Developers Mitsubishi Estate London and CO—RE have officially broken ground on Vista at 72 Upper Ground, a £800m mixed-use scheme on London’s South Bank. Main contractor Multiplex is delivering the 640,000 sq ft redevelopment of the former ITV Studios site, slated to open in 2029 as a new office and
Marks & Spencer is accelerating investment in its physical estate, unveiling a series of renewed and expanded stores that underline a long-term commitment to value, sustainability and an elevated customer experience. On Oxford Street, the Pantheon store has opened a transformed 19,400 sq ft Foodhall on the lower ground floor,
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has described the Government’s decision to press ahead with a new generation of new towns as one of the most ambitious development initiatives in more than fifty years – and one that must be built on lessons from the past if it is to
European automotive component distributor, Olympus Global, has announced it is soon to break ground on its new multi-million pound distribution facility in the North East of England. Ambitious growth plans and a significant £2.7m investment by the Midlands-HQ’d company, as well as industrial architectural designs, civil engineering and project management
Developer Wykeland Group has officially opened a newly-completed £10m development at the fast-growing Melton West business park in East Yorkshire. Evolve @ Melton West provides growing companies with high-quality, modern space in the heart of one of Yorkshire’s most sought-after business locations. Medequip, the UK’s leading provider of community equipment
Works have begun to convert Wakefield’s Grade II-listed Crown Court into a new social and cultural venue, marking the latest step in the Civic Quarter’s renewal. Leeds-based Mulberry Construction Group has started on site for Harrogate developer Rushbond, working in partnership with Wakefield Council. Designed by Group Ginger and delivered
Rupali Court in Lozells Birmingham officially reached the topping out stage, marking the highest point in the construction of Housing 21’s flagship cohousing scheme. Stakeholders who have worked with the future residents to shape the scheme, gathered to celebrate the construction milestone and the opening of the Rupali Court show
The London Irish Centre has awarded its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award to Jacqueline O’Donovan OBE, the distinguished businesswoman, entrepreneur, and industry trailblazer renowned for her transformative impact on the waste management and construction sectors. The award, presented by his excellency the Irish Ambassador to the UK, Mr. Martin Fraser, recognises
A new £8.8m educational facility in the heart of Mansfield is set to prepare young people for careers in key industries while helping local businesses grow. West Nottinghamshire College officially launched its latest centre, the Mansfield Ambition Exchange, with educationists, students, civic leaders and employers praising the project. Built by
Balfour Beatty has today announced its appointment by SSEN Transmission to upgrade the New Deer electricity substation in Aberdeenshire, marking a significant milestone in Scotland’s journey towards a clean power, energy secure future. Originally energised in 2019, Balfour Beatty will now extend the substation to accommodate the forecast growth in homegrown,
Developers Mitsubishi Estate London and CO—RE have officially broken ground on Vista at 72 Upper Ground, a £800m mixed-use scheme on London’s South Bank. Main contractor Multiplex is delivering the 640,000 sq ft redevelopment of the former ITV Studios site, slated to open in 2029 as a new office and cultural destination. Designed by Make Architects, the commercially led scheme centres on a 25-storey office tower linked to two smaller buildings of 14 and 6 storeys, all set on a substantial podium. The design includes external terraces and balconies facing the Thames, a public rooftop restaurant and terrace, and a transformed public realm, with 40% of the site given over to public space. The buildings will be all-electric and are targeting net zero carbon in operation alongside BREEAM Outstanding. Masanori Iwase, senior executive officer at Mitsubishi Estate, said: “Breaking ground at Vista marks the beginning of a new chapter for London’s South Bank. We understand and respect the responsibilities that come with being a major investor in London, and it makes us very proud to demonstrate what can be achieved when working with local government and communities to achieve a shared vision.” Bradley Baker, chief executive of CO—RE, added: “This is a new cultural and commercial destination that will open up the riverfront, support Lambeth’s creative economy, and set new benchmarks for sustainability and wellbeing.” The ceremony brought together senior figures from government, international investment and the project team, including Japan’s ambassador to the UK, Hiroshi Suzuki. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Marks & Spencer is accelerating investment in its physical estate, unveiling a series of renewed and expanded stores that underline a long-term commitment to value, sustainability and an elevated customer experience. On Oxford Street, the Pantheon store has opened a transformed 19,400 sq ft Foodhall on the lower ground floor, complete with a new Coffee Shop, a hand-stretched sourdough Pizza Bar and a Hot Chicken Counter. Shoppers will also find a showstopping in-store bakery, a dedicated wine shop and a British-inspired gifting area. Pantheon is one of eleven M&S stores being renewed across Greater London this financial year, alongside six new openings, backed by a £90m capital commitment. In Orpington, a three-month transformation and extension has delivered a 37,700 sq ft full-line store, now 72% bigger than before. A fresh market-style Foodhall leads the offer, with an expanded bakery and coffee counter, more produce from Select Farm partners, and dedicated Flower and Wine shops. Two floors of fashion and beauty, plus a Click & Collect point, complete a modernised, multi-category destination. Regionally, the same formula of bigger, fresher and easier to shop is gathering pace. At Merry Hill, M&S has unveiled a 27% larger Foodhall as the first phase of a wider refit bringing food, fashion, beauty and home together under one roof later this autumn. In the North East, Kingston Park has reopened after a two-month closure as a transformed 16,800 sq ft Foodhall, anchored by an in-store bakery and coffee counter almost triple the previous size, expanded produce, and upgraded flower and wine propositions. Across these renewals, value and choice remain central. Each refreshed Foodhall carries around 450 new and upgraded seasonal products, alongside the Remarksable Value everyday range and Bigger Pack Better Value lines, both designed to help family budgets go further. The enlarged bakeries and coffee counters make visits more experiential while keeping pace and convenience front and centre. The wider programme signals how M&S intends to shape its estate for growth: a network of roughly 420 bigger, fresher Food stores and a more productive group of 180 full-line locations, with about half of the estate expected to be in renewal format by 2027/28. This sits alongside a separate national investment in 12 store renewals this year, 16 new openings and nine extensions backed by £300m. Sustainability is threaded through the upgrades. New formats lean into energy-efficient systems and low-carbon fit-out choices, with produce ranges highlighting partnerships with Select Farm growers across the UK. The aim is to balance an elevated in-store experience with tangible progress against Plan A goals. From the West End to regional centres, the direction of travel is clear: larger, more welcoming Foodhalls, sharper value, and modern environments that support the weekly shop and occasion-led browsing alike. With further renewals and openings scheduled, M&S is signalling confidence in the future of its stores—and in the customers who use them. Also in the pipeline: a £340m automated National Distribution Centre M&S has announced a landmark investment in a 1.3m sq ft automated food hub at Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal, targeted to achieve BREEAM Outstanding when it opens in 2029. The site will boost capacity, improve on-shelf availability and reduce cost-to-serve, supporting the accelerated store rotation and renewal programme nationwide. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has described the Government’s decision to press ahead with a new generation of new towns as one of the most ambitious development initiatives in more than fifty years – and one that must be built on lessons from the past if it is to succeed. The Government has confirmed that at least three new towns will be advanced in this Parliament, following recommendations from the New Towns Taskforce, which identified twelve potential locations. The RTPI, which recently published survey data showing that 73% of the public are not confident new towns will meet community needs in 50 years’ time, has urged the Government to ensure lessons are learned from the past and that local communities are placed at the heart of planning and delivery. Dr Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the RTPI, said: “The Government’s commitment to a new generation of new towns is a bold step, and one of the most ambitious approaches to development in half a century. It represents an opportunity to think differently about how and where we create the places of the future. “However, while it’s good to see the Government looking toward the future, it’s important to remember the lessons from the past. The first wave of new towns showed what can be achieved when government and planners work at scale, but they also highlight the importance of getting design, infrastructure, and community voice right from the very start. Public support for new towns will depend on learning those lessons and making sure they reflect the aspirations of the people who will live and work in them. Our members stand ready to deliver successful places and communities for now and many generations to come. “Our research shows that people want to see a variety of organisations involved in delivery, new ways of planning and funding explored, and – above all – local communities given a genuine say in shaping their future. “If this generation of new towns is built around those principles, they can become thriving, sustainable places that stand the test of time and capture the same spirit of ambition that inspired their predecessors.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
European automotive component distributor, Olympus Global, has announced it is soon to break ground on its new multi-million pound distribution facility in the North East of England. Ambitious growth plans and a significant £2.7m investment by the Midlands-HQ’d company, as well as industrial architectural designs, civil engineering and project management expertise by Building Design Northern (BDN) all come together on Monday 06 October when construction starts at the 16,000 sq ft Newton Aycliffe site. The announcement coincides with this year’s North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA) event (25 September) which sees organisations from across the whole industry supply chain attend the annual expo held in Sunderland. Olympus Global, a UK and European-wide distributor of high-quality engineered components, is building its second UK warehouse distribution facility (the first in the North East) to directly serve industrial, automotive and wider supply chain companies in northern and Scottish regions. The bespoke build – designed, delivered and project managed collectively by architectural and engineering firm, BDN, will see prime brownfield land at Aycliffe Business Park in County Durham be fully transformed into a fit-for-purpose scheme with dedicated storage space and modern offices. The site will facilitate existing international customers including Unipres, Thorn Lighting and Gestamp Tallent (located opposite), and is anticipated to ship more than £7m worth of parts and engineering components in the first year of operations alone. The new facility will create up to 10 new jobs making a significant contribution to the local economy. Ryan Doyle, Director at Building Design Northern (BDN) which is working on behalf of major UK-wide industrial and commercial clients including Olympus Global, commented: “Being able to announce the start of construction onsite is fantastic and it’ll be great to start seeing our designs coming out of the ground. “We have worked closely with Olympus Global right from the start across all requirements to support this major scheme, and our knowledge, industry insight and technical expertise across different architectural and engineering disciplines has proved critical given our client is also based outside the region. The main contractor is ready to go so getting ready to break ground on the site is good news for Olympus Global, the industry and the wider business community too.” BDN has appointed Hall Construction as principal contractor to deliver the development which also includes bespoke ‘green’ features to align with Olympus Global’s commitment to carbon reduction and sustainability. Olympus Global – a £38m turnover business – supplies engineering fasteners, precision-turned and machined components, castings, aluminium extrusions and forgings to major organisations within the industrial and automotive sectors. The Newton Aycliffe development will become the company’s fifth site including its head office and distribution centre in the Midlands and further facilities in Spain and Hungary. Keith Rice, Managing Director at Olympus Global, said: “We are delighted to be breaking ground at Newton Aycliffe as it is a key strategic site for the company, and one which marks a new chapter in our 50+ year history. We work very closely with the region’s automotive supply chain, so it is also very timely to announce the start of construction date at NEAA’s expo event. “The North East and County Durham is a prime location providing direct access to main transport routes and proximity to the industry’s big players and cluster locations. “Our clients are fast-paced organisations that require the highest level of turnaround, dispatch and efficiency, so we’re delighted to be starting construction and making our mark here in the region.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Developer Wykeland Group has officially opened a newly-completed £10m development at the fast-growing Melton West business park in East Yorkshire. Evolve @ Melton West provides growing companies with high-quality, modern space in the heart of one of Yorkshire’s most sought-after business locations. Medequip, the UK’s leading provider of community equipment loan services, has already occupied one of Evolve’s two larger units. Now, with the speculative development complete, interest is growing in a second larger unit, of 37,000 sq ft, and five smaller, 5,000 sq ft units, with one of these already under offer. Dominic Gibbons, Managing Director of Wykeland, owner and developer of the 200-acre business park, said: “We’re delighted to have completed this major new development at Melton West, providing commercial space which is best in class and unmatched for quality in the local area. “We have delivered this development speculatively, reflecting our confidence in the proposition Evolve offers and our commitment to stimulating investment and growth. That decision has already been rewarded by securing an excellent first tenant in Medequip. “Now that the other units are available to occupy, we’re seeing growing interest, reflecting a pent-up demand from growing businesses looking for the high-spec, future-proofed facilities Evolve offers.” In completing Evolve, Wykeland has delivered 85,000 sq ft of commercial space, split across seven units. The units cater for a broad range of businesses and uses, including industrial, manufacturing and distribution, with associated office space. Evolve provides growing businesses with modern, purpose-built facilities which also boast outstanding sustainability features. All of the units are EPC A-rated, with rooftop solar panels, green living walls and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The buildings are highly energy efficient, meaning occupiers benefit from reduced running costs, while ensuring their operations are fit for the future. Cllr Anne Handley, Leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, which has supported Evolve with grant funding, cut the ribbon to declare the development officially open. She said: “Melton West is one of the region’s premier business locations and a jewel in the crown of the East Riding of Yorkshire’s outstanding investment offer. “Melton West has seen hundreds of millions of pounds of investment from world-class businesses such as Amazon and Smith+Nephew. Evolve now adds a new dimension to the business park and offers an exciting opportunity for more businesses to join this thriving commercial community.” Melton West is home to leading businesses such as Heron Foods, generator manufacturer Allam Marine and shower maker Kohler Mira. In recent times they have been joined by an Amazon last-mile facility, with the global ecommerce giant adding to this by opening a £200m retail logistics fulfilment centre this month. Construction is also well underway at Melton West on a £100m manufacturing facility for global medical technology business Smith+Nephew. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Works have begun to convert Wakefield’s Grade II-listed Crown Court into a new social and cultural venue, marking the latest step in the Civic Quarter’s renewal. Leeds-based Mulberry Construction Group has started on site for Harrogate developer Rushbond, working in partnership with Wakefield Council. Designed by Group Ginger and delivered by Mulberry, the 25,000 sq ft scheme will reposition the former courthouse as a commercial and cultural destination alongside Rushbond’s nearby residential regeneration, now nearing phase one completion. Built in 1810 and extended in the 19th century, the building has stood vacant since the early 1990s. The plans include a new city-facing entrance and landscaped public terrace; an events space within the former courtroom; a restaurant/food hall with indoor and terrace seating and a café shop; plus co-working and studio spaces. Completion is scheduled for summer 2026. The project forms part of a wider strategy to revitalise Wood Street and the wider Civic Quarter, complementing new homes and the restoration of neighbouring heritage sites, including the former police station, Gills Yard and Gills Mews. The aim is to reinforce Wakefield’s appeal for business, investment and cultural activity. Rushbond founder and chairman Jonathan Maud said the Crown Court is “one of [Wakefield’s] most treasured sites”, adding that the vision is to restore it as a focal point for the city with creative workspace, leisure and event facilities and public art. Cllr Jack Hemingway, cabinet member for regeneration and economic growth, said the restoration would act as a catalyst for growth and help create a vibrant new community in the city centre. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Rupali Court in Lozells Birmingham officially reached the topping out stage, marking the highest point in the construction of Housing 21’s flagship cohousing scheme. Stakeholders who have worked with the future residents to shape the scheme, gathered to celebrate the construction milestone and the opening of the Rupali Court show home. Unlike other housing developments, Rupali Court is a unique cohousing initiative where the future residents are involved before construction to provide their feedback and input, helping to shape the design of the scheme. Future resident Marie Francis, who has lived in Lozells for over 30 years, said she was excited about Rupali Court reaching the milestone in construction. “I am happy to see the scheme is almost complete; we are all excited to see the final design,” she said. “I was involved in making decisions about the colour scheme of my apartment and the layout- I opted for an open plan layout. I’m now looking forward to moving in next year.” Rupali Court will offer 25 apartments, including a residents’ lounge, a multi-faith room and landscaped community garden. Residents including Marie are at the centre of all decisions made regarding the scheme. The Rupali Court Cohousing Core Group is a growing collective of engaged residents who are working together using consensus decision-making. The group consists of 25 committed individuals who are actively involved in ongoing decisions about the design, management, and culture of their future home. Steph Ramsden, Director of Sales, Acquisitions and Partnerships at Housing 21 said: “We are pleased to celebrate the significant milestone in the construction of our cohousing scheme. “Rupali Court and Housing 21’s Cohousing initiative has given the residents an opportunity to create and shape their own community where they have played a vital role in making decisions regarding their future home. “We are looking forward to welcoming the residents into their new home in 2026.” To celebrate the construction milestone, representatives from Housing 21, Deeley Construction, Osbornes Quantity Surveyors, Triangle Architects and Legacy West Midlands attended a topping-out ceremony at the site on Birchfield Road. Local community support group Aspire and Succeed and Councillor Waseem Zaffar from Birmingham City Council also attended the event. Martin Gallagher, Managing Director at Deeley Construction, said: “It has been fantastic to have the opportunity to work in partnership with Housing 21 to bring forward its flagship cohousing scheme. “This marks a major milestone for the innovative residential scheme, which will see the creation of a new inclusive and supportive housing community in Birmingham. “The input from residents into the design has made this a truly unique project and we have worked with our design partners to bring their vision to life.” Rupali Court is scheduled for completion in 2026 with the residents expected to move in shortly after. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The London Irish Centre has awarded its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award to Jacqueline O’Donovan OBE, the distinguished businesswoman, entrepreneur, and industry trailblazer renowned for her transformative impact on the waste management and construction sectors. The award, presented by his excellency the Irish Ambassador to the UK, Mr. Martin Fraser, recognises Jacqueline’s outstanding contribution to the Irish community in London, where she has long been a leading advocate, mentor, and supporter. Jacqueline’s career has been marked by exceptional leadership and innovation. As one of the most influential women in the construction and waste management industries, she has not only broken barriers but also championed sustainable practices, safety standards, and opportunities for others to thrive. Her remarkable achievements have been recognised on both sides of the Irish Sea. She was previously honoured by President Michael D. Higgins with the Presidential Distinguished Service Award for her extraordinary commitment to the Irish diaspora, and in King Charles III’s 2023 Birthday Honours she was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her outstanding contribution to recycling, safety, and industry. Speaking about the award, Jacqueline O’Donovan OBE said: ‘It is an incredible honour to receive this Lifetime Achievement Award from the London Irish Centre. I am deeply proud of my heritage, and it has always been important to me to give back to the Irish community in London, which has played such a vital role in my own journey. To be recognised in this way, and by the Irish Ambassador, is truly humbling.” A respected role model for women in business, Jacqueline continues to inspire future generations with her unwavering dedication to community, innovation, investment and leadership. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new £8.8m educational facility in the heart of Mansfield is set to prepare young people for careers in key industries while helping local businesses grow. West Nottinghamshire College officially launched its latest centre, the Mansfield Ambition Exchange, with educationists, students, civic leaders and employers praising the project. Built by Nottingham-based Clegg Construction, the state-of-the-art building at the Chesterfield Road campus delivers courses up to level 3 and will accommodate more than 350 students studying business and T Level professional construction programmes. The centre will strengthen the college’s long-established industry links, enabling students and employers to collaborate on real-world projects. It will also act as a strategic hub for business engagement, hosting conferences, masterclasses, roadshows and events alongside partners including Nottingham Trent University (NTU), Mansfield and Ashfield Business Network (MABN) and East Midlands Chamber. In addition, the centre will provide a space for knowledge-exchange between the college, university and local businesses – with events offering insights into future trends, technological opportunities, and support for product and process innovation. The flagship project aims to equip Mansfield and the surrounding area to meet future labour market needs, address skills gaps, and create well-paid jobs in emerging industries. Businesses will also benefit from access to support and a pipeline of skilled talent, helping them enhance competitiveness and efficiency. Senior leaders from the college, NTU, MABN, Clegg Construction and Mansfield District Council, Executive Mayor of Mansfield Andy Abrahams, and college students came together to unveil the building. This coincided with MABN’s monthly business breakfast networking meeting – the first employer event to take place in the centre – where the Mayor, college principal and chief executive Andrew Cropley MBE, and MABN chair Ian Jephson addressed an audience of local business representatives. Darren Chapman, operations director at Clegg Construction, said: “As a Nottinghamshire-based company, Clegg Construction was proud to have been appointed to deliver this exciting expansion for West Nottinghamshire College. “We are very pleased to see how well the Mansfield Ambition Exchange has been received now that it is operational, and we are particularly happy to see that it is accommodating the T Level professional studies in construction course – helping to train the next generation of construction experts. “Being born and bred in Mansfield, and having attended the college as a teenager to study construction, this is a project that’s close to my heart.” Mansfield Ambition Exchange spans 1,343 sq. m. of high-quality teaching space including classrooms, IT suites, a Learning Resource Centre, and a T Level room that doubles as a conferencing facility. Flexible spaces support meetings, events and independent study. Located at the rear of the college’s sixth-form building, the centre spans two levels to accommodate the site’s natural slope. Light wells bring daylight into the lower ground floor, while heat recovery and variable refrigerant flow systems maintain a comfortable learning environment. Upgraded car parking and modernised landscaped areas create a welcoming environment for students, staff and visitors. Clegg Construction carried out the 16-month build, hosting T Level student Archie Martin on an industry placement during the construction phase. The 17-year-old is now among the first cohort of learners to study in the purpose-built centre. The facility sits adjacent to Ashfield House, an early 19th-century Georgian building now being transformed into a student services hub, linking Mansfield’s history with its educational future. The stone portico from the former School of Art building on the site was carefully removed, preserved and incorporated as the main entrance to the new centre, maintaining the site’s historical character. Mansfield Ambition Exchange has been made possible thanks to £4.3m from the UK Government’s Towns Fund, £3.8m from the Education and Skills Funding Agency (now part of the Department for Education), and £734,000 from the college and NTU. It is among several major schemes being made possible through Mansfield’s £12.3m Towns Fund allocation secured by the Mansfield Place Board with the support of Mansfield District Council. Other projects include the Warsop Health Hub, Destination Mansfield and work to make Berry Hill Park a Destination Park. Andrew Cropley MBE, principal and chief executive of West Nottinghamshire College and chair of the Mansfield Place Board, said: “It’s great to celebrate the opening of Mansfield Ambition Exchange, which is already providing a great experience to over 350 young learners on our business studies and professional construction courses. “This excellent facility also gives us a great venue to offer technical courses to adults wishing to take their career forward or in a new direction, and to support businesses to prosper and grow. We will work closely with our partners at Nottingham Trent University to ensure this is an exciting and ambitious offer. “I’m delighted to see the Mansfield Place Board deliver another major project. Mansfield Ambition Exchange will support the ambitions set out in the ‘Make it in Mansfield’ strategy to grow our economy and create opportunities for local people. “I’m confident that the range of courses and events hosted in this building will raise the aspirations of businesses in the area, help them develop their plans, and then support them in turning those plans into reality. Meanwhile, the courses offered in the centre and across the wider college will support local people to seize the opportunities that emerge. “We already have several such events and courses planned, and we look forward to working with colleagues at MABN, NTU, East Midlands Chamber and others to bring them to life.” Executive Mayor of Mansfield, Andy Abrahams, said: “The Ambition Exchange puts opportunity where it belongs – on our doorstep. This college site has come full circle, from cherished memories to a new sixth-form hub in 2021, and now to a place where education, enterprise and community meet. “Our goal is simple: equip people with the capabilities our economy needs and energise the town centre while we do it. If we want streets that are lively all week and into the evening, we must attract, develop and retain our young people – students, apprentices, founders and early-career professionals – because footfall follows opportunity. “When
Balfour Beatty has today announced its appointment by SSEN Transmission to upgrade the New Deer electricity substation in Aberdeenshire, marking a significant milestone in Scotland’s journey towards a clean power, energy secure future. Originally energised in 2019, Balfour Beatty will now extend the substation to accommodate the forecast growth in homegrown, clean power, across the north of Scotland. The expansion will add four new electricity connection bays to the existing platform, which will enable future connections to the transmission network. Once complete, the extension will support the rapid growth of onshore and offshore renewable energy projects across the north of Scotland, enabling clean energy to go to where it is needed. Tony Wilson, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s Power Transmission & Distribution business, said: “We are proud to be delivering the New Deer substation extension on behalf of SSEN Transmission. Our appointment is testament to our unrivalled expertise and the capability of our people. “We now look forward to working closely and collaboratively with SSEN Transmission, as we lay the groundwork for a successful construction phase and help power the UK’s journey to net zero.” Paul Cooley, who started this month in a new role as Director of Onshore Capital Delivery at SSEN Transmission, said: “The start of construction work at our existing New Deer Substation marks a significant step in our wider onshore Pathway to 2030 programme of transmission infrastructure for the north of Scotland. “While the work involved in this project all takes place within the existing New Deer Substation site, the project will play a major role in connecting new renewable energy to the grid and help to transport clean energy to where it is needed. “The project – which will see around 40 working at the site during peak construction – also supports local contracts to firms across the north of Scotland, including AJ Engineering who are based in Forres and Beauly-based Global Infrastructure Scotland, and we’re looking forward to working with them. We’re committed to engaging with the local community throughout the project’s construction to maximise business and other opportunities. “By investing in our network today, we’re building a clean energy future.” Breaking ground at the New Deer substation extension marks another step forwards in SSEN Transmission’s ambitious Pathway to 2030 programme – a major programme of electricity transmission projects that are part of its plans to invest at least £22 billion in the coming years. The programme will unlock Scotland’s homegrown, clean power potential and deliver the infrastructure needed to meet national energy security and clean power targets, all while bringing jobs and local benefits to the community. Works have already commenced with completion of the initial phase expected in 2026. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals