Housebuilder Keepmoat has announced plans to deliver 199 new homes as part of a £44.5 million investment into the next phase of development at Sandymoor. Following the recent completion of a land sale off Windmill Hill Avenue with Homes England, construction has now begun on the site, which will be
Build to Rent developer PLATFORM_ is preparing to move its major Bristol city centre scheme into procurement, following planning approval secured just before Christmas. In December, Bristol City Council resolved to grant planning permission for the large-scale regeneration project, marking a key step forward for the former sawmill site. With
Construction developer Kier has secured a £120m contract from the Government Property Agency to deliver a major new government office building in Darlington. Work is set to begin this month on the new government hub on Brunswick Street, with construction expected to take around two years. The building is scheduled
Persimmon Homes West Wales and Pembrokeshire County Council have exchanged contracts for 21 new homes at the Ger y Môr development in Saundersfoot, which will be handed to the authority for social rent on completion to help ease local housing pressures. Located on Sandy Hill Road, the 21 properties will
Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial developer, has completed the freehold sale of Poyle 80 to Davies Turner the leading worldwide logistics and freight forwarding solutions provider. Davies Turner already have operations around Heathrow but this acquisition will enable them to own a critical asset as a strategic long-term
Leading affordable homes provider VIVID has completed a transformative restoration of Portland Terrace in Southsea, Portsmouth —a project that seamlessly blends modern upgrades with the timeless charm of the building’s historic character. The restoration has been the result of two years of thoughtful planning and close teamwork with heritage experts.
Modular construction developer Reds10 is positioning the NHS hospital building programme as a cornerstone of its next growth phase, as it targets annual turnover of £500m. The business has developed a prototype modular in-patient hospital bedroom designed to support the government’s Hospital 2.0 ambition under the New Hospital Programme. If
Motorists, rail passengers and residents impacted by the £60m renewal of a major West Coast Main Line railway bridge are being thanked after disruptive demolition work was successfully completed this weekend. The huge project near Penrith in Cumbria involves a 130-metre-long bridge being removed and a new one installed over
Power tool leader opens carbon-neutral training hub in Aylesbury, tackling the UK’s shortage of practical, trade-ready skills MILWAUKEE® Tools, industry-leading manufacturer of power tools, accessories, and hand tools, has officially opened its new UK Experience Centre at Westcott Venture Park, Aylesbury. The 13,250-square-foot carbon-neutral facility represents the company’s largest investment
Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, is celebrating a triple win at the Construction Awards of Excellence ceremony held in Birmingham by the National Federation of Builders (NFB), taking home the title spots for three prestigious categories – Rising Star, Innovation in Construction Technology and the Remarkable Heritage and Conservation Project.
Housebuilder Keepmoat has announced plans to deliver 199 new homes as part of a £44.5 million investment into the next phase of development at Sandymoor. Following the recent completion of a land sale off Windmill Hill Avenue with Homes England, construction has now begun on the site, which will be known as Meadow Brook. The scheme has been designed in accordance with the national Building for a Healthy Life (BfHL) code, placing people, nature, sustainability and strong connections to public transport, walking and cycling routes at the heart of the development. As part of the build, 71 of the homes will use Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) timber frames, improving energy efficiency and overall build quality. Katie Dean, Land and Partnerships Director at Keepmoat, North West, said: “We’re proud to bring forward this exciting new community at Sandymoor in partnership with Homes England. Meadow Brook will provide a bespoke and wide range of high-quality, energy-efficient homes surrounded by abundant green open spaces and waterside walks. “The evolution of the site has been designed to meet the highest Building for a Healthy Life principles, which seek to embed quality placemaking and healthier lifestyles bolstering our commitment to well designed quality homes, excellent design, connectivity and integration with nature. “Our proposals have been developed with DK Architects, and Planit-I.E creating a blueprint that puts people and nature at the centre of the design process.” Homes England selected Keepmoat as its preferred development partner in 2023 to deliver a mix of one to four-bedroom homes for private sale alongside a number of affordable properties. Simon Herring, Development Director at Homes England, added: “As the government’s housing and regeneration agency, our aim is to create high-quality homes in well-designed places, helping to create jobs and drive local economic growth. “This is an important milestone we have reached with Keepmoat and local partners at Sandymoor, where we are enabling a high quality, landscape-led development of 199 new homes, including 40 affordable homes, unlocked by essential infrastructure as part of the wider masterplan. “We look forward to seeing these plans develop into much needed homes in a new, thriving community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Build to Rent developer PLATFORM_ is preparing to move its major Bristol city centre scheme into procurement, following planning approval secured just before Christmas. In December, Bristol City Council resolved to grant planning permission for the large-scale regeneration project, marking a key step forward for the former sawmill site. With the approval now in place, PLATFORM_ is gearing up to tender for a main contractor in the second quarter of 2026, ahead of a Gateway 2 submission planned for the end of the year. The development will deliver 352 Build to Rent homes and is designed by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris. It is positioned as a significant regeneration scheme that will transform a previously inaccessible riverside location into a new residential neighbourhood with strong public realm credentials. Central to the proposals is a new riverside park that will open up access to the River Frome to the public for the first time in generations. The landscaped space will be supported by a new pedestrian bridge across the river, improving connectivity and creating a more permeable route through the area for both residents and the wider community. Since planning approval was secured on 20 December 2025, the project team has been progressing pre-construction activity, refining technical design and preparing the scheme for market engagement. The upcoming contractor tender will represent a major milestone as the developer transitions from planning into delivery. PLATFORM_ chief executive Jean-Marc Vandevivere said the planning decision represented a significant step forward for one of Bristol’s most important regeneration sites. He said the scheme would provide much-needed new homes while delivering high-quality public spaces and amenities that support long-term placemaking. The project is expected to play a meaningful role in addressing housing demand in the city, particularly within the professionally managed rental sector, while also enhancing the riverside environment and reconnecting the site with its surroundings. With contractor procurement scheduled for Q2 and regulatory submissions planned later in the year, 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for the scheme. PLATFORM_ said it remains focused on working closely with the council and its advisory team to ensure the project progresses smoothly towards construction and delivery, helping to establish a vibrant new riverside community in the heart of Bristol. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction developer Kier has secured a £120m contract from the Government Property Agency to deliver a major new government office building in Darlington. Work is set to begin this month on the new government hub on Brunswick Street, with construction expected to take around two years. The building is scheduled for completion in early 2028. Once finished, the development will become the new home of the Darlington Economic Campus, accommodating more than 1,600 civil servants from departments including HM Treasury, the Office for National Statistics and the Department for Culture, Media & Sport. Early ground remediation works began in September to address pre-construction risks on the town centre site. These works included the removal of legacy fuel tanks and existing concrete slabs, helping to reduce programme risk ahead of main construction. A central element of the scheme is Kier’s use of prefabrication. Key components, including building risers, will be manufactured offsite to minimise disruption and manage logistics in the busy urban location. The building façade will also be formed from pre-cast concrete panels produced offsite. Sean Fenner, managing director of Kier Construction North & Scotland at Kier, said early involvement had enabled closer collaboration with the supply chain and early identification of technical challenges. He added that the advance remediation works had improved understanding of site conditions, helping to de-risk delivery and support a smoother construction process. Fenner said teams across design, mechanical and electrical, and construction had been brought together to deliver the best possible outcome for the project. Simon Hulme, capital projects director at the Government Property Agency, said the development was a key part of the government hubs programme, aimed at creating high-quality workplaces while reducing and modernising the public sector office estate. He said the agency was pleased to continue its partnership with Kier and that, once complete, the Brunswick Street hub would provide a modern, inclusive and digitally enabled workplace that builds on the success of the Darlington Economic Campus and supports greater collaboration across the civil service. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Persimmon Homes West Wales and Pembrokeshire County Council have exchanged contracts for 21 new homes at the Ger y Môr development in Saundersfoot, which will be handed to the authority for social rent on completion to help ease local housing pressures. Located on Sandy Hill Road, the 21 properties will be supplemented by a further four homes reserved for local people, taking the number prioritised for the community to 25. The deal was marked on site by Persimmon representatives alongside the Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr Michelle Bateman, and local county councillor, Cllr Chris Williams. The 72-home scheme will feature an equipped play area at its centre and a dedicated active travel link connecting the neighbourhood back to Sandy Hill Road. The design also includes sustainable drainage with bio-retention areas and rain gardens, green technologies such as solar panels and electric vehicle charging points, and ecological measures to mitigate impacts on dormouse habitats while preserving existing trees and hedgerows. The five-star accredited housebuilder currently has three, four and five-bedroom homes for sale at Ger y Môr from £310,000, with two-bedroom properties due to be released soon. Through its Community Champions programme, Persimmon donates £48,000 annually to good causes across Wales; recent local beneficiaries include Saundersfoot Cricket Club, Saundersfoot Rotary Club and the village’s New Year’s Day Swim. Stuart Phillips, Managing Director of Persimmon Homes West Wales, said: “Persimmon is determined to leave a positive community legacy where we build, and an integral element of our offering is the transfer of quality new homes to local housing association partners. “We are delighted to have exchanged contracts on this initial tranche of houses at our forthcoming Pembrokeshire site, Ger y Môr, and we hope this significant community contribution will help alleviate pressure on the local housing list. “We are pleased to partner with Pembrokeshire Council to deliver this increase in provision for local people as we make progress to bring this site to fruition.” Cllr Michelle Bateman, Pembrokeshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, added: “We’re delighted to be going into partnership with Persimmon, taking on 21 new homes here at Ger y Môr, helping deliver secure homes for local people in Pembrokeshire. “The purchase of these properties as social housing is one of a range of affordable housing options we are offering to support families and individuals with diverse housing needs. “The purchases at Ger y Môr reflects the Council’s commitment to providing local affordable homes and revitalising our local communities.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial developer, has completed the freehold sale of Poyle 80 to Davies Turner the leading worldwide logistics and freight forwarding solutions provider. Davies Turner already have operations around Heathrow but this acquisition will enable them to own a critical asset as a strategic long-term investment as well as providing the opportunity to optimise their operations in a high specification future proof facility. Poyle 80 is a speculatively developed mid box logistics facility located close to Heathrow Airport, the UK’s number one air freight gateway and a critical distribution corridor for West London and the wider South East. The building provides modern, efficient space well suited to air freight and time sensitive logistics operations being located 1km from the Heathrow Cargo Terminal entrance, and continues Panattoni’s strategy of delivering future proofed assets in supply constrained markets. The sale demonstrates Panattoni’s ability to originate, consent, deliver, and transact high quality developments at speed. Panattoni acquired the site at the end of May 2023, secured planning permission in December 2023, and delivered speculative construction through 2024 and 2025. The freehold sale completed in December 2025, meaning the entire process from acquisition to completion took just over 2.5 years. The transaction is also a further endorsement of Panattoni’s commitment to West London, evidenced by the recent acquisition of the former Symmonds and Hawker site on the North Feltham Industrial site which become Panattoni Park Heathrow. Panattoni continues to identify and bring forward prime logistics land in the region, responding to occupier demand for well located, high specification space with strong sustainability credentials. Tony Watkins, Head of Development South East and London at Panattoni, said: “It was great to work with Davies Turner on such a complex transaction. Their commitment to the deal and the proactive way in which they approached every stage made the process a pleasure. I wish them every success as they expand their operations at Poyle 80. “This is an excellent new facility that will support more sustainable operations. Panattoni remains committed to the West London market and will continue to source high quality sites like Poyle 80 that offer customers the flexibility they need to grow.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading affordable homes provider VIVID has completed a transformative restoration of Portland Terrace in Southsea, Portsmouth —a project that seamlessly blends modern upgrades with the timeless charm of the building’s historic character. The restoration has been the result of two years of thoughtful planning and close teamwork with heritage experts. Every step was taken with care to preserve and highlight the building’s original features, right down to the materials and traditional techniques used. A standout part of the restoration was the careful matching of Portland Terrace’s original lime render, paired with breathable heritage paint to help the building age gracefully. Across most of the property, windows have been lovingly repaired, with missing timber details and traditional putty reinstated in line with heritage guidance. The front walkways now showcase elegant natural stone paving, while new period-style lamp posts add a touch of vintage charm—installed using ground screws to protect the surrounding trees in this cherished conservation area. As well as restoring the building’s historic charm, VIVID has made a series of practical improvements designed to make everyday life easier, safer and more comfortable. Both car parks have been resurfaced to provide smoother access, and the rear car park has been thoughtfully redesigned with upgraded drainage to help prevent flooding and standing water. Essential repairs to soffits and fascias have been completed to protect the building’s structure, and new Velux roof windows have been installed—bringing in more natural light and helping improve ventilation and energy efficiency. These upgrades not only enhance the look and feel of Portland Terrace, but also contribute to a safer, more enjoyable living environment for everyone who calls it home. Together, these improvements are helping make Portland Terrace not just safer and more functional, but a truly lovely place to live—steeped in history and full of character. Matt Bellamy, Director of Asset Strategy and Delivery at VIVID, said: “Portland Terrace is a landmark building, and we’re proud to be restoring it with care and attention to detail. It’s part of our biggest-ever investment in our existing homes and communities, making sure they’re not only safe and comfortable but places people are proud to live. From heritage restoration to energy efficiency upgrades, we’re committed to creating homes that stand the test of time.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Modular construction developer Reds10 is positioning the NHS hospital building programme as a cornerstone of its next growth phase, as it targets annual turnover of £500m. The business has developed a prototype modular in-patient hospital bedroom designed to support the government’s Hospital 2.0 ambition under the New Hospital Programme. If approved, the room could become a standardised model deployed across future hospital developments, offering the NHS a repeatable, modular solution to accelerate delivery of new healthcare facilities. The healthcare focus comes as Reds10 prepares for its next stage of expansion, following a year of steady performance. The company reported revenue of £145m for the year ending 31 March 2025, alongside continued investment in advanced manufacturing, automation and data-led design. Operating margin held at 4.8%, with pre-tax profit stable at £7m. Reds10 remains debt free, holding £20m in cash, and is forecasting revenue of approximately £160m in the current financial year. At its Driffield manufacturing campus, two of the firm’s five factories are now fully industrialised, supported by increased automation and data-driven production processes. This investment underpins a secured pipeline in excess of £350m, spanning long-term programmes across defence, education and justice. Reds10 has been appointed as one of five contractors on the Defence Infrastructure Organisation alliance delivering single living accommodation for the Armed Forces. The developer also holds positions on the London Construction Programme public-sector education framework and the NHS Shared Business Services Modular Buildings 3 framework. Alongside healthcare, the business is targeting growth in affordable housing and temporary accommodation, applying its industrialised delivery model across multiple sectors. Chairman Paul Ruddick said the company’s performance demonstrated the resilience of volumetric construction when backed by the right strategy. He said the business had defied wider challenges in the sector by diversifying income streams and taking a long-term approach to investment. Following a period of consolidation, Reds10 is now accelerating the industrialisation of its design, manufacturing and construction processes, with artificial intelligence embedded throughout its operations. Looking ahead, Ruddick said the developer sees significant opportunity in both health and residential markets, where its scalable, industrialised model can support the next generation of buildings and infrastructure. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Motorists, rail passengers and residents impacted by the £60m renewal of a major West Coast Main Line railway bridge are being thanked after disruptive demolition work was successfully completed this weekend. The huge project near Penrith in Cumbria involves a 130-metre-long bridge being removed and a new one installed over the first two weekends of 2026. Network Rail and its principal contractor Skanska achieved the first phase removing Clifton Bridge in the early hours of this morning (Monday 5 January). It required a full motorway closure of the M6 between junctions 39 and 40 from 8pm on Friday 2 until 5am on Monday 5 January. A fleet of some of the country’s largest excavators were used to chip away at the 1960s-built concrete structure which spanned over six lanes of the highway for nearly 60 years. After looming over the motorway for decades, hundreds of people came to see the structure turned to rubble in just hours over the course of the weekend. Timelapse footage has now been released marking this major milestone in the project as the motorway reopened at 3.50am – 70 minutes earlier than scheduled. For the next week thousands of motorists will travel underneath a large gap in the West Coast Main Line where the bridge once crossed. That’s before a modern 4,200-tonne steel and concrete structure is moved into place during a further 57-hour motorway closure this coming weekend (8.00pm Friday 9 until 5.00am Monday 12 January). With the West Coast Main Line currently split in two, rail passengers are encouraged to check www.nationalrail.co.uk to plan their journey in advance* until Wednesday 15 January when the whole project is due to finish and trains will run again once the railway is reinstated. Christian Irwin OBE, Network Rail North West and Central region Capital Delivery director, said: “The demolition of Clifton bridge has been a mammoth task and I’d like to thank drivers who’ve had to use the road diversions, rail users whose journeys have changed and people local to the construction site who’ve been extremely patient with all the noise and disruption. “This £60m project forms part of our major investment programme to improve journeys on the West Coast Main Line for passengers and freight for generations to come.” Rosario Barcena, Skanska UK rail programme director, said: “It’s been an incredible effort by the entire team to complete the demolition of the former Clifton Bridge, working 24/7 across the weekend to make sure that the M6 motorway could re-open on Monday morning. “Technically it was a complex operation which we managed with great precision and care. The works were completed safely, with the support structures that the new 4,200 tonne bridge will sit on successfully retained. “It’s been a super-collaborative approach with Network Rail, National Highways and our supply chain team. I’d also like to extend my thanks to people travelling in the region and the local community for their understanding while we undertake these essential works.” This ongoing project is just one of a swathe of journey improving upgrades between London and Cumbria over the festive season. The Christmas and New Year work has seen a combined investment of nearly £200m along the West Coast Main Line, which forms part of a much larger £400m investment over the next four years. Also today (Monday 5 January) a major railway junction between Northampton and Milton Keynes reopened after a £26m track renewal which began on Christmas Eve. Preston station also reopened after a 100-hour full closure for signals and the structures which support them to be upgraded. For further updates on all our our West Coast Main Line improvement work you can follow us on X @NetworkRailWCML. To plan rail journeys in advance please us www.nationalrail.co.uk for the latest travel information. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Power tool leader opens carbon-neutral training hub in Aylesbury, tackling the UK’s shortage of practical, trade-ready skills MILWAUKEE® Tools, industry-leading manufacturer of power tools, accessories, and hand tools, has officially opened its new UK Experience Centre at Westcott Venture Park, Aylesbury. The 13,250-square-foot carbon-neutral facility represents the company’s largest investment in UK training infrastructure, backed by a 10-year lease agreement. The facility addresses a growing need in the trades sector for comprehensive, practical training environments where professionals can test equipment in realistic conditions before making significant investment decisions. Unlike traditional showrooms or brief product demonstrations, the centre provides extended access to MILWAUKEE® Tools’ full product ecosystem in both indoor training spaces and dedicated outdoor testing areas. Built using MILWAUKEE® tools to demonstrate the brand’s commitment to efficiency and reduced emissions, the state-of-the-art hub will be used to upskill approximately 300 employees annually through expert training programmes. The centre will enable MILWAUKEE® Tools to enhance customer relationships and support direct end-user interaction, with hands-on training and product testing opportunities available. From the established M12™ and M18™ cordless platforms to the expanding MX FUEL™ light equipment range, visitors will gain access to cutting-edge battery technology including REDLITHIUM™ FORGE™ batteries, power tools, hand tools, and outdoor power equipment. “We’re just getting started,” says Dan Stringer, Head of Training at MILWAUKEE® Tools UK. “Since our founding in 1924, MILWAUKEE® has been driven by a commitment to solving the real-world challenges faced by professional tradespeople. This Experience Centre embodies that heritage while spotlighting the innovations that will define the next century of our industry. Investing in this hub demonstrates our growing support of the British trades sector, and we look forward to industry professionals, as well as other key stakeholders, exploring the range of training and testing opportunities we have on offer.” Trade professionals, dealers and media representatives interested in experiencing the centre firsthand are encouraged to get in touch with MILWAUKEE® to arrange a visit or request a product demonstration. For more information about the MILWAUKEE® Tools Experience Centre, please contact – uk.milwaukee.marketing@TTI-EMEA.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, is celebrating a triple win at the Construction Awards of Excellence ceremony held in Birmingham by the National Federation of Builders (NFB), taking home the title spots for three prestigious categories – Rising Star, Innovation in Construction Technology and the Remarkable Heritage and Conservation Project. The awards, held annually by the NFB, celebrate outstanding achievements across the UK construction sector, recognising excellence in construction, innovation, sustainability, collaboration and individual contribution. The Rising Star award recognises emerging talent demonstrating exceptional potential, innovation, and leadership within the construction industry. G F Tomlinson had two shortlisted out of the four finalists, with Amy Kelly and Harry Gilsenan who had been selected from 300 applicants. Amy Kelly was triumphant on the night, standing out for her journey from Technical Trainee to Assistant Site Manager in under six years, showcasing technical skill, environmental responsibility and a commitment to community engagement. Amy has made an impact through mentoring young people, promoting sustainability on-site, and driving improvements in operational efficiency. Her passion for social value and outreach has connected hundreds of local students and residents with live construction projects – including the high-profile Sherwood Observatory scheme. The Innovation in Construction Technology award celebrates projects that use advanced digital tools and modern methods of construction to transform the way the industry delivers. G F Tomlinson received this award for its work on the Sherwood Observatory in Sutton-in-Ashfield – a £6.8 million world-class STEM facility that has reimagined a disused Victorian underground reservoir into a cutting-edge educational and community destination. By merging heritage, science, and technology, the contractor delivered a landmark scheme that not only celebrates engineering excellence but also fosters educational opportunities and community pride. The project demonstrated outstanding innovation through its use of 3D laser scanning, Building Information Modelling (BIM), off-site manufacturing and real-time digital engagement tools to achieve precision, quality and sustainability. Stephen Spiegelhalter, G F Tomlinson’s Project Manager for the scheme was on hand to receive this prestigious award. The Remarkable Heritage and Conservation Project award recognises outstanding craftsmanship, sensitivity, and innovation in the preservation and restoration of historically significant sites, and the nominated scheme recognised G F Tomlinson’s exceptional work on the restoration and refurbishment of the Grade II Listed Central Building at the University of Nottingham’s Castle Meadow Campus. A landmark project that has transformed a unique 1990s tensile-roof structure into a modern education and events hub, the restoration involved the sensitive preservation of one of the UK’s youngest listed buildings, including the complex renewal of its 4,500 sq. metre PTFE roof, extensive structural repairs and refinishing of over 900m² of glass and aluminium cladding. Through innovative engineering solutions, collaborative heritage stewardship and a commitment to carbon reduction, the team delivered major programme, cost and sustainability benefits for the university, while breathing new life into a building of significant architectural importance. Lee Roberts, G F Tomlinson Site Manager, who has worked for the company for over 30 years, proudly received the award on behalf of the project team. This triple success reflects G F Tomlinson’s continued commitment to excellence, innovation, and community impact across its diverse project portfolio throughout the region. Andy Sewards, Chairman at G F Tomlinson, said: “We are incredibly proud to have been recognised with three prestigious awards at this year’s Construction Awards of Excellence organised by the NFB. Each win is a testament to the dedication, talent and collaborative spirit of our team. “These accolades celebrate not only our technical excellence but also our purpose to build responsibly, sustainably and with long-lasting benefit for the communities in which we operate.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals