Rolls-Royce SMR has signed a contract with Skanska UK to deliver an aseismic bearing pedestal demonstrator for its small modular reactor (SMR) programme. These structural isolation devices are central to the factory-built nuclear plant’s design, decoupling buildings and infrastructure from ground motion during seismic events to improve safety and resilience.
Firethorn has acquired a 17-acre site situated on the A41 in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, from Taylor Wimpey with plans to deliver a new, best-in-class mid-box logistics development. The land forms the employment element of Taylor Wimpey’s residential-led development at Hampden Fields, and benefits from outline consent for up to 314,000 sq
Developer-backed plans to significantly expand Nottingham Forest Football Club’s City Ground have been submitted, setting out proposals to increase the stadium’s capacity from 30,445 to around 52,000. The planning applications mark a major step forward in the club’s ambitions to deliver a large-scale redevelopment of the historic riverside ground. Nottingham
Henry Boot has secured outline planning consent for a major 5.5m sq ft industrial and logistics scheme in Goole, marking a significant boost for manufacturing and distribution across the Humber region. The development, known as FREEPORT 36, is being brought forward by Henry Boot’s development arm HBD in partnership with
Developer Edge, in partnership with Mitsubishi Estate, is preparing to move ahead with a £150m redevelopment of 125 Shaftesbury Avenue after securing a major funding package for the West End scheme. Sir Robert McAlpine is understood to be the preferred contractor for the large-scale office refurbishment, which is being taken
J Pullan & Sons has secured planning approval and appointed McLaren Construction Yorkshire and North East as main contractor for the Joseph’s Well student tower, launching a bold new chapter for the historic site. Full planning consent has been granted for a major new purpose-built student accommodation scheme at Joseph’s
Story Homes has secured revised planning permission for Phases 6 and 7 of its Edgehill Park development in Whitehaven, paving the way for 158 new homes and the next stage of the long-running project. Phase 6 will see the introduction of a new collection of house types, a contemporary sub-brand
A new specialist company, Millars Pumps, is bringing innovative Italian fire safety solutions to the UK construction market, as the exclusive distributor of Idroelettrica Spa fire pumps and controllers. Developers, contractors and fire protection engineers across the country will have access to high-quality, Italian fire pump solutions, along with dedicated
Pirtek UK & Ireland is encouraging businesses in hard hat sectors to put mental health at the centre of their plans for 2026. Research from Pirtek’s Under the Hard Hat campaign shows that 94% of workers in construction, engineering and related industries have experienced stress, anxiety or loneliness at work.
Rolls-Royce SMR has signed a contract with Skanska UK to deliver an aseismic bearing pedestal demonstrator for its small modular reactor (SMR) programme. These structural isolation devices are central to the factory-built nuclear plant’s design, decoupling buildings and infrastructure from ground motion during seismic events to improve safety and resilience. The work will be carried out at Skanska’s fabrications facility in Doncaster, England, and will include building a prototype of the aseismic bearing pedestal. The demonstrator is intended to enable standardisation of the Rolls-Royce SMR design across a wide range of geotechnical and seismic conditions. Ruth Todd CBE, Rolls-Royce SMR Operations and Supply Chain Director, said: “Working with Skanska is a significant step forward in proving the capability of our aseismic bearing technology and demonstrating our modular approach to construction. By working with a trusted delivery partner, we are de-risking our ‘fleet-based’ approach and creating opportunities for more British and Czech suppliers to play a key role the Rolls-Royce SMR mission.” Skanska, one of the world’s leading project development and construction companies, delivers complex building and infrastructure projects across sectors such as energy and transport. Headquartered in Sweden, it has a strong presence in the UK, North America and Europe, including the Czech Republic, and brings decades of civil engineering, project management and sustainable construction expertise. Adam McDonald, Executive Vice President at Skanska UK, said: “We’ll be bringing our civil engineering, design and fabrications expertise to build and test a first-of-its-kind pre-cast bearing pedestal – a critical component for Rolls-Royce SMR in building new nuclear power generation. Over the coming months, we’ll develop the prototype and run various technical trials at our Bentley Works facility in Doncaster. We are looking forward to playing our part in developing the next generation of nuclear energy.” Rolls-Royce SMR has been named preferred bidder in the Great British Energy – Nuclear (GBE-N) SMR competition and by European utility ČEZ to deliver up to three gigawatts of new nuclear power in the Czech Republic. GBE-N recently confirmed Wylfa on Ynys Môn (Anglesey) as the site for the UK’s first SMRs, aiming to provide up to 1.5GW of low-carbon energy to the grid, support the UK’s net zero goals and create an estimated 8,000 quality long-term British jobs. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Firethorn has acquired a 17-acre site situated on the A41 in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, from Taylor Wimpey with plans to deliver a new, best-in-class mid-box logistics development. The land forms the employment element of Taylor Wimpey’s residential-led development at Hampden Fields, and benefits from outline consent for up to 314,000 sq ft of employment use. Firethorn plans to invest £50m in the developmentand engage with the Local Authority planning team and local stakeholders to progress reserved matters planning consent, with speculative development anticipated to commence in mid-2027. Following its recent purchase of a 10-acre site in Maidenhead, and with further transactions under offer, this acquisition demonstrates Firethorn’s continued commitment to the UK I&L sector. James Sanders, Head of Industrial and Logistics at Firethorn, said: “It’s been a pleasure working with the Taylor Wimpey team and consultants on a site that we’re excited to bring forward. The development presents an compelling opportunity for occupiers, who continue to be displaced by affordability constraints of nearby markets. With excellent connectivity and Grade A product, we expect the project will allow us to address a gap for future customers and look forward to moving into the delivery phase. “The site complements our recent acquisition in Maidenhead and we hope, with further announcements to come, our logistics portfolio will continue to grow, suiting occupier requirements across different sizes and geographies. This reflects our focus on pursuing strategic opportunities in well-connected locations with strong fundamentals across the UK.” Henry Pauncefort-Duncombe, Head of Strategic Land at Kirkby Diamond (now part of Eddisons), who acted on behalf of Taylor Wimpey alongside Alex Jenden, said: “We are delighted to have advised on the sale of this significant 17-acre site in Aylesbury, working alongside joint agents Bidwells. Kirkby Diamond has been involved with the site at Hampden Fields for over 20 years, so it is particularly rewarding to see it move into its next phase. This is a major transaction for the region and, once complete, we expect the best-in-class development to attract strong interest from a wide range of occupiers, ultimately delivering substantial employment opportunities and long-term economic benefits for the local area.” Located south-east of Aylesbury, the site provides direct access to the A41 dual carriageway offering connectivity to the M40 and M25, which are both within 20 miles. Firethorn was advised by Cushman & Wakefield, Taylor Wimpey was advised by Kirkby Diamond (now Eddisons). Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Developer-backed plans to significantly expand Nottingham Forest Football Club’s City Ground have been submitted, setting out proposals to increase the stadium’s capacity from 30,445 to around 52,000. The planning applications mark a major step forward in the club’s ambitions to deliver a large-scale redevelopment of the historic riverside ground. Nottingham Forest’s owner, Evangelos Marinakis, said the proposals represent a significant investment that would create a sustainable and iconic stadium, forming an integral part of the economic growth of Nottingham and the wider region. The redevelopment has been designed by KSS Design Group, which is also leading stadium expansion projects at Anfield for Liverpool FC and Elland Road for Leeds United. The wider professional team includes Buro Happold, Gleeds and Savills, reflecting the scale and complexity of the proposed transformation. Under the new plans, the City Ground would be comprehensively redeveloped to deliver a modern, high-capacity stadium capable of supporting the club’s long-term sporting and commercial ambitions. Visuals released by the club show a substantially enlarged venue designed to enhance the matchday experience for supporters while improving facilities and accessibility. In a statement, Nottingham Forest said it is looking forward to working closely with the Mayor of the East Midlands, Rushcliffe Borough Council, Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council, as well as fans and the wider community, to secure a positive outcome for the scheme. The new proposals replace a previously approved, more modest expansion. Last year, the club secured planning permission from Rushcliffe Borough Council to increase capacity to 35,000 through the demolition and rebuild of the Peter Taylor Stand. Those plans have now been set aside in favour of the more ambitious redevelopment. Architect Konstantinos Chatzimanolis, formerly of Foster & Partners, has also been advising the club on its expansion strategy since April last year. James Faflik, senior director and project lead at Gleeds, said he was proud to have led the professional team on what he described as a transformative stadium redevelopment. He said the project would deliver significant benefits for supporters, the local economy and the wider area, and expressed his enthusiasm for progressing the scheme following submission of the planning application. Gleeds regional director Matt Darby added that feedback from local businesses, councillors, season ticket holders and other stakeholders had been overwhelmingly positive. He said the firm is looking forward to continuing its long-standing relationship with the club as the project moves through the planning process. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Henry Boot has secured outline planning consent for a major 5.5m sq ft industrial and logistics scheme in Goole, marking a significant boost for manufacturing and distribution across the Humber region. The development, known as FREEPORT 36, is being brought forward by Henry Boot’s development arm HBD in partnership with landowner St John’s College, Cambridge. The approval clears the way for the creation of a 300-acre industrial and manufacturing park capable of accommodating a wide range of occupiers. Plans provide flexibility for buildings ranging in size from 40,000 sq ft to more than 1m sq ft, enabling the scheme to cater for advanced manufacturing, logistics and large-scale industrial users. Detailed proposals will now be prepared, with the development team targeting a start on site before the end of the year. Once fully built out, FREEPORT 36 is expected to support around 3,000 jobs in Goole itself and approximately 5,500 jobs across the wider Yorkshire and Humber region, delivering a substantial economic uplift. The site benefits from a highly strategic location adjacent to Junction 36 of the M62, offering direct access to Goole Docks, the M18 and the wider Humber Ports complex. This connectivity is expected to be a major draw for occupiers seeking efficient national and international supply chain links. FREEPORT 36 forms part of the Humber Freeport Goole tax site, which has been formally designated following approval from HM Treasury and HMRC. As a result, occupiers will be able to benefit from a range of freeport incentives designed to support long-term investment and growth. Tim Roberts, chief executive of Henry Boot, said the scheme will play a key role in supporting the expansion of manufacturing and logistics across Yorkshire, adding that freeport status further strengthens the location’s appeal to occupiers looking for scale, connectivity and long-term certainty. With outline consent now in place, the project is set to move into its next phase as one of the largest industrial developments in the north of England. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Developer Edge, in partnership with Mitsubishi Estate, is preparing to move ahead with a £150m redevelopment of 125 Shaftesbury Avenue after securing a major funding package for the West End scheme. Sir Robert McAlpine is understood to be the preferred contractor for the large-scale office refurbishment, which is being taken forward on a speculative basis. With funding now in place, construction is expected to start early this year once enabling works and strip-out are completed by John F Hunt. The project, known as EDGE Shaftesbury, is backed by a consortium of Japanese equity investors including Tokyo Tatemono, Toko Electrical Construction and Fuyo General Lease, alongside development finance provided by Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank. The investment underlines continued confidence in prime London office space despite wider market uncertainty. The scheme already has planning consent to transform the existing 1980s building into approximately 250,000 sq ft of modern workspace. Proposals include a reconfigured main entrance on Charing Cross Road, new rooftop terraces and upgraded office floors designed to meet the expectations of contemporary occupiers. Completion is targeted for 2028. A central feature of the redevelopment is its low-carbon strategy. Around 75% of the existing structure will be retained, significantly reducing embodied carbon compared with a full demolition and rebuild. The refurbishment will also increase the building’s height from 11 to 13 storeys and introduce new ground-floor workspace to enhance street-level activity. Fons van Dorst, managing director UK at Edge, said securing the funding represented a key milestone for the project and its partnership with Mitsubishi Estate London. He added that the move into delivery would allow the team to focus on creating a high-quality, future-ready office building that benefits occupiers, neighbours and the wider city. Once complete, the development is expected to play a prominent role in the ongoing renewal of London’s West End office market. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
J Pullan & Sons has secured planning approval and appointed McLaren Construction Yorkshire and North East as main contractor for the Joseph’s Well student tower, launching a bold new chapter for the historic site. Full planning consent has been granted for a major new purpose-built student accommodation scheme at Joseph’s Well in Leeds city centre, marking the most significant transformation of the estate in over 45 years. The 14-storey development, known as The Tower, will deliver 256 high-quality student bedrooms in a mix of studios and cluster apartments, alongside premium communal and amenity spaces designed to support student wellbeing, collaboration and long-term operational performance. Christophe Demoulin, Contracts Manager at Pullans, said: “This consent marks a major milestone for Pullans. The Tower is the single largest investment in our 140-year history and reflects our long-term commitment to Joseph’s Well and the city of Leeds.” Alongside McLaren Construction Yorkshire and North East, the wider project team comprises Cunniff Design as architect, FutureServ as MEP consultant, Orion Fire as fire consultant, Roscoe as civil and structural engineer, and RBA as quantity surveyor and employer’s agent. Andrew Beaumont, Managing Director at McLaren Construction Yorkshire and North East, said: “This appointment represents a pivotal milestone for our Yorkshire and North East region and reinforces our strategic commitment to building a sustainable and relationship-driven business. With our broad experience and skilled team, we are well placed to deliver this landmark project for Pullans in the heart of Leeds city centre.” Located within walking distance of the University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University and the city centre, the scheme responds to Leeds’ growing demand for professionally managed, high-quality student living, helping to support the city’s continued status as one of the UK’s leading university destinations. Designed with sustainability at its heart, the building will incorporate modern, energy-efficient systems and a carefully balanced mix of social, study and relaxation spaces, enhancing the student experience while making a positive contribution to the wider Joseph’s Well estate and surrounding neighbourhood. Patrick Evers, Director at Cunniff Design, added: “We have been involved with this project from the very start, so it is incredibly rewarding to see our vision one step closer to being realised on site. Its efficient, contextual approach and commitment to technical innovation and build quality make it a fitting addition to the long history of this important site.” Joseph’s Well has played an important role in Leeds’ business landscape for nearly half a century. Acquired by Pullans in 1979, the former factory and mill was first converted into office space before a purpose-built headquarters was developed for Hammond Suddards in 1990. This latest phase represents a significant diversification of uses for the estate – the first major change since its original conversion some 45 years ago – signalling an exciting new chapter for this iconic Leeds destination. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Story Homes has secured revised planning permission for Phases 6 and 7 of its Edgehill Park development in Whitehaven, paving the way for 158 new homes and the next stage of the long-running project. Phase 6 will see the introduction of a new collection of house types, a contemporary sub-brand designed to meet modern lifestyles and evolving housing needs. The designs offer a modern take on Georgian-style terraces, with statement detailing, flexible layouts, and a fresh, progressive feel. The collection is aimed particularly at first-time buyers and downsizers seeking homes that are easy to manage, well-located, and thoughtfully designed for everyday living. “Today’s lifestyles are more dynamic, social and convenience-driven than ever before,” Story Homes said, noting that the new designs feature open-plan layouts, manageable private gardens, and carefully considered public green spaces to support community life. Philip Fell, Land Manager for Story Homes Cumbria & Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to have secured planning consent for the next phases at Edgehill Park. Whitehaven has been an important location for Story Homes for many years, and Phase 6 represents an exciting step forward with the introduction of our new collection of house types. It’s been rewarding to see how our developments have evolved to reflect changing lifestyles while continuing to deliver high-quality, well-designed homes.” The new homes will incorporate energy-efficient features and innovative heating systems, helping to reduce household energy bills while meeting Future Homes standards and supporting the UK’s sustainability goals. By focusing on well-connected locations close to amenities and public transport, the development also encourages walking and cycling, reduces parking requirements and makes efficient use of land. Story Homes has had a long-standing presence in Whitehaven for over 15 years, delivering homes that contribute to the local economy, provide employment opportunities, and raise expectations for design quality and specification. The approval of Phases 6 and 7 marks the next chapter in Edgehill Park’s growth, combining innovative design, sustainable living, and community-focused planning for residents of Whitehaven. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new specialist company, Millars Pumps, is bringing innovative Italian fire safety solutions to the UK construction market, as the exclusive distributor of Idroelettrica Spa fire pumps and controllers. Developers, contractors and fire protection engineers across the country will have access to high-quality, Italian fire pump solutions, along with dedicated customer service from a knowledgeable, UK-based team. Idroelettrica is a leading Italian manufacturer renowned for its commitment to quality and precision in the manufacture of fire pump-set and pump-house equipment. It offers cost-effective, bespoke solutions and options that meet a wide range of international, European and British industry standards including FM, NFPA, EN, and BS. The recent expansion of its manufacturing and in-house testing facilities in Modena ensures swift delivery times along with robust quality control. The launch of Millars Pumps responds to growing demand for reliable fire pump solutions in both new-build and retrofit projects across the UK, driven by stricter fire safety standards and planning requirements. As more commercial sites and high-rise residential buildings upgrade or install sprinkler, water mist and hydrant systems, Millars Pumps will support contractors and specifiers with compliant, reliable and space-efficient equipment. Along with its wide range of end suction, split case, vertical turbine and submersible pumps and associated equipment, Millars Pumps will introduce Firebox. Idroelettrica’s flagship solution, Firebox is a ‘plug-and-play’ pre-fabricated pump room which arrives complete and ready to install. An efficient and cost-effective alternative to constructing a traditional pump house, Firebox is fully customisable to clients’ specifications and space requirements. The innovative design means that all sides can fully open, providing 360° access for easy maintenance, inspection, or future upgrades. Giovanni Vaccari, Sales Export Manager at Idroelettrica Spa, comments: “The launch of Millars Pumps in the UK is exciting news for any company looking to install or upgrade fire pumps for sprinkler or water mist fire protection systems. Our wide range of fire pump solutions, such as Firebox, are designed to be long-lasting, convenient to install and easy to maintain. “The combined expertise of Millars Pumps and Idroelettrica will ensure UK customers are fully supported at every stage of the process, from specification through to delivery, installation and maintenance.” To find out more call 01842 790100 or visit www.millarspumps.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Pirtek UK & Ireland is encouraging businesses in hard hat sectors to put mental health at the centre of their plans for 2026. Research from Pirtek’s Under the Hard Hat campaign shows that 94% of workers in construction, engineering and related industries have experienced stress, anxiety or loneliness at work. One in seven have had suicidal thoughts, and mental health-related absence is more than three times the national average. Despite these figures, more than 40% of workers say their employer offers no mental health support or they are unaware of any available resources. This silence is costing lives. Pirtek is calling on business leaders to act now and embed mental health into everyday operations, not just annual initiatives. Pirtek’s Managing Director, Adam Burrows argues that culture change starts at the top. When senior figures speak openly about their own experiences, it sends a powerful signal that vulnerability is not weakness. Informal check-ins during briefings or over coffee can help spot early signs of struggle. Leaders who make mental health part of daily conversation create workplaces where honesty feels safe. Five actions for franchise businesses Mental health issues rarely appear overnight. Regular, informal check-ins can help spot signs before they escalate. Toolbox talks are an effective way to open dialogue, but they don’t need to be formal. A five-minute chat at the start of a shift can make a difference. Businesses should encourage managers to ask open questions and listen without judgement. Employers already assess physical risks, yet mental health risks such as fatigue, isolation and high-pressure workloads are just as real. Include mental wellbeing in risk assessments and health and safety strategies. Make it clear that mental health is part of the duty of care, not an optional extra. Resources only work if people know they exist and feel safe using them. Display information in communal areas, mention it during team meetings and include it in payslips. Promote confidentiality and reassure staff that seeking help will not affect job security. When support becomes part of everyday language, stigma begins to fade. The ‘man up’ mentality still exists, but it’s fading. Businesses can help to accelerate that shift by encouraging peer support and celebrating openness. They can also share stories from leaders and colleagues who have faced challenges and make it clear that looking out for each other is part of the job, not a favour. With NHS wait times for mental health support continuing to grow, workplaces need alternatives. Signpost services like Andy’s Man Club, Hub of Hope and the BreakPoint Academy. Consider introducing mental health first aiders, employee assistance programmes or informal peer networks. The more options people have, the more likely they are to reach out before reaching crisis point. Pirtek’s Managing Director, Adam Burrows, says: “Industrial leaders have a duty of care that goes beyond physical safety. Mental health must be treated with the same seriousness. Awareness is only the beginning, what matters is what we choose to do next.” For more insights and practical advice, listen to Pirtek’s Under the Hard Hat podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXvlHSCdM9g Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals