Footballing legend turned TV personality Jimmy Bullard will front a new landscaping campaign by Jewson, championing the people behind one of the toughest trades in the industry. Across TV, radio and social media, the former Fulham FC, Hull City and Ipswich Town player portrays a high-energy landscaping ‘coach’, set out to
The City of London Corporation has released a new CGI revealing how the Square Mile’s skyline is expected to look in around six years’ time, once the latest wave of towers under construction or with planning consent are complete. The computer-generated images illustrate the evolving cluster of tall buildings in
Choosing a home later in life often means finding a balance between style and practicality. Many people over 45 are now looking towards park bungalows as a way to simplify their daily routines without giving up the comforts of a high-end property. These homes are perfect for downsizing or upgrading
Renovation projects are inherently more complex than new builds. Unlike greenfield construction, refurbishment requires working within the constraints of existing structures, undocumented modifications, and ageing mechanical systems. When original drawings no longer reflect actual site conditions, the risk profile of the entire project changes. Across commercial, educational and mixed-use developments,
Footballing legend turned TV personality Jimmy Bullard will front a new landscaping campaign by Jewson, championing the people behind one of the toughest trades in the industry. Across TV, radio and social media, the former Fulham FC, Hull City and Ipswich Town player portrays a high-energy landscaping ‘coach’, set out to show employees, trade customers and aspiring DIY landscapers that with Jewson products and services, landscaping is made easier, ‘because the job’s ‘ard enough”. The campaign is designed to show that landscapers have all the products they need for their projects thanks to Jewson’s range, its expert team, and complementary services including Jewson Tool Hire. Throughout the spring and summer, Jewson will offer customers a variety of promotions on its landscaping range, including the Dallas, Verona and Nordic porcelain tiles from its exclusive Terralis range. New own-brand product lines including top soil, bark, mulch, compost and grade wood chippings will now be delivered to customers in Terralis-branded bulk bags, while new composite decking products are available as a low-maintenance alternative to timber decking. Jewson colleagues have also played a key role in the campaign, helping shape new ranges including landscaping accessories and fencing, and many of the team will feature in some of the content aired. There’ll also be landscaping themed activities in branch in line with key sporting events including The Masters and the World Cup. Tessa Viller, Marketing Director for STARK UK, Jewson’s parent company, said: “Landscaping is one of the toughest, most hands-on trades out there, and at Jewson we’re proud to partner those who put the work in every single day – often in challenging conditions. Our aim is to make life easier for those customers by being the go-to destination for landscaping materials – with the range, availability and local expertise to get everything you need for a landscaping project in one place. “Jimmy’s energy, credibility and down-to-earth approach make him the perfect fit as our landscaping ambassador. He’s a true champion of the Jewson colleagues who sit at the heart of our branches, playing a vital role in helping them win more work, more often. It’s great to have him on board – there’s a very fun, but busy, few months ahead!” Jimmy said: “I know a thing or two about graft. I’ve built my career on hard work, teamwork and getting the basics right under pressure, and that’s exactly what landscaping is all about. It’s not about shortcuts or showboating – it’s about skill, stamina and doing the job properly, day in, day out. From early starts to heavy materials and tight deadlines, the work’s hard enough already, which is why I’ve got huge respect for the people who do it. “That’s also why I’m proud to be working with Jewson. They really understand what landscapers need – from dependable stock to straightforward advice in branch – and they’re all about making life easier for the people putting the work in. It’s great to be part of something that truly champions landscapers. Bring on the summer.” Explore Jewson’s landscaping range here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The City of London Corporation has released a new CGI revealing how the Square Mile’s skyline is expected to look in around six years’ time, once the latest wave of towers under construction or with planning consent are complete. The computer-generated images illustrate the evolving cluster of tall buildings in the City’s financial district, reflecting what will be delivered following a record year for planning approvals in 2025. According to the Corporation, 2026 has already marked the busiest start to a year in seven years in terms of both planning submissions and decisions, as demand for high-quality, sustainable Grade A office space continues to grow. More than half a million square metres of office space was granted planning permission in 2025 alone – the equivalent of more than ten Gherkin-sized buildings – with roughly half of that total already under construction. The result is a development pipeline that will keep the Square Mile firmly in growth mode for the remainder of the decade. Major schemes contributing to the future skyline include 1 Undershaft, which is already progressing on site, alongside 85 Gracechurch Street and 60 Gracechurch Street, both due to start shortly. Together, these projects will add more than 200,000 square metres of commercial space. Chris Hayward, Policy Chairman of the City of London Corporation, said strong demand for amenity-rich, premium office space was reinforcing the City’s global appeal. He noted that vacancy rates in the City Core continue to fall, prime supply remains tight and leasing activity has reached its strongest annual performance since 2019. He added that the City continues to demonstrate its ability to deliver complex, large-scale developments while responding to evolving patterns of work. Tom Sleigh, Chairman of the Planning and Transportation Committee, described commercial development in the Square Mile as “all systems go”, pointing to a particularly active start to the year and sustained investor confidence in the City’s long-term prospects. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Choosing a home later in life often means finding a balance between style and practicality. Many people over 45 are now looking towards park bungalows as a way to simplify their daily routines without giving up the comforts of a high-end property. These homes are perfect for downsizing or upgrading to a space that has been specifically designed for ease of movement and relaxation. Modern construction methods and thoughtful interior layouts have transformed these properties into sophisticated living spaces. Whether you’re planning for retirement or simply want a more manageable garden, exploring the architectural advantages of these homes can help you make an informed decision. Open-Plan Living and Natural Light One of the most striking features of a high-quality bungalow is the emphasis on open-plan spaces. Architects focus on creating a seamless flow between the kitchen, dining, and living areas to make the home feel much larger than its footprint might suggest. This layout is particularly helpful for socialising, as it allows you to interact with guests while preparing a meal or making tea. Large, high-performance windows are a staple of these designs, often stretching from floor to ceiling in the main living zones. This ensures that the interior is bathed in natural light throughout the day, which can significantly improve your mood and well-being. By choosing one of the many luxury park bungalow communities across the UK, residents can enjoy these bright, airy spaces in some of the country’s most beautiful rural and coastal settings. Built for Energy Efficiency and Comfort Sustainability is at the heart of modern park home design. These bungalows are built to the BS3632 standard, which is a specific set of building regulations ensuring the property is suitable for year-round permanent residency. This means the walls, floors, and roofs are fitted with superior insulation that keeps the heat in during the winter and reflects it during the summer. Because of these high standards, you will often find that your monthly utility bills are lower than those of a traditional brick-and-mortar house. Most homes come equipped with: Smart Storage and Manageable Outdoor Spaces A common concern when moving to a smaller property is where to put everything. Designers solve this by integrating clever storage solutions into the very fabric of the home. You will often find walk-in wardrobes in the master suite, fitted cupboards in the hallway, and integrated appliances in the kitchen that save valuable counter space. Outside, the design continues to focus on low-maintenance living. Each bungalow typically features a private garden area at the front and rear, along with space down the sides for a driveway. These gardens are large enough for a bit of light potting or a patio set, but they don’t require hours of heavy weeding or lawn mowing. It’s the perfect setup for someone who wants to enjoy the fresh air without the physical strain of maintaining a massive estate. Shared Spaces and Owner Connections While the individual homes provide plenty of privacy, the overall layout of the development is intended to foster a sense of fellowship. The streets are designed to be quiet and pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to stop and chat with neighbours. Instead of a busy public clubhouse, many developments provide dedicated spaces for owners to meet and share experiences. This community-focused design is one of the biggest draws for those aged 45 and over. Knowing that your neighbours are of a similar age and share your values provides a level of security and peace of mind that’s hard to find in a standard residential street. It’s about creating an environment where you feel both independent and supported. Points to Remember A luxury park bungalow is far more than just a smaller home. Every detail, from the open-plan layout to the superior insulation standards, has been considered with the resident’s comfort, wellbeing, and independence in mind. For those aged 45 and over who are thinking about their next move, these properties offer a compelling combination of beautiful design, energy efficiency, and genuine community. You don’t have to choose between a home that looks good and one that works well for your lifestyle; the best park bungalows deliver both. Whether you’re drawn to a coastal setting, a quiet countryside retreat, or a well-connected market town location, there’s likely a park bungalow community that fits the life you’re looking to build. It’s worth taking the time to explore your options and, if possible, visiting a development in person to get a true feel for the space and the community around it.
Renovation projects are inherently more complex than new builds. Unlike greenfield construction, refurbishment requires working within the constraints of existing structures, undocumented modifications, and ageing mechanical systems. When original drawings no longer reflect actual site conditions, the risk profile of the entire project changes. Across commercial, educational and mixed-use developments, inaccurate existing-condition data remains one of the leading causes of budget overruns, coordination failures and on-site delays. The Hidden Cost of Inaccurate Existing Conditions Many renovation schemes begin with legacy drawings that may be decades old. Over time, buildings undergo structural reinforcements, plant upgrades, rerouted services and internal reconfigurations. These changes are not always properly recorded. The consequences typically emerge during construction: Each of these issues carries direct financial impact — additional labour, material waste, programme delays and contractual disputes. For developers and main contractors, the problem is rarely poor design intent. It is uncertainty at the data level. As-Built Data as a Risk-Control Mechanism Accurate as-built documentation transforms renovation from assumption-driven planning to evidence-based execution. When field conditions are captured precisely and translated into structured digital datasets, project teams gain clarity before construction begins. High-resolution 3D laser scanning allows for: This approach enables design coordination to occur in a controlled digital environment rather than on-site under time pressure. In complex refurbishment schemes, professional as-built drawings services and construction documentation in the USA provide the geometric certainty required to reduce exposure to downstream construction risk. Improving Coordination Across Disciplines Renovation projects often involve multiple stakeholders — architects, structural engineers, MEP consultants, contractors and specialist subcontractors. Without reliable existing-condition data, coordination becomes reactive rather than proactive. Verified as-built datasets support: When spatial uncertainty is reduced at the outset, coordination meetings focus on optimisation rather than problem-solving. Programme and Cost Predictability One of the most significant advantages of accurate existing-condition documentation is improved predictability. Unexpected site conditions frequently trigger variation orders and programme extensions. By identifying geometric inconsistencies early, teams can adjust designs prior to procurement and installation. This leads to: For developers operating within fixed funding structures, this predictability directly influences financial performance. Supporting Digital Construction Workflows Modern construction increasingly relies on digital coordination environments. BIM-based workflows, off-site fabrication and modular integration all depend on dimensional accuracy. If base geometry is flawed, digital coordination models cannot deliver their intended value. Accurate as-built data supports: As refurbishment activity continues to grow across the built environment, the integration of scanning and structured documentation is becoming a foundational step rather than an optional enhancement. From Risk Exposure to Controlled Delivery Renovation will always carry a higher risk profile than new construction. However, the magnitude of that risk depends on the quality of information available at the start of the project. When existing conditions are verified through precise measurement and structured documentation, uncertainty shifts from the construction phase to the planning phase — where it can be managed more effectively. For contractors and developers seeking to minimise financial exposure and protect programme integrity, investing in accurate as-built data is no longer a technical preference. It is a strategic risk-management decision.