Regional contractor Knights Brown has expanded into the east of England with the opening of a new office in Norwich, strengthening its transmission and distribution capability as demand for energy infrastructure continues to rise. The new base will serve as a regional hub for the company’s growing transmission and distribution
GRAHAM has secured a £286m contract to deliver the wholesale redevelopment of Cambridge Halls at Manchester Metropolitan University, a scheme being progressed through a joint venture between the University and Unite Students. The long-term partnership will provide 2,302 new student bedrooms as part of a major upgrade of the campus.
United Infrastructure, a leading provider of solutions for the UK’s critical infrastructure, has secured a contract from Cadent Gas to deliver a major redevelopment at Bromley-By-Bow Gasworks, one of London’s most historically significant industrial sites. Home to the UK’s largest collection of Grade II listed gasholders, Bromley-By-Bow Gasworks forms a key part of
Regional contractor Knights Brown has expanded into the east of England with the opening of a new office in Norwich, strengthening its transmission and distribution capability as demand for energy infrastructure continues to rise. The new base will serve as a regional hub for the company’s growing transmission and distribution team, which now comprises more than 150 direct and freelance specialists. The move reflects increasing requirements for civil engineering expertise as the UK electricity grid undergoes major upgrades to accommodate renewable energy connections and reinforce capacity. Headquartered in Ringwood, Hampshire, Knights Brown operates nationally with additional offices in South Wales, Kent and Scotland. The business turns over around £100m annually and delivers projects across substation and turbine civil engineering, groundworks, grid reinforcements and enabling infrastructure, alongside coastal and port works, water utilities, infrastructure and buildings. David Shillabeer, head of transmission and distribution, said East Anglia is one of the most active regions in the country for renewable generation and grid investment. He described the Norwich office as a clear signal of the company’s long-term commitment to the area, providing local presence and improved collaboration with clients delivering major energy programmes. Steven Price, divisional director for energy, added that the company is already engaged in critical infrastructure schemes nationwide and expects demand for transmission and distribution civils to continue growing as new generation capacity comes online. He said the dedicated hub in Norwich will enhance relationships with network operators, developers and delivery partners, while positioning the firm to support the region’s long-term energy ambitions. The expansion underlines Knights Brown’s strategic focus on supporting the UK’s energy transition through regional investment and specialist engineering capability. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GRAHAM has secured a £286m contract to deliver the wholesale redevelopment of Cambridge Halls at Manchester Metropolitan University, a scheme being progressed through a joint venture between the University and Unite Students. The long-term partnership will provide 2,302 new student bedrooms as part of a major upgrade of the campus. The existing 1990s accommodation will be demolished and replaced with two multi-storey buildings delivered in two phases, offering a mix of cluster apartments and studios alongside extensive internal and external amenity spaces. The plans include ground-floor commercial units and a new community health centre fronting Cambridge Street to deepen connections between the university and the surrounding neighbourhood. Designed by Cartwright Pickard, the buildings will reach up to 30 storeys and provide high-quality, purpose-built student accommodation. The development targets a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating and features a highly efficient building envelope combined with low‑carbon, energy‑saving technologies. Air‑source heat pumps, photovoltaic panels, low‑energy heat‑recovery ventilation and advanced intelligent building management systems are specified to significantly cut operational energy use and carbon emissions. Stephen Van den Hoek, Regional Director at GRAHAM, said: “Cambridge Halls is a significant and complex regeneration project that will transform this part of the campus. We are proud to have been appointed to work with Manchester Metropolitan University and Unite Students to deliver high-quality, sustainable accommodation that supports student wellbeing and long-term performance. Our team is looking forward to working collaboratively with all partners as the scheme moves forward.” Demolition is under way, with main construction due to start later this year. Phase one is scheduled to complete in 2029, followed by phase two in 2030. CGIs: Virtual Planit. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
United Infrastructure, a leading provider of solutions for the UK’s critical infrastructure, has secured a contract from Cadent Gas to deliver a major redevelopment at Bromley-By-Bow Gasworks, one of London’s most historically significant industrial sites. Home to the UK’s largest collection of Grade II listed gasholders, Bromley-By-Bow Gasworks forms a key part of the wider Bromley-By-Bow masterplan, which aims to preserve the site’s industrial heritage while unlocking new homes, public space and environmental improvements. United Infrastructure began the 15-month programme in late November 2025, with initial works including vegetation clearance, site establishment and the installation of CDM-compliant welfare facilities. Following the isolation of the site from the wider gas network, the project will involve demolition of redundant buildings and rationalisation of existing pipework to prepare the area for redevelopment. The contract includes the full rebuild of the gas facility on a reduced footprint on adjacent land, with United Infrastructure overseeing all civil, mechanical and electrical installations. The modernised infrastructure will deliver quieter pipework, improved operational efficiency and enhanced sustainability, while improving the appearance of the site for the surrounding community. The rationalisation of the existing gas infrastructure forms an important enabling component of the wider Bromley-By-Bow masterplan, which will deliver more than 2,150 new homes across 13 residential buildings,several of which will be located within the restored gasholder frames. Once complete, the area will be transformed into a parkland setting, incorporating wildflowers and biodiverse habitats for residents, visitors and wildlife. The award further strengthens United Infrastructure’s long-standing relationship with Cadent and reinforces its position as a trusted delivery partner to the UK’s largest infrastructure owners and operators. Conor Bray, Managing Director, Energy at United Infrastructure, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed on this project, which reflects the continued trust Cadent places in United Infrastructure and our teams. Bromley-By-Bow is a complex and historically important site, and we are proud to be supporting its transformation. By working closely with Cadent, we are helping to modernise critical infrastructure while enabling the delivery of new homes and high-quality public spaces for the local community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals