Esh Construction has been appointed as the contractor to deliver the UK Government-funded Towns Fund transformation of Brighouse town centre. Following a competitive tender process, the company will now prepare for construction work to begin and will work with local shops and businesses to ensure support is in place during
Sky and Legal & General have secured planning consent to almost double Sky Studios Elstree in Hertfordshire. Hertsmere councillors have approved the £400m Sky Studios Elstree North project, adding 10 extra stages and 210,000 sq ft of Tier 1 space. The Borehamwood complex will rise to 22 stages across 65
CBRE Investment Management’s (CBRE IM) ambitious sustainability approach has been fulfilled, with the final BREEAM certification for 30 Semple Street being awarded at the top “Outstanding” level. With a final score of 93.2%, this marks a number of significant achievements for the project as it becomes Scotland’s first BREEAM Outstanding-certified
Leading office interior design consultancy, OP, has completed the refurbishment of Cooper Parry’s Manchester office. The six-week project has transformed 15,000 sq ft of existing office space, creating a workplace with a homely feel that brings elements of Manchester into the design. The refurbishment features a business lounge welcome area
Robertson Facilities Management has won a five-year, £5m contract to provide hard FM services across eight National Galleries of Scotland sites. The portfolio includes the National, Portrait, Modern One and Modern Two, the Royal Scottish Academy, and associated storage facilities around Edinburgh. Following a mobilisation phase, the contract goes live
Build UK, the leading representative body for the UK construction industry, has confirmed the appointment of Paul Brown, Chief Executive of John Sisk & Son, as its new Chair in its 10th anniversary year. Previously Vice Chair of Build UK after joining the Board in 2022, Paul brings more than
Esh Construction has been appointed as the contractor to deliver the UK Government-funded Towns Fund transformation of Brighouse town centre. Following a competitive tender process, the company will now prepare for construction work to begin and will work with local shops and businesses to ensure support is in place during the programme of improvements. The £19.1 million Brighouse Town Deal will focus on creating a more welcoming town centre, with an emphasis on people rather than cars while maintaining vital access routes. The project aims to encourage more visitors to shop, spend time and support the local economy. Plans for the transformation were first developed in 2019, with extensive consultation taking place over the past six years. The final phase of work will deliver major changes to the layout of the town centre, complementing other investments already underway. As part of the wider programme, Calderdale College has launched the Industry 4.0 Hub to deliver manufacturing and digital skills support, while the rebuilding of Brighouse Market is nearing completion. The town centre public realm improvements will form the most visible stage of the regeneration. The improvement works will focus on: Initial work on Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) has already been undertaken, with feedback from local properties leading to some adjustments. A formal consultation on changes to vehicle movements and parking will begin shortly, with previous respondents having received feedback on their comments. The Brighouse Town Deal is a partnership between Calderdale Council, Calderdale College, private and voluntary sector partners, and community and residents’ groups. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sky and Legal & General have secured planning consent to almost double Sky Studios Elstree in Hertfordshire. Hertsmere councillors have approved the £400m Sky Studios Elstree North project, adding 10 extra stages and 210,000 sq ft of Tier 1 space. The Borehamwood complex will rise to 22 stages across 65 acres and 470,000 sq ft in total. Construction is scheduled to start next year, creating around 600 jobs. The build will be on a similar scale to the original Sky Studios Elstree South complex delivered by BAM. Sky has pledged £6.5m for local road upgrades, a new community green and the safeguarding of 27 acres for wildlife. The professional team includes architect UMC, civil and structural engineer Fairhurst, and M&E consultant Hoare Lea. Sustainability measures span solar panels on every rooftop, LED lighting throughout and a fully electric vehicle fleet. The expansion will also grow Sky Up Academy Studios, offering training and career pathways for 11–18 year olds. By adding 210,000 sq ft of new Tier 1 facilities, the scheme will help address the UK’s projected 1.4m sq ft studio shortfall by 2027—capacity equivalent to at least one additional feature film a year plus multiple high-end TV productions. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
CBRE Investment Management’s (CBRE IM) ambitious sustainability approach has been fulfilled, with the final BREEAM certification for 30 Semple Street being awarded at the top “Outstanding” level. With a final score of 93.2%, this marks a number of significant achievements for the project as it becomes Scotland’s first BREEAM Outstanding-certified office building, Scotland’s highest-rated BREEAM building across all asset classes, and the second highest-scoring completed building refurbishment in the world, according to published BRE records. In addition to such other accreditations as NABERS 5*, “Platinum” scores for Air-Rated and Active Score, and an EPC “A”, the building is designed to achieve net zero carbon operation status in accordance with the UK Green Building Council’s framework definition. Zoe Gray, director at CBRE IM, commented: “Achieving the highest possible BREEAM rating for 30 Semple Street highlights our commitment to sustainability, future-proofing our assets, and delivering value to our occupiers and investors. We believe this office building embodies the future of work, providing a space designed to foster innovation and a high-quality, sustainable environment for our occupiers.” Nick Ball, managing director of Corran Properties, added: “We are delighted to have realised CBRE IM’s and our ambitions to create a genuinely class-leading office development. To have achieved such a high level of BREEAM accreditation is testament to the dedication of the entire design team who ensured every possible detail was considered in order for the building to operate as sustainably as possible.” Designed by MLA Architects, the redevelopment of 30 Semple Street comprised the strip-back to bare frame of the former office building on the site, the addition of two new floors, as well as a stunning 360-degree contemporary façade. The building has flexible floorplates up to 8,040 sq. ft. and an abundance of natural light and opening windows. The design team also included mechanical and electrical engineering consultancy K J Tait, project management and cost consultancy Axiom Services Limited, structural and civil engineering consultancy Blyth & Blyth, and Atelier Ten as fire engineering consultants. Ogilvie Construction was the main contractor. Cuthbert White and Knight Frank are marketing the remaining 25,000 sq. ft. of space in the property. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading office interior design consultancy, OP, has completed the refurbishment of Cooper Parry’s Manchester office. The six-week project has transformed 15,000 sq ft of existing office space, creating a workplace with a homely feel that brings elements of Manchester into the design. The refurbishment features a business lounge welcome area with a lounging feel that leads to the client suite. The space includes east and west wings with predominantly open plan desking, and a north wing with a mixture of open plan desking and the Orangery – an extension of the social area featuring gaming facilities including pool table, darts and ping pong, paired with various seating settings. The project has retained and celebrated the building’s original features, including parquet flooring and exposed services. The design approach emphasised sustainability through extensive reuse of existing elements including desks, task chairs, existing glazing, and minimal new partitioning. The original parquet flooring was retained and polished, with repairs made where walls had been removed. Room naming incorporates Manchester references developed with the client team, including meeting rooms called the Hacienda and the Mill. The design features Manchester’s bee culture as you enter the business lounge area. The space includes biophilia and planting throughout, with layered design elements including wallpaper, patterns, and pendant lighting replacing standard office lighting to create texture and visual interest. The project was completed while staff remained working in the building, with phasing across four areas to minimise disruption. “Our vision for Cooper Parry’s Manchester office was to create a workspace that feels authentically connected to the city while maintaining the warmth and comfort of home. “ Emily Cowgill, Designer at OP “We’re delighted with the transformed space. It looks fantastic and has been very well received by everyone in the office.” Jo Giles, Head of Facilities at Cooper Parry Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Robertson Facilities Management has won a five-year, £5m contract to provide hard FM services across eight National Galleries of Scotland sites. The portfolio includes the National, Portrait, Modern One and Modern Two, the Royal Scottish Academy, and associated storage facilities around Edinburgh. Following a mobilisation phase, the contract goes live on 1 December. Scope covers planned and reactive building maintenance together with mechanical, electrical and plumbing works. The venues hold around 120,000 works spanning Botticelli and Titian to contemporary art, including what is widely regarded as the world’s greatest collection of Scottish art. More than 2.4 million visitors passed through National Galleries of Scotland sites last year. Adrian Mole, executive managing director at Robertson Facilities Management, said: “Our experience in managing complex estates allows us to provide a high standard of service for our partners. Working with the National Galleries of Scotland provides us the opportunity to support one of the country’s most important cultural institutions while strengthening our portfolio. We look forward to developing a strong and collaborative partnership that helps the Galleries continue sharing Scotland’s art and heritage with millions of visitors each year.” The award builds RFM’s public sector footprint and supports its Edinburgh growth strategy. Earlier this year the company secured a five-year deal with National Records of Scotland and is mid-way through a separate five-year contract supporting the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service nationwide. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Build UK, the leading representative body for the UK construction industry, has confirmed the appointment of Paul Brown, Chief Executive of John Sisk & Son, as its new Chair in its 10th anniversary year. Previously Vice Chair of Build UK after joining the Board in 2022, Paul brings more than 25 years of leadership experience to the role. He is a civil engineer with a deep commitment to the power of construction to change lives and create a better future, and his election by members reflects Build UK’s central role in driving forward the industry priorities that support all sectors within UK construction. Paul’s appointment was confirmed alongside the rest of the Board at today’s AGM, where members heard directly from the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, the Right Honourable James Murray MP, who outlined the Government’s ambition and commitment to deliver and maintain £725 billion of economic and social infrastructure over the next decade as set out in its 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy. Paul succeeds Julie White, Managing Director of D-Drill & Sawing which is a member of the Drilling and Sawing Association (DSA), who has successfully led Build UK for the past two years and steps down with the thanks of the Board and members. In his first speech to Build UK members at the AGM, Paul said: “Taking on the role of Build UK Chair at such a pivotal time for our industry is a huge privilege. Construction is taking an increasingly integrated approach to infrastructure planning, improving the way we deliver projects, and driving forward the highest standards of building safety. “Build UK has a vital role to play in supporting these priorities, and I look forward to working with members across the supply chain to deliver change and demonstrate the positive impact of construction on the economy and local communities across the UK.” Build UK Chief Executive Suzannah Nichol OBE welcomed Paul’s appointment, saying: “We are delighted to have Paul as our new Chair. By bringing the whole industry together around the same table, Build UK has demonstrated that it can successfully respond to the issues we face, such as the new building safety regime, and Paul’s leadership and experience will be invaluable as we navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead. “I would also like to thank Julie for her outstanding contribution over the past two years and for all her support in representing the industry since she was first elected to the Board 10 years ago.” Build UK has also appointed two new Board members – Skanska’s President and CEO Katy Dowding, and Lee Rowswell from GKR Scaffolding which is a member of the National Access & Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) – who alongside the existing members of the Board will ensure Build UK continues to represent the breadth and depth of the sector. For more information on the Build UK Board, please visit: www.BuildUK.org/Board. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals