Mace has been appointed to redevelop London’s former City Hall, which has stood empty since 2021, in a £150m scheme that will reconfigure the landmark building into office and retail space. The client, St Martins Property Investments (SMPL), acquired the wider More London development – which includes the distinctive riverside
Tech retailer WYE has appointed Savills to support its nationwide expansion, as it looks to open up to 400 new sites over the next five years. The company, a manufacturer and supplier of mobile phone and technology accessories, currently operates through a network of kiosks and retail units. Its growth
Leading civil engineering company GRAHAM has been appointed to deliver the infrastructure works at Central Docks – the largest brownfield site in Liverpool, and the largest of the five planned neighbourhoods within Peel’s wider, emerging Liverpool Waters district. GRAHAM will be responsible for completing underground utilities, roads and public
Savills Earth Capital Advisory (SECA) has advised Anglo Renewables on the sale of Rock Farm, a fully consented 40MW AC solar project located near Ludlow, Shropshire, to Enviromena for an undisclosed sum. Having secured a Contract for Difference (“CfD”) in Allocation Round 6, the project offers long term price certainty
Using the highest-rated fire performance cables will help firefighters in the event of a fire in some of the largest new buildings being developed, says leading cable supplier AEI Cables. AEI Cables has been highlighting the need for the use of Category 3 fire performance cables which are designed to
Engineering specialist, SES, has announced the appointment of Robert Doherty as Regional Managing Director for its Engineering North division. Robert brings over 20-years’ experience in delivering complex mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) packages at SES, and was previously Interim Managing Director for the North. Prior to this, he worked as
Jacobs has appointed Richard Sanderson as the company’s new General Manager for Europe and U.K., effective September 29, 2025. Richard brings more than 30 years of experience with Jacobs to his new role. A transport planner by background, he has built a career that spans technical delivery, operational management, sales,
An outdoor patio may be neat and tidy, but still lack excitement or warmth. If you don’t make it comfy, add greenery, items unique to you, and invite your guests, you might be excused for wondering why you even had one if no one wants to go out there. The
Mace has been appointed to redevelop London’s former City Hall, which has stood empty since 2021, in a £150m scheme that will reconfigure the landmark building into office and retail space. The client, St Martins Property Investments (SMPL), acquired the wider More London development – which includes the distinctive riverside building – for a reported £1.7bn in 2013. Originally designed by Foster + Partners and completed in 2002, the structure was built by Mace under a construction management deal, with the late Queen officially opening it three years later. City Hall was vacated at the end of 2021 when the Greater London Authority relocated to The Crystal in Newham, a move intended to cut costs. Since then, SMPL explored options for a light refurbishment but determined that more significant work was needed due to design flaws, water ingress, outdated floorplates, and sustainability challenges. Under designs by Gensler, Mace will retain the building’s core but replace its complex glazed façade with a more energy-efficient system, while introducing planted terraces and reconfiguring the shape to create more usable internal space. The redevelopment will add around 3,800 square metres of floor space, including 452 square metres of new office accommodation and 3,300 square metres of retail. Southwark Council approved the plans in December, with planning officers acknowledging the scheme would alter the character of the iconic riverside structure but improve both its usability and sustainability. The project team includes Gensler as architect, LDA Design as landscape architect, Waterman as structural engineer, Ramboll as façade engineer, DP9 as planning consultant and Turley as heritage consultant. Mace’s appointment continues its run of high-profile wins, following the £700m British Library redevelopment and the £200m Edge Liverpool Street project. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Tech retailer WYE has appointed Savills to support its nationwide expansion, as it looks to open up to 400 new sites over the next five years. The company, a manufacturer and supplier of mobile phone and technology accessories, currently operates through a network of kiosks and retail units. Its growth strategy will combine both modular kiosks and full shop fit-outs, with a focus on shopping centre locations. In addition, WYE has developed a new solar-powered external design aimed at the out-of-town retail market, which it plans to roll out over the next 12 months. Neil Grice, director in retail at Savills, said:“WYE is redefining the mobile accessories sector across the UK. They have perfected a retail format that can be deployed quickly and adapted to a variety of locations. They are uniquely placed to combine aesthetic appeal with operational efficiency, helping landlords transform underutilised areas into valuable retail space. We are delighted to be working with them on their expansion plans, as they seek to rapidly grow their presence across the UK.” Haron Noori, group CEO at WYE, added:“Working with Savills represents a significant step forward in delivering on our strategic plans for UK growth, both in the short and long term. It will enable us to bring our high-quality products to a wider customer base, strengthen our market presence, and create new opportunities for innovation and service excellence. Together, we look forward to driving sustainable growth and delivering exceptional value to our customers.” With its focus on flexible formats and sustainable design, WYE’s expansion highlights the changing face of UK retail property and the growing demand for adaptable, future-proofed space. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading civil engineering company GRAHAM has been appointed to deliver the infrastructure works at Central Docks – the largest brownfield site in Liverpool, and the largest of the five planned neighbourhoods within Peel’s wider, emerging Liverpool Waters district. GRAHAM will be responsible for completing underground utilities, roads and public realm works at Central Docks to support the development of approximately 2,350 new homes, in line with Peel Water’s plan for the area and supporting the governments plans to build 1.5 million new homes across the UK in the next five years. The works will also involve the construction of 2.1-hectare Central Park that sits at the centre of Peel Waters’ plans for Central Docks. Hundreds of new trees will be planted within the park, as well as new sports, recreational, and play facilities for residents and visitors, as well as spaces to relax. The park will become one of the city’s largest green spaces and the focal point of the 10.5-hectares Central Docks neighbourhood in Liverpool Waters. Alastair Lewis, Contracts Director at GRAHAM said: “We’re delighted to be appointed as principal contractor on this landmark scheme for Peel Waters -reflecting our shared commitment to creating infrastructure and neighbourhoods that prioritise sustainability and community. “Early works including preconstruction activities, design and site mobilisation will commence in August, with site clearance and remediation works commencing later this year. “This project will play a pivotal role in further regeneration of the docklands area, and we look forward to working with Peel Waters to transform this site into an iconic world heritage waterfront”. James Whittaker, Managing Director of Peel Waters said: “The appointment of GRAHAM is a major step forward in turning our vision for Central Docks at Liverpool Waters into more of a reality as it means we are gearing up to breaking ground to provide much needed infrastructure to enable more development plots and housing to come forward. “Peel Waters have worked with the contractor on several award-winning projects across our portfolio including Millers Quay across the Mersey at Wirral Waters and it is clear from the design process, that all parties our long-term vision to transform this former industrial land into a spectacular, waterfront neighbourhood and destination.” The procurement of GRAHAM for this Design and Construct project has been facilitated through Pagabo’s Civil Engineering & Infrastructure Framework, managed on behalf of contracting authority QE Facilities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Savills Earth Capital Advisory (SECA) has advised Anglo Renewables on the sale of Rock Farm, a fully consented 40MW AC solar project located near Ludlow, Shropshire, to Enviromena for an undisclosed sum. Having secured a Contract for Difference (“CfD”) in Allocation Round 6, the project offers long term price certainty and supports the UK’s Clean Power 2030 ambitions. With a strong focus on environmental stewardship, Rock Farm will enhance the local landscape through the planting of trees and hedgerows, the creation of wildflower meadows and continued grazing of sheep. The project is expected to connect to the national grid in 2026 and will generate enough renewable electricity to power over 16,000 homes annually, while avoiding more than 7,500 tonnes of carbon emissions each year. Nick Edgar, Co-Head of SECA, commented: “We’re pleased to have supported Anglo Renewables in this transaction, with Henry Grant and Huw S. K. Morrey in the SECA deal team working closely with Anglo Renewables as they continue to play a key role in advancing the UK’s transition to a low carbon future.” James Stone, Managing Director at Anglo Renewables, adds, “We are excited to see Rock Farm transaction over the line; delivering significant benefits to the local area in what we expect will be the first of many successful partnerships with Savills.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Using the highest-rated fire performance cables will help firefighters in the event of a fire in some of the largest new buildings being developed, says leading cable supplier AEI Cables. AEI Cables has been highlighting the need for the use of Category 3 fire performance cables which are designed to withstand heat and flames for up to 120 minutes, helping to protect equipment, property and even lives, supporting critical safety circuits in tall buildings, office spaces, hospitals, shopping malls and stadia. Category 1 cables guarantee 30 minutes of defence against flames, making them ideal for emergency lighting, while Category 2 cables give 60 minutes of fire protection and are commonly used for alarm systems. For firefighting, additional time is required and Category 3 cables are able to withstand up to 120 minutes of exposure to fire, providing enhanced emergency power to assist firefighters. The guidance for Category 3 Control fire performance cables applies to evacuation alarms for the disabled in care homes, emergency voice communications systems and voice alarm systems in relevant buildings. Stuart Dover, general manager of AEI Cables, said: “In the interest of safety of property and lives in these critical spaces we are recommending these cables because they meet all compliance requirements. This provides specifiers, installers and asset owners peace of mind when considering cabling for new and existing buildings.” The systems powered by these cables – including smoke and heat extraction systems – assist fire services in firefighting and a safe evacuation in the case of life safety. These cables reduce harmful smoke, toxic gases and flame spread in the event of a real fire. AEI Cables’ Firetec Enhanced cabling has been approved and certified by LPCB to BS8519 (Annex B), Category 3 Control in addition to Category 2 Control. The BS Code of Practice under BS8519 contains six categories of cables, three for power cables and three for control cables each covering survival times of 30, 60 or 120 minutes. All AEI Cables’ products are supplied with approvals from independent bodies including BASEC and LPCB. It also holds approvals from organisations including Lloyds, the MoD, Network Rail and LUL and works to international standards around the world. For more information see the AEI Cables website, tel 0191 410 3111 or email sales@aeicables.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Engineering specialist, SES, has announced the appointment of Robert Doherty as Regional Managing Director for its Engineering North division. Robert brings over 20-years’ experience in delivering complex mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) packages at SES, and was previously Interim Managing Director for the North. Prior to this, he worked as Director of Major Projects and Operations Director where he played a pivotal role in delivering SES’ complex engineering solutions across some of the UK’s most high-profile developments. He will be responsible for delivering the region’s growth strategy as part of SES’ operational board. He will lead SES Engineering’s entire Northern operations, driving operational excellence and continued innovation in project delivery, as well as strengthening customer relationships with Tier 1 contractors and end users alike. Robert’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for SES Engineering North. With offices in Leeds, Manchester, Sunderland and Glasgow, it is delivering major projects including an expansion at a major football stadium in Manchester and the SeAH Wind monopile factory in Teesside. The division is experiencing significant momentum as part of SES’s wider transformation. In 2024, SES reported record financial results, with a 55 per cent rise in turnover year-on-year to £463.7 million, with profit before tax up 60 per cent to £9.3m. The company’s forward order book has also more than doubled, reaching £1.2 billion, reflecting strong demand and confidence in SES’s capabilities. Rob Clifford, Executive Managing Director of SES, said: “Robert’s appointment reflects the strength of talent within SES and our commitment to developing leaders who understand the technical and strategic demands of our industry, and how our proud heritage supports our future ambitions. His leadership on major projects has been instrumental to our success, and I’m confident he will bring the same energy and insight to our North region as we continue to grow and deliver exceptional results for our customers.” Robert Doherty, Regional Managing Director of SES North, said: “I have worked for SES in the North for almost two decades and I am proud of the legacy we have cemented for ourselves, through our work on some truly transformative projects and the strength of the team responsible for them. “I want to build on this further and deliver an ambitious growth strategy, underpinned by our commitment to engineering excellence and long-term customer partnerships. I look forward to working with the SES Board and our regional teams to realise this vision.” Robert’s appointment supports SES’s recent restructure of its core engineering business into three regional divisions – North, Central, and South – enhancing national coverage and operational agility alongside the company’s continued investment in digital engineering, smart technologies, and offsite manufacturing capabilities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Jacobs has appointed Richard Sanderson as the company’s new General Manager for Europe and U.K., effective September 29, 2025. Richard brings more than 30 years of experience with Jacobs to his new role. A transport planner by background, he has built a career that spans technical delivery, operational management, sales, and market solutions. Beyond transportation, Richard has worked extensively with clients across infrastructure, energy, water, environment, and urban development, consistently driving innovation, resilience, and positive outcomes for communities. Throughout his career, he has contributed to some of Jacobs’ most complex and high-profile programs, demonstrating a unique ability to integrate engineering, consulting, and program management expertise. Most recently, he served as Head of Sector for Transportation in Europe, where he strengthened client partnerships and advanced strategic priorities, while also championing cross-sector collaboration and sustainability. Jacobs Executive Vice President Keith Lawson commented: “Richard is a highly respected leader with deep industry knowledge and a proven track record of collaboration, building strong teams and lasting client relationships. His leadership style, strategic mindset, and ability to inspire will be invaluable as we continue to grow and deliver impact across Europe and the U.K.” Jacobs incoming General Manager for Europe and U.K. Richard Sanderson added: “This is a hugely exciting time for Jacobs and it’s a privilege to lead such a talented team. We will continue to work with our clients, partners, and the wider industry to bring together Jacobs’ hallmarks of engineering excellence, consulting insight, and program management experience to deliver sustainable, technology-enabled solutions across multiple sectors and markets.” At Jacobs, we’re challenging today to reinvent tomorrow – delivering outcomes and solutions for the world’s most complex challenges. With approximately $12 billion in annual revenue and a team of almost 45,000, we provide end-to-end services in advanced manufacturing, cities & places, energy, environmental, life sciences, transportation and water. From advisory and consulting, feasibility, planning, design, program and lifecycle management, we’re creating a more connected and sustainable world. See how at jacobs.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, X and Facebook. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
An outdoor patio may be neat and tidy, but still lack excitement or warmth. If you don’t make it comfy, add greenery, items unique to you, and invite your guests, you might be excused for wondering why you even had one if no one wants to go out there. The good news is that it doesn’t require radical change to change an empty space into one that is used and enjoyed. With the right balance of comfort, practicality, and style, such as choosing modern dining tables Australia homeowners are drawn to for both aesthetics and function, you can create a space people naturally gravitate towards. Start with the Basics: Seating and a Centrepiece Almost all enticing outdoor spaces should start with a focal point, in most cases it’s likely to be a table and chairs – no surprise there. Whilst a long rectangular table can comfortably support a larger family or social catch-up, a round table or square, can also offer a casual connection to the environment which may encourage a more intimate feel. Choosing your table is just half the challenge – you’ll also need to choose comfortable seating around the table and this is equally important, if it’s not comfortable they’ll not sit there for ten mins. You’ll be looking for supportive seating with a back, but don’t forget that you may be able to use outdoor cushions that are tough enough to survive outdoor conditions. Layer in Comfort It’s nice to think of a patio as a continuation of a home’s living area, therefore comfort should be a priority. Outdoor pillows, rugs, and throws not only make the space more inviting but also more livable. Soft material textures can balance the hard surfaces of concrete or timber decking and also provide warmth and a homely feel. Most people don’t think of shade when thinking about comfort. Canopies, umbrellas, pergola or skinny climbing plants create shade that might help keep the outdoor area a tad cooler on warmer summer days. Add Greenery and Natural Elements Plants can take an uninspired patio to a living space that would welcome a few hours being spent in it. You don’t need a ton of plants – even smaller potted plants, vertical gardens, and small trees in pots create texture and colour. And importantly, greenery softens concrete, and gives you and your patio a visual connection to the outdoors and nature. In smaller patio or outdoor spaces, smaller or layered arrangements should avoid cluttering the space. However, just a few potted arrangements – primarily in green will to enhance the ‘livable’ quality in the space. Lighting Sets the Mood Lighting influences a patio to become warm and magical, or indifferent and unmemorable when the sun goes down. String lights are easy to install but create warm and whimsical atmospheres. Solar powered stake lights, or standard lanterns, also provide some directional lighting and help define pathways. Wall sconces provide improved sophistication along with “built-in” LED lights create a more polished appearance. Lighting defines not only the environment, but also extends enjoyment – after dark. Adequate lighting also makes your patio an area that you ‘can use’ outside of daylight hours. Personal Touches That Make It YOUR Outdoor Space What makes a patio or outdoor living space feel inviting is usually the detail that represents YOUR input and use of the particular outdoor space. A fire pit can enhance a cool night or chilly evening air, a drinks cart can add entertaining diversity, a hammock tucked away can also enhance the spaces character, too. Be clear about the experience or environment you would like to create when you or a guest occupy the space – (as a family dinner space, calming reading area, entertaining friends, etc), and pick elements that suit or support that experience. Personal Touches That Make It Yours While aesthetics are important, how practical a patio set is should never be forgotten. Your outdoor furniture should be easy to keep clean, and strong enough to withstand the weather. Ideally your cushions will have removable covers, and your tables will be stain-resistant, or at least spill-resistant. The less maintenance your patio furniture requires, the better it will likely look, and the more time you can spend enjoying it. In terms of storage, there are benches with hidden storage or outdoor cabinets that allow a cleanness to an outdoor space by providing a place to stash away cushions or throws when not in use. Creating a Space That Lasts The trick in getting an empty patio to be a place where people want to spend time is to strike a balance in your choice of furniture between comfort, style and usage. Once you start with a nice solid, inviting piece of furniture, add the softness of furnishings, then add greenery, everything finished with lighting and personal touches will help your patio feel complete and welcoming. A thoughtfully designed patio doesn’t just look good, it becomes a natural gathering place where people want to linger, whether it’s for a morning coffee or an evening meal. Your empty patio can become one of the most lived in spaces of your home, with the right selections you won’t remember when you last had to wipe down the cushions.