Following the successful delivery of energy efficiency projects across seven of the City of London Corporation’s iconic buildings, Vital Energi have moved on to a second phase of works to further accelerate its journey to net zero. Together, both phases will deliver annual carbon savings of over 1,500 tonnes and
RED Construction Group, the specialist main contractor, has announced the appointment of its Special Projects division by V7 to complete a £18.7m office retrofit and redevelopment of 78 – 90 Colmore Row, Birmingham. The appointment signals RED Construction Group’s first project in Birmingham, as the business expands its regional presence
Great Portland Estates (GPE) has finalised the sale of its prominent mixed-use building at 1 Newman Street, London, to Royal London Asset Management in a deal worth £250 million. The transaction reflects a net initial yield of 4.48%, underscoring sustained investor confidence in prime West End real estate. Situated on
Work is set to begin at North Herts Education Support Centre (NHESC) at Briar Patch Lane in Letchworth, where Ashe Construction is delivering a new multi-million pound, two-storey teaching centre for Hertfordshire County Council. NHESC, rated outstanding in all areas by Ofsted, provides an alternative education for excluded students, or
Research by renewable energy specialists, RenEnergy, reveals that the UK’s service station network is sitting on an untapped renewable energy goldmine worth over £19 million annually, which could transform EV charging affordability for millions of road users. The study found that 46,153 car parking spaces across 151 UK service stations
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,
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,
Following the successful delivery of energy efficiency projects across seven of the City of London Corporation’s iconic buildings, Vital Energi have moved on to a second phase of works to further accelerate its journey to net zero. Together, both phases will deliver annual carbon savings of over 1,500 tonnes and financial savings of £1.25m, forming a key part of the City Corporation’s ambitious strategy to achieve net zero carbon emissions across its operational estate by 2027, before reaching net zero across all its activities by 2040. Bespoke decarbonisation plans have been developed for each building, incorporating the latest renewable technologies and energy conservation measures. These upgrades are designed to improve energy efficiency, reduce heat loss, and lower energy bills, while respecting the heritage and operational needs of each site. Featured buildings: Alderman Alison Gowman, Climate Action Lead at the City of London Corporation, said: “The built environment sector is the largest source of carbon emissions in the Square Mile, so our work with Vital to decarbonise City Corporation buildings is crucial for meeting our own net zero goals, as well as supporting the wider Square Mile net zero goal. “Energy use is central to this challenge. By improving efficiency and investing in low-carbon energy solutions, such as heat pumps and solar power, we can make a real impact on the City Corporation’s energy emissions. We can also show it’s possible to make historic and operationally complex buildings part of a low-carbon future: Practical steps that turn climate ambition into tangible progress. “Since launching our Climate Action Strategy in 2020, we have made strong progress in cutting carbon emissions and reducing climate risks – meaning we remain on track for net zero across our full value chain and the whole Square Mile by 2040.” Scott Lutton, Regional Director at Vital Energi, said: “We’re proud to be continuing our partnership with the City of London Corporation to deliver the next phase of decarbonisation works across some of the capital’s most iconic and historically significant buildings. “By combining renewable technologies with tailored energy conservation measures, we’re not only helping to reduce carbon emissions and energy costs, but also supporting the Corporation’s bold commitment to achieving net zero across its own operations by 2027. Each building presents unique challenges, and our bespoke decarbonisation plans ensure that sustainability goes hand-in-hand with heritage and operational excellence.” Learn more about phase one of the project here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
RED Construction Group, the specialist main contractor, has announced the appointment of its Special Projects division by V7 to complete a £18.7m office retrofit and redevelopment of 78 – 90 Colmore Row, Birmingham. The appointment signals RED Construction Group’s first project in Birmingham, as the business expands its regional presence across the Midlands. Dating back more than a century and located in a prime business district, this historic building is set to undergo an extensive transformation. The project will involve an intricate cut and carve office refurbishment, restoring the buildings period details while introducing a new 5th floor office extension, a new roof terrace overlooking Birmingham Cathedral and new cycle parking, changing facilities and showers to deliver an exemplar office development in the heart of Birmingham’s city centre. Nathan Farrar, Managing Director of RED Special Projects, commented: “RED Construction Group is firmly established across London and the South West, with controlled and considered plans to expand our presence across the Midlands. Colmore Row marks the second project in the region, following the development and delivery of 60 lodge-style, themed guest rooms at Merlin Entertainment’s Warwick Castle.” “We are well equipped for the intricacies demanded of the Colmore Row project, works of this nature and scale are what we at Special Projects do best, and we are proud to be partnering with V7 on what will be an exemplar office and commercial space in a vital hub of commerce for the UK’s second city.” Zak Veasey, Co-founder and Director at V7, added: “We’ve been ambitious in what we are looking to accomplish with Colmore Row, a wellness-focused high-quality office space with exceptional commercial opportunities, set to make its mark on Birmingham’s city centre. We appreciate the level of expertise RED Construction Group’s Special Projects’ team bring with them and know they will make a key contribution that will transform the building while maintaining the legacy it already possesses.” This news follows the RED Special Projects team’s appointment by Clermont Hotel Group to complete the multimillion-pound refurbishment works at The Tower Hotel by Thistle. This also joins the Group’s extensive experience of hotel works across London, the South West, and the West Midlands, worth c. £110m. This includes the development and delivery of 60 lodge-style, themed guest rooms at Merlin Entertainment’s Warwick Castle, as well as the recently completed voco Zeal Hotel at Exeter Science Park in 2024, the UK’s first branded net zero carbon hotel. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Great Portland Estates (GPE) has finalised the sale of its prominent mixed-use building at 1 Newman Street, London, to Royal London Asset Management in a deal worth £250 million. The transaction reflects a net initial yield of 4.48%, underscoring sustained investor confidence in prime West End real estate. Situated on the northern side of Oxford Street, directly opposite the Elizabeth line entrance on Dean Street, 1 Newman Street offers 121,300 square feet of high-quality office and retail accommodation. The property spans basement, lower ground, ground, and seven upper floors, with design features that cater to modern occupier demands, including private roof terraces on the second and seventh floors and a 3,100-square-foot communal terrace on the eighth. The building is currently multi-let to nine tenants and produces an annual rent of approximately £11.9 million. The weighted average unexpired lease term sits at 6.4 years to the earlier of tenant break or lease expiry, providing stable income for its new owner. Hugh Morgan, director of portfolio management at GPE, described the transaction as the conclusion of a successful redevelopment journey. “The sale of 1 Newman Street marks the culmination of an exceptional journey for this redevelopment project. We’ve delivered a best-in-class office and retail building in the heart of the West End, and this transaction crystallises our returns while enabling us to reinvest the proceeds, including into the next phase of our exciting development pipeline,” he said. The sale highlights ongoing demand for well-located, high-quality assets in London’s West End, despite wider market uncertainty. With the Elizabeth line continuing to enhance connectivity and footfall across Oxford Street, the area remains one of the capital’s most desirable commercial destinations. For GPE, the disposal forms part of its strategy to recycle capital from completed projects into new development opportunities. For Royal London Asset Management, the acquisition represents a strong addition to its London portfolio, offering both steady rental income and long-term growth potential. The deal reinforces investor appetite for resilient, sustainable, and well-connected properties in central London, with 1 Newman Street standing out as a benchmark for contemporary mixed-use design. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Work is set to begin at North Herts Education Support Centre (NHESC) at Briar Patch Lane in Letchworth, where Ashe Construction is delivering a new multi-million pound, two-storey teaching centre for Hertfordshire County Council. NHESC, rated outstanding in all areas by Ofsted, provides an alternative education for excluded students, or students who are at risk of exclusion, with the aim of supporting a return to permanent full-time education. The expansion will increase capacity from 33 to 40 pupils, ensuring more children can access education through alternative provision. This latest award continues Ashe’s strong track record of successfully delivering projects for Hertfordshire County Council. Ashe has already completed several schemes for Hertfordshire County Council, thanks to the company’s reputation for quality, value and responsible project delivery. Over the past 18 months, Ashe has worked in partnership with the county council and NHESC in shaping the brief, developing the design, and securing planning permission. The new building will provide five general teaching classrooms and four specialist spaces, including IT, science, and food technology. A common room, fitness suite, administrative areas, and dedicated support spaces will also be included. Once the new centre is complete, pupils will move in and Ashe will then demolish the existing building and deliver enhanced outdoor spaces, landscaping, and car parking. Richard Clay, Finance Director at Ashe, said: “Creating an inspiring, well-designed learning environment is central to helping the Council achieve its vision for this outstanding centre. This project demonstrates the strength of working in partnership with the council to deliver quality projects to benefit the local community. “We’ve built a strong relationship with Hertfordshire County Council based on trust, value, and quality delivery – and this project demonstrates that in action.” Cllr Mark Watkin, Executive Member for Education, SEND and Inclusion, Hertfordshire County Council, said: “We are committed to ensuring that every child and young person in Hertfordshire has the opportunity to thrive and receive the support they need to fulfil their potential. The expansion of NHESC is a vital step in that journey, providing high-quality, alternative provision in an environment designed to inspire and empower. This investment reflects our dedication to building a sustainable, inclusive and thriving Hertfordshire.” Environmental stewardship is also a priority for Ashe. The Briar Patch site is surrounded by mature trees and wildlife habitats, and while some trees must be removed, Ashe will plant two replacements for every one lost. The ecological plan also includes installing bat and swift boxes and ensuring space for badgers and other wildlife. The new building has been designed for energy efficiency with high levels of insulation, air source heat pumps, and LED lighting. The scheme has been designed by Saunders Boston, with Pellings as project manager and Gleeds as cost consultant. Completion is scheduled for Autumn next year and was procured under the Pagabo Medium Works framework. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Research by renewable energy specialists, RenEnergy, reveals that the UK’s service station network is sitting on an untapped renewable energy goldmine worth over £19 million annually, which could transform EV charging affordability for millions of road users. The study found that 46,153 car parking spaces across 151 UK service stations – from iconic stops like Tebay and Gloucester to everyday favourites including Cobham, Leicester Forest East, and Scotch Corner – are suitable for solar carport installations. These carports could produce around 124 GWh of energy per year, equivalent to powering 1.9 million electric vehicle (EV) trips from London to Manchester. At current energy rates, this represents potential savings worth £19,300,000 per year for service station operators – savings that could be passed directly onto EV drivers through reduced charging costs, making longer journeys more affordable and accessible for thousands of motorists. Solar carports sit above parking spaces and generate energy from solar panels on the canopy, which can be used for EV charging at every space while providing shelter and shade for vehicles. The rollout of this technology could represent a significant leap forward in improving EV charging infrastructure at service stations nationwide. Beyond cost savings, solar carports offer service station operators energy security in often remote locations, reduced reliance on the grid, and substantial carbon savings – all while addressing one of the biggest concerns for EV drivers: reliable charging infrastructure on long journeys. Damian Baker, founder and managing director of RenEnergy, said: “The answer to a significant EV charging conundrum is sitting right in front of us in car parks across the country. We know many people are concerned about being able to access chargers on long journeys, and service station operators need more electricity supply to provide more charging spots. Solar carports can provide renewable energy supply along with a number of other benefits to road users, like protection from the elements and EV charging for every space. “Our research shows that there could be a significant amount of energy harnessed from service station car parks that could go towards creating the EV infrastructure we need. With energy savings of over £11 million on the table annually, there are clear incentives for providers to pass on cost savings to road users for cheaper EV charging. “Leveraging solar for car parks can not only provide benefits to road users but can also deliver on cost savings and energy security for the businesses they are attached to. As the cost of rolling out renewables is a key concern for many businesses, working with an organisation like RenEnergy can provide flexible models to implement it on site to make it commercially viable. “If we add to this opportunity the car parks across the UK at offices, hospitals, supermarkets, retail parks, airports, train stations and other places we live, work, and play, we could see a massive increase in secure energy and lower costs for businesses and the public. To help harness this technology, we need to see the government incentivise and mandate the technology like countries such as France have already done.” The research comes as solar energy rollout and development of the electricity grid to accommodate more demand from the electrification of homes, businesses and vehicles forms a central part of the Government’s Clean Power 2030 strategy. This includes a government consultation around solar carports and their viability, which has closed and is awaiting results, following RenEnergy’s previous research on carports in commercial car parks. Baker said: “The Clean Power 2030 strategy highlights the role of solar in improving our energy capacity, and the challenges posed by the great grid upgrade and EV charging. If we harness solar and battery energy storage, we can overcome these challenges and get the rollout underway. It doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive either. We have the technology at our disposal and are already seeing success across the UK, so let’s use it.” For more information on solar carport technology and RenEnergy’s research, visit: https://www.renenergy.co.uk/servicestation Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
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
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