Oval Real Estate has secured planning permission for a landmark, mixed-use cluster beside Albert Bridge on the River Irwell, reshaping a central Manchester site currently occupied by surface car parks and the ageing 18-storey office block that lent the scheme its name. The revised proposals, designed by Studio Egret West,
Edinburgh’s first purpose-built concert hall in more than a century is moving from drawings to delivery, with Balfour Beatty appointed on a £162m contract to build the 1,000-seat Dunard Centre behind St Andrew Square. Main construction begins in the coming weeks, with completion expected in 2029 and a workforce peaking
Birmingham City Council has granted outline consent for the £1bn regeneration of the Druids Heath estate, unlocking a long-term masterplan that will deliver 3,500 homes and a comprehensive renewal of this south Birmingham community. Around 1,785 homes — 51% of the total — are set to be affordable, with 400
Real estate investor, developer and asset manager, Firethorn, has broken ground at its purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) site, Poland House in Stratford, East London, with McAleer & Rushe appointed to deliver the £50m contract. The development will create 284 high-quality student beds, 35% of which will be affordable accommodation, and
MINISO is set to open its 50th UK store at Centre:mk in Milton Keynes, marking a milestone in the lifestyle brand’s rapid expansion since entering the market in 2019. The new 1,550 sq ft unit on Silbury Boulevard will stock fan-favourite collections from Hello Kitty and Friends, Sylvanian Families, Disney
Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial developer, has exchanged contracts to acquire a prime 30-acre brownfield site at Hardwick Grange, Warrington, representing the largest strategic logistics land purchase in the North West this year. The site, formerly occupied by Safeway and later Iceland, has been acquired from UK real
As property management continues to change and evolve, staying informed is more important than ever. Rendall & Rittner Co-CEO, Richard Daver BSc (Hons) FCIH FRICS FTPI, shares what RTM and RMC Directors can expect when taking control of their building. Taking control of their building is a milestone moment for
The future of work isn’t physical versus digital. It’s both, beautifully and intelligently intertwined. That’s the driving force behind Connected Realities, the newly announced theme for Workspace Design Show, taking place 25–26 February at the Business Design Centre, London. This edition invites exhibitors and visitors alike to explore how hybrid
Barratt London has announced three appointments to form a new leadership team under Mark Bailey, London and Southern’s Regional Managing Director at Barratt Redrow. Craig Carson has been promoted to Regional Director of Barratt London, stepping up from his previous role as Managing Director for West London, reporting to
Leading construction and fit out contractor, 8build, has appointed Steve Davies as Divisional Director, strengthening its leadership team as the firm seeks to expand its growth drive in commercial refurbishment and sustainable retrofit solutions. Previously a board member at Collins Construction and later a senior leader at Structure Tone London,
Oval Real Estate has secured planning permission for a landmark, mixed-use cluster beside Albert Bridge on the River Irwell, reshaping a central Manchester site currently occupied by surface car parks and the ageing 18-storey office block that lent the scheme its name. The revised proposals, designed by Studio Egret West, pivot the development towards homes in response to changing market conditions. Two octagonal residential towers will rise to 49 and 37 storeys, joined by a scaled-down 18-storey commercial building. In total the trio is expected to cost around £350m to deliver, with the office element accounting for just over £100m. Housing capacity has doubled versus the 2023 consent, with approximately 800 apartments now planned. The residential offer emphasises liveability: dual-aspect layouts to improve daylight, cross-ventilation and views across the city, alongside communal amenity set within a re-greened public realm. The commercial block has been reworked to target Net Zero Carbon in operation, pairing a thermally dynamic façade with smart climate systems to support Manchester’s 2038 carbon-neutral ambition. A significant public realm strategy sits at the heart of the scheme. More than 5,700 sq m of new streets and spaces will be created, opening up walking and cycling routes between Parsonage Gardens and the Irwell. An “Urban Arboretum” retains mature trees and layers in new planting, aiming to stitch the river edge back into the city and provide a biodiverse buffer for residents and office users alike. The project team includes Gardiner & Theobald as cost consultant, AKT II as structural engineer and Hoare Lea leading MEP design. Together they will navigate the site’s technical challenges, including foundation interfaces from the existing office block and delivering high-rise residential cores alongside a high-performance office on a constrained plot. For Manchester, the approval reflects a broader realignment of city-centre development—prioritising high-density homes, best-in-class workplace and generous public realm over single-use blocks. If delivered to the current specification, Albert Bridge House will add a distinctive silhouette to the skyline while unlocking a riverside route long hidden behind car parking, signalling confidence in the city’s continued growth and a push for more sustainable, people-first urbanism. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Edinburgh’s first purpose-built concert hall in more than a century is moving from drawings to delivery, with Balfour Beatty appointed on a £162m contract to build the 1,000-seat Dunard Centre behind St Andrew Square. Main construction begins in the coming weeks, with completion expected in 2029 and a workforce peaking at around 200. Commissioned by the charity Impact Scotland, the venue has been designed by David Chipperfield Architects with Reiach & Hall Architects, and world-leading acousticians Nagata Associates. It will be the UK’s first concert venue to feature Nagata’s acoustic design, pairing musical precision with a contemporary civic presence. The five-storey steel-framed building will be wrapped in a façade of pre-cast concrete panels. Inside, bespoke solid oak panelling will tune the main hall’s acoustics, while a complex in-situ concrete double basement provides back-of-house facilities, including changing rooms and storage. A café, bar and flexible multipurpose spaces broaden the offer, creating a cultural hub that can host everything from orchestral performances to workshops and community events. Balfour Beatty comes to site after an 18-month early contractor involvement phase, working alongside Impact Scotland and the design and engineering team to refine the methodology, sequencing and buildability for a tightly constrained city-centre plot. The contractor will deploy 4D planning to coordinate logistics, reduce disruption around St Andrew Square and protect the programme’s critical path. Nick Rowan, managing director of Balfour Beatty’s regional business in Scotland, said: “We are proud to be entrusted with delivering what will become a nationally significant cultural venue in the heart of Edinburgh and have worked meticulously to plan every stage of this complex build, from construction logistics in a tightly constrained site, to the precision needed to achieve world-class acoustic performance. Our focus now is on safe, efficient and high-quality delivery, working closely with our local supply chain while creating meaningful jobs, apprenticeships and skills opportunities throughout the programme.” The Dunard Centre is supported through the Edinburgh & South East Scotland City Region Deal, with £10m each from the Scottish and UK governments and £5m from the City of Edinburgh Council. Impact Scotland has also raised more than £100m from private philanthropy, a record for a cultural capital project in Scotland. “Ambitious projects like this really do only come about once in a century,” said Ronnie Bowie, chair of Impact Scotland. “Signing this contract with Balfour Beatty is another celebratory step towards making our vision a reality… a ‘Hall for All’ that offers something for everyone.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Birmingham City Council has granted outline consent for the £1bn regeneration of the Druids Heath estate, unlocking a long-term masterplan that will deliver 3,500 homes and a comprehensive renewal of this south Birmingham community. Around 1,785 homes — 51% of the total — are set to be affordable, with 400 for social rent in the first phase. The balance will be delivered through a partnership between the council, Lovell and Homes England, blending mixed-tenure housing with social infrastructure to support growth over the next decade. The proposals go far beyond replacement housing. The masterplan introduces a new local high street, later-living homes, sports and community facilities, generous green spaces and upgraded transport links. Streets will be reconnected and public realm improved to prioritise walking, cycling and access to services, aiming to knit Druids Heath more closely into the wider city. Lovell, named last month as preferred development partner, is now working with the council to finalise a partnership agreement. Due to be signed in spring 2026, the agreement will unlock full funding and signal the start of construction. Phasing will target early delivery of affordable homes alongside enabling infrastructure and community assets, with design guidelines expected to drive quality, sustainability and energy efficiency across all plots. Cllr Brennan, cabinet member for housing and homelessness, said the programme will deliver “51% affordable housing, amounting to nearly 1,800 homes,” and confirmed that “every existing council tenant who wants to stay will be provided for.” He added that 68% of residents engaged through consultation supported the plans, which will help Birmingham meet its wider target of 51,100 new homes by 2031. For the construction and property supply chain, the project represents a major, multi-year pipeline across demolition, remediation, new build and public realm, with opportunities to embed modern methods of construction, low-carbon materials and high-performance building fabric. The council and Lovell are expected to emphasise skills, apprenticeships and local employment, alongside biodiversity gains and high-quality landscape to support health and wellbeing. With consent secured and a clear delivery structure taking shape, Druids Heath is set for a reset: new, affordable homes paired with a walkable heart, community facilities and greener streets — a blueprint for estate regeneration built around quality, inclusion and longevity. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Real estate investor, developer and asset manager, Firethorn, has broken ground at its purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) site, Poland House in Stratford, East London, with McAleer & Rushe appointed to deliver the £50m contract. The development will create 284 high-quality student beds, 35% of which will be affordable accommodation, and is the first contract Firethorn has awarded to McAleer & Rushe. Poland House residents will benefit from generous amenities, including spacious common rooms, study areas and an on-site gym. A dedicated community space for local residents will also be delivered as part of the project. The site will be developed to a target BREEAM “Excellent” rating, in line with Firethorn’s strong commitment to delivering sustainable, best-in-class assets. Situated on Stratford High Street, Poland House provides convenient access to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford High Street DLR Station and Stratford Station, and is within a 15-minute walking distance of both UCL East and University Arts London. Paul Martin, Head of Development at Firethorn, commented: “Poland House is the third student development in our expanding Living portfolio, as we continue to strengthen our presence in prime university cities across the UK. “With excellent connectivity, in an area of continued investment and regeneration, this project reflects our continued commitment to providing high-quality, sustainable accommodation that enhances the student experience. “McAleer & Rushe has a proven history of completing best-in-class PBSA assets and we look forward to working closely with the team to develop the site at pace.” Mark Diamond, Senior Director at McAleer & Rushe, said: “We are delighted to cut the first sod together with Firethorn on Poland House, marking a significant milestone in the delivery of this exciting new student development in Stratford. “Reflecting our shared commitment to building vibrant, well-designed spaces that stand the test of time, this development will be a valuable addition to the local community, with which we will actively engage throughout construction to make a positive and lasting contribution. “With our experienced team and trusted supply chain, we look forward to delivering high-quality, sustainable accommodation for East London’s thriving student community.” The project is due for completion ahead of the 2028/9 academic year. Poland House forms part of Firethorn’s growing Living portfolio, which includes PBSA developments in Hackney Wick, Stratford, and Leith Walk in Edinburgh, and the office-to-residential conversion of One Bessborough Gardens in central London. Firethorn recently acquired 5 Lloyd’s Avenue in the City of London, with plans to convert the office building into a high-density hotel with modern public amenities. Work is also well underway at the 138-bedroom site in Sackville Place in Dublin, which will sleep up to 716 guests For more information, visit www.firethorntrust.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MINISO is set to open its 50th UK store at Centre:mk in Milton Keynes, marking a milestone in the lifestyle brand’s rapid expansion since entering the market in 2019. The new 1,550 sq ft unit on Silbury Boulevard will stock fan-favourite collections from Hello Kitty and Friends, Sylvanian Families, Disney and Pokémon, alongside a rotating line-up of vinyl plush pendants, blind boxes, surprise bags, toys, beauty, lifestyle accessories and snacks. The Centre:mk signing underscores MINISO’s strategy of targeting high-footfall destinations while steadily building a presence on prime high streets. It follows a flurry of 2025 launches, including Birmingham’s Bullring (opened 10 October), Glasgow Central (3 September), Bromley and Livingston (both 22 August), Telford Centre (11 July), Edinburgh Princes Street (21 March) and Kingston’s Clarence Street (7 March). Earlier flagships in London’s Oxford Street, Manchester’s Trafford Centre and Edinburgh’s Princes Street have helped cement brand visibility and supported a national roll-out of around 60 locations to date. For Centre:mk—one of the region’s dominant shopping destinations—the deal adds another crowd-pulling name to a tenant mix geared towards family and youth appeal. Kevin Duay, centre director at Centre:mk, said: “MINISO’s decision to bring its popular brand to Centre:mk is a reflection of the centre’s vast catchment area, high footfall and our ability to attract global retailers, and a clear endorsement in both Milton Keynes and the strength of Centre:mk as a dominant regional centre.” MINISO’s UK playbook blends fast-fit, merchandising-led store design with frequent product drops and licensed collaborations that fuel repeat visits. Recent openings suggest the retailer is balancing enclosed malls—where event-led activations can drive dwell—with town-centre locations that tap commuter and weekend footfall. The brand is also enhancing its digital offer, with plans to introduce click-and-collect to bridge online discovery and in-store purchase. For landlords and local authorities, the 50th-store announcement signals continued demand from value-led, impulse-friendly retailers that trade effectively across seasons and respond quickly to social media trends. For consumers, Centre:mk’s upcoming opening offers an accessible dose of “kawaii” culture and small-ticket gifting—timed neatly for peak shopping periods. Fit-out is expected to emphasise simple wayfinding, high-density front-of-house display and efficient back-of-house logistics to support rapid replenishment. With the milestone now set for Milton Keynes, MINISO’s UK footprint looks set to keep growing through 2026, combining shopping-centre anchors with targeted high-street infill and an increasingly omnichannel proposition. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial developer, has exchanged contracts to acquire a prime 30-acre brownfield site at Hardwick Grange, Warrington, representing the largest strategic logistics land purchase in the North West this year. The site, formerly occupied by Safeway and later Iceland, has been acquired from UK real estate investor and developer, Firethorn, and English Real Estates Ltd. Located adjacent to Junction 21 of the M6, the property benefits from immediate motorway connectivity, in one of the region’s most established industrial locations. Panattoni intends to bring forward proposals for a new sustainable logistics park on a speculative basis, replacing the obsolete existing buildings with high-quality, energy-efficient space designed to meet the growing demand for modern accommodation across the North West region. Dan Burn, Head of Development for the North West and Yorkshire at Panattoni, said: “We are delighted to have acquired this major strategic site in Warrington. The obsolete buildings are at the end of their economic life, and our intention is to bring forward a high-quality, sustainable redevelopment that reflects both the site’s potential and its importance to the local economy. We look forward to working collaboratively with Warrington Borough Council and our planning consultants, Lichfields, to refine our proposals ahead of submitting a planning application early next year.” The redevelopment will target BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ and EPC ‘A’ ratings, reflecting Panattoni’s commitment to sustainability and Net Zero Carbon standards in construction. The scheme will also aim to deliver significant local economic benefits through job creation, enhanced landscaping, and improved accessibility. Brownfield regeneration continues to represent a substantial proportion of Panattoni’s UK investment activity, accounting for 2m sq ft of the company’s project acquisitions this year. The Warrington development reinforces Panattoni’s focus on repurposing redundant industrial land in established urban markets, driving sustainable growth while supporting regional employment. DTRE advised Panattoni on the transaction, with CMS providing legal counsel. For more information, please visit: www.panattoni.co.uk/warrington Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As property management continues to change and evolve, staying informed is more important than ever. Rendall & Rittner Co-CEO, Richard Daver BSc (Hons) FCIH FRICS FTPI, shares what RTM and RMC Directors can expect when taking control of their building. Taking control of their building is a milestone moment for any group of leaseholders. Whether through a Right to Manage (RTM) company or a Resident Management Company (RMC), stepping into the role of Director is both exciting and challenging. It is the point where residents move from being more passive contributors to active decision-makers, with the power to shape how their homes are managed today and protected for the future. Starting the process The journey begins with understanding the structure you are working within. An RMC is usually created at the outset of a development, written into the leases from day one, so leaseholders automatically become members when they buy their home. Directors are then elected to make decisions on behalf of the company and all residents. By contrast, an RTM company is formed later, under the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002, by leaseholders who want to take control from the freeholder. Both are limited companies with Directors bound by company law. For those looking to establish an RTM but unsure how to start the process, support is available. At Rendall & Rittner, we consult with residents to understand their reasons for looking to acquire the right to manage and provide guidance on whether the process is the right choice for them. We can then check that all necessary qualifying criteria are met and discuss the next steps towards establishing an RTM company. Your responsibilities as a Director Becoming a Director brings with it an increasing range of responsibilities, both from a legal standpoint and to the residential group being represented. Directors are legally accountable for building safety and compliance, how money is collected and spent, and for ensuring maintenance and investment decisions are made wisely. Fairness, transparency, communication and sound governance within the role are all essential traits of a good RTM and RMC Director. As with any company, future-proofing should always be front of mind. It is tempting to focus on short-term costs, but buildings age and evolve, regulations tighten and residents’ expectations grow. Decisions about service charge budgets, reserve funds and maintenance must have one eye on the future. Will the building still meet safety standards five years from now? Will investment in sustainability help lower running costs in the future? Directors who think ahead protect not only the quality of life within the building but also the long-term value of the homes they are responsible for. Another critical part of the Director journey is communication. Residents want to understand how their service charges are being spent, what plans are in place, and why certain priorities have been chosen. Clear communication builds trust and ensures residents feel engaged in the process, even when difficult decisions need to be made. The advantages of partnering with a managing agent Some of this may sound daunting, but Directors do not have go on this journey alone! Partnering with an experienced property management company can provide the knowledge and operational support needed to deliver on day-to-day responsibilities and long-term planning. Highly accredited companies like Rendall & Rittner work alongside hundreds of Directors of RMCs and RTMs across the country, offering services that range from financial reporting, accounting and credit control to health and safety compliance, contractor procurement and long-term asset planning, to name but a few! This kind of professional partnership allows Directors to focus on strategy and governance, confident that expert teams are handling the detail. Significantly, working with a reputable managing agent also limits the liabilities of RTM & RMC Directors. Looking forward Looking to the future, the role of RTM and RMC Directors is becoming ever more important. New building safety laws and regulations brought in by the Building Safety Act, the growing demand for sustainable living, and the evolving expectations of residents are reshaping the sector. For leaseholders, all these factors reinforce the need for good management. Taking control of a building through the RTM process or through an RMC is not only about service delivery today, but about protecting a valuable asset for tomorrow. The Director journey can feel challenging, but it is also extremely rewarding to add value to your own home and community and create a lasting impact. With the right mindset, clear communication and professional support, leaseholders who take on a Director role can ensure their homes are safe, sustainable, and thriving for the long term. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The future of work isn’t physical versus digital. It’s both, beautifully and intelligently intertwined. That’s the driving force behind Connected Realities, the newly announced theme for Workspace Design Show, taking place 25–26 February at the Business Design Centre, London. This edition invites exhibitors and visitors alike to explore how hybrid models, immersive technologies, and smart environments are reshaping the workplace, not just as spaces we use, but as environments we feel, engage with and belong to. “We’re moving beyond furniture and floorplans. Today’s most successful workplaces behave almost like living organisms, responsive, sensory, and human,” says Esha Bark-Jones, Event Director for Workspace Design Show. “Connected Realities is a celebration of that evolution, the moment where physical design and digital intelligence finally operate in harmony.” Rather than treating the theme as a backdrop, Workspace Design Show is turning it into a full-scale design challenge, asking exhibitors to interpret Connected Realities through the way they build and behave within their stands. Whether through AR-enabled product demos, blended material palettes, live data walls or wellbeing-driven sensory environments, the show floor is set to become a living exhibition of this reality’s workplace behaviour. A few of the leading brands already confirmed to participate include König + Neurath, Sedus, Bisley, Pedrali, Interface, Kvadrat, and Forbo, each set to showcase not just products, but perspectives on how connection between people, space and technology can elevate performance, culture and everyday joy at work. We are also working closely with our design partners Gensler, Peldon Rose, MCM Architecture, M Moser Associates and Area to bring this theme to life. Adding to the excitement, the inaugural Workspace Design Awards will take place live at the show on 25 February 2026, celebrating completed workplace projects from around the world. The Workspace Design Awards are assessed by senior occupiers, developers and workplace transformation leaders, meaning entries are evaluated from the perspective of the people who actually live with the results. Entry is free and open to architects, interior designers, design consultancies, fit-out companies, occupiers, developers and workplace strategists for projects completed between 1 January 2023 – 30 October 2025. Full details at workspaceshow.co.uk/awards Workspace Design Show is inviting the industry not just to attend but to participate in a collective showcase of how work can evolve when physical and digital no longer compete but collaborate. Key DatesWorkspace Design Show London: 25–26 February 2026Workspace Design Awards Ceremony & Show Party: 25 February 2026Awards Entry Deadline: 31 October 2025 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Barratt London has announced three appointments to form a new leadership team under Mark Bailey, London and Southern’s Regional Managing Director at Barratt Redrow. Craig Carson has been promoted to Regional Director of Barratt London, stepping up from his previous role as Managing Director for West London, reporting to Mark. In his expanded strategic role, Craig will oversee all developments and aspects of Barratt London, leading the long-term direction across both divisions. With 25 years’ experience, Craig has a proven track record of delivering major residential-led mixed-use developments across the delivery cycle from site identification through to sales. Heading up the West London division, Paul Muldowney has been appointed as Managing Director. Following the merger of Barratt Developments plc and Redrow plc, Paul joins from Redrow London and strengthens the team by bringing almost four decades worth of expertise. Paul will bring a clear strategic vision for the division, steering key decisions and business planning. Danny Masters has been promoted to Operations Director for Barratt East London. Underlining Barratt London’s dedication to investing in people and focus on internal growth, Danny started his career at Barratt London in 2002. Having joined as an Assistant Site Manager, Danny progressed his way up to Project Director in 2015. Previously on the West London board since 2018, Danny will now lead the East London side of Barratt London with the support of Craig Carson. Together, this trio of senior appointments will bolster Barratt London’s leadership team by adding expertise and valuable development knowledge at board level. These appointments underline Barratt London’s unwavering commitment to London. The leadership team will continue driving Barratt London forward as a reliable and trusted developer. With a long-term vision for investing in neighbourhoods and leaving a lasting legacy, the team will oversee the delivery of high-quality, sustainable and affordable homes for communities across the capital. Barratt London is part of Barratt Redrow plc, the country’s leading national sustainable housebuilder. This year, Barratt London announced plans for its Lo-E Homes, which will deliver sustainable new homes across the capital. Built to exceed Passivhaus standards and in partnership with Places for London, plans for an initial 728 homes at High Barnet and Bollo Lane will be one of the largest scale Passivhaus projects in the country. Mark Bailey, London and Southern’s Regional Managing Director at Barratt Redrow, comments: “The appointment of our new leadership team will bring fresh perspectives and proven expertise, to accelerate our strategic growth and impact in London. Under Craig’s stewardship, they will work collaboratively to regenerate places, deliver energy-efficient homes and build neighbourhoods that create socio-economic value for London.” To find out more about Barratt London, visit www.barrattlondon.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading construction and fit out contractor, 8build, has appointed Steve Davies as Divisional Director, strengthening its leadership team as the firm seeks to expand its growth drive in commercial refurbishment and sustainable retrofit solutions. Previously a board member at Collins Construction and later a senior leader at Structure Tone London, Davies brings over 37 years’ experience in the London construction sector, having worked on some of the capital’s most recognisable landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, The Shard, and the ‘Walkie Talkie’. Over the past 12 years, Davies has specialised in retrofit and complex refurbishment services, delivering major schemes for listed blue-chip property owners, institutional investors and capital managers, including The Crown Estate, Grosvenor, AXA, Frogmore and Shaftesbury. 8build has a proven record of delivering flagship fit out and retrofit schemes across the commercial, mixed-use, residential, healthcare, and cultural sectors, targeting £200m in turnover by year end as the contractor expands its client book. Notable projects include the ongoing More London development with St Martins, Sheldon Square and Paddington Central Amphitheatre for British Land, Delfont Mackintosh Theatres with Victoria Palace Theatre, and Lazari Investment’s The Lantern. In his new position, Davies will lead a London-centric division focused on commercial offices, building a team of specialists in fit-out, refurbishment and heritage projects to deliver Grade A space in an increasingly undersupplied market where prime stock demand is accelerating. Steve Davies, Divisional Director at 8build, said: “Retrofit and refurbishment in constrained markets like London are essential levers that unlock long-term value for clients. In these areas, 8build has developed an outstanding reputation for delivering complex, multi-year contracts with precision and skill, putting clients at the forefront of its practice and forming great relationships in the process. “Together with Andy and the Board, our focus is now on steady, sustainable growth that plays to the competitive edge 8build has carved out in institutional-grade commercial office solutions, meeting the growing need for stock that meets and exceeds incoming net zero targets.” Andy Tooley, Director at 8build, said: “Steve’s appointment charts an exciting new phase for our commercial retrofit division in London, where we see a huge unmet need for high-quality execution. “With his breadth of experience delivering high-profile projects for exceptional clients and his deep understanding of retrofit demand, Steve will add materially to our growth plans going forward as we broaden our client book and our strong pipeline of sustainable projects.” In London, 80%[1] of commercial buildings that will still be in use by 2030 are already standing, underpinning a market that is increasingly focused on retrofit to meet regulatory requirements and changing occupier preferences. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals