A major construction milestone has been reached at the £4 billion Agratas gigafactory in Bridgwater, Somerset, with the completion of the primary steel frame for the landmark facility. Agratas, the global battery business of Tata Group, began construction on the multi-billion-pound development in 2024. Once operational, it will be the
Contractor Graham has secured the £286 million contract to redevelop the Cambridge Halls student campus for Manchester Metropolitan University, marking a major step forward in the transformation of the city’s student accommodation offer. The scheme, which will deliver more than 2,300 new student bedrooms, is being brought forward through a
Plans for a substantial new plaster and renders factory in Derbyshire have been approved, paving the way for a significant industrial investment near Ilkeston. Erewash Borough Council has granted planning permission for Italian building materials specialist Fassa Bortolo to establish its new UK headquarters at the former Stanton Ironworks site.
MULTI-disciplinary consultancy Pulse Consult is working closely with the University of Warwick Science Park to refurbish its Vanguard Centre, a building that dates back to the 1970s, enhancing existing facilities to better support research and innovation within the Life Sciences sector. Working under direct award, the £6m project will deliver approx.
Exchange Communications has completed a landmark connectivity project at Chelsea Barracks, delivering one of the UK’s largest and most technically advanced 4G in-building installations at the luxury London development. Setting a new benchmark for digital infrastructure in prime residential real estate, the phase two installation brings the total number of
Pollini at Ladbroke Hall enters a new chapter defined not by what is on the plate, but by the evolution of its physical space — a considered reworking of interior architecture, materiality and atmosphere within one of West London’s most distinctive heritage buildings. Set inside Ladbroke Hall’s Grade II-listed Beaux
Leading property management company Rendall & Rittner has established a dedicated Customer Experience (CX) Team, designed to enhance the way residents access support and receive resolutions to their enquiries. Based across the company’s London and Manchester offices, the team provides a dedicated first point of contact, improving response times and
Out-of-town retail continued to outperform the wider retail market throughout 2025, cementing its position as one of the UK’s most resilient commercial property sectors, according to SHW’s Q1 2026 Retail Focus report. Retail warehousing emerged as the standout performer, supported by low vacancy rates, constrained supply and sustained occupier demand,
Max Cardona brings over 30 years’ experience in engineering, process automation and business management He joins the Manchester-based manufacturer as it continues a multi-million-pound investment in its UK operations HAHN Plastics UK (HPUK) has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Max Cardona as General Manager, amid continued investment
Partnership raises awareness of risks for police drivers and roadworkers that arise from ‘blue light incursions’ Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, is collaborating with the Police Federation of England & Wales (PFEW), the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and National Highways, to raise awareness of the dangers of ‘blue light
A major construction milestone has been reached at the £4 billion Agratas gigafactory in Bridgwater, Somerset, with the completion of the primary steel frame for the landmark facility. Agratas, the global battery business of Tata Group, began construction on the multi-billion-pound development in 2024. Once operational, it will be the largest battery manufacturing facility of its kind in the UK, producing battery cells for automotive applications and energy storage systems, and playing a central role in advancing clean technology. The vast steel structure for Building One, the first phase of the project, spans 525 metres in length, 167 metres in width and rises to 34 metres at its highest point. In total, 23,000 tonnes of steel have been used across the main building and associated ancillary structures — a volume comparable to that used in the construction of Wembley Stadium. More than 500 people were involved in delivering the complex steel operation, with all structural steel sourced from within the UK. Completion of the frame enables the project team to move into the next stages of development, including external cladding, roofing works and internal fit-out. The steel package has been delivered by construction partner Sir Robert McAlpine, working alongside steel specialist Severfield and the integrated design and engineering team at Stantec. The collaboration marks a significant step forward in creating large-scale battery manufacturing capacity in Britain. Recruitment for the site is continuing, with around 1,600 roles to be filled over the coming year across operations, maintenance, engineering, logistics and quality functions. Once fully operational, the facility is expected to support around 4,000 jobs and generate more than £700 million in annual economic value for the South West. In parallel, Costain has been appointed to design and construct a new junction on the M5 motorway, providing critical infrastructure access to the expanding Agratas site. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Contractor Graham has secured the £286 million contract to redevelop the Cambridge Halls student campus for Manchester Metropolitan University, marking a major step forward in the transformation of the city’s student accommodation offer. The scheme, which will deliver more than 2,300 new student bedrooms, is being brought forward through a joint venture between the University and Unite Students. It represents one of the most significant higher education residential developments currently planned in Manchester. The project will involve the demolition of the existing 1990s-era accommodation to make way for two new multi-storey buildings rising to 30 storeys. Delivered across two phases, the development will provide a mix of cluster apartments and self-contained studios, alongside a range of internal and external amenity spaces designed to enhance student wellbeing and foster a strong sense of community. In addition to residential provision, the scheme will incorporate ground-floor commercial units and a new community health centre fronting Cambridge Street. This element is intended to strengthen connections between the campus and the surrounding neighbourhood, creating a more integrated and accessible urban environment. Designed by Cartwright Pickard, the development is targeting a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, reflecting a strong emphasis on sustainability and long-term environmental performance. The buildings will feature a highly thermally efficient fabric, supported by a comprehensive suite of low-carbon and energy-efficient technologies. Air source heat pumps, photovoltaic panels and low-energy heat recovery ventilation systems will be integrated with advanced intelligent building management systems. Together, these measures are expected to significantly reduce operational energy demand and carbon emissions over the lifecycle of the development. Stephen Van den Hoek, Regional Director at Graham, confirmed that construction is scheduled to commence later this year. Phase one is due for completion in 2029, with phase two following in 2030, reshaping this key gateway site and setting a new benchmark for sustainable student accommodation in Manchester. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans for a substantial new plaster and renders factory in Derbyshire have been approved, paving the way for a significant industrial investment near Ilkeston. Erewash Borough Council has granted planning permission for Italian building materials specialist Fassa Bortolo to establish its new UK headquarters at the former Stanton Ironworks site. The development will form part of the wider New Stanton Park regeneration scheme. Fassa Bortolo, known for its pre-mix renders and plasters, will construct a 170,000 sq ft manufacturing facility on the business estate. The project represents a major step in the transformation of the historic ironworks site, which is being redeveloped across 220 acres into a modern employment park. Councillor James Dawson, Leader of Erewash Borough Council, said the approval marks an important milestone for the area. He noted that the scheme is about more than new construction, highlighting its role in giving renewed purpose to a landmark industrial site while supporting the local economy and long-term prosperity of residents. New Stanton Park is expected to support up to 4,000 jobs once fully developed, reinforcing its status as a key employment destination within the East Midlands. Fassa Bortolo’s President, Bortolo Fassa, described the decision to locate the company’s UK headquarters at New Stanton Park as a strategic move. He said the business is pleased to confirm its investment in the region as part of wider international expansion plans. Headquartered in Treviso, Italy, the company traces its roots back to 1710, when a family ancestor began working with lime. Today, the firm is investing £350 million to expand its global footprint, with Derbyshire set to play a central role in its future UK operations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MULTI-disciplinary consultancy Pulse Consult is working closely with the University of Warwick Science Park to refurbish its Vanguard Centre, a building that dates back to the 1970s, enhancing existing facilities to better support research and innovation within the Life Sciences sector. Working under direct award, the £6m project will deliver approx. 13,600 sq ft of dedicated premium lab space and 8,000 sq ft of office space. The ground floor will be converted into 13 individual premium accessible R&D laboratory spaces with flexibility to be connected to support growth. The first floor will house eight offices, a collection of modern meeting rooms, inspiring collaborative workspaces and a social and events area. This will provide university research partners and commercial tenants with additional space to conduct pioneering research. Jason Fretter, director at Pulse Consult, said: “We recognise the vital role that well-designed, functional facilities play in driving innovation and research. That’s why we are particularly pleased to have been appointed to deliver this project, building on our strong existing relationship with the University of Warwick and supporting the successful refurbishment of the Vanguard Centre. “By creating premium accessible R&D laboratories and flexible office spaces tailored to the evolving needs of researchers and commercial partners, we hope this project will not only enhance the campus but also attract top talent and pioneering activity to the region. We are excited to collaborate with the University of Warwick Science Park to bring this innovative space to life and support the cutting-edge research that will shape the future.” The refurbishment incorporates a range of sustainability measures including new windows, added insulation to external walls and infill panels on both floors using CLT timber. Electric heating has been installed with plans for future PV panels, all contributing to an improved EPC rating. Pulse Consult is providing project management, quantity surveying and employer’s agent services, drawing on its longstanding relationships with university contacts to ensure the project runs smoothly. Completion is scheduled for Autumn 2026. Emma Turner, business development manager at the University of Warwick Science Park, said: “The transformation of the Vanguard Centre will put the Science Park at the forefront of conversations across the industry with incoming companies benefiting from high-quality, flexible working spaces, collaborative and coworking opportunities and benefiting from links with a top-ranked university. “Availablity of lab space within the region is a challenge for many businesses needing to find suitable premises and is at a significant premium due to lack of supply in areas of high demand. “The Vanguard Centre will relieve some of this pressure, and the space will be priced competitively without compromising on quality. “We’re confident the Vanguard Centre would make the perfect base for companies in need of modern R&D space with competitive pricing and attention to detail being given at every stage of this project.” For more information, visit www.pulseconsult.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Exchange Communications has completed a landmark connectivity project at Chelsea Barracks, delivering one of the UK’s largest and most technically advanced 4G in-building installations at the luxury London development. Setting a new benchmark for digital infrastructure in prime residential real estate, the phase two installation brings the total number of antennas across the project to an extraordinary 755, all engineered and integrated by Exchange Communications, the UK’s leading provider of smart, in-building cellular solutions. A showcase of world-class architecture and design, Chelsea Barracks is renowned for its exceptional apartments, penthouses and townhouses, crafted by globally acclaimed designers. The development’s commitment to excellence extends far beyond aesthetics. By incorporating 4G infrastructure at the construction stage, rather than retrofitting it later, Exchange Communications ensured that every piece of equipment blends seamlessly into the building’s fabric, maintaining the integrity of the design while delivering best-in-class performance. Tom Sime, CEO of Exchange Communications, said: “This project ensures residents benefit from fast, consistent and reliable mobile connectivity across all major networks. Installing 384 antennas as part of the second phase, 755 in total, positions Chelsea Barracks as one of the most comprehensively connected residential developments in the UK. “We’re proud to help bring to life a collection of homes defined by exceptional quality and uncompromising attention to detail.” He added: “When connectivity is embedded into a development from the earliest planning stages, the results are not only more efficient, but also more integral to the funcitonality of the building. This approach enables us to deliver a seamless, future-ready solution that enhances every aspect of the resident experience.” Exchange Communications continues to lead the UK market in smart-building and 5G technology. The company has created some of the most connected public environments in the country, including major shopping centres, hospitals, sports arenas, football stadiums, hotels and key national transport hubs. The completion of Chelsea Barracks’ phase two connectivity programme further cements Exchange Communications’ reputation as the partner of choice for ambitious developments demanding world-class digital infrastructure. For more information visit www.exchangecommunications.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Pollini at Ladbroke Hall enters a new chapter defined not by what is on the plate, but by the evolution of its physical space — a considered reworking of interior architecture, materiality and atmosphere within one of West London’s most distinctive heritage buildings. Set inside Ladbroke Hall’s Grade II-listed Beaux Arts structure in Notting Hill, the restaurant forms part of a wider 43,000 sq ft adaptive reuse project that has transformed the former 1903 Clément-Talbot car factory into a multi-layered cultural destination. The building’s grand portico, heraldic crest and vast arched window remain defining architectural features, anchoring the contemporary interventions within a historic framework. Originally conceived by Linda Boronkay, Founder and Creative Director of Boronkay Studio, the restaurant’s latest evolution reflects a careful process of refinement rather than wholesale redesign. Working within architecture shaped by Vincenzo De Cotiis Architects, the updated scheme enhances the dialogue between historic fabric and modern craftsmanship, demonstrating how retrofit-led hospitality design can deliver both intimacy and theatricality within a landmark setting. What began as a raw shell has progressively matured into a layered, textural environment. The recent interior works have focused on deepening warmth and improving spatial flow. Reconfigured banquette seating reshapes the dining layout, creating softer sightlines and more flexible group arrangements. New upholstery and textile treatments introduce richer tactility, absorbing sound and improving acoustic comfort within the high-ceilinged volume. Lighting has been embedded and recalibrated to create zones of intimacy beneath the grand proportions of the hall. Rather than relying solely on statement fixtures, the scheme now incorporates concealed and low-level illumination to enhance depth and shadow, drawing attention to surfaces and materials rather than spectacle alone. Curtaining has been introduced to envelope the dining area, forming a subtle architectural threshold between the restaurant and the adjoining gallery spaces. This intervention strengthens the sense of enclosure without compromising the openness of the original structure — a key consideration in retrofitting heritage buildings for contemporary hospitality use. Greenery and internal planting have also been amplified, softening the architectural lines and introducing a biophilic layer that complements the building’s historic grandeur. The addition of an outdoor bamboo garden patio further extends the spatial experience, offering a seamless transition between interior and exterior environments while maintaining the cohesive design language established indoors. Art and collectible design remain integral to the interior identity. Four large-scale, site-specific works by Sir Christopher Le Brun PPRA continue to anchor the space visually, alongside a sculptural chandelier by Nacho Carbonell and bespoke furniture pieces curated through Carpenters Workshop Gallery. These elements reinforce Ladbroke Hall’s ‘living gallery’ ethos, where art, design and hospitality intersect. Boronkay describes the project as an exercise in creating a retreat within the city — intimate yet expressive, layered with shadow, texture and warmth. The intention has been to craft an environment that feels instinctively welcoming while quietly sophisticated, allowing materials, proportion and craftsmanship to speak first. The refinement of Pollini reflects a broader movement in London’s hospitality sector towards thoughtful retrofitting and adaptive reuse rather than ground-up development. By working sensitively within a historic envelope, the project demonstrates how heritage assets can be reactivated through careful spatial planning, material layering and contemporary detailing. At its core, Pollini remains inseparable from Ladbroke Hall’s wider vision: a place where architecture, art, performance and social gathering coexist. With this latest evolution, the restaurant strengthens its identity not simply as a dining destination, but as a carefully constructed interior environment shaped by restoration, design intelligence and respect for its architectural past. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading property management company Rendall & Rittner has established a dedicated Customer Experience (CX) Team, designed to enhance the way residents access support and receive resolutions to their enquiries. Based across the company’s London and Manchester offices, the team provides a dedicated first point of contact, improving response times and streamlining communication across the business. Since launching, the team has been shaping and refining its approach, already delivering real benefits for customers. Building on this success, it is now extending its operating hours to further enhance support for residents. The CX Team is central to Rendall & Rittner’s focus on delivering exceptional service and resolving customer issues as rapidly as possible. The team handles incoming enquiries directly and then works quickly to provide a resolution or liaise with property management or specialist teams to ensure more complex enquiries are resolved. In the most recent quarter, the CX Team achieved first-point resolution for 50% of customer enquiries, with an average resolution time of three days. Feedback from residents has been overwhelmingly positive, with a growing number of five-star reviews recorded on Trustpilot and Google. Customers can connect with the CX Team quickly and easily via Rendall & Rittner’s MyPlace customer portal, website, dedicated property email address and telephone, when it is convenient for them. With the introduction of extended operating hours, support is now available Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm, and Saturdays from 8am to 4:30pm, making it easier to say connected. The introduction of the CX Team forms part of a wider investment in service improvement and technology. It complements the company’s MyPlace portal, which offers residents 24/7 access to property updates, document storage and online enquiries, as well as supporting the broader shift towards a more transparent, customer-centric model of property management. “The launch of our Customer Experience Team marks a significant step forward in our commitment to delivering exceptional service,” said Catherine Riva, Co-CEO of Rendall & Rittner. “By streamlining communication and providing faster, more effective resolutions, we’re not only improving the experience for our residents but also setting a new standard in customer-focused property management. The positive feedback we’ve already received shows that this investment is making a real difference.” Jo Dowsett, Head of Quality at Rendall & Rittner, comments: “In a relatively short space of time, the team has exceeded expectations, delivering meaningful outcomes and setting a high bar for quality and service. I’m incredibly proud of how quickly the team has come together. Their enthusiasm, professionalism, and commitment to delivering results have already made a noticeable impact and that is being reflected in consistently positive feedback from our customers.” Led by Customer Experience Manager Angela Spencer, the CX Team works closely with Property Management teams and specialist areas to ensure complex or specialised enquiries are escalated quickly and handled effectively. The team has recently expanded with the addition of two new supervisors, strengthening leadership capacity and enhancing service delivery. By managing routine customer enquiries, the team enables Property Managers to focus their time on complex matters and key service outcomes. Looking ahead, the team will continue to evolve and enhance the customer experience by embedding a proactive, customer-first service culture and expanding customer-controlled systems designed for convenience and independent resolution. This approach will deliver measurable improvements in customer satisfaction, strengthen trust, and support long-term engagement across the customer journey. For further information please visit: www.rendallandrittner.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Out-of-town retail continued to outperform the wider retail market throughout 2025, cementing its position as one of the UK’s most resilient commercial property sectors, according to SHW’s Q1 2026 Retail Focus report. Retail warehousing emerged as the standout performer, supported by low vacancy rates, constrained supply and sustained occupier demand, all of which helped drive rental growth across the year. Despite a modest dip compared with 2024, investment volumes remained healthy, with more than £2bn transacted in 2025. This level of activity sits comfortably in line with the sector’s 10-year average, with returns over the past 12 months averaging 9.8%. Investor appetite has been particularly strong for well-located secondary assets offering attractive income returns. Groups such as Redevco and Realty have been active in targeting these opportunities, reflecting confidence in the sector’s long-term fundamentals. Occupational demand has also remained robust. Vacancy rates across retail warehousing have held at around 5%, and space released following the failures of Homebase and Carpetright was swiftly absorbed by a mix of food retailers, DIY operators, discount brands and gym operators. There has also been a notable rise in retailers acquiring freehold interests in solus units to secure long-term occupation at lease expiry. Letting activity has varied by location and scheme type. Operators such as Next, Superdrug and M&S Food Hall have continued to target schemes with a stronger high-street bias, while discount retailers including Home Bargains and B&M have pressed ahead with portfolio expansion. While a small number of store closures have been announced by Hobbycraft, overall supply remains tight. Gym operators are increasingly competing with retailers for space, bringing new customer demographics to retail parks and strengthening footfall. Food retailers reported generally positive Christmas trading, with Lidl and Aldi recording strong sales growth. Lidl has now become the UK’s fastest-growing bricks-and-mortar supermarket, while most other major grocers also saw uplifts. The food and beverage and quick-service restaurant sector has continued to expand, with fierce competition for drive-through sites. New opportunities released by Pizza Hut closures were quickly taken up, while fried chicken and coffee brands remain particularly active. Looking ahead, SHW expects the retail warehouse sector to remain resilient through 2026, underpinned by limited new development, strong occupier demand and sustained investor interest. For a copy of SHW’s Q1 2026 Retail Focus, which covers out-of-town and high street retail, please contact any member of the SHW team. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Max Cardona brings over 30 years’ experience in engineering, process automation and business management He joins the Manchester-based manufacturer as it continues a multi-million-pound investment in its UK operations HAHN Plastics UK (HPUK) has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Max Cardona as General Manager, amid continued investment in its UK operations. Based at HPUK’s Manchester site, Max brings more than 30 years of experience across engineering, process automation and business management. He joins at a pivotal time, as the HAHN Group, HPUK’s parent company, progresses with a multi-million-pound investment programme to future-proof its UK manufacturing operations and support long-term growth. In his new role, Max will help deliver HPUK’s five-year expansion plans, scaling up production as the business continues to invest in its UK operations. As HPUK expands its manufacturing capacity, the investment will also support the UK’s ability to process more recycled plastic domestically, helping to prepare the country for the upcoming Flex Collect requirements and reduce reliance on virgin raw materials. Max joins HPUK from a top-tier engineering manufacturing firm, where he served as Sales Director. Prior to that, he held a number of senior sales and management roles, including more than a decade as Managing Director in his native South Africa, leading complex engineering and production-led businesses. As part of the HAHN Group’s long-term growth strategy, the business continues to develop and scale hanit®, its high-performance recycled plastic material used as a durable alternative to traditional materials such as wood, concrete and steel. Commenting on his appointment, Max Cardona said: “I’m excited to be joining HAHN at such a pivotal time for its UK growth. The scale of investment underway shows a business committed to doing the right thing for its people, its customers and the environment. “I’m looking forward to using my experience in manufacturing and process automation to help develop a site that is fit for the future. There is a strong team already in place, and I’m excited to work alongside them as we take the next steps together.” Dave Watson, Managing Director of HAHN Plastics UK, added: “Max brings a wealth of experience in operational leadership, automation and business growth, making him a strong addition to the team at a critical time for HPUK. “As we continue to invest significantly in our UK operations, Max’s expertise will help us optimise our processes, support our people and deliver the next phase of our long-term growth strategy.” Founded in 1993, HAHN Plastics UK leads the market in manufacturing high-quality alternatives to virgin plastic, wood, concrete and steel, made entirely from recycled plastics. The business transforms post-consumer waste into durable, long-lasting products such as hanit®, supporting sustainable manufacturing and the circular economy. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Partnership raises awareness of risks for police drivers and roadworkers that arise from ‘blue light incursions’ Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, is collaborating with the Police Federation of England & Wales (PFEW), the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and National Highways, to raise awareness of the dangers of ‘blue light incursions’ for road workers and the emergency services on motorways and major A roads. Blue light incursions occur when emergency vehicles enter restricted roadworks areas whilst attending emergencies. This can create risks for police officers and roadworkers who may be working in the area of an incursion. Costain has worked with the NPCC, the PFEW and National Highways, to produce an awareness video for police drivers. The video raises awareness of the risks police drivers face when entering restricted roadworks areas, and how they can minimise associated risks whilst maintaining the effectiveness of their response. It also highlights the risks to roadworkers within the traffic management area. Costain has applied its decades of experience in delivering road infrastructure and maintenance projects to the initiative, which also supports National Highways’ efforts to minimise the risk of incursions on the Strategic Road Network, which covers motorways and major A roads in England. Costain is working to develop versions of the video for the fire and ambulance services, as well as for frontline road workers. Andy Denman, Road Sector Director at Costain, said: “Improving health and safety underpins our best-in-class delivery of complex road schemes and maintenance projects, and we continuously work to eliminate harm and provide the safest possible working environment for our people. “Through our trusted, forward-thinking partnership with National Highways and other stakeholders, we have been able to significantly increase the awareness of the risks that can arise from incursions by police drivers. This will help to maximise their safe and effective response to emergencies and support a safer, more resilient road network.” Melanie Clarke OBE, Director of Health, Safety and Wellbeing at National Highways, said: “At National Highways, we care deeply about improving safety for our customers, our people and those in our supply chain. We are passionate about the importance of mental as well as physical health in achieving our vison of getting everyone home safe and well. “This initiative has a clear ambition to raise awareness of the risks associated with blue light incursions into roadworks from the perspective of the emergency services or roadworkers, and demonstrates a strong alignment to our vision of connecting the country safely and reliably.” Jo Shiner KPM, Chief Constable and Lead for Roads Policing, National Police Chiefs’ Council, said: “This initiative led by Costain is an outstanding demonstration of collaboration between the public and private sectors and aligns with the Department for Transport’s road safety strategy that sets out a clear path to improve road safety in the UK. “The video raises awareness of the dangers of ‘blue light’ driving within restricted roadworks areas, and most importantly, its purpose is to help keep emergency responders, roadworkers and members of the public safe.” Tim Rogers, National Pursuits and Driver Training Lead, the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: “Officers routinely make rapid decisions in complex environments. This video supports that by setting out, in plain terms, why roadworks change the risk picture and how we can respond safely and consistently.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals