Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects, has started construction on Unit S915 at Panattoni Park, Swindon. The scheme is the second phase of works for the contractor at the Swindon site and
Superdrug has opened its largest store in the South West at Cribbs Mall, Bristol, unveiling an 8,901 sq ft space that strengthens the centre’s health and beauty offer and underlines the retailer’s continued investment in bricks and mortar. The unit has a direct entrance from the mall and showcases Superdrug’s
Bouygues UK is proud to announce its recent selection as the main contractor for the redevelopment of the Rosedale College site, awarded by the Department for Education (DfE) as part of the School Rebuilding Programme. Located in the London Borough of Hillingdon, this significant project will enhance Rosedale College, futureproofing
City of Edinburgh Council has approved a £69m programme to refurbish Cables Wynd House and Linksview House in Leith, paving the way for a deep retrofit of two Category A listed post-war blocks that together provide 310 homes, the majority for social rent. Designed by Collective Architecture with Edinburgh Council
Global real estate advisor CBRE has been appointed to spearhead the operator selection process and development funding strategy to deliver Sunderland’s Crown Works Film Studios. The agent, renowned for its global expertise in large-scale commercial and regeneration projects, will act on behalf of Sunderland City Council to start immediate engagement
More than half (59%) of UK heating engineers are either already or likely to work with other companies to develop heat pump competencies, according to heating and hot water solutions provider Baxi’s fourth annual Installer Skills Survey. Despite this interest in being prepared, a lack of consumer demand remains the
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects, has started construction on Unit S915 at Panattoni Park, Swindon. The scheme is the second phase of works for the contractor at the Swindon site and marks the beginning of the build of a state-of-the-art 915,000 sq. ft warehouse and production facility for longstanding client, Panattoni – the largest logistics property developer in the UK and Europe. The construction of Unit S915 is a key milestone of the multi-phase regeneration of the 370-acre site and will comprise a single-storey logistics facility with a two-storey main office of 17,365 sq. ft, a two-storey transport office of 5,295 sq. ft, an external two-storey entrance tower and bridge of 1,808 sq. ft, a gatehouse, internal plant deck, clear haunch height of 21 metres and provision for a future vehicle maintenance. Works will also include all roads, service yards, car parks, hard and soft landscaping, drainage and utilities. Designed to target BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and EPC A ratings, the unit will be delivered to a Net Zero Carbon in Construction standard (aligned with the UK Green Building Council 2019 Framework Definition). Phase two follows the successful completion of phase one which involved major demolition and site-wide infrastructure works, including the removal of the former Honda car manufacturing facility decommissioned in 2021. Running from February until September 2024, the initial programme included the demolition of over 15 buildings. Additional works involved extensive earthworks of approximately 800,000m³ to create development plateaus. Winvic also delivered critical infrastructure including foul and stormwater drainage systems, estate road construction, site wide utilities, highway access alterations and strategic footpaths and cycleways. Circularity has been a key focus of the scheme, with on-site recycling of 6F2 aggregate and a balanced earthworks strategy significantly reducing vehicle movements and associated environmental impact. Additionally, demolition materials have been recycled, helping to minimise waste sent to landfill and supporting a more sustainable construction approach. The Winvic site team carefully managed ecological and archaeological constraints as part of its early enabling works, Winvic also supported a comprehensive eight-week archaeological programme, in collaboration with Oxford Archaeology. Multiple areas of historic interest were identified across the site, with Winvic stripping topsoil to expose areas for excavation. The team also carried out significant ecological mitigation measures including the installation of wildlife protection barriers, the safeguarding of a key watercourse and full tree protection. Several inactive badger setts were carefully removed under supervision, while new owl boxes were installed on site to support local biodiversity as part of habitat creation measures. During Phase 1, the scheme prioritised the employment of local people including Honda’s former Facilities Electrical Engineer, who worked at the plant for 30 years, a Winvic Project Manager involved in the original Honda Car Plant build and a civil engineering student also gained valuable experience on-site as part of a placement. Phase 2 will see the delivery of an Employment and Skills Plan designed to make a positive local impact through employment, training, educational and community engagement. Danny Nelson, Managing Director of Industrial, Logistics and Distribution at Winvic, said: “It’s a privilege to continue our strong relationship with Panattoni and to be entrusted with delivering its largest ever speculative unit, following the successful completion of the complex first phase. The demolition and enabling works presented significant challenges – not just due to the scale of the site but also the sensitive management of existing infrastructure on the brownfield site. And the latest appointment is testament to our expertise in delivering high-quality industrial projects with industry-leading sustainability credentials” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Superdrug has opened its largest store in the South West at Cribbs Mall, Bristol, unveiling an 8,901 sq ft space that strengthens the centre’s health and beauty offer and underlines the retailer’s continued investment in bricks and mortar. The unit has a direct entrance from the mall and showcases Superdrug’s latest experience-led format. A key feature is the Beauty Playground, now one of around 30 locations nationwide to host the concept, where shoppers can test products, discover new brands and get guidance from trained brand ambassadors. The fit-out also includes a full Beauty Studio providing brow, nail and piercing services, supported by an in-store clinic offering seasonal treatments such as flu jabs. Clare Jennings, property director at Superdrug, said the Cribbs Mall flagship demonstrates the brand’s focus on larger, service-rich spaces that broaden customer choice and deliver a modern, energy-efficient store environment for the region. For Cribbs Mall, the opening represents a significant upsize by one of its strongest performers, enabling a broader range and deeper services under one roof. From a property perspective, the larger footprint supports clearer category zoning, back-of-house efficiency and higher service capacity at peak, aligning with the centre’s wider programme to enhance shopper experience and extend dwell time. Sovereign Centros by CBRE, asset manager for Cribbs Mall, said the new unit cements the destination’s position as the regional home of health and beauty, with Superdrug’s expansion illustrating how leading brands are investing to elevate their physical estates. The launch adds further momentum to the centre’s tenant investment cycle and gives Superdrug a prominent South West showcase for its latest store design, combining retail, services and consultation in a single, highly visible location. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bouygues UK is proud to announce its recent selection as the main contractor for the redevelopment of the Rosedale College site, awarded by the Department for Education (DfE) as part of the School Rebuilding Programme. Located in the London Borough of Hillingdon, this significant project will enhance Rosedale College, futureproofing the campus as a leading technology and applied learning specialist institution. The redevelopment involves demolishing outdated 1960s structures and replacing them with modern facilities, including new teaching and performing arts blocks, a comprehensive refurbishment of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) block, enhancement of sports fields and Multi-Use Games Areas (MUGAs), providing contemporary dining and social canopies, and new infrastructure. Temporary accommodation will also be removed to reinstate the sports field. Bouygues UK will be supported by Stride Treglown and NVB Landscape as part of the design team. Mark Cesenek, Managing Director at Bouygues UK, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “We are excited to work with the DfE and deliver a transformative project for Rosedale College, to create a vibrant and progressive learning environment.” Stewart Duguid, Chair of the Rosedale Hewens Academy Trust said “We are delighted that the Department for Education (DfE) has chosen to support Rosedale College in this transformative rebuild project. This investment marks a significant milestone in our journey to provide an exceptional learning environment for our students. Bouygues UK has demonstrated a deep understanding of our vision and values, and we are confident they will deliver a campus that truly reflects the aspirations of our college community.” A key feature of this project will be its dedication to achieving net zero carbon in operation, highlighting the importance of sustainability to the Department for Education and Bouygues UK. Regarding social value, Bouygues UK will run the ‘Adopt a School’ initiative led by Class of Your Own, supporting the award-winning Design Engineer Construct! (DEC) Learning Programme. This initiative ensures active engagement of children and young people, nurturing their skills, knowledge, and enthusiasm for pursuing careers in the Built Environment sector. They are empowered to understand the positive impacts they can make on society and the natural environment. This project demonstrates Bouygues UK’s commitment to excellence in educational infrastructure, supporting the development of innovative learning environments in the UK. It is set for completion in Autumn 2028. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
City of Edinburgh Council has approved a £69m programme to refurbish Cables Wynd House and Linksview House in Leith, paving the way for a deep retrofit of two Category A listed post-war blocks that together provide 310 homes, the majority for social rent. Designed by Collective Architecture with Edinburgh Council as client, the scheme targets the Scottish Government’s EESSH2 energy standard for social housing while upgrading life-safety, security and public realm. AtkinsRéalis is lead consultant, with Blackwood Partnership delivering mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering, Narro Associates as structural engineer and Urban Pioneers Landscape Architects shaping the external works. Fabric and services improvements include enhanced insulation, replacement windows and energy-efficient heating systems to reduce demand and improve comfort. Fire safety measures will be significantly strengthened through new sprinkler systems, smoke ventilation, a dedicated fire-fighting lift and improved compartmentation to communal areas. Legacy bin chutes will be removed and modern internal waste management introduced to reduce risk. Resident safety and security are set to benefit from upgraded internal and external lighting, a review of CCTV provision and improved access control across both buildings. The wider estate will be refreshed with new play areas, seating, wildflower meadows and sustainable urban drainage systems, alongside a review of parking and waste facilities to improve day-to-day management. For the project team, the approvals mark a key step in balancing conservation with performance. The approach prioritises sensitive retention of architectural character while delivering measurable gains in energy efficiency, resilience and resident wellbeing. With planning secured, the focus turns to detailed design and delivery logistics on a live residential estate, including sequencing, resident liaison and procurement of tested and certified systems. The programme underscores Edinburgh’s commitment to investing in safe, warmer and more sustainable council homes, using retrofit to extend building life while meeting modern standards. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Global real estate advisor CBRE has been appointed to spearhead the operator selection process and development funding strategy to deliver Sunderland’s Crown Works Film Studios. The agent, renowned for its global expertise in large-scale commercial and regeneration projects, will act on behalf of Sunderland City Council to start immediate engagement with potential operators, investors and developers, managing new interest to deliver a studio at the site. CBRE advised SKY on their partnership with Legal and General to deliver Sky Studios Elstree, a 12-sound-stage studio in Hertfordshire. CBRE will work to secure operators, partners and private investment needed to transform the 80-acre site on the banks of the River Wear into a 1.5 million sq ft, world-class film and TV production complex, with the aim of a developer breaking ground in the new year. The appointment of CBRE marks a significant milestone for the multi-million-pound development. CBRE will bring its global reach and sector expertise to identify and secure the best operator, while also advising on the structuring of the development funding strategy to ensure the successful delivery of the project. This supports the council’s wider ambitions to place Sunderland firmly on an international stage and, along with other major regeneration projects currently taking place, keep attracting inward investment into the city. Councillor Michael Mordey, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “Appointing CBRE is a pivotal and strategic step in securing the right investor and development partner to deliver this transformational scheme. Their global reach, experience and industry knowledge is highly impressive and we, and they, are very positive and determined that Crown Works Studios will be delivered but now with a new partner. Our ambition has not wavered, so we will keep pushing forward.” Planning permission is already in place for the first phase of Crown Works Studios, with outline consent for future phases, and this is supported by a public funding package worth £120 million secured from the UK Government, North East Mayor Kim McGuinness and the North East Combined Authority. Remediation of the site is currently underway, funded through an initial £25 million investment. North East Mayor Kim McGuinness commented: “We have made the creative industries a central part of our Growth Plan for the region, and this site has the potential to power an entire industry in our region, opening new opportunities for local people and building on our reputation as a prime location for major film and TV drama. With CBRE now on board, we are very much looking ahead and taking a major step towards turning this vision into a reality.” CBRE will now begin comprehensive market engagement to identify preferred operating and funding partners, it is anticipated, by autumn. The new selected partner(/s) will be responsible for delivering the first phase of the development and unlocking the full potential of the site. The project is expected to attract private sector interest, buoyed by the scale of public investment and the strength of demand for high-end film and TV production space, especially more recently as production in the North East region surges. Figures from North East Screen show a 131per cent increase over three years in production spend in the region. Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive of North East Screen, added: “We are witnessing a landmark moment for creative industries here in our region and Crown Works Studios will provide ground-breaking facilities and the infrastructure we need to build on our recent 131% growth in production. It will support a sustainable, thriving sector that is growing month on month, year on year right here in the North East.” Andy Byrne, Northern TMT Lead for CBRE, added: “CBRE is excited to bring this opportunity to the market. Sunderland City Council is at the forefront of regeneration in this region and have ambitious plans to see world-class film and TV production space brought forward to match the demand for purpose-built studio space. This scheme is set to be a catalyst for great things within the region.” For more information about the Crown Works Studios investment opportunity, please contact CBRE at Andrew Byrne, 07823 520 540 andrew.byrne@cbre.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
More than half (59%) of UK heating engineers are either already or likely to work with other companies to develop heat pump competencies, according to heating and hot water solutions provider Baxi’s fourth annual Installer Skills Survey. Despite this interest in being prepared, a lack of consumer demand remains the number one barrier to heat pump uptake – with 60% of installers citing this as the main barrier, highlighting the challenge of converting installer interest into real-world installations. The 2025 Survey showed that attitudes of some segments of the heating engineer population are becoming more sceptical of heat pumps and towards net zero more broadly, reflecting the increasingly divisive narratives on the topic from across the political spectrum. The survey – conducted with green supply chain consultancy Talan (formerly Gemserv) – gathered responses from almost 400 installers, making it the most comprehensive snapshot of UK installer attitudes to heat pumps to date. Confidence growing as training makes its mark The study found that 59% of installers are either already developing the skills to fit heat pumps or intending to do so within the next few years. As the majority of installer operators are either sole traders or very small businesses with just two or three employees, the trend is to partner with other companies that can provide complimentary services, such as system design, installation support or financing. The number of installers citing a lack of training as a barrier has fallen by 18 percentage points compared with 2024, suggesting that industry investment in training is beginning to pay off. Baxi alone has seen over 1,000 installers attend its own heat pump training courses over the last 12 months. When asked what drives them in their work, heating engineers most frequently cited providing a good service to customers (85%), solving technical problems (62%), and getting things right from a technical perspective (50%). According to Baxi, this sense of professionalism partly explains why some installers hesitate to recommend new technologies until they feel fully competent. “Installers clearly want to do the right thing for their customers,” said Ian Trott, Head of Training at Baxi UK. “Many take pride in their technical ability and won’t compromise on service until they’ve built real hands-on experience with the technology. Training for a qualification is one thing – but training for competence is what’s really needed to move the needle on installer engagement.” Hybrids seen as a practical bridge The 2025 survey also found that 35% of installers have or would be somewhat or extremely likely to move to fitting heat pumps as part of a hybrid system, where a heat pump works alongside an existing combi boiler, rather than as a full heat pump only replacement. Unlike a stand-alone heat pump system, hybrids typically do not require a water cylinder making the installation lower cost, quicker, less disruptive and with less complexity for the installer. “Hybrids can be a powerful transitional step,” Trott said. “They are often more attractive to installers because they’re easier to fit, and to customers because they require less cost and disruption. Research shows a well-installed hybrid can cut a home’s heating carbon footprint by around 70% a year or more. Supporting hybrid options would give more installers valuable real-world experience and help homeowners see the benefits earlier.” Paperwork and demand still holding the sector back While attitudes to heat pumps have shifted positively, consumer demand is developing more slowly. Although many households continue to prefer a straightforward like-for-like boiler replacement, 2024 was still a record year for UK heat pump sales. Almost half of respondents – 46% – named the paperwork involved in government schemes as a major obstacle to installing heat pumps, saying it slows down projects and can deter customers from making the switch. To help ease this burden, Baxi will launch its own MCS Umbrella scheme later this year, designed to reduce the administrative workload for smaller businesses and sole traders. The company has also expanded its hands-on training programme and increased online and video-based educational resources produced at its Warwick Solutions Academy. Generational divide and industry dynamics A recurring theme in Baxi’s annual surveys has been a generational divide in attitudes to retraining. Installers approaching retirement are generally less inclined to invest in developing new skills, while those earlier in their careers are more open to diversifying their expertise. The survey also noted that a large proportion of UK heat installers work either as sole traders or in very small teams. This structure can make it more difficult for them to take time out for training or to manage the additional paperwork that often accompanies low-carbon installations. Many respondents said they expect to collaborate or partner with other service providers to meet future demand for clean heat technologies. “These findings show that despite some hardening of opinions most gas boiler installers aren’t dogmatic about technology and just want to do a good job for their customers. Many installers are preparing for the future, with plans to prepare for the uptake of heat pumps and develop their skills. As a result, more installers are comfortable talking to their customers about energy efficiency and fewer say that training is a barrier than in last year’s study. It shows that the work the sector is doing to encourage training is working,” said Will Taylor, Principal Consultant at Talan. The role of installers in decarbonisation Home heating is responsible for around 18% of the UK’s carbon emissions, and approximately 85% of households still rely on natural gas boilers. As the transition to cleaner heating accelerates, installers are expected to play a central role in guiding customers through their choices and in ensuring new technologies are fitted competently and to a high standard. Almost 400 installers took part in this year’s survey, which was conducted in July and August 2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals