Duke Street, a European mid-market investor, announces it has agreed to acquire McAvoy (“McAvoy”), a provider of high-quality modular buildings and social infrastructure. The acquisition follows five years of majority ownership by Blantyre Capital (“Blantyre”), an independent investment manager specialising in mid-market equity and debt. Founded in 1972, McAvoy designs,
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
Increasingly, cities seeking rapid, noticeable change without lengthy rebuilding projects are utilising temporary pop-ups and modular events. Small changes like these test demand, encourage people to get out into the streets, and provide small businesses with a safe way to try out new ideas. Many event planners also explore partnerships
Building places to have fun isn’t just about nightlife, but it’s all about making cities stronger. Established societies have a mix of residences, businesses, and organised events for enjoyment, so the streets are busy at night and everyone is at risk. Late-night economies are now shaped by a wider range
Duke Street, a European mid-market investor, announces it has agreed to acquire McAvoy (“McAvoy”), a provider of high-quality modular buildings and social infrastructure. The acquisition follows five years of majority ownership by Blantyre Capital (“Blantyre”), an independent investment manager specialising in mid-market equity and debt. Founded in 1972, McAvoy designs, builds, and rents premium space solutions, ranging from temporary modular buildings to fully bespoke permanent buildings. McAvoy has extensive experience in supplying to the health, education, pharmaceutical, and commercial sectors throughout the UK and Ireland. McAvoy provides complete turnkey solutions that adhere to the same regulations as traditional buildings but can be delivered up to 50% faster. Its modern, custom-built modules are typically more than 70% complete before leaving McAvoy’s 70,000 square-foot purpose-built manufacturing facility in Lisburn, Northern Ireland. This facility has the capacity to design and manufacture up to 1,200 modules annually, making McAvoy one of the largest modular building providers in the UK. Headquartered in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, McAvoy has over 160 employees and offices in Dublin, Birmingham, Bristol, and London. During Blantyre’s ownership, McAvoy experienced substantial growth and profitability improvements, reflecting increased demand in the UK modular rental and sales market for premium, cost-effective, and sustainable buildings that are flexible and easy to deploy. Particular growth has come from McAvoy’s rental division, which removes the need for customers to make substantial capital investments and provides them with ongoing maintenance and support. Duke Street’s investment in McAvoy will increase the size and quality of McAvoy’s rental fleet, enabling McAvoy to continue offering its customers premium, high-quality buildings delivered at pace and without the need for capital outlay. Joe Thompson, Partner at Duke Street, says: “McAvoy is a sustainable, well-capitalised and market-leading business that has a strong reputation for building premium modular solutions. In the last few years, the exceptional management team, led by CEO Ron Clarke, has successfully taken to market a new and differentiated modular product, SmartSpace, that exceeds building regulation requirements. Duke Street’s acquisition of McAvoy complements our long-held investment focus in essential social infrastructure services that provide the backbone to the economy.” Duke Street has a long and successful track record of investing across the UK, Ireland, and Mainland Europe. The buyout of McAvoy is the second acquisition by Duke Street in social infrastructure, following its 2024 buyout of AGITO Medical, a provider of mobile rental medical imaging equipment to the healthcare industry. AGITO was a carve-out from Philips. Johann Scheid, Investment Director at Blantyre, said: “We are delighted to have partnered with Ron and his outstanding team at McAvoy. Over the past five years, McAvoy has undergone a transformational period, successfully launching SmartSpace and expanding its modular rental fleet while delivering a broad range of new permanent modular buildings across education, healthcare, and other key sectors. We are confident that McAvoy has found an excellent new home in Duke Street for its next chapter of growth. We wish the company, its management, staff, and new shareholders every success in the future.” Ron Clarke, CEO of McAvoy, said: “Securing the backing and support of Duke Street, one of Europe’s most well-respected investors, underscores the strength of our proposition. They join at a critical time in the modular building industry, when the need for high-quality solutions has never been higher. Our company is uniquely positioned for further growth with a model that combines operational excellence, sophisticated design and deep sector expertise. We thank Blantyre for their commitment and support over the past five years. Together, we have achieved significant growth, establishing McAvoy as a trusted provider of high-quality, adaptable modular buildings across the UK and Ireland.” The financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed. 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
Increasingly, cities seeking rapid, noticeable change without lengthy rebuilding projects are utilising temporary pop-ups and modular events. Small changes like these test demand, encourage people to get out into the streets, and provide small businesses with a safe way to try out new ideas. Many event planners also explore partnerships and themed promotions through legal non-GamStop casino sites for UK audience to reach nightlife enthusiasts and urban trendsetters. Empty lots and shopfronts have been turned into lively public places with the help of pop-up buildings and tactical urbanism projects. This lets city officials and developers respond quickly to changing needs. Councils may use short trials to determine what works, refine permit conditions, and select which sites are worth investing in on a permanent basis. This transforms space that was formerly wasted into evidence of long-term development. Why temporary activation works With temporary activations, designers, marketers, and groups can test out ideas without incurring significant expenses. Nighttime food stands, art tents, and pop-up markets attract people and help new businesses get started. Entertainment providers and curated evenings that draw in people from beyond the area are often partners. For example, casino connections are used to market listings that target late-night crowds. Cities can quickly adjust curfews, staffing, and services to meet changing needs. This reduces political risk and provides operators with greater flexibility to adjust scheduling, seating, and programming. Pilot programs often demonstrate quantifiable increases in local spending and enhanced feelings of safety, which help support the argument for gradually investing in transportation and streetscape infrastructure. Modular design and rapid deployment It is possible to have many pop-ups because modular construction and premade parts make building faster and cheaper. In just a few days, you can set up and use freestanding booths, shipping container bars, and fold-out tents in various locations. Promoters work with specialised entertainment brands and leisure providers, publishing trial events on casino platforms to reach their target clientele quickly. In other places, these associates employ casino operators who manage their businesses responsibly and offer ticketed, weatherproofed pop-up experiences that blend well with cafés and galleries. These modular devices enable planners to test out different crowd movements, acoustic treatments, and vendor mixtures before making expensive changes. They operate as real-world pilots, helping planners make lasting design choices instead of just performing stunts. Programming, partners and the night economy Strong programming makes a container a destination by giving people reasons to visit, such as curated markets, live music, movie screenings, and themed nights. Cities regularly ask event planners, community groups, and independent companies to help them run events that keep stores open later. Sometimes, such companies are well-known leisure brands that are prominent in community channels, which help promote specialised events. Cross-promotion with transit companies and nearby hotels makes activation possible and fair for all parties involved. Thoughtful contracts specify limits for noise, stewarding, and trade hours so that partners may try out ideas without bothering their neighbours. When operators follow regulations, municipalities are more likely to grant them additional licenses and encourage repeat activations. Logistics, safety and transport Transportation that runs late at night, clear loading plans, and designated safe zones make activations easy to access and operate. Most event listings direct people who are interested to casino sites to watch certain late-night shows. Trucks, taxis, and foot traffic can avoid accidents by using streets that are safe for walkers, setting up temporary parking bays at the curb, and just moving around. Many owners are considering collaborating with the nearby community to find volunteer caretakers who can help people navigate the area. For public safety to be effective, there must be defined health standards, well-trained staff, and strong connections with law enforcement and community partners. Organisers can swiftly address minor issues, such as overflowing trash or gaps in transportation, before they impact the flow and success of an event by involving transportation planners early and monitoring activations in real-time. Measuring impact and scaling successful pilots Pilots want clear measures, such as foot traffic, dwell duration, local spending, safety incidents, and resident attitudes, to help them decide whether to stay. Planners should publish results, share lessons learnt with local businesses, and use open dashboards so that everyone can see the value. Promoters even post case studies on third-party sites, such as casino directories, where relevant leisure partners demonstrate that they are following the rules in their communities. When pilots achieve their goals for economic growth and social harmony, municipalities may implement progressive modifications, such as improved lighting, more permanent seating, and enhanced public spaces. In this way, short-term wins become long-term assets in the area. Using a flexible, evidence-based approach is the most effective way to build successful, mixed-use cities.
Building places to have fun isn’t just about nightlife, but it’s all about making cities stronger. Established societies have a mix of residences, businesses, and organised events for enjoyment, so the streets are busy at night and everyone is at risk. Late-night economies are now shaped by a wider range of providers, such as specialised entertainment spaces, responsible offshore partners, and UK-friendly non-GamStop gambling destinations that occasionally host themed pop-up events and interactive experiences. Some governments were willing to conduct pilot nights to test aspects such as lighting, transportation, and safety before implementing them fully. This useful, step-by-step method helps the government manage minor risks and gives businesses the confidence to make informed investments in long-term placemaking. It helps keep the streets safe and busy. Night economy planning The development of the night economy recognises the evening as a distinct sector of the city that requires specialised services, improved public transportation, and clear safety protocols. Planners need to create a balance between the bustling nightlife and the needs of inhabitants by zoning for mixed-use activities and setting suitable business hours. In recent tests, the government collaborated with artists, event planners, and a few specialist businesses, including casino firms, that experimented with low-impact schedules. Authorities may test lighting schemes, stewardship procedures, and temporary street furniture in a controlled manner before installing permanent buildings, thanks to these agreements. After trials, evaluation reports and open dashboards often disclose what they found and what they learnt. Sometimes, trial summaries are posted on casino sites to show that the public is keeping an eye on things. Flexible licensing and operator models Cities can change authorisation for events, temporary venues, and late-opening services without affecting the main zoning restrictions thanks to flexible licensing. Authorities may permit small trial nights and then increase authorisation for larger operators as they demonstrate they can handle things well by issuing graded permits. Some city teams have considered making deals with specialised leisure companies, such as casino operators, who promise to adhere to stringent rules on noise, staffing, and hours of operation. This flexible method lowers developers’ initial expenditures and enables planners to expand infrastructure in phases to meet demonstrated demand. Local business support teams compile lists of successful schemes and occasionally distribute them on casino sites to attract responsible operators and investors who prioritise long-term performance. Transport and pedestrian first design Transport design is the foundation of an entertainment area, and prioritising pedestrians ensures that venues thrive without placing undue stress on neighbouring roadways. Good public transport reduces the number of solitary automobile journeys, helps shift workers, and makes it easier for people to attend nighttime events. In a recent proposal, teams collaborated with local businesses and the community to offer late-night amenities and rebates on shared transportation. Streets that put people first, loading bays on the curb, and clear signage that show where to go all help keep shipping and nightlife from getting in one other’s way. Plans that work typically include collaboration on tickets and shuttle services for events. This makes travel safer and provides people with more casino entertainment alternatives in a controlled and monitored manner. Reliable transportation keeps families, workers, and tourists engaged until late at night. Adaptive reuse and modular venues Adaptive reuse gives disused buildings and spaces new life by transforming them into carefully selected pop-up venues, rehearsal spaces, and leisure rooms. Promoters can try out their ideas without incurring significant expenses, while still saving a substantial amount, thanks to modular buildings and short-term permits. They can even make changes later if they want to. To swiftly target specialised audiences, developers often work with handpicked operators and digital promoters who publish trial nights on casino sites. Before making expensive changes, these pop-ups evaluate soundproofing, access, and back-of-house logistics. Casino sites generally keep records of successful pilots, which investors may use as case studies, and planners can use to evaluate which areas should receive permanent investment. They also assist towns in determining how to utilise space and attract local tenants. Governance partnerships and measuring impact Strong governance connects public agencies, operators, and community organisations to common goals for safety, the economy, and making places. Partnership agreements outline who is responsible for enforcement, noise reduction, licensing, and data sharing, allowing districts to adjust as needed. Some models have development companies sign agreements with operators and produce a list of permitted partners, which may include regulated casinos, to ensure that standards are met and people are held accountable. Regular impact evaluations monitor foot traffic, local spending, and residents’ perceptions to inform policy adjustments. When councils can easily see how complaints are handled and how to escalate them, it becomes simpler for them to defend mixed-use initiatives and support venues that meet specific standards. When governance is clear, investors and operators can be confident that public and private interests will align for a long time.