Whitbread secures planning consent to convert Verity House in the South Bank area of the city centre into a 131-room hotel Whitbread plc, owner of Premier Inn – the UK’s largest hotel brand – has received planning consent to transform Verity House, a vacant office building in the South Bank
Reading’s long-awaited Minster Quarter regeneration has taken a major step forward after the council signed a £250 million development agreement with McLaren Living. The deal clears the way for one of the town’s most significant urban renewal schemes in recent years, transforming a prominent brownfield site into a new mixed-use
PLATFORM_, in partnership with the Lloyds-backed equity investor Housing Growth Partnership (HGP), has marked the topping out of its landmark 451-home Build to Rent (BTR) development at Sweetfields, Leeds. The milestone represents significant progress in delivering high-quality, professionally managed rental homes to the South Bank Regeneration area to meet growing demand in the city.
ILI Group has announced plans for three new hyperscale data centres across Scotland, creating what it calls The Stoics – A £15 billion Green Digital Network spanning the central belt. The projects, named after Stoic philosophers, are located in Fife (Cato), East Ayrshire (Rufus), and North Lanarkshire (Aurelius). The Stoics will stand among
Groundforce Shorco has supplied a variety of specialised props and beams to support a complex deep excavation in the centre of London. Specialist contractor Ground Construction Ltd was employed by main contractor Ardmore to carry out extensive basement works for a new life science campus in the King’s Cross Knowledge
Scottish architecture practice Bracewell, part of Global (formerly Global Energy Group), has expanded its footprint south of the border through the acquisition of Gould Singleton Architects, based in Halesowen in the West Midlands. The move marks a significant milestone in Global’s strategy to strengthen its design and construction presence across
McAleer & Rushe has been appointed as main contractor for a major new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) project on Tottenham High Road, marking another significant milestone in the regeneration of north London’s historic corridor. Known as The Printworks, the development will combine the restoration of listed heritage buildings with the
Between April and September 2025, significant progress has been made in preparation for the Restoration and Renewal of the Palace of Westminster, following completion of deep ground investigations beneath Parliament’s River Terrace and in the River Thames. Using a jack-up barge, positioned opposite the Palace’s river-facing terrace, specialist UK engineering
Construction firm Beard is marking ten years of delivering ambitious and innovative projects which have transformed communities and businesses across Bristol and the wider region. Beard’s Bristol office opened in September 2015 and was originally established in Westbury-on-Trym, before moving to its current location of Langford Lodge, 109 Pembroke Road
A diverse range of speakers took to the stage at an event seeking to combat the growing construction skills gap through education and training – including former prisoners whose lives it has changed. Building Better Futures, held at King’s College College in Cambridge and organised by Constructed Pathways and Women
Whitbread secures planning consent to convert Verity House in the South Bank area of the city centre into a 131-room hotel Whitbread plc, owner of Premier Inn – the UK’s largest hotel brand – has received planning consent to transform Verity House, a vacant office building in the South Bank area of Leeds city centre, into a 131-room hotel. Seeing the opportunity to capitalise on a highly accessible location minutes from Leeds Railway Station and the scenic waterfront of Granary Wharf, the FTSE-100 hotel company purchased the 44,000 sq ft (GIA) former office building at risk in October 2024. A planning application for the development was submitted to Leeds City Council in May 2025. Last week, the crucial section 106 agreement between Whitbread and the Council was signed, effectively paving the way for the development to proceed, following the delegation of decision-making to the city’s planners. Construction work is expected to commence in early 2026 and complete in Spring 2027. Jill Anderson, Acquisitions Manager for Whitbread, said: “Gaining approval of our plans for Verity House is a major achievement in our efforts to deliver more high-quality, affordable bedrooms for our guests in Leeds City Centre. We’re seeing huge demand in the city and this wonderfully accessible location is sure to be incredibly popular for our business and leisure guests. “Whitbread has a long and successful track record of converting office buildings into high-quality, successful Premier Inn hotels. By purchasing Verity House freehold last autumn, we demonstrated that Whitbread is unafraid to take on planning and development risk to convert former offices into hotels in locations that match our network plan requirements and meet the expectations of our guests for outstanding, easily accessible hotel locations. “We’re actively looking for similar opportunities across the north of England as we continue to grow our hotel estate in the region.” On opening, Verity House will complement three trading Premier Inns in Leeds city centre with a new 143-bedroom Premier Inn at Leeds Harewood Quarter is also under contract as part of a Council-led redevelopment. The hotel will offer the latest format Premier Inn ‘Standard’ and ‘Premier Plus’ bedrooms. Based on a mature occupancy of more than 80%, Whitbread expects more than 57,000 of its guests will stay at the Premier Inn at Verity House every year generating an additional £5.5 million in visitor expenditure annually – half of which is expected to be spent in Leeds city centre. This latest investment in the city forms an important part of Whitbread’s strategy of expanding its hotel network in the north of England. Across the region, the company is searching for more than 20 new Premier Inn locations, in addition to 15 targets in Scotland and Northern Ireland, as it grows towards its long-term potential target of 125,000 UK & Ireland rooms. As part of Whitbread’s Force for Good sustainability strategy, all Whitbread self-built or converted hotels will be powered solely by renewable electricity from 2025, and the company has a stated target to reduce water consumption per sleeper by 20% by 2030. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Reading’s long-awaited Minster Quarter regeneration has taken a major step forward after the council signed a £250 million development agreement with McLaren Living. The deal clears the way for one of the town’s most significant urban renewal schemes in recent years, transforming a prominent brownfield site into a new mixed-use neighbourhood. The 5.2-acre site, previously occupied by the town’s Civic Centre, will be redeveloped to deliver more than 600 new homes, of which 30% will be affordable. Alongside the residential element, the plans include 40,000 sq ft of workspace, new shops, food and drink venues, and a 102-bed hotel – all centred around a new civic square in front of The Hexagon Theatre. The project will also deliver a new community hub and upgraded public spaces connecting Reading Minster and the market on Hosier Street. McLaren Living’s design aims to create a vibrant new quarter that blends homes, culture, leisure, and workspaces in a central and accessible location. The scheme will prioritise sustainability and placemaking, with green spaces, pedestrian-friendly routes, and improved links to existing cultural and retail destinations across the town centre. The developer is already playing a major role in Reading’s urban transformation, leading the nearby Broad Street Mall redevelopment, which will bring hundreds of additional homes and new commercial opportunities to the area. Combined, the two projects represent a pipeline of around 1,200 new homes, helping to meet local housing needs while reinvigorating the heart of the town. A spokesperson for McLaren Living said the Minster Quarter represents “a once-in-a-generation opportunity to redefine Reading’s civic and cultural core” and will be delivered in partnership with the local community and stakeholders. For Reading Borough Council, the agreement marks a major milestone in a long-term ambition to revitalise the town centre and repurpose underused land for housing and economic growth. Construction is expected to start following detailed design and planning work, with the scheme set to act as a catalyst for wider regeneration across central Reading. Once complete, the Minster Quarter will deliver a new destination that celebrates Reading’s history while providing the modern homes, amenities, and public spaces needed for its future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
PLATFORM_, in partnership with the Lloyds-backed equity investor Housing Growth Partnership (HGP), has marked the topping out of its landmark 451-home Build to Rent (BTR) development at Sweetfields, Leeds. The milestone represents significant progress in delivering high-quality, professionally managed rental homes to the South Bank Regeneration area to meet growing demand in the city. Constructed by main contractor Winvic Construction Ltd, the scheme is set to deliver a collection of studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments designed specifically for renters, offering residents high levels of amenity, energy efficiency, and professional management synonymous with the PLATFORM_ brand. This first phase is a part of the larger Sweetfields neighbourhood which will include the reinstatement of The Commercial Inn, the launch of a new Asda Express, and a new central square amongst extensive landscaping. “The topping out of our first building at Sweetfields marks a major step forward in our ambition to deliver high-quality, sustainable rental homes alongside thoughtful amenities like a convenience store, a pub and new fully landscaped public spaces to create a new neighbourhood” said Jean–MarcVandevivere, Chief Executive at PLATFORM_. “We’re proud to be working alongside our partners at HGP and Winvic to bring this transformative scheme to life and support the wider regeneration of South Bank in Leeds.” “HGP is committed to supporting the delivery of quality new homes with long term equity investment, to address the continuing shortage of supply,” said Colin Bennett, Investment Director at Housing Growth Partnership. “Sweetfields is a fantastic example of Build to Rent investment creating new housing choice and regenerating urban areas.” “Reaching this stage is a testament to the skill, dedication and collaboration of the entire project team,” said Mark Jones, Managing Director for Multi-Room at Winvic. “Sweetfields showcases the best of Build to Rent design and delivery, combining quality construction, modern living standards, and community-focused design. We are proud to be delivering this landmark development bringing much-needed homes to residents in Leeds while creating benefits for the local community.” A New Chapter for Leeds’ Rental Market Once complete, Sweetfields will deliver over 1,350 contemporary apartments across four buildings, complemented by landscaped public areas, on-site amenities, and sustainable design features. The development has been designed to meet the evolving needs of modern renters, offering energy-efficient homes managed under a single professional landlord model, enhancing the quality, reliability, and experience of renting in Leeds. The scheme contributes directly to the city’s housing growth ambitions, supporting regeneration and providing much-needed homes in a well-connected location close to transport links, employment hubs, and local amenities. The apartments will achieve an EPC B rating or higher and incorporate renewable energy sources, energy-efficient heating and lighting, and smart in-home technologies. The development’s sustainable and energy-conscious design combines these features to create a low-carbon community that supports Leeds’ ambition to reach net zero carbon by 2038. Key sustainability measures include air source heat pumps, sustainable urban drainage systems, green roofs, and solar panels throughout the scheme. Residents will also benefit from multiple electric vehicle car charging points. Winvic has engaged the local community through careers fairs, site visits – including a tour for the local Cubs – and work experience placements with schools and universities. Opportunities have been created for over 100 local workers, four apprentices, and three placement students. In addition, Winvic is piloting the Standing Tall programme which provides employment opportunities to people who are homeless, supporting them into employment. The project has supported charities such as Yorkshire Children’s Charity, Leeds Mencap and Zarach. Environmental and wellbeing initiatives have also been delivered including Occupational Health Days and tree planting volunteering with Leeds Council. During the ceremony, guests toured the site and viewed the first completed structures, which showcase the quality and scale of the Build to Rent product being delivered. Looking Ahead With Phase 1 now structurally complete, the project moves into internal fit-out and façade works ahead of practical completion in early 2027. PLATFORM_, HGP, and Winvic will continue to collaborate closely to ensure the scheme delivers on its commitment to quality, sustainability, and community impact. Following the fantastic progress made on the first phase, PLATFORM_ will shortly be submitting Reserved Matters planning applications for Phase 2 of Sweetfields. Phase 2 will deliver a further 540 new Build to Rent homes split across two buildings varying in height from 8 to 23 storeys. The buildings will include high-quality resident amenities including a gym, work from home and lounge spaces within the top level of both buildings benefiting from sweeping views of the Leeds City Centre skyline. PLATFORM_ hopes to secure planning permission from Leeds City Council early next year with works scheduled to set to start on-site in early 2027. Sweetfields is set to become one of Leeds’ most significant Build to Rent communities, setting new standards for resident experience and contributing to the city’s growing supply of professionally managed rental housing. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
ILI Group has announced plans for three new hyperscale data centres across Scotland, creating what it calls The Stoics – A £15 billion Green Digital Network spanning the central belt. The projects, named after Stoic philosophers, are located in Fife (Cato), East Ayrshire (Rufus), and North Lanarkshire (Aurelius). The Stoics will stand among the largest hyperscale data centre clusters globally — more than double the size of many of today’s biggest recognised campuses. Each project has secured a grid connection, land rights, and has now entered the planning process. Collectively, The Stoics will form a digital corridor of opportunity, designed to power the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), advanced connectivity, and the broader technology economy while being anchored in Scotland’s abundant renewable energy resources. Named after Stoic philosophers, The Stoics embody the values these projects require: Economic & Strategic Impact: By linking Fife, East Ayrshire, and North Lanarkshire, The Stoics create a new strategic digital hub for Scotland, underpinned by renewable energy and positioned to meet the surging demand from AI and next-generation digital services. Mark Wilson, CEO of ILI Group, said:“With The Stoics, we are inspired by ancient wisdom to create modern innovation. These projects will provide the digital backbone needed to power the rise of AI and advanced technologies, while creating a Green Digital Network that delivers jobs, investment, and ensures Scotland leads in the global shift towards a sustainable digital future.” About ILI Group:Intelligent Land Investments Group (ILI) is a leading Scottish clean energy and infrastructure developer with a portfolio of over 4.1 GW of energy storage and digital projects, including: ILI Group achieved a major milestone with the sale of its first 450 MW pumped storage hydro project, Loch na Cathrach at Loch Ness, to Statkraft one of Europe’s largest renewable power generators. This landmark transaction underscores ILI Group’s expertise in developing large-scale infrastructure and its role in shaping the UK’s clean energy and digital future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Groundforce Shorco has supplied a variety of specialised props and beams to support a complex deep excavation in the centre of London. Specialist contractor Ground Construction Ltd was employed by main contractor Ardmore to carry out extensive basement works for a new life science campus in the King’s Cross Knowledge Quarter. Designed by architects Bennett Associates for developer the Reef Group, the Tribeca development will ultimately provide a million square feet of life sciences, office, retail, leisure and residential space. Phase One was completed in July 2024 and Ardmore’s £240m contract for Phase Two – comprising three multi-storey buildings totalling 540,000 sq ft – is due for completion in 2026. Ground Construction Ltd used Groundforce temporary propping equipment to support the main basement excavation for Blocks C2 and C3 as well as multiple smaller excavations within the main excavation area. Due to the complexity of excavation, a variety of propping equipment was required, ranging from light-duty MP30 mechanical struts to the MP375, one of the largest in the Groundforce Shorco range of modular hydraulic struts, capable of supporting a load of 375 tonnes. Groundforce Mega and Super Mega Brace waling beams were employed to transfer the lateral loads to the contiguous bore piles and steel sheet piles lining the sides of the excavations. The excavations ranged in depth from about 8.5m in Block C2 to as much as 15m in the main excavation area, and ranged in width from about 2.5m to 44m. A total of 28 Groundforce Shorco props have been installed on the project. Nine MP250s and the one MP375 were installed within the main excavation; four MP150s were installed to support the retaining wall in the southwest excavation; 13 MP150s, two MP30s and one MP250 support the excavation for the attenuation tank, and four MP250s were located in the core cap excavation. Groundforce Shorco’s ability to mix-and-match components from its range of modular components was essential to providing a tailored solution to this complex task. In addition to the four different sizes of prop, they also supplied extension tubes in diameters of 508mm, 610mm, 813mm and 1,220mm (the largest in the range) to ensure the optimum combination of strength, stiffness and compactness. The largest tubes – the 1,220mm Super Tube – were used in combination with MP250 hydraulic rams to span the 44m width of the main excavation at two levels. The site’s location in a densely populated urban area provided an additional challenge for the site team. “The site has roads on two sides and a canal along a third,” says Ground Construction Ltd Temporary Works Director Keith O’Connor. Load monitoring has been used for some of the props in the main excavation along the run to ensure that loadings are closely monitored for any increases beyond the design limits. The excavation is complicated and has been tricky, admits Keith. “But the biggest challenge has been managing the sequence of the works and the release of areas on site,” he says. “There were a number of Interacting excavations which required careful management across the site but we worked with GCL to ensure safe, efficient and adaptable solutions. Contributing to such a landmark London development and seeing our designs perform on site has been highly rewarding,” says Hussein Koussan, Design Engineer at Groundforce Shorco. Ground Construction Ltd and Groundforce Shorco have worked together on several previous projects and teamwork has been crucial on this site, says Keith O’Connor: “This has been a challenging project but progress has been quite straightforward.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Scottish architecture practice Bracewell, part of Global (formerly Global Energy Group), has expanded its footprint south of the border through the acquisition of Gould Singleton Architects, based in Halesowen in the West Midlands. The move marks a significant milestone in Global’s strategy to strengthen its design and construction presence across the UK and take on larger, more complex projects nationwide. Under the agreement, both firms will continue trading under their established names – Bracewell and Gould Singleton Architects – with all staff and management retained. The deal brings together two respected practices with complementary expertise, uniting Scottish design creativity with Midlands-based technical and delivery strength. Bracewell senior partner David Keith said the collaboration represents an exciting new chapter for both firms.“As long-term admirers of Gould Singleton Architects – and Stephen Cox and fellow director Peter Icke – myself and fellow Bracewell senior partner, Amanda MacRitchie, are thrilled to bring together these two long-established practices. While we will both continue to operate individually under our strong and recognised brands, servicing clients in our key markets, the scaling up of our resources this investment brings will allow the enlarged entity to work closely together to grow and explore bigger opportunities, which is really exciting for us all.” He added that since Bracewell joined the Global portfolio last year, the practice has already experienced the advantages of being part of a larger, multi-disciplinary organisation – from access to new sectors to enhanced resources and collaboration. Gould Singleton director Stephen Cox said the partnership was a natural fit for both firms.“Having previously worked closely with other companies in the Global portfolio, we are excited to join together with David Keith, Amanda MacRitchie and their team to explore new markets and deliver bigger projects together,” he said. “This really is a meeting of minds and a great fit, with the combining of our resources, capabilities and geographical reach allowing us to work with existing and new clients to deliver major commercial and residential projects right across the UK.” The acquisition strengthens Global’s architectural presence across the country and marks another step in its long-term vision to unite leading design and construction expertise from Scotland to the Midlands and beyond. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
McAleer & Rushe has been appointed as main contractor for a major new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) project on Tottenham High Road, marking another significant milestone in the regeneration of north London’s historic corridor. Known as The Printworks, the development will combine the restoration of listed heritage buildings with the construction of a contemporary new-build structure to the rear, creating a total of 287 student bedrooms. Eleven of these will be located within the refurbished period properties at 807 and 819–829 High Road, while 276 rooms will form part of the new modern extension behind them. The project is being delivered on behalf of High Road West (Tottenham) Limited, a vehicle established by Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, and will provide high-quality, sustainable living spaces designed to support student wellbeing and community life. The scheme’s design balances respect for Tottenham’s architectural character with forward-looking sustainability measures. The retained façades will preserve the distinctive local streetscape, while the new construction will introduce energy-efficient systems, modern communal areas, and landscaped outdoor spaces. The combination of heritage conservation and contemporary student housing reflects a wider trend across London’s urban regeneration areas, where adaptive reuse and low-carbon design are driving investment in education-focused developments. Mark Diamond, senior director at McAleer & Rushe, said the company was proud to bring its expertise to such a significant project.“We’re thrilled to be delivering The Printworks, a landmark scheme that showcases our expertise in creating high-quality, sustainable student accommodation while celebrating and preserving local heritage. This development marks an exciting new chapter in the regeneration of Tottenham High Road, and we’re proud to be contributing much-needed student homes and modern spaces that enhance wellbeing and community for future generations.” McAleer & Rushe has a strong track record in the PBSA sector, with several large-scale university and private accommodation schemes across the UK and Ireland. The Printworks adds to its growing London portfolio and represents another example of the contractor’s ability to deliver complex urban projects that combine conservation, sustainability, and community value. Once complete, the development will not only meet the rising demand for student housing in the capital but also play a key role in revitalising one of Tottenham’s most historic streets. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Between April and September 2025, significant progress has been made in preparation for the Restoration and Renewal of the Palace of Westminster, following completion of deep ground investigations beneath Parliament’s River Terrace and in the River Thames. Using a jack-up barge, positioned opposite the Palace’s river-facing terrace, specialist UK engineering teams drilled 14 boreholes into the Thames riverbed to assess its geological makeup. These marine surveys focused on capturing a detailed snapshot of the riverbed’s condition, providing essential data to support potential future construction near the river frontage and any temporary works within the Thames. Lord McFall, the Lord Speaker said: “I was very impressed by the professionalism and dedication of the experts on board the drilling platform in the Thames, and it was an eye-opening to see London clay dating back millions of years and ancient riverbed material before it was packed into crates and sent for analysis as part of the restoration and renewal programme.” Judith Cummins MP, Deputy Speaker of the Commons and R&R Programme Board Chair, said: “Our experts are getting on with the job of planning for the extensive restoration of the Palace of Westminster. It was great to meet the drilling team who are based across the UK showing the great opportunity for specialists and suppliers nationwide to get involved in restoring Parliament.” Andy Piper, Design and Engineering Director at the Delivery Authority said: “These investigations have given us invaluable insight into the geological conditions east of Parliament, an area that has never been mapped in such detail before. Alongside critical data to inform design, we confirmed the location of Charles Barry’s 19th-century cofferdam, a fascinating glimpse into the engineering behind the rebuilding of the Palace following the fire of 1834.” The River Thames works were delivered by leading UK ground investigation specialists, Structural Soils, part of the RSK Group, under the direction of the Restoration and Renewal Delivery Authority. Gareth Jones, Structural Soils’ Senior Engineering Project Manager, said: “Our team applied specialist expertise in overwater drilling under tidal conditions, using boreholes, Cone Penetrometer Tests, and geophysical surveys to assess site geology and hydrogeology. Advanced CHIRP modelling also enabled us to create a 3D model of the superficial soils. These works were undertaken from both a central moonpool and from a cantilever that provided a stable, over-the-edge platform from which we could safely work close to these historic structures.” On land, boreholes drilled on the River Terrace aimed to confirm the boundary between two major geological layers: the London Clay Formation and the deeper Lambeth Group. These ancient formations have been beneath London for tens of millions of years and are key to understanding how future basements, and service routes can be safely constructed. London Clay is widely used for tunnelling due to its stability, while the Lambeth Group presents more challenging ground conditions, including high water pressures. The River Terrace installations include two distinct types of monitoring equipment. Groundwater monitoring devices have been installed to track changes in water quality and conditions over time, providing essential data on tidal fluctuations that will inform the design of future basement structures. In addition, due to the proximity of the boreholes to the Palace, vibration monitoring devices were deployed to assess any potential impact on the historic building and its collections. This data will be critical in understand how the structure responds to subterranean works and will help guide the safe decanting and protection of heritage objects during future construction phases. The River Terrace surveys, carried out by UK site engineering specialists Concept, also marked a shift in logistics management on the Restoration and Renewal Programme. With limited land access to the Palace of Westminster’s River Terrace – due to traffic, safety, and heritage considerations – the project team used the Thames to deliver heavy drilling equipment directly to site. This innovative approach helped overcome complex site conditions while keeping disruption to the surrounding area to a minimum. James Palmer, Director of Marine Operations at the Port of London Authority, said: “There is real scope for the river to support construction projects with freight being moved safely and greenly on the Thames. Even the biggest engineering challenges, such as the restoration and renewal of Parliament, can benefit from embracing those possibilities, delivering operational efficiency, while alleviating emissions and easing pressure on the city’s roads.” What’s next? These latest investigations build on seventeen previous borehole surveys across the Parliamentary Estate, adding valuable new data to support the Delivery Authority’s advanced digital modelling of the Palace. For the first time, advanced digital tools are replacing thousands of legacy drawings and files, providing a single source of accurate information that shapes the scope, sequencing and delivery of future works. While lab testing of borehole samples continues, early findings from the River Thames deposits have offered clues about how Charles Barry’s cofferdam was dismantled. A buried timber pile found just below the riverbed suggests the structure was cut down rather than fully removed – echoing an 1849 article that described the difficulty of extracting timber piles from the river. These insights will help guide potential future activity along the river frontage, and are already being shared with the team behind the Victoria Tower project, who are using similar vibration monitoring techniques to assess the impact of their own planned works on the historic structure. Costed proposals for the Restoration and Renewal of the Palace of Westminster, detailing delivery options, timescales, risks, and benefits, are expected to be published later this year. All options represent a significant, multibillion-pound investment in the future of the Palace, supporting jobs and opportunities across the UK, including for craftspeople and specialists. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction firm Beard is marking ten years of delivering ambitious and innovative projects which have transformed communities and businesses across Bristol and the wider region. Beard’s Bristol office opened in September 2015 and was originally established in Westbury-on-Trym, before moving to its current location of Langford Lodge, 109 Pembroke Road in Clifton. The office has grown from a team of just three to a 54-strong workforce, delivering high-quality design and build, new-build, restoration and refurbishment projects across sectors including heritage, commercial, healthcare, residential, sports, leisure, and education. Experienced construction professional Mike Hedges led the Bristol office from its inception before being promoted to company operations director in 2023. He said: “For more than 130 years, Beard has delivered exemplary projects that support businesses and enhance communities across diverse sectors. “The Bristol team has been instrumental in Beard’s recent success, and we’re proud of the collective achievements over the past decade. “This milestone is a testament to the skill and dedication of our team, past and present, as well as the trust and expertise of our valued customers, subcontractors, suppliers, and wider network. My thanks, on behalf of the Beard directors, goes to all of them.” To mark the occasion, Beard hosted a celebratory event at the Royal West of England Academy (RWA) earlier this month, attended by team members, supply chain partners, and customers. In 2022, Beard completed the RWA’s light and inspiration project, a scheme to reduce the building’s reliance on fossil fuels and improve the efficiency of the historic building. It was the most significant refurbishment in over a century, also delivering structural repairs and improving accessibility to preserve the cultural landmark. Matt Cooper, Bristol director since 2021, has steered the team through a period of significant growth. He added: “The work of our Bristol office demonstrates Beard’s wider commitment to quality, innovation, and community impact. We’re thrilled to celebrate this milestone with our team and partners, and we look forward to helping shape Bristol’s built environment for many more years to come.” One of the Bristol team’s first projects was the £4.7million refurbishment of the University of Bristol’s law school. Beard also delivered the iconic new Being Brunel museum for the SS Great Britain Trust, telling the story of Brunel’s impact in Bristol and beyond. Beard Bristol’s current projects include the construction of a gorilla house and visitor centre for Bristol Zoological Society; the restoration of Glastonbury’s Baily’s Building into a dynamic co-working space; and the refurbishment and extension of One Friary Quay in Bristol. Other projects in Bristol’s varied portfolio over the past decade have included: Beyond construction, the team has raised over £18,000 for Grief Encounter this year alone. Their chosen charity for two years, the organisation provides specialist bereavement support to children, young people and their families. Money has been raised through everything from skydives and cycle challenges to dress down days and bake sales, reflecting the team’s commitment to positive community impact. Founded in 1892 by Edward William Beard, the company is now led by the fourth-generation of the family, Mark Beard. Its head office opened in Swindon, followed by Oxford, Guildford and Bristol. The firm opened its newest office in Southampton in January 2024. For more information about Beard, visit www.beardconstruction.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A diverse range of speakers took to the stage at an event seeking to combat the growing construction skills gap through education and training – including former prisoners whose lives it has changed. Building Better Futures, held at King’s College College in Cambridge and organised by Constructed Pathways and Women in Construction Anglia, looked to shine a light on the opportunities for people to train and join the industry. Latest figures reveal more than 225,000 additional workers are needed across the UK to fuel the government’s plans to build 1.5 million new homes by 2030. Among the speakers and attendees were former prisoners who spoke of how innovative training in construction, coordinated by Constructed Pathways, had transformed their lives. Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore, also spoke at the event. “I thought it was a brilliant event and just shows the potential and power for collaboration,” he said. “From my point of view as a Police and Crime Commissioner, getting ex-offenders into work is really important, so I’ll do anything I can to promote that. “We need more houses built and there’s lots of big civil engineering projects happening in the region, so anything I can do to help that cause, I will. “This event has been a great place for networking and showing what we can do – the power of collaboration has been here in bucket loads.” Alongside the various construction training programmes it runs, Cambridgeshire-based Constructed Pathways has supported prisoners at HMP Peterborough, giving them hands-on training and experience, helping them to find work in the sector on release. Steve Coleby, Director of Constructed Pathways, said: “This event has been a huge success, with some truly inspiring speakers taking to the stage. “The construction sector has a looming crisis ahead which it is well aware of, and needs innovative, short and long-term plans to find the workers to meet the government’s ambitious homes plans. “This event brought together industry and education leaders to address the growing skills gap issue, and it has been great to see people eager to work together to find solutions.” Clare Friel, founder of Women in Construction Anglia, added: “It has been an amazing day, seeing so many people coming together to tackle this important issue. “The construction industry is an incredible sector to be part of and it’s so important we showcase the opportunities to people so we can meet the challenges ahead.” For more information on Constructed Pathways and its training programmes, see here.For more on Women in Construction Anglia, see here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals