing on new sites as part of its broader convenience strategy. David Lepley, Asda’s Chief Supply Chain Officer, said: “We’re thrilled to kick off the next phase of our Express rollout and bring our heritage in delivering outstanding value to more locations across the UK. In just three years, we’ve grown from zero convenience stores to establishing a major presence in the channel, with almost 500 stores by the end of the year. This continued investment reflects the confidence we have in our convenience strategy and our focus on bringing Asda’s low prices to more local communities.” The new Asda Express sites will be launched in the following locations: With this burst of store openings, Asda is not only expanding its physical footprint, but also reinforcing its commitment to bringing everyday essentials and low prices closer to where people live and travel. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Outline planning has been approved for new 5,000 sqm Data Centre at 45 Maylands Avenue in Hemel Hempstead. Designed by Scott Brownrigg for Northtree Investment Management, proposals provide much needed digital infrastructure while creating a new high-quality workplace and public realm. Proposals maximise space on the industrial site by replacing an existing two storey warehouse and office building with a new three-storey, state-of-the-art facility, serviced by office accommodation, a substation, car parking and servicing areas. Designs echo the scale of neighbouring logistics and light industrial buildings, using a contemporary architectural language and high-quality materials to enhance the frontage to Maylands Avenue. Existing levels on the site will be utilised to maximise available space while reducing the height of the building facing the street. The existing access from Maylands Avenue will be enhanced to provide accessible parking and a point arrival for guests, pedestrians and those arriving by bicycle, while access from Cleaveland Way will be gated and dedicated to HGV and staff vehicles. A generous setback from the roadside creates opportunity to reinforce the boulevard and significantly improve the quality of the public realm along Maylands Avenue. New landscaping with seating areas will encourage pedestrian and cycle movement and contribute to the visual amenity on the estate. The sustainability strategy includes measures such as a fabric first approach for the design and a layout that allows for naturally ventilated offices via openable windows, while maintaining the security of restricted spaces. A mixture of locally native trees and shrub species will be planted along the boundaries to the south and west of the site to create a vegetative buffer for the development and habitat for local wildlife. Drawing upon an inherent understanding of the advanced technology sector and experience of working across a range of projects and scales, Scott Brownrigg’s proposal for 45 Maylands Avenue is set to make the most of the site available, densifying industrial land use, with consideration of installation, maintenance, replacement and construction from the outset, whilst carefully considering how the occupied spaces can positively contribute and improve on the existing street scene. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
England’s largest not-for-profit later-living provider, Anchor, celebrated the topping out of Mulberry House located near Gresley Way in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. The development will provide 64 one and two-bedroom later living apartments with affordable ways to buy and rent. Once open, the brand-new development will also provide future residents with various modern communal spaces including an on-site café, residents lounge, a hair and beauty salon and landscaped gardens. Residents will have full access to Anchor’s Be Well 360 service, ensuring support for health, well-being and social connection. Anchor’s Delivery Officer, George Weeden said: “The topping out at Mulberry House is an important milestone for both Anchor and the development. Mulberry House will deliver much needed, high-quality accommodation to support older people and their changing needs as well as contributing to our vision of creating 5,700 new homes over the next 10 years. I would like to thank HG Construction and our consultants for their skill and collaboration in helping us reach this stage, on time and on budget.” Juliette Bartlett, Head of Development Delivery said: “Anchor has worked closely with the local community throughout the building of this development, which is testament to its commitment to providing homes for later living that suit the demand and changing needs of the older population in our area. I look forward to seeing the developing relationship between Anchor and its residents and witnessing the growth of a thriving older community.” For more information about the development please visit www.lifeinplace.org.uk or call 01695 318195. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
British Land and GIC’s Broadgate joint venture has secured a £450 million five-year Green Loan for 1 Broadgate, following the development’s practical completion in July. The landmark building is already 96% pre-let, with major tenants including A&O Shearman and JLL. The 545,000 sq ft scheme delivers some of the most sustainable mixed-use space in London, combining best-in-class workspace with roof terraces, alongside prime retail and leisure accommodation. Positioned at the heart of the City of London, adjacent to Liverpool Street Station and the Elizabeth Line, the building forms a key part of the wider Broadgate campus. British Land has emphasised the building’s strong sustainability credentials, with 1 Broadgate ranking among the most operationally energy-efficient offices it has ever developed. The new financing, secured at competitive market spreads, further diversifies the group’s funding sources and is set to reduce Group Net Debt to EBITDA by around 0.6x once proceeds are distributed. David Walker, Chief Financial Officer at British Land, commented: “We are delighted to have successfully arranged this £450m loan on our newest, best-in-class office building. This transaction underscores the confidence of our banking partners in this asset and the campus, and Broadgate’s continued appeal as the place to be in London for ambitious, forward-thinking businesses. The financing further enhances our flexibility to continue delivering space that meets the evolving needs of our customers, into a heavily supply constrained market where rents are growing strongly.” Recommendation: Emphasise sustainability and financial resilience in positioning this development.Next step: Highlight 1 Broadgate as a benchmark for future green finance in UK commercial property. 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
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
With over 140,000 vacancies, the UK construction industry is facing a major skills shortage[2]. To help address this gap, leading housebuilders Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes has hosted a week long work experience at its Clipstone Park development in Bedfordshire, encouraging more young people to consider careers in construction. Leja, a Sixth Form student, took part in a work experience week at the development, where she shadowed several members of the Sales & Marketing team. During the week, she gained insight into client interactions, plot inspections and the general day-to-day role of sales advisors. The experience offered a practical look at what a career in the industry can involve, with guidance in the next steps of Leja’s career in the sector. As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting work experience programmes that help bridge the employment gap in construction, the housebuilders have previously offered work experience opportunities at Clipstone Park. In the past two years, local students from Vandyke Upper School and Aylesbury Grammar School had the chance to both work on-site at North Thames developments, as well as work at the housebuilder’s Head Office in Watford. All students gained valuable insights in the housebuilding industry, working across its Sustainability, Sales & Marketing and Legal teams to inspire future careers. Marc Woolfe, Sales & Marketing Director at Barrat David Wilson North Thames, said: “It was a delight to host Leja this summer at Clipstone Park and support her first steps into the world of housebuilding. We hope that Leja found the week useful and helped her to understand that a career in construction is much more than just bricks and mortar. Work experience opportunities like this are vital for young people as they give opportunities to inspire future talent and tackle the construction skills shortage head on.” Leja added: “My work experience week with the Sales & Marketing team at Clipstone Park has been vital in understanding what opportunities are available to me. The experience allowed me to learn more about the construction industry and the variety of roles available within it. I would like to thank the entire team at Clipstone Park for such an insightful week, and for all their support in guiding me in the beginnings of my career in construction.” Clipstone Park currently has a selection of three and four-bedroom homes, with prices starting from £370,000 for a three-bedroom home. To find out more about Barratt David Wilson North Thames or Clipstone Park, please visit www.barratthomes.co.uk/ https://www.dwh.co.uk or call 0333 355 8501. [2] https://www.placesforpeople.co.uk/pfp-thrive/insights-tools/the-uk-construction-skills-shortage/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
United Living Group has reported record financial results for the year ending 31 March 2025, underlining the company’s strengthened position as a key provider of solutions for the UK’s critical infrastructure. The Group, which received backing from Apollo-managed funds in August 2023, has continued to scale its operations and broaden its capabilities, reporting a 14.5 per cent increase in revenues to £718 million, up from £627.2 million in 2024. Adjusted EBITDA rose by 33.4 per cent to £68.5 million, while cash profit before tax climbed to £38.5 million. United Living ended the year with gross cash reserves of £70.2 million, alongside a secured order book worth £3.2 billion. The company also signed new contracts worth £920 million during the year. Notably, this included a £250 million project to deliver a CO₂ pipeline for Liverpool Bay Carbon Capture and Storage, a key element of the UK’s net zero ambitions that will bring significant investment to communities across the North West and North Wales. Other contract wins included a £150 million ten-year framework with United Utilities, appointment to the Southern Water AMP8 Capital Infrastructure Framework, a £40 million repairs and maintenance agreement with the London Borough of Harrow, and a £36 million responsive repairs and voids contract with Sovereign Network Group across London and the South of England. In addition to strong organic performance, United Living accelerated its growth strategy through a series of acquisitions across critical markets. These included the purchase of AFECO, PiLON, GTEC Training, Thormer Solutions, Jones, Peter Duffy Ltd, and most recently a majority stake in Glenelly Infrastructure Solutions. The acquisitions have expanded the Group’s capabilities across power distribution, water infrastructure, property services, digital solutions for energy efficiency, and specialist engineering services. Neil Armstrong, Chairman and CEO of United Living Group (pictured), said the results demonstrated both resilience and growth potential. “We are pleased to announce another record financial result for United Living Group, ending the year with a robust cash position and a significant forward order book that reflects sustained growth across our business.“Our sectors continue to benefit from powerful long-term drivers from critical infrastructure investment linked to decarbonisation, resilience, digital connectivity and demand for safe, sustainable living environments. These trends are creating increasing demand for the services United Living is well placed to deliver.“Since the Apollo Impact’s investment in August 2023, we have accelerated our strategy by making six strategic acquisitions, with two post-period-end, that strengthen our expertise and broaden our capabilities across critical markets, including power distribution, water infrastructure, engineering services, and digital solutions for net zero.“United Living’s diverse and resilient platform means the Group is well positioned to drive continued organic growth and deliver further value through targeted acquisitions, supporting the UK’s essential critical infrastructure.” The Group’s performance highlights its ability to align with national priorities around sustainability, digitalisation, and resilience, while securing new opportunities to support both public and private sector clients. Looking ahead, United Living is expected to continue leveraging its strong order book, financial position, and expanded expertise to reinforce its role as a key partner in the delivery of the UK’s most vital infrastructure programmes. 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
