Former ice rink site has been cleared and will become a major residential led scheme of nearly 1000 homes, complete with associated amenities. Strettons and Vandermolen Real Estate are pleased to announce the sale of Rom Valley Gardens, a significant seven-acre site in Romford, Essex, for an undisclosed price. Previously
Bouygues UK proudly announces a pivotal milestone in the transformation of Stanmore College, with the construction project successfully reaching topping out – the highest point of the new building structure. This significant achievement marks a crucial step forward in delivering the £60 million state-of-the-art further education facility, funded by the
Wingstop will open its third Glasgow restaurant at Silverburn this December, taking a 3,606 sq ft unit as the centre continues to expand its food and leisure offer. The deal forms part of a sustained repositioning of the south-west Glasgow destination. Over the past three years Silverburn has more than
Today, Glenigan | Powered by Hubexo, one of the construction industry’s leading insight experts, releases the October 2025 edition of its Construction Index. The Index reviews the three months to the end of September 2025, focusing on underlying projects with a total value of £100 million or less (unless otherwise stated).
Morgan Sindall has lifted its profit guidance again on the back of a standout performance from its Overbury fit-out arm, signalling a stronger-than-expected 2025. Since its summer half-year update, the group now anticipates full-year results will be significantly ahead of previous expectations. Overbury has led the charge, outperforming on trading
The City of Edinburgh Council has awarded a £61m contract to Harmony Fire to deliver a major programme of fire safety improvements across 30 multi-storey residential buildings in the city centre. Procured via the Prosper Passive Fire Safety Framework, the scheme is among the UK’s largest internal fire safety upgrade
Cities across the country remain full of empty or underused buildings. These aren’t just missed opportunities; they’re failures to meet the pressing social need for more local resources and spaces. Across the UK, retrofitting these properties is becoming a larger priority. Instead of tearing down the past, communities and councils
Yesterday marked a significant milestone for Liverpool and its journey to achieving net zero, as The Peel Group, together with district heat network specialist Ener-Vate, officially opens the new Mersey Heat Energy Centre. Located within Liverpool Waters, the project received £7.5m Heat Networks Investment Project (HNIP) funding towards the Energy
Midlands-based contractor, G F Tomlinson, has completed the landmark refurbishment of Barnsley College’s University Centre, redeveloping the 93-year-old art-deco building into the new South Yorkshire Institute of Technology (IoT). Marked with an official opening ceremony held on the 25th September, the building was officially opened by Barnsley MPs Dan Jarvis
McLaren Construction Midlands and North has announced a series of key leadership appointments and promotions as it continues to build on a strong track record of project delivery and regional growth. The strengthening of the leadership team underscores the contractor’s long-term ambitions and reflects its commitment to internal progression, market
Former ice rink site has been cleared and will become a major residential led scheme of nearly 1000 homes, complete with associated amenities. Strettons and Vandermolen Real Estate are pleased to announce the sale of Rom Valley Gardens, a significant seven-acre site in Romford, Essex, for an undisclosed price. Previously the home of the Romford Ice Arena, planning permission has been granted for the site to become a new mixed-use residential led scheme, bringing much needed new homes and associated amenities to Romford. Acting jointly with Vandermolen RE, Strettons’ Agency team advised Strettons Receivers on the sale of the site to an undisclosed buyer. Rom Valley Gardens has a hybrid planning consent for a phased scheme of up to 972 dwellings, alongside a new medical centre, retail, café and resident amenities. The masterplan envisages seven blocks ranging from 2 to 12 storeys, providing flexibility across tenures and the scale to create a new community in central Romford. Aasia Pathan, Agency & Development Land Director at Strettons, said:“Rom Valley Gardens is a strategically significant site for Romford, with the capacity to deliver hundreds of much-needed homes as well as vital community facilities. With the Elizabeth Line just minutes away and planning consent already secured, it is well placed to transform this part of the town. We saw strong interest in the site and secured an unconditional exchange quickly, which reflects both the strength of the opportunity and the capability of the purchaser to move the project forward at pace.” Chris Rook, Land Director at Vandermolen RE said: “It’s fantastic to have secured another successful sale on behalf of Strettons Receivers. Rom Valley Gardens represents an exceptional opportunity to unlock over 970 much-needed homes in the heart of Romford. We’re proud to have been involved in re-energising this important strategic site.” Located on Rom Valley Way in the London Borough of Havering, the site is just 0.6 miles from Romford Station, offering fast Elizabeth Line services into central London. It also benefits from close proximity to Romford town centre’s retail and leisure offer, as well as excellent road and bus connections via the A12 and M25. Strettons’ Development Land Agency team acted jointly with Vandermolen RE. The transaction was completed on behalf of the Fixed Charge Receivers, Charles Kornbluth and Benjamin Tobin of Strettons. Charles Kornbluth said: “Well done to Strettons and Vandermolen RE agency teams, and thanks to Simmons & Simmons for their expert legal advice. I look forward to seeing the completed scheme which will greatly enhance the area.” Strettons are regeneration specialists, working on behalf of landowners and developers to realise the value of their assets. Their multidisciplinary in-house teams advise across all stages of development, from site sale and planning through to disposal of completed schemes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bouygues UK proudly announces a pivotal milestone in the transformation of Stanmore College, with the construction project successfully reaching topping out – the highest point of the new building structure. This significant achievement marks a crucial step forward in delivering the £60 million state-of-the-art further education facility, funded by the Department for Education’s Further Education Improvement Programme under the CF21 Framework. The topping out ceremony symbolises the emerging reality of a transformed educational environment that will serve thousands of students for years to come. With the structural framework now complete, the project moves into the next exciting phase of creating inspiring learning spaces designed to enhance student outcomes and opportunities. “Topping out is always an incredibly proud moment for our team, but this project holds special significance as we’re constructing the future of further education in this community,’ said Mark Cesenek, Managing Director at Bouygues UK. ‘Our standardised ‘kit of parts’ approach, combined with our commitment to net-zero principles, is creating a building that will be flexible, sustainable and designed to inspire learning“ The ambitious project involves complete reconfiguration of Stanmore College’s existing site, replacing four outdated buildings with four cutting-edge new builds. Utilising Bouygues UK’s proven educational building methodology, the new facility integrates sustainability principles whilst ensuring an efficient and timely build. Beyond the physical construction, the project is already delivering educational value through innovative partnerships. Bouygues UK has inducted its first cohort of T Level students into Design Surveying and Planning internships, developed in collaboration with social enterprise Class Of Your Own. The second cohort will include students from Stanmore College. These internships form part of the award-winning ‘Design Engineer Construct!’ learning programme, giving future professionals hands-on experience with cutting-edge construction projects. “The college’s Principal Anette Cast expressed her enthusiasm about the progress: ‘The speed and quality of this build is amazing. It’s inspiring to see the new campus taking shape so quickly and to such a high standard. This transformation will give our students access to world-class facilities and create opportunities that will benefit the wider community for years to come.“ With construction progressing smoothly towards the 2027 completion date, the topping out milestone demonstrates Bouygues UK’s commitment to delivering high-quality educational infrastructure to the Department for Education. The new facility will feature modern teaching spaces, advanced technical workshops, and collaborative learning areas designed to meet the evolving needs of further education. The project reinforces Bouygues UK’s position as a leading contractor in the education sector, with a proven track record of delivering inspiring and sustainable learning environments across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wingstop will open its third Glasgow restaurant at Silverburn this December, taking a 3,606 sq ft unit as the centre continues to expand its food and leisure offer. The deal forms part of a sustained repositioning of the south-west Glasgow destination. Over the past three years Silverburn has more than doubled its F&B and leisure footprint from 75,000 sq ft to 168,000 sq ft, anchored by the arrival of flagship bowling concept King Pins in July. The strategy is aimed at deepening dwell time and broadening appeal beyond pure retail, with a pipeline focused on high-growth operators. Managed by Eurofund Group and owned by Henderson Park, Silverburn has been selectively reconfigured to create modern, right-sized space for brands with strong regional draw. Wingstop’s addition complements an evolving mix that targets families, groups and evening trade, strengthening the centre’s position as a regional destination. Wingstop entered the UK in 2018 and has been recognised as the nation’s fastest-growing restaurant group for three consecutive years in The Sunday Times 100, making it a sought-after tenant for landlords seeking experiential offers that drive frequency. Henderson Park and Eurofund Group were advised by Culverwell and Time Retail Partners on the letting. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Today, Glenigan | Powered by Hubexo, one of the construction industry’s leading insight experts, releases the October 2025 edition of its Construction Index. The Index reviews the three months to the end of September 2025, focusing on underlying projects with a total value of £100 million or less (unless otherwise stated). All figures are seasonally adjusted. It’s a report which provides a detailed and comprehensive analysis of year-on-year construction data, giving built environment professionals a unique insight into sector performance over the last 12 months. The October Index paints a bleak picture of continuing decline, with the impressive performance increases observed over spring and summer now feeling like a distant memory. The value of work starting on-site in the three months to September declined 16%, remaining 15% lower than the same period in 2024. Performance fell in both the residential and non-residential sectors. The former was hardest hit, plummeting by around a quarter against the preceding three months (-26%) and last year (-24%), respectively. The impact on the latter was less severe, with drops of 9% against the preceding three months and 5% compared to 2024. Once more, this highlights an industry being constantly buffeted by fresh headwinds. Battling against persistently low market confidence, poor investor appetite and trepidatious public spending, this trio of challenges is likely discouraging clients and contractors from commencing projects in the short term. However, it wasn’t entirely doom and gloom; a couple of bright spots shone through the overall malaise. Similar to last month’s index, office starts were, once more, on the up. A relatively strong period, starts on-site soared by a third (32%) against the preceding three months and rocketed 123% on the previous year. A number of landmark developments have contributed to this impressive rise, including two high-value retrofits in London. One is at Bush House, the former BBC World Service headquarters, which is undergoing an £86 million transformation for King’s College London. Another is the £59 million retrofit of 30 Finsbury Square, located on the edge of the City of London. Commenting on the results, Glenigan Economic Director Allan Wilen says, “It feels somewhat like déjà vu, where encouraging signs in the middle of the year have once more given way to further decline. Of course, there are several different factors at play. Looking at the residential market, project starts have faltered over the past quarter, which, perhaps, reflects the slower-than-anticipated recovery in house purchaser confidence, coupled with ongoing developmental delays. This is in part due to slow BSR approvals, which account for the sharp fall we registered in the apartment sub-vertical. He continues, “It was great to see office starts continue its ascendancy and encouraging to see confidence flooding back into a vertical which has been largely subdued in recent years. However, these positive results were not nearly enough to mitigate the poor performance in other quarters, particularly health and education, which eclipsed these outlying areas of growth. As uncertainty once again tightens its grip, the industry will be looking ahead to the Autumn Budget to see what rabbits, however small, the Chancellor can pull from her hat, to help kick-start activity.” Taking a closer look at the Index results… Sector Analysis – Residential The residential sector has failed to regain the renewed momentum it experienced in Q.2 2025. Overall starts were down 26% in the preceding three months, standing 24% below 2024 figures. Drilling down further, private housing fell 25% during the Index period and 23% compared to the previous year. It was a similarly disappointing story for social housing, with activity slashed by over a quarter (-29%) to finish 24% lower year-on-year. Sector Analysis – Non-Residential Aside from the outstanding results recorded for office construction, performance was generally poor in non-residential sectors. Positive signs were registered in the Civils vertical, where work starting on-site increased 4% against the preceding three months but decreased 13% against the previous year. This was largely due to a modest spurt in infrastructure starts, which increased 9% against the preceding three months and rose by 4% over the previous year. This was tempered by a dip in utilities work, which declined 2% against the preceding three months to stand 26% down against the previous year Elsewhere, the chips were decidedly down. Health experienced a poor period, falling 21% against the preceding three months and diving 30% lower than the previous year, whilst education fell 19% against the preceding three months and declined 32% against the previous year. Reflecting subdued consumer confidence, hotel & Leisure declined 11% against the preceding three months and declined 1% against the previous year. Likewise, retail was down 17% against the preceding three months to stand 28% lower than 2024 levels. Finally, community and amenity project starts declined 24% against the preceding three months but increased 12% against the previous year. Regional Performance Regional performance was decidedly sluggish, with the North West the only consistently robust performer, albeit only just, posting 6% increases against the preceding three months while managing to stay flat at 2024 levels. It was a mixed picture in a couple of other regions. The North East declined 32% against the preceding three months, yet stood 54% up against the previous year. Similarly, the West Midlands dipped 13% against the preceding three months but rose by a more modest 5% compared to last year. Elsewhere, it was across-the-board decline. The Capital experienced a poor performance, falling 27% against the preceding three months to finish 20% down against the previous year. The South East fared little better, declining 17% against the preceding three months to stand 25% down against the previous year. The South West also declined 24% against the preceding three months to stand 23% down against the previous year. Find out more about Glenigan here: www.glenigan.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Morgan Sindall has lifted its profit guidance again on the back of a standout performance from its Overbury fit-out arm, signalling a stronger-than-expected 2025. Since its summer half-year update, the group now anticipates full-year results will be significantly ahead of previous expectations. Overbury has led the charge, outperforming on trading and delivery and pushing its order book to £1.6bn at the end of August — up 8% on both the half-year and year-end 2024. Around £900m of that workload is already locked in for 2026 and beyond, underscoring momentum into next year. Across the wider group, the secured workload has risen to £12.2bn, 7% higher year on year. Daily average net cash is expected to exceed £350m, beating earlier guidance of £330m and reinforcing balance sheet strength. Partnership Housing profits are tracking in line with plan, supported by long-term regeneration programmes including 3,500 homes at Druids Heath in Birmingham and 2,500 across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan. Mixed Use Partnerships remains a drag, with second-half operating losses set to nearly double the £1.5m recorded in the first half as the business continues to invest in schemes yet to break ground. Construction and Infrastructure divisions are on course to meet targets with solid order book growth, while Property Services continues to deliver a modest profit. With fit-out demand still robust and significant forward work secured, Morgan Sindall enters the final quarter with increased confidence and visibility across its core markets. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The City of Edinburgh Council has awarded a £61m contract to Harmony Fire to deliver a major programme of fire safety improvements across 30 multi-storey residential buildings in the city centre. Procured via the Prosper Passive Fire Safety Framework, the scheme is among the UK’s largest internal fire safety upgrade programmes of its kind. It forms a key part of the council’s strategy to futureproof its residential estate and enhance protection for thousands of residents. Harmony Fire’s scope covers upgrades to entrance, communal and ancillary doorways, alongside enhanced fire stopping, mechanical services upgrades and compartmentation measures. The package builds on the firm’s existing work with the council, which includes installing 60-minute compliant (FD60) fire-rated door sets across a range of multi-storey blocks. Amos Thomas, pre-construction director at Harmony Fire, said the council’s decision to use the Prosper framework has enabled early contractor engagement and efficient procurement, “setting the conditions for best value and project success from the outset”. For the construction supply chain, the programme is expected to generate steady work across multiple trades, from certified fire door and doorset installation to passive fire protection, MEP adjustments and resident liaison. With a clear emphasis on compliant products, tested systems and robust record-keeping, the contract also underlines the sector’s shift towards third-party accreditation and whole-building fire strategy. By fast-tracking this investment, Edinburgh aims to raise the standard of compartmentation and means of escape across its high-rise stock, improving life safety while extending the service life of core building fabric. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Cities across the country remain full of empty or underused buildings. These aren’t just missed opportunities; they’re failures to meet the pressing social need for more local resources and spaces. Across the UK, retrofitting these properties is becoming a larger priority. Instead of tearing down the past, communities and councils are reimagining it. Architects and developers, backed by digital design tools, are unlocking the social potential of neglected buildings to create new hubs for education, inclusion and public life in areas where they are most needed. From derelict warehouse to community anchor One example is the transformation of a once-derelict warehouse on Great Patrick Street in Belfast. It has been reimagined as a vibrant, purpose-built youth facility serving three community organisations: Include Youth, VOYPIC and Viable Corporate Services. Previously abandoned and in disrepair, the two-storey industrial building was one of the few remaining structures in an area that had been overtaken by student housing developments. Determined to retain its original character while giving it new life, the client secured planning consent to convert the site into a hub for youth support services. But what initially seemed like a straightforward conversion quickly revealed deeper structural and logistical challenges, such as ensuring there was enough natural light entering the building. Natural light was a particular issue because of the long, narrow floor plan. To address this, a triple-height lightwell was introduced at the building’s core. Using Archicad’s sun study feature, the team could understand how daylight would move through the space and assign room uses accordingly. Interior finishes were tested digitally to maximise brightness and create a welcoming atmosphere for young people using the facility. To manage the complexity of the retrofit and meet a tight delivery timeline, Doherty Architects created a detailed 3D model of the existing building using Graphisoft’s Archicad. This allowed the team to work within the irregular geometry of the warehouse and design bespoke interventions that would enhance usability without compromising character. The warehouse now houses a mix of private offices and shared spaces, with flexible layouts that allow the charities to collaborate and adapt the environment to suit changing needs. Acoustic zoning, sensory rooms and dedicated activity areas ensure that the building supports users of all ages and abilities for years to come. A Victorian reservoir becomes a science hub In Nottinghamshire, a long-abandoned Victorian reservoir has been transformed into a planetarium and science discovery centre by architecture practice Anotherkind Architects for the Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society (MSAS). The aim was to create a landmark STEM facility to improve educational outcomes in an area with historically low engagement in science, while preserving a unique piece of heritage architecture. MSAS acquired the site in 2014 with the ambition of turning the observatory into a regional education hub. Despite early setbacks, including the original contractor going into administration, the team, backed by Towns Fund and Levelling Up Fund support, took the project through planning, funding and delivery. To help communicate this vision and secure funding, Anotherkind used Graphisoft’s Archicad to develop a fully integrated 3D model of the design. These were shared using virtual reality and BIMx, allowing stakeholders, investors and the public to walk through the proposed space. “It helped people who weren’t familiar with the designs understand the complexity of what we were doing,” explained architect Dan Kilarski-Marlow. The reservoir itself is a 25-metre-diameter underground chamber, seven metres deep, with challenging geometry. Using Archicad’s renovation filters and mesh modelling tools, the team coordinated the complex integration of new and existing elements. Contractors used BIMx onsite to visualise and interact with the design, reducing reliance on printed plans and improving construction accuracy. Reusing the Victorian structure significantly reduced embodied carbon, and all excavated earth was retained and reused on site. The new facility includes a green roof, EV charging points, cycle storage, and infrastructure for future solar panels, combining heritage reuse with sustainable urban design. Since opening in late 2024, the centre has welcomed more than 10,000 visitors, hosted dozens of school groups, and created learning opportunities through a volunteer-run café operated in partnership with a local college. In total, the project has delivered more than £2.9 million in quantified social value, with the majority of spend and labour sourced from within the region. Unlocking civic value through reuse These projects show how intelligent reuse of our existing buildings can drive inclusive regeneration. Both buildings were initially seen as liabilities, structurally awkward, financially uncertain and spatially complex. But with the right mix of community commitment and digital collaboration, they became platforms for shared social, educational and cultural value. This is not just about architecture, it’s about equity. Thousands of similar buildings across the UK are unused, ignored or awaiting demolition, while people struggle to access basic services and social infrastructure. Local authorities and developers must take stock of these assets. A full audit of estates, supported by digital design and retrofit strategies, could help address community requirements without the need for new land or heavy infrastructure. Learn more about Graphisoft’s architectural software on the website https://www.graphisoft.com/uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Yesterday marked a significant milestone for Liverpool and its journey to achieving net zero, as The Peel Group, together with district heat network specialist Ener-Vate, officially opens the new Mersey Heat Energy Centre. Located within Liverpool Waters, the project received £7.5m Heat Networks Investment Project (HNIP) funding towards the Energy Centre and network, which will deliver reliable, energy-efficient heating and hot water to a growing number of residential, commercial, and public buildings at the Liverpool Waters development and across the city. Businesses based within No. 8, No. 10, and No. 12 Princes Dock made history by being the first commercial office buildings in Liverpool to connect their heating and hot water supply to the multi-million-pound Mersey Heat network and Energy Centre. Running through Liverpool Waters, the heat network provides further sustainable infrastructure to serve Peel Waters’ wider regeneration plans for its growing Liverpool Waters District. The Titanic Hotel, Tobacco Warehouse and Torus Housing’s Hartley Locks scheme are now also connected to the Mersey Heat Network with the Cunard Building, George’s Dock Building and Museum of Liverpool now committed to connect as part of Mersey Heat’s southerly expansion. Designed and built by leading renewable energy company Vital Energi, the new Energy Centre houses one of the UK’s largest two-stage water source heat pumps provided by Star Refrigeration. Harnessing heat from the nearby Leeds and Liverpool Canal and distributing it through the 6km district heating network, the system supplies surrounding homes and businesses with low carbon heat and hot water, while cutting carbon emissions by an impressive 4,200 tonnes each year. The Mersey Heat Energy Centre was officially launched at an event with Cllr Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council and Cllr Anthony Burns, Liverpool City Region Cabinet Member for Net Zero, as well as James Whittaker, Managing Director of Peel Waters. The Liverpool City Region was the first to declare a climate emergency back in 2019 and set the ambitious target to be carbon neutral by 2035 or sooner. Since 2005, carbon emissions in the city region have dropped by 40%. Cllr Anthony Burns, Liverpool City Region Cabinet Member for Net Zero, commented: “Building a cleaner, greener future isn’t just about meeting targets – it’s about improving people’s lives. The Mersey Heat Energy Centre is a fantastic example of how we can use our region’s strengths and ingenuity to cut carbon, lower energy bills, and support jobs in the industries of the future. “I know the scale of the challenge we’re facing – but also the scale of the opportunity. Projects like this show that we’re serious about hitting our target to be net zero by 2035, at least a decade ahead of the rest of the country, and that the Liverpool City Region is leading the way.” David Tatton, Investment Director – District Heat, Peel Group, said: “With the UK’s target to reach net zero by 2050, today is an important milestone for Liverpool’s journey to decarbonisation. Projects like this not only play a vital role in helping the country meet its carbon reduction goals, but it also demonstrates what can be achieved through innovation, collaboration and a commitment to a cleaner future.” Jo Longdon, Strategy and Development Director, Ener-Vate, said: “The Ener-Vate team is thrilled to have been part of this exciting project from the very beginning and officially opening the new Mersey Heat Energy Centre today marks a huge milestone for us and for Liverpool. The city is leading by example, paving the way for decarbonisation and for other cities to follow suit in leaving fossil fuels behind and delivering low carbon sources of heat.” The new Energy Centre will deliver 20GWh of heat every year, which will serve up to 6,700 homes and 1.3 million square feet of commercial space. However, there is planning permission in place to expand the project to supply around 45GWh, which is the equivalent of supplying 17,000 new homes with low carbon heating and hot water. Andrew Wightman, Regional Director, Vital Energi said: “We are pleased to see the new Mersey Heat Energy Centre now officially open, and proud to have played a pivotal role in the design, build, and maintenance of this network, which will be delivering low-carbon infrastructure for the city. It is a showcase project for Liverpool, and other areas across the UK looking to achieve their net zero aspirations.” Cllr Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said: “The launch of the Mersey Heat Energy Centre is a landmark moment in Liverpool’s journey towards a cleaner, greener future. It is a visible example of how Liverpool is leading the way on low carbon infrastructure, protecting historic buildings, cutting emissions and creating long term green value for our communities. “Liverpool has long been a leader in climate action, and this project reinforces our commitment to achieving net zero. It’s not just about infrastructure, it’s about creating a legacy of sustainability that benefits our communities, our economy, and our environment. “I’m proud to see this vision and investment come to life, creating jobs in the emerging green economy. I want to thank all the partners involved for helping Liverpool take another bold step towards a low carbon future.” For more information about the new Mersey Heat Energy Centre visit www.merseyheat.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Midlands-based contractor, G F Tomlinson, has completed the landmark refurbishment of Barnsley College’s University Centre, redeveloping the 93-year-old art-deco building into the new South Yorkshire Institute of Technology (IoT). Marked with an official opening ceremony held on the 25th September, the building was officially opened by Barnsley MPs Dan Jarvis and Dr Marie Tidball – who joined College representatives and stakeholders including GF Tomlinson, AECOM, Salix, the Department for Education (DfE), and the South Yorkshire Institute of Technology (SYIoT). The iconic building, originally erected in 1932 as Barnsley Mining and Technical College, has been reimagined as a future-ready learning environment for higher-level education, innovation and sustainable development, providing capacity for more than 1,000 students and staff. The multi-million-pound project delivered on behalf of Barnsley College, was funded through a combination of Department for Education (DfE) investment, college capital funds, and additional sustainability upgrades supported by a successful Salix decarbonisation bid. The transformation has included the refurbishment of the former open-air college courtyard into a fully enclosed atrium, complete with a new glazed roof to create a bright and central hub which houses a modern Learning Resource Centre, set across tiered mezzanine floors. Spaces link to specialist IoT teaching facilities and include bespoke areas for flexible, digital and collaborative learning. On the ground floor a new café and breakout zone is available for students to enjoy. A key focus of the project was to embed sustainable technologies and low-carbon upgrades throughout the building, and a total of 100 photovoltaic panels have been installed on the roof, generating up to 29.73 kWp of renewable energy to offset electrical demand. An efficient all-electric Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system provides simultaneous heating and cooling in different zones, replacing the old gas boiler plant. Two new air handling units have been added to the roof, and two existing units have been refurbished to support ground floor systems and enhance the ventilation strategy for the new facility. Further sustainability interventions include LED lighting throughout, point-of-use electric water heaters, and secondary glazing to all external windows to improve airtightness and reduce heat loss. Approximately 3,238m² of insulated plasterboard has been applied to internal walls, alongside new roof insulation across all four roof areas. Electrical infrastructure has also been upgraded with a new substation to support increased demand and solar energy export. These combined measures have resulted in an EPC asset A rating making it a highly energy efficient building – a notable achievement for the refurbishment. The completed building now stands as a benchmark for low-carbon retrofit in the education sector, combining renewable energy, modern insulation, and all-electric systems to support decarbonisation and long-term operational efficiency. G F Tomlinson also prioritised delivering social value throughout the project and the team engaged directly with the local community, providing eight student site tours involving over 100 learners, 22 mock interviews, and hosting five staff tours with 44 members of college personnel. The project team participated in four local job fairs, supported the Barnsley Apprenticeship Conference, sponsored the Sustainability Award at the Barnsley College Excellence Awards and donated to St George’s Church Food Pantry. In addition to its community engagement, the project delivered strong local economic benefits – 63% of the workforce was sourced from within 40 miles of the site and 84% of total spend was retained locally within 40 miles. Across the construction phase, over 8,000 miles were travelled by low-emission vehicles or on foot, and 15.6 apprentice weeks were delivered on-site. The project was also awarded a top score on the Considerate Constructors Scheme of 45 out of 45. The South Yorkshire Institute of Technology is part of a national network of 21 IoTs, bringing together further and higher education providers with employers to address regional and national skills gaps in sectors such as engineering, health, digital and construction. The Barnsley site is a key part of this initiative and is being delivered in partnership with Barnsley College, Sheffield Hallam University, the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre, DN Colleges Group, the Sheffield College and RNN Group. Adrian Grocock, managing director at G F Tomlinson, said: “We are delighted to deliver this landmark facility for Barnsley College and the wider South Yorkshire IoT. This world-class learning environment reflects the very best in heritage refurbishment, sustainability and future-ready education design. It has been a pleasure to collaborate with the client team to deliver a project that meets high technical aspirations while generating lasting benefits for the community.” Barnsley College Principal and Chief Executive Officer David Akeroyd said: “The opening of the University Centre is a landmark moment for higher-level education in Barnsley and the wider region. “This project has been years in the making and represents the hard work, vision and commitment of so many colleagues and partners. Together, we have taken a unique building that once stood as a symbol of Barnsley’s mining and technological excellence and reimagined it for the future, while keeping it where it has always historically been – at the cutting-edge of technical education. “This is an exciting time for the College and all our partners involved in the South Yorkshire IoT – as we look ahead to a future in which our hard work has led to increased opportunities for retraining and upskilling, more accessible and higher-quality jobs, and a productive workforce who are skilled in the right areas.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
McLaren Construction Midlands and North has announced a series of key leadership appointments and promotions as it continues to build on a strong track record of project delivery and regional growth. The strengthening of the leadership team underscores the contractor’s long-term ambitions and reflects its commitment to internal progression, market diversification, and operational excellence – while building on the strength of McLaren’s robust industrial and logistics portfolio. Rejoining the business in the new role of Regional Strategic Director, Adrian Barnes plays a key role in the team and will support the business’s continued diversification across sectors. He will also enhance the region’s strategic approach to frameworks, two-stage procurement, and public sector opportunities. Adrian brings extensive experience across complex public-sector projects and local authority engagement, aligning with McLaren’s goal to strengthen and expand beyond its core industrial and logistics market. His appointment supports the region, which is renowned for its robust delivery model and high repeat business rate within this sector. Alongside Adrian’s appointment, several significant internal promotions demonstrate the business’s commitment to recognising and nurturing talent from within. Luke Arnold has been promoted to Regional Director, bringing a wealth of experience and a long-standing professional relationship with Managing Director Gary Cramp. Since joining the business last year, Luke has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership in managing the Midlands and North business alongside Gary. His contributions have been instrumental in the successful delivery of high-profile developments, and he will play a key role in strengthening and expanding McLaren’s presence across a diverse range of markets, leading the Midlands and North business with Gary. Guy Smith has been promoted to Commercial Director having played a key role in strengthening client relationships and expanding the commercial portfolio. Joel Casstles has stepped into the role of Operations Director, following a series of successful project completions and Paul Johnson has been promoted to Operations Director after joining the business in 2024, bringing 25 years’ experience leading high-performing delivery teams. These appointments have contributed significantly to the success of the region and reflect the business’s belief in developing and investing in its people. Several key project leaders across the business have also stepped into more senior roles – Harry Marles has been promoted to Senior Quantity Surveyor, John Hobson to Managing Quantity Surveyor, and Jonathan McGarry, Lee Brown and Oliver Cramp to Senior Site Managers, further strengthening delivery capability at site level. In addition, Tommy Bordicott, Trainee Planner and a current apprentice, has been shortlisted for a national award, highlighting McLaren’s continued focus on developing the next generation of construction professionals. McLaren Construction Midlands and North is now entering its next stage of growth, with a reinforced leadership team, a solid pipeline of secured work, and a growing portfolio of complex, high-quality projects across multiple sectors. The region continues to deliver major projects across industrial and logistics, student accommodation and retail sectors, and recently completed schemes including Project Phoenix, Box Four at Manchester Airport, Omega West, Matrix 49 Plot 3, Longwood Place, Talbot Street, Horizon 29 Phase 2, and St Gabriel’s – a flagship student accommodation development. These projects, delivered for both new and repeat clients, are testament to the team’s ability to consistently meet high standards of quality and performance – with the region now delivering 85% of its projects through repeat business. New projects currently on site include major industrial and commercial developments for TJ Morris and Panattoni, along with the Birmingham England Temple and the landmark redevelopment of Wrexham AFC. The region also continues to work with high profile clients in the retail sector and is delivering the Plot 4 development at the Matrix 49 site in Avonmouth. Within the student accommodation and multi-room sectors, the Midlands and North region have now delivered 2,200 rooms and is currently constructing a further 1,374, reinforcing its expertise and scale in this growing market. With further projects in the pipeline, McLaren is well-positioned to expand its offering across other sectors, leveraging both its regional knowledge and national reach. Looking ahead, McLaren’s growth strategy is focused on broadening its offering across frameworks and public sector procurement, while maintaining its position as a leader in the industrial and logistics space. Adrian Barnes will play a central role in this strategy, alongside the leadership team, to develop new opportunities and strengthen relationships with local authorities, and drive value through frameworks, two-stage and PCSA-led schemes. The regional strategy complements the wider Group’s national growth plans, where strong year-end results have laid the foundation for continued success into the next financial year. Adrian Barnes, Regional Strategic Director, said: “I’m excited to join rejoin McLaren Construction in a region that’s already performing exceptionally well, but also has huge untapped potential. My focus is to support the team in building on this foundation, bringing in opportunities through frameworks and tapping into wider public sector pipelines, while continuing to deliver the high-quality projects McLaren is known for.” Luke Arnold, Regional Director, said: “We’re in a great place – we have strong leadership, a brilliant team on the ground, and clear direction. The business is growing fast and we’re focusing on consistency, care for our people and a clear view of what our clients need.” Gary Cramp, Managing Director of Midlands and North, said: “McLaren’s strength lies in the quality of our people and the relationships we continue to build. These appointments and promotions are more than just new titles – they represent the journey we are on as a region and the confidence we have in the future. We’re growing as a business, but doing so with the right structure, talent, and a clear strategy.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals