£340M Investment Plans Submitted To Durham County Council Citrus Durham has submitted plans for the next £340M phase of development at its Integra 61 mixed-use development at J61 of the A1(M). Following a recent public consultation process, an outline planning application has been submitted to Durham County Council to create
Highcross Leicester has announced the opening of beauty retailer Superdrug, signalling continued brand confidence in the destination following a flurry of new additions in recent months. Together, these openings reinforce Highcross Leicester’s appeal to leading UK brands, and its position as a prime retail destination in the region. Superdrug’s new
Projects starting on-site show slight increase on back of office and industrial upticks Today, Glenigan | Powered by Hubexo, one of the construction industry’s leading insight experts, releases the December 2025 edition of its Construction Index. The Index reviews the three months to the end of November 2025, focusing on underlying
The Construction and Engineering team at Burges Salmon has advised independent construction company Benniman Limited on a series of significant projects across the UK. Led by director Christian Mulvihill, the firm provided legal support on large-scale developments for leading names in the logistics and industrial sectors. Notably, Burges Salmon advised
ModuleCo has completed the fast-track design and construction of a new 56-bed ward facility at The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, delivered as part of The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust’s Our Hospitals Transformative Programme. The multi-million-pound initiative is aimed at strengthening urgent and emergency care, reducing waiting times, and improving
GLP marked the closing of its Lutterworth Community Fund (the “Fund”), having reached the end of its funding cycle, with a celebratory lunch to recognise the local organisations, sponsors and partners who have helped deliver more than £1.4 million in community support. The initiative was set up in 2020 by
Altrad RMD Kwikform (Altrad RMDK) has officially opened its second dedicated Training Academy at the company’s Head Office in Aldridge, West Midlands. The new facility builds on the success of the first academy in Skelmersdale, further reinforcing the company’s long-term commitment to developing skills, safety, and technical excellence across the
£340M Investment Plans Submitted To Durham County Council Citrus Durham has submitted plans for the next £340M phase of development at its Integra 61 mixed-use development at J61 of the A1(M). Following a recent public consultation process, an outline planning application has been submitted to Durham County Council to create an extension to the west of the Integra 61 scheme to accommodate a further 3 million sq ft of employment space. The first phase of the existing £400M Integra 61 development, which includes 3m sq ft of developable space, is already 90% complete and the major investment into the second phase could see some 300 new jobs being created in the North East throughout the build and operational stages. The planning application details proposals for a range of storage/distribution and manufacturing units of varying sizes, to reflect market demand from regional businesses as well as those looking to invest in premises in the region. The submitted application is in outline, which seeks to secure the fundamental development principles of bringing a scheme forward at this stage, latter reserved matters applications will evolve the exact design and scale which will all have to be within the principles sought to be established now. The new development in its latter stages would require the delivery of the Bowburn Development Route (relief road) in conjunction with Durham County Council. Integra 61 is already home to Amazon’s 2m sq ft fulfilment centre, a further 640,000 sq ft of speculative logistics space at Connect at Integra 61 and an impressive roadside portfolio including Costa and Greggs along with an incoming £4 million EG On The Move petrol station with a convenience store and separate Starbucks drive-thru. Tesla has also installed 19 new Superchargers on site. Construction is well underway on Marton Care’s new 73 bedroom care home facility to complement the 260 new homes already developed by Persimmon and Bellway. James Taylor, Regional Director at Citrus, said: “We are delighted to have now submitted this significant planning application for the second phase of Integra 61, building on the success of phase one and firmly establishing Integra as a premier business location in the region. Securing planning consent is an important early stage in the journey to bringing this phase to fruition and we look forward to working with all stakeholders during this process.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Highcross Leicester has announced the opening of beauty retailer Superdrug, signalling continued brand confidence in the destination following a flurry of new additions in recent months. Together, these openings reinforce Highcross Leicester’s appeal to leading UK brands, and its position as a prime retail destination in the region. Superdrug’s new 8,800 sq ft store, located on the lower level of the mall, close to long-standing tenant Levi’s, showcases Superdrug’s vibrant range of beauty, health, and wellness products in its latest store format. Superdrug joins Highcross Leicester’s premium lineup of health and beauty brands, including Jo Malone, Lush, and Clarins. Highcross Leicester’s beauty category has continued to level up in recent months, with the opening of Space NK’s city debut, taking a 3,000 sq ft unit on the lower level, near Reiss. It stocks best-in-class beauty brands such as Charlotte Tilbury, Rare Beauty, and Laura Mercier. Rituals also recently opened at the scheme, boasting its range of fragrances and must-have gift sets in its signature store layout. These openings build on the centre’s strong leasing momentum throughout 2025, adding more trusted beauty names to its tenant mix and appealing to the centre’s widespread catchment and diverse audience. Michelle Menezes, Centre Director at Highcross Leicester, commented: “Superdrug joining the retail lineup at Highcross Leicester not only strengthens our already dynamic beauty offer, which has seen phenomenal demand this year, but also enables us to deliver more choice and convenience for our visitors. This opening reflects the ongoing confidence that leading brands have in our destination, marking another important step in our vision to enhance the shopping experience and appeal to a widespread demographic.” Clare Jennings, Property Director at Superdrug, added: “We’re thrilled to bring Superdrug to Highcross Leicester with the opening of our brand-new store. This spacious location reflects our ongoing commitment to investing in physical retail, enabling us to offer an even broader selection of products and services to shoppers. Designed to deliver a modern and engaging shopping experience, the store showcases leading health and beauty brands, a dedicated premium fragrance section, and our popular in-store Beauty Studio offering threading and waxing services. We’re also proud to support the community by creating 60 new jobs and contributing to Leicester’s long-term growth.” These openings follow leading retailer H&M reopening its newly fitted-out 24,400 sq ft store, which features the brand’s latest interior with the integration of self-checkouts and click-and-collect services. Other retail brands at Highcross Leicester include Zara, Mango, Next, and Urban Outfitters, anchored by a 230,000 sq ft John Lewis. Time Retail Partners and LM act on behalf of Highcross Leicester. Mason & Partners act on behalf of Superdrug. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Projects starting on-site show slight increase on back of office and industrial upticks Today, Glenigan | Powered by Hubexo, one of the construction industry’s leading insight experts, releases the December 2025 edition of its Construction Index. The Index reviews the three months to the end of November 2025, focusing on underlying projects with a total value of £100 million or less (unless otherwise stated). All figures are seasonally adjusted. It’s a report which provides a detailed and comprehensive analysis of year-on-year construction data, giving built environment professionals a unique insight into sector performance over the last 12 months. The December Construction Index indicates that whilst the sector is by no means out of the woods yet, there’s fresh hope for recovery with a modest 3% project-start increase registered in the three months to November. However, a sudden burst of activity, largely supported by spikes in office and industrial starts was not enough to prevent performance dipping 4% below 2024 levels. This shows that whilst the signs are encouraging, there’s plenty of lost ground to be made up after a tawdry year punctuated with dramatic episodes of policy confusion and ongoing economic turbulence. Many will be hoping that the eventual clarity delivered in last month’s Budget will solidify the Government’s intent, outlined initially during the Spring/Summer Spending Review, crystallising into a flurry of renewed activity across most, if not all, verticals. According to Glenigan’s Economics Director, Allan Wilen, “Whilst performance was generally weak in most areas of the construction industry, the decline was less severe than we’ve seen in other months, with three standout verticals: offices, industrial, and social housing pushing the overall sector back into positive figures during the Index period. Yes, these levels are lower than last year, but given the backdrop of volatile global markets, wild political speculation and policy false starts, the situation could’ve been a lot worse. He continues, “The Chancellor’s recent statement will have gone some way to reassuring contractors and subcontractors that the Government remains committed to the various capital projects and upgrades it promised earlier in the year. There will be industry-wide fingers-crossed that this materialises into concrete funding so shovels can be committed to the ground in earnest. All this going to plan will bear out the predictions we made last month in our Autumn Forecast, which indicates growth returning to UK construction in 2026 and 2027.” Taking a closer look at the results… Sector Analysis – Residential The Residential sector was a mixed bag, with plummeting activity in the private sector, offset by an impressive growth-spurt in social housing activity. Overall performance declined by 6% compared to the preceding three months and by 18% compared to 2024 figures, dragged down by private housing construction, dropping by 16% during the Index period and by 26% against the previous year. As above, Social Housing cushioned the comparative fall, rising 28% compared to the preceding three months to finish 11% up on the previous year. Sector Analysis – Non-Residential Similar to recent Indexes, office starts were the standout performer, experiencing yet another relatively strong period, rising by 56% compared to the preceding three months and 147% above the previous year. Much of this upsurge can be attributed to the commencement of major projects including the £85.9 million One Hanover Street office development for The Crown Estate in Mayfair, London, as well as various other smaller schemes. Likewise, the industrial sector also performed well, rising by a third (+33%) compared to the preceding three months, finishing almost two-thirds higher (+60%) than the previous year. Community and amenity project starts increased by 8% compared to the preceding three months, but posted a modest decline of 2% against the previous year. Civils work starting on-site increased by 4% against the preceding three months but declined by 1% against the previous year. Infrastructure work starting on-site increased 12% compared to the preceding three months and increased by 3% on the previous year. These positive figures were tempered by a dip in utilities activity where starts declined by 5% against the preceding three months and the previous year. Elsewhere, activity stagnation and decline were consistent. Hotel & Leisure fared worst, recording a 28% drop compared to the preceding three months, and 39% down against the previous year. The Health sector remained flat against the preceding three months, standing 24% lower than the previous year. Retail also declined 11% against the preceding three months, standing 22% lower than 2024 levels and Education experienced a poor period too, falling 4% against the preceding three months and declining 13% against the previous year. Regional Outlook Starts soared across the capital, experiencing the strongest performance of any region, rocketing by 77% compared to the preceding three months to stand 56% up against the previous year. The South West also performed well, rising by 15% against the preceding three months to stand 8% up on 2024 levels. The North East experienced a mixed performance, declining a mere 2% against the preceding three months but finishing an impressive 72% up against the previous year. Conversely, the West Midlands experienced a poor period, declining 13% against the preceding three months and falling 9% compared to last year. The South East performed poorly, posting an 11% decline against the preceding three months to stand 19% down against the previous year. The North West fared even worse, declining 17% against the preceding three months, resulting in a 24% drop against the previous year. Find out more about Glenigan here: www.glenigan.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Construction and Engineering team at Burges Salmon has advised independent construction company Benniman Limited on a series of significant projects across the UK. Led by director Christian Mulvihill, the firm provided legal support on large-scale developments for leading names in the logistics and industrial sectors. Notably, Burges Salmon advised Benniman on the creation of three new logistics and distribution facilities at Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT) in Northamptonshire. Totalling 618,000 sq ft, the schemes will deliver high-quality space and strengthen DIRFT’s position as a key hub for rail-connected logistics, supporting efficient supply chain operations and sustainable freight solutions. Further advice was provided across three other projects including on the construction of a c. 50,000 sq ft best-in-class industrial and warehousing estate in Reading, the development of eight industrial units in Milton Keynes totalling 200,765 sq ft., as well as recent work delivered for property developer Clowes Developments. The team also advised Benniman in relation to the construction of three industrial units in Birmingham on behalf of Coltham as well as a 57,000 sf ft unit in Worcester Six Business Park for Stoford. Christian Mulvihill, director at Burges Salmon, says: “We are delighted to have supported Benniman on these projects, which demonstrate the strength of the UK logistics and industrial sectors. Completing five transactions back-to-back within a short timeframe required careful co-ordination and a thorough understanding of contractual and regulatory issues. It is a testament to the strength and agility of our team that we were able to deliver seamless advice across multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring our client could move forward with confidence and efficiency.” Paul Barfoot, Commercial Director at Benniman, comments: “Delivering major projects concurrently was a significant undertaking, and Burges Salmon’s ability to manage the legal complexities was outstanding. Their proactive approach, responsiveness and sector expertise gave us the confidence to progress each development without delay.” With over 40 specialist lawyers working across the firm’s Built Environment, Infrastructure and Energy & Utilities sector groups, Burges Salmon has one of the largest construction and engineering legal teams in the UK and is a first port of call for highly complex and innovative projects. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
ModuleCo has completed the fast-track design and construction of a new 56-bed ward facility at The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, delivered as part of The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust’s Our Hospitals Transformative Programme. The multi-million-pound initiative is aimed at strengthening urgent and emergency care, reducing waiting times, and improving facilities amid growing demand on the Trust’s services. The programme forms a key response to the intense scrutiny the Trust has faced in recent years. Channel 4’s 2024 Undercover A&E Dispatches investigation revealed patients facing waits of up to 46 hours, while the 2022 Ockenden Report highlighted repeated failings within the maternity service. Together, these events underscored the urgency of investing in modern, fit-for-purpose clinical environments that can support safer, more resilient patient care. As part of this major transformation, ModuleCo was appointed to deliver a multi-storey 56-bed ward, providing vital capacity ahead of the winter period. Thanks to the company’s innovative ‘Factory First’ methodology—where around 90% of the building is completed off-site—the facility was designed, built and installed in a fraction of the time required for traditional construction, significantly reducing disruption to the live hospital site. The new building provides two fully equipped ward floors, each offering 28 beds in a mix of four-bed bays and single en-suite rooms. It also includes two 33-person bed lifts and stair cores at both ends of the building to support accessibility and safe evacuation. Each floor is complemented by a range of ancillary spaces including staff bases, utility rooms and sanitary facilities, creating a modern, efficient ward environment that supports staff workflow, patient privacy and operational flexibility. The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital project builds on ModuleCo’s long-standing expertise in off-site healthcare delivery. To date, the company has completed more than 300 off-site construction projects, including over 140 operating theatres and 44 hospital wards, for more than 100 NHS Trusts and Health Boards. This experience allows ModuleCo to provide hospitals with rapid solutions without compromising on quality, safety or long-term performance. The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new facility takes place tomorrow and marks a significant milestone in the Trust’s journey to enhance patient care and alleviate pressure across its estate. Once fully equipped and operational, the building will play a crucial role in improving patient flow, increasing bed capacity and supporting staff through the busiest periods of the year. ModuleCo’s involvement in the project showcases its ability to respond quickly to NHS challenges and deliver state-of-the-art clinical spaces at pace. Further images of the completed ward will be available following the ceremony. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GLP marked the closing of its Lutterworth Community Fund (the “Fund”), having reached the end of its funding cycle, with a celebratory lunch to recognise the local organisations, sponsors and partners who have helped deliver more than £1.4 million in community support. The initiative was set up in 2020 by GLP, the developer and owner of Magna Park Lutterworth now part of Ares Management Real Estate, to support the local community, charities and voluntary organisations in and around Magna Park. The Fund has been administered through Lutterworth Area Community Projects Limited (LACPL), which was formally launched on 1 November 2020 with a five-year lifespan to invest in the parishes surrounding Magna Park. Since inception, the Fund has supported a wide range of local initiatives spanning education, wellbeing, youth services, the environment and local infrastructure. This has included: These awards reflect GLP’s long-term commitment to building strong, sustainable relationships in the regions where it operates. GLP remains deeply committed to community investment across the UK through its wider G+ Community programme, which continues to fund and deliver social impact projects linked to GLP developments nationwide. Alongside the Fund’s local activity, GLP also contributes to national causes through its annual G-Tour cycling challenge, a Europe-wide event that brings together employees, partners and customers to raise money for charity. The G-Tour’s donations for the last two years have been a combined £45,000 distributed among five UK charities: Dementia UK, LandAid, Parkinson’s UK, The Christie Charity & Mind. Bruce Topley, Managing Director at GLP UK, said: “The Lutterworth Community Fund and the G-Tour represent two sides of the same commitment: supporting both the communities around our developments and wider causes that matter to our people and partners. Over the years, the Fund has provided real and lasting benefits for local organisations, while G-Tour continues to bring together our network to raise vital funds for national charities. The scale of what’s been achieved reflects the generosity and enthusiasm of everyone involved, from our sponsors and partners to the colleagues who give their time each year. On behalf of everyone at GLP, I want to thank them all for helping us make a meaningful difference, both here in Lutterworth and across the UK”. The celebratory lunch was attended by representatives from the community partners marking the formal close of the Fund and celebrating the collective achievements it has enabled. Since its inception, the Lutterworth Community Fund has formed a central part of GLP’s G+ Community programme, the company’s pan-European initiative to deliver social value through local investment, volunteering and fundraising. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Altrad RMD Kwikform (Altrad RMDK) has officially opened its second dedicated Training Academy at the company’s Head Office in Aldridge, West Midlands. The new facility builds on the success of the first academy in Skelmersdale, further reinforcing the company’s long-term commitment to developing skills, safety, and technical excellence across the construction industry. Unveiled by Managing Director Mark Pickard, the Aldridge Training Academy will serve as a central hub for advancing knowledge in above and below ground temporary works systems. It features purpose-built training areas, a live demonstration zone, and digital resources that replicate real-world site environments, enabling employees and customers to deepen their understanding of Altrad RMDK’s innovative systems and engineering solutions. Together with the Skelmersdale academy, the Aldridge facility forms a unified learning network. The combined facilities increase training capacity and make learning more accessible for employees and customers across the UK, promoting continuous improvement, technical excellence, and best practice throughout the temporary works sector. Mark Pickard, Managing Director at Altrad RMD Kwikform, commented: “The opening of our Aldridge Training Academy represents the next phase in our investment in people and the future of the industry. By expanding our training offering, we’re giving our teams and customers the opportunity to strengthen their technical expertise, improve safety standards, and deliver excellence on every project. “It’s a proud moment for everyone at Altrad RMDK as we continue building on the success of the Skelmersdale academy and look ahead to shaping the next generation of construction professionals.” The addition of the Aldridge facility ensures that training is now accessible to Altrad RMDK teams and customers from North to South, supporting the company’s growing workforce and customer base throughout the UK. For more on Altrad RMD Kwikform, please visit www.rmdkwikform.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals