Fit-out specialist Overbury has been awarded a £13 million contract to complete the interior works for the BBC’s new creative base at the landmark Tea Factory redevelopment in Digbeth, Birmingham. The deal follows a competitive tender process that saw Overbury beat off rival bidder Heydon & Carr to deliver the
Habiko, the new affordable housing partnership between Muse, Homes England and Pension Insurance Corporation (PIC), has unveiled its first development sites – marking the start of a £1bn programme to deliver 3,000 high-quality, low-carbon rental homes across the UK. The first two projects, located in Chester and Warrington, will together
Fit-out specialist 8build has returned to profitability after successfully refocusing its business model towards faster-moving, fixed-price contracts and securing a strong pipeline of aviation work. The London-based contractor reported a £2.2 million pre-tax profit for the year ending 31 March 2025, marking a major turnaround from a £1.2 million loss
Data centres drive digital progress – but without clean, resilient energy they could also be its downfall, warns UrbanChain’s Charlie Parry The recent announcement of a £150 billion UK–US ‘Tech Prosperity Deal’ marks a bold step in transatlantic cooperation on AI, digital infrastructure and high-growth industries. But the deal risks
Contractor Clegg Construction has been appointed to deliver the Pre-Construction Services Agreement (PCSA) for the George Street hotel project in Leeds, working in partnership with Leeds City Council. A PCSA enables the early involvement of a contractor to contribute expertise during the design and planning stages. This early collaboration helps
Network Space has completed the sale of the final development plot at Tunstall Arrow Business Park, Stoke-on-Trent, to Metalcraft Projects UK, part of the Metalcraft Group, marking the successful conclusion of one of the city’s most significant brownfield regeneration projects. The plot, fronting James Brindley Way, was sold for an
Revo, the leading forum for UK retail-led mixed-use real estate, has announced two significant additions to its executive board as it continues to guide the evolution of the nation’s retail and leisure environments. The organisation has appointed Toby Ogilvie Smals, director of retail investments at Savills, and Nick Thornton, founder
Avison Young strengthens workplace experience and marketing teams at Lakeside Lakeside North Harbour (Lakeside), Portsmouth’s leading workspace, managed by Avison Young, has appointed two new members. Asia Torr joins as a Customer Service Apprentice, working in the Workplace Experience team at Lakeside while undertaking a Level 3 apprenticeship with HTP
Fire Door Maintenance (FDM) by UAP Ltd has once again been named Training Company of the Year at the 2025 National Fenestration Awards, recognising its continued leadership in raising competence and accountability across the fire door industry. This consecutive win marks another milestone for FDM, which has redefined fire door
One of the UK’s leading testing specialists is celebrating after landing its largest ever distribution agreement. Staht has joined forces with Leach’s to broaden its reputation in the scaffolding sector and provide new routes to market for the firm’s products that are delivering new digital pull testing and proof loading
Fit-out specialist Overbury has been awarded a £13 million contract to complete the interior works for the BBC’s new creative base at the landmark Tea Factory redevelopment in Digbeth, Birmingham. The deal follows a competitive tender process that saw Overbury beat off rival bidder Heydon & Carr to deliver the high-profile project, which forms the final stage of the broadcaster’s relocation from its long-standing home at The Mailbox. Around 650 BBC staff are set to make the move once works are complete. Developer Stoford and main contractor BAM began transforming the derelict Tea Factory into a modern shell-and-core office building in early 2024. Practical completion of the base build is scheduled for December 2025, after which Overbury will take over for a nine-month fit-out running through to the end of September 2026. The four-storey fit-out will provide a suite of cutting-edge production and broadcasting facilities, including a TV studio and gallery, eight radio studios, ten edit suites, a radio drama studio, lecture theatre, and a range of apparatus, meeting and collaboration spaces. The works will also encompass full mechanical and electrical installations, raised access flooring, acoustic finishes, and the supply and installation of furniture, fixtures and equipment. Designs for the new base have been led by BBC Workplace, with project management by J4 Projects and cost consultancy from MGAC. Architectural and interior design input has been provided by AWW Architects and IDSR, while CMB is responsible for MEP design, Arup for structural engineering, and Ion Acoustics for the scheme’s specialist sound performance requirements. Once complete, the Tea Factory will become a key hub for the BBC’s operations in the Midlands, providing state-of-the-art facilities within Digbeth’s growing media quarter. The move reflects the broadcaster’s ongoing strategy to decentralise its operations and further embed itself within creative communities across the UK. Overbury’s appointment marks another major milestone for the redevelopment, signalling the start of the final phase in creating a world-class broadcasting environment in the heart of Birmingham’s creative district. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Habiko, the new affordable housing partnership between Muse, Homes England and Pension Insurance Corporation (PIC), has unveiled its first development sites – marking the start of a £1bn programme to deliver 3,000 high-quality, low-carbon rental homes across the UK. The first two projects, located in Chester and Warrington, will together provide 590 homes designed to set new standards for affordable, energy-efficient living. In Chester, plans are being drawn up for around 350 homes on land at Charterhall Drive, adjacent to the city’s railway station. The scheme, designed by architects shedkm, will be submitted for planning later this year. It forms a key part of Chester’s 15-year regeneration strategy, supporting the city’s economic revival while enhancing connectivity and community life around its historic core. In Warrington, Habiko is partnering with AHR Architects to deliver approximately 240 apartments on a site between Academy Street and Mersey Street, close to the Times Square district. The project aims to create a vibrant, sustainable community in the heart of the town centre, contributing to ongoing regeneration in the area. Both developments will prioritise affordability and sustainability. A minimum of 75 per cent of the homes across the two sites will be offered at affordable rent, with the potential for some schemes to reach 100 per cent. Discounted Market Rents will be set at least 20 per cent below local market levels, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of residents. All homes will be forward funded by PIC, reflecting the partnership’s commitment to long-term investment in socially responsible housing. Lisa Gledhill, managing director of national partnerships at Muse, said: “Chester and Warrington are great places to kickstart Habiko’s build programme. These locations reflect our ambition to deliver high-quality, low-carbon homes that meet local needs and create lasting community value.” Hayley Rees, managing director of PIC Capital, added: “Following a successful launch of Habiko, announcing these first two projects emphasises our focus on purpose – delivering low carbon, low energy affordable homes for rent at pace.” With work now underway on the initial sites, Habiko’s launch signals a major step forward in tackling the UK’s affordable housing shortage while setting a benchmark for sustainable development. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Fit-out specialist 8build has returned to profitability after successfully refocusing its business model towards faster-moving, fixed-price contracts and securing a strong pipeline of aviation work. The London-based contractor reported a £2.2 million pre-tax profit for the year ending 31 March 2025, marking a major turnaround from a £1.2 million loss the previous year. Turnover rose by more than a third to £167 million as the company shifted away from protracted pre-construction services agreements (PCSAs) towards lump-sum and design-and-build contracts that convert to site more quickly. Average operating margins improved from 0.6 per cent, though they remain relatively tight at 1 per cent. Cash reserves also grew 38 per cent to £19 million, with the company maintaining a debt-free balance sheet. Chief executive Nick Bellamy said that tighter bid discipline, streamlined overheads and a record secured pipeline had laid the foundations for another strong trading year ahead. “The markets, in our experience, have moved away from PCSA contracts and towards more fixed-price lump-sum and fixed-price design-and-build contracts,” he explained. “This has reduced the time period from enquiry to construction compared to the elongated PCSA process, helping to bolster our revenue for the period.” The company’s resurgence has been further fuelled by growth in its aviation division. While 8build has long maintained a strong presence at London City Airport, it has recently expanded its portfolio with new project wins at both Heathrow and Gatwick, reinforcing its position in the specialist airport fit-out and refurbishment sector. Looking ahead, Bellamy said 8build was well placed for sustained momentum, with £157 million of turnover already secured for the 2025/26 financial year and a £165 million forward order book in place. “Our focus remains on delivering predictable performance, maintaining strong client relationships and continuing to target high-quality projects in sectors where we can add real value,” he added. 8build’s return to the black marks a significant step forward for the business, reflecting the success of its fixed-price pivot and disciplined approach to operational delivery. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Data centres drive digital progress – but without clean, resilient energy they could also be its downfall, warns UrbanChain’s Charlie Parry The recent announcement of a £150 billion UK–US ‘Tech Prosperity Deal’ marks a bold step in transatlantic cooperation on AI, digital infrastructure and high-growth industries. But the deal risks overlooking one fundamental fact: technology doesn’t prosper without power. The UK’s data centres currently consume approximately 2.5% of the national electricity supply, a figure comparable to the power needs of the entire city of Birmingham. Projections from parliamentary analysis indicate a potential quadrupling of this electricity usage to over 22 terawatt-hours annually by 2030. Concurrently, the International Energy Agency has issued a warning that AI-driven workloads could account for more than 20% of the additional electricity demand in developed economies by the close of this decade. Data centres are the backbone of digital growth — but without clean, affordable, and resilient energy, they risk becoming the Achilles’ heel of national competitiveness. The hidden cost of digital growth Many UK data centres still largely depend on fossil fuels. Even those claiming “100% renewable” often rely on separate certificates that have little to do with their actual power consumption. Simultaneously, worsening connection queues and grid constraints pose a problem: FTSE 250 executives recently cautioned that without immediate grid improvements, the UK risks lagging behind countries offering quicker, greener power for data-intensive sectors. From challenge to opportunity Done right, the rise of data centres can accelerate the clean-energy transition. They can support new renewable energy generation, battery storage, and flexibility services by establishing consistent demand, as long as transparent systems are in place to align supply with demand. That’s where UrbanChain comes in. UrbanChain: building the renewable energy operating system Based at Manchester Science Park, UrbanChain has developed a renewable energy operating system that directly matches renewable generators with consumers. Unlike traditional suppliers reliant on wholesale markets or unlinked certificates, UrbanChain creates private energy markets that deliver 24/7 traceable renewable power, competitive pricing and insulation from wholesale volatility. Our platform doesn’t just prove that clean energy can be cost-competitive — it makes it measurable, verifiable and fully traceable in real time. In-focus: powering a major London data centre with 24/7 renewables UrbanChain has just signed a critical deal to supply 40 GWh of renewable power annually to a major Greater London data centre. This is our first data-centre client and a blueprint for how digital infrastructure can decarbonise while enhancing resilience. Through blockchain-based technology, UrbanChain will match the data centre’s demand directly with verified renewable generators, providing transparent, hour-by-hour proof of origin — not paper certificates. This partnership showcases how vital infrastructure, such as data centres, can spearhead decarbonisation efforts. We guarantee that tenants, ranging from financial services to AI innovators, can rely on both the cost and the carbon credentials of their power supply by offering directly traceable renewable energy. We’re demonstrating that traceable renewable energy offers more than just sustainability benefits; it’s also commercially competitive, resilient, and specifically designed for high-growth industries such as data centres. Why this matters for the prosperity deal To succeed, the UK-US prosperity deal needs to move beyond silicon and software, focusing instead on clean energy infrastructure that can sustainably power digital expansion. This involves integrating renewable operating systems, such as UrbanChain’s, into data-centre planning, aligning investment zones with renewable energy generation, and recognising the importance of exporting climate-tech alongside deep-tech. UrbanChain exemplifies how British innovation can achieve both, bridging the energy and digital transitions. A digital future built on clean power The prosperity deal is an economic milestone, but true prosperity depends on more than code, capital, and chips. It depends on energy that is traceable, affordable, and resilient. UrbanChain is ensuring that the UK’s data-driven future runs on clean power — and in doing so, showing exactly the kind of scalable innovation the £150 billion deal was designed to support. Charlie Parry is Chief Development Officer at UrbanChain, the Manchester-based CleanTech company behind the UK’s first renewable energy operating system. With a background in large-scale infrastructure and clean energy innovation, he leads UrbanChain’s partnerships with data centres, utilities, and international investors — helping critical industries transition to traceable, 24/7 renewable power. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Contractor Clegg Construction has been appointed to deliver the Pre-Construction Services Agreement (PCSA) for the George Street hotel project in Leeds, working in partnership with Leeds City Council. A PCSA enables the early involvement of a contractor to contribute expertise during the design and planning stages. This early collaboration helps improve buildability, cost certainty, risk management, and overall project delivery. This appointment marks an exciting step forward in supporting the Council’s vision for the continued regeneration of Leeds city centre. Christian White, Pre-Construction Director at Clegg Construction Ltd, said: “We are delighted that Leeds City Council has appointed Clegg Construction to deliver PCSA services on this important project. We look forward to working collaboratively with key project stakeholders and the wider community over the coming months.” Clegg Construction has worked on a range of high-profile projects in Leeds in recent years, including the £37m Fabric Works student accommodation scheme in Leylands Road, the multi-million-pound refurbishment of Hotel Indigo Leeds, and the 11-storey build-to-rent development of Spinners Yard. The company has also recently been appointed to build a prestigious eight-storey office development on the corner of Wellington Street. Michael Sims, Managing Director at Clegg Construction Ltd, added: “Our continued presence in Leeds reflects not only the trust our clients place in us but also our dedication to creating spaces that contribute to the city’s growth and character.” Leeds City Council has welcomed the PCSA appointment, which signals progress in the development of a new hotel in George Street. Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Economy, Transport and Sustainable Development, said: “The council has a long-standing ambition to deliver a hotel on its land at George Street. The appointment of Clegg Construction represents an important step on the journey to that ambition being realised, and we look forward to working with them on a project that underlines our commitment to regeneration and economic growth.” With its head office in The Lace Market in Nottingham, Clegg Construction is a Midlands, East Anglia, and Yorkshire-based construction firm specialising in the delivery of public and private sector projects. For more information visit www.cleggconstruction.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Network Space has completed the sale of the final development plot at Tunstall Arrow Business Park, Stoke-on-Trent, to Metalcraft Projects UK, part of the Metalcraft Group, marking the successful conclusion of one of the city’s most significant brownfield regeneration projects. The plot, fronting James Brindley Way, was sold for an undisclosed sum following full planning consent from Stoke-on-Trent City Council for a drive-thru coffee shop and an 18-bay ultra-fast EV charging hub. The new facilities will enhance on-site amenities for businesses and motorists while supporting regional sustainability goals. This final transaction brings the 28-acre development to completion, transforming a former colliery into a thriving mixed-use business park within the Ceramic Valley Enterprise Zone (CVEZ). Supported by Stoke-on-Trent City Council and the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, the scheme has delivered around 400 jobs, attracted major inward investment and repurposed a long-derelict site. Acquired by Network Space in 2013, Tunstall Arrow occupies a strategic location adjoining the A50 and A527 (James Brindley Way), with easy access to the A500 and M6 Junction 16. Delivered over three phases, the development has attracted national occupiers including DHL Express, Boels Rental, Q-Railing, Pramac-Generac, SG Fleet, and Speedy Services. Earlier disposals included a roadside plot to The Kay Group, now home to a modern petrol filling station and convenience offer. The sale to Metalcraft Projects UK concludes all land transactions within the wider scheme. Joe Burnett, Development Director at Network Space, said: “Completing the final land sale at Tunstall Arrow is a proud moment for everyone involved in the project. What began as a heavily constrained former colliery has been transformed into one of Stoke-on-Trent’s leading business locations – a genuine regeneration success story. “Over the last decade and with the support of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, we’ve delivered modern, energy-efficient buildings that have attracted national operators, supported hundreds of local jobs and driven fresh investment into the region’s economy.” He added: “This is a commercial development that not only reuses brownfield land but creates lasting social and economic value for the region. We’re delighted to see it reach its full potential with this final sale.” Nathan Varley, CEO of Metalcraft Group said: “We’re proud to have acquired this site at Tunstall Arrow, which provides an excellent, well-connected base to support our continued growth and investment in the region. The quality of the location and its regeneration story really stood out, and we look forward to joining a strong community of businesses already established at the Park.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Revo, the leading forum for UK retail-led mixed-use real estate, has announced two significant additions to its executive board as it continues to guide the evolution of the nation’s retail and leisure environments. The organisation has appointed Toby Ogilvie Smals, director of retail investments at Savills, and Nick Thornton, founder of Aver PR, as new board directors. Both bring extensive experience and complementary expertise to Revo’s leadership at a pivotal time for the sector. At Savills, Ogilvie Smals leads the acquisition and disposal of retail assets for a wide client base spanning institutions, private equity firms, property companies and asset managers. Having joined Savills as a graduate in 2005, he now draws on more than two decades of experience in the investment market. Meanwhile, Thornton, who founded Aver PR, provides strategic communications advice across the built environment, working with some of the UK’s leading property owners, investors, and advisors. With over 30 years in the sector, his background in reputation management and stakeholder engagement adds a valuable dimension to Revo’s board. Commenting on his appointment, Ogilvie Smals said: “I’m delighted to be joining Revo at a time when the retail and leisure built environment is evolving rapidly in response to shifting consumer behaviours, capital flows and placemaking priorities. I’m looking forward to supporting Revo’s mission by strengthening industry engagement, driving membership growth and helping shape a commercially and socially resilient future for our urban spaces.” Thornton added: “It is a privilege to be joining the recharged Revo board. Retail and leisure destinations have never been more relevant than they are now. Not only are they key drivers of the economy, but they also play a central role in society. Revo’s ambition is to become the recognised voice that champions the excellence and collective contribution of the sector, and I am delighted to play a role in achieving that.” The appointments follow Revo’s governance reshuffle earlier this year, which saw Vivienne King named chair of the executive board. She said: “Toby and Nick’s appointments further reinforce the strength of our board, representing senior expertise across investment, PR, consultancy, sustainability and market intelligence – all vital to shaping the transformative future of the UK’s retail and leisure landscape.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Avison Young strengthens workplace experience and marketing teams at Lakeside Lakeside North Harbour (Lakeside), Portsmouth’s leading workspace, managed by Avison Young, has appointed two new members. Asia Torr joins as a Customer Service Apprentice, working in the Workplace Experience team at Lakeside while undertaking a Level 3 apprenticeship with HTP Apprenticeship College. In her day to day role, Asia welcomes visitors and occupiers, manages meeting room bookings, and ensures that events and meetings run smoothly, including catering and technical setup. Asia has recently attended a three-day induction in Birmingham, where she joined new starters from across the UK for training and networking. Also joining the team is Gemma Abraham, who transitioned from the Workplace Experience team into a new role as a Marketing Apprentice. After seven years at Lakeside, Gemma is now part of the marketing team, supporting campaigns, events, and occupier engagement across the business campus. Motivated by personal growth and inspired by the career journeys of colleagues, Gemma started the 18-month apprenticeship programme. She has so far led Lakeside’s Recycle Week campaign, which included daily activities, digital content, talks with occupiers, and more. Simon Bateman, Asset Manager at Lakeside North Harbour, said: “It’s fantastic to see both Gemma and Asia grow within Lakeside. Their energy, passion, and enthusiasm bring real value to our team, and their appointments are part of a wider investment in our people and in enhancing the occupier experience at Lakeside.” “Both Gemma and Asia have brought great energy, creativity, and enthusiasm to the team. It’s exciting to see talent growing within the business, and both appointments are part of a wider focus on nurturing careers, expanding our capabilities, and delivering even more value to our clients and occupiers.” Gemma Abraham, Marketing Executive at Lakeside North Harbour, added: “I was inspired by seeing others progress at Lakeside and knew I wanted to learn something new. Working in front of house gave me a great foundation in building relationships, and I’m excited to build on that in a more creative and strategic way. I’ve already had the chance to lead a Recycle Week campaign, organising daily activities, creating content, and working directly with occupiers – and I’m really enjoying the variety and freedom the role brings.” Asia Torr, Customer Service Apprentice at Lakeside North Harbour, said: “I’ve been at Lakeside for just over eight weeks, and I already feel like part of the team. I’m learning so much through the apprenticeship and getting to understand all aspects of front of house service.” These appointments reflect Lakeside’s continued investment in its people and its ongoing commitment to delivering an exceptional workplace experience for everyone. Lakeside offers a stunning rural setting, alongside a 19-acre lake with woodland and an abundance of outdoor space.For more information or to enquire about space at Lakeside North Harbour, visit https://lakesidenorthharbour.com/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Fire Door Maintenance (FDM) by UAP Ltd has once again been named Training Company of the Year at the 2025 National Fenestration Awards, recognising its continued leadership in raising competence and accountability across the fire door industry. This consecutive win marks another milestone for FDM, which has redefined fire door training since launching in 2024 as the UK’s first hands-on, practical training centre dedicated solely to fire door education. Over the past 18 months, more than 1,200 professionals – from architects and installers to Responsible Persons and landlords – have completed FDM’s GQA-accredited courses. Each programme combines practical experience with rigorous assessment to embed life-saving competence at every stage of the fire door lifecycle. In 2025, FDM also hosted a national industry roundtable on fire door competence, joined by leading figures including Dame Judith Hackitt, whose endorsement recognised FDM as “an exemplar of good practice” in the built environment. Insights from this event directly informed FDM’s report, Raising Standards in the Fire Door Industry, shaping its roadmap for continued impact across the sector. Looking ahead, FDM is expanding its national footprint. In partnership with the Fire Protection Association (FPA), it will open a second state-of-the-art training centre in Oxford in January 2026, further strengthening the availability of specialist fire safety education across the UK. Nicola John, Managing Director at FDM by UAP Ltd, said: “To be named Training Company of the Year for the second year running is an incredible honour, and a reflection of how far the industry has come in recognising the value of competence and practical training. Our mission has always been to drive change through education, and we’re proud to be leading that shift. But this is only the beginning. We’re committed to building a safer, more competent future, one fire door, one learner, and one project at a time.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
One of the UK’s leading testing specialists is celebrating after landing its largest ever distribution agreement. Staht has joined forces with Leach’s to broaden its reputation in the scaffolding sector and provide new routes to market for the firm’s products that are delivering new digital pull testing and proof loading technology. The breakthrough deal comes after the Black Country-based firm sealed Product of the Year 2025 at the NASC Scaffolding Excellence Awards in Manchester. Its t25 Digital Pull Tester impressed a high-profile judging panel for its innovation and impact on site safety, not to mention the way the company’s technology is reshaping scaffolding practices across the UK. Compact, cloud-connected and built for rigorous verification of anchors and safety eyebolts up to 25 kN, the product is replacing analogue gauges and paper records with a streamlined digital workflow. Each test is instantly captured and securely logged, ensuring traceability, compliance, and faster documentation on every job. “This award is a milestone for the team and our customers,” explained Staht Managing Director Rob Hirst, who collected the prize in front of hosts Clare Balding and Alex Jones and guests Leigh Francis and Mike Tindall. “The t25 makes tie testing faster, clearer and properly documented, which means safer scaffolds, fewer revisits and immediate proof of compliance on every job. We are proud to see digital testing becoming the new standard in scaffolding.” The recognition reinforces Staht’s role in advancing the industry from manual gauges and paperwork to digital, verifiable reporting that supports compliance with BS 8539, BS 7883, and NASC TG4 guidance. With every test automatically logged and tamper proof, scaffolders can show clear evidence of safety and professionalism. “It has been a real breakthrough year for the business, with the recent Leach’s distribution agreement and ongoing work with 360 Degrees Consultancy, which publicly uses the t25 and t60 for rigorous pull testing,” added Rob. “We are on course to pass the £1m barrier in 2026 and, in order to build on this, we have increased our team to six people with a new marketing specialist joining to help us tell our story.” David Bezant, Marketing Manager at Leach’s, concluded: “The t25 is revolutionising the market and our distribution agreement with Staht marks an exciting chapter for both companies. “The feedback we have had already is fantastic and it’s a true testament to the hard work Rob and the team have put in to create world-class, industry leading products.” For further information, please visit www.staht.com or follow the company across its social media channels Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals